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Wheat is an important cereal product because of its nutritional value, economy, culture, and history. Einkorn (Triticum monococcum L.) assumed as the oldest wheat. Einkorn locally called “siyez” has recently become popular as a super grain with the thought of being very nutritious in Turkey. In this study, the contents of macrominerals (Na, Mg, Ca, and K) and microminerals (Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn) in twenty-one einkorn samples collected from different cultivation areas in Kastamonu were determined by using an inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry following microwave-assisted acid digestion. The results were compared with those analyzed in einkorn and other wheat types in the literature. Average concentrations of K, Ca, Mg, Na, Fe, Zn, Mn, Cr and Cu analyzed in einkorn samples were found as 3712, 1303, 656, 53, 167, 34, 29, 0,7 and 0,6 mg kg-1, respectively. The literature comparison revealed that the investigated einkorn samples were richer in terms of Ca and Fe contents compared to einkorn, emmer, spelt, buckwheat, and durum wheat samples grown in our country and different countries.

This study aimed to evaluate the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of dry matter, crude protein, gross energy, and minerals of marine fish meal (MFM), salmon meal (SM), tilapia by-product meal (TBM), meat and bone meal (MBM), poultry by-product meal (PBM), blood meal (BM), and feather meal (FM) by silver catfish Rhamdia voulezi. Groups of 12 fish were fed the experimental diet three times a day until apparent satiation, and the fecal samples were collected from an accumulation device. SM and PBM exhibited the highest digestibility values for dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy, while MBM and FM presented significantly lower ADCs for dry matter. BM and FM exhibited higher ADCs for phosphorus, 65.05 and 63.87%, respectively. The ADCs for calcium were 58.8% for MFM, 56.69% for TBM, and 60.08% for PBM. PBM and FM had the highest iron ADCs, 44.01 and 46.29%, respectively. Magnesium ADCs ranged from 44.87% for MBM to 75.50% for TBM. BM had the highest digestibility for zinc (62.77%), whereas MBM (36.68%) and FM (39.39%) had the lowest. In general, SM and PBM showed higher values as feedstuffs for silver catfish feeds. At the same time, the digestibility was lower for TBM and MBM for macronutrients and minerals such as phosphorus, iron, and zinc.

Thirty conventional and twenty-four organic dairy farms were divided into equal numbers within system groups: high-pasture, standard-pasture, and low-pasture groups. Milk samples were collected monthly for 12 consecutive months. Milk from high-pasture organic farms contained less fat and protein than standard- and low-pasture organic farms, but more lactose than low-pasture organic farms. Grazing, concentrate feed intake and the contribution of non-Holstein breeds were the key drivers for these changes. Milk Ca and P concentrations were lower in standard-pasture conventional farms than the other conventional groups. Milk from low-pasture organic farms contained less Ca than high- and standard-pasture organic farms, while high-pasture organic farms produced milk with the highest Sn concentration. Differences in mineral concentrations were driven by the contribution of non-Holstein breeds, feeding practices, and grazing activity, but due to their relatively low numerical differences between groups, the subsequent impact on consumers’ dietary mineral intakes would be minor.

Fil: Trulls, Horacio Eduardo. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentina. Fil: Ortíz, M. L. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentina. Fil: Zach, A. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentina. Fil: Brem, J. C. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentina. Fil: Picot, José Augusto. Universidad Nacional del Nordeste. Facultad de Ciencias Veterinarias; Argentina. El trabajo se realizó con el objetivo de dilucidar la concentración total y bioaccesible de nutrientes elementales en variedades de arroz de las provincias de Corrientes y Entre Ríos. Las muestras de arroz blanco cocido, del tipo largo fino y fortuna o doble carolina, se procesaron por métodos estandarizados, determinándose humedad, proteínas totales por Kjeldhal y fibra por método gravimétrico-enzimático. Los macrominerales calcio y magnesio se evaluaron por complexometría, el fósforo por espectrofotometría UV-visible, y los microelementos hierro, cobre y cinc por espectrofotometría de absorción atómica. La fracción bioaccesible se determinó por el método de diálisis in vitro, utilizando un complejo enzimático y sucesivas incubaciones reproduciendo el proceso de digestión en condiciones fisiológicas. Los resultados de calcio total oscilaron entre 50 mg/100 g de la variedad doble carolina de Corrientes y 87 mg/100 g del largo fino de la misma provincia, el calcio dializable fue entre un 15 y 16%, el fósforo total osciló entre 39,4 mg/100 g en largo fino y 56,2 mg/100 g en doble carolina, ambos entrerrianos y la fracción dializable varió entre 15 y 20%, el contenido de magnesio total fluctuó entre 30,0 mg/100 g y 51,0 mg/100 g y el dializable entre 22 y 31 %. Con respecto al hierro, tuvo concentraciones totales de 6 mg/kg en largo fino con un 60% de dializable y 12 mg/kg en doble carolina, pero con 35% de dializabilidad. El cobre total arrojó valores entre 3,45 mg/kg y 5,70 mg/kg con un 6 al 30% de fracción dializada. El contenido de cinc total varió entre 10,21 mg/kg y 11,48 mg/kg, con una baja fracción bioaccesible, del 3%. Se concluye que los contenidos totales y bioaccesibles de estos nutrientes, asumen una información inicial útil para favorecer un programa de fortificación del arroz, que constituye el cultivo alimentario más importante de la región. The objective of this work was to evaluate the total and bioaccessible concentration of elemental nutrients in rice varieties, from the provinces of Corrientes and Entre Ríos. The samples of cooked white rice, fine long and fortuna or double carolina varieties, were processed by standardized methods, like moisture, total proteins by Kjeldhal, fiber by a gravimetric-enzymatic method. The macroelements calcium and magnesium were evaluated by complexometry, phosphorus by UV-visible spectrophotometry, and the microelements iron, copper and zinc were performed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. The bioaccessible fraction was determined by an in vitro dialysis method, using an enzyme complex and successive incubations reproducing the digestion process under physiological conditions. The results of total calcium ranged between 50 mg/100g of the double carolina variety from Corrientes and 87 mg/100g of the fine long from the same province, the dialyzable calcium was between 15 and 16%, the total phosphorus ranged between 39.4 mg/100g in fine long and 56.2 mg/100g in double carolina, both from Entre Ríos, and the dialysable fraction varied between 15 and 20%, the total magnesium content fluctuated between 30.0 mg/100g and 51.0 mg/100g and the dialyzable between 22 and 31%. Regarding iron, it had total concentrations of 6 mg/kg in fine long rice, with 60% of dialyzable fraction and 12 mg/kg in double caroline, but with 35% of dialyzability. Total copper yielded values between 3.45 mg/kg and 5.70 mg/kg with 6 to 30% dialysed fraction. The total zinc content varied between 10.21 mg/kg and 11.48 mg/kg, with a low bioaccessible fraction of 3%. It is concluded that the total and bioaccessible contents of these nutrients is initial information to promove a fortification program in rice, which is the most important crop in the region.

15 pages, 4 tables, 2 figures.-- This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, This study focuses on the extraction of nutritional and healthy constituents of whole by-products resulting from the commercialisation of Patagonian squid (Doriteuthis gahi). By-products corresponding to squid individuals captured at different seasons were comparatively analysed for proximate composition, lipid classes content, fatty acid (FA) profile, and macroelement and trace element composition. As a result, moisture, lipid, protein, and ash values were included in the ranges 829.0–842.8, 17.5–21.8, 106.0–123.7, and 9.3–13.3 g·kg−1 by-products, respectively. Phospholipids showed to be the most abundant lipid class (359.2–463.5 g·kg−1 lipids), while triacylglycerols were only present in a 9.5–13.1 g·kg−1 lipids range. Valuable levels were detected for α-tocopherol (539.6–973.3 mg·kg−1 lipids), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA; 50.5–52.6 g·100 g−1 FA), ω3 PUFA (47.0–48.6 g·100 g−1 FA), PUFA/saturated FA ratio (1.4–1.6), and ω3/ω6 ratio (12.1–13.4). Among macroelements, S, P, and Na showed to be more abundant than K, Mg, and Ca. Profitable levels of Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, and Zn were detected in all kinds of individuals. In spite of content variations found as a result of the capture season of Patagonian squid individuals, whole by-products of this cephalopod species can be considered as a profitable source to provide the food and pharmaceutical industries with useful value-added constituents, This research was funded by the Spanish Ministry of Research and Innovation, grant number RTI2018-095659-B-I00 (2019–2022)

espanolResumen No existen estudios que correlacionen electrolitos con la frecuencia cardiaca (FC) y la variabilidad de la frecuencia cardiaca (VFC) en el periparto de vacas. En teoria las concentraciones de electrolitos en suero pueden afectar la VFC directamente al influir sobre la excitabilidad del musculo cardiaco. Se estudiaron 23 vacas de la raza holstein. Los indices de VFC se analizaron en seis momentos mediante la electrocardiografia. Se evaluaron los indices en el metodo del dominio del tiempo y frecuencia, desviacion estandar de las diferencias entre latidos consecutivos (SDNN), raiz cuadrada del promedio de las diferencias entre intervalos sucesivos elevadas al cuadrado (RMSSD), baja frecuencia (LF) y alta frecuencia (HF), asi como la relacion LF/HF. Se midieron las concentraciones de Ca2+, Mg2+ y Pi por medio de espectrofotometria y Na+ y K+ mediante fotometria. La FC aumento en el dia antes del parto y luego disminuyo despues del parto. Los indices parasimpaticos de RMSSD y HF aumentaron. El indice simpatovagal de relacion LF/HF disminuyo significativamente. Las concentraciones de los electrolitos Ca2+ y Pi disminuyeron despues del parto mientras el Na+ aumento. El dia antes del parto el indice LF aumento, mientras que la HF disminuyo, lo que indica la modulacion de la FC y la ventilacion por el nervio vago. El K+ un dia antes del parto mostro una fuerte asociacion con el indice de HF. El dia despues del parto la correlacion entre el K y la FC, HF y LF mostro una fuerte asociacion. EnglishAbstract There are no studies that correlate electrolytes with heart rate (HR) and heart rate variability (HRV) during the peripartum period in cows. In theory, electrolyte concentrations in serum can directly affect HRV by influencing the excitability of the heart muscle. Twenty-three cows of the Holstein breed were studied. HRV indexes were analyzed in six moments by electrocardiography. The indices were evaluated in the time domain and frequency, standard deviation of successive intervals (SDNN), root mean square of the average difference of successive intervals (RMSSD), low frequency (LF), and high frequency (HF), as well as the LF/HF ratio. Ca2+, Mg2+, and Pi concentrations were measured by means of spectrophotometry, as well as concentrations of Na+ and K+ by means of photometry. HR increased on the day before delivery and then decreased after delivery. The parasympathetic indices of RMSSD and HF increased. The sympathovagal balance between LF/HF decreased significantly. Concentrations of the electrolytes Ca2+ and Pi decreased after delivery, while Na+ concentration increased. The day before delivery, the LF index increased, while HF decreased, indicating HR modulation and ventilation via the vagus nerve. One day before delivery, K+ showed a strong association with the HF index. The day after delivery, the correlation between K+ and HR, HF, and LF showed a strong association. portuguesResumo Nao ha estudos que correlacionem eletrolitos com frequencia cardiaca (FC) e variabilidade da frequencia cardiaca (VFC) no periparto de vacas. Em teoria, as concentracoes de eletrolitos em soro podem afetar a VFC diretamente ao influenciar a excitabilidade do musculo cardiaco. Estudaram-se 23 vacas da raca holstein. Os indices de VFC foram analisados em seis momentos mediante a eletrocardiografia. Avaliaram-se os indices no metodo de dominio do tempo e frequencia, desvio padrao das diferencas entre batimentos consecutivos (SDNN), raiz quadrada da media das diferencas entre intervalos sucessivos elevadas ao quadrado (RMSSD), baixa frequencia (LF) e alta frequencia (HF), bem como a relacao LF/HF. As concentracoes de Ca2+, Mg2+ e Pi foram medidas por espectrofotometria, e Na+ e K+ por fotometria. A FC aumentou no dia antes do parto e logo diminuiu apos o parto. Os indices parassimpaticos de RMSSD e HF aumentaram. O indice simpatovagal de relacao LF/HF diminuiu significativamente. As concentracoes dos eletrolitos Ca2+ e Pi diminuiram apos o parto entanto o Na+ aumentou. O dia antes do parto o indice LF aumentou, enquanto que a HF diminuiu, o que indica a modulacao da FC e a ventilacao pelo nervo vago. O K+ um dia antes do parto mostrou forte associacao com o indice de HF. O dia apos o parto a correlacao entre o K e a FC, HF e LF mostrou forte associacao.

The intravenous (IV) usage of diuretic agents such as furosemide may cause changes in clinical signs, electrocardiographic (ECG) indices and serum electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium) concentrations in dromedary calves. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the clinical, ECG and biochemical effects of two‐dose IV administration of furosemide in dromedary calves. A total of 21 clinically healthy male dromedary calves with the age of 5 (± 1) months and weight of 95 (± 5) kg were studied. The animals were randomly divided into three groups of control (normal saline), low‐dose furosemide (2.5 mg/kg) and high‐dose furosemide (5 mg/kg). Two IV injections with 12‐hr intervals were administered in all animals. The clinical and ECG parameters were measured at 0 (baseline), 2 (T2), 24 (T24) and 48 (T48) hours after drug administration. Serum concentrations of electrolytes were measured at T0, T24 and T48 hr. The results of this study showed no changes in clinical parameters (heart rate, rectal temperature, respiratory rate and Unruminal motility), ECG indices and also no significant changes in serum electrolytes levels. Under conditions with free access to fresh water, two‐dose IV injection of furosemide (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) could be administered in healthy dromedary calves., The results of this study showed no changes in clinical parameters (heart rate, rectal temperature, respiratory rate and ruminal motility), ECG indices and also no significant changes in serum electrolytes levels. Two‐dose IV injection of furosemide (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) could be administered in healthy dromedary calves.

Agriculture will face many challenges regarding food security and sustainability. Improving phosphorus use efficiency is of paramount importance to face the needs of a growing population while decreasing the toll on the environment. Pepper (Capsicum spp.) is widely cultivated around the world, hence, any breakthrough in this field would have a major impact in agricultural systems. Herein, the response to phosphorus low-input conditions is reported for 25 pepper accessions regarding phosphorus use efficiency, biomass and root traits. Results suggest a differential response from different plant organs to phosphorus starvation. Roots presented the lowest phosphorus levels, possibly due to mobilizations towards above-ground organs. Accessions showed a wide range of variability regarding efficiency parameters, offering the possibility of selecting materials for different inputs. Accessions bol_144 and fra_DLL showed an interesting phosphorus efficiency ratio under low-input conditions, whereas mex_scm and sp_piq showed high phosphorus uptake efficiency and mex_pas and sp_bola the highest values for phosphorus use efficiency. Phosphorus low-input conditions favored root instead of aerial growth, enabling increases of root total length, proportion of root length dedicated to fine roots and root specific length while decreasing roots&rsquo, average diameter. Positive correlation was found between fine roots and phosphorus efficiency parameters, reinforcing the importance of this adaptation to biomass yield under low-input conditions. This work provides relevant first insights into pepper&rsquo, s response to phosphorus low-input conditions.

Coffee silverskin (a coffee roasting by-product) contains high amounts of dietary fibre (49% insoluble and 7% soluble) and protein (19%). Potassium (∼5g/100g), magnesium (2g/100g) and calcium (0.6g/100g) are the major macrominerals. The vitamin E profile of silverskin comprises α-tocopherol, β-tocopherol, ɣ-tocopherol, δ-tocopherol, β-tocotrienol, ɣ-tocotrienol, and δ-tocotrienol. The fatty acid profile is mainly saturated (C16:0 and C22:0), but the total amount of fat is low (2.4%). Caffeine (1.25g/100g), chlorogenic acid (246mg/100g), and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural (5.68mg/100g) are also present in silverskin. Total phenolics and flavonoids are partially responsible for the in vitro antioxidant activity. Silverskin extracts protected erythrocytes from oxidative AAPH- and H2O2-induced hemolysis, but at high concentrations a pro-oxidant effect on erythrocyte morphology was observed.

Este artículo se encuentra disponible en la siguiente URL: https://www.mdpi.com/2306-7381/8/6/97 Minerals are inorganic substances present in all body tissues and fluids that directly or indirectly influence the maintenance of multiple metabolic processes and, therefore, are essential for the development of various biological functions. The Lidia bull breed may be considered an athlete, as during a bull fight it displays considerable physical effort of great intensity and short duration in a highly stressful situation. The objective of this study was to assess plasma minerals concentration (macro- and microminerals) in Lidia bulls after intense physical exercise during a bull fight. Plasma Ca, Mg, P, K, Na, Fe, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se and Mo concentrations were measured in 438 male Lidia bulls. Ca, P and Mg were measured using a Cobas Integra autoanalyzer, while Na and K were determined by ICP-AES, and Fe, Cr, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Se and Mo were measured by ICP-MS. All macrominerals, (Ca: 2.96 0.31, Mg: 1.27 0.17, P: 3.78 0.65, K: 7.50 1.58, Na: 150.15 19.59 in mmol/L), and Cr (1.24 0.58), Ni (0.249 1.07), Cu (22.63 4.84) and Zn (24.14 5.59, in mol/L) showed greater mean values than the reported reference values in the published literature, while Co (0.041 0.07), Se (0.886 0.21) and Mo (0.111 0.08, in mol/L) values were lower than those reported for other bovine breeds. These increased concentrations could be justified mainly by muscle cell metabolism, hepatic need to provide energy, and intense dehydration and hemoconcentration by losses through sweat glands or urination.

Minerals are limiting factors in animal production, and the knowledge of mineral requirements for livestock is crucial to the success of a commercial enterprise. Hair sheep may have different mineral requirements than those presents by the international committees. A study was carried to evaluate the net calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), zinc (Zn), iron (Fe), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu) requirements for the growth and maintenance of Brazilian Somali lambs. A total of 48 hair lambs (13.5±1.8 kg) aged 60±15 days were allocated to individual pens. Eight animals were slaughtered at the beginning of the experiment to serve as a reference group to estimate initial empty BW (EBW) and initial body composition. The remaining lambs (n=40) were assigned to a completely randomized design with eight replications in five levels of metabolizable energy (ME; 4.93, 8.65, 9.41, 10.12 and 11.24 MJ/kg DM). When the lambs of a given treatment reached an average BW of 28 kg, they were slaughtered. Initial body composition was used to calculate the retention of minerals. Mineral body composition was fit using a logarithmic equation in the form of a nonlinear model. The maintenance requirements were estimated from regressions of mineral retention in the empty body on mineral intake. The body mineral concentration decreased in lambs with a BW ranging from 15 to 30 kg. The net mineral requirements (100 g/day of average daily gain (ADG)) decreased from 0.52 to 0.51 g for Ca, 0.28 to 0.23 g for P, 0.02 to 0.02 g for Mg, 0.09 to 0.08 g for Na, 0.11 to 0.09 g for K, 1.30 to 1.08 mg for Zn, 3.77 to 3.22 mg for Fe, 0.08 to 0.06 mg for Mn and 0.09 to 0.08 mg for Cu when BW increased from 15 to 30 kg. The daily net requirements for maintenance per kilogram of BW were 30.13 mg of Ca, 27.58 mg of P, 1.26 mg of Mg, 4.12 mg of Na, 8.11 mg of K, 0.133 mg of Zn, 0.271 mg of Fe, 0.002 mg of Mn and 0.014 mg of Cu. The results of this study indicate that the net mineral requirements for weight gain and maintenance in Brazilian Somali lambs are different than the values that are commonly recommended by the main evaluation systems for feed and nutritional requirements for sheep. These results for the nutritional requirements of minerals may help to optimize mineral supply for hair sheep.

Chickpea flour is known to have good nutritional values. Nevertheless, it is commonly made from ground grains, and characterized by an &ldquo, off-flavor&rdquo, Processing of chickpea grains before flour formation reduces the intensity of the off-flavor. Therefore, two experiments were conducted: first to examine the effect of conventional processing (soaking, boiling, and drying) on the nutritional composition of the chickpea flour, and second, to investigate the impact of processed chickpea flour incorporation with different ratios on the sensory properties of mankoushe zaatar, a popular Lebanese pastry, usually made up of refined wheat flour. Chickpea flour was found to be nutritionally superior compared to refined wheat flour, and conventional processing of the flour was found not to affect its content of protein, fats, carbohydrates, and phosphorus, while total dietary and crude fibers were significantly increased. The fatty acid profile was minimally affected, while magnesium and potassium were reduced. The sensory test conducted among panelists (n = 60) showed that the incorporation of processed chickpea flour into the dough of mankoushe zaatar with ratios of 30% and 50% provided an end-product with better taste and overall acceptability compared to the regular mankoushe. Hence, conventionally processed chickpea flour can be used as a fortifier to improve the nutritional quality of bakery products without negatively affecting their sensory properties.

Globe artichoke has been long considered a nutraceutical food for its valuable content of bioactive compounds. However, beside a well-known polyphenol profile, poor information is available about its metabolite and mineral composition. The aim of this study was to investigate edible parts of Sicilian artichokes, ‘Spinoso di Menfi’ and ‘Violetto di Niscemi’, by 1H NMR and ICP-MS for elucidating these compositional aspects. Although bracts and hearts of both artichokes shared a very similar metabolite pattern, ‘Spinoso di Menfi’ showed a higher number of metabolites, such as amino acids and polyphenols, than ‘Violetto di Niscemi’. ‘Spinoso di Menfi’ was also marked by higher levels of macro- and microelements when compared to ‘Violetto di Niscemi’. Also, artichoke heart demonstrated to accumulate higher mineral levels than bracts. 1H NMR and ICP-MS successfully profiled metabolites and metals in such plant food, partially covering the lack of literature data about ‘Spinoso di Menfi’ and ‘Violetto di Niscemi’ artichokes.

Eighty-seven Nellore animals were utilized in this study to estimate net requirements for the maintenance and growth of beef cattle as well as the retention coefficients of 13 minerals: macrominerals (Ca, P, Mg, K, Na, and S) and trace elements (Cu, Fe, Mn, Se, Zn, Co, and Cr). The net requirements for maintenance and the true retention coefficient were estimated by using the regression between apparent retention and intake for each mineral. The net requirement for maintenance (μg/kg BW) and retention coefficients (%) were 163 and 85 for Cu, 2,097 and 53 for Fe, 32.3 and 24 for Mn, 3.72 and 48 for Se, 669 and 0.80 for Zn, 18.4 and 86 for Co, and 22.9 and 78 for Cr. The dietary requirements of macrominerals (g/kg DMI) were 5.12 for Ca, 2.38 for P, 0.96 for Mg, 2.40 for K, 0.79 for Na, and 1.47 for S. This is the first study using Nellore cattle to estimate mineral requirements; considering that Nellore cattle are the most common breed in Brazil and that Brazil is a major beef producer globally, this knowledge can help producers to improve animal performance by supplying the correct amount of minerals.

Foram utilizados 39 novilhos mestiços Holandês-Gir, com o objetivo de avaliar a influência do ganho compensatório sobre o conteúdo corporal e as exigências líquidas e dietéticas de cálcio, fósforo, magnésio, sódio e potássio de bovinos. Trinta animais foram submetidos à alta pressão de pastejo, enquanto nove tiveram oferta ilimitada de pasto (grupo ganho contínuo), durante 114 dias, após o qual seis animais do primeiro grupo e três do segundo grupo foram abatidos e os restantes, confinados. Entre os animais do primeiro grupo, 12 receberam alimentação ad libitum (grupo ganho compensatório) e 12 receberam alimento 15% acima da mantença (grupo mantença), enquanto os seis animais do grupo ganho contínuo receberam a mesma dieta ad libitum. Foram ajustadas equações de regressão do logaritmo do conteúdo corporal dos minerais, em função do logaritmo do peso corporal vazio (PCVZ). As exigências de minerais não diferiram quanto ao tratamento, e as exigências líquidas para ganho de 1 kg PCVZ variaram de 10,04 a 12,38 g para cálcio, 9,33 a 9,41 g para fósforo, 0,50 a 0,38 g para magnésio, 1,22 a 1,07 g para sódio e 2,24 a 2,75 g para potássio, para novilhos com pesos entre 150 e 450 kg, respectivamente. As exigências dietéticas, para ganho de 1 kg de peso vivo, variaram de 15,88 a 25,68 g para cálcio, 16,62 a 10,35 g para fósforo, 5,12 a 9,82 g para magnésio, 2,25 a 4,35 g para sódio e 18,23 a 49,18 g para potássio. Thirty-nine crossbreed Holstein-Gyr steers were used aiming to evaluate the influence of compensatory growth on body content and on net and dietary requirements of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, and potassium of bovines. Thirty animals were submitted to a high pasture stocking rate, while nine had free access to the pasture (continuous growth group), during 114 days. After that, six animals from the first group and three from the second group were slaughtered, and the remaining animals were feedlot confined. From the animals of the first group, twelve animals were full fed (compensatory growth group) and twelve animals were fed 15% above the maintenance level (maintenance group), while the six animals from continuous gain group were full fed the same diet. Regression equations of log kg body contents of each mineral as a function of log empty-body weight (EBW) were fitted. The macrominerals requirements did not differ regarding to the treatments, and the net requirements for 1 kg of EBW gain ranged from 10.04 to 12.38 g for calcium; 9.33 to 9.41 g for phosphorus; 0.50 to 0.38 g for magnesium; 1.22 to 1.07 g for sodium; and 2.24 to 2.75 g for potassium, for steers with weights between 150 to 450 kg, respectively. The dietetic macrominerals requirements, for 1 kg of liveweight of gain, ranged from 15.88 to 25.68 g for calcium; 16.62 to 10.35 g for phosphorus; 5.12 to 9.82 g for magnesium; 2.25 to 4.35 g for sodium; and 18.23 to 49.18 for potassium.

A greenhouse experiment was conducted in Summer and Fall 2011 at the experimental farm of Tuscia University, central Italy, to study the effect of nutrient solution concentration (4, 20, 36, 52, or 68 mequiv·L−1) on biomass production, mineral composition, and concentrations of the major polyphenols in ‘Romolo’ artichoke and ‘Bianco Avorio’ cardoon grown in a floating system. Leaf dry biomass, leaf number, and macroelement concentrations (nitrogen, potassium, calcium, and magnesium) of artichoke and cardoon increased in response to an increase in the nutrient solution concentration, whereas an opposite trend was observed for the total polyphenols, phenolic acids (chlorogenic acid, cynarin, and caffeic acid), and the flavonoid luteolin. Artichoke and cardoon gave maximum biomass production and leaf number at 45 and 54 mequiv·L−1, respectively. Cardoon showed higher biomass and leaf number (average 1.13 kg·m−2 and 14.0 n./plant, respectively) than those observed in artichoke (average 1.07 kg·m−2 and 12.7 n./plant, respectively). The chlorogenic acid, cynarin, caffeic acid, and luteolin concentrations were higher by 204%, 462%, 580%, and 445% in cardoon leaf tissue than in that of artichoke. An improvement of leaf quality (total polyphenols, phenolic acids, and flavonoids) was obtained at the expense of leaf yield through the use of lower fertilizer concentrations in the nutrient solution.

Macro (Ca, Mg, K, Na) and micromineral (Fe, Zn, Cu) composition of 39 waters was analysed. Determinations were made by atomic flame spectrophotometry for macrominerals and electrothermic atomisation in graphite furnace for microminerals. Mineral contents of still or sparkling natural waters (without flavours) changed from brand to brand. Mann–Whitney test was used to search for significant differences between flavoured and natural waters. For that, the concentration of each mineral was compared to the presence of flavours, preservatives, acidifying agents, fruit juice and/or sweeteners, according to the labelled composition. The statistical study demonstrated that flavoured waters generally have increased contents of K, Na, Fe and Cu. The added preservatives also led to significant differences in the mineral composition. Acidifying agents and fruit juice can also be correlated to the increase of Mg, K, Na, Fe and Cu. Sweeteners do not provide any significant difference in Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn contents.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os aspectos clínicos e patológicos da deficiência de fósforo em caprinos no semiárido de Pernambuco. Para isso, visitas técnicas foram realizadas em diferentes propriedades na microrregião do Sertão do Moxotó durante o período da estação seca. Realizaram-se exames clínicos, determinação da atividade sérica de cálcio total e ionizado, fosforo sérico, magnésio, razão Ca:P, proteína total, albumina, globulina e o percentual de cinzas ósseas. Biopsias ósseas da região hipocondríaca da 12 costela direita foram fixadas em solução de formalina a 10% e descalcificadas para análises histológicas. Os principais sinais clínicos observados nos caprinos com deficiência de fósforo foram aumento da fragilidade óssea além de desidratação, magreza, hipomotilidade ruminal, alopecia, pelos opacos, quebradiços e eriçados e osteofagia. As médias dos valores das cinzas ósseas e do teor de fósforo nos ossos estavam abaixo dos valores de referência e a correlação entre essas duas variáveis foi fortemente positiva (r=0,91); a redução da concentração do fósforo sérico foi acompanhada da redução da porcentagem desse mineral nas cinzas. Esse resultado é conclusivo para o diagnóstico de deficiência de fósforo. No exame microscópico dos fragmentos ósseos das costelas, verificou-se evidente aumento da atividade osteoclástica com áreas de reabsorção óssea e maior quantidade de tecido osteóide e de fibras colágenas na matriz óssea. Conclui-se que a deficiência de fósforo é uma doença frequente em caprinos criados em regime semi-extensivo no semiárido de Pernambuco e que a suplementação desse mineral é necessária na região estudada. ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and pathological aspects of phosphorus deficiency in goats in the semiarid region of Pernambuco. For this, technical visits were carried out at different properties in the Sertão do Moxotó region during the dry season period. Clinical examinations, serum analysis and rib biopsies were carried out to determine macromineral contents. Serum concentrations of total and ionized Ca, serum and bone P, Mg, Ca:P ratio, total protein, albumin, globulin and ashes were determined. Bone biopsies were performed by surgical procedure in the hypochondriac region of the 12th right rib which were fixed in 10% formalin solution and decalcified for histological analysis. The main clinical signs in phosphorus-deficient goats consisted of dehydration, poor corporal score, ruminal hypomotility, alopecia, opaque, brittle and bristly hair and osteophagy. The averages of bone ashes and phosphorus content in bones were below the reference values and the correlation between these two variables was strongly positive (r=0.91). The reduction of the serum phosphorus concentration was accompanied by the reduction of the percentage of this mineral in the ashes. This result is conclusive for the diagnosis of phosphorus deficiency. In the microscopic examination of ribs bony fragments there was a clear increase in osteoclastic activity with areas of bone resorption and a greater amount of osteoid tissue and collagen fibers in the bone matrix. It is concluded that phosphorus deficiency is a frequent disease in goats in the semiarid region of Pernambuco, Brazil and and the supplementation of this mineral is necessary in the studied region.

Samples of blood, rumen, and caecal contents were taken from 238 reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) slaughtered between September and March in two consecutive years. Levels of magnesium, calcium and phosphorus were measured to evaluate the extent to which levels of these minerals reflected changes in the grazing conditions through the winter. Twenty-one reindeer in poor conditon were included in the investigation and compared with normal animals with respect to the investigated minerals. Serum values in September were within the normal range for domestic sheep (Ovis spp.) and cattle (Bos spp.) (Church, 1979). Magnesium was 0.9±0.1 mmol/l, calcium 2.8 ± 0.3 mmol/l and phosphorus 2.5 ± 0.5 mmol/l. Calcium values did not change very much through the winter while magnesium and phosphorus constantly decreased from September to February. Extremely low serum magnesium values (below 0.3 mmol/l in some animals where found in January and February. The majority of the animals in poor condition had low serum-magnesium values.

The alg a Spirulina, in particular Spirulina platensis, an ubiquitous component of sea and ocean with high nutritional content, is considered a potential alimentary source for third world countries af fected by heavy famine problems. On other side, Spirulina-based products are nowadays commonly commercialized and recommended by suppliers as health food, diet pills, vit- amins supplement etc.. However, a careful nutritional and toxicolo gical evaluation of these products is necessar y, since algae sho w bioaccumulation properties towards heavy metals. In this frame , samples of commercial and natural Spirulina platensis of Cuban origin, have been characterized for their macromineral and trace elements content. Measurements ha ve been carried out by INAA and ICP-AES employing standard reference materials. The use of two techniques allowed the determination of a wider spectrum of elements and in some cases, the cross-checking of the data obtained . The toxic heavy metals levels found in both products ar e such that they do not constitute , on the basis of the recommended daily doses a health hazard for consumers.