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Background. The Conventional use of henequen (Agave fourcroydes), has mainly focused on the use of the leaves for the production of fiber. However, there are other components such as the stem (“pineapple”), the spines, and the by-product of fiber generation (leaf juice) in which we should pay attention to. Objective. To provide a systematic analysis of the biotechnological overview from those investigations where the potential of each of the structural components of A. fourcroydes is being studied. Methodology. A systematic review of the literature was carried out, based on the PRISMA protocol (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses), search for information was carried out in the most prominent databases (Redalyc, SciELO, Scopus, Elsevier, EBSCO, and Google Academic, using A. fourcroydes as the main keyword, using inclusion and later exclusion criteria according to the literature found, in the period from 1990 to 2022, which allowed a broader perspective on this crop and its biotechnological importance. Main findings. In the bibliographic review more information was found on the applications of the plant in an integral way, so that bioactive compounds such as fructans, flavonoids, and sterols can be obtained from the henequen stem, which can be incorporated into animal and human diets, while ethanol has been obtained from the juice of the leaves and the development of that of new materials using the fiber in a native and modified way to obtain fiber-reinforced mortars for its sustainable application in the construction industry. On the other hand, contributions were found on promising alternatives for the use of crops such as modified fibers, and combined with other compounds (composites) for the mechanical reinforcement of new materials. Implications. The literature consulted allows us to report that henequen (A. fourcroydes) is not only cultivated in the Yucatan Peninsula, but also in other regions such as the State of Tamaulipas, Mexico, where its use and commercial exploitation has not well documented. Conclusion. The bibliographical review allows us to deduce that the obtaining of new henequen compounds would revalue their integral use and use in different industries.

In our study the stability of solitons of the nonlinear Schrodinger equation is investigated via the computation the dynamics of vortex rings. To do that we use the modern PY-PDE package in the framework of Python 3.9. The main purpose of this package is to simulate the partial differential equations (PDE) in simple geometry. Temporal evolution of the PDE is determined using the line method by explicitly sampling space, using fixed grids with simultaneous temporal visualization of dynamics. Such a system supports the use of object-oriented programming and the numba-compiled method to speed up computations. With the use of PY-PDE package we numerically investigate the dynamic phenomenon in a Bose-Einstein condensate (BEC) placed in an external potential. The same model can also be applied to study the spatial electromagnetic solitons in fibers. Both the one-dimensional and two-dimensional cases are considered.

Currently seeking to improve the characteristics of concrete, the use of drawn steel fibers in a self-compacting concrete can increase resistance and reduce cracks, with a high level of fluidity for installation. The objective of this research is to evaluate the properties of self-compacting concrete by adding drawn steel fibers. Concrete samples were made by adding 1%, 1.5%, 2%, 2.5% fiber CHO 80/60 and 65/35 NB, with concrete specimens to be tested at 7, 14 and 28 days of curing, to Analyze the physical and mechanical properties. The results showed that they increased the compressive strength by 4.94%, traction by 8.15% and bending by 6.64% with the addition of 1.5% of the two fibers. It is concluded that adding drawn steel fiber contributes to the mechanical properties and can be a great alternative for high-strength concrete.

Currently, in Colombia there are old and poorly productive crops of fique (Furcraea macrophylla Baker) crops. The objective of the present investigation was to determine if the "canopy pruning" works as a rehabilitation practice. The evaluation was carried out on plants with different times after pruning, 0 (control without pruning), 12, 36 and 72 months. The statistical design used was a randomized complete block (RCBD) with four treatments and four blocks. It was determined that the rehabilitation time for a crop to produce fiber with an appropriate length for the market was 16 months, less time than that produced by a crop sown from seed. This practice improved vegetative growth and productive capacity in plants 36 and 72 months after pruning, exhibiting increases of 77 and 277 % in fiber yield respectively. With the results of this investigation, it is concluded that the implementation of this practice is an agronomically feasible strategy to rehabilitate fique crops because improve growth and production of plants.

Abstract Pumpkin is a yellow or orange-colored vegetable with a mild flavor that stands out as a fiber and nutrient source. However, the products with pumpkins are still little explored in Brazil, due to high perishability in natura and to the lack of eating habits of regional baked goods. This study aimed to produce and characterize a pumpkin flour to be used as an ingredient in muffins, evaluate the technological, and sensory characteristics of these cakes, and select the most sensorially accepted muffin for nutritional composition evaluation. Three muffins were produced as following: one control (M0); and two containing 5 (M1) and 10 (M2) g/100 g of partial substitution of wheat flour by pumpkin flour, thus maintaining the other ingredients common to cakes. The technological characteristics of firmness, volume and color were evaluated. Sensory acceptance was assessed using an affective test on an unstructured 9-point hedonic scale. There were no significant differences in the firmness and image analysis (distribution, size, and pore area of the crumb) among the three muffins, however, M1 and M2 presented darker crust color, more orange crumb, and a lower volume compared to M0. The sensory acceptability of the muffins was considered as a criterion for selection for nutritional composition analysis. The muffins’ acceptance of M1 was better than M0, but without differences to M2. The consumers’ opinions were also considered, and M1 was selected for having greater acceptance. Nutritionally, M0 and M1 presented similar levels of proteins, digestible carbohydrates, and lipids, however, M1 showed a higher content of ash and total dietary fibers: 2.01 ± 0.03 and 1.57 g/100 g (dry basis), respectively. Thus, the pumpkin flour could be produced and used as a regional, enriched, and natural-colored ingredient for muffins or other bakery products, and therefore they had a socially positive impact on family farming.

This publication discusses three main harvestable products of hemp: fiber, seeds, and cannabinoids, along with their current and potential uses. Written by Navdeep Kaur, Lakesh K. Sharma, Christine Kelly-Begazo, Mark Tancig, and Zachary Brym, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, September 2021.

The objective of this work was the evaluation of a mango-based fruit bar. Tommy Atkins pulp and mango peel physicochemically were characterized. Three drying methods were compared: lyophilization, convection drying, and microwave assisted convection drying. Subsequently six formulations were made varying the amount of pectin from 0.5 to 2.5%, water, inulin, glycerol and ascorbic acid. The results obtained showed that microwave-assisted convection drying at 40 ° C for the shell showed a higher concentration of fiber. Two formulations were selected for physicochemical, microbiological and sensory analysis. Formulation D with a higher percentage of pectin was more widely accepted. The values obtained from vitamin C and total phenolic compounds show that the formulation of a fruit bar is feasible, taking advantage of the shell mainly as a raw material for foods with functional characteristics.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate increasing levels of dried apple pomace on cat diets and its effects on the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of nutrients and diet metabolizable energy (ME) and palatability. Fecal characteristics of cats were also evaluated. Four experimental diets were produced to contain 0, 30, 60, and 90 g kg−1 of dried apple pomace. Two experiments were carried out. In experiment 1, the diets were offered to twelve adult cats distributed in a completely randomized block design (n = 6). Two evaluation periods (blocks) of 11 days were used to analyze diet digestibility and fecal characteristics. In experiment 2, the palatability of diets containing 0 (control) vs. 90 g kg−1 of dried apple pomace was compared using 20 adult cats on two consecutive days (n = 40). Increasing dietary dried apple pomace levels (0-90 g kg−1) linearly reduced the ATTD of crude protein (834.0-798.0 g kg−1 of dry matter) and ME (4290.1-4161.0 kcal). There was a quadratic effect of the increasing dried apple pomace levels on the ATTD of the other nutrients, as well as on fecal dry matter (fDM) content and output. The dietary inclusion of 90 g kg−1 of dried apple pomace promoted a greater intake ratio (0.61) in relation to the control diet. The inclusion of up to 90 g kg−1 of dried apple pomace reduces diet digestibility, ME, and fDM of cats. However, it improves diet palatability. These results indicate that the dried apple pomace is a palatable fibrous component and its inclusion can be used to reduce the energy content of cat foods.

Abstract This research was carried out to evaluate centesimal [dry matter (DM), ash, and crude contents of proteins (CP), fats (CFt) and fiber (CFb)] and mineral composition (Ca, Mg, N, P, K, Fe, Zn, Cu and Mn) of peel and flesh tissues of feijoa fruit (cultivars Alcântara, Mattos, Helena and Nonante, and accession 2316). The genotypes had, in the flesh, DM of 12.10-15.40%, ash of 0.33-0.40%, CP of 0.95-1.45%, CFt of 0.56-1.72%, and CFb of 1.39-2.43%, and in the peel DM of 12.8-17.27%, ash of 0.30-1.49%, CP of 0.56-0.88%, CFt of 0.57-0.90%, and CFb of 2.54-3.98%. The contents of Ca, Mg, K, N and P in the peel were 96-116, 20-30, 1588-3635, 1096-1643 and 68-83 mg kg-1 FW, respectively, and in the flesh were 56-92, 17-29, 1358-2917, 2017-3384 and 255-374 mg kg-1 FW, respectively. Among the micronutrients, Fe had the highest content in peel and flesh tissues (~3.5 mg kg-1 FW). The results show that feijoa fruit represent a dietary source of CP, CFt and CFb, as well as of minerals, especially of P and N in the flesh, and of K and Fe in the peel and flesh tissues.

Sesame bran (SB) is a by-product of the food industry. The objective of the present study was to characterize SB for its content of bioactive compounds (individual phenolic and lignan compounds, fiber, minerals, and calcium bioaccessibility), antioxidant capacity and proximate analysis. SB presented high levels of insoluble fiber, free calcium (~1400 mg/kg), protein (~90 g/kg), and free ferulic acid (~1950 mg/kg). Likewise, sesamol was identified as one of the major lignans (~550 mg/kg) in SB, which has been regarded as a promising antimutagenic antioxidant compound. Results indicate that SB can be considered an adequate source of bioactive compounds and used in the formulation of low calorie and high fiber foods.

Novel formulations of passion fruit shell flour and rice blends were processed on a single-screw extruder, into value-added extrudates. The effects of extrusion processing variables of die temperature, feed moisture, and passion fruit shell flour content on the sectional expansion (SEI), longitudinal expansion (LEI), water absorption (WAI), and water solubility (WSI) indices of the extrudates were evaluated using a central composite design. The processing variables caused a marked effect on all the independent variables studied (SEI, LEI, WAI, and WSI). Passion fruit shell flour used in this study contained 56.76% of crude fiber. Additionally, the microstructural view of the cross-sectional areas, internal structure and surface appearance of extrudates containing 0–15% passion fruit shell flour in their formulation revealed that the addition of passion fruit shell flour led to a decrease in expansion and cell size, increase in thickness of air cell wall and rough surface appearance. This study demonstrated the usefulness of developing extruded rich in fiber from rice and passion fruit shell flour.

The aim of this work was to isolate pulp (PH) and seed hydrocolloids (SH) of the fruit of Hymenaea corbaril L. and determinate chemical, functional and rheological properties, as a proposal of a new attractive product for functional applications in food systems. Both hydrocolloids have a high content of carbohydrates, minerals and fiber. The solubility of PH was higher 94.1%. The emulsifying capacity of SH, PH and GG increases with the hydrocolloid concentration. The emulsions showing a good stabilization stability with drop sizes of 5–20 μm. The emulsions PH and SH at 1% were higher stability than guar gum (GG), due to slower down the cremation index after 3 days of storage at 35 and 40°C. The hydrocolloids exhibited a pseudoplastic behavior at concentrations of 0.5–2%. The elastic behavior suggests its application to edible films, while the viscous behavior suggests its incorporation in food systems.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to test a new methodology to assess the resistance of trees to wind damage and determine the characteristics that increase clone resistance to winds. Tree resistance to breakage, basic density, ultrastructure, anatomy, mechanical properties, and wood growth stress have been evaluated in seven Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus urophylla clones, collected from a region with a high incidence of wind damage. The Pearson correlation coefficient between the tree resistance to breakage and the ratio between the area damaged by the winds and the total planted area was -0.839, showing the efficiency of the methodology adopted and that high breaking strength results in a smaller area affected by wind damage. Trees with a high basic density, cell wall fraction, modulus of elasticity of the middle lamella and fibers, fiber hardness, modulus of rupture, growth stress and low microfibril angle and height and width of the rays showed greater resistance to wind damage. Therefore, the selection of clones with these features may reduce the incidence of damage by winds in Eucalyptus plantations.

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the diet components - crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, hemicellulose, cellulose, and lignin - as internal indicators in the determination of the apparent digestibility coefficients of dry matter, gross energy, and of the nutrients - crude protein, phosphorus, and amino acids - in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus). Groups of ten juveniles (80.3±1 g) were randomly distributed in six tanks of 250 L and fed two practical diets, either of a plant-origin diet or of a plant- and animal-origin diet. Both diets were supplemented with 0.1% chromium (III) oxide (Cr2O3). Faeces were collected by the modified Guelph system. The apparent digestibility coefficients were determined by the content difference of the internal indicators, present in the diets and faeces, and compared by Dunnett’s test to those obtained by the use of Cr2O3. Cellulose was effective in the determination of the apparent digestibility of dry matter, energy, and nutrients of both experimental diets; and the acid detergent fiber was effective only for the diet composed exclusively of plant-origin ingredients. The use of crude fiber, neutral detergent fiber, hemicellulose, and lignin as digestibility indicators was inefficient for the analyzed nutrients of both diets. Therefore, cellulose is the most suitable indicator for digestibility evaluation in Nile tilapia.

Fiber from alpacas represents a substantial component of economic output for South American countries. In this study it determined the textile characteristics of fibers obtained from Huacaya alpacas raised at the South American Camelids Research and Development Center-Lachocc (CRDC-Lachocc) located at The National University of Huancavelica (UNH). Fleece samples were obtained from the mid-side rib area of 74 white alpacas (42 females and 32 males) of varying ages. The Average Fiber Diameter (AFD), Standard Deviation of the Average Fiber Diameter (SDAFD), Fiber Diameter Coefficient of Variation (FDCV), Comfort Factor (CF) and Staple Length (SL) were measured as textile characteristics and related to sex and age group. Most of the fleece samples could be classified as baby alpaca fleece according to the Peruvian Technical Standard classification (231.301.2014). Sex had no influence on any textile characteristic (p > 0.05). Meanwhile, age affected only AFD and CF (p < 0.05). Together the results indicated that alpacas farmed at CRDC-Lachocc had good potential to produce high quality fibers.

Objective: To analyze the current information about laser safety in retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS), focusing on the two main laser technologies that we use in urology, the holmium:yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Ho:YAG) laser, and the thulium fiber laser (TFL)., Methods: Narrative overview of the most relevant articles published in MEDLINE and Scopus databases about this subject., Results: TFL and Ho:YAG laser at similar settings (0.2 J/40 Hz) have similar volume-averaged temperature increase and the average heating rate increase proportionally to laser power, especially when high frequencies are used. Recent preclinical data, comparing both laser technologies at different laser settings, agreed that when the delivered energy increases in expenses of higher frequencies, the thermal damage increases too. Higher frequencies, despite of the rise of temperature in the irrigation medium, can cause accidental thermal lasering lesions., Conclusion: The use of low frequency settings and a proper irrigation is critical to avoid thermal injury in endoscopic laser lithotripsy. In addition, the use of laser safety eyeglasses is recommended in Ho:YAG and TFL ELL., (Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier España, S.L.U.)

ABSTRACT The effect of replacing wheat bran with spineless cactus (0, 25, 50, 75, and 100%) in sugar cane-based diets on the intake of nutrients, feeding behavior, and rumen digestibility of steers was assessed using digested samples collected from the omasum. Five crossbred steers (1/2 Holstein-Zebu) were fitted with cannulas in the rumen and then assigned to a 5 × 5 Latin square design. Samples of omasal digesta were collected for three days. Rumen was evacuated via the rumen cannula to determine the rumen pool of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), indigestible NDF (iNDF), intake (ki), passage (kp) and degradation (NDF) rates, and the passage of iNDF (kpi). Nutrient intake displayed a quadratic effect, with maximum intakes of DM (5.73 kg d−1), non-fiber carbohydrates (NFC, 4.63 kg d−1), and digestible organic matter (DOM, 3.45 kg d−1) estimated at the replacement levels of 54.63, 60.00, and 43.17%, respectively. The replacement levels showed no effect on feeding, rumination, or idle times. There was a linear increase in the total apparent and ruminal digestibility of CP as the spineless cactus content in the diet was increased. There was no effect on total and partial digestibilities of OM and NDF or on intestinal digestibility of CP. No effect was observed on the rumen pool of DM, NDF, or iNDF. Furthermore, ki, kp, NDF degradation, and iNDF passage rates displayed a quadratic effect, with higher concentrations estimated for replacement levels of 56.07, 56.12, 59.00, and 55.20%, respectively. Replacing 55% wheat bran with spineless cactus in sugar cane-based diets is recommended.

The amount of energy required to produce a commodity or to supply a service varies from one production system to another and consequently giving rise to differing levels of environmental efficiency. Moreover, since energy prices have been continuously increasing over time, this energy amount may be a factor that has economic worth. Biomass production has a variety of end-products such as food, energy, and fiber; thus, taking into account the similarity in end-product of different crops (e.g.: sunflower, peanuts, or soybean for oil) it is possible to evaluate which crops require less energy per functional unit, such as starch, oil, and protein. This information can be used in decision-making about policies for food safety or bioenergy. In this study, 23 crops were evaluated allowing for a comparison in terms of energy embodied per functional unit. Crops were grouped as follows: starch, oil, horticultural, perennial and fiber, to provide for a deeper analysis of alternatives for the groups, and subsidize further studies comparing conventional and alternative production systems such as organic or genetically modified organisms, in terms of energy. The best energy balance observed was whole sugarcane (juice, bagasse and straw) with a surplus of 268 GJ ha−1 yr−1; palm shows the highest energy return on investment with a ratio of approximately 30:1. For carbohydrates and protein production, cassava and soybean, respectively, emerged as the crops offering the greatest energy savings in the production of these functional foods.

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of substituting Tifton 85 hay (Cynodon sp. cv. Tifton 85) with levels of cocoa (Theobroma cacao) byproduct (0, 8, 16, and 24%, diet dry matter basis) in the diet of 16 Holstein × Gir heifers with an average body weight of 363.0±27.7 kg on their nutrient intake, digestibility, and protein balance. The experimental period was 17 days, and the sample collection period was five days. There was no effect of cocoa byproduct on nutrient intake. However, the byproduct affected the digestibility of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and acid detergent fiber, all of which decreased as the level of inclusion of the byproduct in the diet was increased. Nitrogen balance was negatively affected by the inclusion of 24% cocoa byproduct. It is recommended to use cocoa byproduct up to the level of 16% to replace Tifton 85 grass hay in diets for dairy heifers.

ABSTRACT To assess the ability of the collared peccary ( Pecari tajacu ) to digest dietary fiber, four adult male collared peccaries were randomly assigned to a 4 × 4 Latin square design to determine the effects of feeding non-traditional feed ingredients, taken from palm trees with different levels of dietary fiber, on intake and coefficient of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) and mean retention time. Four experimental diets were provided ad libitum: corn and soybean meal-based control diet; corn and palm kernel cake-based diet; corn and peach palm byproduct-based diet; and hay, palm kernel cake, and peach palm byproduct-based diet. The CTTAD of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were 0.80±0.09 and 0.61±0.21, respectively. Increasing levels of ADF in diets also linearly decreased the CTTAD of crude protein and gross energy, while increasing non-fiber carbohydrate linearly decreased the CTTAD of ADF. These results confirm the ability of peccaries to digest fiber. However, the intake of a high-moisture and lignified ingredient, as the peach palm byproduct, decreased feed intake of peccaries due to their relatively small forestomach volume, which in turn may decrease their performance when used for prolonged periods. Despite of that, collared peccary gain a significant benefit in digestibility of dietary fiber due to its complex stomach in which fermentation occurs.

ABSTRACT Eucalyptus wood from adult trees is used for several purposes; however, the wood of younger trees has limited use. This study aims to characterize and propose uses of two-year-old eucalyptus wood. Six two-year-old Eucalyptus grandis × Eucalyptus urophylla clones have been selected and their anatomical, ultrastructural, physical and mechanical wood characteristics evaluated. The wood of Clone A shows more robust fibers with better microfibril arrangement, resulting in better mechanical properties, and therefore, a better performance for structural use. Clone F showed a low variation of wood basic density in the radial direction, facilitating its machinability, and with the Clone B, showed a lower anisotropy, and therefore, the wood is recommended for locations with high variations of humidity. The heterogeneity of the wood characteristics of the evaluated clones confirms the need for further studies, to choose those most adequate to each use.

Whether you call it dietary fiber, fiber, or roughage, eating a diet rich in this food component is good for your health. This 8-page fact sheet provides tips on how to include foods with fiber in your diet. Written by Linda B. Bobroff, and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, revised March 2018. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/he697

CPCL 02-6848 and CPCL 05-1201 are emerging sugarcane cultivars in Florida. Both cultivars were released commercially in 2012 and were quickly adopted by local sugarcane growers because of high yields and moderate to high resistance against major sugarcane diseases in Florida. This 4-page fact sheet provides basic information and yield and disease information to assist growers in management of these cultivars. Written by Hardev Sandhu and Wayne Davidson, and published by the UF/IFAS Agronomy Department, March 2018. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/sc104

Living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) presents many challenges, and diet is one of them. People with CKD may find it difficult to consume enough fiber-rich foods while following the other diet recommendations for CKD. This 5-page guide will discuss the health benefits of fiber and provide some examples of fiber-rich foods that may be good choices for people with CKD. Written by Wendy J. Dahl and Nancy J. Gal and published by the UF/IFAS Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, January 2018. http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fs305

The objective of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of wool produced by ewes of different genetic groups, ages, and reproductive statuses. A total of 115 ewes, of the following genetic groups, were used: 10 Corriedale, 37 Hampshire Down, 26 1/2 Hampshire Down + 1/2 Corriedale, 24 1/2 Ile de France + 1/2 Corriedale, and 18 1/2 Suffolk + 1/2 Corriedale. Age was determined by the number of permanent incisors, ranging from four teeth to eight teeth. Ewes were further classified by their reproductive status into: lambed, having reared one lamb; and not-lambed. Hampshire and half-blood Suffolk ewes were heavier (53.2 and 52.7 kg, respectively), while Corriedale animals were lighter (40.1 kg). Older ewes and not-lambed ewes were heavier as well. Fleece weight was higher for the Corriedale and its crossbred ewes (average of 2.9 kg). Genetic group did not affect yield after scouring (61.6%). Ewe age, reproductive status, and year of evaluation did not affect greasy fleece weight or yield. Fiber diameter and number of crimps were not affected by any tested variables, with mean values of 29.8 μm and 5.8 crimps per centimeter, respectively. Staple length was influenced only by genetic group, in which the Hampshire ewes showed the shortest staple (6.2 cm). In general, the character was classified as good to regular, and the worst was found in the Hampshire. That genetic group grew rough wool, while the others were rated as slightly soft to rough. All genetic groups presented wools with some medullation. The majority of the samples were classified from "Cruza 1" to "Cruza 3" in all five groups and, for quality, the majority of the samples were rated as Good. Wool produced by meat breeds presents variations of quantity and quality that should be considered by producers and industry.

Roszkowska Beata, Piłat Beata. Miąższ dyni jako surowiec do otrzymywania naturalnych produktów kandyzowanych = Pumpkin pulp as raw material for natural candied products. Journal of Education, Health and Sport. 2015;5(9):127-140. ISSN 2391-8306. DOI10.5281/zenodo.30107 http://dx.doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.30107 http://ojs.ukw.edu.pl/index.php/johs/article/view/2015%3B5%289%29%3A127-140 https://pbn.nauka.gov.pl/works/617082 Formerly Journal of Health Sciences. ISSN 1429-9623 / 2300-665X. Archives 2011–2014http://journal.rsw.edu.pl/index.php/JHS/issue/archive Deklaracja. Specyfika i zawartość merytoryczna czasopisma nie ulega zmianie. Zgodnie z informacją MNiSW z dnia 2 czerwca 2014 r., że w roku 2014 nie będzie przeprowadzana ocena czasopism naukowych; czasopismo o zmienionym tytule otrzymuje tyle samo punktów co na wykazie czasopism naukowych z dnia 31 grudnia 2014 r. The journal has had 5 points in Ministry of Science and Higher Education of Poland parametric evaluation. Part B item 1089. (31.12.2014). © The Author (s) 2015; This article is published with open access at Licensee Open Journal Systems of Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz, Poland and Radom University in Radom, Poland Open Access. This article is distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Noncommercial License which permits any noncommercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author(s) and source are credited. This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted, non commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. This is an open access article licensed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/3.0/) which permits unrestricted, non commercial use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the work is properly cited. The authors declare that there is no conflict of interests regarding the publication of this paper. Received: 25.07.2015. Revised 24.08.2015. Accepted: 29.08.2015. MIĄŻSZ DYNI JAKO SUROWIEC DO OTRZYMYWANIA NATURALNYCH PRODUKTÓW KANDYZOWANYCH Pumpkin pulp as raw material for natural candied products Beata Roszkowska, Beata Piłat Katedra Przetwórstwa i Chemii Surowców Roślinnych Wydział Nauki o Żywności , Uniwersytet Warmińsko-Mazurski w Olsztynie Uniwersytet Warmińsko-Mazurski w Olsztynie Katedra Przetwórstwa i Chemii Surowców Roślinnych Pl. Cieszyński 1, 10-726 Olsztyn e-mail: beata.wronowska@uwm.edu.pl Streszczenie Obecnie wzrasta świadomość konsumentów i zainteresowanie nie tylko zdrowym trybem życia, ale również żywnością prozdrowotną. Konsumenci chętnie kupują produkty nowe, charakteryzujące się wysoką wartością odżywczą oraz pozytywnie wpływającą na organizm człowieka. Wśród bogatego asortymentu produktów warzywnych znajdują się produkty z udziałem dyni. Jednym z interesujących sposobów wykorzystania miąższu z dyni jest jego kandyzowanie. Celem badań było uzyskanie nowego produktu z miąższu dyni w postaci kostki kandyzowanej o pożądanej teksturze. Do badań wykorzystano przemysłowe odmiany dyni: Karowita, Junona, Justyna, dostarczone przez Przedsiębiorstwo Produkcyjno-Handlowo-Usługowe „Szarłat” w Łomży. W surowcu oznaczono zawartość ekstraktu ogólnego, cukrów redukujących i cukrów ogółem, zawartość związków fenolowych ogółem, zawartość błonnika pokarmowego, pektyn, karotenoidów (ogółem oraz β-karotenu), jak również kwasowość ogólną i zdolność wychwytywania rodnika DPPH. Ponadto przeprowadzono analizę tekstury kostki dyni świeżej oraz kandyzowanej, nieblanszowanej i poddanej procesowi blanszowania, za pomocą Uniwersalnej Maszyny Testującej Instron 4301. Uzyskane wyniki poddano następnie analizie statystycznej przy użyciu programu STATISTICA 10.0 PL. Do wykazania różnic między przemysłowymi odmianami dyni wykorzystano jednoczynnikową analizę wariancji z testem Duncana (p≤0,05). Miąższ dyni odmiany Karowita może stanowić surowiec do produkcji kostki kandyzowanej o większej zawartości związków fenolowych (27,62 mg/100g) i wyższej aktywności przeciwutleniającej (244,9 ilość µM DPPH/1 mg związków fenolowych). Zastosowanie do produkcji kostki kandyzowanej miąższu dyni odmiany Justyna zawierającego najwięcej β-karotenu (3,87 mg/100g) oraz cukrów ogółem (9,67%), pozwoli na uzyskanie produktu o intensywniejszym pomarańczowym zabarwieniu. Więcej substancji teksturotwórczych (błonnik, pektyny) zawiera miąższ dyni odmiany Karowita, a kostka kandyzowana z tego surowca jest najbardziej jędrna. Słowa kluczowe: miąższ dyni, błonnik, związki fenolowe, karotenoidy, kandyzowanie, tekstura. Abstract Today, increasing consumer awareness and interest not only a healthy lifestyle, but also pro-health food. Consumers are willing to buy a new product, with high nutritional value and positively affecting human body. Among the wide range of vegetable products are products with the pumpkin pulp. One of the interesting ways to use the pumpkin pulp is its crystallization. The aim of the study was to obtain a new product from the pumpkin pulp in the form of candied cubes with desired texture. The study used industrial pumpkin varieties: Karowita, Junona, Justyna supplied by Production, Trade and Service "Amaranth" in Łomża. In the raw material, content of the total extract, reducing sugars, total sugars, total phenolic compounds, dietary fiber, pectins, carotenoids (total and β-carotene), as well as total acidity and DPPH radical scavenging ability were determined. Moreover, the texture analysis of cubes of fresh pumpkin and candied, not blanching and subjected to a process of blanching, was carried out using Instron universal testing machine 4301. The results were then statistically analysed using STATISTICA 10.0 PL. To demonstrate the differences between the varieties of pumpkin was used ANOVA with Duncan's test (p ≤ 0.05). The flesh of the pumpkin variety Karowita can provide the raw material for the production of candied cubes with a higher content of phenolic compounds (27.62 mg/100g) and higher antioxidant activity (244.9 µM DPPH/1 mg of phenolic compounds). Application to the production of candied cubs the pumpkin pulp variety Justyna containing much β-carotene (3.87 mg/100g) and total sugars (9.67%) allows to obtain a product with more intense orange colour. More textural substances (cellulose, pectins) contains pumpkin pulp variety Karowita, and candied cubes made from this raw material have the most firmness. Key words: pumpkin pulp, fiber, phenolic compounds, carotenoids, crystallization, texture.

Our objective was to investigate the effect of the replacement of aruana grass by gliricidia on the fermentative losses, chemical composition, and aerobic stability of silages. For ensiling, whole-crop aruana grass (75 d of growth) was chopped (275 g kg-1 dry matter - DM) and ensiled alone or associated with gliricidia (270 g kg-1 DM; 150 d of growth). For gliricidia, we used only the leaves and stalks to ensile. The evaluated treatments were different ratios of aruana grass to gliricidia (100:0, 75:25, 50:50, 25:75, and 0:100), with four replicates (mini-silos). The silage composed only of gliricidia exhibited a lower pH than the other silages. Dry matter recovery was not affected by the treatments, although effluent losses were affected. The replacement of aruana grass by gliricidia 50% at ensiling resulted in a higher lactic acid bacteria count. The aruana grass silages displayed lower protein contents and a higher neutral detergent fiber content than the gliricidia silages after 40 d of fermentation. Consequently, the silage consisting of 100% gliricidia showed higher in vitro DM digestibility, presenting an increase of 8.13% after 40 d of fermentation compared with 100% of aruana grass silage. After silo opening, the gliricidia silage was very stable (>72 h). The low quality of aruana grass silage is improved by replacing this grass with significant amounts of gliricidia (approximately 75%).

Low impact fiber reinforced material composite ABSTRACT This article investigates the mechanical behavior of fiber-reinforced cementitious composites using moderate to high contents of fly ash (FA) as a replacement for cement; the goal is to create primary building elements with low environmental impact. The experimental results showed that the compressive strength, modulus of elasticity, and post-cracking flexural strength for specimens with w/cm = 0.60 and 20% FA substitution increased with respect to the control. Moreover, the specimens with high FA substitutions had significantly lower mechanical strength values and elastic modulus values. The results indicate that it is feasible to use fiber-reinforced concrete composites as an alternative for low-environmental impact primary construction. Keywords: fiber; cementitous; composites; fly ash, impact material.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the parameters related to the digestion of the fiber from silages of four corn hybrids (BX1280, SHS4070, 2B433, and DKB390) developed for silage production. Four rumen-cannulated castrated Holstein × Zebu crossbred cattle with approximate initial weight of 400 kg were distributed in a Latin square design. To determine the fiber passage rate and degradability, the techniques of chromium-mordant and in situ incubation of the neutral detergent fiber of the silages in nylon bags were used. The profiles of concentration of the marker in the feces were described by the generalized two-compartment model. Corn hybrid DKB390 is the most indicated for production of better-quality silages, because its fiber is more degradable in the rumen as compared with the other hybrids tested.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o valor nutricional e energético de subprodutos do trigo, em dietas para suínos em crescimento, e obter equações de predição da energia metabolizável. Foram utilizados 36 suínos machos, castrados, alojados em gaiolas metabólicas individuais. Realizou-se a coleta total de fezes e urina em dois períodos de dez dias: cinco para adaptação e cinco para coleta. Utilizou-se o delineamento de blocos ao acaso, tendo-se considerado o período de coleta como bloco, com seis tratamentos e seis repetições. A dieta referência foi substituída em 30% por um dos subprodutos testados: farinheta, farelo fino, farelo de trigo, farelo grosso e farelo grosso moído; este último usado para avaliar a influência da granulometria na digestibilidade. A fibra bruta foi a variável que proporcionou a melhor estimativa da energia metabolizável. O farelo fino foi superior em energia digestível e metabolizável, em comparação ao farelo grosso moído. O farelo grosso moído apresentou os menores coeficientes de digestibilidade, e a diminuição de seu diâmetro geométrico médio não aumentou a digestibilidade dos nutrientes e da energia. Entre os subprodutos avaliados, a farinheta apresenta maior energia digestível, energia metabolizável e proteína digestível, o que mostra elevado potencial para utilização em dietas para suínos em crescimento.The objective of this work was to evaluate nutritional and energy values of wheat by‑products in diets for growing pigs, and to obtain prediction equations for metabolizable energy. Thirty‑six male pigs were housed in individual metabolic cages. Total collection of feces and urine was carried out in two periods of ten days: five days for adaptation and five days for collection. A randomized complete block design was used, considering the sampling period as a block, with six treatments and six replicates. The reference diet was replaced by 30% of one of the tested by‑products: wheat middlings, fine wheat bran, common wheat bran, coarse wheat bran, and ground coarse wheat bran; the latter was used to evaluate the influence of particle size on digestibility. Crude fiber was the variable that provided the best estimate of metabolizable energy. Fine wheat bran was superior in terms of digestible and metabolizable energy, when compared to coarse wheat bran. Ground coarse wheat bran showed lower digestibility coefficients, and the reduction in its average geometric diameter did not increase nutrient availability. Among the evaluated by‑products, wheat middlings have higher digestible energy, metabolizable energy, and digestible protein, showing high potential use in diets for growing pigs.

In this study the influence of the addition of orange fiber in the flow behavior of orange juice was evaluated, using for this the Herschel-Bulkley model parameters. It was observed that the flow behavior of the juices changed due to the addition of fiber, from Newtonian to Pseudoplastic when its fiber content was 5% and the temperature changed from 30 °C to 20 °C, and from Pseudoplastic to Herschel-Bulkley when its fiber content was 12.5% and the temperature changed from 10 °C to 0 °C. The increase in fiber content resulted in a progressive increase of consistency and a decrease of the flow behavior index.

Sapote (Quararibea cordata Vischer), also known as a chupa-chupa, is originated from the Brazilian, Peruvian and Colombian Amazon. The pulp of the ripe fruit is edible, fibrous, of intense orange color, sweet flavor and aromatic. Since the fruit is known in the Amazon only in its domesticated state, this work becomes necessary. With the aim of meeting the demand for new products in domestic and international markets, sapota pulp jelly has been developed. The jelly was assessed for moisture, ash, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, dietary fiber, pectin, pH, total acidity, solids soluble, sugars, organic acids, carotenoids, phenolic compounds and antioxidant capacity. The final product met the standards required by Brazilian law, and 32.68% moisture and 61.06% °Brix. Also, in accordance with the laws attributed to this product, jelly sapota pulp can be considered a food rich in fiber, as presented content above 5%. The jelly, showed content of total phenolics compounds (102 mg GAE. 100 -1) in relation to fresh fruit (21 mg GAE.100 g-1). There was the identification in the antioxidant capacity (9.05% scavering of DPPH radical), giving the final product antioxidant properties. Also were analyzed the microbiological characteristics of the product which was not observed the presence of thermotolerants coliforms, yeast and molds. The sapota can be considered effective raw materials in the preparation of jam and this had an antioxidant activity and source of fiber.A sapota (Quararibea cordata Vischer), também conhecida como chupa-chupa, é originária da Amazônia Brasileira, Peruana e Colombiana A polpa do fruto maduro é comestível, fibrosa, de cor alaranjada intensa, sabor doce e aromática. Por ser conhecida na Amazônia somente no seu estado domesticado, torna-se necessário este trabalho Assim, visando a atender a demanda por novos produtos no mercado nacional e internacional, foi desenvolvida a geleia da polpa de sapota. A geleia foi avaliada quanto aos teores de umidade, cinzas, lipídeos, proteínas, carboidratos, fibras alimentares, pectina, pH, acidez total, açúcares, ácidos orgânicos, carotenóides, além de compostos fenólicos e capacidade antioxidante. O produto final atendeu às normas exigidas pela legislação brasileira, sendo 32.68% de umidade e 61.06 °Brix. Também, em conformidade com a normas legais atribuídas a esse produto, a geleia da polpa de sapota pode ser considerada um alimento rico em fibras, já que apresentou teor acima de 5%. A geleia apresentou maiores teores de compostos fenólicos totais (102 mg GAE.100-1), em relação à fruta in natura (21 mg GAE.100 g-1). Houve a identificação na capacidade antioxidante na geleia de 9.05% de descoloração do radical DPPH, conferindo ao produto final propriedades antioxidantes. Foram analisadas ainda as características microbiológicas do produto onde não foi observada a presença de coliformes termotolerantes, bolores e leveduras. A sapota pode ser considerada matéria-prima efetiva no preparo de geleia e esta apresentou atividade antioxidante e fonte de fibras.

Ramie (Boehmeria nivea and Boehmeria tenacissima) is a widely used fiber crop. Traditional water retting or chemical boiling method performed in order to extract ramie fiber seriously pollute the environment and severely damage the fiber, so biological method is the general trend of the fiber-extracting industry. Some strains (687), involving 26 genera and 43 species, were collected from the three samples, which produce hydrolyzed circles in the selective culture medium in order to detect the degumming effect and to compare the enzyme activity. Among these strains, 13 of them did not produce cellulase and had a ramie decreasing weight rate above 25 %, which were regarded as efficient ramie-degumming strains named from R1 to R13. R1 to R13 belonged to Amycolata autotrobutylicun, Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium acetobutylicum, Bacillus subtilis, Rhizobium leguminosarum, Bacteroides finegoldii, Streptomyces lividans, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens, Clostridium acetobutylicum, Pseudomonas brassicacearum, Bacillus pumilus, Bacillus licheniformis, Pectobacterium wasabiae respectively. Bacteroides sp., Rhizobium sp. and Pseudomonas sp. were firstly reported to be used in ramie-degumming. At the same time, the pectinase was the key enzyme in the ramie-degumming process.

This study aimed to validate the estimates of the ruminal degradation of total carbohydrates (TC), ruminal and total digestion of fibrous carbohydrates (FC) and microbial nitrogen flow in the abomasum evaluated by in vitro gas production technique (IVGP). Six ruminally and abomasally cannulated steers arranged in a double 3 × 3 latin square were used to measure described parameters with indigestible neutral detergent fiber (INDF) utilization as marker. Total and fibrous carbohydrates degraded in the rumen were estimated through digestion rates obtained for fibrous (FC) and non fibrous carbohydrates (NFC) using in vitro gas production technique, corrected for its respective ruminal and postruminal passage rates. The estimation of the total digestion of FC was done by the sum of ruminal and post-ruminal digestion of these compounds. The microbial nitrogen flow in the abomasum was estimated by the calculating the microbial efficiency of bacteria that ferment FC and NFC, utilizing the microbial growth rate obtained by the ruminal digestion rate for carbohydrate fractions in IVGP. The utilization of the in vitro gas production technique allows obtaining accurate estimates of the ruminal digestion of total carbohydrates, total and ruminal digestion of fiber carbohydrates and microbial protein flow in the abomasum.

In this study the chemical composition and iron bioavailability of hull and hull-less soybean flour from the new cultivar UFVTN 105AP was evaluated. The hemoglobin depletion-repletion method was used in Wistar rats. Soybean hull flour presented 37% more total dietary fiber and higher content of iron than hull-less soybean flour. The phytate:iron molar ratio, however, was 2-fold lower in the soybean hull flour in compared to the hull-less soybean flour. Animals fed soybean hull flour presented hemoglobin gains similar to those of the control diet group (p>0.05). The Relative Biological Values of hull and hull-less soybean flour were 68.5% and 67.1%, respectively, compared to the control group. Heat-treated soybean hull flour (150ºC/30 minutes) showed high content of iron and low phytate, which favors the iron bioavailability. Thus, the soybean hull flour is a better source of dietary fiber and iron than hull-less soybean flour at comparable bioavailabilities.Neste estudo foram avaliadas a composição química e a biodisponibilidade de ferro das farinhas de soja com e sem casca do novo cultivar UFVTN 105AP. O método usado foi de depleção-repleção de hemoglobina em ratos Wistar. A farinha de soja com casca apresentou 37% a mais de fibra alimentar e maior teor de ferro (p 0,05). O Valor Relativo de Biodisponibilidade (VRB) da farinha de soja com casca e sem casca foram 68,5% e 67,1%, respectivamente, em relação ao sulfato ferroso (100%). A farinha de soja com casca submetida ao tratamento térmico (150ºC/30 minutos) apresentou maior teor de ferro e reduzido conteúdo de fitato, favorecendo a biodisponibilidade de ferro. Assim, a farinha de soja com casca apresentou melhor fonte de fibra alimentar e ferro do que a farinha de soja sem casca de comparável biodisponibilidade.

Instant mixtures are easy to prepare and frequently present functional appeals. A quality parameter for instant mixtures is their rheological behavior. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of extrusion parameters on the pasting properties of cassava (Manihot esculenta L.) starch and dehydrated orange (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) pulp mixtures. The variable parameters were moisture of mixtures (12.5 to 19%), barrel temperature (40 to 90ºC) and screw rotation (170 to 266 rpm). The extruded mixtures did not show gelatinization enthalpy. Moisture had the greatest effect on paste properties. The initial pasting viscosity (before heating) of RVA (Rapid visco analyzer) is the most relevant parameter to instant mixtures. The highest cold viscosity values were obtained when mixtures were extruded under high moisture and high screw speed. High moisture (19.5%), intermediate temperature (65ºC) and screw speed (218 rpm) led to extruded mixtures production with low component degradation.Misturas instantâneas apresentam-se como produtos de fácil preparo e muitas vezes com apelos funcionais. Um parâmetro de qualidade nestas misturas é o comportamento reológico. Avaliou-se o efeito de parâmetros de extrusão sobre as propriedades de pasta de misturas de fécula de mandioca (Manihot esculenta L.) e polpa de laranja (Citrus sinensis (L.) Osbeck) desidratada. A umidade das misturas (12.5 a 19%), a temperatura de extrusão (40 a 90ºC) e a rotação da rosca (170 a 266 rpm) foram considerados parâmetros variáveis. As misturas extrusadas não apresentaram entalpia de gelatinização. A umidade foi o fator de maior efeito sobre as propriedades de pasta. A viscosidade inicial (antes do aquecimento) no RVA (Rapid visco analyzer) é um dos parâmetros mais importantes para misturas instantâneas. Nas condições de elevada umidade e rotação da rosca são observadas as maiores viscosidades a frio. Condições de elevada umidade das misturas (19,5%), temperatura (65ºC) e rotação intermediárias (218 rpm) levaram a obtenção de misturas extrusadas com baixa degradação dos componentes.

Objetivou-se avaliar a variabilidade e herdabilidade de caracteres quantitativos relacionados à qualidade de forragem de 32 clones de capim-elefante (três testemunhas locais, da Zona da Mata de Pernambuco, e os demais provenientes da RENACE/CNPGL). Utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado com testemunhas adicionais e aplicou-se a análise de variância por meio do procedimento de famílias com testemunhas intercalares. A avaliação foi realizada no período seco, aos 60 dias de crescimento. Foram observadas diferenças significativas entre os clones para as características fibra em detergente ácido de lâmina foliar e matéria orgânica no colmo, com médias de 34,05 e 78,83%, respectivamente. De maneira geral, a herdabilidade dos caracteres qualitativos foi baixa, inclusive com valores nulos para proteína bruta e fibra em detergente neutro de lâmina foliar e digestibilidade in vitro da MS da lâmina e do colmo. A composição química e a digestibilidade dos clones avaliados foram similares. Há poucas possibilidades de ganho na seleção de caracteres qualitativos, tendo em vista a baixa variabilidade e herdabilidade dos caracteres estudados.The objective of this research was to evaluate variability and heritability of quantitative traits related to forage quality of 32 clones of elephant grass (three local controls, from Zona da Mata de Pernambuco, and the remaining from RENACE/CNPGL). A complete randomized design was used with additional controls and analyses of variance was applied by using the procedure of families with controls between rows. Evaluation was performed during the dry period, at 60 days of growth. It was observed significant differences among clones for the traits acid detergent of leaf blade and stem organic matter, with means of 34.05 and 78.83%, respectively. In general, heritability of qualitative traits was low, including null values for crude protein and neutral detergent fiber of leaf blade and in vitro digestibility of dry matter of leaf blade and stem. Chemical composition and digestibility of evaluated clones were similar. There are few possibilities of gain in selection for qualitative traits considering the low variability and heritability of the studied characters.

Foram realizados dois experimentos, o primeiro com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da substituição do feno de capim-elefante por palma forrageira e o segundo para avaliar o efeito da substituição total do milho, e parcial da soja, por palma e ureia sobre o comportamento ingestivo de ovinos e de vacas em lactação, respectivamente. No experimento 1, foram utilizados cinco ovinos machos, não-castrados, sem raça definida, com peso médio de 25,8 kg, distribuídos em quadrado latino 5 x 5. No experimento 2, foram utilizadas 8 vacas em lactação, com produção média inicial de 14 kg leite/dia, distribuídas em dois quadrados latino 4 x 4. A observação dos dados comportamentais foi realizada visualmente, durante 24 horas, em ambos os experimentos. No experimento 1, com a inclusão da palma forrageira, os consumos de matéria seca, o tempo de alimentação e as eficiências de ruminação aumentaram linearmente, ao passo que o tempo de ruminação reduziu, linearmente também; o consumo de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e as eficiências de alimentação apresentaram comportamento quadrático. No experimento 2, a inclusão de palma e ureia não influenciou os consumos de matéria seca e FDN nem os tempos de alimentação e ruminação e as eficiências de alimentação e de ruminação (kgMS/hora), no entanto, a eficiência de ruminação (kg FDN/hora) apresentou comportamento quadrático. O tempo de mastigação total e o tempo de ócio não foram influenciados pela inclusão de palma na dieta nos dois experimentos. Recomenda-se para ração de ruminantes com alta proporção de palma forrageira a inclusão de uma fonte de fibra fisicamente efetiva.It was carried out two experiments, the first aiming to assess the effect of substituting elephant grass hay by spineless cactus and the second to evaluate the total replacement of corn and partial replacement of soybean by cactus and urea regarding to the ingestion behavior of sheep and lactating cows, respectively. In experiment 1, five mixed-breed non castrated male sheep with 25.8 kg average weight were distributed in a 5 x 5 latin square. In experiment 2, it was used eight lactating cows 14 kg milk/day average initial production distributed in two 4 x 4 latin squares. The observation of the behavioral data was visually performed for a period of 24 hours in both experiments. In experiment 1, the intake of dry matter, feeding time and rumination efficiency increased linearly with the inclusion of the spineless cactus, whereas rumination time decreased linearly; the consumption of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and feeding efficiency exhibited quadratic behavior. In experiment 2, the inclusion of cactus and urea had no influence on dry matter and NDF intake, neither on time (kgDM/h) and efficiency of feeding and rumination; however, rumination efficiency (kgNDF/h) exhibited quadratic behavior. Total mastication time and idle time were not influenced by the inclusion of cactus in the diet in both experiments. The inclusion of a source of physically effective fiber is recommended for ruminant rations with a high proportion of spineless cactus.

O objetivo foi avaliar a acurácia, precisão e robustez das estimativas da digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca obtidas utilizando-se como indicadores fibra em detergente ácido indigestível (FDAi), fibra em detergente neutro (FDNi) indigestível, lignina em detergente ácido (LDA), LDA indigestível (LDAi) e óxido crômico em comparação ao método de coleta total de fezes. Dezoito ovinos (56,5 ± 4,6 kg PV) foram designados aleatoriamente a dietas compostas de 25, 50 ou 75% de concentrado e feno de Coast cross por 25 dias. As fezes foram coletadas por cinco dias para determinação da digestibilidade aparente da MS. As amostras de alimentos e fezes foram incubadas no rúmen de três bovinos por 144 horas, para obtenção das frações indigestíveis. Óxido crômico foi administrado a 4,0 g/animal/dia. A acurácia foi avaliada pela comparação do viés médio (DAMS predito - DAMS observado) entre os indicadores; a precisão, por meio da raiz quadrada do erro de predição e do erro residual; e a robustez, pelo estudo da regressão entre o viés e o consumo de matéria seca, o nível de concentrado e o peso vivo. A recuperação fecal e a acurácia das estimativas da digestibilidade aparente da MS foram maiores para FDAi, seguida pela FDNi, LDAi, pelo óxido crômico e depois pela lignina em detergente ácido. O viés linear foi significativo apenas para FDAi, FDNi e LDAi. O uso de óxido crômico permitiu estimativas mais precisas da digestibilidade aparente da MS. Todos os indicadores foram robustos quanto à variação no consumo de matéria seca e apenas LDAi e óxido crômico foram robustos quanto aos níveis de concentrado na dieta. O óxido crômico não foi robusto quando houve variação no peso vivo animal. Assim, a FDAi é o indicador mais recomendado na estimativa da digestibilidade aparente da MS em ovinos quando o objetivo é comparar aos dados da literatura, enquanto o óxido crômico é mais recomendado quando o objetivo é comparar tratamentos dentro de um mesmo experimento.This study aimed at evaluating the accuracy, precision and robustness of in vivo dry matter apparent digestibility estimates (DMAD), using as markers indigestible acid detergent fiber, indigestible neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent lignin, indigestible acid detergent lignin and chromic oxide in comparison to the fecal total collection. Eighteen wethers (56.5 ± 4.6 kg BW) were randomly assigned to diets containing 25, 50 or 75% of concentrate and Coast cross hay for 25 days. Feces were collected during the five days to determine apparent digestibility of dry matter and samples of feed and feces were incubated for 144 hours in bovine rumen to obtain the indigestible fractions. Chromic oxide (4.0 g/animal) was offered daily. Accuracy was evaluated by comparing mean bias of estimates (predicted dry matter apparent digestibility - observed dry matter apparent digestibility) among markers. Precision was assessed by the root mean square prediction error and the residual error; robustness was studied by the regression between bias and dry matter intake, diet concentrate level and animal body weight. Fecal recovery and accuracy of dry matter apparent digestibility estimates were higher for indigestible acid detergent fiber, followed by indigestible neutral detergent fiber, indigestible acid detergent lignin and chromic oxide, and at last for acid detergent lignin. Linear bias was significant only for indigestible acid detergent fiber, indigestible neutral detergent fiber and indigestible acid detergent lignin. By using chromic oxide it was possible to estimate dry matter apparent digestibility more precisely. All markers were robust regarding to variation of dry matter intake while only indigestible acid detergent lignin and chromic oxide were robust regarding to concentrate levels in the diet. Chromic oxide was not robust when animal body weight varied. In this experimental condition, indigestible acid detergent fiber is the most recommended marker to estimate dry matter apparent digestibility in ovine when the objective is to compare the results with the ones found in literature. On the other hand, chromic oxide is the most recommended marker when the objective is to compare treatments within the same experiment.

Objetivou-se estudar a influência das combinações de doses de nitrogênio e de enxofre na recuperação de pastagens de capim-braquiária (Brachiaria decumbens) por meio da avaliação do valor nutritivo do capim nos períodos chuvoso e seco de um ano agrícola. O experimento foi realizado em pastagem degradada de capim-braquiária, num delineamento de blocos ao acaso, em fatorial 5 × 5, com cinco doses de nitrogênio (0, 150, 300, 450 e 600 kg/ha/ano) e cinco de enxofre (0, 15, 30, 45 e 60 kg/ha/ano), com três repetições por combinação. As avaliações no campo foram realizadas a cada 35 dias no período das águas (de 21/12/2005 a 10/5/2006), totalizando cinco avaliações, e a cada 56 dias no período da seca (de 5/7/2006 a 25/10/2006), totalizando três avaliações. Os cortes das plantas a 10 cm da superfície do solo foram realizados em área delimitada de 0,25 m². A combinação das doses de nitrogênio e de enxofre alterou as concentrações de proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro e fibra em detergente ácido na primeira avaliação do período seco. O nitrogênio foi o nutriente que mais influenciou no valor nutritivo do capim-braquiária, resultando em variações nas concentrações desses nutrientes e na digestibilidade in vitro da massa seca. O enxofre promove variação significativa na DIVMS no período chuvoso.It was aimed to study the effects of combinations between nitrogen and sulphur rates for the recovery of Signal grass (Brachiara decumbens) pasture by evaluating the nutritional value during the wet and dry seasons in an agriculture year. The experiment was carried out in a degraded pasture of Signal grass, in a randomized block design, 5 × 5 factorial with five nitrogen rates (0, 150, 300, 450 and 600 kg/ha/year) and five sulphur rates (0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 kg/ha/year), with three replications per combination. Field evaluations were carried out every 35 days during the wet season (from December, 21st 2005 to May, 10th 2006), totalizing five evaluations, and at every 56 days during the dry season (July, 05th 2006 to October, 25th 2006), with three evaluations. Plants were harvested at 10 cm height in a 0.25 m² delimeted area. Combination of nitrogen and sulphur rates changed concentrations of crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber in the first evaluation of the dry season. Nitrogen is the nutrient that changed at most the nutritional values of the signal grass resulting in variations in concentrations of these nutrients and in the in vitro digestibility of dry mass. Sulphur provides significant change on in vitro digestibility of dry mass during the wet season.

The present study was carried out to evaluate the in situ degradation of dry matter (DM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and crude protein (CP) in roughages by the in situ caecal digestion technique in horses. The roughages evaluated were: Lucerne hay (Medicago sativa), peanut (Arachis pintoi cv. Amarillo), desmodio(Desmodium ovalifolium), stylo (Stylosanthes guianensis cv. Mineirão), pigeon pea (Cajanus cajan), lime-yellow pea (Macrotyloma axillare) and coastcross hay (Cynodon dactylon cv. coastcross). The assay was conducted in a complete randomized design with seven roughages and three replications. One mare with a cannula fitted in the caecum was used, fed diet consisting of coastcross hay (80%) and concentrate (20%) at 2.0% BW, four times a day. Nylon 6.5 × 20 cm bags were used with 45 μ/pore, containing 5.2 g DM/bag, inserting 3 or 4 bags in the caecum at the times of 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 and 48 hours incubation. The caecum in situ degradability parameters of nutrients were obtained by Ørskov model. The DM degradability parameters of all the roughages were significant. There was no fit to the model for pigeon pea for CP and NDF and desmodio. Peanut, stylo and lime-yellow pea presented larger potentially degradable DM with values of 53, 46.5 and 40%, respectively, and higher values for the soluble fraction of 20, 21, 28.6%, with high degradability rates of 10.36, 20.26 and 14.8% h-1. Higher NDF degradation rates were observed in these foodstuffs with values of 9.1 and 11.3, 11.2% h-1, high potentially degradable fraction with values of 55, 51.8 and 47.2%, and greater CP degradation at 48 hours with values of 87, 95, and 94.8%. Peanut, stylo and lime-yellow pea presented potential for use in horses diets.Objetivou-se avaliar a degradação da matéria seca (MS), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e proteína bruta de alimentos volumosos pela técnica da digestão cecal in situ em equinos. Avaliaram-se as forrageiras: feno de alfafa (Medicago sativa), amendoim forrageiro (Arachis pintoi cv. Amarillo), desmódio (Desmodium ovalifolium), estilosantes (Stylosanthes guianensis cv. Mineirão), guandu (Cajanus cajan), macrotiloma (Macrotyloma axillare) e feno de coastcross (Cynodon dactylon cv. coastcross). O ensaio teve duração de 35 dias e foi realizado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com sete alimentos e três repetições. Utilizou-se uma égua fistulada no ceco, alimentada com dieta composta por feno de coastcross (80%) e concentrado (20%), fornecida quatro vezes ao dia em quantidade equivalente a 2% do peso vivo. No ceco, foram inseridos 3 a 4 sacos de náilon de porosidade 45 μ de 6,5 × 20 cm, contendo 5,2 g de MS/saco, nos tempos de 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24 e 48 horas de incubação. Os parâmetros de degradação da MS de todos os volumosos foram significativos. Não houve ajuste no modelo de degradação da PB e FDN do guandu. O amendoim, estilosantes e macrotiloma apresentaram maior fração potencialmente degradável da MS, com valores de 53, 46,5 e 40%, respectivamente, e os maiores valores da fração solúvel de 20, 21, 28,6%, além de elevadas taxas de degradação (10,36, 20,26 e 14,8%h-1). Nestes alimentos, também foram observadas as maiores taxas de degradação da FDN (9,1 e 11,3, 11,2%h-1), das frações potencialmente degradáveis (55, 51,8 e 47,2%) e as mais altas taxas de degradação da PB em 48 horas de incubação (87, 95, 94,8%, respectivamente). O amendoim forrageiro, o estilosantes e o macrotiloma apresentam potencial de uso nas dietas para equinos.

Três experimentos foram conduzidos com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da adição de complexo enzimático (CE) sobre o valor nutritivo da casca de soja utilizada na alimentação de suínos na fase inicial. O complexo enzimático utilizado continha α-galactosidase, β-glucanase, galactomananase e xilanase. No experimento 1, determinou-se a digestibilidade da casca de soja com complexo enzimático (0, 200 e 300 mg/kg) em leitões com peso inicial de 22,49 ± 1,73 kg. Nenhum dos níveis de complexo enzimático afetou a digestibilidade da casca de soja. Assim, realizou-se outro ensaio de digestibilidade (experimento 2) com dois níveis (0 e 600 mg/kg) de complexo enzimático e, novamente, a adição de complexo enzimático (600 mg de CE/kg de ração) não melhorou a digestibilidade da casca de soja. No experimento para análise do desempenho (experimento 3), foram utilizados 60 leitões, machos castrados e fêmeas com peso inicial de 15,07 ± 1,69 kg, distribuídos em delineamento em blocos casualizados, com cinco tratamentos, seis repetições e dois animais por unidade experimental. Avaliaram-se uma ração à base de milho e farelo de soja e outras quatro rações isonutritivas com 15% de casca de soja e complexo enzimático nos níveis 0, 200, 400 ou 600 mg/kg. O consumo diário de ração e o ganho de peso diário foram menores entre os animais alimentados com a ração contendo casca de soja em comparação àqueles alimentados com a ração-referência. Entretanto, a conversão alimentar melhorou de forma linear com inclusão do complexo enzimático (200, 400 e 600 mg/kg). O uso do complexo enzimático não afeta a digestibilidade da casca de soja, mas melhora a conversão alimentar de leitões (15-30 kg) alimentados com dietas contendo 15% de casca de soja.Three experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of adding enzymatic complex (EC) on the nutritive value of soybean hulls (SH) in starting pig feeding. The enzyme complex used contained α-galactosidase, β-glucanase, galactomananase and xilanase. In experiment 1, the digestibility of soy bean hull with addition of enzyme complex was determined at three levels (0, 200 and 300 mg/kg), using piglets with initial body weight of 22.49 ± 1.73 kg. None of the enzyme complex levels affected the soy bean hull digestibility values. Therefore another digestibility trial (experiment 2) was conducted with two enzyme complex levels (0 and 600 mg/kg). Adding enzyme complex (600 mg of EC/kg of diet) did not improve the soybean hull digestibility values. Sixty piglets were used in the performance trial (experiment 3), barrows and gilts, with 15.07 ± 1.69 kg initial body weight, allotted to five treatments in a randomized complete design, with five treatments, six replications and two piglets per experimental unit. A corn and soybean meal based diet (BD) was assessed and a further four isonutritive diets with 15% soybean hull with the addition of increasing levels of enzyme complex (0, 200, 400 or 600 mg/kg). Daily feed intake and daily weight gain were lower for the animals fed feed containing soybean hull compared to the control feed. However feed conversion improved linearly with enzyme complex inclusion (200, 400 or 600 mg/kg). The use of enzymatic complex did not affect soybean hull digestibility, but it improved the feed conversion of starting pigs (15-30 kg) fed on diets with 15% soybean hull.

Objetivou-se avaliar o consumo, a cinética digestiva e a digestibilidade de nutrientes em equinos consumindo rações suplementadas com óleo de soja. Foram utilizados 15 equinos em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com três dietas e cinco repetições. As dietas experimentais foram formuladas a partir de uma dieta controle (sem inclusão de óleo de soja) acrescida 8,5% ou 19,5% de óleo de soja. O ensaio teve duração de 34 dias: 30 de adaptação dos equinos às dietas e quatro de coleta de fezes. A cinética da fase líquida da digesta no trato digestivo foi estimada pela LIPE® (lignina isolada, purificada e enriquecida) na forma líquida. A LIPE® foi fornecida no 30º dia, em dose única, e as amostras de fezes foram coletadas nos tempos 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, 60, 66, 72 e 78 horas após o fornecimento. O consumo de matéria seca das dietas reduziu com a inclusão de óleo de soja. O coeficiente de digestibilidade aparente do extrato etéreo aumentou nas dietas hiperlipidêmicas, enquanto o de digestibilidade da celulose reduziu com a inclusão de 19,5% de óleo de soja. O coeficiente de digestibilidade dos demais nutrientes, exceto o de proteína bruta, e a cinética da digesta no trato gastrointestinal não foram alterados. A inclusão de óleo de soja em dietas práticas para equinos possibilita reduzir o consumo de matéria seca e aumentar a concentração energética, desejável em equinos atletas.The objective of this study was to evaluate intake, digestive kinetics and nutrient digestibility in horses fed diets supplemented with soybean oil inclusion. Fifteen horses were used in a randomized complete design with three diets and five replications. The experimental diets were formulated from a control diet (without soybean oil) with the addition of 8.5% and 19.5% soybean oil. The experiment lasted for 34 days, 30 days for the horses to adapt to the diets and four days for feces collection. The kinetics of the liquid phase of the digesta in the digestive tract was estimated by LIPE® (Purified Enriched Isolated Lignin) in liquid form. LIPE® was given on the 30th day, in a single dose, and the feces samples were collected at 0, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, 24, 30, 36, 42, 48, 54, 60, 66, 72 and 78 hours after administration. Dry matter intake of the diets decreased with soybean inclusion. The apparent digestibility coefficient of the ether extract increase in the high fat diets, while the cellulose digestibility decreased with the inclusion of 19.5% soybean oil. The coefficient of digestibility of the other nutrients, except crude protein, and the kinetics of the digesta in the gastrointestinal tract were not altered. Including soybean oil in practical diets for horses enables dry matter intake reduction and increase in the energetic concentration, which is desirable in athletic horses.