Alexandre Rodrigo Mendes Fernandes

Características da carcaça e da carne de bovinos sob diferentes dietas, em confinamento

The carcass and meat qualitative characteristics of 10 young bulls, 10 castrated males, and 10 females of Canchim breed finished in feedlot were evaluated. Animals were fed: 1 - corn silage and concentrate containing soybean meal, corn and citrus pulp (CS), and 2 - sugar cane and concentrate containing soybean meal, corn, sunflower grains, and citrus pulp (SC). The data were analized by completely randomized design in a factorial 3x2 arrangement (three sexual conditions x two diets), and the experimental period lasted 105 days. No interactions were observed and the young bulls presented higher (P<0.05) hot carcass weights and loin area, higher hindquarter and lower forequarter yields in relation to the castrated males and females. The samples of loin did not show differences among treatments in relation to shear force, pH, total losses due dripping on capacity of water retention, and meat color. The castrated males and females presented better texture of meat. The CS and SC diets can be used in finishing cattle under confinement.

Composição química e perfil de ácidos graxos da carne de bovinos de diferentes condições sexuais recebendo silagem de milho e concentrado ou cana-de-açúcar e concentrado contendo grãos de girassol

O objetivo neste trabalho foi avaliar as caracteristicas quimicas e a composicao em acidos graxos do contrafile (musculo Longissimus) de tourinhos, novilhos e novilhas da raca Canchim. Os animais foram terminados em confinamento com duas dietas experimentais, uma com silagem de milho e concentrado e outra com cana-de-acucar e concentrado contendo graos de girassol. Os teores de umidade, proteina e minerais no musculo nao diferiram entre as dietas e as condicoes sexuais dos animais. A carne de novilhos terminados com a dieta com graos de girassol apresentou maior teor de lipidios (3,31%) em comparacao a dos animais de outras categorias. Os animais que receberam a dieta com graos de girassol apresentaram maiores concentracoes de acido linoleico conjugado (18:2 cis9, trans-11) (0,73%) e acidos graxos poliinsaturados (8,12%) no musculo, e tambem relacoes mais elevadas de acidos graxos insaturados:saturados (0,93) e acidos graxos poliinsaturados:saturados (0,16) em comparacao aqueles que receberam a dieta convencional, a base de silagem de milho (0,34%; 6,31%; 0,86; e 0,11, respectivamente). A composicao em acidos graxos da carne de bovinos pode ser melhorada com a utilizacao de cana-de-acucar e graos de girassol na dieta dos animais terminados em confinamento.The objective in this work was to evaluate the chemical characteristics and the fatty acids composition of beef loin (Longissimus muscle) of young bulls, steers and heifers of Canchim breed. The animals were finished in feedlot system and fed two experimental diets, one with corn silage and concentrate (SIL) and the other with sugar cane, as exclusive roughage, and concentrate containing sunflower grains (CNA). Differences were not detected in relation to moisture, protein and mineral contents between diets or sexual categories. The meat from steers that received the CNA diet had higher lipid content (3.31%) in relation to meat from young bulls and heifers receiving the same diet. The meat from animals that received the CNA diet had higher concentrations of conjugated linoleic acid (18:2 cis-9, trans-11) and polyunsaturated fatty acids, and showed higher unsaturated fatty acids:saturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids:saturated fatty acids ratios than those of animals fed with SIL diet; respectively 0.73 and 0.34%; 8.12 and 6.31%; 0.93 and 0.86; 0.16 and 0.11. The fatty acids composition in meat from beef cattle can be improved with the utilization of sugar cane and sunflower grains in the finishing diet.

Avaliação econômica e desempenho de machos e fêmeas Canchim em confinamento alimentados com dietas à base de silagem de milho e concentrado ou cana-de-açúcar e concentrado contendo grãos de girassol

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of diets with corn silage or with sugar cane + sunflower seed and influence of sexual categories of fedlot young cattle on the performance and economic results of this production system. Thirty animals of Canchim breed (10 young bulls, 10 castrated males and 10 females) averagfing 15 months old and 289 kg BW were housed in individual stalls, for 105 days and weighted in the beginning of the experiment and every 35 days. At the end of the feedlot, all the animals were slaughtered in commercial frigorific and measures of carcass characteristics were made. Young bulls showed higher nutrient intakes as compared to females, in absolute values and in relation LW values. The castrated males presented intermediary values, not differing from young bulls and females. Young bulls presented higher daily weight gain and muscular development, represented by the largest rib eye area. They were also more efficient as for feed conversion and carcass yield. No effect was observed for diets on the ingestion of nutrients, except for EE, that was higher for the diet with sugarcane + sunflower seed, with more of this nutrient. Diets also did not influence performance of the animals. Diet with corn silage showed more economically viable to raised young cattle in fed lot finishing. Young bulls were the animals more adequate for the exploration of young cattle in feedlot, independently of diet.

Composição em ácidos graxos e qualidade da carne de tourinhos Nelore e Canchim alimentados com dietas à base de cana-de-açúcar e dois níveis de concentrado

The objective of this work was to evaluate the fatty acids composition and the qualitative and chemical characteristics of the loin meat (Longissimus lumborum muscle) of Nellore and Canchim young bulls. The animals were fedlot finished and fed sugar cane-based diets with two concentrate levels (40 and 60% of dry matter). The concentrates were formulated with sunflower grains, corn, soybean meal, dry sugar cane yeast from sugar and alcohol industry, urea and mineral mixture. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (genetic group × concentrate level), and the averages were compared by Tukey test at 5% of probability. Differences were not observed in the humidity, protein and ether extract contents of the loin meat. Nellore bulls had higher concentrations of conjugated linoleic acid (0.52%), unsaturated fatty acids (46.82%) and higher unsaturated:saturated (1.02), monounsaturated:saturated (0.86) ratios in their loin muscle when compared to Canchim bulls. Canchim bulls presented higher red and yellow color intensity of meat and higher backfat brightness. A significant genetic group × concentrate level interaction was detected for shear force, where Nellore bulls fed with 40% of concentrate had lower values. The results showed that Nellore bulls had better fat acid composition of the loin meat, concerning human health.

Desempenho e características de carcaça de tourinhos Nelore e Canchim terminados em confinamento recebendo dietas com cana-de-açúcar e dois níveis de concentrado

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and carcass traits of young bulls, finished in a feedlot and fed diets with sugarcane (Var. SP 80-1816) and two concentrate levels (40 or 60 % of the DM). Fifteen Nellore bullocks, with approximately 330 kg and 18 months old, and 15 Canchim bullocks (5/8 Charoles ×3/8 Nellore), with approximately 300 kg and 15 months old, were used. The animals were housed in individual pens for a period of 126 days, with the first 21 days of adaptation. The animals were weighed and ultra-sound images were taken at the beginning of the experiment and at every 35 days. A randomized complete design was used in a factorial scheme (2 genetic groups ×2 concentrate levels). There were no significant interactions for any of the evaluated variables. The Canchim animals presented better feed efficiency (0.17 ×0.14) and higher loin eye area gain (19.7 ×13.2 cm2). The 60% concentrate diet improved better daily weight gain (1.44 ×0.98 kg/animal), slaughter weight (499.43 ×460.20 kg), hot carcass weight (265.39 ×244.70 kg) and hindquarter weight (129.74 ×118.68 kg). The Canchim animals presented larger loin eye area (80.89 ×66.85 cm2) and the Nellore animals presented thicker backfat (5.5 ×3.2 mm). Diets with 60% concentrate are better for finishing cattle with high potential for liveweight gain than diets with 40% concentrate.

Biodigestão anaeróbia dos dejetos da bovinocultura de corte: influência do período, do genótipo e da dieta

The objective of this study was to identify possible alterations in the composition and anaerobic biodigestion process of manure from Canchim and Nellore cattle in different periods in feedlot fed with different forage to concentrate ratios. The experiment was carried out in complete randomized design in factorial arrangement with time as sub-divided plot. Plots were established by four treatments: manure from two diets (40% forage and 60% concentrate and 60% forage and 40% concentrate) and two genotypes (Canchim and Nellore) and sub-plots by three periods of manure collection (initial, intermediate and final). The efficiency of the composting process was evaluated by reductions of total solids, volatile solids, the most probable number (MPN) of total and thermotolerant coliforms, chemical and biochemical demand of oxygen, besides the production and potentials of biogas and methane production. There was no effect of genotype or period on manure composting; however, the increase in the forage proportion in the diet promoted the lower efficiency of the process, in which an increase of 26.31% was found for the volume of methane that was produced with diet with 60% concentrate in relation to the diet with 40% concentrate. Significant reductions in MPN of total and thermotolerant coliforms were also observed at the end of the process, regardless of the treatment tested.

Performance and carcass characteristics of Nellore young bulls fed different sources of oils, protected or not from rumen degradation

The objective was to evaluate the addition of vegetable oils protected or not from rumen degradation in the diet of feedlot-finished young bulls and their effects on performance and carcass characteristics. Thirty-five Nellore males of 402.69±14.90 kg initial weight and 18±2 months of age were utilized. The animals were confined for 96 days, after 28 days of adaptation, and slaughtered at 532.17±30.25 kg. Experimental diets were: control (715 g total digestible nutrients - TDN/kg of dry matter - DM), with addition of soybean oil or fresh linseed oil, and with the addition of the same oils protected from rumen degradation (765 g TDN/kg DM). All diets were formulated with the same amount of protein and with a roughage:concentrate ratio of 40:60, with sugarcane as the only roughage. The addition of oil, regardless of the type and processing, resulted in greater body weight gain (1.17 and 1.41 kg/animal/day), better feed (0.11 and 0.14 kg weight gain/kg DM ingested) and protein efficiency (0.86 and 1.09 kg weight gain/kg crude protein ingested), heavier carcasses (280.3 and 298.0 kg), with better yield (54.5 and 55.5%) and thicker subcutaneous fat (5.1 and 7.5 mm backfat thickness) and with heavier prime cuts, for control diet and the other treatments, respectively. The use of soybean or linseed oil protected or not from rumen degradation only changed the intake of a few nutrients and carcass yield and depth. Thus the addition of energy sources in the diet is beneficial for finishing feedlot bulls. For this addition, either soybean or linseed oils can be used, and the processing of these oils is only useful to facilitate the mixing with the other ingredients of the diet.

Compostagem dos dejetos da bovinocultura de corte: influência do período, do genótipo e da dieta

The objective of this study was to identify possible alterations in composition and in the composting process of manure produced by Canchim and Nellore cattle in different periods of feedlot and fed different forage to concentrate ratios. The experiment was carried out in complete randomized design in factorial scheme with time as subdivided plot. Plots were established by four treatments: manure from two diets (40% forage and 60% concentrate and 60% forage and 40% concentrate) and two genotypes (Canchim and Nellore) and sub-plots by three periods of manure gathering (initial, intermediate and final). The efficiency of composting process was evaluated by reductions of volume, total solids, volatile solids, fibrous fraction, organic carbon and temperature, besides the most probable number of total and thermotolerant coliforms and contents of nitrogen and macro and micro minerals. There was no effect of genotype and period on manure composting; however, the increase in the roughage level in the diet promoted the lower efficiency of the process. Decrease of 100% in the most probable number of total and thermotolerant coliforms and increase in the nutrients content of the final compost were observed.

Efeito da fonte protéica e do processamento físico do concentrado sobre a terminação de bovinos jovens confinados e o impacto ambiental dos dejetos

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of two protein ingredients of the diet (soybean and cottonseed meals) and two physical process of the concentrate (grounded and extruded) upon the finishing of 16 Canchim young bulls. It was evaluated also the nutrients excretion in feces and biogas production potential. The animals were 12 month-year-old, with initial 315 kg BW, and they were confined in individual pens for 147 days, being the first 35 days of adaptation. The roughage used was corn silage and the forage:concentrate rate was 50:50, on dry matter basis. The results were analyzed in a total randomized design, in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (protein source x physical process). There was effect of protein source upon the body weight gain (1.50 and 1.35 kg/day with soybean and cottonseed meal, respectively), feed conversion (4.73 and 5.31 kg DM intake/kg weight gain, respectively) and protein efficiency (1.78 and 1.59 kg weight gain/kg CP intake, respectively). There was no difference among treatments for DM, loin eye area and subcutaneous fat thickness, evaluated by ultra-sound. The nutrient balance was similar among treatments for DM, NDF and ADF, but protein source caused differences in CP balance. Among the macro and microminerals determined in feces, P and Mg contents were different among protein sources, and extrusion increased Ca content, with means of 0.39 and 0.43 g/100 g dejections dry matter, respectively for grounded and extruded concentrate. The dejections produced biogas effectively from 70th to 200th days.

Avaliação de indicadores para estimativa das digestibilidades parciais e total de dietas em bovinos

Avaliaram-se os indicadores fibra detergente acido indigestivel (FDAi) e oxido cromico (Cr2O3) na estimativa das digestililidades parciais e total das fracoes nutritivas da dieta. Foram utilizados quatro tourinhos Santa Gertrudes canulados no rumen e no duodeno, distribuidos em delineamento quadrado latino 4 × 4 (animais ´ periodo) para estimativa da digestibilidade de quatro dietas compostas de feno de capim-marandu e concentrados, ajustadas para proporcionar ganho de peso corporal diario de 0,5 e 1 kg/animal e potencial de fermentacao microbiana de 9,5 e 11 g de PB microbiana/MJ EM fermentavel. Os suplementos foram formulados com mistura mineral, milho, soja e farelos de soja e algodao. Nao houve interacao significativa dietas ´ indicadores. A excecao dos coeficientes de digestibilidade intestinal da MS e da FDN, todos os outros coeficientes de digestibilidade (MS, PB e CT) diferiram significativamente entre os indicadores avaliados. Quando utilizado o indicador FDAi, foram registrados maiores valores de digestibilidade ruminal e total e menores coeficientes de digestibilidade intestinal. A FDAi possibilitou melhor estimativa dos coeficientes de digestibilidade dos nutrientes das dietas, quando compostas na sua maior parte de volumosos (57 a 70% da MS).