Araújo Gherman Garcia Leal de

• Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation (EMBRAPA)

Crop densification can influence the nutritional quality of cactus pear. However, studies considering harvest timing and cultivation density in high-altitude regions are essential for optimizing management and supporting sustainable livestock farming. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the chemical, mineral composition and mineral accumula...

The aim was to evaluate the productivity, agronomic characteristics, and chemical and mineral composition of pearl millet genotypes irrigated with brackish water under the application of agricultural gypsum in two cuts. The experiment was a randomized block design in a 4 (gypsum levels-0, 2, 4, and 8 ton ha −1 applied on the surface) × 3 (pearl mil...

The aim was to evaluate the morphological and productive responses of cactus cv. Mexican elephant ear (Opuntia stricta Haw.) under different crop densities and days after planting. This was a randomised block design consisting of four treatments of planting densities (30.000; 45.000; 60.000 and 75.000 plants/ha) with four replications. Morphologica...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the fractionation of carbohydrates and nitrogen compounds, mineral status, and in vitro gas production of arboreal cotton silages combined with different cactus levels (0, 150, 300, 450 and 600g.kg⁻¹ on dry matter basis), distributed in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 4 replicates. For carb...

Total mixed ration silage has been used as a strategy to optimize the use of dry and wet feed in ruminant feeding. Another promising technique is silage reallocation, which allows producers to divide the ensiled material in large silos into smaller units that can be easily transported and marketed. Thus, this study aimed to improve food preservatio...

This study aimed to evaluate fermentation losses and the fermentation profile of cactus pear silage with buffel grass pre-dried. Five levels of inclusion of buffel grass pre-dried in cactus pear silage (0%; 15%; 25%; 35% and 45% on a dry matter basis) were evaluated with 6 replications, in a completely randomised design. After 90 storage days, silo...

The objective of this study was to assess the fermentation profile, chemical composition, aerobic stability and taxonomic diversity of corn grain silages rehydrated with water or cactus pear. Two rehydration methods were tested: corn grain silage rehydrated with water (CW) and corn grain silage rehydrated with cactus pear (CCP), each subjected to f...

This study aimed to evaluate the intake, digestibility, ingestive behaviour, productive performance, rumen fermentation and carcass yield of lambs fed diets with Parkia platycephala pods (PP) replacing ground corn. For this, twenty-eight castrated male lambs (18.34 ± 4.81 kg, 120 days of age), were distributed in randomised blocks with 4 treatments...

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of irrigation depths (IDs) with brackish water and levels of organic fertilizer (OF) on the morphological aspects, production, chemical composition and in vitro digestibility of cactus pear grown in a semiarid region. This experiment was conducted in an area already established for 2 years with cactus pear [O...

Brackish water can promote physicochemical changes in the soil. Aiming to mitigate the effect of excess salts in the soil, the use of organic matter promotes restructuring. The aim was to evaluate the productive and nutritional characteristics of cactus pear under different brackish water depths (ID) and levels of organic matter (OM). A factorial a...

Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da inclusão de cunhã na dinâmica fermentativa, qualidade nutricional e estabilidade aeróbia de silagens mistas de capim-elefante. Níveis de cunhã (0, 20, 40, 60 e 80% na matéria natural) foram adicionados às silagens de capim-elefante. Adotou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com 5 tratamentos e 3 repe...

The objective of this study was to evaluate growth and development in an irrigated forage cactus–sorghum intercropping system under different strategies for improving agricultural resilience. The research was carried out from 2018 to 2020 in Serra Talhada, Pernambuco, Brazil, in four experiments in a randomized block design, each with four replicat...

The objective of this study was to compare the indirect methods of obtaining digestibility with the direct method of total fecal collection to estimate the apparent digestibility of nutrients in sheep and goats supplemented with non-protein nitrogen. Five goats and five sheep with no defined racial pattern were used, distributed in two 5 × 5 Latin...

The aim was to evaluate the effect of butterfly pea inclusion on the fermentation dynamics, nutritional quality and aerobic stability of mixed elephant grass silages. Butterfly pea levels (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80% on a natural matter basis) were added to elephant grass silages. A completely randomized design was adopted, with 5 treatments and 3 replic...

The aim was to evaluate the effect of butterfly pea inclusion on the fermentation dynamics, nutritional quality and aerobic stability of mixed elephant grass silages. Butterfly pea levels (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80% on a natural matter basis) were added to elephant grass silages. A completely randomized design was adopted, with 5 treatments and 3 replic...

Simple Summary Because the spineless cactus has a low dry matter, neutral detergent fiber and crude protein content, its use alone is not recommended, and it should be combined with other bulky food sources, such as gliricidia, pornunça and buffel grass, as they are found in abundance in semi-arid regions and nutritionally complement the cactus. Th...

This study aimed to assess the impact of adding forage cactus as an additive to the production of corn silage without the cob on the performance of feedlot sheep and subsequent silage losses. The experimental design was completely randomized, consisting of three treatments: corn silage without cob; 0% = 100% corn plant without the cob; 10% = 90% co...

The study aimed to determine the optimal ratio for the mixture of forage cactus and corn stover silage, emphasizing the evaluation of fermentative profile, microbial populations, dry matter losses, chemical composition , and aerobic stability. A completely randomized design with four treatments and five replications was employed in this study. Trea...

Cactus pear is used in large proportions in diets for small ruminants in semiarid regions. However, its exclusive use is not recommended due to the low fiber and crude protein content and the high water and mineral content, leading to metabolic disorders, low dry matter intake, and weight loss. The use of mixed cactus silage associated with protein...

Cactus pear is used in large proportions in diets for small ruminants in semiarid regions. However, its exclusive use is not recommended due to the low fiber and crude protein content and the high water and mineral content, leading to metabolic disorders, low dry matter intake, and weight loss. The use of mixed cactus silage associated with protein...

Cactus pear is used in large proportions in diets for small ruminants in semiarid regions. However, its exclusive use is not recommended due to the low fiber and crude protein content and the high water and mineral content, leading to metabolic disorders, low dry matter intake, and weight loss. The use of mixed cactus silage associated with protein...

The aim was to evaluate intake, digestibility, water balance, nitrogen balance, ingestive behavior, performance, and carcass traits of lambs on diets containing levels of vitiviniculture waste in mixed cactus pear silages with elephant grass. Twenty-four crossbred male lambs (150 days of age, 20.75 kg ± 1.33 kg body weight) were assigned to a rando...

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of water restriction and low-and high-energy diets on sheep's thermoregulatory responses and ingestive behavior. Forty sheep, non-castrated, with an average body weight of 18.85 kg (SD = 2.80 kg) and an average age of 5 months were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, comprising 2 diets (high-an...

A Universidade Federal do Maranhão (UFMA) tem se destacado como uma instituição comprometida com o desenvolvimento científico, tecnológico e social da região. Nesse contexto, as ações de extensão e difusão tecnológica desempenham um papel fundamental na aproximação entre a academia e a sociedade, proporcionando benefícios mútuos e contribuindo para...

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of water restriction and low-and high-energy diets on sheep's thermoregulatory responses and ingestive behavior. Forty sheep, non-castrated, with an average body weight of 18.85 kg (SD = 2.80 kg) and an average age of 5 months were assigned to a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, comprising 2 diets (high-an...

In the agricultural sector, using lower quality water sources has increased in irrigation practice. Thus, this review summarizes the consequences of using brackish and/or saline water in irrigated agriculture, highlighting some effects on soil and plants in general. Water quality for irrigation and the salinity tolerance threshold of forage species...

The objective was to evaluate the effect of the planting density of cactus pear cv. Mexican elephant ear under soil physical and chemical properties. Four planting densities were tested: 30,000, 45,000, 60,000 and 75,000 plants distributed in a randomised block design with four replications. After 360 days of cultivation, soil samples were taken in...

Background: The production of biofuels has caused an increase in the prices of agricultural commodities. Thus, the ecological footprint, social inclusion and profitability of production systems have encouraged the use of agro-industrial products as an alternative in ruminant feeds. Objective: To evaluate carcass yields, non-carcass components, and...

This study evaluated the effect of reduced water intake on survival, apoptosis and immunoexpression of leptin in sheep preantral follicles, activation of primordial follicles, serum levels of leptin, estradiol (E2) and progesterone (P4), and in vitro maturation (IVM) of oocytes antral follicles, as well evaluated the effects of leptin on in vitro c...

The limitation, irregular availability, and high cost of some foods that are produced in other regions and transported to the Brazilian semi-arid region for animal feeding are some of the main obstacles to the livestock activity in this region, resulting in the need to seek food alternatives, especially voluminous that can be used for cattle herds....

The objective of this study was to evaluate the characteristics and recovery of minerals in silages of sorghum cv. IPA 2502 irrigated with different leaching fractions of brackish water. Sorghum cultivation was carried out in the field in a randomised block design, with four replications and four irrigation leaching fractions (0%, 5%, 10%, and 15%)...

This study aimed to evaluate the correlations between mineral profile, physical and chemical characteristics, and proximate composition of ewe meat receiving different water supply levels (100%-ad libitum group; 80%; 60% and 40% ad libitum group). Thirty-two Santa Ines ewes were assigned to a randomized block design, with 4 treatments, and 8 replic...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the intake, digestibility, water balance and growth performance of lambs receiving diets containing cactus silage under an intermittent water supply. Thirty-six male, uncastrated Santa Inês lambs with an initial weight of 19.8 ± 2.1 kg and age of 6 months were distributed in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement, with...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the intake, digestibility, water balance and growth performance of lambs receiving diets containing cactus silage under an intermittent water supply. Thirty-six male, uncastrated Santa Inês lambs with an initial weight of 19.8 ± 2.1 kg and age of 6 months were distributed in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement, with...

Variation in rainfall affects crops; therefore, agricultural practices become essential for forage production in semi-arid regions. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of different agricultural practices on phyllochron, structural characteristics of forage cactus and millet, and their relations with crop yield using the principal component a...

Pornunça (Manihot sp.) is a potential forage to feed ruminants in drylands worldwide; however, evaluations of animal diets are necessary. This study assessed intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, physiological responses, ingestive behavior, water intake, as well as hematological and biochemical responses of lambs fed diets containin...

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of inoculation with lyophilised and/or activated Lactobacillus buchneri on lactic acid bacteria populations in corn silage. Experimental treatments consisted of corn silage without additives or silage with the inoculants of L. buchneri (1 x 105 cfu/g) applied according to the manufacturer’s recommendations (1...

This study evaluated the effects of different inclusion levels of cactus pear (Opuntia stricta) (at 0%, 15%, 30% or 45% on fresh matter basis) ensiled with shoots of cassava (Manihot esculenta)on the mineral nutrients, carbohydrates fractionation, nitrogen compounds and in vitro gas production, using a completely randomised design consisting of fou...

Measurements of crop evapotranspiration (ETC) and crop coefficients (kC) in cactus have not yet been adjusted for the phenological stage using conservation practices (i.e. mulching). In this study, soil water dynamics, ETC and kC were measured in the forage cactus under cultivation systems with (WM) and without (NM) the use of mulch in the semi-ari...

The effect of different proportions of cactus pear ( Opuntia ficus-indica Mill) silage (CPS) and intermittent water supply (IWS) to crossbreed goats' diets on carcass traits and meat quality were evaluated. The IWS caused a reduction (p = 0.03) in the percentage of leg fat in the animals. The rib eye area, carcass weight, and physical–chemical char...

Forage cactus cropping systems that include a combination of agricultural practices (cloning, irrigation, mulching, and/or intercropping) can increase forage production and economic return in semi-arid environments. This study evaluated the effect on productivity, biological efficiency, and economic return of combining different practices with fora...

Forage cactus cropping systems that include a combination of agricultural practices (cloning, irrigation, mulching and/or intercropping) can increase forage production and economic return in semi-arid environments. This study evaluated the effect on productivity, biological efficiency and economic return of combining different practices with forage...

Objetivo. Determinar el perfil fermentativo, composición centesimal y estabilidad aerobia de ensilajes mezclados de hierba-elefante combinadas con niveles de maní forrajero. Materiales y métodos. Distintos niveles de maní forrajero (0, 20, 40, 60 y el 80% en la base de la materia fresca) se adicionaron a los ensilajes de hierba-elefante. Se adoptó...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of inclusion of licuri oil on intake, digestibility, ingestive behavior, rumen protozoa population, and productive performance of Santa Inês ewe. Thirty-two Santa Inês ewe (multiparous, non-lactating, 2–4 years old and 36.7 ± 0.87 kg body weight) were distributed in a randomized block design, receivi...

Abstract Background The high amount of soluble carbohydrates and the reduced dry matter content in cactus pear can cause excessive fermentation, resulting in nutrient losses, when it is preserved in the silage form. Thus, the association of cactus pear with elephant grass in the production of mixed silages may reduce nutritional losses during the e...

The aim was to evaluate the effect of residual feed intake (RFI) on the histological, physical and mechanical characteristics of the sheep skin confined in full sun or shade. Dorper sheep (n = 64), male, with an initial bodyweight of 17.8 ± 2.43 kg was confined for 40 days to determine the RFI. After classification, 30 animals with positive RFI and...

The objective was to evaluate the fermentation profile, aerobic stability, chemical composition, and mineral content of silages of mango combined with cocoa pod husk meal. A completely randomized design was adopted, including four levels (65, 70, 75, and 80%) and five repetitions, totaling 20 experimental silos that were opened after 90 days of sea...

Leucaena has been used to make mixed silages to obtain nutritional enrichment of the silages. Thus, the inclusion of Leucaena as an additive in mixed elephant grass silages can reduce fermentation losses, and increase the nutritional value and aerobic stability of the mixed silage without changing the fermentation profile. This study evaluated the...

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional and bioeconomic potential of rehydrated ground grain corn silage (RGGCS), at different storage times associated with proportions of concentrates for better starch utilization by lambs. Forty Dorper-Santa Inês crossbred lambs were used, with an average body weight of 24 ± 3.9 kg, and an average age of 90...

The objective was to evaluate the fermentative profile and nutritional composition of sugarcane silages associated with different levels of moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) hay (0, 10, 20, and 30% on dry matter basis). A completely randomized design was adopted, with four treatments and five repetitions, totaling 20 experimental silos that were open...

The objective was to evaluate the fermentative profile and nutritional composition of sugarcane silages associated with different levels of moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.) hay (0, 10, 20, and 30% on dry matter basis). A completely randomized design was adopted, with four treatments and five repetitions, totaling 20 experimental silos that were open...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reduction in water supply (ad libitum intake-100%, or 80%, 60% and 40% of ad libitum intake) on the proximate composition, physicochemical properties, mineral composition and fatty acid profile of ewe meat. Thirty-two crossbred Santa Inês ewe (n = 8 per treatment) were distributed in a randomized block desi...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reduction in water supply (ad libitum intake - 100%, or 80, 60 and 40% of ad libitum intake) on the proximate composition, physicochemical properties, mineral composition and fatty acid profile of ewe meat. Thirty-two crossbred Santa Inês ewe (n = 8 per treatment) were distributed in a randomized block desi...

This study aimed to evaluate the productive performance and nutritional status of crossbred sheep fed a diet containing buffel grass silage (BGS) in substitution of corn silage (CS). Thirty-two male Santa Inês sheep with an average body weight of 20.09 ± 2.0 kg were distributed in a completely randomized block design with four treatments (0, 33.3,...

Clarifying cultivation techniques and making production systems more efficient are practices that have been much sought after in agricultural systems in recent decades. In this context, the forage yield, biological efficiency, and competitive ability, of different cultivation strategies for intercropping forage cactus and sorghum were determined in...

This study aimed was to evaluate the intake, apparent digestibility, water balance, nitrogen balance, and productive performance in lamb fed cactus pear silage associated with tropical forages. Forty male intact crossbred lambs, with an initial body weight of 18.85 ± 1.2 kg, were used in the experiment. The experimental design was completely random...

This study aimed was to evaluate the intake, apparent digestibility, water balance, nitrogen balance, and productive performance in lamb fed cactus pear silage associated with tropical forages. Forty male intact crossbred lambs, with an initial body weight of 18.85 ± 1.2 kg, were used in the experiment. The experimental design was completely random...

This study aimed to assess the growth performance and nutritional status of sheep under intermittent water supply by means of performance, intake, apparent digestibility of nutrients, water balance and nitrogen. Thirty-two intact male sheep (20.7 ± 2.63 kg, 8 months of age) were distributed in a completely randomized design with 4 water supply inte...

This study aimed to quantify forage yield, economic performance, biological efficiency and competitive ability in cactus intercropped with millet, compared with their monocrops, both with and without mulch, under irrigation. The experiment was conducted over two years in semi-arid of Brazil. The experimental design was of randomised blocks with...

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional and fermentative potential of silage of the forage sorghum Ponta Negra irrigated with saline water. The bromatological characteristics, losses and fermentative profile of sorghum silages were observed. For the bromatological characteristics of the sorghum plant, a decreasing linear behavior was observed...

The effect of different proportions of cactus pear ( Opuntia fícus-indica Mill) silage (CPS) and intermittent water supply (IWS) to crossbreed goats' diets on carcass traits and meat quality were evaluated. The IWS caused a reduction (P = 0.03) in the percentage of leg fat in the animals. The rib eye area, carcass weight, and physical-chemical char...

The objective was to determine growth, biomass production, water use efficiency, and the chemical characteristics of sorghum (BRS Ponta Negra), irrigated with different depths of brackish water and fertilized with levels of organic matter, in two cultivation cycles. The experiment was a 4 × 4 factorial randomized block design, consisting of four le...

The objective was to evaluate the forage yield and structural responses of spineless cactus Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (OEM) (Opuntia stricta (Haw.) Haw) at different planting densities. The experimental design was a randomized block with five treatments and four replicates, during two production cycles of 12 months each. The evaluated densities w...

Semi-arid regions are characterized by high evapotranspiration and low rainfall, favoring the accumulation of salts when irrigated with brackish water. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pearl millet cultivation with brackish water levels and fertilized with organic fertilizer on the chemical and physical properties of the soil. A...

The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional and bioeconomic potential of corn silage, rehydrated ground grain corn silage (RCGS), at different storage times associated with proportions of concentrates for better starch utilization by sheep. Forty Dorper-Santa Inês crossbred sheep were used, with an average body weight of 24 kg ± 3.9...

Simple Summary The high consumption of water by livestock is a major drawback from an environmental point of view. In addition, the fact that arid or semi-arid areas have water with high salinity can decrease the quality of the products derived from these animals. Therefore, the present work is proposed with the objective of understanding how the s...

The aim of this study was to evaluate morphophysiological indices, phenology and cutting time of forage cactus clones intercropped with sorghum cultivars. The experiment was carried out from 2017 to 2018, in two cropping systems (monocropping and intercropping), comprising 12 treatments, consisted of three cactus clones: ‘IPA Sertânia’—IPA, ‘Miúda’...

The objective was to evaluate the water intake and ingestive behavior of sheep fed diets containing silages of cactus pear combined with tropical forages. Forty sheep without defined breed, intact, with initial average weight of 22.65 ± 1.01 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design with 5 treatments and 8 replications. The experimental...

This study evaluated the effects of leptin on primordial follicle survival and activation after in vitro culture of ovine ovarian tissue and if leptin acts through the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) pathway. Ovarian fragments were fixed for histology (fresh control) or cultured for 7 days in control medium (α-MEM+) alone...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different controlled water regimes on the morphophysiological indicators, phenophases, and ideal cutting time of forage cacti clones grown in a semiarid environment. From 2016 to 2018, in the semi-arid region of Brazil, the Miúda (MIU), Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (OEM) and IPA Sertânia (IPA) clon...

The aim of the study was to evaluate the carcass characteristics, proximate composition, and sensorial attributes of meat from sheep fed diets in which buffelgrass silage replaced corn silage. Thirty-two intact male crossbred Santa Inês sheep with an average live weight of 20.09 ± 2.0 kg were housed in individual stalls and allotted at random to fo...

Highlights Small ruminants vary in the ability to conserve water. One method for assessing this ability is the intermittent supply of water. Water restriction for up to 72h00 is recommended only in extreme water shortage. Abstract This study aimed to assess the growth performance and nutritional status of sheep under intermittent water supply by me...

Plants with the crassulacean acid metabolism commonly present good adaptation to arid and semi-arid environments, but it highly depends on the type of species. In this study, chlorophyll fluorescence, the concentration of inorganic and organic solutes and the productive performance were evaluated along with their relationships in different clones o...

The intercropping systems of species adapted to conditions of water deficit, such as sorghum (Sorghum spp.) and forage cacti (Nopalea spp. and Opuntia spp.), can contribute to an improvement in the biomass yield of semi-arid agricultural areas. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of intercropping cactus and sorghum as well as the biologica...

A alimentação de ruminantes em regiões Áridas e Semiáridas sempre foi um desafio para os produtores, devido às condições edafoclimáticas destas regiões. A palma forrageira configura-se como um recurso alimentar estratégico utilizado na alimentação animal nas regiões supracitadas, esta forrageira possui características morfofisiológicas que lhe conf...

This study determined the mineral composition of sorghum Ponta Negra and its silage, irrigated with different leaching fractions with brackish water. Two experiments were performed: The first step evaluated the sorghum irrigated by four leaching fractions with brackish water (0, 5, 10 and 15%) and 4 repetitions. In the second experiment, sorghum wa...

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of reducing water supply for watering of Santa Inês ewes on carcass characteristics, non-carcass components and the volume of digestive compartments. Thirty-two crossbred Santa Inês ewes, with an average body weight of 32.2 ± 7.4 kg, were distributed in a randomized block design with four treatments...

An experiment was carried out to compare the use of fresh cactus with cactus ensiled with and without a microbial inoculant in sheep diets by examining their feed intake, nutrient digestibility, nitrogen balance, and microbial protein synthesis and counting fecal enterobacteria. Twenty uncastrated mixed-breed sheep at approximately six months of ag...

The use of irrigation can improve the productivity and nutritional quality of the forage cactus in environments with a water deficit, resulting in profit to the producer. The productive performance, bromatological composition and economic benefits of using irrigation were investigated in this study with forage cactus clones regulated deficit irriga...

We evaluated the effects of urea addition on gas and effluent losses, fermentation profile, microbial populations, aerobic stability and chemical composition of corn silages. A completely randomised design with five levels of urea (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0% based on dry matter) and five replicates was used. A decreasing linear effect of urea level...

Development duration in the cactus is directly related to changes in the environment caused by the management, which can result in advancing or delaying the harvest. The aim of this study was to analyse the growth, phenology and cutting time of irrigated cactus intercropped with millet, with and without the use of mulch. The experimental design was...

The Brazilian semiarid region has been subjected to strong man-made actions since the 1970s, which have resulted in landscape transformation. The scientific literature presents several studies on the soil properties or microclimate of different types of landscapes; however, less attention was having been paid to the surface contrast between native...

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of various concentrations of sodium chloride (NaCl), magnesium chloride (MgCl2), and calcium chloride (CaCl2) on the growth and in vitro fermentation of cellulolytic, glycolytic, and amylolytic microorganisms from the rumen of a goat. Six concentrations of each salt were tested separately, nam...

The objective of this study was to evaluate the fermentative characteristics and chemical composition of cochineal nopal cactus silage additives with urea or Lactobacillus buchneri (LB), as well as the association of both additives in four storage times (7, 15, 60 and 120 days) and during aerobic stability, with evaluations at 0, 48 and 96 h. Four...