bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lateglacial and Holocene environmental history in the area of Samogitian Upland (NW Lithuania)
Authors: Kabailienė Meilutė , Vaikutienė Giedrė , Macijauskaitė Lina , Rudnickaitė Eugenija , Guobytė Rimantė , Kisielienė Dalia , Gryguc Gražyna , Mažeika Jonas , Šinkūnas Petras , Motuza Gediminas
Published: December 2015

Pollen, plant macrofossil and carbonate analyses supplemented with 14C dating were applied for Lopaičiai hollow and Pakastuva Lake sediment sequences. The new data obtained from two sediment cores were used to reconstruct vegetation cover and environmental changes during Lateglacial and Holocene in Samogitian Upland (NW Lithuania). Different burial conditions of dead ice blocks caused different time of lake sediment start in studied sites. The depositional and vegetation cover history is traced starting at pre-Allerød time in sediment sequence from Lopaičiai core. However, sediment sequence from Pakastuva core provides paleoenvironmental information starting only from the very beginning of Holocene. The study results bring more light on environmental development during Lateglacial and Holocene of specific ice marginal area, which is interlobate insular upland.
The financial impact of an Enhanced Recovery Protocol in colo-rectal surgical care
Authors: Johnson Nathan M. , Fogel Sandy L.
Published: December 2015

Objective: Enhanced Recovery Protocols (ERPs) have been shown in many different settings to lead to quicker recovery for most patients, with a significantly reduced average length of post-operative stay (LOS). A less studied impact of ERPs has been their effect on hospital profitability. While these protocols are resource-intensive and expensive to implement, we argue that they can lead to significantly improved margins. This can be attributed to fewer complications and, more significantly, reductions in LOS resulting in increased patient capacity.Methods: Our ERP was implemented in June of 2014. The protocol was initially used only for colo-rectal cases, both elective and emergent. It contained over 20 pre-, intra-, and post-operative elements of surgical care. One year of data from the ERP cases was compared to contemporaneous controls that did not go through the ERP. Financial data was obtained from the hospital cost accountant. Average LOS was obtained from the EHR.Results: Patients who underwent colo-rectal procedures and participated in the ERP had an average LOS of 5.60 days, while controls stayed for an average of 8.51 days. Financial analysis determined that a full year of compliance with Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocols added over 2 million dollars to the margin for a return on investment (ROI) of over 10 to 1, mainly by increasing hospital capacity and allowing more admissions.Conclusions: The results demonstrate that ERPs significantly reduce LOS, increasing hospital patient capacity. The higher patient load more than recoups ERP costs. Further collection and analysis of data aims to determine the effect on complications, which also have cost saving potential.
Response of yams exposed to different sources and doses of nitrogen fertilizers in the State of Maranhão, Brazil
Authors: Santos Francisco Nóbrega dos , Oliveira Ademar Pereira de , Araújo José Ribamar Gusmão , Silva Ovidio Paulo Rodrigues da , Silva Débora Tuane de Araújo Ferreira , Medeiros Diego Almeida
Published: December 2015

This study was carried out at the State University of Maranhão, São Luís, Brazil from January to November 2012. We assessed the behavior of the yam Dioscorea cayenensis ‘Da Costa’, fertilized with different rates and sources of nitrogen (N). The experimental design was randomized, with treatments in a 6 × 2 factorial design. The factors were represented by six rates of N fertilization (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, and 250 kg·ha-1) and two sources (ammonium sulfate and urea) by using four replicates. We evaluated the mean mass, commercial root yield, leaf N content, starch content in the tubers, and percentage of tubers with symptoms of nematode infection (dry and thick skins). The maximum values for the mean masses of commercial tubers were 2.5 and 1.9 kg with doses of 130 and 160 kg of N ha-1 from ammonium sulfate and urea, respectively. Doses of 130 and 154.3 kg of N ha-1 produced the maximum yields of commercial tubers of 19.7 and 14.9 t·ha-1 with ammonium sulfate and urea fertilization, respectively. The maximum levels of foliar N by using urea and ammonium sulfate were 36.5 and 29.3 g·kg-1, respectively, at a dosage of 250 kg·ha-1. The maximum starch contents of 25.7 and 28.3 % were obtained at doses of 114 and 116 kg of N ha-1 of ammonium sulfate and urea, respectively. The percentage of tubers infected with nematodes was 10% when the N source was urea and 15.6% when the source was ammonium sulfate, both at a dosage of 250 kg·ha-1.
Morphophysiological profile of Jatropha curcas L. fruits and seeds maturation
Authors: Brito Cristiane Dantas de , Loureiro Marta Bruno , Souza Junior Aliomar Pacheco de , Fernandez Luzimar Gonzaga , Castro Renato Delmondez de
Published: December 2015

Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae), known as physic nut, is an oil seed species suitable as feedstock for biodiesel production, among other possible industrial applications. It is also considered tolerant to water restriction and is thus suitable for cultivation in semi-arid regions. However, the lack of uniformity in fructification and seed maturation hinders the harvest and processing of fruits and seeds and the yields from both oil and seed, as well as obtaining seed lots with good physiological qualities as propagule. Thus, the aim of this study was to characterise the physiological profile during the development and maturation of J. curcas seeds and to identify the best time to harvest the fruits and seeds based on morphological and physiological aspects. Fruit and seed development was monitored and the fruits were harvested at the end of the maturation phase. Then, they were visually classified in six distinct stages of maturation based on the size and colour of the exocarp, whereas the seeds were classified into 13 distinct stages based on the appearance of the fruit and colour of the tegument. The overall analysis of the parameters indicated that the best harvest time was when the fruits were brown and brown-dry and the seeds presented maximum dry matter accumulation, lower moisture content, the highest germination and vigour, higher lipid content and stable length and width dimensions. Whereas these parameters are related to physiological maturation in J. curcas seeds.
Growth and quality of Mollar pomegranate tree seedlings propagated by cuttings
Authors: Paiva Emanoela Pereira de , Rocha Railene Hérica Carlos , Pereira Francisco Hevilásio Freire , Sousa Francisco de Assis de , Guedes Wellinghton Alves , Sá Francisco Vanies da Silva , Moreira Inácia dos Santos
Published: December 2015

The seminiferous propagation of the pomegranate tree is dramatically affected by the presence of a sarcotesta, which often makes this method of propagation unfeasible. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the production of rootstocks for Mollar pomegranate cuttings under different management techniques in the dry and wet seasons. Two experiments were performed, one in the dry season (August to December 2012, Experiment I), and another in the rainy season (January to June 2013, Experiment II). The experiments used a completely randomized design with four replications and five seedlings per plot. To monitor plant growth and physiology, a factorial scheme using two factors, management of softwood cuttings (cuttings with leaves; cuttings without leaves; and cuttings without leaves, but with an incision at the base) and evaluation times (60, 70, 80, 90, and 100 days after planting [DAP] in Experiment I and 60, 70, 80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 DAP in Experiment II) was adopted. The propagation material was collected from commercial plants, from the median portion of the branch. The cuttings were approximately 15 cm long. Cuttings without leaves with an incision at the base were more suitable for vegetative propagation of Mollar pomegranate trees, regardless of season (dry or wet). Seedlings grown in the rainy season had higher survival rates and higher root and shoot growth. The use of cuttings with leaves for the vegetative propagation of the Mollar pomegranate tree in the dry season is not feasible. The best time to transplant Mollar pomegranate tree seedlings, in the rainy season, is at 130 DAP, at an average height of 45 cm.
Residual production of pineapple biomass under different levels of nitrogen and potassium in northwestern Paraná
Authors: Vicentini Maria Elisa , Caramori Paulo Henrique , Carvalho Sergio Luiz Colucci de , Gil Luciano Grillo , Spinosa Wilma Aparecida , Zaro Geovanna Cristina , Ricce Wilian Da Silva , Detoni Alessandra Maria
Published: December 2015

Emphasis on studies that seek sustainable energy alternatives to oil has increased over the last few years. Ethanol derived from sugarcane remains a promising technology for biofuel production. Waste from pineapple culture remains is a potential alternative raw material for biofuel production. The goal of this study was to determine the potential of residual biomass production of a pineapple crop, subjected to fertilization by different levels of nitrogen and potassium. The experiment was conducted in Northwest Paraná, in a commercial area in Santa Isabel do Ivaí-PR. The climate in this area is subtropical humid according to the Köppen classification, and has a sandy dystrophic red acrisol.The experimental design was a 4 × 4 factorial, where factor A:N doses (0; 11; 22; and 33 g per plant) and factor B:K2O doses (0; 11; 22; and 33 g per plant. The production of residual pineapple biomass responded differently to the N and K doses applied. Potassium fertilization had a positive linear correlation, up to the addition of 33 g plant-1 with a production of 5.88 Mg ha-1. A dose of 18.138 g plant-1 yielded in the maximum dry biomass production for nitrogen fertilization.
Serological and molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii in dogs of urban and rural areas of Cuiaba, Mato Grosso
Authors: Boa Sorte Eveline Da Cruz , Almeida Arleana Bom Parto Ferreira de , Cruz Felipe Augusto Constantino S. da , Gasparetto Naiani Domingos , Godoy Isabela De , Dutra Valéria , Amendoeira Maria Regina Reis , Sousa Valéria Régia Franco
Published: December 2015

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of Toxoplasma gondii infection using serological and molecular analyses in dogs from Cuiabá, a municipality of the Brazilian Cerrado, and the associated factors involved in the transmission cycle. A cross-sectional study was conducted with dogs from the rural and urban areas of Cuiabá (Mato Grosso) from February 2010 to January 2011, and antibodies and the DNA of Toxoplasma gondii were evaluated using indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). In the study, a total of 269 dogs were evaluated using IFA considering positive titer threshold of ? 16 and buffy coat PCR. Of the 269 dogs surveyed, 48.7% had anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies according to IFA, and 15.6% had the parasite’s DNA. The seroprevalence was 62.4% in the rural districts and 40.4% in the urban areas, and the difference between these areas was significant (p = 0.0007). The most common levels of antibody titers were 51 in 256 (39%) dogs, followed by 1024 in 37 (28.2%) dogs. The infectious agent was associated with breed, age, access to the street and the environment in which the animal lived (p <0.05). The serological and molecular results showed that T. gondii infection is active in the canine population in the rural and urban areas of Cuiabá, with a higher risk in dogs residing in rural areas.
Effect of Musa spp. extract on eggs and larvae of gastrointestinal nematodes from infected sheep
Authors: Neuwirt Natalie , Gregory Lilian , Yoshihara Eidi , Gorniak Silvana Lima
Published: December 2015

Helminthes are listed as one of the main problems facing the development of goat and sheep production. Haemonchus contortus is the specie that causes greatest negative impact in ranching. Resistance to anti-parasitic drugs and demand for residue-free animal-derived food products has elevated the importance of herbal treatments. The aim of this study was to develop an extract of Musa spp. and assess by in vitro testing, the anthelmintic effect on eggs and larvae in the gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep. Stool samples from sheep naturally infected were used to obtain eggs and larvae and was then followed by a test of hatchability and a larval migration inhibition test. In vitro tests on the inhibition of larval hatchability at concentrations of 160 and 180 mg mL-1 of larval extracts and inhibition of migration at concentrations of 800 and 1000 mg mL-1 were observed. The results indicate that the use of banana leaf has an anthelmintic effect and that in vivo studies on the applicability of this technology to the field should be made to further understanding and bring more information to what has already been revealed in this study.
Ultrastructural changes in the Haemonchus contortus cuticle exposed to Acacia mearnsii extract
Authors: Yoshihara Eidi , Minho Alessandro Pelegrine , Tabacow Victor Bittencourt Dutra , Cardim Sérgio Tosi , Yamamura Milton Hissashi
Published: December 2015

The parasite Haemonchus contortus is one of the most pathogenic for small ruminants in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide, including Brazil. The objective of this study was to evaluate the structural changes induced in adult H. contortus after in vitro contact with Acacia mearnsii extract (AE), using scanning electron microscopy. Adult nematodes were collected from a naturally infected lamb. In the in vitro assay the parasites were placed in contact with AE (100 mg ml-1), for two hours at 37oC. The nematodes used in the assays (exposed to AE and the negative controls) were analyzed using an electron scanning microscope (quadruplicate per treatment). In all replicates, similar morphological alterations were observed on the entire extension of the cuticle of the specimens that remained in contact with the EA in vitro assays, none significant lesion was observed in the negative control (not exposed to AE). These results indicate the direct action of EA on the cuticle of H. contortus in in vitro trials
Accuracy of abdominal radiography to determine fetus numbers in bitches at two gestational ages
Authors: Garcia Daniela Aparecida Ayres , Rompkovski Mariana Regina , Gil Elaine Mayume Ueno , Giannico Amália Turner , Froes Tilde Rodrigues
Published: December 2015

Abdominal radiography is considered the most accurate technique for determining fetal numbers. Nevertheless, there is a disagreement in the literature concerning the optimal time to perform the examination to obtain the most accurate fetal count. The objective of this study was to compare the accuracy of fetal counting in bitches at two gestational stages, using digital radiographs, and to analyze the possible complicating factors. Fifty-eight abdominal radiographs of 38 bitches at two gestational stages were analyzed by two observers. The first stage (Group I) included bitches between 45 and 48 days of gestation, and the second (Group II) bitches between 54 and 57 days of gestation. The Kappa index of agreement for categorical data indicated agreement between observers. Agreement was lower for Group I than for Group II. The estimated value of Pearson’s coefficient for Group I was positive but weak for correlation between observers 1 and 2 and the number of puppies born. There was significant correlation between counts and the number of puppies born in Group II. We conclude that radiographic examination is not an accurate method of determining fetal number between 45 and 48 days of gestation and that the optimal time to perform this examination is between 54 and 57 days of gestation, at which time the fetal skull is fully visible on radiographs.
Seroprevalence of rickettsia spp. and a study of the tick fauna in dogs from the municipality of Seropédica, State of Rio de Janeiro
Authors: Cordeiro Matheus Dias , Raia Vanessa De Almeida , Pinter Adriano , Cunha Nathalie Costa da , Souza Celso Eduardo de , Fonseca Adivaldo Henrique da
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of anti-Rickettsia spp. antibodies, the tick fauna, and the ticks that are carriers of rickettsiae of the spotted fever group (SFG). About 68 (24%) of the 283 serum samples tested by indirect immunofluorescence (IFA) reacted against the R. rickettsii crude antigen. The titers varied between 1:64 and 1:512. At the time of collection, 189 (64.5%) of the 293 dogs included in this study, were infested with ticks. Ticks classified as Rhipicephalus sanguineus and Amblyomma sculptum were identified. None of the ticks examined for SFG rickettsiae using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were positive. The presence of the anti-R. rickettsii antibodies detected by IFA, albeit at low titers, suggests the circulation of SFG rickettsiae, which requires permanent surveillance because there are records on human fatalities related to spotted fever and to avoid any future threats to the students moving extensively in the areas near of the Rural Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.
Slaughter weights on animal performance, carcass commercial cuts and meat characteristics of cull cows
Authors: Missio Regis Luis , Restle João , Moletta José Luiz , Kuss Fernando , Neiva José Neuman Miranda , Elejalde Denise Adelaide Gomes , Moura Ivan César Furmann , Prado Ivanor Nunes , Miotto Fabrícia Rocha Chaves
Published: December 2015

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of slaughter weight on animal performance, carcass commercial cuts and meat characteristics of Purunã cows feedlot finished. We used 28 cull cows with 68.02±17.36 months of age slaughtered at different weights (461, 476, 434 and 522 kg). The experimental design was completely randomized with four treatments (slaughter weight) and seven replicates (animals). The dry matter intake, expressed as kg d-1 and % of body weight, presented quadratic variation with increasing slaughter weight, with the highest values observed for slaughter weight of 461 kg. The average daily gain decreased linearly, whereas the absolute weight of forequarter, short ribs, and pistol cut linearly increased by the advance of slaughter weight. In relative terms only the short ribs was changed by increase slaughter weight, increasing linearly. Between the proportions of meat cuts prepared for commercialization, linear increases were observed for the chuck and striploin. Increasing slaughter weight promoted linear increases in the scores of color, marbling and palatability, but did not alter the score of tenderness of the meat. The increase of slaughter weight of cull cows of the Purunã breed reduces animal performance, increasing the losses by trimming fat, with important benefits only for the meat palatability.
Effect of azaperone in newly calved sows over the progenies’ health and performance in maternity and nursery phases
Authors: Zotti Everson , Silva Caio Abércio da , Alfieri Amauri Alcindo , Bridi Ana Maria , Welter Camila Perin , Souza Tiago Comarella , Saraiva Matheus Cauduro , Zotti Dirceu Celeste , Moreira Fabiane Helena M. Nogueira Bachega
Published: December 2015

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of azaperone administered to sows at the end of farrowing over the health and zootechnical parameters of progenies in the maternity and nursery phases. The experiment was conducted with 120 females, with 1st, 3rd and 5th parities, and 1,564 born alive piglets. The females of the group treated with azaperone (TG n = 60) and control group (CG, n = 60) received a deep intramuscular injection, immediately after the placenta elimination, of 8 mL azaperone (320 mg) and 8 mL of sterile saline solution, respectively. During the maternity phase (? 21 days old) the percentage of piglets with diarrhea of CG (2.58%) was significantly different (P ? 0.01) compared to the GT (0.75%). At the maternity phase there were no significant differences between the treatments to the mortality rate, total and piglets weight with <1 kg, transfers, crushed, medicated, arthritis and starvation. In the nursery phase, there weren’t also significant differences between the treatments. The administration of azaperone had a positive effect over the diarrhea control of piglets until the weaned.
Simulation of rumen fermentation kinetics of by-products from the biodiesel industry with in vitro gas production technique
Authors: Silva Alex Lopes da , Marcondes Marcos Inácio , Veloso Cristina Mattos , Sousa Fernanda Campos de , Knupp Leonardo Sidney
Published: December 2015

The objective of this study was to investigate the rumen fermentation kinetics of 18 by-products from the biodiesel industry exhibiting potential for use in the feeding of ruminants via the in vitro gas production technique. The following feeds were investigated: cottonseed, canudo de pito, crambe, sunflower, castor seed (detoxified with lime) and soybean meals and cottonseed, peanut, babassu, crambe, palm kernel, sunflower, licuri nut, macaúba, forage radish and jatropha cakes. The evaluated parameters were total gas production (VfT), gas production from fibrous carbohydrates (VfFC), gas production from non-fibrous carbohydrates (VfNFC), the degradation rate of fibrous carbohydrates (kdFC), the degradation rate of non-fibrous carbohydrates (kdNFC) and lag time (lag). The feeds were grouped into six different groups according to rumen fermentation kinetic parameters and adopting an R2 of 0.8. Forage radish cake and the meals of cottonseed, soybean, crambe and sunflower composed the first group, while the cakes of babassu and sunflower formed the second group. Canudo de pito and castor seed meals and the cakes of cottonseed, licuri and jatropha I and II formed the third group. The fourth group was composed by the cakes of crambe, palm kernel and peanut I. The fifth group was formed by peanut cake II, while macauba fruit cake formed the sixth group. The VfNFC and VfFC varied from 16.72 to 200.07 mL and from 53.09 to 242.12 mL, respectively. The mean kdFC and kdNFC values varied from 0.002 to 0.039% h-1and from 0.022 to 0.430% h-1, respectively. The mean lag and VfT varied from 0.0001 to 5.2029 hours and 136.94 to 301.44 mL, respectively. A number of the products exhibited the potential to replace soybean meal, especially the forage radish cake and cottonseed, crambe and sunflower meals.
The effect of grazing intensity and supplementation on performance, stress indicators and metabolic profiles of finishing lambs
Authors: Costa João Paulo Ramos , Silva Wilton Ladeira da , Paula Gregory Caputti de , Tsuzukibashi Denise , Malheiros Euclides Braga , Ruggieri Ana Cláudia , Negrão João Alberto
Published: December 2015

In the present study, the effect of grazing intensity (GI) and feed supplementation in sixty-four crossbred Santa Inês lambs was assessed based on performance, blood stress indicators, and metabolic profiles. The GIs analyzed were VH = very high, H = high, L = low, and VL = very low, and were represented by the residual leaf area index (LAIr). The lambs were divided into two groups, supplemented (SP) and non-supplemented (NSP). The dry matter intake (DMI) and average daily gain (ADG) increased linearly with decreasing GI (P < 0.05), and the ADG was higher for the NSP group than the SP group (P < 0.05). The plasma cortisol concentration was higher in the NSP group (P < 0.05), and it was not affected by GIs (P > 0.05). The neutrophil:lymphocyte (N:L) ratio decreased linearly with GI (P < 0.05), and the SP group had a higher N:L ratio (P < 0.05). None of the parameters evaluated for protein metabolism were affected by GI (P > 0.05), except albumin, where the SP group had a higher concentration of this metabolite (P < 0.05). Regarding energy metabolism indicators, glucose showed a linear increase with a decrease in GI (P < 0.05) and was higher in the SP group (P < 0.05); however, there was a decreasing linear effect (P < 0.05) and the NSP group had higher serum levels (P < 0.05) of non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA). The concentration of beta hydroxybutyrate (HBA-B) was higher in the SP group (P < 0.05). The concentration of calcium was affected by GI (P < 0.05). The phosphorus concentration was higher in the SP group (P < 0.05), and concentration of magnesium was not affected by any of the treatments (P > 0.05). It was concluded that GI and SP modified the performance, stress indicators, and metabolic profiles of finishing lambs.
Principal component analysis for evaluating a ranking method used in the performance testing in sheep of Morada Nova breed
Authors: Silva Michelle Santos da , Shiotsuki Luciana , Lôbo Raimundo Nonato Braga , Facó Olivardo
Published: December 2015

A multivariate approach was adopted to evaluate the relationship among traits measured in the performance testing of Morada Nova sheep, verify the efficiency of a ranking method used in these tests and identify the most significant traits for use in future analyses. Data from 150 young rams participating in five versions of the performance tests for the Morada Nova breed were used. Twenty traits were measured in each animal: initial weight (IW), final weight (FW), average daily weight gain (ADG), loin eye area (LEA), scrotal circumference (SC), fat thickness (FT), conformation (C), precocity (Pc), muscularity (M), breed features (BF), legs (L), withers height (WH), chest width (CW), rump height (RH), rump width (RW), rump length (RL), body length (BL), body depth (BD), heart girth (HG) and body condition scoring (BCS). The Pearson’s correlation coefficients ranged from –0.10 to 0.93, with the highest correlations were between body weight variables and morphometric measurements. The three first principal components explained 72.28% of the total variability among all traits. The variables related to animal size defined the first principal component, whereas those related to visual appraisal and suitability for meat production defined the second and third principal components, respectively. The combination of traits from the principal component analysis showed that the ranking method currently used in the performance testing of Morada Nova sheep is efficient for selecting larger rams with better breed features and higher degrees of specialization for meat production.
Replacement of soybean meal by babassu pie in balanced rations for broilers from one to 21 days of age
Authors: Silva Mônica Calixto da , Siqueira Jefferson Costa de , Vaz Roberta Gomes Marçal Vieira , Rodrigues Kênia Ferreira , Albino Luiz Fernando Teixeira , Sousa Luciano Fernandes , Neiva Ana Cláudia Gomes Rodrigues , Fonseca Flávia Luzia Rodrigues , Sousa Joana Patrícia Lira de , Parente Iberê Pereira , Campos Carla Fonseca Alves , Silva Ariane De Sousa Rodrigues
Published: December 2015

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of substitution level of soybean meal by babassu pie on the performance and cost feed rations to broilers of one to 21 days of age. Two hundred male broiler chicks at one day of age were used, distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments (0, 10, 20 and 30 % substitution of soybean meal by babassu pie) with five repetitions of 10 broilers each. The performance (weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion and water intake), organ biometrics, feed cost per kg and per kilogram body weight were evaluated. The substitution of soybean meal by babassu pie was significantly in (P<0.05) negatively weight gain, feed conversion, water intake and body weight at 21 days of age, with no effect (P>0.05) on feed intake. The levels of substitution of soybean meal by babassu pie did not affect (P>0.05) the relative weights of the heart or liver, or the relative weight or length of the small intestine; however, it did affect (P<0.05) the relative weight of the gizzard. The lowest cost per kg was obtained from weight gain satisfaction with the diet of 0% babassu pie, which resulted in a higher gross margin for food. The replacement of soybean meal by babassu pie impaired the performance of broilers from one to 21 days of age, being technically and economically unfeasible.
Quality attributes and properties of surubim (Pseudoplatystoma spp.) meat
Authors: Fantini Letícia Emiliani , Lara Jorge Antonio Ferreira de , Delbem Ádina Cléia Botazzo , Ushizima Thiago Tetsuo , Povh Jayme Aparecido , Campos Cristiane Meldau de
Published: December 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the quality attributes and properties of fillets from surubins (Pseudoplatystoma spp.) reared in cages and fishponds. The design of the study was completely randomized, with two treatments (cage and fishpond) and 16 replicates each. The fillets from fishes reared in cage and fishpond had a mean total weight of 134.71 ± 33.11 g and 151.56 ± 18.56 g, respectively. The following parameters were analyzed: pH, water retention capacity (WRC), color (L* brightness), (a* red), (b* yellow), and shear force (SF). The data were subjected to analysis of variance and the means were compared by Tukey’s and Mann-Whitney (nonparametric) tests. Statistically significant differences (p<0.05) were observed for WRC, SF, and pH variables. Only for color attributes (L*), (a*), (b*), no statistically significant difference (p>0.05) was detected between the treatments. A lower pH (6.17 ± 0.23) was observed in fillets from surubins reared in cage. As this is close to the isoelectric point of myofibrillar proteins, it reduces their net charge and, consequently, their capacity to retain water. Lower WRC of fillets obtained from fishes reared in cage (61.46 ± 1.62%) implies loss of nutritional value through the exudate released which results in drier fillets and compromised tenderness. In fillets from cage production, SF (1.06 ± 0.22 kgf) was higher than those from fishpond, i.e., the higher the shear force, the lower the tenderness of the fillet. On the basis of the observation that fillets from fishes reared in fishponds were more tender, this study confirmed that the quality of surubin fillets is influenced by the production system.
Electrolyte balance and crude protein requirement of laying Japanese quail
Authors: Vieira Danilo Vargas Gonçalves , Bonaparte Talita Pinheiro , Vargas Júnior José Geraldo de , Barboza Walter Amaral , Soares Rita Da Trindade Ribeiro Nobre , Pastore Silvana Marques , Vieites Flávio Medeiros
Published: December 2015

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of two levels of crude protein and five levels of electrolyte balance on the performance and egg-quality of laying Japanese quail. Six hundred 45-day-oldquails were distributed in a randomized-block design with a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement comprising ten treatments, five replicates, and 12 birds per experimental unit. The electrolyte balance levels were 50, 125, 200, 275, and 350 mEq kg–1of diet, and crude protein (CP) levels were 210 and 240 g kg-1. The performance and egg-quality variables assessed were: feed intake, feed conversion, egg-laying percentage, egg weight and mass, and albumin, yolk and shell weight. There were no interactions among the studied factors. The electrolyte balance and crude protein levels did not significantly affect the performance variables. However, increased shell weight of eggs stored for seven days was observed at an electrolyte balance level of 200 mEq kg–1. With regard to the CP levels, increased egg weight was observed at 28 days at a level of 210 g kg-1, whereas increased albumin weight was observed at 35 days of storage at a level of 240 g kg-1. A tendency toward an increase in egg albumin weight during the storage period of 14 days was observed. Based on the findings of this study, it is recommended that the diet for Japanese quails in the laying phase be formulated with an electrolyte balance of 50 mEq kg–1and 240 g kg-1 of crude protein This diet did not have a negative effect on productive performance, and by increasing the weight of egg albumin, eggs can be stored for a longer duration, thus demonstrating an alternative method to increase the shelf life of eggs.
Tests for evaluating the physiological quality of pitaya seeds
Authors: Ortiz Thiago Alberto , Moritz Aline , Takahashi Lúcia Sadayo Assari , Urbano Mariana Ragassi
Published: December 2015

Germination test is used to assess the physiological quality of seeds; however, since it is carried out under ideal conditions, this test has not been shown sufficient for this purpose. Instead, it is possible to use vigor tests, although the lack of standardized methodologies has reduced their applicability and reproducibility. Thus, this study aimed to develop methodologies for conducting tests of germination, accelerated aging, and electrical conductivity for the evaluation of the physiological quality of pitaya seeds. For this purpose, seeds from ripe Hylocereus undatus fruits were used. A completely randomized experimental design was used with four replications. The physiological quality of the seeds was assessed using germination, accelerated aging, and electrical conductivity tests, and the speed of germination index (SGI) and mean germination time (MGT) were determined for both the germination test and accelerated aging test. For the statistical analysis, we performed regression model adjustments and calculated the Pearson correlation coefficient (p < 0.05). The germination test for H. undatus seeds can be performed at 25 °C, with the aim of reaching the highest SGI and lowest MGT values. The accelerated aging test can be conducted at 43 °C for 48 h, because combining these factors favors the expression of seed vigor, allowing seeds to achieve the maximum SGI and minimum MGT, while reducing the time of the assay. The electrical conductivity test can be performed using 25 seeds at a temperature of 30 °C and a water volume of 10 mL, since under these conditions there is less interference from external factors on the leachate content of the solution.
Changes in potassium pools in Paraná soils under successive cropping and potassium fertilization
Authors: Steiner Fabio , Lana Maria Do Carmo , Zoz Tiago , Frandoloso Jucenei Fernando
Published: December 2015

The changes in soil potassium pools under intense cropping and fertilized with potash fertilizer are still little known to the soils of Paraná State. The effects of potassium fertilization and successive cropping on changes in K pools in different soils of Paraná, Brazil, were investigated in this study. Twelve soil samples, collected from the upper layer 0–0.20 m, were fertilized or not with K and subjected to six successive cropping (i.e., soybean, pearl millet, wheat, common beans, soybean and maize). All the crops were grown for 45 days, and at the end of the second, fourth and sixth cropping, the soil from each pot was sampled to determination of the total K, non-exchangeable K, exchangeable K and solution K. The result showed that the soil potassium pools varied widely. Total K concentration ranged from 547 to 15,563 mg kg–1 (4,714 mg kg–1, on average). On the average, structural K, non-exchangeable K, exchangeable K and solution K of the soils constituted 84.0, 11.3, 4.6 and 0.1% of the total K, respectively. Soils differ in the ability to supply potassium to the plants in the short to medium term, due to the wide range of parent material and the degree of soil weathering. When the soils were not fertilized with K, the successive cropping of plants resulted in a continuous process of depletion of non-exchangeable K and exchangeable K pools; however, this depletion was less pronounced in soils with higher potential buffer capacity of K. The concentrations of K non-exchangeable and exchangeable K were increased with the addition of potassium fertilizers, indicating the occurrence of K fixation in soil. After the second cropping, the soil exchangeable K levels remained constant with values of 141 and 36 mg kg–1, respectively, with and without the addition of K fertilizer, reflecting in establishing of a new dynamic equilibrium of K in the soil.
Physiological responses of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L.) plants due to different copper concentrations
Authors: Cuchiara Cristina Copstein , Winhelmann Mara Cíntia , Larré Cristina Ferreira , Fernando Juliana Aparecida , Braga Eugenia Jacira Bolacel , Peters José Antonio
Published: December 2015

At low concentrations, Cu is considered as an essential micronutrient for plants and as a constituent and activator of several enzymes. However, when in excess, Cu can negatively affect plant growth and metabolism. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate physiological responses of sweet potato plants at different Cu concentrations by measuring morphological parameters, antioxidant metabolism, stomatal characteristics, and mineral profile. For this purpose, sweet potato plants were grown hydroponically in complete nutrient solution for six days. Then, the plants were transferred to solutions containing different Cu concentrations, 0.041 (control), 0.082, and 0.164 mM, and maintained for nine days. The main effect of increased Cu concentration was observed in the roots. The sweet potato plants grown in 0.082 mM Cu solution showed increased activity of antioxidant enzymes and no changes in growth parameters. However, at a concentration of 0.164 mM, Cu was transported from the roots to the shoots. This concentration altered morpho-anatomical characteristics and activated the antioxidant system because of the stress generated by excess Cu. On the basis of the results, it can be concluded that the sweet potato plants were able to tolerate Cu toxicity until 0.082 mM.
Agricultural potential of an industrial sewage sludge in compliance with CONAMA Resolution no. 375/2006
Authors: Machado Lívia Rodrigues Dias , Trannin Isabel Cristina de Barros
Published: December 2015

The agricultural use of sewage sludge is one of the best alternatives to disposal because of its potential as a plant fertilizer and soil conditioner. However, to be safe for agricultural use, the sewage sludge must be evaluated according to its physical, chemical, and biological properties and its origin. In Brazil, NBR 10.004/2004 is the standard that determines the classification of solid waste, and CONAMA Resolution 375/2006 defines the criteria for the agricultural use of sewage sludge. This study evaluated the agricultural potential of an aerobically digested industrial sewage sludge from the Serramar Dairy Cooperative in the city of Guaratinguetá, São Paulo. This sludge was classified as Class IIA waste according to NBR 10.004/2004 and displayed potential for agricultural use by falling within the limits in terms for heavy metals and pathogenic organisms established by Resolution 375/2006 as well as containing high levels of nutrients. To establish the sludge doses allowed for application to crops such as maize (annual) and Eucalyptus sp. (perennial) by the resolution, the amount of nitrogen available in the sludge and the amounts of this nutrient required by these crops were considered. The recommended sewage sludge doses for corn (8 Mg ha- 1) and Eucalyptus sp. forestation (6 Mg ha- 1) can meet the nitrogen and phosphorus needs of these crops but require supplementation with potassium mineral fertilizer.
Substrate but not seed size affects seed germination of Dypsis onilahensis (Jum. & H. Perrier) Beentje & J. Dransf
Authors: Luz Petterson Baptista da , Marostega Thalita Neves , Nicchio Bruno , Neves Leonarda Grillo
Published: December 2015

Dypsis onilahensis, commonly known as sibara palm, is a palm tree with enormous ornamental potential. Commercial propagation occurs through seeds, but few studies have evaluated the factors that affect the germination process of this species. Thus, we aimed at evaluating the effects of seed size and substrate on D. onilahensis germination. We used a completely randomized experimental design and a 2 x 3 factorial scheme with two seed sizes (> 15 mm and < 15 mm in diameter) and three substrate types (sand, Plantmax®, and vermiculite), with four replications of 15 seeds. We analyzed germination percentage (G%), number of germinated seeds (NGS), and germination speed index (GSI). Data underwent variance analysis, and means were compared by the Tukey test at 5% probability. Germination began 73 days after sowing. Seed size had no effect on germination. Among substrates, vermiculite showed the best results for GSI, NGS, and G%, followed by sand and then by Plantmax®. Our study provides the first data on factors that affect the germination of this palm tree species.
Effect of pFSH dose reduction on in vivo embryo production in Dorper ewes
Authors: Loiola Filho João Bosco , Monte Alane Pains Oliveira do , Souza Thais Thatiane Dos Santos , Miranda Mayara De Souza , Magalhães Lívia Correia , Barros Celso Henrique Souza Costa , Silva Ana Arlete De Amorim , Santos Adriano Oliveira , Guimarães Aionne De Souza Leite , Costa Jonathan Maia da Silva , Cruz Rodrigo Bonfim , Cordeiro Mabel Freitas , Lopes Júnior Edilson Soares
Published: December 2015

To evaluate the effect of pFSH dose on the in vivo embryo production of Dorper ewes in the semi-arid northeast of Brazil, 40 sheep females were distributed into two groups of 20 animals that received intravaginal CIDR for 14 days, and two days before device removal, they received one of the following treatments: in the FSH200 group, the ewes received 200 mg of pFSH; and in the FSH128 group, the ewes received a total of 128 mg in decreasing doses every 12 h. Beginning 12 h after the conclusion of the treatments, estrus detection was performed every four hours using two Dorper rams of proven fertility. The ewes were mated at estrus onset and 24 hours later. Seven days after intravaginal device removal, the superovulatory response was evaluated, and embryo collection was performed using the laparotomy method. The recovered flushings were subjected to embryo searches under a stereomicroscope and classified according to their qualities. Analyses of variance (ANOVAs) and LSD tests were used to compare the different parameters. The data expressed as percentages were analysed by chi-square test. The ovulation rate was higher in the FSH200 group, which had 16.3 ± 0.3 corpora lutea (CL), than in the FSH128 group, which had 11.3 ± 0.3 CL (P<0.05). However, higher fertilization rate (83.6% vs. 62.4%) and higher transferable (86.0% vs. 71.6%) and freezable (67.9% vs. 40.8%) embryo rates were observed in the FSH 128 group compared with the group that received 200 mg. Furthermore, no significant differences in the remaining parameters were observed between the experimental groups (P>0.05), demonstrating that pFSH dose reduction promoted a greater production of freezable and transferable embryos in Dorper ewes subjected to MOET.
Clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemistry characterization of toxoplasmosis in dogs with distemper in the semiarid region of Paraíba, Brazil
Authors: Frade Maria Talita Soares , Maia Lisanka Ângelo , Andrade Rachel Livingstone Felizola Soares , Alves Rodrigo Cruz , Yamasaki Elise Miyuki , Mota Rinaldo Aparecido , Dantas Antônio Flávio Medeiros
Published: December 2015

The objective of this study was to describe the clinical, pathological, and immunohistochemistry characteristics of five cases of toxoplasmosis, an infection often associated with distemper in dogs. From January 2000 to December 2012, a retrospective study was performed analyzed dogs with distemper in the semiarid region of Paraíba. We evaluated this sample to focus on individuals who presented with concomitant structures in protozoa characteristics, and performed immunohistochemistry (IHC) tests using polyclonal anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibody. In all cases, the clinical signs were similar including digestive changes, as well as respiratory, neurological, and ocular lesions, suggesting an infection of canine distemper virus. The diagnosis of distemper was confirmed on histopathological analysis depending on the presence of intranuclear and intracytoplasmic eosinophilic inclusion bodies in different tissues. Histopathological examination also revealed the characteristic presence of parasitic cysts T. gondii in the brain in four cases, and in the lung in one case. The brain cysts were associated with multifocal areas of malacia and lung there was alveolar septa thickening due to infiltration of macrophages, lymphocytes, and plasma cells, with moderate proliferation of type II pneumocytes and coalescing multifocal areas of necrosis. These cysts are characterized by round and strongly basophilic structures, measuring approximately 5 to 70 ?m, delimited by thin wall, stained by hematoxylin and eosin, and immunomarked as brown by immunohistochemistry (IHC) using the chromogen DAB. The diagnosis of toxoplasmosis associated with infection by canine distemper virus in the five case studied was based on microscopic findings and confirmed by immunohistochemistry. Toxoplasmosis should be included in the differential diagnosis of dogs with severe progressive systemic signs, especially when respiratory and neurological involvement is suspected.
Effect of the cryopreservation method used, the embryonic stage and the use of conjugated linoleic acid isomers on the cryotolerance of in vitro-produced bovine embryos
Authors: Marinho Luciana Simões Rafagnin , Ohlweiler Lain Uriel , Barreta Marcos Henrique , Gonçalves Paulo Bayard Dias , Mezzalira Joana Claudia , Mezzalira Alceu
Published: December 2015

Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) might be able to improve the cryotolerance of in vitro-produced (IVP) embryos. The effect of two CLA isomers on the cryotolerance of bovine IVP embryos, as well as that of the stage of embryonic development and the method used for cryopreservation was evaluated by three experiments. In Experiment 1, oocytes (n = 3,917) were fertilized in vitro and cultured with 0, 50, 100, or 200 ?M trans-10, cis-12 (t10, c12 CLA). In Experiment 2, fertilized oocytes (n = 2,131) were cultured with 100 ?M t10, c12 or cis-9, trans-11 (c9, t11 CLA), or a combination of both isomers. The embryos were vitrified at the blastocyst (BL) or the expanded blastocyst (EB) stage. In Experiment 3, oocytes (n = 1,720) were fertilized and cultured with or without 100 ?M t10, c12 CLA, and the blastocysts were vitrified or frozen. Blastocyst development rate as well as the rates of re-expansion and hatching after thawing was recorded. Moreover, the mean cell number and mRNA expression of acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC1) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase (SCD1) as well as fatty acid synthase (FASN) multienzyme complex were determined. In Experiment 1, the highest concentration of t10, c12 CLA that did not reduce blastocyst development rate was 100 ?M. In Experiment 2, the rates of re-expansion and hatching among the EBs obtained through IVP after supplementation with t10, c12 CLA (73.1% and 57.7%), with c9, t11 CLA (80.0% and 68.6%), with the combination (78.3% and 52.2%), and with the control group (85.4% and 58.3%) were similar. At the BL stage, the rates of re-expansion and hatching were lower than those at the EB stage, and CLA combination allowed a hatching rate (8.0%) lower than that observed in the control group (40.0%). In Experiment 3, the hatching rates for vitrified EBs (vitrified control; 67.4%) and vitrified CLA EBs (65.8%) were higher than those obtained for frozen EBs, exposed (13.3%) or not exposed (28.6%) to CLA. In addition, in Experiment 3, the hatching rate was higher at the EB stage in vitrified groups, while the rates of BL and EB were similar in frozen groups, thus proving that vitrification was more efficient than freezing for IVP bovine embryos. In Experiment 3, CLA isomer t10, C12 did not influence the embryonic cell number or mRNA expression of ACC1 and SCD1 enzymes, but decreased the mRNA expression of FASN. In conclusion, 100 ?M CLA did not affect subsequent embryonic development. However, neither CLA isomer improved the cryotolerance of IVP bovine embryos.