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ABSTRACT. The goal of this study was to determine the essential fatty acids of the total lipids of the fillet, head and orbital cavity tissue from farmed tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) fish from a Brazilian Amazon area. The tambaqui were acquired from different fish farms in the Roraima state, located at Western Brazilian Amazon. The meat, the head and the fatty tissue from orbital cavity were dissected for lipid extraction and analysis of fatty acids by gas chromatography. The fatty acids were quantified in mg g-1 of total lipids using C23:0 as an internal standard. The nutritional quality of the lipids was determined by using the atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indices, and also by the ratio between hypocholesterolemic / hypercholesterolemic fatty acids. The orbital cavity tissue had the higher concentration amount of linoleic and α-linolenic acid, whereas the fillet had higher docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) concentration was: 1.28, 0.97, 1.71 mg g-1 of total lipids, in the filet, in head, and in orbital cavity tissue, respectively. All essential fatty acids were detected in the three parts analyzed. The nutritional quality of the total lipids from the head and from the orbital cavity tissue was similar to the fillet.

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ABSTRACT. The present study aimed to correlate the influence of water quality, cultivation time, area, and density of ponds on the zootechnical performance of shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei in oligohaline waters. It was demonstrated that, under the conditions of this research, better control of temperature, pH and water alkalinity can be employed. Ammonia levels were within the normal range and correlated positively with the growth rate (ρ = 0.69859) and production (ρ = 0.66362) of the ponds. There was also a positive correlation between cultivation time and pond density with shrimp weight (ρ = 0.75305 and 0.68933) and pond productivity (ρ = 0.74763 and 0.79367, respectively). Negative correlations were observed between: I) pH with shrimp survival (ρ = -0.73238) and pond production (ρ = -0.68696); II) alkalinity and pond production (ρ = -0.66162). The results show that the cultivation of shrimp L. vannamei in oligohaline waters is viable and there is potential for increased productivity associated with better hydrological monitoring and use of higher density and cultivation time by some producers.

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ABSTRACT. Edible brachyurans are recognized as a popular source of food due to their delicious taste and nutritional quality. This study investigated the nutrient compositional variation and interrelationship in the muscle of wild and plastic-reared Cardisoma armatum. The plastic-reared crab had 27.81 ± 2.29 g 100 g-1 protein while crab from the wild contained 22.45 ± 2.65 g 100 g-1 protein. The difference in protein content of plastic-reared and its counterpart from the mangrove swamp was not significantly different (p > 0.05). This is also true of other proximate composition except that wild crabs were slightly higher in both crude fat (2.68 ± 0.35 g 100 g-1) and carbohydrate (5.89 ± 3.05 g 100 g-1). Generally, the total energy contributed due to protein, carbohydrate and fat in the tissues of both wild and plastic-reared C. armatum are similar. In the wild crab, contents of calcium (16083.27 ± 2127.90 mg 100 g-1) and phosphorus (1191.42 ± 199.21) were relatively higher, while contents of magnesium (368.69 ± 111.05 mg 100 g-1), sodium (125.30 ± 11.18 mg 100 g-1) and potassium (87.36 ± 7.27 mg 100 g-1) were relatively higher in plastic-reared crabs. All significant mineral ratios in wild and plastic-reared C. amartum fall within acceptable range. The positive relationship in the nutritional quality indicates that changes in proximate composition are associated with changes in mineral contents of the crab tissue.

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ABSTRACT. The present work aimed at assessing the possibility of compensating the notorious deficiencies of bioflocs in lipids by supplementing the tilapia commercial diet with soybean oil. In the positive control, there was no feeding restriction nor dietary supplementation with soybean oil. In the experimental treatments, the commercial diet was restricted by 25% over the positive control level. In the negative control tanks, there was feeding restriction and the artificial diet had no oil supplementation. In the experimental tanks, soybean oil was mixed daily with the commercial diet at the levels of 0.6%, 1.2 and 2.4%. Additionally, there were fed-restricted tanks that received a daily supplementation of 1.2% soybean oil mixed with dry molasses, and not with the commercial diet. In general, only the restriction of the commercial diet affected the water quality. The supplementation of the artificial diet with soybean oil up to 2.4% has not improved the proximate composition of bioflocs, nor the fish growth performance. It was concluded that the strategy of supplementing the Nile tilapia juveniles’ commercial diet with increasing levels of soybean meal, in BFT tanks submitted to 25%-feeding restriction, was not capable of avoiding the fish growth performance deterioration.

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ABSTRACT. Macrobrachium amazonicum is a species of freshwater shrimp of great importance for aquaculture and to know its reproductive potential, through the study of its fertility is necessary. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of two different diets on the reproductive performance of the species, whether or not adopting the ablation procedure. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, with two types of feed (inert and fresh) and two conditions (ablated and non-ablated females), using six replicates per treatment. After 10 days of spawning, the eggs were removed and counted in their entirety. For each female, three spawns were obtained, totaling 72 samples. The fertility rate, the interval between spawning and the weight gain of the females were analyzed. There was no interaction between the studied factors, except for weight gain, in which ablated females that received fresh feed gained up to three times more weight than non-ablated females. Females that received fresh feed obtained higher fertility (1,373.9 eggs) than those that received only inert feed (1,084.1 eggs). The interval between spawns was 1.6 days shorter in ablated females.

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ABSTRACT. This study aimed to produce mechanically separated meat (MSM) from tilapia obtained at the Teresina fish market in the state of Piauí, Brazil. Waste production and disposal and yields were estimated, and physico-chemical and microbiological MSM qualities were determined. A questionnaire was applied to the fish market sellers, followed by tilapia carcass sampling for MSM production and assessments concerning yields, microbiological (Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus coagulase positive counts and the detection of Salmonella spp.) and physicochemical (water activity, pH, reaction to hydrogen sulfide and ammonia) quality and proximate composition (moisture, ash, proteins, lipids, carbohydrates and total energy value). The questionnaire results indicated that tilapia is highly in demand and thats processing leads to significant waste. The yield analysis indicated that tilapia MSM presents adequate residual meat extraction rates from tilapia carcasses. All microbiological analyses were in compliance with Brazilian standards. Physicochemical results were as follows: protein (14.9 to 16.1%), lipids (16.6 to 22.1%), ash (1.3 to 2.8%), moisture (60.6 to 64 .1%), carbohydrates (0.6 to 1.5%) and calories (216.5 to 263.1 kcal 100-1). It is, therefore, clear that MSM constitutes a safe and nutritious foodstudd and comprises a viable alternative for the development of co-products.

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ABSTRACT. The study aimed to determine the fatty acid profile, omegas and lipid quality indeces in commercial cuts of pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) of the slaughter class 11.1 to 14.0 kg. Sample collections were carried out in two fish processing industries located in Rondônia state, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized, with processing performed in triplicate. Data were submitted to ANOVA to assess differences between commercial cuts in chemical compositions. If ANOVA appeared statistically significant (α=0.05), the averages were compared by Tukey's test. In the composition of fatty acids, there was a difference (p <0.05) between cuts. Commercial cuts that expressed the highest percentages of SFAs tail fillet 51.2%, of MUFAs fillet mignon 39.8% and of PUFAs deboned cut 20.7%. The indeces prescribed for lipid quality, ∑PUFAs/∑SFAs, ∑PUFAs (n-6/∑n-3), AI, TI and HH, indicate that commercial cuts have lipid quality. Deboned is the cut with the highest PUFA fatty acid content, with the highest values of Omega 3, 6, 7 and n-9 being also expressed. Nutritional information is important for the processes of conservation and processing, development of new products on the market, as well as guiding the form of preparation, thus providing commercial security for different market niches.

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ABSTRACT. The present study was carried out with the objective of determining the requirements for digestible lysine in Nile tilapia during the 500 to 600 g live weight stage. Isocaloric and isonitrogenous diets were tested with increasing amounts of digestible lysine. L-lysine HCl (78%) were used to replace glutamic acid at increasing levels, resulting in treatments of 9.3, 12.3, 15.3, 18.3 and 21.3 g kg-1 of digestible lysine. Three hundred Nile tilapias with an average weight of 519 ± 27.23 g were used and distributed among 25 tanks. The physical and chemical parameters of the water were pH, dissolved oxygen, salinity, conductivity and temperature. The mortality rate was registered daily. Two slaughters were performed at 28 and 50 days after the beginning of the experiment. It was estimated that an amount of 13.1 g kg-1 of digestible lysine was ideal for obtaining higher WG. Fish slaughtered after 50 days, the digestible lysine requirements were determined to be 14.5 g kg-1 for the lowest carcass humidity and 14.6 g kg-1 for the greatest carcass ethereal extract. Nile tilapias with live weight between 500 and 600 grams require 13.1 g kg-1 of digestible lysine in the diet for greater WG (90.53 g) and better FCR (2.55).

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ABSTRACT. For decades, researches were developed about the diversity of fishes in the Amazon basin and their consumption by the people. In this context, an important gap identified was a lack of information about the nutritional composition of some of the main Amazon fish species consumed and traded. Front this, the objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and mineral content of filets from 10 fish species with the highest landing volume in Amazonas State. The fish species selected were curimatã, jaraqui, mapará, matrinxã, pacu, piramutaba, sardinha, surubim, tambaqui and tucunaré. Were collected 20 samples (fishes) from each species according to the hydrological cycles of the region (20 samples in the flood and 20 samples in drought). Ten fish samples were processed to determine the proximal composition and 10 fish samples were used to determine mineral content (macro and micro minerals). The proximal composition of fish species analysed varied widely between species and seasons, with an emphasis on moisture and lipid content. Fishes in the flood season presented higher content of nutrients than drought season. This result also was observed in the minerals profile, where fishes in the flood season presented the highest (p < 0.05) minerals content.

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ABSTRACT. The objective was to evaluate the ruminal disappearance rate of dry matter and NDF of black oat haylage subjected to mechanical and chemical dehydration and six wilting periods in the field, as follows: 0, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 days. Forage haylages were ensiled and stored in PVC mini-silos for 60 days until opening for in situ evaluations. The pre-set ruminal incubation times were: 0, 6, 12, 24, 36 and 48 hours. Regardless of the dehydration time, forage subjected to mechanical dehydration showed ruminal disappearance rates of dry matter and NDF, thus DISDM-48h and DISNDF-48h were superior for this method compared to the chemical method. There was a reduction in DISDM-48h and DISNDF-48h with advancing time of wilting in the field for haylage dehydrated by the chemical method. In general, the chemical dehydration method seems to be more related to better haylage making practices than nutritional factors, where the haylage obtained by mechanical dehydration is superior.

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ABSTRACT. This study examined the inclusion of untreated or urea-ammoniated CGT on the chemical composition, pH, gas, and effluent losses, dry matter recovery (DMR), and aerobic stability of elephantgrass silage. The experiment was laid out in a randomized design with a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement represented by three levels of inclusion of CGT during ensiling (0, 5, or 10%) and three levels of ammoniation of CGT with urea before ensiling (0, 4 or 8% for 28 days), using four replications. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and Tukey's test, considering a 5% significance level. The pH and DM, NDIN, ADIN, NDF and ADF contents of the silages increased (p < 0.05) with the inclusion of CGT, regardless of ammoniation. The lowest (p < 0.05) effluent loss was achieved using 10% of CGT ammoniated with 8% urea. In contrast, the elephantgrass silage exhibited the lowest (p < 0.05) gas loss and the greatest (p < 0.05) DMR. The inclusion of CGT compromised the aerobic stability of the silage. Therefore, the inclusion of CGT - either untreated or ammoniated - in the ensiling of elephantgrass is not recommended.

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ABSTRACT. To gain insights into the forage morphological and anatomical characteristics in a silvopastoral system (SPS) with Bolsa de Pastor (Zeyheria tuberculosa) and palisadegrass ‘Marandu’ (Urochloa brizantha) monoculture (MONO). The SPS was established through natural regeneration of the tree species. Treatments were a SPS and MONO distributed in a completely randomized design with six replicates and repeated measures were the harvest periods. Response variables were morpho-physiological and anatomical characteristicss: green: dead material ratio, leaf blade: stem+sheath ratio, leaf area index, chlorophyll and carotenoid concentrations, proportions of non-lignified and achlorophyllous areas, lignified areas in stems, proportions of non-lignified and achlorophyllous areas, lignified and chlorophyllous areas in leaves, as well as cell length in longitudinal section of stem. Morpho-physiological patterns were altered (p < 0.05) under natural shading conditions due to higher photosynthetic efficiency in the SPS. There was no effect (p > 0.05) of the systems on anatomical patterns, proportions of non-lignified and achlorophyllous, lignified and chlorophyllous tissues, these proportions were influenced only by the periods of the year, both for stems and leaves. Cells of the internodes of the grasses of the studied systems had the same length. The SPS alters morpho-physiological characteristics of palisadegrass and increases the concentration of chlorophyll a and b.

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ABSTRACT. This study aimed to evaluate whether different fertilization strategies influence the morphogenic, structural, and production characteristics of Megathyrsus maximus cv. Mombaça. The experimental design adopted was a randomized block design with a 4 × 3 factorial scheme having five replications. The treatments were as per the following fertilization recommendations: 5th Approach Guide (5AP), Pará Guide (PG), Nutrient Replacement (RP), and the Michaelis and Menten adapted model (MM), applied for three days after application of the nitrogen (N) source following defoliation (days 0, 3, and 6). The interaction between factors affected the following variables: leaf appearance rate (LAR), leaf elongation rate (LER), and leaf senescence rate (LSR). The highest stem elongation rate (SER) was observed for the 5AP recommendation treatment with N application on day 0 (0.113 cm). The highest leaf area index (LAI; 5.33) and tiller population density (TPD; 421.5 tillers m-2) were observed for the 5AP recommendation. The 5AP recommendation with N application on day 0 and on the sixth day after defoliation, and the MM recommendation with fertilization on day 0 showed the best LAR and LER, as well as a greater number of cycles and greater absolute values of leaf blade dry mass.

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ABSTRACT. Emulsifiers in animal diets are an interesting and effective strategy for nutritionists to improve the digestion of dietary lipids and, consequently, provide better performance. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the supplementation of diets with emulsifier based on mono- and diglycerides (120 g t-1 of feed) associated with different energy levels (2,775; 2,725; 2,675 and 2,625 kcal of metabolizable energy kg-1 of feed) on performance and egg quality of Hisex Brown laying hens. The laying hens were distributed in 50 experimental plots with eight birds each. A completely randomized design with five treatments and ten replicates/treatments was used. The treatments in this study were: control diet (C) with 2,775 kcal of metabolizable energy (ME) kg-1 of feed; C + E: diet C supplemented with an emulsifier (E) at 120 g t-1 of feed; diet C with reduction of 50 kcal ME and supplemented with E (NC50 + E); diet C with reduction of 100 kcal ME and supplemented with E (NC100 + E); and diet C with reduction of 150 kcal ME and supplemented with E (NC150 + E). All diets had the same inclusion level of degummed soybean oil (2%). There was no influence of the treatments on the performance and quality of the eggs (p >0.05). The current study has shown that diets supplemented with emulsifiers based on mono- and diglycerides (120 g t-1) allows reducing the metabolizable energy level up to 150 kcal kg-1 of feed, without impairment on performance and egg quality of Hisex Brown laying hens.

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ABSTRACT. A total of 500, 14-d old male Ross 308 broilers were allocated into five treatments (4 replicates each) including: a negative (NC) and positive control diet (PC) which supplemented without and with 7% poultry by-product meal (PBPM), respectively and three levels of additive supplementation of thyme and rosemary powders in the basal diets: 0.750% rosemary powder (PCR); 0.375% thyme powder + 0.375% rosemary powder (PCRT), and 0.750% thyme powder (PCT) rosemary powder. The PCRT diet improved (p <0.05) average daily gain and feed conversion ratio by 5.62 and 10.37% compared to PC, respectively. The serum concentration of lipids (triglycerides, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein) was decreased while the ileal villus height and ratio of villus height to crypt depth as well as ileal microbiota population were improved (p <0.05) in response to inclusion PCRT diet compared to PC diet. The blood serum concentration of malondialdehyde was statistically decreased (p <0.05) by supplementation of PCRT in broiler diets. Our results suggested that supplementation of a blend of thyme and rosemary powders at the level of 0.375% of each into broiler diet during d 14-42 has merit to be used as a natural antioxidant in diets formulated by PBPM.

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ABSTRACT. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different levels of dietary fiber on the performance and egg quality of laying hens at pre-laying and laying peak periods. The experimental period was divided into three periods: pre-laying (16 to 19 weeks of age), the start of laying (20 to 22 weeks of age) and laying peak (23 to 28 weeks of age). The experimental design was completely randomized with treatments constituted by five levels of fiber (2.00, 2.50, 3.00, 3.50, and 4.00%) in the diets, with five replicates (pens) of six birds each, totalling 180 hens. Performance and egg quality results were evaluated by polynomial regression at 5%. Fiber levels were not influenced (p >0.05) the first laying of the hens. However, levels above 2.50% of fiber provided worst (p <0.05) performance results, regardless of the period evaluated. Shortly after the start of laying, higher levels of fiber also caused a linear reduction (p <0.05) on egg weight and percentages of yolk and albumen, and an increase (p <0.05) on eggshells. Higher fiber levels caused a linear reduction (p <0.05) in the quality of the eggs, regardless of the period evaluated. It was concluded that the fiber levels did not influence the start period of the laying. Both pre-laying and start of the laying, levels above 2.5% of fiber caused a gradual worsening in performance. From the start of laying up to laying peak, levels above 2.5% of fiber also caused a gradual worsening in egg quality.

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ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of threonine:digestible lysine ratio in the diet on the physiological variables and weight of organs of light laying hens. Two hundred and ten 47 week-old Dekalb White laying hens were distributed in a completely randomized design, with five levels of threonine (0.507; 0.552; 0.597; 0.642 and 0.677%) and seven replicates of six birds each. The experimental period was 10 weeks, totaling 62 days and more eight days for the animals to adapt. The physiological parameters of cloacal temperature (CT), respiratory rate (RR) and average surface temperature (AST) were recorded weekly (7:00 am, 10:00 am, 1:00 pm, 4:00 pm, and 7:00 pm); after solid and water fasting, the birds were slaughtered to assess the absolute weight of the organs. The time of day influenced (p < 0.05) the physiological parameters RR and AST, and CT showed a significant effect (p < 0.05) of increasing levels of digestible threonine. The total weight of the pancreas, proventriculus and lung showed a significant effect (p < 0.05) of the increase in the levels of digestible threonine. The respiratory rate is affected by the levels of threonine in the diet. The 0.687% level promoted hypertrophy of the pancreas, proventriculus and lung, promoting more significant activity of these organs.

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ABSTRACT. The study aimed to evaluate performance and growth curves of broilers fed different nutritional relations. A total of 1,440 Cobb-500 male day-old chicks were assigned to eight treatments in a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial arrangement with six replicates of 30 birds each. The main factors were nutritional density (control and high), lysine source (HCl and sulfate), and calcium pidolate (presence and absence). Analyses were made for body weight gain (BWG), and feed conversion rate (FCR) at 21, and 42 days of age. The growth curves were adjusted by weighing a bird per plot every three days. Data for BWG were tested by ANOVA to evaluate the effects of treatments and their interactions at 5% significance, and the Gompertz model was adjusted by NLS. Birds fed a high nutritional density had higher BWG and lower FCR. Calcium pidolate and different sources of lysine did not influence the FCR of broilers, however a triple interaction was evidenced for BWG at 1 to 42 days of age. The day with maximum gain adjusted by Gompertz of all treatments was at the 32nd day of age and the maximum weight (A) was around 5.85 kg.

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ABSTRACT. Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of protease addition to the diet of broilers at a higher level (1× or 2×) than the nutritional value proposed for the enzyme. The first experiment, 1280 day-old chicks (Cobb500®) were randomly allocated (randomized block design, 2×2+1 factorial arrangement), five treatments, eight replicates containing 32 birds/replicate. Treatments consisted: control diet without protease (CD); CD + 1× nutritional value of the enzyme (CDM1); CD + 2× nutritional value of the enzyme (CDM2); CDM1 + protease; and CDM2 + protease. The experimental period was 42 days. The mean weight (AFW), feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG), feed conversion, and carcass yield were evaluated. Significant differences were observed for AFW, WG, FI, abdominal fat yield, and feet percentage in the carcass. In the second experiment, 120 Cobb500® chicks at 14 days of age were allotted in a completely randomized design, 2×2+1 factorial arrangement, five treatments, six replicates with four birds/replicate. The treatments were consistent with the first experiment. Significant improvements in the nitrogen balance were observed for the broilers that received protease. The use of the enzyme tested is recommended with the recommended nutritional matrix, improving the zootechnical indices of broilers.

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ABSTRACT. This study evaluated the effects of chromium picolinate (CrPic) with or without vitamin C on the reproductive potentials of cocks raised under high ambient temperature. Four diets contained CrPic at 0.00 to 1.20 mg kg-1 without vitamin C and another four diets contained CrPic with 200 mg vitamin C each. A total of 192 White Leghorn and Noiler cocks (96 cocks each) were randomly assigned to the 8 treatments and replicated 4 times with 6 cocks per replicate in a 2 x2 x 4 factorial experiment. At the end of the sixteen weeks study, twelve birds per treatment were randomly sacrificed. The testes were carefully sampled, weighed and processed for estimation of daily sperm production using the homogenate method. The results revealed that the interactions of 0.40 mg CrPic kg-1 with or without vitamin C significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the gonadal and extra-gonadal weights, semen characteristics among the cocks while the daily sperm production and reproductive hormones were not negatively affected. This study, therefore, concluded that 0.40 mg CrPic kg-1 diet with vitamin C could significantly reduce the effects of heat stress on cocks raised under high ambient temperature without negatively impacting on their normal reproductive functions.

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ABSTRACT. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of diets with reduced energy level content, supplemented with carbohydrase, on broiler performance and the coefficient of metabolizability of nutrients. A total of 720 one-day-old male Cobb-500 chicks were distributed in a completely randomized design, with six treatments, eight repetitions of 15 birds each. The treatments were: (1) a positive control, basal diet to meet the requirements of broiler chickens (PC); (2) a negative control, basal diet with a reduction of 80 kcal kg-1 (NC); (3) NC + alphagalactosydase; (4) NC + xylanase; (5) NC + xylanase and alphagalactosydase, and (6) NC + enzymatic blend (alphagalactosydase, xylanase, pectinase and amylase). The nutrient digestibility was not improved by use of enzymes. At 7 days of age, the broilers which were fed diets supplemented with enzymes showed a lower feed intake (FI) and better feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the broilers fed on PC. Both the NC and enzymatic blend resulted in a worse performance of the broilers at 21, 35 and 42 days old. The use of alphagalactosydase and xylanase, isolated or in combination, in a corn-soybean meal-based diet is effective in improving the growth performance of broilers fed energy-reduced diets.

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ABSTRACT. The present study aims to conduct a review on the potential use of insect meal as an alternative protein source in poultry feed, particularly to serve the rearing of free-range chickens. Insects are already part of the diet of birds in their natural habitat, and the availability of low-cost alternative foods with low environmental impact is essential for the development of the activity. The review comprehended studies that used meals consisting of silkworm (Bombyx mori) chrysalis, earthworm (Eisenia foetida), housefly (Musca domestica), black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) and mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor) to replace plant-based protein sources. In general, insect meals have a high content of crude protein and ether extract, as well as an essential amino acid profile suitable for poultry feeding. The addition of insect meal in poultry feed normally shows good results as to growth performance and egg production, without causing a negative effect on carcass characteristics, meat sensory quality and egg quality, presenting itself as an alternative protein source with good prospects for replacing plant-based sources in poultry feed.

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ABSTRACT. The aim of this experiment was to optimize pellet quality by changing different levels of moisture, production rate, grain particle size and conditioning temperature using Taguchi method. In this experiment A 43 fractional factorial arrangement using Taguchi method was conducted in broiler starter, Grower and finisher feeds with three production rates (3.5, 4 and 4.5 ton h-1), three steam conditioning temperatures (65, 75 and 85°C), three particle sizes that were achieved by grinding the whole grains in the hammer mill to pass through 6, 6.5 and 7.0 mm sieves respectively, and three moisture content (0, 2.5 and 5%) that were added to the broiler feed in the mixer. During the production process, sampling was done and then PDI and hardness were evaluated in grower and finisher feeds). Results of this experiment showed a significant effect of processing parameters on PDI and hardness. In Conclusion the major finding of this experiment was that the Taguchi method can be used to find the best combination of factors for optimal pellet quality by testing only a fraction of the treatments of the full factorial design.

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ABSTRACT. The objective is to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of yerba mate in the diet on the yield and quality of chicken meat stored frozen for 120 days after slaughter. The birds were distributed in a completely randomized design, with four treatments, and eight replications with 25 birds each. The treatments consisted of providing a basal diet with 1, 2, 4, and 6 g kg-1 of ground dehydrated Yerba mate. At slaughter, temperature, pH, and carcass yield were measured. 120 days after meat freezing, measurements of pH, colorimetry, cooking weight loss (CWL), shear force, and water retention capacity were estimated. The parameters evaluated after slaughter showed regression effects on breast and drumstick temperature. Breast temperature showed a decreasing linear effect (R2=0.61). For the variable thigh temperature, there was a negative quadratic effect (R2=0.66). The quality characteristics of breast and drumstick evaluated 120 days after freezing showed an increasing linear effect of drumstick CWL (R2=0.38). Yerba mate can be included in up to 6 g kg-1 in chicken feed without changing pH, color, and meat tenderness after 120 days of freezing, maintaining carcass and cut yields.

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ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive performance and carcass characteristics of confined Santa Inês sheep, fed different diets, in a Semiarid environment. Twenty whole sheep with 5 ± 0.5 months of age and 27 ± 2.0 kg were used, receiving two different diets for 72 experimental days, one composed of defatted soybean meal and the other of protein-enriched cactus meal. They were evaluated for different diets, consumption, production, carcass characteristics, morphometric measures and edible components. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with two treatments and 10 replications. Performance data and carcass characteristics were evaluated by analysis of variance and means compared by t test at 5% probability level using Statistical Analysis System [SAS]® (1999). Thus, the use of emulsified palm forage protein in the feeding of Santa Inês male lambs proved to be an excellent protein source when compared to the use of defatted soybean meal, since the results of performance and carcass characteristics were similar, being the use of this alternative source advised as it presents the best benefit-cost ratio.

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ABSTRACT. This experiment conducted using 20 Rahmani ewes at the last third of pregnancy in two equal groups. One group served as control, while the other group received Spirulina platensis (SP) at the rate of 0.5 gm 10 kg-1 live body weight. The objective was to find out the effect of adding Spirulina platensis algae to small ruminant rations on reproductive and productive traits and blood components of sheep. The experiments lasted for 120 days for both dams and their lambs after weaning. The findings proved that adding SP in ewes' diets had no effect on the average of live body weight change. Average milk yield was significantly (p <0.01) higher in the treatment group than the control. Lamb's birth weight and daily body gain of the treated group were significantly (p <0.01) higher than the control. Blood and serum picture profile of ewes were significantly higher when fed SP additive than the control. It could be concluded that the addition of SP to the ration of sheep positively preserved their health, productive and reproductive status as well as their lambs' growth rate. Also the additive improved the economic efficiency of treated animals by about 53.13%.

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ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to determine the multivariate relationship among linoleic acid, alpha-linolenic acid, and their main rumen biohydrogenation (BH) intermediates and products in bovine rumen fluid using canonical correlation analysis (CCA). A dataset consisting of 1177 observations generated by 107 in vitro rumen incubation systems of pure and mixed linoleic acid (18:2-c9, c12) and alpha-linolenic acid (18:3-c9, c12, c15) was gathered. Two canonical variates were defined: A: composed of the nine main BH intermediates and products (18:2-c9, t11; 18:2-t11, c15; 18:1-t11; 18:1-t9; 18:1-t6; 18:1-c11; 18:1-c6; 18:1-c9; 18:0) of 18:2-c9, c12 and 18:3-c9, c12, c15 and B: composed of 18:2-c9, c12 and 18:3-c9, c12, c15. Two canonical functions between A and B with significant canonical correlations (R1=0.990 and R2=0.738; p <0.01) were obtained. However, only the first function was selected for CCA. Exploration of canonical loadings for first function, revealed the following quantitative significance (absolute value) order for fatty acids (FA) within their respective canonical variates: A: 18:0(0.958)>18:1-t9(0.837)>18:1-c11(0.835)>18:1-c6(0.824)>18:1-t11(0.747)>18:1-c9(0.738)>18:1-t6(0.415)>18:2-t11, c15(0.387)> 18:2-c9, t11(0.239); B: 18:2-c9, c12(0.667)>18:3-c9, c12, c15(0.488). The CCA showed that 18:2-c9, c12 has a greater contribution than that of 18:3-c9, c12, c15 on the production of the aforementioned BH intermediates, in which 18:0, as well as the groups of 18:1 cis and trans-FA were mainly affected.

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ABSTRACT. The objective was to evaluate levels of replacement of corn silage with extruded forage (Foragge®) in sheep feeding. Twenty adult Santa Inês ewes in maintenance, and 55.8 kg average weight were housed in metabolic cages, and the treatments consisted of 20, 40, 60 and 80% replacement of corn silage with Foragge® extruded forage with 60% Uruchloa brizantha in the diet. The design was completely randomized, with regression analysis and non-parametric analysis at 5% probability. The supply of up to 80% extruded roughage to replace corn silage increased dry matter intake and digestibility, and fecal output in dry matter (p < 0.05). Also, it increased the efficiency of ingestion, rumination and chewing activities of sheep, but did not alter urinary parameters and energy metabolites (p > 0.05). However, it reduced the concentration of uric acid (p < 0.05). Foragge® extruded roughage can replace corn silage by up to 80% with changes in intake, digestibility, fecal parameters, ingestive behavior and concentration of uric acid and urea, with no modifications in urinary parameters and energy metabolites.

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ABSTRACT. This study aimed to determine the effect of using different sources of nitrogen to supply part of degradable intake protein needs in lactating goat performance and its effect on excretion of microbial purine derivatives and blood metabolites. Thirty-two lactating Saanen goats (body weight 38.85 ± 2.14 kg and 1979 ± 0.25 g day-1 milk yield) were used in a one-way ANOVA completely randomized design. Goats were assigned to the following treatments for a 10-wk experimental period: 1) Control (canola meal as a nitrogen source); 2) Urea (0.5% urea); 3) Optigen (0.55% Optigen- Alltech. Inc., Lexington, KY) and 4) Polymer-Coated Urea (PCU- international patent number: A01K5/00, 0.7% PCU) based on dry mater intake. Non-protein nitrogen groups had a comparative effect (p > 0.05) between control and other treatments on milk composition, microbial protein synthesis and they affected on blood factors including urea, cholesterol, and ALT. Dry matter intake decreased (p > 0.05) in PCU, Optigen, Urea than Control goats. Synthesis of microbial protein in PCU goats was 22.5 g day-1 and it was greater (p > 0.05) than other treatments. Plasma cholesterol was increased in PCU and Optigen, whereas urea concentration was increased in Urea and Control goats. Milk production was higher in PCU than Urea and Control. Feed conversion ratio was improved (p > 0.05) in PCU and Optigen goats versus other treatments. This study demonstrated that polymer-coated urea can be utilized as a nitrogen source and improve goats milk performance.

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ABSTRACT. This study aimed to evaluate the intake, digestibility, and ingestive behavior of sheep fed with different species of forage cacti. Fifteen sheep (17.27kg ± 1 kg) were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with three treatments and five replicates. The treatments were diets on a dry matter basis composed of 430.9 g kg-1 of thornless Mandacaru cactus (Cereus hildmannianus), 525.7 g kg-1 of cactus pear cv. Orelha de Elefante Mexicana (Opuntia stricta) and 492.1 g kg-1 of cactus pear cv. Miúda (Nopalea cochenillifera) in addition to Sabiá hay (Mimosa caesalpiniaefolia) (194.7 to 233.8 g kg-1), plus concentrate feed. The intake of the dry matter, organic matter, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, total carbohydrates, non-fiber carbohydrates, total digestible nutrients and voluntary water intake in g day-1 was not differ (p > 0.05) by experimental diets. There were no differences (p > 0.05) in digestibility coefficients of the dry matter, organic matter, neutral detergent fiber, total carbohydrates, non-fiber carbohydrates, and total digestible nutrients between the experimental diets. The feeding times differed (p < 0.05) between diets, with a higher value for the Opuntia diet, while the rumination times, feeding efficiency, and rumination efficiency did not differ (p > 0.05). The cactus Cereus and Opuntia and Nopalea have similar nutritional value in sheep’s diet.

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ABSTRACT. The experiment was carried out to evaluate the quality of anhydrous milk fat (AMF) of cows and buffaloes supplemented with flaxseed oil (FO), soybean oil (SO), or their mixture (FSO). Lactating crossbred cows and buffaloes were fed with control diet or with one of three supplements: 2% FO, 2% SO, and 2% FSO according to a double 4 x 4 Latin Square Design. The diets with FO, SO, or FSO reduced saturated FA, mainly C4:0, C14:0 and C16:0, while increased the unsaturated FA C18:1 and C18:2 in milk from cows and buffaloes. Cholesterol content decreased in cow's AMF while increased in buffalo's AMF when a diet supplemented with FO, SO, or FSO. The diet with SO or FSO increased the content of vitamin E in AMF obtained from cows (25.06 and 17.89 mg 100 g-1) and buffaloes (28.48 and 30.32 mg 100 g-1) compared with the control diet (11.02 and 15.68 mg 100 g-1), respectively, which correlated positively with scavenging activity for DPPH• (r2 = 0.66) and ABTS• (r2 = 0.67) radicals. Solid fat content (SFC) was high for cow’s AMF, with 58.12-60.37% at 5°C compared to that of buffalo's AMF, with 52.37-56.98%, but was low for cow's AMF at >15°C. Finally, supplementing a diet with vegetable oils, particularly SO, improves the quality of AMF; increases USFA/SFA ratio, vitamin E content, and antioxidant activities.

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ABSTRACT. This study aimed to evaluate cassava genotypes to identify the ones with the best nutritional values for ruminant diets. Nine genotypes were used: Amansa Burro (BGM 549), Aramaris (BGM 116), Brasília, Cambadinha (BRS Guaíra), Curvelinha, Engana Ladrão (BGM 1269), Trouxinha (BGM 1468), BRS Gema de Ovo, and BRS Dourada. A completely randomized block experimental design with nine treatments (genotypes) and three blocks (replicates) were employed. The roots were analyzed for dry matter production (DMP) in tonnes per hectare, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), starch, and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD). The multivariate analysis was carried out using Ward’s hierarchical agglomerative clustering based on Mahalanobis distance. The groups formed were evaluated by Scott-Knott test. The group formed by genotype Engana Ladrão was chosen as the best one for having the highest DMP t ha-1 and IVDMD values and the lowest NDF and ADF contents.

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ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of lambs fed two roughage: concentrate (R:C) ratios, with or without the liquid residue of cassava (LRC) on carcass traits and meat quantity. Forty lambs (19.5 ± 1.45 kg body weight), non-castrated, crossbred Santa Inês were distributed in a completely randomized 2 × 2 factorial design. There was no effect (p > 0.05) of the inclusion of LRC on the variables. The roughage:concentrate ratio of 40:60 promoted higher values for empty body weight, hot carcass weight, cold carcass weight, subcutaneous thickness fat, cooling loss,Longissimusmuscle area, carcass morphometric measurements, and commercial cuts. Higher weight of leg, muscles, fat, bone and other tissues, as well as for the ratio muscle:fat, and muscle:bone was observed in lambs fed 40R:60C. For the meat chemical composition, there was the effect (p < 0.05) only for ether extract (EE) for lambs fed 40R:60C ratio. The redness (a*) of meat was greater (p < 0.05) for lambs fed 80R:20C. The other physicochemical characteristics were not influenced. The roughage:concentrate ratio of 40:60 improves the carcass traits and commercial cuts, but does not promote changes in meat quality, independent of supplementation with liquid residue of cassava.

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ABSTRACT. This study evaluated an alternative heating-stirring system in the determination of in vitro ruminal digestibility of dry matter (IVRDMD) of forages using the Tilley and Terry (TT) method. For this purpose, the IVRDMD of three forage species (Marandu, Tifton 85, and Mombasa) was determined by incubating 500 mg of each dried and ground (1 mm) forage in 50-mL rumen inoculum during 48h, followed by quantification of the incubation residue. Two heating-stirring systems were used: i) heating in a water bath at 39°C with manual stirring every two hours (i.e., traditional system); and ii) heating in an oven with controlled temperature at 39°C and automatic agitation (44 rpm; alternative system); there was no effect of the interaction between the heating-stirring system and the type of forage (p = 0.829) on the IVRDMD of forages. The type of heating-stirring system (p = 0.422) did not affect the IVRDMD of forages. Nevertheless, the IVRDMD values of Marandu grass (system i = 598.7 g kg-1 vs system ii = 599.4 g kg-1) were greater (p < 0.001) than Tifton 85 (system i = 392.1 vs g kg-1 vs system ii = 370.7 g kg-1) and Mombasa (system i = 397.4 g kg-1; system ii = 369.7 g kg-1) grasses. In conclusion, the obtained data indicate that the alternative heating-stirring system produces similar results to those obtained using the traditionally heating-stirring system during the determination of the IVRDMD of forages.

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ABSTRACT. An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of graded levels of concentrate on feed intake, biological performance and carcass characteristics of yearling Gumuz sheep. The sheep were purchased and treated against endo- and ecto- parasites before commencing the study. The experimental animals were offered natural grass hay as a basal ration. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with six replications. Treatment feeds were arranged in the same amount of wheat bran but in different levels of sesame seed cake which comprises: 150 g wheat bran + 0 g sesame seed cake DM day-1 (T1), 150 g wheat bran + 250 g sesame seed cake DM day-1 (T2), 150 g wheat bran + 350 g sesame seed cake DM day-1 (T3) and 150 g wheat bran + 450 g sesame seed cake DM day-1 (T4). The experiment was conducted for 90 days after 15 days of adaptation period to the experimental feeds and conditions, which were then followed by carcass evaluation at the end. Sheep in T2 and T4 achieved higher total DM intake (1004.03-1072.57 g day-1) than T1 and T3. Sheep fed on graded-level sesame cake supplements (T2, T3 and T4) recorded significantly higher average daily gain (ADG) than the control (T1) and resulted in higher feed conversion efficiency (FCE). As a result of better slaughter weight (SW) achieved significant hot carcass weight (HCW) was recorded in sheep at T3 and T4. Among the concentrate levels, T2, T3 and T4 were found optimum in improving carcass yield and major meat quality attributes. Sheep supplemented with T3 had the highest net return (26.66 USD) and highest marginal rate of revenue (MRR) (6.53) compared to the other high-level sesame cake-supplemented groups. Thus, it is recommended that the supplementation of hay with high-level sesame cake supplement (T3) is biologically efficient and potentially profitable in the feeding of growing Gumuz sheep.

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ABSTRACT. The present study aimed to develop and evaluate an automated cooling control system (ATCE) for sows in the farrowing phase. The experiment was conducted at the Swine Production Unit, Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology, Campus Machado, Machado, state of Minas Gerais. Sixteen sows and their offspring were evaluated, eight treated and eight controls, in a randomized block design, with eight replications. Surface temperature, body temperature and respiratory rate of the animals were evaluated, in addition to floor temperature and performance parameters. The use of ATCE decreased the floor temperature (12h) and neck temperature (12 and 16h) (p < 0.10). In addition, there was a reduction in rectal temperature (12h) and respiratory rate (12 and 16h) in ATCE animals (p < 0.10). No significant differences were detected in the coefficient of variation (CV) of birth weight, but at weaning the CV of piglet weight was 26.3% lower in animals subjected to the ATCE (p = 0.079). Furthermore, the difference in CV between birth and weaning was also lower with the use of ATCE (p = 0.015). It can be concluded that the use of ATCE has a positive influence on the thermal comfort of females, in addition to improving litter uniformity.

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ABSTRACT. This experiment aimed to evaluate the forage species and their effect on fruit production of the chayote crop. For this, the culture was under observation in the first ten minutes at each time, from 7:00 am to 6:00 pm, with three repetitions, in each year studied (1994, 2001, 2009 and 2016). With the exception of 2009, Trigona spinipes stingless bees were frequent and constant insects in these flowers between 8:00 am and 1:00 pm, visiting mainly male flowers for nectar collection and due to foraging behavior this stingless bee may be considered a pollinator of the chayote.

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ABSTRACT. Thirty-two Arbor Acres (AA) cockerels aged 27 weeks were used to determine the effect of vitamin E (VE) on the semen characteristics and sperm quality during hot season. The birds were fed diets containing 0, 50, 100 and 150mg VE kg-1 feed. There were 4 replicates and two birds per replicate. Semen collection was done thrice a week for three weeks in all birds. Dietary vitamin E significantly (p < 0.05) increased the semen volume (SV) and number of sperm cells (NS) in AA cockerels. CONTROL birds (0.71 mL) had lower SV than birds fed 150 mg VE (0.94 mL). Birds on 100 and 150 mg VE recorded similar NS, which was higher than 0 and 50 mg VE groups. The least NS was in the CONTROL group. Sperm abnormality gradually (p < 0.05) decreased as dietary VE increased from 0 to 150 mg. Significant (p < 0.01) effect of dietary VE was recorded in percentage live sperm (PLS). Semen from cockerels on VE treatment had higher PLS than the CONTROL. In conclusion, it may be beneficial to supplement the broiler breeder cockerel diet with VE up to 150 mg kg-1 feed during hot season as it increased SV, NS and PLS and decreased sperm abnormality.

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ABSTRACT. The aim of current study was to survey genetic variability of PALM gene’s exon 3 and 4 by PCR-SSCP and DNA sequencing in Zel and Lori Bakhtiari sheep breeds. The SIFT (Sorting Intolerant from Tolerant) and PHyre2 program were used to predict the possible impact of amino acid substitutions on performance and structure of the paralemmin protein. A total of 140 animal's from 2 Iranian sheep breeds with different fat metabolisms, Lori-Bakhtiari and Zel sheep breeds were considered. The results showed that there are two polymorphic sites including a nonsynonymous substitution and an insertion mutation (49bp). Non-synonymous mutation deduced Thr20Ala amino acid exchange and ensuing two different structures for paralemmin protein that could be potentially affect protein structure and function during the interaction with glutamate in the cytosolic surface of plasma membrane. PALM gene, according to evolutionary path, is classified into two separate categories. In first covey, Gallus gallus and in second one, other species in several branches, so that the sequence of cow and sheep is placed in a sub-branch which forms a clade beside goat. Comparison of illustrated coding region sequences, PALM gene among different species, is of orthologous which are derived from a common ancestor.

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ABSTRACT. The objective was to evaluate fertility, cyclicality behavior, and sexual performance of Pantaneiro sheep throughout the year’s photoperiods in Mato Grosso do Sul - Brazil. Two experiments were conducted. In experiment one, the ewes used aged between 2 and 4 years, distributed in three homogeneous groups of 54 animals and subjected to reproductive evaluation in three different predefined luminosity periods, consisting of autumn (11h 45 min.), spring (12h 30 min.), and summer (12h 55 min.). The characteristics studied were body weight (BW), body condition score (BCC), estrus distribution (EST), percentage of pregnant females per cycle (%P), plasma progesterone (PP), and fertility (F) in the three predefined seasons. The mating system used was controlled natural nocturnal and lasted for 45 days. Experiment two, evaluated the ram sexual activity. The males (10) were individually exposed to four ovariectomized ewes. The ewes cycled during evaluated seasons, and the highest fertility was observed in animals with BCC >2.75. The PP concentration differed among periods, and higher conception rates (F) were observed in autumn and spring. The rams (75%) had a medium of sexual performance when they performed more than two ejaculations in 20 min throughout the seasons. Pantaneiro sheep of both genders had a similar fertility index, with early and constant activity throughout the year, displaying no photoperiodism or seasonality.

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ABSTRACT. This study aimed to perform a strategic diagnosis on a property specialized in breeding, rearing and finishing beef cattle in the southern region of Piauí. It was conducted at Agropecuária Alvorada, located in the countryside, municipality of Bom Jesus, PI, Brazil. The farm develops the full cycle of beef cattle production, which is divided into breeding, rearing and finishing. A SWOT analysis (which stands for Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) was carried out, consisting of an assessment of the property’s internal and external environments. To evaluate the internal environment, an interview was held for data collection by means of questionnaires. The evaluation included: breeding management, sanitary management, nutritional management, infrastructure, workforce, technologies used in pasture formation, conservation and recovery, pasture management and zootechnical indices. To analyze the external environment, a group of people (experts) with deep knowledge of the subject addressed during the study was used as source of information. A matrix was generated with all the information from the SWOT analysis, strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats, culminating with the establishment of strategies to increase the productive efficiency of the cattle raising activity.

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ABSTRACT. There have been determined the features of m. longissimus lumborum steaks from young cattle-for-fattening of Holstein-Friesian breed, Polish black-and-white variety. There were measured pH values, basic chemical composition and colour parameters. The meat was subjected to moist-ageing for 12 days and, next, stored in modified atmosphere for the following 10 days. The amount of heat loss in relation to the temperature of thermal processing was determined. Texture parameters were studied instrumentally and organoleptically. The studied muscles from young cattle-for-fattening characterised with proper and similar pH values. The average fat content was 4.37%. The surface colour of the studied dorsal muscle was relatively bright, the average value L*=37.97, and on the cross-section L*=32.97. The average value of the muscle surface's ‘redness’ was a*=18.98, whereas cross-section's a*=20.27. The amounts of heat leakages were rising along with the increase of temperature from 11.24 to 37.14%. Ageing and storing in MAP led to a significant decrease in the amounts of heat leakages. Ageing and storing in MAP had a significant influence on decreasing shear force and on increasing the organoleptic evaluation marks of the m. longissimus lumborum after thermal processing, which shows that the muscle may become culinary meat with features accepted by consumers.

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ABSTRACT. Litter size is one of the crucial factors in livestock production and is of high economic value, which is affected by ovulation rate, hormones, and growth factors. Growth factors play a multifaceted role in reproductive physiology. This review aims to investigate the association of bone morphogenetic protein 15 (BMP15) and growth differentiation factor 9 (GDF9) with litter size in livestock. The transforming growth factor β (TGF- β) superfamily includes more than 34 members; GDF9 and BMP15 are among the most significant factors for regulating fertility and litter size in most livestock species. Ovarian follicles release BMP15 and GDF9 that are involved in the maturation of primary follicles into the basal form, proliferation of granulosa and theca cells, steroidogenesis, ovulation, and formation of the corpus luteum. Besides, these factors are highly expressed in oocytes and are necessary for female fertility and multiple ovulation in several livestock species. Animals with two inactive copies of these factors are sterile, while those with one inactive copy are fertile. Thus, the present review provides valuable information on the association of BMP15 and GDF9 with litter size in livestock that can be used as biological markers of multiple ovulation or for improving fertility in livestock.

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ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to estimate genetic parameters for body weight at 60 (P60), 90 (P90), and 120 (P120) days of age in escargots of the subspecies Cornu aspersum maximum, evaluating the influence of fixed and covariable effects on these traits. The data used were collected from escargots kept in a total confinement system. The significant fixed effects and covariates for these traits were tested in a general linear model by the F-test, considering a level of significance of 5%. Both the fixed effects of box and birth year and the quadratic effect of age of weighing as a covariate were significant (p < 0.05) for P60, P90, and P120. The Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) methodology was used to estimate (co)variance components and genetic parameters. High heritability for P60, P90, and P120 (0.38, 0.55 and 0.78, respectively) and high genetic correlations (0.58 to 0.77) among the traits were observed. The genetic parameters can be used as a basis for studies and practical applications to increase zootechnical indexes in this population.

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ABSTRACT. The study aimed to evaluate the use of the azidiol® preservative for psychrotrophic microorganism count (PMC) in cooled raw milk. Two studies were carried out, one under controlled conditions (experiment 1) and the other under field conditions (experiment 2), in which samples of raw milk were taken with and without the use of the azidiol® preservative and analyzed at predefined times (0, 6, 12 and 24 hours - experiment 1) and at varying times (experiment 2). Analysis of variance and regression analysis using SAS were applied for data statistical analysis. Milk samples without azidiol® showed higher PMC with increasing time between sampling and analysis, while in samples preserved with azidiol®, this count remained constant. Samples of cooled raw milk intended for PMC should be collected in flasks containing the azidiol® preservative.

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ABSTRACT. Technical regulations that determine milk quality standards in Brazil establish the minimum criteria that the processing industry's raw material must present. These rules can challenge the logistics sector (transport) to maintain adequate milk conservation levels. We aimed to evaluate the influence of bulk transport and storage conditions on refrigerated raw milk quality. The experiment was carried out in a dairy industry in Santa Catarina State. Information and samples of refrigerated raw milk were collected from dairy farms, from isothermal compartments of milk trucks, and from the industry's storage silo. These samples were submitted to microbiological analysis, somatic cell count (SCC), and physicochemical analysis. The results were evaluated by ANOVA and multivariate analysis (factor analysis). The transport of raw milk in bulk and the transfer of raw material to the industrial silo worsened the milk's microbiological quality (p < 0.0001) for standard plate count (SPC) and psychrotrophic microorganism count (PMC), without affecting, the physicochemical characteristics of the milk (p > 0.05). Poor hygienic conditions in milk storage rooms, in the refrigeration bulk tanks of the dairy farms, and during the transport, as well as the transport on longer routes, were related to higher SPC and psychrotrophic count while receiving milk by the dairy industry with higher temperatures was only associated with higher SPC.

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ABSTRACT. The stingless bee Tetragonisca angustula is an important pollinator of different agricultural and native crops. This study evaluated changes in the relative activity of esterases and critical electrolyte concentration in brain cells after exposure to pesticides malathion and thiamethoxam. Lethal concentration 50% showed greater toxicity of thiamethoxam in relation to malathion. Esterases EST-3 and EST-4 (carboxylesterase) were partially inhibited after contamination by contact and ingestion of malathion and contamination by contact with thiamethoxam, suggesting participation of these esterases in the metabolization of these compounds. The lowest critical electrolyte concentration (CEC) was found after contamination by malathion ingestion (0.15 M), indicating changes in gene expression. The alterations observed in the intensity of EST-3 and EST-4 and the chromatin structure indicate that pesticides can act in gene expression and be used as biomarkers of contaminant residues. Furthermore, knowing the susceptibility of T. angustula bees to pesticides, it would be possible to use this species for biomonitoring environmental quality in preserved areas and agroecosystems.

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ABSTRACT. The present study was undertaken in order to evaluate the growth performances and meat quality of three indigenous chickens phenotypes reared under extensive conditions in the region of Chlef in Algeria. A week after hatching, 3 random groups of 35 chicks from each phenotype; normal plumage free-range chicken (NPFRC), crested free-range chicken (CFRC) and naked neck free-range chicken (NNFRC) were chosen and reared in free-range conditions for 18 weeks. The highest growth performance was shown by the crested free-range chicken (CFRC). In terms of meat quality, the analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that crested phenotype (CFRC) showed the best nutritional qualities especially proteins and moisture. The discriminant analysis revealed that CFRC and NNFRC were better in terms of tenderness and overall acceptability. As consequence of these very interesting qualities, these local breeds should be considered for extensive production in order to provide a good quality meat, while assuring their preservation.

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ABSTRACT. The influence of harvest method on proximate composition, protein oxidation, and texture profile of beef from Nellore cattle were investigated. Longissimus lumborum (LL) muscles were obtained from twelve grain-fed Nellore carcasses. The animals were slaughtered after stunning (STU; n=6) or without stunning (WST; n=6) and after 24 hours postmortem, the LL was sliced into 2.54-cm steaks, packed under aerobic conditions, and stored at 4°C for nine days. Proximate composition was analyzed on day 0, whereas protein oxidation (carbonyl content) and texture profile (hardness, chewiness, cohesiveness, and springiness) were evaluated on days 0, 3, 6, and 9. STU and WST steaks exhibited similar proximate composition, hardness, and chewiness (p > 0.05). WST steaks exhibited greater protein oxidation and lower cohesiveness than their STU counterparts on day 0 (p < 0.05). Concerning the storage period, WST steaks demonstrated a decrease in springiness and a more pronounced increase in cohesiveness than their STU counterparts (p < 0.05). These results indicated that the harvest method influenced LL protein oxidation and texture profile from Bos indicus cattle.

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ABSTRACT. The objective was to assess the physiological and behavioral variables of pasture-raised Holstein heifers on the basis of their coat color. Eight heifers were used, four with black coat, and four with white coat. In the morning and afternoon periods, their physiological variables were measured, namely respiratory rate (RR, mov min. -1), rectal temperature (TR, ºC), and coat surface temperature (TS, ºC). The behavior analysis considered the site (sun or shade), position (standing or lying down), and activities (idleness, rumination, grazing, and others). The data of the physiological variables were assessed through analysis of variance, and significance, through Tukey’s test at 5%, while behavioral data were assessed using the Chi-squared test (SAS Software). There was a difference for all of the heifers’ physiological variables as a function of coat color (p < 0.0001) and period (p < 0.0001), with black ones showing greater results than white ones as to all physiological variables in the afternoon period (p < 0.0001). Grazing behavior is reduced during the hottest hours of the day. We conclude that solar radiation changes the physiological variables and grazing behavior of pasture-raised Holstein heifers.

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ABSTRACT. The evaluation of the carcass composition of livestock generates relevant information on the quality and final yield of the meat products. The objective of this work was to evaluate correlations the ultrasound measurements in vivo of the Longissimus lumborum with the physical-chemical components of one-year-old Santa Ines sheep bred in extensive systems. The ultrasound evaluation was performed of the rib eye area (USrea), loin depth (USld), loin width (USlw) and subcutaneous fat thickness (USsft). After slaughter, meat cuts were weighed and carcass yield was calculated. The 12th rib on the left side was separated from the carcass and dissected, after which individual bones, muscles and fat were separated and weighed. The components were regrouped, ground and collected for centesimal evaluation. Significant positive correlations (p < 0.05) were found between the ultrasound measurements and meat metrics, except for the loin length, which had low correlation. Significant correlations (p < 0.05) were found between muscles and the measurements of USld, USrea and USsft. The correlations (p < 0.05) between the bones and USld and USrea were negative and significant. USsft presented correlation (p < 0.05) with carcass yield. Thus, the ultrasound measurements associated with the Longissimus lumborum could constitute a valuable tool for evaluating the physical-chemical components and carcass of one-year-old Santa Inês sheep created in extensive systems.

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ABSTRACT. Since the composition of honey varies with the species of bee as well as flowering and geographical aspects, this study aimed to evaluate the physicochemical and bioactive properties of Apisand stingless bees’honey from the Brazilian Caatinga. Samples of different species of Apis mellifera L.Meliponini (Melipona subnitida, Frieseomellita varia, Melipona mandacaia, Plebeia sp.) and Apis mellifera L.werecollected from honey producersin the state of Rio Grande do Norte. Honey from A. mellifera and stingless bees showed physicochemical differences in some parameters, especially in moisture, free acidity, HMF, water activity, sugars and electric conductivity. There were no differences in color between honeys from A. mellifera and stingless bees. Honeys fromPlebeia sp., F. varia and A. mellifera showed higher antioxidant capacity followed by honeys fromM. mandacaia and M. subnitida. Flavonoids had little influence on the differentiation of antioxidant activities of stingless bees, while the opposite occurred with the phenolic content, where honeys with the highest levels of phenolic also showed higher antioxidant capacity.

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ABSTRACT. Wooden breast myopathy (WB) strongly affects the poultry industry mainly in terms of consumers rejection and economical loses, due to morphological changes in broiler muscle tissue and consequently low meat quality. The aim of this study is to evaluate the histomorphometry of muscle fibers of breast fillets of broilers with severity levels of WB myopathy. The histological evaluation considered 30 samples of the pectoralis major muscle and the level of WB myopathy (ten normal fillets, ten moderate fillets, and ten severe fillets). Fillets with a severe level of WB present low average fiber number, high average fiber diameter, low percentage of fibers with diameter of less than 20 µm, low percentage of fibers with diameter between 20 and 40 µm, and high percentage of fibers with diameter between 40 and 70 µm. Fiber cross-sectional area is greater in fillets affected by moderate and severe WB. Thus, fillets with a severe level of WB damage the muscle fiber structure and contribute more severely to the degenerative processes of breast meat.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT. The objective was to evaluate the quality of Japanese quail eggs stored at room temperature (26.8ºC) and under refrigeration (10.9ºC), for different storage periods (0; 5; 10; 15; 20; 25 and 30 days). A total of 196 quail eggs were assigned to different treatments in a factorial arrangement of 2 (temperatures) x 7 (storage periods), with 3 replications and 4 eggs per experimental unit. Data were subjected to regression analysis of parameters as a function of storage time at room temperature and under refrigeration. There was a reduction in egg weight, albumen weight and height, yolk height and egg yolk index with increasing storage period as a function of temperatures (p < 0.05). Eggs at room temperature showed a reduction in albumen index, while eggs under refrigeration showed a quadratic behavior (p < 0.05). Storage days promoted a quadratic response in albumen and yolk pH (p < 0.05) of eggs at room temperature. Eggs at room temperature floated from the 15th day of storage. When stored at room temperature, quail eggs show a sharp decrease in internal quality during storage for up to 30 days. Refrigerated storage is recommended.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT. The objective of this research was to identify the influence of the evaporative adiabatic cooling system (EACS) on the thermal comfort and productive responses of dairy cattle, through multivariate analysis by principal components (PC), in the summer and winter seasons of the semiarid region of Pernambuco, Brazil. The data came from an experiment that included 16 multiparous lactating cows (7/8 Holstein-Gyr), randomly distributed in 4 sets, with 4 experimental phases and 4 treatments (0, 10, 20, and 30 min.). The multivariate analysis was carried out through PC for the thermal comfort indices, physiological variables, and milk production and composition. The highest milk production in the summer season was obtained for animals exposed to the cooling system for 30 min. In the winter season in the morning period, the use of the EACS for 10 min. was sufficient for improvements in milk production. The times of exposure to EACS caused changes in the composition of milk, for both seasons. Principal component analysis made it possible to verify a positive correlation of evaporative cooling with thermal comfort, physiological responses, and production and composition of milk of lactating cows.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT. Leptospirosis is an infectious disease that affects practically all domestic and wild animals, which can become carriers and, as a consequence, will contribute to the spread of the microorganism in nature. The present study aims to detect the occurrence of leptospirosis against by the microscopic serum agglutination test in animals at the Zoo of the Centro Universitário da Amazônia (ZOOUNAMA). 26 adult animals of both sexes and of the following species: 9 Sapajus apella, 2 Cebus kaapori, 3 Ateles marginatus, 10 Ateles paniscus, 1 Chiropetes satanas, 1 Allouata belzebul. Of the animals studied, 3 (11.5%) were reagents to be taken against Leptospira spp. The serovars found in the different species were: Icterohaemorragiae, Balum, Hardjo and Grippothyphosa. SAM proved to be efficient to detect against leptospira in non-human primates. Icterohaemorragiae type serum occurred with research results showing that it is also important in leptospirosis in non-human primates.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT. This study aimed to propose and compare metrics of accuracy and bias of genomic prediction of breeding values for traits with censored data. Genotypic and censored-phenotypic information were simulated for four traits with QTL heritability and polygenic heritability, respectively: C1: 0.07-0.07, C2: 0.07-0.00, C3: 0.27-0.27, and C4: 0.27-0.00. Genomic breeding values were predicted using the Mixed Cox and Truncated Normal models. The accuracy of the models was estimated based on the Pearson (PC), maximal (MC), and Pearson correlation for censored data (PCC) while the genomic bias was calculated via simple linear regression (SLR) and Tobit (TB). MC and PCC were statistically superior to PC for the trait C3 with 10 and 40% censored information, for 70% censorship, PCC yielded better results than MC and PC. For the other traits, the proposed measures were superior or statistically equal to the PC. The coefficients associated with the marginal effects (TB) presented estimates close to those obtained for the SLR method, while the coefficient related to the latent variable showed almost unchanged pattern with the increase in censorship in most cases. From a statistical point of view, the use of methodologies for censored data should be prioritized, even for low censoring percentages.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency and degree of discomfort in dairy cows and the risk factors associated by taking into account six animal welfare indicators included in the Welfare Quality® Protocol (WQ®): lying time, lying outside lying area, collision and cleanliness assessed on three body areas: udder, hindquarters and hind limbs. These indicators were carried out on 1,200 dairy cows belonging to 100 dairy farms in the province of Algiers, which 53% were kept in permanent tie stalls and 47% in partial tie stalls. Observation results showed a low average overall score of comfort (40.8 ± 10.62). This was mainly related to a long lying time (5.9s ± 0.89) of which 41.0% of the farms surveyed exceeded the alert threshold (>6.3s) and 39.0% the alarm threshold (>5.2s), a very high degree of dirtiness in udder (62.6%±21.9), hind quarters (60.6%±21.5) and hind limbs (60.6±21.4). As a result, the majority of farms exceeded the alert thresholds: 100.0% (udder), 86.0% (hindquarters) and 63.0% (hind limbs). Highly significant correlations were observed between the different aspects of comfort assessed (p < 0.0001). To reconcile dairy cows’ welfare and productivity, it is essential to improve their comfort.

Resumo em Inglês:

ABSTRACT. Analyzing the organochlorine pesticide (OCP) content in milk is relevantbecause it helps evaluate the quality of milk that reaches the consumer's table and also helps identify the geographical areas where there is a high possibility of contamination. Accordingly,thispilot project was aimed at determining the extent of contamination by OCP residues and their metabolites in fresh cow's milk in Mojuí dos Campos and Belterra, Pará, using solid-phase extraction (SPE) and gas chromatography coupled with electron capture detection (GC-ECD). The OCPs evaluated in this study weredichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites (dichlorodiphenyldichloroethylene (DDE) and dichlorodiphenyldichloroethane (DDD)), hexachlorocyclohexane (HCH) (α, β, γ, and δ), endosulfanα and β, andendosulfansulfate. None of the thirty bovine milk samples analyzedshowed any contamination with OCPs.TheOCP content was within the limit of quantification of the method. The results of this study add to the existing knowledge on the quality ofbovine milk produced in these locations. However, further researchon other environmental matricesis required to confirm the results obtained in this study.