Abstract The study's aim was to evaluate the microbiological, nutritional, textural quality and palatability of pet biscuits made with the inclusion of three flours. The treatments were chicken viscera flour (CVF), commercial Nile tilapia flour (FF) and mixed fish flours of several species (FVF). For the FVF, only the carcasses (backbones) of Nile tilapia, salmon, tuna and sardines were used, and they were washed, whereas FVF as well as the others were cooked for 60 minutes, then pressed, ground and dehydrated for 24 hours at 60° C. After this period, they were crushed and ground for inclusion in the biscuits. The CVF, FF and FVF flours showed 43.82%, 50.48% and 56.70% of crude protein, respectively. CVF had the highest lipid content (10.01%) and FVF had the highest ash content (23.94%) and FVF had the highest caloric value (338.63 kcal 100 g-1). The inclusion of flours in biscuits did not influence the protein and carbohydrate contents, whose average values were 18.48% and 50.23%. However, they influenced the moisture content, lipids, ash and caloric value. Biscuits with the inclusion of viscera (CVF) had the highest lipid content (5.91%) and those with fish had the highest ash content (5.66% and 5.81%) for FF and FVF. Biscuits with FVF had a lower caloric value (318.47 kcal 100 g-1). The microbiological analysis indicated that the biscuits were considered of good quality to feed dogs. Regarding texture and palatability, there was no significant difference between treatments. The inclusion of fish flour, both FF and FVF, is a viable alternative.

Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade microbiológica e nutricional, a textura e a palatabilidade de biscoitos pet elaborados com a inclusão de três farinhas. Os tratamentos foram farinha de vísceras de frango (FVC), farinha de tilápia comercial (FF) e mix de farinhas de peixes de várias espécies (FVF). Para FVF, foram utilizadas apenas as carcaças (espinhaço) de tilápia, salmão, atum e sardinha, as quais foram lavadas. Em todos os tratamentos, as farinhas foram cozidas por 60 minutos, depois prensadas, moídas e desidratadas por 24 horas a 60 °C. Decorrido esse período, as farinhas foram trituradas e moídas para inclusão nos biscoitos. As farinhas FVC, FF e FVF apresentaram 43,82%, 50,48% e 56,70% de proteína bruta, respectivamente. A FVC apresentou maior teor lipídico (10,01%) e a FVF, maior teor de cinzas (23,94%) e o maior valor calórico (338,63 kcal 100 g-1). A inclusão das farinhas nos biscoitos não influenciou nos teores de proteína e carboidratos, cujos valores médios foram de 18,48% e 50,23%, respectivamente. Entretanto, influenciaram no teor de umidade, lipídios, cinzas e valor calórico. Os biscoitos com inclusão de vísceras (CVF) apresentaram os maiores teores de lipídeos (5,91%) e aqueles com inclusão pescado maiores teores de cinzas (5,66% e 5,81%) para FF e FVF. Os biscoitos com FVF apresentaram menor valor calórico (318,47 kcal 100 g-1). A análise microbiológica indicou que os biscoitos apresentaram qualidades apropriadas para serem fornecidos a cães. Em relação a textura e aceitabilidade, não houve diferença significativa entre os tratamentos. A inclusão de farinhas de peixe, tanto FF quanto FVF, é uma alternativa viável.

Abstract The objective of this study is to assess, in zebrafish, the effects of combining linseed oil (LO) and clove leaf essential oil (CLEO) on the incorporation of fatty acids in the muscle, oxidative markers, lipid peroxidation and expression of the PPAR-α (Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-α) and the SREBP-2 (Sterol Regulatory Element Binding Protein-2) genes. Six diets were prepared, containing combinations of LO (3, 6 and 9%) and CLEO (0.5 and 1%): 3% LO + 0.5% CLEO; 3% LO + 1% CLEO; 6% LO + 0.5% CLEO; 6% LO + 1% CLEO; 9% LO + 0.5% CLEO; 9% LO + 1% CLEO. Results showed increase in the incorporation of n-3 fatty acids in the muscle concomitantly with the addition of LO and CLEO. The activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase were reduced and the glutathione content had increased. Lipid peroxidation was lower in the treatment with 1% CLEO, regardless of LO content. The expression of the PPAR-α and the SREBP-2 genes was higher in animals fed 9% LO + 0.5% CLEO. Therefore, for a greater incorporation and protection against the oxidative damages of n-3 fatty acids, a combined use of 9% LO with 0.5% CLEO is recommended for zebrafish.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine the efficiency of Ringer’s lactate solution (RL) and RL + 1% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and compare them with the efficiency of Dulbecco’s phosphate-buffered saline (D-PBS). Twenty-two Wagyu female cattle were subjected to superovulation and were randomly distributed to form three groups: group 1 – uterine flushing with RL (n = 8), group 2 – uterine flushing with RL + 1% FBS (n = 7), and group 3 – uterine flushing with D-PBS (n = 7, control group). Cows received a CIDR® device containing 1.9 g of progesterone at random stages of the estrous cycle (day 0). Progesterone withdrawal occurred on day 8 in the morning. For heifers, 160 mg of porcine follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH-P) was used and for cows, 200 mg. Prostaglandin F2α was also injected on the eighth day of FSH-P administration. On day 9, in the morning, hCG was administered. Females were superovulated and inseminated twice in a fixed time for embryo transfer. On the 16th day, females were subjected to uterine flushing for embryo collection. We collected 76 embryos from 22 females subjected to superovulation, of which 52 were transferable and 24 had degenerated. The total of embryos collected was 23, 16, and 23 for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The embryo recovery rates per group were 13.86±4.23, 15.39±4.61 and 27.16±13.33%, in groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The means for the total structures collected per female were 2.88±0.85, 3.00±1.23, and 4.57±1.72 in groups flushed with RL, RL + 1% FBS, and D-PBS, respectively. We conclude that Ringer’s lactate solution and Ringer’s lactate solution + 1% of FBS and Dulbecco’s phosphate-buffered saline showed no significant differences in terms of embryo quality or quantity, suggesting that Ringer’s lactate solution is an alternative for collecting embryos in cattle.

ABSTRACT. Flaxseed oil is recognized as the plant source richest in α-linolenic acid, whereas clove leaf essential oil has a strong antioxidant capacity. The objective of this study was to determine the in vitro antioxidant capacity of diets containing a combination of flaxseed oil (FO) and clove leaf essential oil (CLEO), as well as to use zebrafish (Danio rerio) to assess their effect on the animals’ growth. Fifty days after hatching, a total of 420 male specimens (0.29 ± 0.04 g) were divided into seven groups for each diet and fed for 55 days to be used, with the diets being: control, absent FO and CLEO; 3% FO + 0.5% CLEO; 3% FO + 1% CLEO; 6% FO + 0.5% CLEO; 6% FO + 1% CLEO; 9% FO + 0.5% CLEO and 9% FO + 1% CLEO. Antioxidant activity was determined through DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) tests, showing interaction effect between factors (FO x CLEO, p < 0.05); the diets containing 1% combined with 3, 6 or 9% of FO presented means higher than those of the 0.5% diets. No mortality was observed during the experiment. For final weight and weight gain, there was no interaction effect (p > 0.05), only isolated effect for FO, with the fish fed 6 and 9% diets having the best results. Final total length and specific growth rates showed interaction effect (p < 0.05). As for specific growth rates, the best response was that of the diet with 6% FO and 0.5% CLEO. Final length showed increase with FO levels, even when there was association with 0.5 or 1% of CLEO. Therefore, combined use of 9% of FL with 0.5% of CLEO is recommended for zebrafish.

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional, sensorial and microbiological characteristics of pizzas with the inclusion of dehydrated mix of salmon and tilapia in the dough. Tilapia and salmon carcasses were cooked, pressed, ground, dehydrated and crushed, and a mixture of salmon (20%) and tilapia (80%) was made. This mix was included in the pizza dough at different levels (0%, 5%, 10%, 15% and 20%) and afterwards the toppings were added.In the dough composition, protein, ash and phosphorus levels rose linearly, while lipids, carbohydrates and caloric value of the dough samples decreased linearly as the mix levels increased. In pizzas, the moisture, lipids and carbohydrates contents were not different. Protein and ash contents presented a linear behavior. The inclusion of the mix was effective in reducing the saturated fatty acids and raising the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. There was no difference between the pizzas for the sensorial attributes analysed. Therefore, the inclusion of up to 20% of dehydrated mix of tilapia and salmon added protein, minerals, and polyunsaturated fatty acids and maintained the acceptance of the pizza dough samples, which makes possible the preparation of a food product with health claims and good sensorial quality.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated pre-slaughter stress and its influence on the stress indicators, quality characteristics and sensory characteristics of Nile tilapia fillets. To this end, two experiments were conducted: (1) two transportation times (60 and 240 min), with a density of 200 kg m−3, were compared to control treatment fish (in which the fish were removed from the net cage and immediately euthanized); and (2) two transportation densities (100 and 400 kg m−3), transported for 180 min, compared with control treatment fish. In experiment 1, the transportation time of 60 min resulted in higher levels of serum cortisol and plasma glucose compared to the transportation time of 240 min and the control. Fish fillets transported for 240 min had higher water-holding capacity, less water loss by pressure and higher levels of juiciness compared to fish transported for 60 min. Color, pH and water loss during cooking were not affected by transportation time. In experiment 2, transportation densities of 100 and 400 kg m−3 did not significantly affect the stress indicators nor the instrumental quality parameters of the fillets, but fish transported at 400 kg m−3 showed better visual acceptance by panellists.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine the adjustment quality of non-linear models and estimate the growth parameters and body chemical composition of a meat-type quail strain (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) and two laying quail strains (Coturnix coturnix japonica), designated yellow and red. The study used 1500 quail, not sexed, distributed in a completely randomized design with three treatments and five repetitions. The experimental period was from 1-42 days of age. The birds were raised in a conventional system and fed ad libitum with a diet formulated to meet their nutritional requirements. Quail were weighed weekly, and a representative sample was slaughtered to evaluate their body chemical composition. The adjustment quality of the models was evaluated by means of the residual mean square (RMS), regression residue squares sum (SSRR), and number of iterations required for convergence. In evaluating the adjustment quality for the body weight of the three strains, the Gompertz, Logistic, and Von Bertalanffy models gave good fit, with Gompertz providing the best adjustment among them. For body composition, the Gompertz and Logistic models were the best, with Gompertz showing a slight superiority. Gompertz is the best model for describing growth curves and body chemical composition of body weight, protein, water, and ash in meat-type quail. In addition, it is the best model for describing growth curves and body chemical composition of body weight of yellow laying quail and of body weight, protein, and ash in red laying quail. Logistic was the best model for describing growth curves and body chemical composition of water, protein, and ash in yellow laying quail, and of water in red laying quail.

Abstract The aim of this study was to develop a lasagna pasta enriched with dried mix of tuna (30%) and tilapia (70%) and formulate ready lasagna with enriched pasta. Lasagna pasta was elaborated with increasing levels (0, 5, 10 and 15%) of dried mix. Moisture, lipids and calories were not different between the inclusion levels; crude protein and ash increased linearly, carbohydrates reduced linearly, according to increasing levels of inclusion. There was an increase in n-3 and n-6 fatty acids with the inclusion of mix in lasagna. Between lasagna prepared with different sauces (tuna, chicken and bolognese), and pasta with 15% mix, it was observed that tuna lasagna had lower moisture content and higher protein, lipids, ash, carbohydrates and calories. All lasagna showed optimal sensory acceptance, indicating that the inclusion of 15% dried mix of tilapia and tuna in the pasta is feasible to improve the nutritional composition of lasagna.

ABSTRACT This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of different levels of standardized ileal digestible (SID) methionine + cystine (Met+Cys) and vitamin B6 supplementation on the performance, blood variables, and gene expression of enzymes involved in methionine metabolism in female pigs between 75 and 100 kg. Fifty six female pigs were used (Talent × Topigs 20), averaging 75.06±1.68 kg in initial weight, allotted in a completely randomized block design arranged in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme, composed of two vitamin B6 supplementation levels (1.58 and 3.58 mg/kg) and four levels of SID Met+Cys (0.370, 0.470, 0.570, and 0.670%), with seven replicates and one animal per experimental unit. No interactions between vitamin B6 supplementation and SID Met+Cys levels were observed. The levels of SID Met+Cys and vitamin B6 supplementation did not affect animal performance. Triacylglycerols showed a quadratic response to the SID Met+Cys levels, in which the lowest plasma concentration was estimated as 0.575%. Treatments did not affect the expression of the methionine synthase and cystathionine-γ-lyase enzymes or serum homocysteine levels. The SID Met+Cys requirement for female pigs from 75 to 100 kg is equal to or lower than 10.60 g/day, which corresponds to the level of 0.370% Met+Cys in the diet and a relationship 0.48% with the SID lysine.

RESUMO: Objetivando avaliar rendimento, cor e composição química dos cortes comerciais (cauda, filé de lombo, filé de dorso e coxa) da carne do jacaré-do-Pantanal nos diferentes sexos, foram processados 20 animais, sendo estes, dez fêmeas (3677g) e dez machos (3510g). Não houve interação significativa (P>0,05) entre cortes comerciais e sexo para peso dos cortes, teor de umidade e cor. O rendimento da cauda foi superior aos demais cortes, sendo o rendimento das fêmeas (17.0%) superior ao dos machos (15,9%). A coxa dos machos apresentou menor teor de proteína (20,8%), em relação aos demais cortes. As fêmeas apresentaram maior teor de lipídeos na cauda (2,4%) e na coxa (0,8%), em relação aos machos (1,7% e 0,4%, respectivamente). A cauda apresentou maior quantidade de ácidos graxos monoinsaturados (45,2%) e maior razão n6/n3 (4,6). A luminosidade não foi diferente entre cortes e sexos. Os machos apresentaram carne com coloração mais amarelada em relação às fêmeas, e a coxa e o filé de dorso tiveram cor mais avermelhada, comparadas ao filé de lombo e cauda, independente do sexo. Concluiu-se que houve influência do sexo no corte de cauda, para o teor de lipídios e rendimento, sendo que a fêmea apresentou rendimento e lipídeos maiores que o macho.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the yield, color, and chemical composition of commercial cuts (tail, sirloin cut, back fillet, and thigh) of Pantanal caiman meat in both sexes. The yield of tail was higher than other cuts, and the yield of females (17.0%) was higher than males (15.9%). The thigh of males had lower protein content (20.8%) compared with other cuts. Females showed a higher lipid content in the tail (2.4%) and thigh (0.8%) compared with males (1.7% and 0.4%, respectively). The tail presented the greatest content of monounsaturated fatty acids (45.2%) and higher n6/n3 ratio (4.6). Although lightness was not different among cuts or between sexes, there were differences in color. Males have more yellowish meat compared with females. Thigh and back fillet were more reddish when compared to sirloin cut and tail, regardless of sex. In conclusion, female tail meat provided greater yield and lipid content than males, and this result was statistically significant. These findings can help producers and consumers alike, better understand yield, quality, and nutritional quality of Pantanal caiman meat.

Abstract With the goal of developing and characterizing the nutritional and sensory aspects of fresh pasta supplemented with tilapia protein concentrate, four types of pasta were prepared, with inclusion of 0, 10, 20, or 30% of tilapia protein concentrate. Linear effects were observed (P < 0.01) in crude protein, total lipids, ash, carbohydrate, and caloric values; these parameters increased with increasing amounts of tilapia protein concentrate in the pasta. The concentration of Na, P, Ca, Mg, and Zn increased linearly (P < 0.01) in correlation with the increase in protein concentrate content, while Fe content decreased linearly (P < 0.01). In the sensory analysis, texture, overall impression, and the acceptance index demonstrated a cubic regression (P < 0.05), with the inclusion of 20% protein concentrate yielding the best scores. Including up to 30% of tilapia protein concentrate in pasta yields an increased nutritional value, but based on the sensory results, 20% of tilapia protein concentrate in pasta is the recommended maximum level.

AbstractFlour prepared via current assay methodologies from the carcasses of the Pantanal alligator (Caiman crocodilus yacare) was analyzed for its chemical composition, minerals, fatty acids, and sensorial profile. Carcasses of the Pantanal alligator, originating from the Coocrijapan scientific zoo, Cáceres MT Brazil, were utilized. The carcasses were cooked for 60 minutes in a pressure cooker with water containing 2% salt and 5% chimichurri. The cooked carcasses were then ground and the mass was used for the manufacture of flour via three techniques: non-smoked, hot-smoked, and liquid-smoked. After each technique, the carcasses were dehydrated at 60ºC for 3h and were ground. Alligator flour was then produced. The moisture of liquid-smoked flour (10.97%) was higher than that of non-smoked flour (3.78%) and hot-smoked flour (4.43%). The flours provided high protein (57.11% - 58.27%) and ash (23.45 – 26.42%) rates, and were predominantly calcium (6.77% - 7.69%), phosphorus (3.67% - 4.05%), and iron (73.13 – 273.73 ppm/100 mg). Smoked-flour had a better acceptance rate by tasters when compared to non-smoked flour. Results show that flours produced from alligator carcasses had high protein, ash, and mineral rates and a reasonable acceptability by most tasters.

This study was conducted to verify the effects of dietary crude protein reduction on growth and carcass performance of 22-42-day-old broilers reared under different temperatures. Treatments were set up in a five by two factorial arrangement, with five crude protein levels (220, 210, 200, 190 and 184 g/kg) and two temperatures (21.6 and 32.2 ºC). Diets were isocaloric and essential amino acid-to-lysine ratio was maintained constant in all treatments. There was no interaction between crude protein reduction and environmental temperature for any of the parameters evaluated. Crude protein had no influence on feed intake. Nevertheless, weight gain and feed conversion ratio were linearly influenced by crude protein reduction. Worse performance was also observed in birds exposed to heat stress as compared with birds kept under thermoneutral temperature. There was no effect of crude protein reduction on breast and legs. Birds kept under heat stress had lower breast yield and higher leg yield as compared with broilers reared at 21.6 ºC. Any crude protein reduction in the range of 220 to 184 g/kg for 22 to 42-day-old broilers has a negative effect on their performance. Heat stress worsens broiler performance and breast yield.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a qualidade microbiológica e a vida útil de filés de tilápia-do-nilo, submetidos a diferentes métodos de defumação e condições de armazenamento. Foram utilizados dois processos de defumação (a frio ou a quente), em filés com ou sem pigmentação. Os produtos foram armazenados sob refrigeração ou congelados, e monitorados por 28 dias para avaliação da vida útil. Os filés congelados foram monitorados continuamente por 146 dias, apenas para a análise de ácido tiobarbitúrico (TBA). Defumação a quente e a frio reduziram a quantidade de coliformes, respectivamente em 99,78% e 97,80%. O armazenamento do produto sob refrigeração permitiu a redução de 99,73% dos coliformes, e o armazenamento sob congelamento os reduziu em 99,83%. Os valores encontrados de coliformes fecais estiveram dentro do limite permitido. Os valores de TBA nos filés atingiram o máximo no 14o dia de armazenamento. Os valores de TBA nos tratamentos sob refrigeração foram superiores aos daqueles sob congelamento e, também, em filés defumados a frio, em comparação aos defumados a quente. O processo de defumação a quente, com posterior armazenamento sob congelamento, é a técnica mais apropriada para assegurar qualidade e maior período de vida útil para os filés de tilápia-do-nilo, independentemente do processo de pigmentação.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the microbiological quality and shelf life of Nile tilapia fillets subjected to different smoking methods and storing conditions. Two smoking processes (cold or hot) were used in fillets with or without pigmentation. Products were stored under refrigeration or freezing, and monitored continually for 28 days for evaluation of their shelf life. Frozen fillets were monitored for 146 days for analysis of thiobarbituric acid (TBA) only. Hot- and cold-smoking reduced the coliform quantity, respectively, by 99.78% and 97.80%. Product storage under refrigeration allowed a 99.73% coliform reduction, and storage under freezing reduced them by 99.83%. Fecal coliform values were within the allowed limits. TBA values in fillets reached their maximum on the 14th storage day. TBA values were higher in treatments under refrigeration storage than in those under freezing, as well as in cold-smoked fillets in comparison to the hot-smoked ones. Hot-smoked process, followed by refrigeration storage, is the most adequate technique to ensure quality and a larger shelf life for Nile tilapia fillets, regardless of pigmentation process.

O experimento foi conduzido visando a avaliar os efeitos das doses de nitrogênio (N) 100, 200, 300 e 400kg ha-1 sobre as características do pasto e sobre a eficiência agronômica de N, em pastagens de capim-tanzânia (Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. ‘Tanzânia-1’) utilizadas com o método de pastejo contínuo. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente ao acaso, com duas repetições. Foram utilizados três tourinhos testadores nas pastagens com a dose de N de 100kg ha-1 e quatro tourinhos testadores nas pastagens das demais doses de N, da raça Nelore (Bos indicus) e com peso médio inicial de 300kg, mantidos de 10/11/2001 a 15/4/2002. A altura do pasto foi mantida em 60 cm por ajustes da taxa de lotação. As massas de forragem, de folha verde, de forragem verde e de colmo elevaram-se linearmente com o aumento da adubação de N. Regressão linear negativa foi verificada entre as doses de N e a razão folha:colmo. A participação de colmo se elevou e a de material morto se reduziu na estrutura do pasto com o aumento da adubação de N. Não houve efeito das doses de N na proporção de folha verde na estrutura do pasto. Aplicações de N em pastagens de capim-tanzânia utilizadas com o método de pastejo contínuo alteram características do pasto. A eficiência agronômica de N, definida em termos da razão acúmulo de matéria seca (MS) kg-1 de N aplicado, reduziu-se com o aumento da dose de N.

The experiment evaluated the effects of nitrogen (N) levels (100, 200, 300, 400kg ha-1) on sward characteristics, and agronomic efficiency of N on Tanzania grass pastures (Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. ‘Tanzânia-1’) with continuous grazing method. The design experimental used was completely randomized with two replications. Three tester Nellore (Bos indicus) young bulls per pasture with N level of 100kg ha-1, and four tester Nellore young bulls per pasture of the other N levels, with 300kg initial weight grazed continuously from 10 November 2001 to 15 April 2002. Sward height levels at experimental pastures were maintaining at 60cm with adjusting of stocking rate. The herbage mass, green leaf mass, green herbage mass, and culm mass, increased linearly as the N fertilization increased. Negatively linear relationship was found between the N fertilization and leaf/culm ratio. The culm proportion increased and dead material decreased on sward structure with increased N levels applied at pasture. There were no effects of N levels on green leaf proportion at sward structure. N applications in Tanzania grass pastures change sward characteristics. The agronomic efficiency of N defined in terms of dry matter (DM) accumulation/kg of N applied decreased with the increase of N levels.