ABSTRACT The effect of four nitrogen levels (0, 40, 80 and 120kg N ha-1), applied before deferment on the beef cattle production and structural variables on Urochloa decumbens (signal grass) were assessed from January to October 2012 and from January to September 2013. A randomized block design with three replicates was adopted, in an arrangement of repeated measures in time (grazing period). An interaction effect between nitrogen level and grazing period was observed on extended-plant height and herbage mass. As the nitrogen levels were increased, extended-plant height, herbage mass, total herbage allowance, and efficiency of conversion of fertilizer into herbage were increased. Throughout the grazing period, pasture height, extended-plant height, percentage of leaves, herbage and morphological components allowance, and percentages of leaves and stems in the herbage apparently selected by the animal decreased. Nitrogen levels had no effect on average daily gain or gain per area in the first year. A fixed deferment period with increasing levels of nitrogen fertilization on signal grass pastures does not influence the average daily gain per animal, reduces the efficiency of the nitrogen fertilizer and negatively changes the structural characteristics of the pasture.

ABSTRACT The effect of four nitrogen levels (0, 40, 80 and 120kg N ha-1), applied before deferment on the beef cattle production and structural variables on Urochloa decumbens (signal grass) were assessed from January to October 2012 and from January to September 2013. A randomized block design with three replicates was adopted, in an arrangement of repeated measures in time (grazing period). An interaction effect between nitrogen level and grazing period was observed on extended-plant height and herbage mass. As the nitrogen levels were increased, extended-plant height, herbage mass, total herbage allowance, and efficiency of conversion of fertilizer into herbage were increased. Throughout the grazing period, pasture height, extended-plant height, percentage of leaves, herbage and morphological components allowance, and percentages of leaves and stems in the herbage apparently selected by the animal decreased. Nitrogen levels had no effect on average daily gain or gain per area in the first year. A fixed deferment period with increasing levels of nitrogen fertilization on signal grass pastures does not influence the average daily gain per animal, reduces the efficiency of the nitrogen fertilizer and negatively changes the structural characteristics of the pasture.

ABSTRACT This study aimed at evaluating sensorial characteristics, total waste, fermentative profile, and chemical composition of Pennisetum purpureum (PP) and passion-fruit-peel (PFP) silages. Four PP dehydration times (0,4,6 and 8 hours) and five combinations of ingredients (100% PP; 100% PFP; 75% PP/25% PFP; 50% PP/50% PFP; 25% PP/75% PFP) were evaluated. The silages presented a yellowish color, a slightly acrid odor, and exhaled passion fruit scent in the treatments containing PFP. There was an increase in total waste of silages containing passion fruit peel (0.09, 0.15, 1.01, 1.77 and 2.52kg of waste for treatments 100% PP, 75% PP/25% PFP, 50% PP/50% PFP, 25% CE/75% CM and 100% CM, respectively). The pH and N-NH3 values ranged from 3.58 to 4.63 and 8.11 to 12.13, respectively. Mixtures containing PFP decreased the levels of DM and NDF and increased the levels of CP, NFC, ADIN and NDIN in the silages. Despite the reduced levels of DM, all treatments provided a good silage.

ABSTRACT This study aimed at evaluating sensorial characteristics, total waste, fermentative profile, and chemical composition of Pennisetum purpureum (PP) and passion-fruit-peel (PFP) silages. Four PP dehydration times (0,4,6 and 8 hours) and five combinations of ingredients (100% PP; 100% PFP; 75% PP/25% PFP; 50% PP/50% PFP; 25% PP/75% PFP) were evaluated. The silages presented a yellowish color, a slightly acrid odor, and exhaled passion fruit scent in the treatments containing PFP. There was an increase in total waste of silages containing passion fruit peel (0.09, 0.15, 1.01, 1.77 and 2.52kg of waste for treatments 100% PP, 75% PP/25% PFP, 50% PP/50% PFP, 25% CE/75% CM and 100% CM, respectively). The pH and N-NH3 values ranged from 3.58 to 4.63 and 8.11 to 12.13, respectively. Mixtures containing PFP decreased the levels of DM and NDF and increased the levels of CP, NFC, ADIN and NDIN in the silages. Despite the reduced levels of DM, all treatments provided a good silage.