Ethanol production from corn is based on starch fermentation, and the remaining grain constituents are used to produce different co-products, such as high-protein dried distillers grains (HP-DDG) and dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). The objective of this study was to determine the chemical and energy composition, the metabolizability coefficients of dry matter (CMMS), nitrogen (CMN), crude protein (CMPB), gross energy (CMEB), and the values of apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and nitrogen-corrected metabolizable energy (AMEn) for broiler chickens. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three treatments: a reference diet (RD) and two test diets with 30% of the RD replaced by the co-products HP-DDG and DDGS, six replicates, and six birds per experimental unit. The partial excreta collection method with Celite™ indicator at 1% was used. The following results were found for DDG and DDGS, respectively: dry matter metabolization coefficient (DMMC) of 90.7% and 89.4%, gross energy (GAE) of 82.4% and 60.7%, nitrogen (NMC) of 78.4% and 73.9%, crude protein (CPPM) of 71.00% and 42.7%, apparent metabolizable energy (AME) of 3392 kcal/kg and 3329 kcal/kg, and nitrogen-corrected metabolizable energy (AMEn) of 3241 kcal/kg and 2507 kcal/kg. These results highlight the importance of determining the nutritional evaluation based on the digestibility of nutrients and the energy of these ingredients when composing a diet, before formulating a balanced ration, ensuring better productive and economic results in poultry farming. The data analysis highlighted the relevance of these co-products in formulating broiler feed, emphasizing the need to consider the digestibility and available energy of the diets, aiming to optimize both productive performance and economic viability in poultry farming.

The objective of this study was to determine voluntary water intake, water balance, urinary indices, physiological responses, biochemical profile, and blood parameters of lambs fed fresh or ensiled forage cactus, with or without water restriction. The experiment was conducted at the Small Ruminant Sector of the Department of Animal Science at the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco. Forty Santa Inês lambs, non-castrated males, aged between 90 and 120 days, with an average initial body weight of 23.07 ± 2.45 kg, were used. A randomized complete block design was adopted, arranged in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme, with two roughage sources (fresh forage cactus + hay and ensiled forage cactus + hay) and two water supply strategies (once every 7 days and ad libitum). The experiment lasted 75 days. No interaction between roughage source and water supply was observed (P > 0.05) for water balance parameters. The roughage source showed significant effects (P < 0.05) on parameters such as dry matter intake, water intake via feed, urinary water output, and percentage of water in the diet. Water supply strategy significantly affected (P < 0.05) dry matter intake, water intake via feed, total water intake, urinary water output, fecal water output, and water retention. No interaction (P > 0.05) between roughage source and water supply was observed for blood parameters; however, the roughage source significantly affected (P < 0.05) triglyceride and urea concentrations. Water supply strategy significantly affected (P < 0.05) blood urea levels. No interaction (P > 0.05) was observed between roughage source and water supply for urinary excretion parameters. The roughage source significantly affected (P < 0.05) the concentrations of urea, creatinine, calcium, and magnesium, while water supply strategy significantly affected (P < 0.05) urea and creatinine concentrations and the daily excretion of calcium and magnesium. Ensiling forage cactus may improve water use efficiency. Preliminary results highlight the importance of providing drinking water ad libitum, even when animals consume small volumes of water.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of four energy sources in the concentrate for lactating goats on nutrient intake and digestibility, ingestive behavior, milk production and composition, and the fatty acid profile of milk fat. The experiment was conducted at the Small Ruminant Sector of the Department of Animal Science at the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), located in Recife, Brazil. Eight lactating Saanen goats with an average body weight of 55 kg and an average milk production of 1.5 kg/day were used. The animals were distributed in two simultaneous 4 × 4 Latin squares according to the energy source: corn meal (CM), wheat bran (WB), fresh forage cactus (FC), and forage cactus meal (CMF). Each experimental period lasted 21 days, including 14 days for adaptation and seven days for data and sample collection. Data were subjected to analysis of variance using the MIXED procedure of the Statistical Analysis System (SAS, 2009), and means were compared using Dunnett's test (P < 0.05). In general, the treatment with forage cactus meal resulted in the lowest nutrient intake, particularly crude protein (0.18 kg/day) and total digestible nutrients (0.82 kg/day). Nutrient digestibility was not affected by the evaluated energy sources. Rumination time was reduced, resulting in increased idle time for animals fed forage cactus meal (356.5 and 812.5 minutes/day). Milk yield, both uncorrected and corrected, was lower for the forage cactus meal treatment compared with the corn meal and wheat bran treatments (1.17 and 1.22 kg/day). Only lactose content differed among treatments, with lower values observed in the forage cactus meal treatment. Regarding the milk fatty acid profile, the use of fresh forage cactus and forage cactus meal generally resulted in more favorable outcomes, particularly with respect to obtaining a lipid profile potentially more beneficial for human health. It was concluded that forage cactus meal is not recommended as an energy source in the concentrate for lactating Saanen goats, as its inclusion resulted in lower productive performance compared with the other evaluated energy sources. However, both fresh forage cactus and forage cactus meal promoted changes in the fatty acid profile of milk fat, resulting in a lipid profile potentially more favorable for human consumption.

The objective of this study was to evaluate how replacing corn silage with forage cactus (Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw), sugarcane bagasse, and urea affects dry matter intake, potentially digestible dry matter (PDDM), digestibility, ruminal pH, nitrogen compound utilization efficiency, microbial protein synthesis, ingestive behavior, and ruminal activity in sheep, while maintaining constant neutral detergent fiber (NDF) levels. Five different levels of substitution (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) were tested using five rumen-fistulated and rumen-cannulated male Santa Inês sheep (body weight 37.5 ± 5.57 kg) in a 5 × 5 Latin square design. As a result, dry matter (DM), ash- and protein-corrected NDF (NDFcp), and total digestible nutrient (TDN) intake decreased linearly with the substitution level (P < 0.03, P < 0.02, and P < 0.01, respectively), while indigestible NDF intake increased linearly (P < 0.04). The apparent digestibility of DM, organic matter (OM), and NDF in the diet also showed a linear decline (P < 0.01 for all variables). A linear increase was observed in the ruminal pool of NDFi (P < 0.01) and in the retention time of NDFcp (Tr) (P < 0.01). On the other hand, the ruminal pool of potentially digestible NDF (NDFpd), as well as the passage (kp) and degradation (kd) rates of NDFcp, decreased (P < 0.01 for all variables). Conversely, replacing corn silage with a mixture of palm, sugarcane bagasse, and urea did not affect feed efficiency for DM and NDFcp; however, rumination efficiency for DM and NDFcp decreased (P < 0.02 and P < 0.01, respectively). Ruminal pH was not affected by the substitution (6.2 ± 0.04). Ruminal ammonia nitrogen (RAN) increased linearly with replacement levels (15.10–19.08 mg/dL; P <0.034), with an interaction between levels and collection time, showing higher RAN peaks as the replacement level increased (19.00–27.12 mg/dL; P <0.01). On the other hand, nitrogen intake, fecal nitrogen, retained nitrogen (g/day and as a percentage of intake), and microbial protein synthesis decreased with increasing replacement levels (P <0.04, P <0.02, P <0.03, and P <0.01, respectively). In contrast, urinary nitrogen as a percentage of intake and blood urea nitrogen increased linearly (P < 0.03 and P < 0.01, respectively). The results of this study suggest that maintaining NDF fixed at 45% of DM in diets with increasing replacement of corn silage with OEM palm and sugarcane bagasse plus urea may not be a viable approach. This limitation stems mainly from the need to include progressively larger amounts of sugarcane bagasse to achieve the desired NDF level, which substantially increases the proportion of NDFi in the fibrous fraction of the diet, negatively affecting TDN intake by the animals. Therefore, it can be concluded that the combination of forage palm, sugarcane bagasse, and urea did not adequately replace corn silage, as it reduced the passage and degradation rates of NDFcp in the rumen, increasing retention time and consequently reducing nutrient intake, in addition to decreasing the efficiency of nitrogen compound utilization and limiting microbial protein synthesis in the rumen. It is recommended to consider not only the total NDF content in formulating diets for sheep, but also the levels of NDFi and NDFpd.

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The population's growing demand for healthy meats has created a new market that seeks to consume products with better sensory and nutritional quality. Crop-livestock system can be defined as the simultaneous cultivation of agricultural crops and grazing for livestock within the same system in order to optimize productivity per area. In this context, crop-livestock integration in the Caatinga biome could be an important strategy for feeding sheep and improving the quality of the end product. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the crop-livestock integration system in the Caatinga on the quality of sheep meat in order to test the hypothesis that crop-livestock integration systems in the Caatinga can improve sheep meat quality. The research was carried out at the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Serra Talhada Academic Unit. The treatments were three crop-livestock systems implanted in the Caatinga, comprised of the sheep livestock integrated with (i) bean crop, (ii) maize crop, and (iii) herb-cotton crop. The control treatment was composed of sole Caatinga rangeland. Twenty non-castrated male lambs (Santa Inês × Dorper crossbreed) aged six months old were used in the study, and they had an initial average weight of 24.64 ± 2.95 kg. A completely randomized design with four treatments and five replications was adopted. The experiment was conducted for 42 days and at the end of the experimental period the animals were slaughtered. The physicochemical characteristics and sensory attributes of sheep meat were evaluated using the Longissimus lumborum muscle. All variables were subjected to the analysis of variance followed by the Tukey test, using the GLM procedure of Statistical Analysis Systems. The differences were significant at 5% of error probability. The integrated systems did not significantly affect the pH values, water, ether extract, ash, cooking loss, water holding capacity, lightness (L*) and redness (a*) (P>0.05). However, there was significant difference for proteinm, yellowness (b*) and Waner-Bratzler shear force (P<0.05). Integrated crop-livestock system in the Caatinga biome is recommended for improving the physical and chemical characteristics of meat from sheep, with the tenderness of the meat being higher in the maize treatment.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of supplemental sodium on the performance and carcass evaluation of beef sheep fed diets based on forage cactus. The experiment was carried out with 40 Santa Inês lambs, uncastrated males, four months old and an average weight of 21.12 ± 2.04 kg, arranged in a completely randomized design for 75 days, with 15 days for adaptation and 60 days for data collection. The diets were formulated with Mexican Elefante Orelha cactus, tifton hay, ground corn, soybean meal, mineral salt and urea. The treatments consisted of increasing inclusions of sodium chloride in the diets (0.00; 3.51; 7.00; 10.45g/kg DM). Samples of the food offered, leftovers, feces and blood were collected, in addition to quantifying water consumption. Increasing sodium levels influenced the consumption of water from food, drinks and total consumption (P <0.05) as a function of experimental time, in addition to the effects on the consumption of DM, OM, CP and NDFcp (P <0.05) with an increasing linear effect. Digestibility NDFcp, PJ and ICP showed increasing linear effects, while neck yield showed a decreasing linear effect. Sodium supplementation in cactus-based diets with metabolic excess of potassium does not optimize water use, does not improve the performance of growing sheep, does not modify ingestive behavior and does not alter blood parameters. Therefore, its inclusion in the diet is not recommended, as it does not bring productive or physiological benefits.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of vitamin C supplementation on reducing water stress in female sheep fed diets based on forage cactus. Twenty adult females (mean weight of 50 kg ± 3.3) were used in a 45-day experiment, with 15 days of adaptation and 30 days of data collection. The animals were kept in metabolic cages and received a diet composed of 46.3% Tifton hay, 51.5% forage cactus, 1.1% urea + ammonium sulfate and 1.1% mineral mixture. The treatments included: control with water ad libitum, free water restriction without supplementation, and free water restriction with supplementation of 3, 5 or 10 g/day of vitamin C. The analyses included intake and apparent digestibility, blood and urine biochemical parameters, and water balance. The data were statistically analyzed in a completely randomized design, with a significance level of P ≤ 0.05. No significant differences (P>0.05) were observed regarding the intake and digestibility of nutrients, as well as the water balance of the animals supplemented with different doses of vitamin C. The level of vitamin C supplementation influenced some metabolites related to the protein profile, such as urea and uric acid, as well as phosphorus, ALT, cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, LDL and glucose (P<0.05). Further studies are recommended, since higher doses of vitamin C may be promising. However, the inclusion of 51% of forage cactus in the diet of sheep kept without access to a water trough appears to meet water requirements, being an excellent alternative for regions with little water supply.
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The use of silvopastoral systems (SPS) can bring various ecosystem benefits and contribute to Brazil achieving sustainable development goals and reducing greenhouse gas emissions from livestock activities, which contribute to climate change. The objective of this study was to evaluate and explain the impact of the distance from Sabiá trees (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth.) in SPS on soil moisture, total nitrogen, forage mass, and morphological and structural characteristics of Urochloa decumbens (Stapf) R.D. Webster in SPS after seven years of establishing the tree component. The experiment was conducted at the Prof. Antônio de Pádua Maranhão Fernandes Experimental Farm of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), in the municipality of Garanhuns, PE. The treatments were distributed in a randomized block design with three replicates and consisted of: (i) Urochloa decumbens in monoculture and (ii) SPS formed by U. decumbens (Stapf) R.D. Webster + Sabiá. Samples of Urochloa decumbens were collected at five different distances (2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 m) from the native leguminous Sabiá tree in SPS every 21 days over one year (2023-2024). The following variables were evaluated: canopy height, tiller population density, average tiller weight, forage density, forage mass, apical meristem height, leaf:stem ratio, proportion of leaf, stem, and senescent material, soil moisture, SPAD index, and nitrogen concentration. Data were analyzed using SAS OnDemand for Academics. The design used was a randomized block with split plots, where the periods (dry and rainy) were considered as main plots, and the treatments were allocated in the subplots. The means of the periods were compared using the Tukey test. Specific comparisons between each distance and the control (monoculture) were performed using multiple controls with simulated adjustment. Polynomial contrasts (linear, quadratic, and cubic) were used to characterize the effect of tree distances on U. decumbens. The significance level adopted was 5%. Forage mass was higher in SPS at a distance of 7.5 m from the tree line compared to monoculture (4,213 kg ha⁻¹ vs. 3,819 kg ha⁻¹, respectively), and forage density was higher in SPS at a distance of 12.5 m compared to monoculture. The proportion of senescent material in SPS was lower at distances of 2.5 and 5 m compared to monoculture, while the nitrogen content of U. decumbens was higher in SPS at distances of 2.5 and 5 m compared to monoculture. Distances less than 5.0 m affected the density and forage mass of U. decumbens in SPS. M. caesalpiniifolia contributed to an increase in total nitrogen in the forage up to 5.0 m from the tree rows. It is important to implement management strategies, including fertilization starting at 7.5 m from the trees, to ensure the persistence of U. decumbens.

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Sheep farming in integrated crop-livestock systems is presenting itself as a sustainable production option for the Brazilian semi-arid region. With these advances, it not only responds to growing demands to reduce the environmental impacts of livestock farming, but also contributes to the expansion of sheep farming. The aim of this study was to evaluate the crop-livestock integration system in the Caatinga biome, the carcass characteristics, morphometrics, yields of commercial cuts and the non-carcass component of sheep in a crop-livestock integration system in the Caatinga biome. The experiment was conducted in an area of Caatinga that had been thinned and enriched with tree, shrub and herbaceous pasture. The treatments consisted of three integration systems: 1.beans (cultivar BRS Pujante) grown in the Caatinga; 2.corn (cultivar BRS Catingueiro) grown in the Caatinga; and 3.herbaceous cotton (cultivar BRS Aroeira) grown in the Caatinga, as well as a control treatment: 4.only Caatinga. A total of 24 (six per treatment) F1 Santa Inês x Dorper sheep were used, with an average initial body weight of 24.64 ± 2.95 kg. A randomized design was used with four treatments and six repetitions (sheep). The crop integration system increased body weight at slaughter, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight and true carcass weight (P<0.05). There were no differences in the morphometric measurements of the carcass. There were differences in the shoulder and shank cuts (P<0.05). There was no treatment effect on pH, but there was an effect at post-mortem. The crop-livestock integration system in the Caatinga biome and the Caatinga pasture had no effect on organ weights and the weight of gastrointestinal components in sheep (P<0.05). There was no difference in pork belly yield (P>0.05). It is proposed that the implementation of this type of integrated system in Caatinga pasture optimizes the carcass characteristics and commercial cuts of F1 Santa Inês x Dorper sheep.

This study evaluated sesame cake and sesame oil as alternatives to the conventional protein source and growth promoter, respectively. The metabolizable energy of the ingredients was determined, and the productive performance, energy and nutrient metabolizability of the diets, carcass quality and blood variables were observed. In addition, the antimicrobial activity of sesame oil was evaluated in vitro and in vivo. The research was divided into three stages: a metabolism assay to determine the metabolizable energy of the co-products and two productive performance experiments, where each one evaluated a co-product. For the metabolism study, 90 male broiler chicks of the Ross 308 line, aged 14 to 23 days, were used, which were distributed completely randomly with 3 treatments and 6 replicates of 5 birds each. The diets consisted of a reference diet based on corn and soybean meal and two test diets, one containing 30% sesame cake + 70% of the control diet and the other containing 8% sesame oil + 92% of the control diet. The sesame cake presented apparent metabolizable energy (AME) values of 4789 kcal/kg and apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn) of 4342 kcal/kg. The crude sesame oil presented AME and AMEn values of 8163 and 7907 kcal/kg, respectively, on a dry matter basis. Subsequently, two productive performance experiments were conducted to evaluate the cake and sesame oil. For the experiment with the sesame cake, 240 male Ross 308 broilers, 1 day old, were used. The animals were randomly distributed into 4 treatments of 5 replicates with 12 birds each. The treatments consisted of 4 levels of sesame cake inclusion (0, 50, 100 and 150 g/kg). The cake brought positive results for performance, immunity and economic return, so the co-product can be used at concentrations of 50 g/kg in the initial phases and 150 g/kg in the growth and final phases. As for the research with sesame oil, 300 male Ross 308 chickens, 1 day old, were randomly distributed into 5 treatments of 5 replicates with 12 birds each. The treatments consisted of a diet based on corn and soybean meal free of growth promoter additive, the second diet was the basal diet with the additive zinc bacitracin at 0.50 g/kg and the other diets free of the growth promoter additive, but using sesame oil at levels of 3.3, 6.6 and 9.9 g/kg. The inclusion of 6.6 g/kg of sesame oil in the diet of chickens improved performance, nutrient metabolism and reduced the E. coli count, being the best level to replace zinc bacitracin. In general, it is concluded that both the cake and sesame oil can be used as promising alternatives for feeding broilers, improving performance, intestinal health and providing greater economic return when used in properties that raise chickens and cultivate sesame seeds.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing soybean meal (SM) with a mixture of ground corn, urea, and ammonium sulfate (M-USA) at levels of 0.0, 250.0, 500.0, 750.0, and 1,000.0 g/kg of dry matter (DM) in diets with a high proportion of cactus cladodes, on the intake and digestibility of DM and nutrients, ingestive behavior, ruminal dynamics, nitrogen balance, ruminal pH, and ammonia nitrogen (NH₃-N) concentration. Five rumen-fistulated, non-castrated crossbred sheep were assigned to a 5×5 Latin square design. Diets contained 135 g of crude protein (CP)/kg DM, with cactus cladodes (500 g/kg DM) and sugarcane bagasse (300 g/kg DM) as forage sources, resulting in a forage-toconcentrate ratio of 80:20. No effects were observed on DM intake (1,596 g/day), DM intake as a percentage of body weight (3.52%), CP intake (230 g/day), intake of ash- and nitrogen-corrected neutral detergent fiber (NDFcp; 623 g/day), total digestible nutrients (1,087 g/day), metabolizable energy (3.9 Mcal/day), or digestibility of DM (719 g/kg), CP (819 g/kg), non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC; 903 g/kg), and NDFcp (454 g/kg). Feeding (230 min/day), rumination (516 min/day), and idling times (704 min/day), feeding efficiency (457 g/h for DM; 178 g/h for NDFcp), and rumination efficiency (189 g/h for DM; 74 g/h for NDFcp) were unaffected. Likewise, there were no changes in ruminal pool sizes, intake (Ki), passage (Kp), or degradation (Kd) rates. NFC intake increased linearly. Fecal nitrogen excretion decreased linearly, while other nitrogen parameters remained unchanged. Ruminal pH was not affected but followed a quadratic pattern over time. NH₃- N concentrations varied with time and substitution level. Full replacement of SM with MUSA, including up to 2.7% urea (DM basis), is recommended in high-cactus diets for sheep without compromising performance or rumen function.

The use of natural additives in broiler diets has been investigated as a strategy to improve growth performance, nutrient digestibility, gut health, and environmental quality in poultry production systems. Among these additives, natural zeolite of the clinoptilolite type stands out for its adsorptive capacity, which can influence digestive physiology and intestinal conditions, modulate metabolism, reduce gas emissions in excreta, and improve litter quality. However, results regarding its effectiveness are still inconclusive, and little is known about the interaction between different inclusion levels and dietary protein content. In this context, this thesis aimed to evaluate the effects of including natural zeolite (0, 1.0, 2.0, and 3.0%) in diets with either adequate or 3%-reduced crude protein levels on performance, nutrient digestibility, blood biochemical parameters, immune indicators, litter quality, carcass and organ yield, and cecal microbiota of broiler chickens. Two experiments were conducted using male Ross broilers from 1 to 42 days of age, in a completely randomized design with a 4×2 factorial scheme (zeolite level × protein level), six replicates, and 14 birds per experimental unit. The first experiment evaluated growth performance, carcass and organ yield, and litter quality (ammonia concentration and microbiological profile). The second experiment assessed nutrient metabolizability coefficients, serum biochemical parameters, immune markers, and cecal microbiota composition. Data were analyzed using ANOVA, polynomial regression, and Dunnett’s test at a 5% significance level. The inclusion of up to 1% zeolite was effective in reducing litter ammonia concentration without impairing performance or carcass yield, regardless of protein level. Higher inclusion levels negatively affected weight gain and feed conversion, especially in protein-reduced diets. The best digestibility coefficients of dry matter, crude protein, and metabolizable energy were observed with 2% zeolite in diets with adequate protein. Zeolite reduced the heterophil/lymphocyte ratio and increased spleen relative weight, indicating lower physiological stress. It also contributed to reduced total cholesterol and LDL levels, increased HDL, and improved bone strength in birds fed zeolite from day one. No effect was observed on the Escherichia coli population. It is concluded that natural zeolite has functional potential as a dietary additive for broilers, promoting benefits in digestibility, performance, litter quality, and physiological parameters, especially when used at moderate levels in nutritionally balanced diets.

The objective was to evaluate the predictions of replacing a concentrate based on soybean bran, 34 wheat bran and corn (conventional concentrate) with corn gluten bran-21 (Refinazil) in cactus35 based diets for lactating cows. The experiment was carried out at the experimental station of 36 the Empresa Pernambucana de Pesquisa Agropecuária (IPA), located in the city of São Bento 37 do Una - PE. Eight Holstein cows with an average body weight of 503 ± 31.4 kg were used, 38 with an average production of 17.3 ± 2.3 kg of milk/day and 90 days in lactation. The animals 39 were distributed in two 4x4 Latin squares, consisting of four animals, four periods and four 40 treatments each. Each experimental period lasted 21 days (14 days for animal adaptation, seven 41 days for data and sample collection). The consumption of dry matter, organic matter and neutral 42 detergent fiber had a quadratic behavior, as did the production of microbial protein. The 43 consumption of ether extract and non-fibrous carbohydrates and the production of total and 44 corrected milk decreased linearly with the substitution. The consumption of crude protein and 45 digestible nutrients, the efficiency of microbial protein production synthesis and the 46 digestibility of nutrients were not influenced by replacement. Crude protein and lactose contents 47 had a quadratic behavior with maximum concentrations of 3.23 and 4.87% with 41.37 and 48 40.96% replacement. The fat and total solids contents were not altered by substitutions. It is not 49 recommended to replace conventional concentrate, based on corn, soybean bran and wheat bran 50 (24% CP) with Refinazil in diets for cows with an average production of 20 kg of milk/day.

The objective was to estimate the ideal copper intake in the form of amino acid metal for laying birds in the rearing phase. A total of 288 Dekalb White pullets aged 6 weeks to 16 weeks were used. The birds were distributed in a completely randomized design into 6 treatments with 6 replications of 8 birds each. The treatments consisted of supplementation levels of copper complexed with amino acids (CuAA) in the diet (0, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5, 6.0 and 7.5 mg/kg). Performance variables (body weight, weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion and uniformity) were evaluated, in addition to bone parameters (bone resistance, Seedor index, bone densitometry, tibial weight and length), organ biometrics ( weight of the liver, pancreas, bursa of Fabrício, thymus, spleen, intestine and length of the cecum and intestine) and biochemical analysis (alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, gammaglutamyltransferase, uric acid, creatine, glucose, total protein, and albumin). The data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and, in case of significant differences, they were subjected to linear and non-linear models. A significant effect (P < 0.0001) of CuAA supplementation levels on weight gain and uniformity of birds in the period from 6 to 10 weeks was observed, and for performance variables in the interval from 11 to 16 weeks, it had an effect on feed conversion and uniformity. Regarding bone variables, there was an interaction effect only for bone densitometry (P < 0.0001). Regarding organs, a significant difference was observed only for the thymus (P < 0.0001). Regarding blood variables, a significant effect (P < 0.0001) was observed for alanine aminotransferase (U/L), aspartate aminotransferase (U/L), phosphatase alkaline (U/L), gamma glutamyltransferase (U/L), uric acid (mg/dl), creatine (mg/dl), glucose (mg/dl) and total protein (g/dl). The results of the present study indicate that the ideal copper intake for maximum bone development of layers in the rearing phase fed with copper complexed with amino acids is 0.327 mg/bird/day, equivalent to 6.15 mg/kg of supplementation.

The cultivation of forage legumes reduces the need for nitrogen fertilizers due to biological nitrogen fixation, reducing N₂O emissions. The study of the responses of forage legumes to cutting management can encourage their adoption in forage production systems. The objective was to evaluate Butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) under different frequencies (60, 75, 90, and 105 days) and cutting intensities (5, 10, and 20 cm). The experiment was conducted over two years in a dry tropical climate region in northeast Brazil (7°51’133” S and 35°14’102” W). The experimental design was randomized blocks in split plots with four replications. The cutting intensity did not influence the nutritional value of the wedge. The lower cutting intensity (20 cm) promoted greater development of the aerial part of the plants (49 and 55 cm in height and plant width), compared to the lower intensity (5 cm), as well as did not affect the N-derived from the air (about 80%) between the cutting frequencies. The annual forage production (6600 kg of DM ha^-1 year^-1), at intensities of 10 and 20 cm, the fixed N per year (226 kg of N ha^-1 year-1), at an intensity of 20 cm, as well as the proportion of leaves (50%), leaf/stem ratio (2.5), crude protein content (232 g kg of DM ^-1) and in vitro DM digestibility (524 g kg of DM^-1), were higher at the frequency of 60 days, notably when compared to the frequency of 105 days. Cutting every 60 days, at intensities of 10 or 20 cm, is recommended for Butterfly pea, considering the greater amount of N fixed per year and greater annual forage production, with better nutritional value, given the greater leaves proportion and leaf/stem ratio in harvested forage. This cutting management strategy can not only improve the productive efficiency of the production system and the animal diet, but it can benefit biological N₂ fixation, intensifying nitrogen availability in the soil over time.

The study evaluated the effect of sodium chloride supplementation on the regulation of water balance in sheep fed a diet based on forage cactus. Forty uncastrated male eggs with an average initial weight of 21.6 ± 2.04 kg were used for 60 days, with 15 days of adaptation and 45 days for data collection. The experimental diet included forage cactus, Tifton hay, corn, soybean meal, mineral salt, livestock urea and ammonium sulfate. The treatments consisted of supplemental doses of sodium chloride (0.00, 3.51, 7.00 and 10.45 g/kg of dry matter). Samples of the food offered, leftovers, feces, urine and blood were listed, in addition to quantifying water consumption. The inclusion of different levels of nutrients in the diet did not affect the water balance of the animals or the excretion of urinary metabolites (P> 0.05). Among the blood metabolites analyzed, only albumin and triglyceride concentrations showed significant effects (P<0.05), with negative linear and quadratic effects, with a minimum point starting from the inclusion of 3.1 g/kg of sodium, respectively. However, sodium supplementation in the diet had a significant impact (P<0.05) on the hydroelectrolytic regulation of the animals, linearly increasing the urinary concentrations of sodium and chloride, followed by a significant increase (P<0.05) in the urinary excretion of these metabolites, indicating that there was excretion of electrolyte excesses. The mineral balance of sodium, potassium and phosphorus was significantly influenced (P<0.05) by the inclusion of sodium, demonstrating a quadratic effect, indicating an improvement in the balance, retention and absorption of sodium and potassium when approximately 3.635 g of Na/kg DM were included in the diet. proving to be more efficient from the point of view of mineral utilization and absorption when the diets presented a K:Na ratio of 4.78:1 and 4.62:1, when we consider K:Na as a function of fluid retention in relation to the amount ingested and absorbed, respectively. Therefore, the inclusion of 3,635 g of Na/kg DM in palm-based diets is indicated to improve mineral utilization without affecting the renal function of the animals.

The use of forage preserved in the form of silage is widely used in the semi-arid 4 region. However, due to irregular rainfall, it is often unfeasible to make it. Therefore, 5 alternatives are necessary in order to overcome the forage deficit in the dry season of the year. 6 In this scenario, cactus and sugar cane bagasse, together, can be a viable alternative. Thus, the 7 objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of replacing corn silage without cob (ECS) 8 with forage cactus (CC; Opuntia spp.) and sugarcane bagasse (SB) on nutrient intake, 9 digestibility, behavior intake, milk production (MY) and composition of milk from dairy cows, 10 and milk fatty acid profile. Ten Holstein cows, weighing 571 ± 97.0 kg and producing 23.0 ± 11 4.4 kg of milk per day, were distributed in two simultaneous 5 × 5 Latin squares. Treatments 12 consisted of five levels of replacement of ECS with CC plus SB (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%). The 13 results showed a linear increase in dry matter (DM) intake (p < 0.05) (15.98 and 18.73 kg/day) 14 and a quadratic increase (p < 0.05) in crude protein and energy intake (2.97 kg/day and 27.52 15 Mcal/day, with 95.4 and 88.6% replacement, respectively). DM apparent digestibility increased 16 (p < 0.05), but fiber digestibility decreased linearly (p < 0.05). The treatments had a quadratic 17 effect (p < 0.05) on PL and PL corrected for fat (24.17 kg/day and 21.9 kg/day, with 63.9% and 18 38.6% PF plus BC, respectively). Milk fat (3.26 and 2.35%) and total solids content decreased 19 linearly (p < 0.05), while the percentages of protein, lactose and skimmed solids increased (p < 20 0.05). Furthermore, CC–SB diets linearly reduced time spent feeding and ruminating and total 21 chewing time. Vacenic acid (C18:1 trans-11) and rumenic acid (CLA cis-9, trans-11) increased 22 linearly. In addition to maximizing milk production, the CC + SB mixture reduces the saturated 23 fatty acid content of milk and increases the proportions of desirable unsaturated fatty acids such 24 as C18:1 trans-11 and CLA cis-9, trans 11. For cows semi-arid Holsteins fed common diets, 25 milk production can be maximized by replacing 38.6% of ECS with CC plus SB. 

The objective of this project is to evaluate the production and chemical composition of different forage species and the performance of cattle growing under the Silvipastoral System (SSP) of Mimosa caesapiniifolia Benth. (thrush) and Brachiaria decumbens Stapf. (brachiaria) in the Agreste region of Pernambuco. The field experiment will comprise two years of evaluation, starting in January 2020, with the collection of data from forage plants and, later, in August/2020, with the introduction of animals in the plots and beginning of performance evaluations, which will be carried out for a period of two years. The experiment was established in 2017 at the Experimental Farm of UFRPE, which has already been grazed for a year. The experimental design is in randomized blocks, with three treatments (SSP with braquiária x sabiá, monoculture of braquiaria and monoculture of Sabiá) and three replications. In the intercropped treatment, the trees were established in the Brachiaria pastures in double rows, spaced 25.0 x 2.0 x 1.0 m. The plots that constitute the consortium and the brachiaria in monoculture correspond to an area of 1 ha, while the thrush forests consist of areas of 30 x 20 m, following the same spacing adopted in the double rows in the consortium plots. Thus, the total experimental area will comprise approximately 6.18 ha. In the intercropped treatment and in the monoculture Brachiaria, grazing of growing cattle will occur, in order to evaluate the responses of plants and animals. Tree growth will be monitored through the total height of the plants; shaft height; number of shafts; cup diameter; diameter at breast height (DBH) and diameter at the base, and these evaluations were carried out every 56 days for 24 months. Chemical and physical aspects of the soil will be evaluated, as well as, with the exception of forests, mass, accumulation and rate of forage accumulation, forage supply, stocking rate, average daily weight gain, weight gain per area, forage consumption, through the external marker enriched and purified lignin (LIPE®), in addition to the nutritional value (chemical-bromatological composition and in vitro digestibility of dry matter) of brachiaria, every 56 days. In the grass will be evaluated the contents of dry matter (DM), mineral matter (MM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF). In sabiá, the concentrations of N, P, K, Ca and Mg and C of the leaves and branches of the trees will be estimated, in addition to their total aerial biomass and by part of the plants (leaves and branches). Two test animals will be used per paddock, totaling 12 animals, in addition to the adjustment animals, in order to maintain a forage supply of 3.0 kg of green DM for each 100 kg of animal live weight. The data will be submitted to analysis of variance and the means compared by the Tukey test, at 5% probability. With the execution of this project, it is expected to obtain information about the adaptation of species in consortium and the potential of economic exploitation in Brachiaria pastures in monoculture, in SSP and in monocultures of sabiá, aiming at future recommendations of production systems for the region. of the southern agreste of Pernambuco.

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Locally adapted goats are vital for the economy and culture, and they also represent an important reservoir of genetic diversity. However, they face significant threats such as replacement by specialized breeds and the impacts of climate change. Understanding the genetic diversity and structure of these populations is crucial for implementing effective conservation and sustainable management strategies. In this context, our goal was to investigate genetic diversity patterns, population structure, and genetic relationships within and between locally adapted goat populations in South America and Europe, using an integrated approach that includes landscape genetics and metaanalysis of primary study results. Additionally, we conducted a bibliometric analysis to map trends and patterns in research on molecular genetic variation in goats, covering three studies. In the first study, we explored the influence of geography on the genetic diversity and structure of locally adapted goat breeds in Brazil, Spain, and Ecuador. Genotypic information from 15 populations (561 goats) obtained from a panel of 23 microsatellite markers was used, including six local Brazilian breeds, three Spanish breeds, one Ecuadorian breed, one population with no defined racial standard and four exotic breeds, together with their respective geospatial information. The analyses revealed significant levels of genetic diversity in local breeds, with Spanish breeds (Ho = 0.629 and He = 0.685) and the Ecuadorian breed (Ho = 0.628 and He = 0.704) showing greater diversity compared to Brazilian breeds (Ho = 0.583 and He = 0.628). Brazilian breeds Moxotó and Serrana Azul exhibited the lowest genetic diversity. Significant correlations between geographical and genetic distances indicated that geographic isolation is a crucial factor in genetic differentiation among breeds (R² = 0.59; P = 0.000000), and identified genetic barriers restricting gene flow between some populations, creating a geographic pattern of genetic variation and differentiation. In the second study, a meta-analysis compared genetic diversity between native South American and European goat populations. Articles exploring the genetic diversity of these populations using microsatellite markers and SNPs were analyzed. Results showed lower genetic diversity in South American breeds, with negative effect sizes (Hedges’ g) significantly different from zero for mean number of alleles (MNA = -0.22), observed heterozygosity (Ho = -2.08), and expected heterozygosity (He = -0.59). These findings suggest an asymmetric reduction in genetic diversity in South American populations, influenced by different genetic and demographic mechanisms underlying the establishment of goat populations in the two regions. In the third study, a bibliometric analysis was conducted to understand the dynamics and trends in research on genetic diversity in goats, covering the period from 1999 to 2023. Using data from the Web of Science database, the analysis revealed a linear growth in academic output, with an annual growth rate of 8.86%, surpassing many other fields of knowledge. Molecular technologies have evolved significantly, transitioning from microsatellites to SNPs and the emergence of advanced methodologies such as WGS and GBS. The analysis highlighted 1586 researchers, with Verma NK, Aggarwal RAK, and Dixit SP from NBAGR in India, and Martinez AM and Delgado JV from the University of Córdoba in Spain, as the most prolific. International collaboration, particularly in Europe and Asia, was crucial for the field's advancement, with 59% of European countries and 47% of Asian countries involved in research. Europe and Asia are leading in growth, with annual growth rates of 15% or more in 25% and 22% of their countries, respectively. In contrast, Africa, the Americas, and Oceania face challenges limiting their expansion. Approximately 29.7% of articles were published in high-impact journals (≥ 3), and 45.2% in open-access journals, with an average impact factor of 2.5, promoting the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Together, the three chapters of this thesis provide a comprehensive understanding of genetic diversity, population structure, and research trends in locally adapted goats, offering essential information for developing effective conservation and sustainable management strategies to preserve the rich genetic diversity of goat populations in the face of current threats. 

The objective of this study was to estimate the ideal intake of zinc and manganese complexed
with amino acids, based on productive performance, biochemical profile, and the physical-
chemical quality of the tibias. Two experiments were conducted, each involving 216 sixteen-
week-old Dekalb White hens distributed in a completely randomized design with 6 treatments
and 6 replications of 6 birds each. The treatments in both the zinc and manganese experiments
consisted of isonutritive and isoenergetic experimental diets, varying only in the levels of
inclusion of MnAA or ZnAA at: 5, 15, 25, 35, 55, and 75 mg kg⁻¹. Zinc and manganese
intakes for performance variables were calculated using the model Y = Rmax*(1 - e^(-b x)),
where Rmax is the maximum response, e is Euler&#39;s number, b is the growth rate, and x is the
mineral intake. Mineral estimates for these variables were calculated by inverting the model.
Data were subsequently adjusted using the Nlin procedure (P &lt; 0.05). Zinc and manganese
intakes for blood and bone parameters were calculated using the models Min =
Rmax*x/(Km+x) and Min= -r + ln((-y - Rmin - amp)/(y - Rmin)/s), where Rmax is the
maximum response, Km is a biological function parameter, and x is the mineral intake.
Mineral estimates for each variable were calculated by inverting the models. Data were
adjusted using the Nlin procedure (P &lt; 0.05). In Experiment I, the Mn supplementation
estimates were: 3,45; 3,11; 3,22; 3,05; 3,09;3,40; 3,16; 3,39; 3,20; 3,08; 3,32; 3,39; 3,19 and 2,85 mg bird⁻¹ day⁻¹ for egg production (PR) and egg mass (MO), oviduct weight (POV),
liver weight (PF), hematocrit (HTC), hemoglobin (HGB), total plasma protein (PPT), mean
corpuscular volume (MCV), uric acid (AUR), albumin (ALB), aspartate aminotransferase
(AST), bone weight (BW), medial bone densitometry (MBD), and bone resistance (BR),
respectively. In Experiment II, the ideal Zn supplementation estimates were: : 3.01; 2.88; 3.12;
3.04; 2.83; 2.81; 3.03; 2.99; 2.49; 2.85; 3.01; 2.98; 3.04; 3.10 and 3.09 mg bird⁻¹ day⁻¹ for
egg production (PR), egg weight (EW), egg mass (MO), leukocytes (LEU), total plasma
protein (PPT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), uric acid (AUR), albumin (ALB), total
proteins (TP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), bone weight (BW), bone length (BL),
proximal bone densitometry (PBD), medial bone densitometry (MBD), and bone resistance
(BR), respectively. Based on the results of this study, we conclude that the recommended
supplementation for MnAA for layers from 16 to 26 weeks is 3.45 mg bird⁻¹ day⁻¹ (37.48
mg kg⁻¹) and for Zn is 3.12 mg bird⁻¹ day⁻¹ (33.8 mg kg⁻¹), considering productive
performance, hematological and biochemical homeostasis, as well as bone quality.

The objective was to evaluate the nutritional value of whole deactivated soybean (SID) in pigs through metabolism assay and the effect of diets with and without SID containing or without the enzyme protease on the performance of these animals in the growth and finishing phases; carcass characteristics and economic viability. In the metabolism assay by the total collection method, 16 immunocastrated male pigs in the growing phase were used to verify the metabolizability coefficients of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and crude protein (CP), and to determine the digestible energy (ED), metabolizable energy (AME) and metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn). In the performance experiment, 60 immunocastrated male pigs and 60 female pigs in the growing and finishing phases were used in a randomized block design with 15 repetitions (one animal/plot). The treatments were a 2 x 2 factorial, being diets without and with SID and without and with protease enzyme. The diets were formulated to meet the nutritional requirements for each phase, establishing equal diets for immunocastrated males and females, considering the requirements of the females. The nutritional characterization of the SID and the diets was made through centesimal analysis. In performance, daily weight gain (DWG), daily feed consumption (DFC), feed conversion (FC), carcass characteristics and economic viability were evaluated. The economic feasibility was performed by determining the feed cost (R$), cost/kg of weight gain (GP), economic efficiency, gross and net revenue. Metabolizability coefficients of DM, OM and CP of SID were 83.77%, 84.43% and 89.18%, respectively.The respective values of ED, AMS and AMEn were 4904, 4909 and 4656 kcal/kg. In performance and carcass characteristics no significant interaction was observed, and when studying the factors separately in growth phase II, final and total. However, in growth phase I (30 to 50 kg BW) the enzyme increased the DWG (P=0.02) and DFC (P=0.0363) of pigs fed diets without SID, showing no effect (P>0.05) on the FC. However, in this same phase, studying the effect of SID it was observed that animals fed diets containing this ingredient was improved DWG (P=0.030) and FC (P=0.0484) when these diets did not contain enzyme. When performing the economic feasibility, in phase I (30 to 50 kg) there was a reduction of 4.18% (P=0.0295) in cost/kg GP and improved economic efficiency (P=0.0195), gross revenue (P=0.0255) when added in diets without SID. In phase II (50 to 70 kg) when SID was added to the diets there was a reduction of 4.26% in cost/kg of GP (P=0.0420) and better economic efficiency (P=0.0193) in diets containing the enzyme. As for the enzyme in this phase, it significantly altered the cost/benefit of the diets, as well as in the final phase and in the total period. Thus, it is inferred that the use of SID and the enzyme in the diets provides better performance indices and economic profitability compared to diets based on corn and soybean meal when offered to pigs in growth phases I and II, where the animals require greater protein intake.

The objective was to evaluate the fatty acid profile of milk from Saanen goats fed diets containing a lipid source and cactus pear associated with different sources of fiber. Twelve goats with average initial weight of 48.9±7.3kg, average production of 2.8kg of milk/day and average lactation period of 84 days were distributed into three 4x4 Latin squares. Each experimental period lasted 21 days, with 14 days for the adaptation of the animals to the experimental diets and 07 days for data and sample collection. The experimental diets consisted of cactus pear, cultivar Miúda, concentrate containing extra fat whole corn germ as a lipid source and one of four sources of fiber: corn silage, sorghum silage, pangolan grass hay or sugarcane bagasse. -sugar. The individual proportions of the main fatty acids secreted in milk fat, the sum of fatty acid groups, the n-6/n-3 ratio and the activity index of the enzyme stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD-1) in milk were analyzed. . The use of different forages promoted significant changes in the proportion of fatty acids secreted in milk. Among them, a higher proportion of C18:0 was found in the milk of animals fed pangolon hay compared to sugarcane bagasse (P<0.01). However, both forages promoted higher concentrations of C18:1 trans-11 and CLA cis-9, trans-11 in milk compared to silages (P<0.01). Furthermore, the inclusion of silage in the diets increased the secretion of saturated fatty acids (P<0.01) and reduced the content of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (P<0.001) in milk. However, there was a higher proportion of omega n-3 in the milk of goats fed sorghum silage (P<0.01). The different basal diets did not alter the content of CLA trans-10, cis-12 and n-6 fatty acids or SCD-1 activity. Based on the results found, it is concluded that basal diets containing pangolan hay or sugarcane bagasse are more suitable for improving the fatty acid profile of milk from goats fed with lipid sources that are more beneficial to human health.

The objective was to evaluate the quality of pasteurized milk and coalho cheese from goats fed diets containing different lipid sources associated or not with forage cactus Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (POEM). Twelve multiparous Saanen goats with an average body weight of 55.0 ± 8.0 kg and 60 days of lactation were used. The goats were randomly distributed in a Latin square (4 x 4), according to the treatments: PC - 5% coconut skin; PC + POEM - 5% coconut skin + 25% POEM; CA – 20% cottonseed; CA + POEM - 20% cottonseed + 25% POEM. Milk samples were collected at 7:00 am and 2:00 pm, during the three days of data collection in each period, for further analysis and cheese making. Pasteurized milk fat and coalho cheese yield were influenced by the source of fat (P<0.05), in which the cottonseed diet provided a higher percentage of fat in milk and higher coalho cheese yield (3. 31% and 11.45%), respectively. The presence of palm in the diets increased the fat content of the cheese (22.97%). The cottonseed also changed the color coordinate (yellow/green) giving the cheese a more yellowish color. In sensory analysis, the source of fat associated with palm reduced the characteristic taste of the goat species in milk and cheese. The use of cottonseed in dairy goat diets increases milk fat content and cheese yield. And the association of coconut skin and cottonseed with forage cactus reduces the characteristic taste of the goat species in goat's milk and coalho cheese.

This experiment aims to evaluate the optimal level of inclusion of earthworm meal (Eisenia. Sp.) (FM) as a protein source and the effect of zeolite (clinoptilolite) on water quality, zootechnical performance, nutrient digestibility, as well as the economic viability of diets formulated in GIFT Nile tilapia fingerlings. Forty boxes of 50 liters each were used, with seven inverted tilapia fingerlings with initial and final average weight of 2,826±0,0896 g and 13.59±0.75 g, respectively. They were distributed in a 5 block design according to the initial weight and with eight treatments. The treatments were eight diets in a 4 x 2 factorial, with 4 levels of earthworm meal (0; 3.5; 7; 10.5%) and levels of 0 and 2% of zeolite. Physical-chemical analyzes were carried out: temperature (T), pH, dissolved oxygen (OD), total alkalinity (ALC), Total hardness (DT), total ammonia (AT), total toxic ammonia (ATT), total nitrite (NITRIT ) and nitrate (NITRAT). As well as water microbiology at the beginning and end of the experimental period: total coliforms (CTA) and fecal coliforms (CFA). The productive parameters evaluated were: initial weight (IP), final weight (PF), weight gain (GP), specific growth rate (TCE), Fulton condition factor (FCF), feed intake (CR), conversion apparent feed (CAA), total survival (ST), yield (RC) and carcass composition (Carcass dry matter (MSC), carcass ether extract (EEC), gross carcass energy (EBC), carcass mineral material ( MMC), carcass organic matter [MOC], carcass nitrogen (NC) and carcass crude protein (PBC)), protein retention coefficient (CRP) and energy (CRE), hepatosomatic indices (HI) and viscerosomatic index (IV ). At the end of the experiment, fecal samples were collected using the dissection method to calculate the digestibility coefficient of dry matter and nitrogen in the diets. For the feasibility analysis, the cost of feed (CTR), cost-benefit (CB), gross revenue (RB), production cost (CP), gross margin (MB), cost of consumed feed (CRC), cost of of feed per kg of live weight gained (CMR), economic efficiency index (IEE) and cost index (CI). The overall survival rate was 95.00±1.50% in the present experiment. No interaction was observed between the factors in any of the evaluated parameters. When evaluating the effect of Zeolite, it was observed that this additive had a positive influence only on water quality, as it reduced the Nitrate (p=0.0071) and CFA (p=0.0078) content in relation to treatments without zeolite. However, when evaluating the performance and carcass parameters, Zeolite did not significantly influence these results, except for CRE, which reduced (p=0.0376) in animals fed diets containing Zeolite. As for FM, it did not significantly influence when adding it to the diet in any of the evaluated parameters, except for the CRE, which linearly increased when increasing the inclusion levels of FM. When evaluating the economic viability, it shows a higher cost of diets formulated with FM, due to the market value ($US 25.05/Kg). However, it was determined that US$ 1.27/Kg would be the viable price that this ingredient should have under the experimental conditions, as they observed a non-negative effect on the IEE, IC and BC. It is concluded that earthworm meal, as well as clinoptilolite, can be used in diets for Nile tilapia at inclusion levels of 10.5% and 2%, respectively. without affecting productivity, carcass composition, diet digestibility. In addition to presenting an improvement in the microbiological quality and in the control of nitrates in the water. As for economic viability, zeolite can be added to tilapia diets, under the conditions in which the experiment was carried out, without affecting the production cost.

The objective was to evaluate the intake and apparent digestibility of different nutrients, the ingestive behavior and performance of animals in sheep receiving diets containing cactus pear with elephant grass hay at different regrowth ages (60, 120, 180 and 240 days). Sixteen Santa Inês sheep with an average weight of 25 kg were used, housed in individual pens, divided into four treatments: T1: EC hay cut at 60 days + cactus pear + Concentrate, T2: EC hay cut at 120 days + Forage palm + Concentrate, T3: EC hay cut at 180 days + Forage palm + Concentrate and T4: EC hay cut at 240 days + Forage palm + Concentrate. The experiment lasted 45 days, with 15 days of adaptation of the animals to the diets and management and 30 days of data and sample collection (food, leftovers and feces). The consumption of dry matter, organic matter and neutral detergent fiber decreased linearly with increasing cutting age of elephant grass. The digestibility had a linear increase for the apparent coefficients of dry matter and organic matter with the increase in elephant grass cutting age. With this, elephant grass at advanced ages can guarantee similar performances when used in the feeding of growing sheep associated with cactus pear, which can guarantee producers better animal performance in the dry season.

The aim of the study was to determine the chemical composition, metabolizability coefficients of nutrients and energy, and values of apparent metabolizable energy (AME), corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn), and digestive transit time of plant-based foods in three metabolism experiments using the total excreta collection method in male Ross broiler chickens at 14 days of age. The chickens were distributed in a completely randomized design, with 5 birds per cage. In each metabolism trial, a reference diet (RR) was used, and the ingredients to be evaluated replaced RR by 20%. In Metabolism 1, 50 animals were used to evaluate mango residue meal (MRM). In Metabolism 2, 75 animals were used to evaluate mesquite leaf meal (MLM) and sugarcane bagasse meal (SBM) with a particle size of 2 cm. In Metabolism 3 (100 animals), jackfruit seed meal (JSM), black mimosa leaf meal (BMLM), and SBM with a particle size of 0.5 cm were evaluated. The results obtained between birds consuming SBM with particle sizes of 2 cm and 0.5 cm were statistically compared. The respective metabolizability coefficients for protein, gross energy, and AME and AMEn were found for MRM (76.82%, 34.80%, 1587 kcal/kg, and 1406 kcal/kg), CLM (42.78%, 54.88%, 2842 kcal/kg, and 2595 kcal/kg), JSM (68.90%, 91.76%, 3612 kcal/kg, and 3018 kcal/kg), BMLM (72.01%, 64.95%, 3951 kcal/kg, and 3791 kcal/kg), SBM 2 cm (24.32%, 42.15%, 1756 kcal/kg, and 1531 kcal/kg), and SBM 0.5 cm (49.15%, 47.23%, 2037 kcal/kg, and 1716 kcal/kg). Among the particle sizes of SBM, the 0.5 cm particle size was significantly better utilized. Diets with CLM (207.6 ± 10.11 minutes), MRM (185.8 ± 1.30 minutes), and BMLM (184.4 ± 10.57 minutes) resulted in longer digestive transit times in the birds' digestive tracts.

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The aim was to evaluate ensilage strategies for different heights of elephant grass subjected to cutting frequencies and the inclusion of Sabiá. The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE) in Garanhuns, Pernambuco's Agreste region. Treatments were distributed in a randomized block design in a factorial scheme (4×2), with four elephant grass genotypes: IRI 381 and Elephant B, tall genotypes, and Taiwan A-146 2.37 and Mott, short genotypes, and two cutting frequencies, 60 and 90 days. For the experimental trial with Sabiá inclusion, the same experimental area and the same genotypes at 90 days of age were used, with the inclusion of 0 and 20% Sabiá in green matter. Effluent losses showed different behavior in tall genotypes, increasing in the Elephant B genotype with a 90-day cutting frequency and decreasing in the IRI genotype at the same frequency compared to 60 days. The DM and CP content in Mott genotype silages are not altered when the cutting frequency decreases, but in the other silages, there is an increase in DM content and a decrease in CP content as the interval between cuts increases. Differences in DM and NDF content between genotypes only occur when managed with a 90-day cutting frequency, and in this case, the Mott genotype has lower DM and NDF content than the others. The NDF content only increases in Elephant B genotype silages when managed with a 90-day cutting frequency. Fraction A protein is higher in the Mott genotype compared to the IRI genotype, while fraction B3 is higher in the Taiwan genotype compared to tall genotypes, and higher in silages produced from elephant grass managed with a 60-day cutting frequency. Total carbohydrate levels are higher in silages of short genotypes compared to tall genotypes. Regardless of the genotypes, digestibility decreases when the cutting frequency decreases. Plant height and cutting frequency influence the quality of elephant grass genotype silage. When using 20% Sabiá, no significant effect was observed for genotypes and Sabiá inclusion levels and their interactions for the variables gas loss with an average of 24.42%, dry matter recovery, average pH of 4.5, and ammonia nitrogen N-NH3. The inclusion of 20% Sabiá provided a higher fermentation coefficient. Among the genotypes studied, Mott had the highest effluent production, and the 20% Sabiá inclusion level reduced effluent production with an increase in dry matter. The inclusion of 20% Sabiá resulted in increased CP, condensed tannins, and lower NDF, ADF, IVDMS, and total soluble carbohydrates. The loss of stability in all silages was recorded 48 hours after the silos were opened. The increase in CT led to a reduction in IVDMS; however, further investigation is needed to determine the optimal CT concentrations for ruminant diet inclusion

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of the coconut by-product and cottonseed associated or not with cladodes cactus on the intake and digestibility of nutrients, ingestive behavior, nitrogen balance, blood parameters, milk production, its constituents, and fatty acids profile. 12 multiparous Saanen goats were used, with an average body weight of 55.0 ± 8.0 kg, 60 days of lactation and an average daily production of 3.3 kg. The animals were grouped in a triple Latin square (4x4). The experimental treatments consisted of: 1 – coconut by-product without cladodes cactus, 2 – coconut by-product with cladodes cactus, 3 – cotton seeds without cladodes cactus, 4 – cotton seeds with cladodes cactus. The addition of cladodes cactus increased (+69.42%) the intake of dry matter compared to diets without cladodes cactus; diets containing coconut by-product were less accepted by goats, reducing dry matter intake by 10.12%; the use of cottonseed as a source of lipid allowed greater production of fat-corrected milk by 22.82% when compared to diets with coconut by-product. The addition of cladodes cactus reduced the digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, favored a greater excretion of nitrogen in faeces (+425.8%) and urine (+162%) consequently lower retention (-17.19% . No significant changes were observed in blood parameters that could indicate liver or kidney damage as a result of feeding cladodes cactus to goats. The addition of cactus to the diet favored an increase in milk production (+611.5gr/day) and fat-corrected milk production (626.4gr/day) compared to diets without cactus. Diets containing cottonseed presented a higher average compared to diets containing coconut by-product, for milk production corrected for fat (+447gr/day), fat content (+0.4%), protein content (+0.2 %), lactose content (+0.3%), non-fat solids (+0.5%) and total solids (+0.9%). There was an interaction effect of cladodes cactus with lipid sources where the addition of cactus favored the accumulation of total saturated fatty acids in milk, consequently a higher atherogenicity and thrombogenicity index, also increased short-chain fatty acids, increased polyunsaturated fatty acids, the n6-n3 ratio, C18:1t11, when associated with cottonseed and reduced when associated with coconut by-product. Milk from goats supplemented with the association of cladodes cactus and cottonseed presented superior nutritional qualities when compared to goats supplemented with coconut by-product.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the use of symbiotic supplements Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bacillus subtilis, Enterococcus faecium, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Glucans and Mannans in the diet of laying hens in the post-peak period. There were 19 pullets of the Dekalb White strain, with 70 weeks of age, up to 90 weeks of age, distributed in DIC with 6 treatments, 3 repetitions of 6 hens per cage, composing 33 birds per treatment. The treatments were composed of two base diets, the first one composed of corn and soybean meal (RR); another diet based on corn, soybean meal and meat and bone meal (FCO); and four more test diets formulated with FCO, being a diet with the addition of 0.05% of the zinc bacitracin additive (FCO+Bac Zn) provided from the initial, rearing and laying phases, respectively. The variables evaluated were: birds’ performance (feed consumption, egg production, egg weight, egg mass and feed conversion), egg quality (eggoscopy, egg weight (g), yolk color, albumen height (mm), albumen weight (g), yolk weight (g), shell weight (g), shell thickness (mm) and percentages of yolk, albumen, shell and Haugh Unit) and nutrient metabolizability
coefficients (EMA, EMAn, CMAEB, CMAPB and CMAMS). The data were analyzed, and the means were compared by Orthogonal Contrast (P<0.05). The contrasts were C1: RR vs FCO; C2: FCO vs BacZn; C3: BacZn vs Simb-C; C4: BacZn vs Simb-R and C5: BacZn vs Simb-P. For performance variables there was no significant effect (P>0.05). For egg quality, candling and yolk color variables, there was a significant effect (P<0.05) for C1, yolk color for C2, yolk weight for C3 and percentage of C1 albumen. For the digestibility, the CMAEB variable showed a significant difference in the C1 and C4 contrasts. For the CMAPB variable, there was a difference in the C1 and C2 contrasts. As in the variable CMAMS, there was a significant difference in the contrasts C1, C2, C3 and C4. For the other parameters there was no significant effect (P>0.05). Thus, it is possible to replace the antibiotic by the symbiotic, promoting similar results in performance, egg quality and nutrient digestibility when used in diets in the post-peak laying phase.

To expand the consumption of sheep meat in the Brazilian market, it is necessary to invest in factors that improve the efficiency of the sheep meat production process, such as the search for ways to select more efficient animals within the herd. In this context, the residual food intake (CAR) proposed by KOCH et al. (1963) and an alternative. However, for sheep, there are few studies that address feed efficiency from the CAR perspective, especially for lactating ewes, so that the objective was to evaluate the productive performance of primiparous Santa Inês ewes classified through residual food consumption (CAR). The experiment was carried out using 14 primiparous Santa Inês ewes with an average body weight of 50.65 kg ± 5.50. The animals were
evaluated until the lambs were weaned (90 days after birth). The amount of concentrate offered was fixed at 600g daily (based on natural matter) and tifton hay 85 ad libitum for each animal. The diet was formulated to simulate medium quality forage with protein and energy supplementation. Digestibility assays, quantification of milk production and estimation of the physicochemical composition of milk from primiparous Santa Inês females of different feed efficiency classes were carried out. The average CAR was 0.019 ± 0.998 kg DM/day, ranging
from -1.779 to 2.141 kg DM/day. Fourteen ewes were used, 7 of which were classified as CAR negative (CAR-) (-0.774 ± 0.502 Kg/day) and 7 as CAR positive (CAR+) (0.8117 ± 0.664 Kg/day). There was a significant effect for CAR class effect on CMS, CPB and CFDNcp during the experimental period, no significant differences were observed for both CAR classes in PL and PLG. The selection of lactating ewes based on CAR is indicated, as it provides animals with lower intakes than their contemporaries, however, producing the same amount without
changing performance.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of two varieties of cochineal-resistant spineless cactus on histology and histomorphometry of renal parenchyma of sheep. Thirty-six lambs (21.0 ± 2.0 kg of body weight) were distributed in a completely randomized design, with three treatments and twelve replications. For 90 days, the animals received a diet containing Tifton hay as exclusive roughage (control) and two more diets in which the hay was partially replaced by cladodes from Miúda cactus or Mexican Elephant Ear (O.E.M.). Blood samples were collected 50 days after introduction of the tested diets to determine indicators of energy and protein metabolism, as well as, after slaughter, kidney fragments were collected for histopathological and histomorphometric analysis. Larger areas of renal corpuscle, renal glomerulus and Bowman space were observed in animals fed on a diet with palm cladodes, regardless of genotype (p>0.05). The lesions caused in the kidneys of sheep by forage cactus, Miúda and O.E.M. genotypes, are similar to diets with Tifton hay, however, caution is needed when using these cactus forage genotypes in sheep feed.

The forage cactus  “Orelha de Elefante Mexicana” (Opuntia spp.) has been widely used in the Northeast region of Brazil, in substitution to the use of other traditional cultivars, to prevent carmine scale. Thus, it is important to define planting and cutting management strategies for this cultivar. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of cutting intensity (preservation of the mother cladode or primaries) and planting spacing (1,80 m x 0,10 m; 1,80 m x 0,20 m; 1,80 m x 0,40 m; 1,80 m x 0,80 m.) on the morphology and productivity of the Ear de Elephant Mexicana cactus. The experiment was carried out in Arcoverde, Pernambuco, Brazil. The treatments were randomized in blocks with split plot, with four replications. The main portion was formed by the planting spacings and subplots by cutting intensities. The 2020 harvest data were submitted to ANOVA and the means compared by the Tukey test at 5% probability. Main component analysis was performed using RStudio software (RStudio 2022.02.0 Build 443). The shear intensity preserving the primary cladodes primary compared to maintenance of parent cladodes favored greater plant height (95,12 cm vc. 63,28) cladode length (32,49 vs. 29,57 cm) cladode width (19,82 vs. 17,37 cm), cladode area (499,91 vs. 407,87 cm²), leaf area index (3,06 vs. 1,33), production of green matter (199,4 vs. 95,8 t ha -1 .ano-1), dry matter production (18,8 vs. 9,2 t ha -1 .ano-1), crop water accumulation (180,5 vs. 86,6 t ha -1 .ano-1), rainwater use efficiency 23.8 kg MS mm-1. The spacing of 1.8m x 0.40m promoted plants with greater spacings, green matter production (198 t ha -1 .ano-1), crop water accumulation (179,1 t ha -1 .ano-1), rainwater use efficiency 23.8 kg of MS mm-1). The spacing of 1.8m x 0.40m promoted plants with greater spacings green matter production (198 t ha -1 .year-1), crop water accumulation (179.1 t ha -1 .year-1 ), rainwater use efficiency 23.8 kg DM mm-1) and dry matter production (18.9 t ha -1 .year-1). That did not defer to the result obtained in the spacing of 1,8 m x 0,80 m (13,4 t ha -1 .ano-1). The spacings of 1.8 m x 0.80 m and 1.8 m x 0.40 m favored greater plant height (85.26 and 84.41 cm, respectively) and cladode width (20.34 and 19.98 cm, respectively). The highest cladode area index (3.09) was obtained in the spacing of 1.8 m x 0.10 m and 1.8 m x 0.20 m, and the latter did not differ from the others. In the spacings of 1.8 m x 0.80 m and 1.8 m x 0.40 m when primary cladodes were preserved the highest results obtained for the plant width characteristics (131.31 and 119.00 cm, respectively) total photosynthetic area (33642.99 and 25248.73 cm2, respectively), and total number of cladodes (57.88 and 46.0 respectively). The greater planting spacing promoted higher production of dry matter per plant (2941.6). Preservation of primary cladodes at harvest provides for the development of larger and wider plants, with greater cladode area, greater productivity and greater accumulation of water by the of the “Orelha de Elefante Mexicana”.. The planting spacing of 1.8 m x 0.40 m favors higher productivity of the of the “Orelha de Elefante Mexicana”.

The horse is suitable for several sports that may require a great variety of requirements to provide a good performance. For this reason, it is important to understand which metabolic pathways are required and which physiological adaptations are involved by different types of exercise. In addition, for every sporting activity, there is an ideal conformation, which contributes to the animal's good resourcefulness. Thus, the objective was to analyze and compare the conformation of horses that perform Riding Therapy and Equestrian activities, trace the blood biochemical profile and assess the possible metabolic adaptations of horses in each activity and, therefore, provide useful knowledge to improve the performance of this group of animals. The experimental design was in Entirely Randomized Blocks and 17 trained and conditioned horses were used for Riding Therapy and Equestrian activities, between 5 and 15 years old, both sexes, receiving the same nutritional management, complying with the requirements of NRC 2007. The animals were divided into three groups, being group 1 composed of 5 riding horses (light intensity), group 2 consisting of 7 riding animals that were mounted (medium intensity), and group 3 consisting of 5 riding animals that were free in the picket. On the days of the study, two blood samples were collected (one before exercise and the other after) by jugular venipuncture, using vacuum tubes for analysis of Hematological Parameters, Fat Metabolism, Carbohydrate Metabolism and Protein Metabolism. Furthermore, the conformation of the animals was measured using Morphometry and the Heart Rate was measured at rest and after activities. Data were submitted to ANOVA and Tukey Test with a significance level of 5%. Heart Rate, Measurements and some Hematological and Fat Metabolism Parameters showed statistical differences (p<0.05) between treatments and between different moments of the study. These data indicate that the various intensities of exercise have a direct influence on the metabolism and biochemical profile of the horse, however, as they are light to medium intensity activities, the exercises were not able to generate any physiological imbalance, leading to the belief that the horses were well conditioned and adapted to the activities. The different exercises also require and result in different conformations, being proportional to the type of effort and aptitude of that animal, and it is extremely important that there is adequate knowledge of the horse, its physiological condition and its physical structure, so that it is providing better performance and animal welfare.

In different production systems, forage is the main food resource for livestock worldwide, particularly when it comes to ruminants. However, good quality fresh forage is often not available throughout the year due to varying environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity and low rainfall or location causing substantial fluctuation in forage availability and quality. In semi-arid regions, this fact is even more worrying. The option for forage plants adapted to the semi-arid climate, such as forage palm, becomes indispensable for the sustainability of the systems. Due to its bromatological characteristic, it is necessary to associate it with bulky foods (silage, hay, agro-industry residues, among others) to maximize animal performance. The treatments were represented by corn silage, sorghum silage, pangolão hay and sugarcane bagasse. Twelve Saanen goats with an average weight of 48.9±7.3kg, average production of 2.8±0,7kg of milk/day were distributed in three simultaneous 4 x 4 Latin squares (four animals, four treatments and four experimental periods). There was no difference between treatments (P>0.05) for dry matter intake (2.58 kg/day), organic matter (2.30 kg/day), crude protein (0.385 kg/day), ether extract (0.170 kg/day), neutral detergent fiber (0.895 kg/day), non-fibrous carbohydrates (0.858 kg/day) and metabolizable energy (5.66 Mcal/day). Also, the fiber sources didn’t influence dry matter and nutrient digestibility (P>0.05). The association of forage palm with silages, hay and sugarcane bagasse did not change milk production, milk production corrected for 3.5% of fat and corrected for energy (2.78; 2.53 and 2,55 kg/day, respectively), in addition to milk composition (P>0.05). No differences were observed on ingestive behavior (P>0.05). Any of the fiber sources evaluated is recommended.

The production of cactus pear silage may optimize the use of this important forage resource in the semi-arid region. However, the low concentration of dry matter (DM) and high concentration of soluble carbohydrates may affect fermentative characteristics of the produced silage. The inclusion of leucaena hay [Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) Wit] during the cactus pear ensilage process may contribute to increase the silage DM concentration, reduce effluent losses, and improve the fermentative characteristics of the silage. The objective of the study was to evaluate the fermentative characteristics, effluent losses, and aerobic stability of three genotypes of cactus pear resistant to carmine cochineal (Dactylopius opuntiae Cockerell) [Orelha de Elefante Mexicana - OEM (clone IPA 200016) (Opuntia Stricta ( Haw.), IPA Sertânia (clone IPA 200205) (Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm Dyck.) and Miúda (clone IPA 100004) (Nopalea cochenillifera (L.) Salm Dyck.), associated with three levels of inclusion of  leucaena hay (0, 15 and 30%). The design used was completely randomized, in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement, corresponding to cactus pear genotypes and leucena hay levels, with four replications. Ensiling was carried out in 36 experimental PVC minisilos of 75 cm and 15 cm in diameter containing a Bunsen valve. Density (kg/m³), gas and effluent losses, organoleptic characteristics, pH,organic acids, and silage nutritive value were evaluated. Data were analyzed using SAS® PROC MIXED and treatment means were estimated using "LSMEANS" and compared using "Student” "t" test (P>0.05). Polynomial contrasts were used to characterize the type of response to hay inclusion. There was interaction between cactus pear variety and leucaena inclusion levels for most of the studied variables. Silages of the OEM genotype without the inclusion of leucaena hay had a higher pH (4.95) compared to Miúda (4.11) and Sertânia (4.17). The inclusion of leucena hay increased the pH of the silages, reduced losses by effluents, without compromising the fermentative characteristics of the silages, which showed a predominance of lactic acid (93 g/kg). The silages showed aerobic stability for more than 60 hours after opening the silos. The inclusion of leucaena hay in cactus pear silages increased the concentration of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber, and reduced the in vitro dry matter digestibility. The cactus pear varieties showed satisfactory fermentation patterns, however the cactus pear silages of Miúda genotype with and without inclusion of leucena hay showed lower concentrations of butyric acid and better in vitro digestibility of dry matter compared to IPA Sertânia and OEM. The inclusion of 15% leucaena hay in cactus pear silages can be a strategy to reduce DM losses, increase the CP and NDF concentration, without negatively impacting the fermentative profile of the silages.

Multivariate analysis corresponds to a set of methods that simultaneously use information from all response variables in the interpretation of the data set, taking into account the correlations between them. Among the sets of multivariate methods we can highlight factor analysis, multiple regression analysis and multivariate discriminant analysis. These methods have in common the objective to reduce the dimensionality of the data. Considering that a large number of variables are used in the carcass evaluation, there is the possibility that many of them contribute little to the discrimination of the evaluated individuals, as they are redundant due to the high correlations. Based on the above, the objective was to assess the adequacy of factor analysis and rotational methods through factor analysis; predict carcass tissue composition using factor analysis compared to classical multiple regression analysis and; distinguish groups of sheep as a function of conformation score and carcass finish and identify the variables that most contribute to differentiation, through multivariate discriminant analysis. Information from 122 sheep of the Santa Inês breed was used, comprising 24 carcass characteristics: Empty body weight (EBW); Body weight at slaughter (BWS); Hot carcass weight (HCW); Could carcass weight (CCW); Biological yield (BY); Hot carcass yield (HCY); Cold carcass yield (CCY); External carcass length (EXL); Internal carcass length (ICL); Rump width (RW); Chest width (CW); Rump perimeter (RP); Leg perimeter (LP); Chest perimeter (CP); Leg (LEG); Loin (LOI); Ribs (RIB); Neck (NEC); Blade Shoulder (BLA); Leg yield (LEGY); Loin yield (LOIY); Rib yield (RIBY); Neck yield (NECY); Blade Shoulder yield (BLAY). The KMO test (Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin) indicated that the carcass variables evaluated were suitable for the application of factor analysis. Among the rotations tested, the Varimax orthogonal rotation presented the simplest structure for interpreting the constructed factors. Classical multiple regression analysis produced a better prediction for tissue composition (higher R² and lower MSE) compared to multiple regression analysis using the factor scores from the multivariate factor analysis. R² values ranged from 0.584 to 0.636 for muscle proportion, 0.198 to 0.351 for bone proportion and 0.496 to 0.579 for total fat proportion. Indicating low to moderate accuracy, in this case, more adequate independent variables should be used to better predict the tissue proportion in Santa Inês sheep. In the multivariate discriminant analysis, the variables with the highest discriminatory power for carcass conformation scores were CCW, EXL and NEC and for carcass finishing were BWS, EXL and CP. Multivariate discriminant analysis proved to be efficient to allocate the animals to their original groups (carcass scores).

About 95% of the food consumed comes from the soil, however, 33% of the world's soils are already degraded. In addition, little information exists on the relationship between forage management and soil properties. Given this scenario, the objective was to evaluate soil and root system attributes in different forage production systems. The field experiments were carried out at the Experimental Stations of the Instituto Agronômico de Pernambuco (IPA) located in Itambé, in in northern forest area of Pernambuco (PE) and in Arcoverde, in backwoods of PE. In Itambé, the experimental treatments consisted of: i) intercropped pastures Brachiaria decumbens Stapf. (Braquiária) + Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth. (Sabiá); ii) Braquiária + [Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud.] (Gliricídia) in a randomized block experimental design, with three replications. In Arcoverde, the cultivar evaluated in two experiments was forage cactus Mexican elephant ear palm (Opuntia stricta Haw.). Effects of sampling site and soil depth on soil bulk density (BD) were verified (p<0.05) and higher root dry mass values were found at the sampling site in line (IL) in all edaphic depths (p<0.05), in the Itambé experiment. In the experiment I of Arcoverde there were no significant effects in relation to the dry mass of roots at depths 0-10 and 10-20 cm, nor for the soil BD at this greater depth (p<0.05). And both in experiment I and in experiment II the soil BD was below the critical limit in all treatments and depths evaluated. Such information contributes to a better characterization of the soil and root system in different production systems, in order to promote higher livestock yields and avoid soil degradation.

Cactaceae are considered the main food alternative for ruminant animals during the long periods of forage shortages in the Brazilian semiarid region, since, for the edaphoclimatic conditions of this region, the importance of water present in the raw material should be highlighted. The selection of new forage cactus cultivars has great relevance, especially in the agreste and sertão, due to the low purchasing power of most producers, in addition, carmine mealybug has been hindering its cultivation in the region. Thus, new progenies resistant to the insect were identified, however, studies still need to be carried out in an attempt to select the best “resistant” progenies. Given this situation, the objective is to evaluate the morphophysiological, productive, and chemical-bromatological composition of forage cactus progenies (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm-Dyck and Opuntia undulata Griffithis). Two independent experiments were carried out at the Instituto Agronômico de Pernambuco (IPA) in the municipalities of Arcoverde (I) and Caruaru (II). A completely randomized design was used, with six and ten replications in experiments I and II, respectively. The experimental treatments consisted of 23 IPA-Sertânia cactus progenies (experiment I) and 12 African elephant ear progenies (experiment II), which came from a pre-selection of genotype crossing carried out at these stations. Experiment I was implemented in January 2019, with a spacing of 1.2 x 0.4 m, and experiment II was implemented in March 2018, with a spacing of 1.5 x 0.5 m. In both experiments, the useful area was represented by a plant. Productive, morphophysiological, and chemical-bromatological characteristics were analyzed for two years. The data were submitted for analysis of variance and the means were compared by the Tukey test at 5% of significance. It was concluded that there is little variation in chemical composition and carbohydrate fractioning among IPA Sertânia (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm-Dyck) progenies. African Elephant Ear palm progenies show high in vitro dry matter digestibility. P9 is the most promising for the nutritional value in relation to the other progenies.

Nitrogen cycling is strongly affected by each factor of the system, including the grazing animals, insects, the grazing intensity or clipping stubble height, harvest frequency, and forage varieties. The aim of this study was to evaluate nitrogen utilization and cycling in different forage production systems. Specific objectives included (i) to evaluate different species of dung beetles and their assemblages on GHG emission (N₂O), ammonia volatilization, and pearl millet [Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke] performance; (ii) to evaluate herbage accumulation (HA), crude protein (CP), nitrogen yield (Ny) and in vitro digestible organic matter (IVDOM) concentration of new Bermudagrass cultivars and (iii) to evaluate HA, Ny, biological nitrogen fixation (BNF) and nitrogen derived from atmosphere (%Ndfa), legume contribution (LC), dry matter (DM), CP, and IVDOM of Alfalfa-bermudagrass mixtures under contrasting harvesting regimes. All trials were allocated in a randomized complete block design (RCBD), each one with different treatments as (i) singles species as Onthophagus taurus (1), Digitonthophagus gazella (2) and Phanaeus vindex (3), and their assemblages combining species 1+2 and 1+2+3. In addition, two controls treatments were used; (ii) 10 bermudagrass genotypes, ‘Missouri’, ‘Tifton 85’, ‘Jiggs’, ‘FL44’, ‘322’, ‘323’, ‘276’, ‘282’, ‘283’, ‘286’and (iii) two alfalfa varieties which Bulldog 805 and UF2015-AP, clipped at 5, 10, 15 cm of stubble height each and subjected to three harvest frequencies as 2, 4, and 6 weeks. Overall results indicated that (i) there was an interaction period evaluation × treatment (P<0.05) for N₂O flux and ammonia (NH₃) volatilization due to contrasting gases emission initially but not at later measurements from livestock dung. Dung beetle species affected N2O flux on dung, increasing the fluxes in the 6th day (80 g N₂O-N ha^-1 day^-1) compared to treatment with just soil and dung (2. 6 g N₂O-N ha^-1 day^-1). D. gazella as isolated species removed and buried more dung than other isolated species and other combining species assemblages. Dung application have affected the HA of pear millet regardless the presence of dung beetle, compared with treatments with just soil with average of 8 g DM terraria^-1 and 5 g DM terraria^-1, respectively; (ii) there was genotype × evaluation interaction effects (P<0.05) for HA, CP, and Ny. The 10 bermudagrass genotypes showed significant variation for all characteristics, being 286 more productive (P<0.05) than Jiggs in the first evaluation with 4427 kg DM ha^-1 and 3245 kg DM ha^-1, respectively and 323 had greater (P<0.05) CP in the fifth evaluation than 283, 286, 322 and Tifton 85 with average CP of 155, 128, 136 and 137 g kg^-1 of DM, respectively.; (iii) there was effect of the treatments (P<0.05) on %Ndfa, HA, THA, Ny, TNy, BNF and CP. The genotype UF2015-AP produced 3525 kg DM ha^-1 harvest^-1, which is greater (P<0.05) than Bulldog 805 harvested every 6-wk. Average LC, CP, and IVDOM were 36%, 175 g kg^-1 of DM, and 540 g kg^-1 of DM in the first evaluation, and these values were greater (P<0.05) than the ones observed in evaluation three. Overall results indicated that dung beetles are beneficial for N cycling increasing plant productivity. There are bermudagrass genotypes that are more efficient in N utilization; and finally, harvesting management affect productivity responses of alfalfa-bermudagrass mixtures, but overall, this grass-legume combination did not persist for more than one year in North Florida.

Silvopastoral systems play an important role in livestock production. The use of forage legumes in areas of pastures has the potential to increase the efficiency in the use of resources, contribute to a better nutritional value of the forage and increase production, in addition, it improves the environmental and biological conditions of the soil. The present study aimed to evaluate the height, forage mass, forage density and leaf: stem ratio, the nutritional value of signal grass [Urochloa decumbens (Stapf) R.D. Webster] and sabiá (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth.); botanical composition of the pasture, the proportion of uncovered soil, soil fertility and the presence of secondary components in the legume, in different evaluation systems, periods and years of evaluation. The research was carried out at the Experimental Farm of the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco (UFRPE), located in the municipality of Garanhuns-PE (8°58'52''S 36°27'47''W). The experimental treatments were a silvopastoral system (SSP) of signal grass with sabiá, in addition to monocropping systems of each species, using a randomized block design, with three replications. The experiment was carried out for two years (2019 to 2021), at different seasons (dry and rainy). The legume was grown in three double rows in the signal grass pastures, spaced 2m between double rows, 1m between plants and 25 m between each set of double rows, totaling 600 plants ha^-1. In the monocropping systems cultivation, the same spacing between rows and plants was used, however, single rows were used, totaling 5,000 plants ha^-1. The cropping systems did not affect the height and forage mass of the grass, the variables were affected by the season and year of evaluation, as well as the interaction of these factors. Canopy height, stem forage mass (SFM), green forage mass (GFM), senescent material (SM) and total forage mass (TFM) of signal grass varied between seasons and years. The height of the signal grass was higher in the rainy season in both years (49.7 cm and 50.4 cm). The greater SFM was obtained in the rainy season of the first year of evaluation (1431 kg DM ha^-1). GFM was greater in the rainy season in both years of evaluation, on the other hand, SM was greater in the first year in the dry season and the dry season of the second year 4702 and 5101 kg DM ha^-1, respectively, with TFM having similar behavior. The forage density was superior in the rainy season of 2019. The legume tree developed more under monocropping cultivation (3.61 m), also having a greater forage mass in this system (854 kg DM ha^-1), on the other hand, this forage mass varied according to year and season. The botanical composition of the pasture was not affected by the cultivation system, predominating the signal grass in all seasons and years of evaluation. Soil fertility levels were not influenced by the cropping system, being changed over the years. The grass had no lower participation in the botanical composition of the pasture when cultivated with M. caesalpiniifolia. The greatest leaf: stem ratio was obtained in the first year of evaluation, reaching a ratio of 1.13. An interaction effect of the year and season was observed for the crude protein (CP) content of the grass, especially in the rainy season of 2019 (71.76 g kg^-1) and the dry season of 2020 (73.87 g kg^-1). No variation was observed in the crude protein content of the forage concerning cropping systems (P>0.05). An isolated effect of the evaluation period was observed for the contents of dry matter, ethereal extract (EE) and cellulose of the grass, with the greatest levels observed throughout the dry season 393.78 g kg^-1, 20.72 g kg^-1 and 20.72 g kg^-1, respectively. An interaction effect of the year and season was observed for the contents of the mineral and organic matter fractions of the grass, not differing between years in the rainy season. The mineral fraction varied from 62.24 g kg^-1 to 66.64 g kg^-1, while the organic matter was the greater in the dry season of 2019 (951.58 g kg^-1). An interaction effect between the year and season was observed for the average levels of total carbohydrates, with greater levels in the rainy season of 2020 (871.70 g kg^-1) and in the dry season in the year 2019 (868.20 g kg ^-1). No significant effect was observed for the contents of dry matter, organic matter, mineral matter and hemicellulose of the legume evaluated. The crude protein content of the legume differed between the interaction of years and seasons, ranging from 162.30 g kg^-1 in the rainy season of 2019 to 88.44 g kg^-1 in the dry season of the same year. In 2020, the results obtained ranged from 149.21 g kg^-1 to 140.24 g kg^-1, not differing between seasons. The NDF was not influenced by cropping systems, the interaction between year x season being significant, with greater NDF contents in the rainy season of 2019 (605.48 g kg^-1) compared to the year 2020 and the dry season of 2019. The dry season of 2020 was superior to the previous year and the rainy season, with an NDF of 536.12 g kg^-1. The ADF content differed in the interaction between year and season, with a lower content found in the dry season of 2019. A high concentration of condensed tannins was observed in the legume during the dry season compared to the rainy season. The nutritive value of the grass and the legume under evaluation was not affected when these species are used in the consortium, on the other hand, it varies over the years and evaluation periods, as well as the condensed tannins of the legume.

The objective was to evaluate production costs, financial results, and milk production in dairy farms in four Immediate Regions of the state of Pernambuco. Data were collected monthly for 12 consecutive months (from January to December 2021). The database consisted of 910 dairy farms from four Immediate Regions (Arcoverde, Belo Jardim-Pesqueira, Caruaru and Garanhuns). Technical and economic indicators of the milk producing units were evaluated, as well as their variations depending on the Region, Month and equivalent milk production (Milk-Eq). Data were analyzed using the MIXED procedure of SAS Studio University, and least squares means were compared using Tukey's test. Differences were declared when P ≤ 0.10 for all comparisons. All economic variables were affected by region and by (Milk-Eq), except for Effective Operating Cost/Gross Income of the activity, which was not affected by the latter effect. The month of production had the greatest effect on the evaluated variables, such as Gross Income of the activity, Effective Operating Cost/Gross Income of the activity and Gross Margin. Size, zootechnical and economic indicators were evaluated. 378 dairy farms were also evaluated and the correlation coefficients with the rate of return on invested capital were determined and then regression equations were generated for each indicator, depending on four scenarios of the rate of return on invested capital (4, 6, 8 and 10% per year). The correlated reference indicators and their respective values in the four scenarios were: milk production/cow in lactation (10.32; 10.94;11.57;12.19 L/day); milk production/area (3426.49; 4371.33; 5316.17; 6261.01 L/ha/year); effective operating cost/gross income (68.72; 64.08; 59.44; 54.80); total operating cost/price of milk (84.24; 76.73; 69.21; 61.69); total cost/price of milk (103.84; 93.31; 82.77; 72.23%) and profitability (15.76; 23.27; 30.79; 38.31%). Increasing production scale favors profitability through increases in land productivity and milk production per lactating cow. The identification and quantification of benchmarks help in the management of properties in the Agreste region of Pernambuco.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of cactus cladodes (Opuntia strica [Haw]. Haw) and extra fat whole corn germ (EFWCG) in the diet of lactating Saanen goats, on the consumption and digestibility of nutrients, production and composition milk chemistry. Twelve goats with an average body weight of 54 ± 2 kg and an average lactation period of 45 days were distributed in three simultaneous Latin squares (44) according to milk production in a 22 factorial scheme using two sources of roughage (with and without cactus) and two energy sources (with and without EFWCG). The diets with cactus provided greater consumption (P ≤ 0.01) of organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC), greater digestibility (P ≤ 0.04) of dry matter (DM), OM, shorter feeding and rumination times (P ≤ 0.01) and lower urea nitrogen content (MUN) in milk (P≤ 0.01). Diets containing EFWCG provided higher consumption (P ≤ 0.01) of EE, lower consumption of NFC and higher concentration of fat and total solids in milk (P ≤ 0.04). Both diets without cactus and diets without EFWCG provided greater digestibility (P ≤ 0.01) of neutral detergent fiber (NDF). The diets with cactus and EFWCG showed higher consumption (P ≤ 0.04) of DM, NDF and total digestible nutrients (TDN), and total and corrected milk production (P ≤ 0.03). The grass and EFWCG diets showed higher digestibility (P ≤ 0.03) of PB and EE. For goats that produce 2.5 kg of milk with 4% fat, it is recommended to add cactus to elephant grass and replace corn with EFWCG

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplying diets containing different levels of the blend: candy industry residue (CIR) + corn gluten feed (CGF) replacing ground corn, on the physicochemical compositions of sheep carcasses in growth of the Santa Inês breed. Thirty six lambs were used, non-castrated, with an average age of six months and initial body weight of 19.43 ± 1.69 kg, distributed in a completely randomized design in the treatments: 1) control, without addition of CIR + CGF; 2) replacement of 33% of corn by CIR + CGF; 3) replacement of 66% of corn by CIR + CGF; and 4) replacement of 100% of corn by CIR + CGF in the diet based on dry matter. The experimental period lasted 63 days. After slaughter, the carcasses were weighed and cooled for 24 hours. Then weighed and divided into two half carcasses. The left half carcass was dissected to obtain the physical and chemical composition of the carcass. The data were evaluated by means of analysis of variance and regression, using SAS 9.4 (P <5%). The replacement of corn by RID + FGM did not influence the physicochemical compositions and tissue relationships of the carcass and meat cuts. Ground maize can be completely replaced by mixing the residue from the candy industry with corn gluten feed (ratio 613: 387 in dry matter) without affecting the carcass physico-chemical compositions.

Studying the growth of elephant grass [Cenchrus purpureus (Schumach.) Morrone] can help to understand the productive and qualitative differences between plant size and cropping systems. In this context, the present study aimed to evaluate structural attributes and growth indices of elephant grass genotypes of different sizes (high size: IRI-381 and Elephant B; low size: Mott and Taiwan A-146 2.37) in monoculture and intercropped with butterfly pea (Clitoria ternatea L.) throughout the regrowth period at different season of the year (wet and dry season). The experimental treatments were randomized in complete blocks, in a factorial arrangement (2 × 2), with two sizes (short and tall genotypes) and two cropping systems (monoculture and intercropping). Plant and stem height, leaf area index, light interception, absolute growth, relative growth and net assimilation rates, specific leaf area, leaf area ratio and light extinction coefficient were studied every 15 days. The intercropping with butterfly pea and the size of the plant promotes lower growth of elephant grass, in isolation, regardless of the season of the year. The growth indices showed a specific response for each season of the year, according to the regrowth age, cropping system and plant size. In the wet season, the absolute growth rate was higher in genotypes under monoculture only at 60 days (135.94 g.m-2.day-1 in monoculture vs. 50.51 g.m-2.day-1 , under intercropping), while the relative growth rate was higher in tall genotypes, regardless of regrowth age, with averages of 0.14 g.g-1.day-1 for tall genotypes and 0.13 g.g-1.day-1 for short genotypes. In the dry season, the growth of the genotypes under monoculture and with tall size did not show growth indices different from those intercropped with butterfly pea and with short size. These results can help to define different cutting management strategies for elephant grass intercropped with butterfly pea, as well as according to the size of the grass plant, at different season of the year.

The health of birds can be harmed by ammonia in high concentrations, affecting the respiratory system, compromising the performance of the birds, as well as the entire production system. The use of zeolite in the feeding of laying hens can reduce the emission of ammonia present in the excreta of birds into the environment through the adsorption process. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementing zeolite (Clinoptilolite) levels in the feeding of laying hens in the laying phase at 54 weeks of age. The treatments were a control diet free of zeolite and five diets including increasing levels of zeolite (0.7, 1.4, 2.1, 2.8 and 3.5%). A randomized block design was used a total of 240 laying hens of the Isa Brown lineage were used, with eight replicates of five birds per plot, fed the experimental diets for four periods of 28 days. Evaluations of productive performance, egg quality, ammonia and excreta pH, organ weight (liver, pancreas, heart, intestine, proventriculus and gizzard) and measurement of intestine and cecum length, hematology, serum biochemistry were carried out. The results were submitted to ANOVA and Dunnett's test and regression analysis at 5% probability. There was no significant effect of clinoptilolite levels on production. On the other hand, for the ammonia and pH variables, a linear plateau effect was observed through. Ammoniacal N and excreta pH differed from the control diet for all clinoptilolite levels, in which ammonia volatilization and excreta pH reduced by 46.9% and 4.6% when consuming the diets with 0.93% and 1.19% clinoptilolite, respectively. The reduction in excreta pH is justified by the protonation of ammonia (NH3) into ammonium ions (NH4+). There was a statistical difference for the absolute weight of the organs, it was verified through the test of means, higher liver weights in the inclusion levels with 2.1 and 2.8% of clinoptilolite, a relative increase of 24.6 and 15. 9%, respectively. In relation to the length of the intestine, it was greater for treatments 1.4; 2.1 and 2.8% clinoptilolite. Hematological and serum biochemical values did not differ between treatments. Thus, it was observed that the inclusion of clinoptilolite can be used to feed commercial laying birds up to 0.93% inclusion without affecting production performance and egg quality.

Forage legumes applied in animal husbandry systems provides several benefits, either by improving the diet nutritional value, or greater system sustainability, in which the phosphate fertilization is a management tool that can improve crops yield. This study investigated the morphological, productive, and nutritional characteristics, as well as the survival of 7G (D. pernambucanus) and 13AU (D. virgatus) accessions under four levels of phosphate fertilization (0, 50, 100, and 150 kg P2O5). The experiment design consisted of randomized block, with split plots, and four replications. The harvest interval applied was 84 days (09/22/2020; 12/15/2020, 03/09/2021 and 06/01/2021), totaling one (01) year of evaluations. The plants were cut at 40 cm from the ground. Plant height and width, stem diameter, number of leaves per branch and per plant, number, diameter and length of primary branches, width and length of leaves, leaf/stem ratio, dry matter production (DM) and survival were recorded, as well as the chemical composition and in vitro dry matter digestibility were analyzed. In the fourth harvest, Desmanthus plants were taller (113.26 cm) and wider (75.48 cm), with longer (54.03 cm) and thicker (0.25 cm) branches, with greater number of leaves by branches (12.56), and wider (5.43 mm) and longer (6.98 mm) leaves. In the first harvest, plants developed greater number of branches (20.74) and leaves (189.45) per plant. The access 7G were wider (66.2 cm) than the access 13AU (57.8 cm). The level of 150 kg P2O5 promoted taller plants (82.1 cm), greater number of branches (15.3 branches per plant), and greater DM production (333.5 kg/ha). Levels of P and number of harvests interacted (p < 0.05) for primary branch length, branch diameter, number of leaves per branch and leaf length. Plant nutritive value differed (p < 0.05) among harvests and accessions. The greatest presence of condensed tannins was observed in the 7G access. The greatest plant survival was observed during the first harvest (94%). The morphological and nutritive characteristics, DM production and survival of Desmanthus accessions ranged according to harvest, access and phosphorus fertilization.

Characterizing and assessing forage cactus genotypes (Opuntia and Nopalea) that are productive and resistant to pests and diseases become essential in order to exploit the crop potential of these species. Thereby, the more detailed knowledge about the morphological, productive and reproductive changes from new forage cactus genotypes facing the management and environmental variations can provide important data for both their breeding and propagation. This study aimed to evaluate floral aspects, besides characterizing and selecting forage cactus genotypes. The experiment was carried out at the Experimental Station from the Agronomic Institute of Pernambuco, located at Arcoverde, Pernambuco. The study was divided into two studies in a four-year trial. In the first one (from April 2019 to October 2020), floral phenology, visitors, and pollinators were assessed in five forage cactus genotypes. Floral phenology was evaluated in five plants per genotype, and 20 floral buds from each plant were selected, totalizing 100 buds for each genotype. The behavior of floral visitors was recorded in the field through visual observations and photography, comprehending 160 hours of daytime observation, splitted into 32 hours per five days for each genotype, during the anthesis. Data from the floral phenology and visitors were analyzed through descriptive statistical, with the mean followed by the standard deviation (mean ± standard deviation). The average number of days until anthesis varied from 21 to 25 in the first evaluation year, and from 21 to 24 in the second one. Floral buds’ diameter varied from 22 to 24 mm in 2019 and 2020, besides their average height varied from 4.6 to 6.6 cm in 2019. Moreover, the floral buds had an average height varying from 4.9 and 6.2 in 2020. The number of floral buds changed according to the flowering period of the genotypes, with values from 122 to 316 buds and a greater number between July and September, periods that the rainfall and air temperature are lower, and there is a graduate increase of the solar radiation. The most frequent visitors were the species Apis mellifera (37.43%), insects from the Formicidae family (31.61%) and the Bombus atratus (13.80%). The knowledge about the genotypes’ floral aspects will support the breeding methods applied in the forage cactus, mainly the hybridizations. In the second study, the objective was to characterize and select forage cactus genotypes (Opuntia and Nopalea) through morphological, productive, phytosanitary, and bromatological characteristics in order to find new varieties increasing both the cropping and spreading of these species. The experimental period occurred from April 2018 to July 2021. The experimental plots were distributed into a randomized complete block design, with three repetitions and factorial arrangement 2 × 9 (year × genotype). Nine forage cactus genotypes were assessed regarding the morphological, productive, phytosanitary and bromatological traits. Data were submitted to analysis of variance, and both the genotype and year effects were fixed ones, while the block effect was random. When the F-test was significant, the means were compared by Scott-Knott’s test, at 5% of probability of error. Morphological characteristics as plant’s width (PW) and height (PH), number of cladodes (NC), cladode’s width (CW), length (CL), thickness (CT) and area (CA), besides the total photosynthetic area (TPA), the cladode area index (CAI) and the dry matter yield (DMY) were different in the function of the genotypes. The PW, CW and CT differed (p<0.05) in the function of the evaluation years. There was a significant effect of interaction between year and genotype on the CL, CW, CA and DMY. There was only a genotype effect on the contents of crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and nitrogen (N). There was no significant effect of evaluation year or its interaction with genotype. No infestation by cochineal carmine was observed on the forage cactus genotypes. Conversely, all genotypes were susceptible to the cochineal scale attack, displaying levels that varied from 25 to 50%. The genotypes had diseases on their cladodes like the squamous rot caused by Scytalidium lignicola, and the brown spot caused by Alternaria spp., which attacked almost 25% of the assessed cladodes. The genotypes named IPA-200016, IPA-100672, and IPA-100676 had the presence of spines varying from 0 to 25% on their plants. Under a selection intensity of 10%, the values of genetic gain through direct selection were greater than the indirect gain for all the morphological and bromatological traits, besides the dry matter yield. Forage cactus genotypes were separated into two principal groups and two secondary ones, according to the established criterion with the limit point of 1.22, after an adjustment of fusion levels and with cophenetic correlation (0.77**), which was significant by the T-test (p≤0.01) and had a satisfactory adjustment, demonstrating reliability regarding the dissimilarity matrix. Forage cactus genotypes, Opuntia and Nopalea, displayed morphological differences even under the same environment. The genotypes named IPA-200021, IPA-100676, IPA-10673, IPA-100420, and IPA-200008 did not present spines on their cladodes. Furthermore, diseases did not attack the genotypes IPA-100672, IPA-200174, IPA-100661, IPA-100673 and IPA-100420. Both the number and area of the cladodes were the morphological traits that more contributed to the genetic divergence. The genetic variability among the forage cactus genotypes, assessed in this study, allows selecting the genotypes named IPA-200016, IPA-200174, IPA-100676, IPA-100673 and IPA-200008 aiming the traits with better economic interest, because they have desirable morphological, productive, phytosanitary and bromatological characteristics able to continue this breeding program. Both the characterization and selection of these genotypes allowed the identification of superior materials that have the potential to improve the forage cactus cropping.

The effect of replacing ground corn with extra fat whole corn germ (0; 25; 50; 75 and 100% in dry matter - DM) was evaluated on consumption and apparent digestibility of DM and nutrients, ingestive behavior, rumen dynamics, water balance, ruminal and blood parameters and nitrogen utilization efficiency. Five male sheep, castrated in the rumen, with an average body weight of 67.56 + 9.13 kg were distributed in a 5x5 Latin Square experimental design. The consumption of MS matter and nutrients were not influenced by the substitution levels, except the consumption of ether extract (EE) which increased linearly (0.018; 0.032; 0.050; 0.073 and 0.075 kg/day, respectively) while the coefficients of apparent digestibility of crude protein (CP) and EE increased linearly. The time spent on rumination, feeding and leisure and the efficiency of feeding and rumination according to the consumption of DM and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were not influenced. The water balance was not altered, except for the excretion of water via feces, which decreased linearly (0.487; 0.423; 0.398; 0.364 and 0.373 kg/day, respectively). There was no effect of the substitution levels in the pool of DM, NDF and indigestible neutral detergent fiber (NDFi), however, the EE pool increased linearly (13.0; 17.42; 22.19; 23.3 and 25, 1g, respectively). Passage (Kp), intake (ki) and digestion (kd) rates of MS and NDF, and NDFi passage rate (Kpi) were not influenced. The substitution levels did not influence the ruminal pH, but over the collection times, it showed a quadratic behavior, with a minimum value estimated at 5.91, 3.38 hours after feeding. There was no effect on ammoniacal nitrogen (NAR) due to the substitution levels, however, a decreasing linear effect was observed depending on the collection times (20.3; 21.6; 16.2; 13.4 and 12.1 mg/dL, respectively), showing interaction between the replacement levels and collection time. Quadratic behavior was observed for acetate, with a maximum concentration of 60.26 mmol/L at the level of 32.05% and a decreasing linear effect for butyrate (9.5; 10.3; 10.0; 8.6 and 6.1 mmol/L), depending on the replacement. The concentrations of acetate and propionate, acetate: propionate ratio and the total of short-chain fatty acids showed a quadratic behavior according to the collection times, with a maximum of 58.19; 23.25; 2.57 and 90.49 mmol/L, estimated at 3.34; 3.43; 3.60 and 3.34 hours after feeding, respectively. There was no effect (P> 0.05) of substitution levels on nitrogen utilization efficiency; however, a decreasing linear effect of nitrogen excreted in the faces was observed (6.27; 5.63; 5.26; 5.24 and 4.72 g / day, respectively). In addition, it was observed that cholesterol and triglycerides increased linearly, with mean values of 67.45 and 15.34 mg / dL, respectively, while glucose and fructosamine levels had no effect. The levels of substitution of ground corn with extra fat whole corn germ (GMIEG) do not negatively influence the variables evaluated. Therefore, it is recommended that GMIEG be replaced entirely with ground corn.

The objective of this study was to evaluate in vivo and carcass measurements, as predictors of the physical and chemical compositions of the carcass; as well as listing the method and / or measurements that best fit the estimation of the composition of Santa Inês sheep carcasses in growth. For this purpose, (33; 39 e 42) male lambs, not castrated, Santa Inês, with average body weight (BW) of 19.43 ± 1.69 kg, and age between 6 and 7 months, fed a diet formulated to meet the nutritional requirements of sheep weighing 25 kg of body weight, aiming at an average daily gain of 200 g. The roughage was Tifton grass hay and the concentrate consisted of ground corn, soybean meal, mixture of the candy industry residue, gums and juices + corn gluten meal and mineral supplement. At the end of the experimental period, ultrasound measurements were performed to obtain the loin eye area - USM (Longissimus dorsi muscle) in the region between the 12th and 13th ribs; and biometric measurements. After fasting for 16 hours of solids, the animals were weighed to obtain body weight at slaughter (SBW), and slaughtered to obtain the carcass, which was weighed before and after cooling in a cold chamber at 4ºC, for 24 hours. At the end of the experimental period, ultrasound measurements were performed to obtain the loin eye area - USM (Longissimus dorsi muscle) in the region between the 12th and 13th ribs; and biometric measurements. After fasting for 16 hours of solids, the animals were weighed to obtain body weight at slaughter (SBW), and slaughtered to obtain the carcass, which was weighed before and after cooling in a cold chamber at 4ºC, for 24 hours. Morphometric measurements were performed on the cold carcass. To evaluate the physical and chemical compositions of the carcass, the dissection of the left half carcass was carried out, grinding, pre-degreasing and chemical analysis. The data were submitted to descriptive analyzes and Pearson's correlations. Subsequently, simple linear regressions and multiple regressions were applied, using a stepwise procedure in the selection of variables to compose the prediction models. All correlations between in vivo measurements and physical and chemical compositions, in kg, were significant, except for USM, which correlated with muscle tissue, protein and water. Biometric measurements and hot (HCW) and cold (CCW) carcass weights entered as predictors of the physical and chemical composition of the carcass, with high determination coefficients. The use of absolute weight (kg) was considered the best unit to estimate carcass composition using in vivo and morphometric measurements. The inclusion of variables in the models provided an increase in the precision of the estimation of the carcass components. SBW was the independent variable that most influenced the prediction equations of the physical and chemical components of the carcass in the evaluation of the in vivo measurements and HCW and CCW in the equations for the measurements in the carcass, however these variables should not be evaluated alone. Biometric measurements of growing Santa Inês sheep can be used together with slaughter body weight to estimate the physical and chemical composition of the carcass. Morphometric measurements can be used together with the carcass weight to estimate the physical and chemical compositions of the carcass. The HCW can be used, especially when it is not possible to obtain a cold carcass, without prejudice to the accuracy of the prediction model. To estimate the amount of fat in the carcass, the morphometric measures of the carcass compactness index, width of the rump and internal length of the carcass can be used.

Forage legumes have great potential for use in animal production systems in the Northeast region of Brazil. The successful management of legumes depends on the definition of the cutting frequency for each species. It is important to know how different species or cultivars respond to the same cutting frequency. The objective was to study morphological, structural and productive characteristics of forage legumes [Stylosanthes spp. cv. Campo Grande; Desmanthus pernambucanus (L.) Thellung and Clitoria ternatea L.] from different origins and growth habits under two cutting frequencies (60 and 90 days). The experimental period started in June 2019 and ended in March 2020. The experimental design was in complete randomized blocks, with subdivided plots and four replications. The significance level was 5% probability. Stylosanthes spp. cv. Campo Grande had a higher number of secondary branches and leaves / branch than the others. Stylosanthes spp. cv. Campo Grande and C. ternatea presented higher IAF than D. pernambucanus, while for light interception, Stylosanthes spp. cv. Campo Grande was superior to D. pernambucanus, but it did not differ from C. ternatea. D. pernambucanus showed a higher stem proportion than other legumes, regardless of the cutting frequency used. D. pernambucanus also showed greater height at 90 days compared to other legumes. At 60 days, however, there was no difference in height in relation to C. ternatea. D. pernambucanus had a strong association with variables related to plant structure and stem production. There was no significant effect of the cutting frequency on the total and leaf productivity, but there was a significant increase on the productivity of stems and pods at the frequency of 90 days in the period of 270 days. Legumes, with different growth habits and origins, differ in morphology and structure, but did not show differences in forage productivity. A cutting frequency of 60 days is recommended for D. pernambucanus if the objective is less production and proportion of stems in the forage produced. The high production of pods at the cuttting frequency of 90 days in Stylosanthes spp. cv. Campo Grande and C. ternatea should be evaluated for effects on the nutritive value of forage and seed production.

With the objective of evaluating forage cactus SAFs and residual effect of different organic fertilizers through chemical analysis and fractionation of soil organic matter, this work compares two intercropping systems and one monoculture, namely: i) isolated forage cactus cv. IPA Sertânia (Nopalea cochenillifera Salm Dyck); ii) forage cactus cultivation cv. IPA Sertânia interspersed with double rows of gliricidia [Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud.]; iii) forage cactus cultivation cv. IPA Sertania interspersed with double rows of leucena [Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) From Wit.]. The design was a randomized block with four replications per treatment, each plot (27 m x 16 m) formed by different cultivation systems. The experimental area has a history of fertilization with four different manure types (chicken litter, goat manure, cattle manure and sheep manure) and, although this factor was modified to standardize the whole area with cattle manure only, these subplots were considered in the analysis due to possible residual factors. Soil composite samples were collected at two points in the intercropping plots (between the palm and between the double row of legumes) and in the single palm plots just between the palm. The collection was carried out at depths of 0-5 cm and 5-20 cm, from which chemical analyzes and physical fractionation of soil organic matter were performed. The data were analyzed from two aspects: 1. considering only the plots in consortium with the collection points between forage cactus and legume; and 2. considering all plots at the forage cactus collection points. Cactus height and width were measured and samples collected for dry matter analysis (DM). Five cactus plants per subplot were sampled at three different distances: 0, 2 and 4 m from the legume central double row. Tree legume measurements included width, height, number of stems, and base diameter. Three trees of each legume species in the different subplots were collected for DM analyses of thin leaves and branches. The data obtained for forage cactus were analyzed under two aspects: 1. Comparing the intercropping systems and the single forage cactus; 2.Comparing only intercropping systems and considering legume distances. The legume data were analyzed comparing only the intercropping systems. Minor differences were observed between the cropping systems related to the adopted plant needs. In the soil analysis under the consortia a lower amount of phosphorus was observed in the soil near the legumes with average of 87.5 mg dm-3 and between the forage cactus with average of 134.4 mg dm-3. It was observed a process of acidification of the soil of legumes, in greater expression by leucena, with pH values of 5.3 cmolc dm-3 and for gliricidia values of 5.1 cmolc dm-3. For the analysis of forage cactus soil in monoculture vs agroforestry system it was observed a difference for the sodium values between the used manure, being the chicken litter superior (0.24 cmolc dm-3) to the sheep manure (and 0.13 cmolc dm-3), both did not differ from cattle manure (0.19 cmolc dm-3 ) and goat manure (0.21 cmolc dm-3), showing possible soil salinization capacity by these manures. Among the fractions of organic matter, there was no significant difference for light fraction presenting average values of 78.9 mg kg-1 for forage cactus+ leucena treatment, 57.8 mg kg-1 for forage cactus + gliricidia and 62.5 mg kg-1 for single forage cactus. That the used manures worked as soil balance factors, even in different treatments. For the heavy fraction of organic matter, a significant difference was observed, where the manure fertilized plots presented higher weight in the heavy fraction than the cattle manure, not differing from the goat and sheep manure. Morphological and productive characteristics of forage cactus in AFSs were interfered with the adopted system, legume double row distances and manure sources, with greater height, width and DM production observed near legume trees, considering thin leaves and branches, leucena produced 0.99 t DM ha-1 year- and gliricidia 1.06 t DM ha-1 year-1. Tree height averaged 4.12 m for leucena and 4.06 m for gliricidia, and plant width of 1.87 m for leucena and 2.25 m for gliricidia. It is concluded that the AFS contribute with nitrogen supply, but demand greater soil fertility to support the greater growth of these plants (especially with regard to P and K) and presented soils with higher concentrations of sodium salts and acidifying ions that the palm in isolated cultivation. The chemical composition of manure influenced the chemical characteristics of the soil, being associated with the amount of fertilizer used and its residual effects. Both leucena and gliricidia showed no differences in the evaluated periods, both of which can be adopted in forage cactus AFSs in tropical semiarid.

The world population is expected to grow by 2050 and also demand for food will increase, it is necessary to find alternatives for a sustainable livestock production. Silvopastoral systems-SPS with tree legumes are promising choices to adapt Agriculture to climate change and provide welfare for cattle, also increase forage nutritive value when the management is applied correctly. This 2-yr study evaluated animal performance and herbage responses in C4-grass monoculture or in SPS in the sub-humid tropical region of Brazil and evaluate productivity and nutritive value of signalgrass [Urochloa decumbens (Stapf.) R. Webster] subjected to shading from the tree legumes gliricidia [Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Steud] or mimosa (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth.) under different tree canopy management (harvesting or not one of the rows in the double-row tree planting). The experimental design was randomized complete block with three replications. Treatments were: Urochloa decumbens (Stapf.) R. Webster (Signalgrass) + Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth (SPS-Mimosa); Signalgrass + Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex Walp (SPS-Gliricidia); and Signalgrass monoculture (SM). Response variables included herbage and livestock responses. Cattle were managed under continuous stocking with variable stocking rate. There was interaction between treatment × month for herbage mass. Green herbage accumulation rate ranged from 20 to 80 kg DM ha1 d-1 across months, with SPS-Mimosa presenting lower rates. Average daily gain was greater in SPS-Gliricidia, followed by SM, and SPS-Mimosa, respectively (0.77; 0.56; 0.23 kg d-1), varying across months. Stocking rate ranged from 0.86 to 1.6 AU ha-1. Total gain per area during the experimental period was greater for SPS-Gliricidia (423 kg BW ha-1), followed by signalgrass in monoculture (347 kg BW ha-1), and SPS-Mimosa (50 kg BW ha-1). The responses variables for different management included canopy height, herbage mass (green leaf blade, green stem, senescent leaves, and senescent stem), herbage accumulation rate, canopy bulk density, and soil moisture, bare soil and botanical composition. Total herbage mass, green herbage mass, and green leaf mass were affected by treatment × evaluation date and harvest management × evaluation date interactions. Herbage accumulation rate in SPS-Gliricidia was greater (55 kg DM ha-1 d-1) than SPS-Mimosa (32 kg DM ha-1 d-1). Soil moisture was lower at the Mimosa sites (16.2%) compared with the Gliricidia ones (17.2%), and it was greater between tree rows (21.9%) compared with full sun (11.5%), varying across the season. There were significant differences between harvest management for bare soil and litter percentage (P≤0.05). The botanical composition found 36 weed species, distributed in 19 botanical families and 36 of these species were dicotyledonous (53%) and 17 were monocotyledonous (47%). The silvopastoral systems have benefits for the environment, such as the increase of the carbon stock in the biomass and provide more comfort to the animal raised on pasture.

The aim of this work was evaluating nutritive value of clones os elephantgrass of different sizes in response to successive harvests. The experiment was conducted at Experimental Sugar Cane Station of Carpina – EECAC, belonging to Federal Rural University of Pernambuco – UFRPE, located at Carpina. The experiment consisted of a competition among tall clones of Pennisetum purpureum (Elefante B and IRI – 381) and small ones (Taiwan A-146 2.37 and Mott) and a fixed harvest strategy at 60 days of growth. The experimental design was randomized in blocks with four treatments and four replications. The plots had 25 m2 (5m x 5m) of total area and 9 m2 (3m x 3m) of useful area. The bromatological composition and nutritive value of clones, as well as in vitro dry matter digestibility were determined from laboratory analyzes. Significant interactions (P <0.001) were observed between clones x evaluations for dry matter (DM), mineral matter (MM), Lignin, non-fibrous carbohydrate (CNF) and total carbohydrate (CT) in leaves. In stem, it was observed to MS, acid detergent fiber (FDA), lignin and CNF of the evaluated clones. It was observed a clone effect and effect of the evaluation, without significant interaction for the in vitro dry matter digestibility (DIVMS) in leaf and stem. In orthogonal contrast analysis between high and low size groups, a significant difference was observed in leaf, with higher results for high MS, (20,79%), FDA (29,86%) and FDN (67,21%) and, for low size, higher values for MM (8,62%) and CNF (16.18%). In stems, the highest results were observed in the high-size group in FDA (34,4%), FDN (69,7%) and lignin (5,91%), and in the low-size group, DIVMS (66,53%). The size of the plant influences on the nutritive value of leaves and stems of elephantgrass clones. Tall genotypes generally have smaller fibrous fractions and higher digestibility in leaves and stems, when compared to those of high size. Index terms: cut and carry system bromatological composition, digestibility, plant size.

Sources of microminerals complexed to organic molecules have improved their absorption and metabolism by birds. The research was conducted to evaluate the effects of the supplementation of the microminerals Zinc, Manganese (Mn), Copper (Cu) Iron (Fe) and Selenium (Se) in organic form associated with inorganic sources on internal and external performance and quality of laying hens' eggs. The research was carried out in the research facilities of the Experimental Station of Small Carpathian Animals (EEPAC) located in the municipality of Carpina. Nine hundred laying hens (Lohmann White) were used during the 78-98 week period, the research was divided into two experiments. In the first experiment the birds were distributed according to a completely randomized experimental design with four treatments and ten replicates of ten birds per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of four diets, with total substitution of the inorganic mineral source by amino-acid complexed with amino acids (CMAA), with reduction of supplementation levels in 30, 50 and 60%, respectively: T1-Control diet with only sources of inorganic minerals, and T2; T3 and T4 Diet 100% (CMAA). Data were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey test (P <0.05). The supplementation of the CMAA mineral significantly increased the egg production, weight and mass as the quantity of the CMAA mineral was reduced, the treatment with 60% reduction being the best results when compared to the other diets, whereas the control diet showed the lowest means. MAC-fed birds presented better conversion by mass and dozen eggs; the diet with 60% reduction presented better conversion by mass and dozen eggs when compared to the other treatments. Regarding the parameters collected from the eggs, a significant difference was observed for the thickness of the bark, and the diet with a 60% CMAA reduction presented the best result in relation to the control diet and the diets with a CMAA reduction of 30 and 50%. In the second experiment the birds were distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments, ten replicates per treatment and ten birds per replicate. The treatments were a 2 x 2 + 1 factorial arrangement plus an inorganic control: the factors were two sources of Zn, Mn and Cu (CMAA or GM) at two levels (low, 20, 20 and 3.5 ppm of Zn, Mn and Cu); respectively, and high, 40, 40 and 7 ppm of Zn, Mn and Cu, respectively). The inorganic control diet contained Zn, Mn and Cu at high levels (40, 40 and 7 ppm, respectively). Iron, Se and I were supplemented with inorganic sources at the same levels in all diets. The data were submitted to analysis of variance, with averages compared by orthogonal contrasts (mineral source, level, source x level and source) when P <0.05. CMAA-fed laying hens presented better egg production (%), egg mass (g / bird / day), feed conversion per mass and per dozen eggs (g: dz; g: egg mass), bark thickness of egg (mm), height of albumen), and Haugh units in comparison to laying hens fed GM-containing diets. These data show clear differences in micromineral sources with amino acid complexes resulting in superior performance compared to glycinate sources for laying hens. Supplementation of laying diets with MAC and CMAA at the production stage improved performance and egg quality parameters.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of two reduction processes on the size of sugar cane particles and the grinding of tifton 85 hay in a 60% concentrate diet. Thirty six Santa Inês sheep 6 months old with an average weight of 23.5 ± 2.3 kg were used in a completely randomized design. The animals were fed with diets containing concentrate based on corn bran, soybean meal, and urea. Sugar cane or tifton 85 hay were used as roughage. The ratio of forage and concentrate used was 40:60. There was no significant difference (P> 0.05) for the mean daily gain (ADG) differing, however, in the dry matter intake (CMS) (P <0.05). The dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent insoluble fiber (NDF) digestibility differed in the behavioral parameters for smaller particle sizes (P <0.05) related to feeding habits. The different granulometry of the roughage altered the total rumination time and dry matter rumination efficiency (ERUMS) and neutral detergent insoluble fiber (ERUFDN). Thus, when evaluating the granulometry of the feed in sheep nutrition, it was observed that different particle sizes influence the feed frequency, rumination and performance of the animals.

The use of native forages is extremely important for the sustainability of animal production in the semiarid region. It was aimed to evaluate morphological characteristics, nutritional value, as well as quantify biological nitrogen fixation of Desmanthus spp. access, under different cutting intensities. The plants were established at the Carpina Experimental Station of Cane Sugar, in a spacing of 0.5 x 1.0 m, being evaluated four Desmanthus access, three of these accesses (5G, 6G, and 7G) are of Desmanthus pernambucanus species, derived from the germplasm bank of the Federal Rural University of Pernambuco, located in Serra Talhada, and collected in the municipalities of Santa Cruz do Capibaribe; and an access (AS), from Embrapa Tabuleiros Costeiros – Sergipe (coming from the Australian Germplasm Bank). The accesses were evaluated under two cut intensities (40 cm and 80 cm) in a completely randomized split plots design with six replications. Three spaced reviews of 75 days, fructification, pod production, new leaf, green leaf, senescent leaf, number of branches per plant, number of leaves per branch, number of leaves per plant, and branch diameter were evaluated. In June 2015, it was also performed a collection of material for determination of leaf/stem ratio, production, chemical composition, and digestibility. For the fractionation of crude protein and nitrogen fixation, only three Desmanthus access (5G, 6G, and AS), with six replications, were evaluated. No significant interactions (P> 0.05) among the factors intensity cut and Desmanthus accesses to the studied morphological variables were observed. Effect of factor access to the variables stem diameter, number of leaves per branch, number of leaves per plant, and leaf/stem ratio were observed, with AS access showing greater stem diameter (6.5 mm). The 7G access showed higher number of leaves per branch (15.9), total number of leaves per plant (192.54), and leaf/stem ratio (1.08). There were significant interactions (P> 0.05) between the factors of cutting intensity and Desmanthus spp. access to the variables total dry matter and dry matter production of stems. The AS access showed higher production in the cutting intensity of 40 cm (1.85 T/ha), unlike the 7G access that showed the highest dry matter production in the 80 cm cutting intensity (1.52 T/ha). For the variable leaves dry matter production, no significant differences were observed (P> 0.05) between the studied Desmanthus spp. accesses. No effects of the factors of access and cutting intensities in the chemical composition of the plant were observed, with mean values of 230 g.kg-1 of CP in the leaf; and 120 g.kg-1 of CP in the stem; 360.8 g.kg-1 of NDF in the leaf; 657.6 g.kg-1 of NDF in the stem; 190 g.kg-1 of ADF in the leaf and 455.5 g.kg-1 of ADF in the stem; and 170.8 g.kg-1 of hemicellulose in the leaf and 202.1 g.kg-1 of hemicellulose in the stem. The Desmanthus genus plants accesses present variability to IVDMD, being the 5G access presented the greater leaves and stem IVDMD (485.28 g/kg, 392.24 g/kg, respectively); differing from 7G access, that showed lower leaf (429.5 g/kg) and stem (336.29 g/kg) IVDMD. Significant correlations between the morphological, productive and nutritional value were observed. For DM production, chemical composition and IVDMD from collected accesses in June 2015, significant differences (P <0.05) for the leaf FDA between Desmanthus spp. accesses were observed, with 5G access presenting lower concentration of FDA (166.0 g/kg-1) differing from the AS (201.4 g.kg-1) and 6G (203.3 g.kg-1) accesses. No significant differences for the variables CP fractionation, biological nitrogen fixation, and carbon/nitrogen ratio were observed. Positive correlations and negative significance were observed between the studied variables. The cutting intensities of 40 and 80 cm did not influence the characteristics of nutritional value, protein fractionation and biological nitrogen fixation of Desmanthus spp. accesses. Variability among the evaluated accesses as morphological characteristics was observed, which indicates possible future selection of superior materials.

Studying about litter dynamics in silvopastoral systems is critical to estimate the natural return of nutrients to the soil and reduce the use of nitrogen fertilizers. This research evaluated litter deposition, litter decomposition, and nitrogen contents of gliricidia [Gliricidia sepium (Jacq.) Kunth ex Walp.] and sabia (Mimosa caesalpiniifolia Benth) intercropped with signal grass (Brachiaria decumbens Stapff.). The research was performed at the experimental research station of Itambe, conducted in the Agronomic Institute of Pernambuco (IPA).The randomized block design with a split plot arrangement was used. The main plots were the legumes intercropped with to grass and the subplots were the distances from the trees trunk. Senescent material was collected manually in a wood gatherers of 0.25m2 every month, in a perpendicular transect across the tree rows (between the tree rows, 2.0 m and 4.0 m away from the trees rows), during one year. The material collected was dried in a forced circulation oven for 72 h at 55°C, and later separated into four fractions (leaf, stem, reproductive structures and unrecognized), and weighed to determine the dry biomass, then the contents were milled in a grinder type Willey with 1 mm sieve for analysis of nitrogen content. Litter decomposition was evaluated by litter bag technique with a mesh of 75 μm and litter samples were collected from both species and incubated for 0, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128 and 256 days. The bags were incubated in the same spots of wood gatherers. The litterbags were collected and dried in a forced circulation oven for 72 h at 55°C. The remaining material was used to determine N concentration. The annual deposition of litter fractions (leaves + branches + reproductive structures) between the rows of trees, two meters and four meters of rows of trees by sabia was (18,170 kg OM ha-1, 9,200 kg OM ha-1 OM and 4,200 kg ha-1) and by gliricidia (11,000 kg ha-1 OM, 2,480 kg OM ha-1 and 1,160 kg ha-1 OM). The annual contribution of these fractions in the three distances was 610 kg ha-1 of N by sabia and 450 kg ha-1 of N by gliricidia. For both legumes, the sheet fraction dominated entire contents of the litter, followed by the fraction branches, reproductive structures and unidentifiable structures. The annual deposit by unrecognized structures in the three respective distances, by sabia was (445 kg OM ha-1, 245 kg OM ha-1 and 90 kg OM ha-1) and by gliricidia (180 kg OM ha-1, 90 kg OM ha-1 and 45 kg OM ha-1). It was not quantified the nitrogen supply to these fractions. The sabia deposited larger amounts of litter in the months with less rainfall. The gliricidia litter deposition was not influenced by rain. The decomposition rates was greater to sabia (k=0,0055 g.g-1.dia-1) than gliricidia (k=0,0022 g.g-1.dia-1). The nitrogen mineralization to sabia was 77% and to gliricidia it was 50% leading a system contribution of 50 kg de N e 64 kg de N, respectively, during 256 days. The nitrogen from legume's litter is an important alternative to reduce chemical nitrogen use.

The cactus pear is the staple diet of livestock in semi-arid Northeast to be a culture adapted to the environmental conditions of the region and provide nutrients and alleviate the water supply in the feed. But the cactus pear is being attacked by the cochineal carmine, a plague that causes a reduction in the production of this crop, which could lead to death of these plants. The researchers suggest an alternative control planting clones resistant to the pest. With the objective of disseminating genetic material, IPA (Instituto Agronômico de Pernambuco) implemented in 2010 Demonstration Units of cactus pear resistant cochineal carmine in 39 municipalities of the state of Pernambuco. With this work, we analyzed the response and socioeconomic profile of farmers, through questionnaires, in 25 of the counties containing the Demonstration Units of Palma. Furthermore, the aim was also to assess morphological, bromatológicos, productive and toilets in 28 municipalities. For the data was evaluated by questionnaires averaged frequency, the fashion, the standard deviation, coefficient of variation and amplitude. For the data of morphological evaluations, productive and sanitary analysis of variance was performed on the program Genes and comparison between means was performed using Fisher's test at 5%. The farmers interviewed were family-based, and, mostly, men in the management of livestock activities. Most respondents were married and with children, with a mean age of 49 years and 20% had schooling to complete high school. Producers, 60% had a deed of land and properties acquired by purchase and inheritance and 76% participated in associations and / or unions. Most properties can be characterized by small farms (0-19 ha), the main activity of the cattle. The units had on average 1.9 years after implantation, and planting palm 52% of the Units was held at the beginning of the rainy season, using organic and mineral fertilization. Of the farmers interviewed, 72% used hand weeding to control weeds. Despite the failure in the technical and standardization of management, 96% of producers plan to improve and allocate more areas to plant palm cultivars resistant to the cochineal carmine. The IPA Sertânia was superior to Orelha de Elefante Mexicana in the content of crude protein and potassium. The IPA Sertânia also showed a higher number of primary cladodes that Orelha de Elefante Mexicana. As for diseases, there was no significant difference between the average scores assigned with only median infestation by soft rot. The presence of cochineal scale in palmais also showed no differences among clones. With this, it is observed that the clone IPA Sertânia presents over Orelha de Elefante Mexicana in most traits. This fact does not rule out the clone Orelha de Elefante Mexicana as an alternative for producers, since features depend on the production and management adopted by the producer and the place where the property is located.

Two experiments were performed at the Itambé Experimental Station (IPA). The objective was to analyze morphologic descriptors and different type of progenies in the selection of clones of Pennisetum sp. The experiments were conducted from March 2003 to May 2005 at Itambé. The first experiment analyzed repeatability ( 2 ) estimations, correlation and number of measures to predict 2 with coefficient of determination great tham 0.80. It was utilized 472 Pennisetum clones from 25 crosses, with clones represented by tussock (plot), without replication. It was evaluated the following measured characters: dry matter production (DMP), dry matter concentration (%DM), plant height (PH) and number of basal tillers (Nº BT). Visual observations included desejability (D), disease susceptibility (DS), total tillering (TT), basal tillering (BT), axilar tillering (AT), plant height (PHV), internode length (IL) and stem diameter (SD). The general 2 were 0.31, 0.65, 0.20, 0.55, 0.02, 0.41, 0.22, 0.11, 0.21, 0.45 and 0.29 from DMP, %DM, PH, Nº BT, DS, TT, BT, AT, PHV, IL and SD, respectively. An indirect way to select a given response is when a character shows low 2 but high correlation with other character with high 2 by characters of larger 2 . The dry matter concentration was the most easily predicted character in elephantgrass clones. The genotypic value of this character was adequately predicted ( 2 =0.80) with from measurements. The second experiment analyzed different type of progenies in the selection of clones of Pennisetum sp. The experimental treatments were two elephantgrass cultivars (Guaçu 122 and Cuba 116) and two fecundation forms {crossbreeds (F1) and self-pollination (S1)}. Were evaluated 82 progenies (F1) origined from cv. Guaçu 122; 116 progenies (F1) from cv. Cuba 116; 10 progenies (S1) from cv. Guaçu 122 e 30 progênies (S1) from cv. Cuba 116. The evaluated characters were DMP, % DM, PH, Nº BT and suvirval index. The Cuba 116 cultivar presented larger general capacity of combination than the Guaçu 122 cultivar. The selfpollination of Cuba 116 cultivar showed potential to selection S1 individuals from dry matter production and basal tillering characters. The suvirval index was the charater most depressed by self-pollination and present values to 58.40 %, 0.00 %, 65.80 % and 26.67 % for the treatment F1 from cv. Guaçu 122, S1 from cv. Guaçu 122, F1 from cv. Cuba 116 and S1 from cv. Cuba 116, respectively.

Efeitos de níveis de energia e proteína sobre o crescimento da codorna (Coturnix coturnix)