Resumo As comunidades quilombolas, estão presentes em diversos estados brasileiros, vivendo em condições de saúde mais precárias. Isto ocorre por conta do isolamento geográfico, das limitações de acesso e da falta de qualidade no serviço quando este é prestado. Nesse sentido, o objetivo do estudo foi analisar a qualidade de vida de mulheres de uma comunidade quilombola do nordeste brasileiro. Estudo observacional, transversal e descritivo. Foram entrevistadas 160 mulheres adultas, através de um formulário para a coleta de perfil e do questionário de Qualidade de Vida WHOQOL – bref. Foi observado que as mulheres tinham em média 40,7 anos (±17,25), casadas, autodeclaradas negras, com fundamental incompleto, do lar, sem renda, com moradia de alvenaria, própria, com até 6 cômodos, abastecidas por caixa de água comunitária, tratada. A Qualidade de Vida, apresentou escores medianos nos domínios: físico (3,18), psicológico (3,4), relações sociais (3,45) e meio ambiente (2,59). Com a realização desta pesquisa foi possível caracterizar a comunidade quilombola de Santa Luzia do Norte-AL quanto as dificuldades de acesso a saúde e geração de renda, fatos que repercutem na sua condição de saúde. Os problemas descritos neste estudo podem contribuir para que ações de saúde sejam planejadas e efetivadas com o intuito de melhorar as condições socioeconômicas e de saúde nessa comunidade, considerando-se o contexto social, político e ambiental, valorizando seus saberes e práticas tradicionais.

Abstract Quilombola communities are present in many Brazilian states living in precarious health conditions. This is due to geographic isolation, limitations to the access of the area in which they live in, and the lack of quality in the service when it is needed to be provided. Therefore, the aim of this study was to analyze the quality of life of women from a quilombola community in northeastern Brazil. It is an observational, cross-sectional and descriptive study. 160 adult women were first interviewed through a form to collect a profile and then it was applied the WHOQOL Quality of Life questionnaire – bref. It was observed that the women were on average 40.7 years old (±17.25), married, self-declared black, who did not finish elementary school, housewife, had no income, with their own masonry house, with up to 6 rooms, supplied by a box of community treated water. Quality of Life had median scores in the domains: physical (3.18), psychological (3.4), social relationships (3.45) and environment (2.59). With this research, it was possible to characterize the quilombola community of Santa Luzia do Norte-AL regarding the difficulties of access to health and income generation, issues that affect their health condition. The problems described in this study can contribute to health actions being planned and carried out in order to improve socioeconomic and health conditions in this community, considering the social, political and environmental context, valuing their traditional knowledge and practices.

Resumo A cultura sanguínea de rotina é usada para a detecção de infecções na corrente sanguínea por bactérias aeróbias e anaeróbias e por leveduras patogênicas comuns. Estudo retrospectivo realizado em hospital público de Maceió-AL, por meio da coleta de dados de todos os prontuários com culturas sanguíneas positivas. Das 2.107 culturas sanguíneas realizadas, 17% foram positivas com Staphylococcus coagulase negativo (51,14%), seguido por Staphylococcus aureus (11,21%) e Klebsiella pneumoniae (6,32%). As bactérias Gram-positiva predominaram entre as culturas de sangue positivas, destacando-se o grupo das Staphylococcus coagulase-negativo. Enquanto as bactérias Gram-negativas apresentaram um número maior de espécies entre as culturas de sangue positivas.

Abstract Routine blood culture is used for the detection of bloodstream infections by aerobic and anaerobic bacteria and by common pathogenic yeasts. A retrospective study was conducted in a public hospital in Maceió-AL, by collecting data of all medical records with positive blood cultures. Out of the 2,107 blood cultures performed, 17% were positive with Staphylococcus coagulase negative (51.14%), followed by Staphylococcus aureus (11.21%) and Klebsiella pneumoniae (6.32%). Gram-positive bacteria predominated among positive blood cultures, highlighting the group of Staphylococcus coagulase-negative. While Gram-negative bacteria had a higher number of species among positive blood cultures.

Resumo O setor florestal brasileiro se destaca pela tecnologia, práticas de manejo florestal, responsabilidade social e ambiental e, principalmente, alta produtividade, mas pragas exóticas podem reduzir isto. O parasitoide Psyllaephagus bliteus (Riek, 1962) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), percevejos predadores e fungos entomopatogênicos como Beauveria bassiana e Metarhizium anisopliae são inimigos naturais usados no controle biológico do psilídeo-de-concha do eucalipto Glycaspis brimblecombei (Moore, 1964) (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae), praga em plantios de eucalipto. A utilização de fungos entomopatogênicos contra pragas exóticas vem aumentando no setor florestal e a prospecção e identificação de isolados fúngicos é importante para o manejo integrado de pragas. O objetivo deste estudo foi o isolamento e identificação molecular de Cordyceps spp. e avaliar a patogenicidade dos isolados de Cordyceps javanica (LCBPF 11) e Cordyceps fumosorosea (LCBPF 12 e LCBPF 63), obtidos de adultos de Bemisia tabaci Gennadius (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), ao psilídeo-de-concha G. brimblecombei. Os fungos foram isolados de adultos de B. tabaci encontrados em culturas de soja e tomate e identificados molecularmente. Os conídios foram suspensos em solução com Tween 80 (0,1%) na concentração de 1,0 x 108 conídios/mL e pulverizados sobre dez ninfas de G. brimblecombei por folha de Eucalyptus cortada e colocada sobre gel hidrorretentor no interior de placas de Petri por repetição. O número de insetos mortos foi quantificado, diariamente, por sete dias e transferidos para câmaras úmidas. Cordyceps javanica (LCBPF 11) e C. fumosorosea (LCBPF 12 e LCBPF 63) foram identificados por análise molecular e todos os isolados foram patogênicos para os insetos. Isto indica serem importantes para o manejo de G. brimblecombei e confirma relatos de que, normalmente, fungos causam maiores mortalidades em insetos da mesma ordem daquela da qual foram isolados.

Abstract The Brazilian forestry sector stands out for its technology, forestry management practices, social and environmental responsibility and, mainly, for its high productivity and exotic pests can reduce it. The red gum lerp psyllid Glycaspis brimblecombei (Moore, 1964) (Hemiptera: Aphalaridae) is an important pest in Eucalyptus plantations. The parasitoid Psyllaephagus bliteus (Riek, 1962) (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), predatory bugs and entomopathogenic fungi such as Beauveria bassiana and Metarhizium anisopliae are the natural enemies and used in the biological control of the red gum lerp psyllid. The use of entomopathogenic fungi against exotic pests is increasing in the forestry sector and the prospecting and identification of fungus isolates is important for integrated pest management. The objective of this work was the isolation and molecular identification of Cordyceps spp. And to evaluate the pathogenicity of isolates, obtained from Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius, 1889) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) adults, against to the red gum lerp psyllid G. brimblecombei. The fungi were isolated from B. tabaci adults found in soybean and tomato crops and molecularly identified. The conidia obtained were suspended in solution with Tween 80 (0.1%) at a concentration of 1.0 × 108 conidia/mL and sprayed on ten G. brimblecombei nymphs per Eucalyptus leaf cut and placed on a hydroretentive gel inside per Petri dishes as a replication. The number of dead insects was quantified, daily, for seven days, and transferred to humid chambers. Cordyceps javanica (LCBPF 11) and C. fumosorosea (LCBPF 12 and LCBPF 63) were identified with a molecular analysis and all isolates were pathogenic to the insects and indicates that they could be used to manage G. brimblecombei and adds to reports that, normally, fungi cause greater mortality on insects of the same order as that from which they were isolated.

Resumo O conteúdo de dopamina nas estruturas cerebrais tem sido relacionado à excitabilidade neuronal e várias abordagens têm sido utilizadas para estudar este fenômeno durante o período de vulnerabilidade às crises. No presente trabalho, descrevemos os efeitos da depleção de dopamina após a administração de 6-hidroxidopamina (6-OHDA) na região pars compacta da substância negra de ratos submetidos ao modelo de epilepsia com pilocarpina. A susceptibilidade ao estado de mal epiléptico induzido pela pilocarpina, bem como a frequência de crises espontâneas e recorrentes durante o período crônico do modelo foi determinada. Sendo o hipocampo uma das principais estruturas afetadas no desenvolvimento desse modelo experimental de epilepsia, os níveis de dopamina nessa região foram determinados após a administração da droga. No primeiro experimento, 62% (15/24) dos ratos pré-tratados com 6-OHDA e 45% (11/24) daqueles que receberam ácido ascórbico como solução controle evoluíram para crises límbicas motoras e para o estado de mal epiléptico, após a administração de pilocarpina. A gravidade das crises durante o período agudo do modelo foi significativamente maior nos ratos epilépticos experimentais (56,52%) do que nos ratos controle (4,16%). No segundo experimento, não houve diferença significante entre os grupos quanto à frequência de crises na fase crônica do modelo. Nossos dados mostraram que a dopamina pode desempenhar um papel importante na gravidade das crises na fase aguda da pilo, o que parece ser exercido por sua ação inibitória da dopamina sobre a expressão motora das crises.

Abstract The dopamine content in cerebral structures has been related to neuronal excitability and several approaches have been used to study this phenomenon during seizure vulnerability period. In the present work, we describe the effects of dopamine depletion after the administration of 6-hidroxidopamine (6-OHDA) into the substantia nigra pars compacta of male rats submitted to the pilocarpine model of epilepsy. Susceptibility to pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE), as well as spontaneous and recurrent seizures (SRSs) frequency during the chronic period of the model were determined. Since the hippocampus is one of main structures in the development of this experimental model of epilepsy, the dopamine levels in this region were also determined after drug administration. In the first experiment, 62% (15/24) of 6-OHDA pre-treated rats and 45% (11/24) of those receiving ascorbic acid as control solution progressed to motor limbic seizures evolving to SE, after the administration of pilocarpine. Severeness of seizures during the model´s the acute period, was significantly higher in epileptic experimental rats (56.52%), than in controls (4.16%). In the second experiment, the frequency of seizures in the model’s chronic phase did not significantly change between groups. Our data show that dopamine may play an important role on seizure severity in the pilo’s model acute period, which seems to be due to dopamine inhibitory action on motor expression of seizure.

Resumo Espécies de besouros Scolytinae, em altas populações, podem danificar a madeira e reduzir a produtividade de cultivos florestais. Esses besouros são monitorados com armadilhas iscadas com etanol e o aumento da eficiência das mesmas pode melhorar o manejo integrado desses insetos. O objetivo foi avaliar o aumento da eficiência de captura de Scolytinae com armadilha modelo semifunil, em dois experimentos, um incluindo elementos de madeira e outro aumentando a área de interceptação de voo e correlacionar o número desses besouros coletados com fatores climáticos. No experimento 1, ripas de Eucalyptus urophylla S. T. Blake foram fixadas, diretamente, no frasco coletor e em outro tratamento, além dessas ripas, fitas de Cedrela sp. foram inseridas no interior da mangueira porta isca. No experimento 2, a área de interceptação de insetos na armadilha, originalmente, com 480 cm2, foi ampliada para 1200 cm2 e comparada com a armadilha modelo Pet–Santa Maria com área de interceptação de 550 cm2. Coletas semanais foram realizadas entre maio de 2018 a junho de 2019. Os insetos capturados foram levados ao Laboratório de Biodeterioração da Madeira da Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ) onde foram triados, identificados em nível de família, contados e a abundância correlacionada com fatores climáticos. As análises estatísticas dos dados coletados foram processadas pelo programa BioStat® 5.3. No experimento 1 foram coletados 869 Scolytinae. Os números de besouros coletados por armadilha sem modificação, com ripas de E. urophylla e com ripas de E. urophylla + fita de Cedrela sp. foram semelhantes, 7,3 ± 3,8; 7,8 ± 6,2 e 7,7 ± 5,0 respectivamente. No experimento 2 foram coletados 4398 Scolytinae. O aumento da área de interceptação dos besouros aumentou a eficiência da armadilha semifunil, com 42,7 ± 20,5 Scolytinae coletados por armadilha comparado a semifunil original, 28,6 ± 12,6 e a Pet–Santa Maria, 20,4 ± 10,4. O número de Scolytinae não se correlacionou com os fatores climáticos no experimento 1 e se correlacionou com a temperatura, umidade relativa e velocidade do vento, mas não com a precipitação, no 2. A incorporação de ripas de E. urophylla ou fitas de Cedrela sp. na armadilha semifunil não aumentou o número de besouros coletados, mas, o aumento da área de intercepção de voo e a temperatura, umidade relativa do ar e velocidade do vento se correlacionaram com o número de besouros coletados.

Abstract Scolytinae species that, in high populations, can damage reducing wood production in forest crops. These beetles are monitored with traps baited with ethanol and increasing their efficiency can improve the integrated management of these insects. The objective was to evaluate the increase in the capture efficiency of Scolytinae with a semi-funnel trap model, in two experiments, one including wooden elements and other increasing the flight interception area and to correlate the numbers of these beetles collected with climatic factors. In the experiment 1, Eucalyptus urophylla S. T. Blake slats were directly attached to the collector flask and in another treatment, in addition to these slats, Cedrela sp. strips were inserted inside the bait holding hose. In the experiment 2, the insect interception area in the trap, originally 480 cm2, was expanded to 1,200 cm2 and compared with the model Pet–Santa Maria trap with an interception area of 550 cm2. Weekly collections were carried out between May 2018 and June 2019. The beetles collected were taken to the Wood Biodeterioration Laboratory of the Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRRJ) where they were sorted, identified at family level, counted and their number correlated with climatic factors. Statistical analyzes of the collected data were processed by the BioStat® 5.3 program. In the experiment 1 were collected 869 Scolytinae. The numbers of beetles collected per trap without modification, with E. urophylla slats and E. urophylla slats + Cedrela sp. strips were similar, 7.3 ± 3.8, 7.8 ± 6.2 and 7.7 ± 5.0 respectively. In the experiment 2 were collected 4,398 Scolytinae. Increasing the interception area of the beetles increased the efficiency of the semi-funnel trap, with 42.7 ± 20.5 Scolytinae collected compared to the original semi-funnel trap, 28.6 ± 12.6 and the Pet–Santa Maria, 20.4 ± 10.4, per trap. The number of Scolytinae did not correlate with climatic factors in the experiment 1 and it was correlated with temperature, relative humidity and wind speed, but not with precipitation, in the 2. The incorporation of E. urophylla slats or Cedrela sp. strips in the semi-funnel trap did not increase the number of beetles collected, but, the increase in the flight interception area and the temperature, relative humidity and wind speed were correlated with the number of beetles collected.

Screener, a board game supplemented with online resources, was introduced and distributed by the Brazilian Society of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics to postgraduate programs as an instructional tool for the process of drug discovery and development (DDD). In this study, we provided a comprehensive analysis of five critical aspects for evaluating the quality of educational games, namely: 1) description of the intervention; 2) underlying pedagogical theory; 3) identification of local educational gaps; 4) impact on diverse stakeholders; and 5) elucidation of iterative quality enhancement processes. We also present qualitative and quantitative assessments of the effectiveness of this game in 11 postgraduate courses. We employed the MEEGA+ online survey, comprising thirty-three close-ended unipolar items with 5-point Likert-type response scales, to assess student perceptions of the quality and utility of Screener. Based on 115 responses, the results indicated a highly positive outlook among students. In addition, we performed a preliminary evaluation of learning outcomes in two courses involving 28 students. Pre- and post-quizzes were applied, each consisting of 20 True/False questions directly aligned with the game's content. The analysis revealed significant improvement in students' performance following engagement with the game, with scores rising from 8.4 to 13.3 (P<0.0001, paired t-test) and 9.7 to 12.7 (P<0.0001, paired t-test). These findings underscore the utility of Screener as an enjoyable and effective tool for facilitating a positive learning experience in the DDD process. Notably, the game can also reduce the educational disparities across different regions of our continental country.

ABSTRACT Objective: To define a reference chart comparing pressure drop vs. flow generated by a set of arterial cannulae currently utilized in cardiopulmonary bypass conditions in pediatric surgery. Methods: Cannulae from two manufacturers were selected considering their design and outer and inner diameters. Cannula performance was evaluated in terms of pressure drop vs. flow during simulated cardiopulmonary bypass conditions. The experimental circuits consisted of a Jostra HL-20 roller pump, a Quadrox-i pediatric oxygenator (Maquet Cardiopulmonary AG, Rastatt, Germany), and a custom pediatric tubing set. The circuit was primed with lactated Ringer’s solution only (first condition) and with human packed red blood cells added (second condition) to achieve a hematocrit of 30%. Cannula sizes 8 to 16 Fr were inserted into the cardiopulmonary bypass circuit with a “Y” connector. The flow was adjusted in 100 ml/min increments within typical flow ranges for each cannula. Pre-cannula and post-cannula pressures were measured to calculate the pressure drop. Results: Utilizing a pressure drop limit of 100 mmHg, our results suggest a recommended flow limit of 500, 900, 1400, 2600, and 3100 mL/min for Braile arterial cannulae sizes 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 Fr, respectively. For Medtronic DLP arterial cannulae sizes 8, 10, 12, 14, and 16 Fr, the recommended flow limit is 600, 1100, 1700, 2700, and 3300 mL/min, respectively. Conclusion: This study reinforces discrepancies in pressure drop between cannulae of the same diameter supplied by different manufacturers and the importance of independent translational research to evaluate components’ performance.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to assess how microclimate variables and irrigation affect the growth of sugarcane. The experiment was conducted using the VAT90-212 cultivar in the Semi-arid region of Brazil. The microclimate was monitored and by quantifying the irrigation depth. Nine campaigns were carried out in the field to collect morphological and biomass data. The data were subjected to descriptive statistics, so as to generate the mean values and/or sum between the campaigns. Using the correlation coefficient, the extent, sign and significance of the relationship between the response and explanatory variables were evaluated. The direct or indirect effects of the explanatory variables on the response variables were identified by path analysis. There was a significant correlation between microclimate variables and the morphological and biomass variables of the sugarcane, with a strong contribution from the intercepted fraction of the photosynthetically active radiation, the wind speed and soil temperature. The negative correlation with irrigation suggests that excess water impaired the growth dynamics of the crop. It is concluded that the growth of sugarcane is closely related to its capacity to intercept radiation, to the wind, thermal regime of the soil and irrigation management.

ABSTRACT Cowpeas are of high socioeconomic importance in the North and Northeast regions of Brazil, whereby the search for alternatives that offer increased productivity with financial returns has become an important challenge. Thus, the objective of this study was to estimate and evaluate the economic indicators of cowpea production in 2015 and 2016 when applying drip irrigation to different depths. Irrigation treatments were based on crop evapotranspiration (ETc). The experiment was laid in a randomized complete blocks design with four treatments (0, 25, 50, and 100% ETc) and six replications. For economic analysis, the results were extrapolated to an area of one hectare. Productivity in 2015 was lower than that in 2016; however, in all treatments, it was always higher when plants were grown under adequate water supply. In both years, the total operating costs were higher under irrigation than under rainfed conditions. The 100% ETc treatment resulted in a greater number of cowpea bags (60 kg) produced and a higher gross revenue than the rainfed treatment by 17 bags ha-1, equivalent to 1,020 kg ha-1 (gross revenue US$ 711.48) and 16 bags ha-1, equivalent to 960 kg ha-1 (gross revenue US$ 867.12), in 2015 and 2016, respectively. Water deficit limited cowpea yield in both years but made cultivation economically unfeasible only in 2015.

RESUMO O feijão-caupi apresenta grande importância socioeconômica nas regiões Norte e Nordeste do Brasil, sendo que a busca por alternativas que ofereçam aumento de produtividade com retorno financeiro tem se tornado um importante desafio. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar e avaliar os indicadores econômicos da produção de feijão-caupi nos anos de 2015 e 2016 quando da aplicação de irrigação por gotejamento em diferentes lâminas. Os tratamentos de irrigação foram baseados na evapotranspiração da cultura (ETc). O experimento foi instalado em blocos ao acaso com quatro tratamentos (0, 25, 50 e 100% da ETc) e seis repetições. Para análise econômica, os resultados foram extrapolados para uma área de um hectare. A produtividade em 2015 foi inferior à de 2016; porém, em todos os tratamentos, a produtividade foi sempre maior quando as plantas foram cultivadas sob irrigação adequada. Em ambos os anos, os custos operacionais totais foram maiores sob irrigação do que sob condições de sequeiro. O tratamento 100% ETc resultou em maior número de sacas de feijão-caupi (60 kg) produzidas e receita bruta superior ao tratamento de sequeiro em 17 sacas ha-1, equivalente a 1.020 kg ha-1 (receita bruta US$ 711,48) e 16 sacas ha-1, equivalente a 960 kg ha-1 (receita bruta US$ 867,12), em 2015 e 2016, respectivamente. A deficiência hídrica limitou a produtividade do feijão-caupi nos dois anos, mas inviabilizou economicamente o cultivo apenas em 2015.

Progenesis QI (PQI) is a multiplatform bioinformatics tool that facilitates the identification workflow for metabolomics experiments. PQI uses fragmentation data provided by MassBank of North America (MoNA) libraries, among others, for metabolite annotation. However, PQI does not officially support MoNA libraries and other libraries based on structure-data files (.sdf). This paper describes the development and application of a software named MoNA to Progenesis QI Library Converter, allowing PQI and MoNA by correcting the fragmentation data of the library for Progenesis readability. We evaluated several public experimental datasets, including human plasma, plant extracts, cultured cells, bacteria, rat serum, and rat hippocampus. The results showed that it is mandatory to proceed with file conversion of each library to allow PQI to access fragmentation information from .msp (main spectra profile) files. This step is highly recommended to improve the identification level of the metabolites.

Abstract The effect of synthesis parameters on the microstructural behavior and morphology during the yttrium oxide (Y2O3) formation is reported. Y2O3 crystals were produced by a modified sol-gel route assisted by polyvinyl alcohol solution varying the calcination temperature and solution pH. The crystalline phase formation was investigated using X-ray powder diffraction combined with the Rietveld refinement method. The microstructural properties were analyzed by using the Williamson-Hall formalism. The calcination temperature followed the thermal events observed in the differential thermal analysis combined with the thermogravimetric analysis of the precursor xerogel. It was seen that the combination of PVA and pH variation can be used to minimize the calcination time and temperature. The morphological analysis showed samples with different sizes and appearances depending on pH and calcination temperature. Therefore, it was shown that the parameters in the synthesis process can be used to tailor the properties of Y2O3, such as crystallite size, degree of structural ordering, and morphology, and consequently, improve the desired application. YO Y O (Y2O3 reported Y2O solgel sol gel Xray X ray method WilliamsonHall Williamson Hall formalism xerogel Therefore size ordering consequently application (Y2O

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing grain sorghum (GS) with palm kernel cake (PKC) on the performance, carcass traits and meat quality of feedlot steers fed high-grain diets. Forty male ¹/4 Holstein * ¹/4 Nellore steers with an initial weight of 331.1 ± 36.2 kg, at 24 ± 2 months of age, were housed in group stalls (10 cattle/stall) where they received diets containing 0, 80, 160, or 240 g/kg PKC on a dietary dry matter basis. After 126 days, the animals were slaughtered and their carcass and meat evaluated. The replacement of GS with PKC did not influence empty body weight, carcass weight, carcass length, or carcass yield. However, the thickness of subcutaneous fat in the carcass decreased with the replacement of GS with PKC. The meat pH increased linearly, whereas there were no changes in cooking loss, shear force, lightness (L*), and fat or cholesterol contents in the meat of the steers. Partial replacement (41,57%) of GS with PKC is recommended, with an inclusion of up to 240 g/kg PKC in high-grain diets for steers.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of diets with increasing concentrate levels on performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Murrah buffaloes in feedlot. Twenty-four animals, with an initial body weight of 240 ± 50.5 kg and mean age of 9 months, were distributed to four treatments: 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% concentrate. After 114 days, the animals were weighed, slaughtered, and meat quality and performance data were submitted to analysis of variance and regression. The dry matter intake and average daily gain increased linearly. The final body, hot carcass, and cold carcass weights responded linearly to increases in concentrate level. The subcutaneous fat thickness, protein, and ether extract of meat increased linearly with an increase in concentrate level. The colour parameters, cooking losses, and shear force of the meat were not affected by increasing the concentrate. The inclusion of concentrate in feedlot diets increases performance, characteristics of carcass, and meat quality of Murrah buffalo in a feedlot.

This study aimed to assess the effects of starting creep feeding at different ages on performance, behaviour, haematological, and biochemical parameters in piglets. A total of 138 piglets (1.34 ± 0.25 kg, n = 13 sows), weaned at 21 d-old, were assigned to treatments using a completely randomized design. The litter was divided into two groups: seven litters (n = 80 piglets) were subjected to creep feeding on the fifth day of age (creep 5) and five litters (n = 58 piglets), on the tenth day of age (creep 10). Piglets were weighed at birth, weaning, and after the first week in the nursery. Piglet behaviour was evaluated daily for 15 min until day 20. Blood was collected on day 13, at weaning, and at the end of the first week in the nursery. There was no difference in body weight in the suckling phase, but piglets fed Creep 5 showed greater body weight gain in the first nursery week. The Creep 5 group had lower feed leftovers during the five days of evaluation of feed intake. There were no differences in haematological parameters and amylase concentration; however, the piglets spent more time lying down, sucking, and massaging the udder. On day 8, the piglets in the Creep 5 group showed a higher frequency of exploratory behaviour. In conclusion, piglets fed Creep 5 had optimal performance after weaning and improved feed intake capacity by displaying more exploratory behaviour than Creep 10. Creep management did not alter haematological and biochemical parameters.

This study aimed to assess the effects of starting creep feeding at different ages on performance, behaviour, haematological, and biochemical parameters in piglets. A total of 138 piglets (1.34 ± 0.25 kg, n = 13 sows), weaned at 21 d-old, were assigned to treatments using a completely randomized design. The litter was divided into two groups: seven litters (n = 80 piglets) were subjected to creep feeding on the fifth day of age (creep 5) and five litters (n = 58 piglets), on the tenth day of age (creep 10). Piglets were weighed at birth, weaning, and after the first week in the nursery. Piglet behaviour was evaluated daily for 15 min until day 20. Blood was collected on day 13, at weaning, and at the end of the first week in the nursery. There was no difference in body weight in the suckling phase, but piglets fed Creep 5 showed greater body weight gain in the first nursery week. The Creep 5 group had lower feed leftovers during the five days of evaluation of feed intake. There were no differences in haematological parameters and amylase concentration; however, the piglets spent more time lying down, sucking, and massaging the udder. On day 8, the piglets in the Creep 5 group showed a higher frequency of exploratory behaviour. In conclusion, piglets fed Creep 5 had optimal performance after weaning and improved feed intake capacity by displaying more exploratory behaviour than Creep 10. Creep management did not alter haematological and biochemical parameters.