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A aquaponia e uma tecnologia relativamente recente a qual pode ser utilizada em diferentes contextos de clima e regioes devido a sua versatilidade. Por conta disso, maiores informacoes a respeito dessa tecnologia em nivel regional sao necessarias. Neste trabalho avaliou-se a producao de biomassa vegetal em sistema de aquaponia utilizando tres fontes distintas de agua, sendo duas delas sem tratamento previo, atraves da producao de curcuma ( Curcuma longa L.), quiabo ( Abelmoschus esculentus L.) e tomate cereja ( Solanum lycopersicum L.). Foram coletados dados referentes a altura e peso umido dos quais foram obtidos a Taxa de Crescimento Absoluto (TCA) e Taxa de Crescimento Relativo (TCR) e, posteriormente foi analisado estatisticamente por medio de um fatorial 2x3x3 e teste de Tuckey a 5% de probabilidade a fim de mensurar quais condicoes foram mais produtivas. Os resultados para TCA e TCR apresentaram diferencas significativas no periodo chuvoso para tomate e quiabo enquanto a curcuma se desenvolveu melhor durante a estacao seca. O modulo com agua do riacho apresentou melhores resultados no periodo chuvoso enquanto o com agua do abastecimento publico no periodo seco. Nao foram detectados metais a niveis nocivos a saude humana ou presenca de coliformes termotolerantes ao final do experimento em ambas as estacoes avaliadas.

In many places of the world, medicinal plants represent the only form of treatment for various diseases. This work aimed to determine and correlate minerals of infusions and leaves of medicinal plants grown in Northeastern Brazil. Principal component and hierarchical cluster analysis and Pearson correlation were performed. The higher content of Na was for Ocimum basilicum L. (94.3 mg/100g) and Datura stramonium L. (91.6 mg/100g). The plants examined had low levels of K in infusions. All samples contain Mg at significant levels. The cluster analysis divided the medicinal plants into three groups, associated with Passiflora edulis, Capraria biflora and Phyllanthus amarus. Ca and Al were the minerals that contributed most to an association between the plants in principal component 1; while K, Na and Mg contributed most in principal component 2. Furthermore, the high percentage of extraction, mainly Ca and Mg, suggests these plants could be used as potential mineral supplements.

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of replacing soybean meal by castor bean meal on nutrient intake, digestibility, animal performance, ingestive behavior activities, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid profile from steers finished in pasture. Crossbred steers were weighed to determine the initial body weight (331.6 ± 37.4 kg), which were kept in 4 paddocks (8 animals/paddock), on pastures of Brachiaria decumbens during the finishing phase. Dietary treatments included CC00-without castor bean meal; CC33-153 g/kg of castor bean meal; CC66-308 g/kg of castor bean meal; and CC100-434 g/kg of castor bean meal. No treatment effects were detected (P0.05) for final body weight, average daily gain, feed efficiency, and hot carcass weight. The DM, CP, NDF, and NFC total intake were lowest (P0.01) for steers fed CC100 diet than others. No treatment effects were detected (P0.05) for digestibility. For ingestive behavior activities, data on DM and NDF from feeding rate were greater (P0.01) in CC00 v. castor bean meal steers. DM and NDF from rumination rate were greater (P0.01) in CC33 v. CC100 steers that was the lowest. Carcass measures, carcass composition, chemical composition of Longissimus thoracis muscle, and profile and the sum of fatty acids were not affected (P0.05) by castor bean meal replacement on the diets. Results from this experiment suggest that castor bean meal may replace soybean meal in pasture supplementation without altered digestibility, carcass characteristics, and fatty acid profile.

Eight Alpine lactating goats with a body weight of 45.2 ± 7.5 kg and average milk production of 2.3 ± 0.183 kg/day were distributed in a double 4 × 4 Latin square to evaluate the effect of levels of crude glycerin in the feed supplement on the performance and metabolic parameters managed on Panicum maximum cv. Aruana pastures. The supplement consisted of corn grain, soybean meal, crude glycerin (0, 30, 60, and 90 g/kg in the dry matter of the supplement), calcitic limestone, and a mineral mixture. There was no effect of crude glycerin (CG) addition on the intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter and nutritional components, except for the ether extract. The milk fat content increased with the CG levels. The composition of C18:1 n-9, C18:2 n-6 cis, and C18:2 n-6 trans fatty acids in the milk had a quadratic response to CG levels, and the same effect was observed for the omega 3 and omega 6 polyunsaturated acids. Preprandial glucose levels decreased linearly with the addition of CG levels to the supplement, but were reestablished postprandially. The intake and excretion of nitrogen (N) in milk and the proportions of N absorbed and retained by the animal organism were not changed with the addition of CG to their feed supplement. The proportion of retained in relation to ingested N was higher when CG was added. Crude glycerin added to the supplement of lactating goats on pasture improves the N utilization by the animal organism and acts as a source of glucose in the first hours after feeding, in addition to elevating the polyunsaturated fatty acid content of milk. Therefore, this product can be included at up to 90 g/kg in the supplement of lactating goats on pasture.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of the carcass and meat of goats fed diets containing cactus meal (pectin source) replacing corn (starch source). Twenty-eight goats with an average initial weight of 16 ± 2.02 kg were confined in a completely randomized design with four treatments (the replacement levels of 0, 330, 660, and 1000 g kg−1 of dry matter) and seven replicates. The productive performance of the animals was not affected by the replacement of corn by cactus meal. The carcass commercial yield and the dressing percentage decreased with the addition of cactus meal levels in the diets. The commercial cuts, however, especially prime cuts like hind limbs and loin, were not changed by the use of cactus meal. Muscle:bone and fat:bone ratios and muscularity index of hind limbs were influenced by the substitution. The protein and ash contents of the longissimus lumborum muscle decreased while cholesterol levels increased with the presence of cactus meal. Sensory traits of goats’ meat fed cactus meal in the diets were not affected. The substitution of corn for cactus meal reduced carcass yield but did not change the yield of commercial cuts or the qualitative characteristics of the meat.

Cottonseed hulls are co-product of agribusiness that can be used in beef cattle rations, decreasing the cost of feed. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different cottonseed hull levels, display and ageing times on visual and sensorial meat acceptability. Longissimus thoracis muscle from 30 crossbred young bulls finished on three high-grain diets (210, 270 or 330 g/kg of cottonseed hulls on dry matter, respectively) were visually evaluated during 10 days of display by 37 appraisers. Tenderness, flavour and overall acceptability from the three diets and three ageing times (1, 7 and 14 days) were evaluated by 120 consumers. On the visual study, time of display (P⩽0.001) was a more significant factor than diet. Cottonseed hull level had no effect on sensorial analyses, with tenderness acceptability improving with ageing time (P⩽0.001). Results indicate the possibility of using the three studied levels of cottonseed without damaging consumer meat acceptability.

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional quality of meat of lambs fed with cake originating from cotton production of biodiesel. Forty noncastrated lambs, crossbred Dorper versus Santa Ines from 20.9 to 36.7 kg of body weight finished in feedlot of 99 days and fed diets containing levels of cotton cake (0, 33, 66 and 100%) replacing soybean meal. The chemical composition and physicochemical characteristics were not influenced (P > 0.05) by the levels of cotton cake in the concentrate. Regarding the fatty acids found in the meat, there were no differences attributable to diet composition. The fatty acid found in the highest concentration (P

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do feno da parte aérea da mandioca (FAM) em diferentes níveis na dieta sobre o consumo, digestibilidade, produção e composição físico-química do leite de cabra. Foram utilizadas oito cabras multíparas, da raça Parda Alpina, com peso corporal de 51,0±6,2 kg, aproximadamente 120 dias de lactação. Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em um quadrado latino 4 x 4 duplicado, com três teores de FAM na dieta total: 5, 10 e 15 %; além do controle (0 %). A dieta foi composta por milho, farelo de soja, FAM e feno de Tifton. A variação nos teores de FAM nas dietas de cabras em lactação não apresentou efeito sobre os consumos de matéria seca e nutrientes. Não houve efeito sobre a digestibilidade aparente da MS (64,99 %) e MO (66,9 %) das dietas. Houve redução na digestibilidade da fibra e da proteína bruta. Não houve efeito das dietas para a produção de leite em kg/d e produção de leite corrigida para 3,5 %. A concentração e a produção diária de gordura não foram influenciadas. Houve aumento nos teores de proteína, lactose, sólidos totais e extrato seco desengordurado (g/d) do leite em comparação à dieta controle. O feno da parte aérea da mandioca pode ser utilizado em até 15 % da MS não interferindo nos consumos de matéria seca e nutrientes e produção de leite, porém reduz a digestibilidade da fibra pela redução de volumoso da dieta.

Current study aimed to evaluate the performance of bulls (1/2 Purunã vs 1/2 Canchim) slaughtered at two ages and three different weights. One hundred and thirteen bulls were divided into two slaughter ages (16 and 22 months) and three different slaughter weights (light, 422 kg; medium, 470 kg; and heavy, 550 kg). The body weight was higher for bulls slaughtered at 16 months. Daily gain, carcass weight and dressing were higher for bulls slaughtered at 16 months. Feed intake was higher for bulls slaughtered at 22 months although feed efficiency was better for bulls slaughtered at 16 months. Carcass characteristics were better for bulls slaughtered at 16 months. The percentages of muscle, fat and bone and meat characteristics were similar between two slaughter ages. Feed intake and animal performance was lower for lighter animals. Feed conversion and carcass dressing were similar in the three slaughter weights. Muscle percentage was higher for heavier animals but fat and bone percentages were lower. Slaughter weight had no effect on meat characteristics.

This study evaluated animal performance, carcass characteristics and meat quality of 36-month old Nellore steers finished in pastures (n = 10) and 20-month old Angus vs. Nellore bulls finished in feedlot (n = 10). Final body weight, carcass weight, characteristics, conformation and fat thickness, were higher (p < 0.001) for the Nellore steers than for Angus vs. Nellore bulls. Water losses during chilling (24 hours, 4oC) were lower (p < 0.05) for Nellore steers than for the Angus vs. Nellore bulls. Muscle percentage on the 6th rib was higher (p < 0.05) for the Nellore steers than for Angus vs. Nellore bulls; while bone percentage was lower (p < 0.05) for Nellore steers. After 7 and 14 days of ageing, the L* meat value was higher for the Nellore steers than for the Angus vs. Nellore bulls; the L* meat value was similar (p > 0.05) throughout the ageing period for the Angus vs. Nellore bulls, but higher in meat from the Nellore steers (p < 0.05). Genetic group had no effect (p > 0.05) on meat a* value (redness). Likewise, ageing time had no effect on a* in both genetic groups, and genetic group had no effect (p > 0.05) on meat b* value (yellowness). On the other hand, b* was increased after day 7 of ageing for the bulls from the two genetic groups. Thawing and cooking losses were lower for Nellore steers after day 7 of aging (p < 0.05). The meat of the Angus vs. Nellore bulls was more tender (p < 0.05) at all ageing times studied (1, 4, 7 and 14 days) than the meat of the Nellore steers. Genetic group had no effect (p > 0.05) on lipid oxidation; however, lipid oxidation increased after day7. Meat from Nellore steers contained a higher percentage of saturated fatty acids (SFA), a lower percentage of unsaturated (UFA) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA) and a similar percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) than the meat from Angus vs. Nellore bulls. Intramuscular fat from Nellore steers had a more favourable n-6:n-3 fatty acid ratio than that from Angus vs. Nellore bulls (4.37 vs. 11.45, respectively). Tenderness, flavour and overall acceptability were higher (p < 0.001) for meats of the Nellore steers, regardless of ageing time (1, 4, 7 and 14 days). RESUMO. Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar o desempenho animal, características de carcaça e qualidade da carne de novilhos Nelore terminados em pastagens e abatidos aos 36 meses de idade (n = 10) e machos não castrados Angus vs. Nelores abatidos aos 20 meses de idade (n = 10). O peso final, peso, características e conformação da carcaça e espessura de gordura de cobertura foram maiores (p < 0,001) para os novilhos Nelores do que para os mestiços Angus vs. Nelores. As perdas de água durante o resfriamento (24 horas, 4º C) foram menores (p < 0,05) para os novilhos Nelores do que para os mestiços Angus vs. Nelores. A percentagem de músculo na 6ª costela foi maior (p < 0,05) para os novilhos Nelores do que para os mestiços Angus vs. Nelores; enquanto que a percentagem de osso foi menor (p < 0,05) para os novilhos Nelores. Após 7 e 14 dias de maturação, o valor de L* da carne foi maior (p < 0,05) para os novilhos Nelores do que para os mestiços Angus vs. Nelores. O valor de L* foi similar (p > 0,05) ao longo da maturação para os mestiços Angus vs. Nelores; enquanto que o valor de L* da carne dos novilhos Nelores aumentou (p < 0,05). O grupo genético não teve efeito (p > 0,05) sobre o valor de a* (cor vermelha). Da mesma forma, o tempo de maturação não teve efeito (p > 0,05) para os animais dos dois grupos genéticos. O grupo genético não teve efeito (p > 0,05) sobre o valor de b* (cor amarela). Por outro lado, o tempo de maturação aumentou o valor de b* após o sétimo dia para os animais dos dois grupos genéticos. A perda por descongelamento e cocção foi menor (p < 0,05) para os novilhos Nelores após o sétimo dia de maturação. A carne dos mestiços Angus vs. Nelores foi mais macia (p < 0,05) em todos os tempos de maturação (1, 4, 7 e 14 dias) do que a carne dos novilhos Nelores. O grupo genético não teve efeito (p > 0,05) sobre a oxidação de lipídeos; no entanto, a oxidação de lipídeos aumentou após o sétimo dia. A carne dos novilhos Nelores continha maior percentagem de ácidos graxos saturados (AGS), menor percentagem de ácidos graxos não saturados (AGNS) e monoinsaturados (AGMI) e similar percentagem de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados (AGPI) do que a carne dos mestiços Angus vs. Nelores. A gordura intramuscular dos Nelores tinha melhor razão n-6:n-3 do que a carne dos mestiços Angus vs. Nelores (4,37 vs. 11,45, respectivamente. A maciez, aroma e aceitabilidade geral foram maiores (p < 0,001) para a carne dos novilhos Nelores, desconsiderando o tempo de maturação (1, 4, 7 e 14 dias).

a b s t r a c t This work was carried out to study different levels of glycerine as a partial replacement of corn on apparent digestibility, feed intake and efficiency and animal performance in young Puruna bulls finished in a feedlot. This study used 40 Puruna bulls of 209 ± 33.3 kg live weight and 8 ± 0.9 months old at the start of the experiment. The bulls were kept in a feedlot for 240 days. The diets were as follows: no glycerine and glycerine added at 60, 120 and 178 g/kg DM. The apparent digestibility of nutrients increased with increasing glycerine in the diet, with the exception of ether extract and neutral detergent fibre. Feed efficiency was improved by increasing glycerine level in the diet. The feed intake and animal performance were similar among the four diets. © 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Research has shown that, in addition to the fungicidal action already known, strobilurins have positive physiological effects on the yield of some crops. Boscalid has also shown positive effects on plants, applied together or associated with strobilurin. The objective in this study was to evaluate the effect of fungicide application on growth and physiological behavior of coffee seedlings. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, with five replicates. There were five treatments: T1-Control, T2-Boscalid, T3-Pyraclostrobin, T4- Boscalid+ Pyraclostrobin and T5- Azoxystrobin applied in coffee seedlings. The application was at the “orelha de onça” stage (two round-shaped leaves), repeated every 15 days, counting 5 applications in total. Were evaluated shoot length, root length, stem diameter, shoot and root fresh matter, shoot and root dry matter, leaf photosynthesis, stomatal conductance, transpiration, intercellular CO2 concentration, water use efficiency and carboxylation efficiency. The application of fungicides promotes greater vegetative growth of coffee seedlings due to increased CO2 assimilation rate, reduced transpiration rates and increased water use efficiency, associated to the increased levels of auxin and cytokinins in leaves

This study evaluated the physicochemical properties and protein and mineral content of honey samples from Ceará State, Northeastern Brazil, one of the major honey exporters in the country. Nutritional importance of the minerals detected was also analyzed. Physicochemical properties were examined according to the AOAC and CAC official methods; the protein content was determined using the Bradford method, and the minerals were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrometry. All analyses were performed in triplicate. The levels of macrominerals sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) varied from 1.80-47.20, 21.30-1513.30, 14.58-304.82, and 2.48-28.33 mg/kg, respectively, and the trace elements iron (Fe), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), and chromium (Cr) varied from 0.12-8.76, 0.07-1.29, 0.06-1.96, 0.07-1.85 mg/kg, 0.36 × 10-3-62.00 × 10-3 and 22.50 × 10-3-170.33 × 10-3 µg/kg, respectively. Myracrodruon urundeuva honey sample had high contents of macrominerals (Na, K, Ca, and Mg). Protein content of the Anacardium occidentale honey sample was the highest (1121.00 µg/g) among the samples analyzed. Among the minerals detected in the honey samples, K showed the highest concentration, followed by Ca, Na, and Mg. The presence of trace elements can show environmental contamination. The honey samples studied were free of trace elements contamination, except for Mn; the Piptadenia moniliformis was the only honey sample that was in compliance with the law requirements. The variations of the chemical constituents in the honey samples are probably related to differences in the floral origin and mineral and protein contents and confirm the nutritional importance of Ceará State honey. Este trabalho avaliou propriedades físico-químicas, teores de proteína e minerais em méis do Ceará, um dos principais exportadores do País. Também foi analisada a importância nutricional com relação aos minerais detectados. As propriedades físico-químicas foram determinadas pelos métodos da AOAC e CAC, o conteúdo de proteína pelo método de Bradford e os minerais por espectrometria de absorção atômica. Todas as análises foram feitas em triplicata. Os níveis dos macrominerais sódio (Na), potássio (K), cálcio (Ca), e magnésio (Mg) variaram de 1,80-47,20, 21,30-1513,30, 14,58-304,82 e 2,48-28,33 mg/kg, respectivamente, e os elementos traços ferro (Fe), cobre (Cu), manganês (Mn), zinco (Zn), selênio (Se), e cromo (Cr) variaram de 0,12-8,76, 0,07-1,29, 0,06-1,96, 0,07-1,85 mg/kg, 0,36 × 10-3-62,00 × 10-3 e 22,50 × 10-3-170,33 × 10-3 µg/kg, respectivamente. A amostra de Myracrodruon urundeuva apresentou altos teores dos principais minerais (Na, K, Ca, e Mg). O teor de proteínas para o mel de Anacardium occidentale foi o maior (1121,00 µg/g) entre as amostras de méis analisadas. Entre os minerais, detectados, K apresentou a maior concentração seguido por Ca, Na, e Mg. A pesquisa de elementos traços pode indicar contaminação ambiental. As amostras de méis estudadas apresentaram-se livres de contaminação por elementos traço, excetuando-se quanto ao Mn, em que apenas a amostra proveniente de Piptadenia moniliformis apresentou-se dentro da legislação. As variações dos constituintes químicos devem-se provavelmente às variadas origens florais e os teores de proteínas e minerais ratificam a importância nutricional dos méis do Ceará.

This paper discusses the use of moving images in the anthropology of technique, specifically, the ethnographic recording of the capture with harpoon of arapaima fish in the coastal lakes of Amapá, in the Brazilian Amazon. Inspired in Rouch’s notion of cine-trance, I ponder on the possibility of doing ethnography by intertwining the technical processes of capturing that fish and capturing images. I also describe the way in which I take the relationship between the movie camera and the harpoon – their rhythms and properties – as a helpful tool to describe the major features of the dialogical interaction between harpooner and fish, namely, the harpooner-harpoon link, the perception of signals emitted by the fish, and the meaning of the capturing gesture. _______________________________________________________________________________ RESUMO O presente trabalho discute o uso do registro de imagens em movimento na abordagem da antropologia da técnica, mais especificamente, na etnografia da captura do peixe pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) com o uso o arpão, em lagos na costa do Amapá. Com inspiração na ideia do cine-transe, de Rouch, reflete-se sobre a possibilidade de uma abordagem etnográfica fundada na associação entre os processos técnicos de captura do animal e de captura de imagens. Descreve-se também de que modo investiu-se na conexão entre a filmadora e o arpão – entre seus ritmos e propriedades – como via privilegiada para etnografar as principais dimensões da relação dialógica entre arpoador e peixe: o acoplamento arpoador-arpão, a percepção dos signos emitidos pelo peixe e o significado do gesto de captura.

O controle de nematoides, com o uso de diferentes métodos, é importante para o sucesso na redução dos danos causados por estes parasitas. Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, avaliar a eficácia dos métodos de controle da meloidoginose da soja. Para isto, foi utilizado o genótipo de soja BRS 282, resistente a Meloidogyne javanica e M. incognita, no controle genético, o nematicida carbofurano no controle químico e o Bacillus subtilis (PRBS-1 e B-1) no controle biológico. Sementes de soja BRS 282 (resistente) e BRS 184 (susceptível) foram tratadas ou não com carbofurano e B. subtilis. O solo utilizado no experimento foi coletado em áreas naturalmente infestadas pelo nematoide das galhas. Para avaliação do controle da meloidoginose, as plantas foram cultivadas em casa-de-vegetação, durante 60 dias. Após este período, as formas ativas e ovos de nematoides nas raízes foram quantificados e o crescimento da planta avaliado. A utilização do genótipo BRS 282 foi a melhor opção para o controle da meloidoginose em soja, devido à sua baixa incidência nas raízes. No genótipo BRS 184, tanto o controle químico quanto o biológico foram eficazes na redução da reprodução do nematoide, em raízes de soja. O tratamento de sementes do genótipo BRS 282 com carbofurano ou B. subtilis contribuiu para ganhos significativos, no crescimento da soja cultivada em solo infestado pelo parasita. The control of nematodes with the use of different methods is important for success in the reduction of damage caused by these parasites. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of methods for controlling root-knot nematodes in soybean. For that, the soybean BRS 282 genotype, resistant to Meloidogyne javanica and M. Incognita, was used for its genetic control, the nematicide carbofuran was used for its chemical control, and the Bacillus subtilis (PRBS-1 and B-1) was used for its biological control. Soybean BRS 282 (resistant) and BRS 184 (susceptible) seeds were treated or not with carbofuran and B. subtilis. The soil used in the experiment was collected in areas naturally infested with root-knot nematodes. In order to evaluate the control of root-knot nematodes, the plants were grown in a greenhouse, for 60 days. After this period, the active forms and nematodes eggs in the roots were quantified and plant growth evaluated. The use of the BRS 282 genotype was the best option for controlling root-knot nematodes in soybean, due to its low incidence in the roots. For the BRS 184 genotype, both the chemical and biological control were effective in reducing the nematode reproduction in soybean roots. The treatment of BRS 282 genotype seeds with carbofuran or B. subtilis significantly improved the soybean growth in soil infested with the parasite.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of diets composed of cottonseed hull on feed intake, in vitro digestibility, animal performance, carcass characteristics and ingestive behaviour of young bulls (1/2 Simmental × 1/2 Nellore) fed in a high-concentrate system. Thirty crossbred young bulls (319 ± 12.5 kg of bodyweight, and 11 ± 0.8 months old) were assigned to a complete randomised experimental design of three diets (CH21: cottonseed hull 210 g/kg on a DM, basis; CH27: cottonseed hull 270 g/kg on a DM basis; CH33: cottonseed hull 330 g/kg on a DM basis) with 10 animals per group. The animals were kept in a feedlot for 162 days. The cottonseed hull diets had effects on DM intake and neutral detergent fibre intake. The CH21 diet reduced the DM and detergent fibre intakes (kg/day and kg/100 kg bodyweight) and increased the in vitro digestibility of DM. However, the in vitro digestibility of neutral detergent fibre was greater with the CH27 diet. The cottonseed hull diets did not have effects on animal performance or the carcass characteristics of young bulls. However, the CH33 diet reduced the feed efficiency of the animals. A cottonseed hull level up to 270 g/kg of dietary DM may be utilised as a non-forage fibre in high-concentrate diets for young bulls in feedlots.

Objective The effect of zinc and glutamine on brain development was investigated during the lactation period in Swiss mice. Methods Malnutrition was induced by clustering the litter size from 6–7 pups/dam (nourished control) to 12–14 pups/dam (undernourished control) following birth. Undernourished groups received daily supplementation with glutamine by subcutaneous injections starting at day 2 and continuing until day 14. Glutamine (100 mM, 40–80 μL) was used for morphological and behavioral studies. Zinc acetate was added in the drinking water (500 mg/L) to the lactating dams. Synaptophysin and myelin basic protein brain expressions were evaluated by immunoblot. Zinc serum and brain levels and hippocampal neurotransmitters were also evaluated. Results Zinc with or without glutamine improved weight gain as compared to untreated, undernourished controls. In addition, zinc supplementation improved cliff avoidance and head position during swim behaviors especially on days 9 and 10. Using design-based stereological methods, we found a significant increase in the volume of CA1 neuronal cells in undernourished control mice, which was not seen in mice receiving zinc or glutamine alone or in combination. Undernourished mice given glutamine showed increased CA1 layer volume as compared with the other groups, consistent with the trend toward increased number of neurons. Brain zinc levels were increased in the nourished and undernourished-glutamine treated mice as compared to the undernourished controls on day 7. Undernourished glutamine-treated mice showed increased hippocampal gamma-aminobutyric acid and synaptophysin levels on day 14. Conclusion We conclude that glutamine or zinc protects against malnutrition-induced brain developmental impairments.

Objetivou-se determinar a correlação linear existente entre os ácidos graxos consumidos e depositados no músculo Longissimus dorsi de 35 bovinos machos não castrados, mestiços, com predominância da raça Nelore, com peso inicial médio de 428,0 ± 32,11 kg, terminados em pastagem de Brachiaria decumbens cv. Basilisk. O delineamento utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado, com cinco dietas e sete animais por dieta durante 74 dias. As dietas consistiram de níveis de inclusão da glicerina (0, 3, 6, 9 e 12%) na matéria seca (MS). Os animais foram pesados a cada 28 dias para avaliação do ganho de peso médio diário (GMD) e ajuste das dietas. Amostras do capim Brachiaria decumbens, dos suplementos, assim como do músculo Longissimus dorsi foram analisadas para avaliação do perfil de ácidos graxos. A correlação foi realizada estimando-se os coeficientes de correlação linear de Pearson. Os resultados encontrados demonstram a existência de correlações entre os ácidos graxos consumidos com aqueles depositados no músculo dos animais. As correlações observadas modificaram o perfil dos ácidos graxos da carne com redução da concentração dos ácidos graxos monoinsaturados e aumento da concentração dos ácidos graxos da série ? – 6, assim como da razão entre os ácidos graxos da série ? - 6 e ? - 3. Não foram verificadas correlações com os ácidos graxos hipercolesterêmicos (láurico, miristico e palmítico) do músculo dos bovinos suplementados com glicerina de baixa pureza.

Considerando a importância do estudo das plantas medicinais foram realizadas análises físico-químicas de folhas de dez amostras de Alecrim-pimenta (Lippia sidoides Cham.), Alfavaca ( Ocimum gratissimum L.), Cajá-umbu ( Spondias aff . tuberosa), Eucalipto ( Eucalyptus tereticornis Smith), Goiabeira ( Psidium guajava L.), Maracujá (Passiflora edulis Sims.), Mostarda (Brassica integrigolia O. E. Schulz), Quebra-pedra ( Phyllanthus amorus Schum. Et Thorn.), Sabugueiro ( Sambucus australis Cham. & Schlecht.) e Torém ( Cecropia sp.). Constatou-se pouca discrepância entre os teores de cinzas totais e fibra bruta dos vegetais estudados. Apenas a Alfavaca e o Maracujá destacaramse pelas maiores concentrações de cinzas totais, evidenciando a riqueza dessas amostras em elementos minerais. Com relação à fibra bruta deve-se salientar os elevados teores encontrados para Quebra-pedra e Torém, sugerindo-se estudos para utilização dessas plantas como fonte alternativa de fibra na dieta alimentar. Verificou-se sensível variação nos resultados da determinação da gordura, destacando-se os menores percentuais para Alecrim-pimenta e Goiabeira, importante fator a considerar quando ao uso medicinal desses vegetais. AbstractDETERMINATION OF MOISTURE, FIBERS, LIPIDS, ASHES AND SILICA IN MEDICINAL PLANTS Considering the importance of medicinal plants study, physical-chemical analyses of the leaves were accomplished in ten samples of Lippia sidoides Cham., Ocimum gratissimum L., Spondias aff . tuberosa, Eucalyptus tereticornis Smith, Psidium guajava L., Passiflora edulis Sims., Brassica integrigolia O. E. Schulz, Phyllanthus amorus Schum. Et Thorn., Sambucus australis Cham. & Schlecht. and Cecropia sp. Amongst all studied vegetables, it was verified that the levels of total ashes and gross fiber showed only a small discrepancy. Only Ocimum gratissimum L. and Passiflora edulis Sims. showed remarkable concentrations of whole ash, which suggests high levels of mineral elements presented in those samples. With regards to gross fiber, it should be pointed out high levels found in Phyllanthus amorus Schum. Et Thorn., and Cecropia sp., further investigations are recommended for the use of such plants as alternative source of fiber in the daily diet. A sensitive variation of the results of fat determination was observed, revealing its lowest content in Lippia sidoides Cham. and Psidium guajava L., which is an important aspect when medicinal use of those vegetables are taken into account.

O uso de vegetais tem-se difundido largamente nos últimos anos para fins alimentícios, medicinais e cosméticos. Devido à importância do estudo da composição inorgânica desses vegetais, o presente trabalho se propõe a analisar a ocorrência de minerais com comprovadas funções no metabolismo humano em dez ervas de popular uso terapêutico. As amostras estudadas foram tratadas por dois métodos distintos: calcinação seguida de tratamento ácido ou infusão para a obtenção dos chás. Posteriormente, os metais foram determinados quantitativamente utilizando-se espectrofotometria de absorção atômica (Ca, Mg, Mn e Zn), espectrofotometria de absorção molecular (Al e Fe) e fotometria de chama (K e Na). Comparando-se os resultados encontrados no presente trabalho com os valores diários recomendados pela RDA e WHO, sugere-se estudos para a utilização de Chenopodium ambrosioides L. como uma fonte alternativa complementar de Na, K, Mg e Zn, e do Ageratum conyzoides L. como fonte de Ca, Mg e Fe na dieta alimentar. Embora Lippia alba e Justicia gendarussa L. tenham apresentado elevados valores de Ca, recomenda-se uma certa prudência quanto ao uso desse vegetal, devido aos significativos teores encontrados para Al. The use of vegetables has become widely spread as nourishment, medicinal and cosmetic purposes in recent years. Due to the importance of the analytical study of this class of plants, and considering the growing interest about their inorganic composition that can be represented by the significant number of publications during the last years, the present work intended to analyze the occurrence of some minerals in ten herbs of popular therapeutic use that play important roles in the human metabolism. The studied samples were treated by two different methods: 1) dry ashing followed by acid treatment and 2) as tea by infusion of leaves in boiling water. Next, the metals were quantitatively determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (Ca, Mg, Mn and Zn), molecular absorption spectrophotometry (Al and Fe) or flame photometry (K and Na). By comparing the results found in this work with those of the daily recommended values by RDA and WHO, studies are suggested with respect to the use of Chenopodium ambrosioides L. as an alternative source of Na, K, Mg and Zn. Likewise, Ageratum conyzoides L. could be a complementary source of Ca, Mg and Fe in the human diet. Although Lippia alba (Mill.) N. E. Brown and Justicia gendarussa L. have presented high Ca levels, caution should be recommended to some extent concerning the use of this vegetable in view of its significant Al levels.

Current study evaluated the effect of different sexual groups and different concentrate levels in diets on animal performance, feed efficiency and carcass characteristics of bovines finished in feedlot. Ninety four bulls and 75 steers Purunã with average age 19 months at the beginning of the feedlot period were used. Animals were maintained in individual pens during 116 days and fed with a diet of corn silage and three concentrate levels (0.8, 1.1, and 1.4% of body weight). The concentrate was formulated with 25% soybean meal, 73% corn grain, 1.0% of a mineral mix and 1.0% limestone and adjusted at every 28 days. The interaction between sexual groups and concentrate levels was not significant for any of the studied variables. Bulls were more efficient than steers ones, with higher average daily gain (1.33 vs. 1.12 kg day-1), better feed conversion ratio (6.6 vs. 7.6 kg DM intake kg-1 gain), and higher carcass gain (86.6 vs. 69.2 kg). Increase in concentrate level in diet did not influence animal performance even though a higher DM was observed for animals fed on 1.4% (8.8 kg) and 1.1% (8.4 kg) levels of concentrate when compared with those fed on 0.8% level (7.7 kg). Este trabalho avaliou o efeito de diferentes classes sexuais e níveis de concentrado na dieta sobre o desempenho animal, eficiência alimentar e características de carcaça de bovinos terminados em confinamento. Noventa e quatro machos não castrados e 75 castrados da raça Purunã com 19 meses de idade no início do período experimental foram usados. Os bovinos foram mantidos em baias individuais durante 116 dias e alimentados com uma dieta a base de silagem de milho e três níveis de concentrado (0,8; 1,1 e 1,4% do peso corporal). Os concentrados foram formulados com 25% de farelo de soja, 73% de milho, 1% de sal mineral e 1% de calcário; ajustados a cada 28 dias. A interação grupo sexual e níveis de concentrado não foi significativa para nenhuma das variáveis estudadas. Os machos não castrados foram mais eficientes do que os machos castrados, com maior ganho em peso (1,33 vs. 1,12 kg dia-1), melhor conversão alimentar (6,6 vs. 7,6 kg de ingestão de MS kg-1 de ganho em peso) e maior ganho em peso de carcaça (86,6 vs. 69,2 kg). O aumento dos níveis de concentrado na dieta não influenciou o desempenho animal, embora maior ingestão em MS tenha sido observada para os animais alimentados com 1,4% (8,8 kg) e 1,1% (8,4 kg) níveis de concentrado quando comparado com os animais alimentados com níveis de 0,8% de concentrado (7,7 kg).

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate quantitative and qualitative characters of carcass and meat from bulls and steers finished in feedlot during a 116 day period, in individual stalls and fed with a diet of corn silage and three levels of concentrate (0.70; 0.97 and 1.23% of body weight). The concentrate was formulated with 25% soybean meal, 73% of ground corn grain 1% of a mineral mix and 1% of limestone. A total of 169 composite Puruna animals, being 94 bulls and 75 steers with average age of 20 months. The interaction between physiological condition and level of concentrate was not significant (P>0.05) for any of the studied variables. Likewise, no effect of level of concentrate was detected upon the same traits. The bulls presented heavier slaughter weight (493.1 kg) in comparison with the steers (450.0 kg) as well as higher carcass yield (55.2 vs. 53.5%), resulting in a hot carcass weight 12.1% heavier than bulls animals, though with a lower degree of carcass finishing (3.6 vs. 4.2 mm, respectively). Bulls produced carcasses with better conformation and higher area of Longissimus dorsi (68.6 vs. 63.3 cm2), and higher percentage of muscle in comparison with castrated (66.5 vs. 62.8%). The meat from bulls was darker and with lower degree of marbling in relation to steers. Nevertheless, no differences were observed for tenderness nor for juiciness, though steers had more palatable meat.