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This research evaluates the economic and environmental feasibility of extracting dietary fibre (DF) from a by-product such as soybean hulls. Techno-economic (TEA) and life cycle assessment (LCA) were carried out to identify the critical factors that may limit the implementation of a potential biorefinery plant. The modelling of the process was carried out on the basis of mass and energy balances, as well as the characteristics of the required equipment. TEA indicators such as minimum selling price (MSP), fixed capital investment, manufacturing costs were evaluated. A cradle-to-gate LCA approach and a functional unit (FU) of 1 kg of product (85% DF content) were considered. Impact categories such as global warming (GW), eutrophication, eco-toxicity, among others, were analysed. The results indicate that the production capacity achieves the plateau at about 56 kt y−1, with an MSP value of 2.6 $·kg−1. Furthermore, the GW profile was 8.76 kg CO2eq per FU, and the main hotspot is the alkaline digestion stage due to the use of potassium hydroxide (KOH). Nevertheless, the management of the hulls from multi-product food plants and switching KOH production to renewable sources may reduce the profile in almost all categories analysed.

Objectives: This study aims to develop and validate the Serious Educational Game in Nursing Appraisal Scale (SEGiNAS), a tool designed to evaluate the implementation of serious games within nurse education contexts of quantity of process, quality of process, and learning outcomes. Methods and Materials: This methodological and psychometric study aimed to develop and validate a scale. The item generation phase was based on the cognitive theory of multimedia learning, resulting in a 20-item scale. The validation phase involved evaluating the psychometric scale by surveying 160 Portuguese nurses. Results: A factor analysis revealed a three-factor structure corresponding to the scale’s designed dimensions, explaining a total variance of 64.5%. The scale demonstrated high internal consistency for all factors, including engagement and teaching effectiveness (0.925), learning impact and practical application (0.883), and content relevance and clarity (0.848). The dimensions were engagement and teaching effectiveness, learning impact and practical application, and content relevance and clarity. Conclusions: The SEGiNAS scale represents a valid and reliable tool for evaluating serious games in nursing education. Its development fills an existing gap in assessing the teaching–learning process with serious games. This study was not registered.

This study delves into how motivational sessions and brief interventions impact students’ alcohol consumption, highlighting the vital role of nurses in fostering positive behavioural changes. The study aims to discern the effects of these interventions, starting with a pre-and post-intervention setup involving 62 students from a private school in northern Portugal. The intervention comprised a session delivered by school and mental health nurses, utilizing the motivational intervention and FRAMES method and a poster offering feedback on alcohol consumption scores. The results indicated that females tended to drink for fewer days and engage in less binge drinking than males. Furthermore, the intervention hinted at a reduction in the number of heavy drinking days. This study underscores the importance of including healthcare professionals, particularly nurses, in delivering brief interventions within school settings. The findings carry weight for crafting evidence-based interventions to cultivate healthier adolescent behaviours and enhance overall well-being.

Modern agriculture is linked to desertification, massive biodiversity loss and environmental degradation of the ecosystems. In contrast, crop rotation represents an agronomic approach included in conservation agriculture with important environmental and agronomic benefits, such as N fixation, pest and weed control, improvement of soil characteristics and reduction of crop fertilizer demand. Wheat is a staple food in Morocco, as are legumes, which are present in a wide variety of Moroccan recipes and represent an important source of energy and nutrients. The present study evaluates the environmental performance of incorporating chickpea and lentils in a crop rotation system in Morocco that aims to decrease the environmental footprint of the traditional wheat-based crop. An attributional Life Cycle Assessment was conducted in three cropping systems that are grown in two-year cycles: R1 (chickpea:wheat), R2 (lentil:wheat) and M (wheat:wheat). Emissions were quantified in terms of life-cycle related environmental impacts and compared between cropping systems based on two functional unit (kg of wheat harvested). Rotation systems stand out as the most environmentally friendly, with the most notable reductions in the categories of stratospheric ozone depletion and water scarcity (34 % and 50 %, respectively). The environmental improvement from crop rotations was most significant when considering the calculation basis of hectare cultivated versus kg of wheat, which is due to the estimated yield trade-offs in both approaches. In terms of biodiversity loss, no significant differences were observed between crop rotations and monoculture, as the impact on this indicator is mainly attributed to land conversion pressures. This study provides guidance for better formulating crop rotation strategies in the Mediterranean and similar arid regions. Future research should also assess the effects of agriculture on ecosystem services to provide a more comprehensive analysis to support decision making.

(1) Background: In adolescence, the onset of physical signs of sexual maturity and early sexual contact have become increasingly common. However, most adolescents are not adequately prepared for this event, which can lead to significant negative consequences for young people. This study aimed to evaluate knowledge about sexuality during adolescence. (2) Methods: A quantitative, descriptive, and correlational design was used, with 289 students from a school in the northern region of Portugal. From an online questionnaire, sociodemographic information and the Sexuality Knowledge Questionnaire were used to collect data. (3) Results: Most adolescents (54.0%) were female and aged between 15 and 17 years, with an average knowledge score of 17.04. The worst results were found in the dimensions of first sexual intercourse and sexual concerns, with men scoring lower, and the dimension of sexually transmitted infections and HIV/AIDS, where women performed better. The best scores were in the sexuality and sexual pleasure dimension, with women performing better, and the counseling and care in sexual and reproductive health dimension, where men performed better. (4) Conclusions: The approach to sexuality education must be constant throughout the life cycle, and it is essential to provide appropriate information to adolescents about issues related to sexuality.

Background: Scientific and technological advancements have significantly impacted our daily lives, and it is not easy to imagine living without their benefits. However, elderly individuals may experience limited access to these resources, impeding their autonomy. To address this, the use of exergames has been proposed to promote the mental health and socialization of older people. This study aims to systematically review the effectiveness of exergames in promoting older people’s mental health and socialization. Methods: The Joanna Briggs Institute’s recommended methodology will be used for a systematic review. Databases relevant to the research topic, such as those regarding gerontologic care, aged rehabilitation, geriatric games, video games, play and playthings, mental health, anxiety, depression, stress, and physiological factors, will be searched for experimental and quasi-experimental studies, as well as randomized studies with and without control groups. Results: The systematic literature review will synthesize findings on the effectiveness of exergames in promoting mental health and socialization in the elderly population. Conclusions: Exergames may have the potential to effectively improve the mental health and socialization of the elderly population. Identifying which exergames are most effective for these purposes is important to inform the provision of healthcare to this population.

Background: Although surgical treatments for breast cancer have exhibited advanced interventions, axillary lymph node dissection can limit functionality and compromise women’s self-care. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of a rehabilitation nursing program in improving self-care performance in women undergoing breast surgery with axillary lymph node dissection. Methods: This quantitative, quasi-experimental study involved 48 women recruited from a main hospital between 2018 and 2019. The participants completed a three-month rehabilitation program at home. The evaluation instrument used was the DASH questionnaire. This study was not registered. Results: The functionality of the upper limb ipsilateral to the surgery improved significantly (p < 0.001) after the implementation of the program, influencing the participants’ capacity for self-care, including washing/drying their hair, washing their back, and wearing a shirt. The average DASH total score increased from 54.4 to 8.1 after the program. Conclusions: The rehabilitation nursing program positively influenced the participants’ self-care ability. Incorporating rehabilitation nursing programs into breast cancer treatment can improve self-care performance and the overall quality of patients’ lives. This study was not registered.

Background: The world’s population changed with the emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Burnout arises due to overwork, prolonged work periods, a lack of human and material resources, etc. Several studies have reported the incidence of burnout syndrome in nurses that work in intensive care units (ICUs). The aim was to map the scientific evidence related to nurses’ burnout in the ICU, namely the repercussions of SARS-CoV-2 in terms of burnout among nurses. Methods: A scoping review followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology guidelines to search for and synthesise studies published between 2019 and 2022. The databases searched were MEDLINE, CINAHL, LILACS, SCOPUS, PsycINFO and OPEN GREY. A total of fourteen articles were eligible to be included. Results: A content analysis of the selected articles was carried out, and three categories emerged that corresponded to the dimensions of burnout according to Maslach and Leiter: emotional exhaustion, depersonalisation dimension and a lack of personal accomplishment. It was evident that nurses who worked in the ICU during the pandemic showed high levels of burnout. Conclusions: It is recommended that hospital administrations hire health professionals, namely nurses, as a strategic and operational management strategy to reduce the risk of increased burnout during pandemic outbreaks.

Background: Scientific and technological development has constituted a reality in the lives of populations, making it unimaginable to live without specific incentives that development has allowed. That said, given the increase in the longevity of people, it will be helpful to implement these resources in promoting health and disease prevention in the elderly. The objective of this study is to identify, in the scientific evidence, the effects of Wii games on the physical training of the elderly. Methods: A systematic review will be carried out according to the methodology recommended by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Relevant databases will be used for the research, where the words will be used: rehabilitation, exercise, physical activity, rehabilitation exercise; movement; therapeutic exercise; engine activity; rehabilitation, geriatric, gerontologic care, and aged. Results: This systematic review will include experimental and quasi-experimental studies, including randomised studies with and without a control group, pre- and post-assessment. Conclusions: To promote the autonomy of the elderly and consequently healthy and prosperous ageing, it is crucial to implement all available measures and resources. For this purpose, exergames have been shown to be effective, and it is necessary to know which ones are suitable for the physical training of the elderly. This one protocol is registered with the Open Science Framework.

Seaweeds represent a diverse and valuable source of cosmetic compounds such as vitamins, minerals, trace elements, amino acids, antioxidants, etc., with moisturizing, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative effects. The so-called “blue cosmetics” represent a line of products related to the use of natural active ingredients and an important market share in major international cosmetic brands. To be recognised as environmentally sustainable, it is essential to ensure that algae-derived products comply with environmentally sound harvesting, production, and extraction practices. In this work, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology was used to carry out an environmental impact assessment of the processing of the brown algae extract from Fucus vesiculosus and its comparative profile with the most used antioxidants in cosmetics: vitamin C and green tea extracts. Considering an equivalent formulation in antioxidant content, the results showed that seaweed has the lowest environmental load while green tea extracts have the highest environmental impact. Furthermore, to further reduce emissions from seaweed processing, the use of renewable energy sources and the valorisation of biomass residues as fertilisers in a circular economy approach are proposed.

Background: The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic has brought multiple challenges for health institutions and their professionals. The requirement of this disease forced nurses to confront organizational and clinical challenges to maintain the quality standards of care they provide. These requirements may have contributed to increased burnout symptoms. This study aims to map the scientific evidence related to nurses’ burnout in intensive care units. Methods: A scoping review will be conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. Relevant databases will be used as well as grey literature, where the following words will be used: burnout, nurses, intensive care units and SARS-CoV-2. Results: This scoping review will include all types of studies—quantitative, qualitative and mixed—and all types of reviews that focus on the objective of this review. Conclusions: It is vital to determine the impact of the burnout caused by the pandemic of SARS-CoV-2 to assess amending measures of risk and protection factors. This will help in the implementation of guidelines according to the available evidence. Additionally, this will help to improve the skills of these professionals as well as to reduce their emotional and physical exhaustion. This protocol is registered with the Open Science Framework.

Enquadramento: A transição para o ensino superior representa um período de mudança em que o jovem se depara com novas vivências, com implicações no seu estilo de vida. Objetivo: Identificar os domínios dos Estilos de vida dos estudantes do ensino superior que necessitam de intervenção. Metodologia: Estudo descritivo-correlacional, transversal, com uma amostra de 522 estudantes do ensino superior. Questionário de Estilos de Vida Fantástico. Análise estatística em IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0. Resultados: Mediana de idade 22 anos, 78,4% sexo feminino. Dos 522 estudantes, 17,8% excesso peso; 6,3 % obesidade; 14.4% portadores de doença crónica; 35,6% apresentaram Estilos de Vida Muito Bom e 20,1% Estilos de Vida Bom. Destacou-se pela negativa Comportamentos Saúde e Sexual (x̄ = 8,97/24), Trabalho/Tipo Personalidade (x̄ = 6,82/12). Há diferenças significativas no score global do questionário (U = 19785,00; p < 0,05) para estudantes as mulheres com melhor Estilo de Vida (x̄ = 89,16; DP = 12,75); e em função Ano do curso (H = 18,80; p < 0,01). Conclusão: A avaliação dos Estilos de Vida permitiu caraterizar os focos de intervenção e orientar intervenções de promoção da saúde.

Cyanobacteria have long attracted market interest as a source of natural compounds such as pigments with proven bioactivity (carotenoid and phycobiliproteins). The cultivation and extraction processes for such compounds have been developed at different levels, from laboratory trials to photobioreactors on a demonstration scale. Based on this experience, it is possible to propose how the different stages of the process can be improved based on environmental performance indicators. The Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) methodology allows to identify the hotspots that represent the greatest environmental impacts and to propose strategies to focus on those stages that can be improved. The general environmental indicators have been identified and the results showed that cyanobacteria cultivation has the greatest influence on environmental impact for all scales considered (from 20 L to 100 m3), which is attributed to the energy requirements. The main changes proposed to reduce the impact should focus on the stages of reactor cleaning, culture medium sterilisation and biomass drying. The implementation of these improvement alternatives can reduce the impact of the production and extraction processes by 85%. This work demonstrates how technological development must go hand in hand with impact assessment to make the best decisions in the overall process.

The transition from a fossil to bio-based economy has promoted the valuation of renewable raw materials in biorefineries. Waste and by-products from industrial processing and agricultural activities are potential renewable feedstocks. This study investigates the environmental and economic profile of maize stover and sugar beet pulp as potential cellulosic raw materials to be valued in a biorefinery. Four scenarios were considered: beet pulp in France (BP -FR) and the United Kingdom (BP – UK); and maize stover in Italy (MS – IT) and Belgium (MS – BE). The functional unit is 1 GJ and the impact categories are: climate change (CC), terrestrial acidification (TA); freshwater eutrophication (FE); marine eutrophication (ME); human toxicity (HT); photochemical oxidant formation (POF); particulate matter formation (PM); and fossil depletion (FD). The economic analysis assessed the internal and external cost indicators. The results show that maize stover would reduce the total environmental burdens and production costs. The outcomes show total costs ranging from 22 € (MS -IT) to 174 (BP -UK) € per FU. The environmental results show that BP - UK scenario also represents the worst case. For CC, for instance, in the MS-IT scenario, the impact dropped by more than 80%, compared to BP – UK.

Food industry is one of the sectors with the highest production volume, with disposable plastic films being the most widespread packaging method. The production of these packaging materials is characterized by a linear process, based on an abusive consumption of non-renewable fossil resources and with significant environmental problems. This management model must be modified according to the principles of green and sustainable chemistry: circularity, reduction of waste streams, appropriate use of resources, increase in the useful life of products and use of renewable natural resources. To achieve this, the early stages of product design, which must consider the applicability of the packaging product, its efficiency and its impact on the environment and on the consumer, are crucial. Within this framework, this report provides a roadmap based on holistic criteria together with quantitative metrics to analyze the opportunities and challenges of bioactive food packaging prototypes. Five main categories have been selected for analysis: packaging evaluation, environmental, circularity, economic and social criteria. The multi-decision criteria map will help researchers and stakeholders to examine the suitability of bio-based packaging from environmental, technical and consumer health preservation perspectives.

In recent years, the application of magnetic nanoparticles as alternative catalysts to conventional Fenton processes has been investigated for the removal of emerging pollutants in wastewater. While this type of catalyst reduces the release of iron hydroxides with the treated effluent, it also presents certain disadvantages, such as slower reaction kinetics associated with the availability of iron and mass transfer limitations. To overcome these drawbacks, the functionalization of the nanocatalyst surface through the addition of coatings such as polyacrylic acid (PAA) and their immobilization on a mesoporous silica matrix (SBA15) can be factors that improve the dispersion and stability of the nanoparticles. Under these premises, the performance of the nanoparticle coating and nanoparticle-mesoporous matrix binomials in the degradation of dyes as examples of recalcitrant compounds were evaluated. Based on the outcomes of dye degradation by the different functionalized nanocatalysts and nanocomposites, the nanoparticles embedded in a mesoporous matrix were applied for the removal of estrogens (E1, E2, EE2), accomplishing high removal percentages (above 90%) after the optimization of the operational variables. With the feasibility of their recovery in mind, the nanostructured materials represented a significant advantage as their magnetic character allows their separation for reuse in different successive sequential batch cycles.

Today, the presence of recalcitrant pollutants in wastewater, such as pharmaceuticals or other organic compounds, is one of the main obstacles to the widespread implementation of water reuse. In this context, the development of innovative processes for their removal becomes necessary to guarantee effluent quality. This work presents the potentiality of magnetic nanoparticles immobilized on SBA-15 mesoporous silica as Fenton and photo-Fenton catalysts under visible light irradiation. The influence of the characteristics of the compounds and nanoparticles on the removal yield was investigated. Once the key aspects of the reaction mechanism were analyzed, to evaluate the feasibility of this process, an azo dye (Orange II) and an antibiotic (sulfamethoxazole) were selected as main target compounds. The concentration of Orange II decreased below the detection limit after two hours of reaction, with mineralization values of 60%. In addition, repeated sequential experiments revealed the recoverability and stability of the nanoparticles in a small-scale reactor. The benchmarking of the obtained results showed a significant improvement of the process using visible light in terms of kinetic performance, comparing the results to the Fenton process conducted at dark. Reusability, yield and easy separation of the catalyst are its main advantages for the industrial application of this process.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the carcass morphology and quality of goats slaughtered at 8-9 and 11-12 months of age, which were reared extensively in the region of “Alto Camaquã”, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The carcasses of 37 male castrated goats, including 14 animals slaughtered at 8-9 months of age and 23 at 11-12 months, were evaluated. The following five cuts were obtained from the right half-carcass: foreleg, hind leg, fluctuating ribs plus loin and flank, fixed ribs and chest. These cuts were then dissected for determination of the composition of muscle, bone, subcutaneous fat, intermuscular fat, and other tissues. There was a significant difference in hot carcass yield, commercial cut yield, cooling losses, carcass and leg length, and leg and chest depth between slaughter ages. An interaction between slaughter age and carcass cut was observed for muscle/fat ratio, muscle percentage, total fat, intermuscular and subcutaneous fat, and weight and percentage of other tissues. There was an effect of slaughter age, regardless of cut, on the variables bone, muscle, total cut weight, muscle/bone ratio and bone percentage. Commercial cut yield and hot carcass weight increase with age. However, the tissue composition of animals slaughtered at a younger age is characterized by a better muscle/fat ratio in the different cuts.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as características de qualidade da carne de caprinos naturalizados, procedentes do Território do Alto Camaquã. Foram utilizados 34 caprinos machos castrados, divididos em dois lotes, sendo lote 1 composto por 20 caprinos com idade entre 11-12 meses, abatidos no inverno, e lote 2, por 14 caprinos com idade entre 8-9 meses, abatidos no verão. Foram realizadas medidas de pH, capacidade de retenção de água, cor, força de cisalhamento e análise sensorial no músculo Longissimus dorsi. Animais do lote 2, abatidos aos 8-9 meses de idade, durante o verão, apresentaram carne com maior valor de pH final, maior intensidade de coloração e com menores valores de força de cisalhamento. Sensorialmente a carne foi caracterizada com atributos de intensidade fraca, com menores valores para a carne de animais do lote 2, abatidos aos 8-9 meses de idade durante o verão. Através das características de qualidade avaliadas na carne de caprinos naturalizados, criados em sistema extensivo na região do Alto Camaquã, pode-se concluir que é possível produzir carne de qualidade de animais abatidos a partir dos 8 meses de idade.

Avaliou-se as características e composição tecidual da carcaça de 20 cordeiros, sem raça definida, machos, não castrados com 120 dias de idade e peso corporal inicial ao entrar no confinamento de 22,6 ± 2,06 kg. As dietas do confinamento foram compostas com grão de soja in natura ou desativado e dois níveis de concentrado 50% e 80%. O critério de abate foi determinado pela condição corporal entre 3 (normal) e 3,5 (ligeiramente engordurada). O delineamento foi inteiramente ao acaso em esquema fatorial 2x2 (processamento do grão de soja e níveis de concentrado). O rendimento verdadeiro foi menor dentre os animais que consumiram a dieta com 50% de concentrado, contendo soja in natura. As dietas com nível de 80% de concentrado influenciaram (p

The objective was to evaluate the composition of carcass cuts and tissue of lambs shoulder and leg finished in feedlot receiving diets containing whole or disabled soybean grain with two concentrate levels (50% and 80% of DM). There were used 20 crossbreed entire male lambs, 120 days of age and initial body weight of 22.6 ± 2.06 kg. A completely randomized design was used, allocated in a factorial arrangement 2x2 (levels concentrate and processing of soybean grain). The slaughter criterion was body condition between 3 and 3.5. The weight of sirloin cut was superior with 80% of concentrate. In the shoulder tissue composition, the level of 50% concentrate increased the ratio of subcutaneous fat. In natura soybean provided higher values for weight and ratio of subcutaneous and total fat. For the leg tissue composition, the grain of disabled soybean showed higher muscle yield and muscle:bone ratio. Diets with 80% of concentrate, regardless of processing soybean grain, improved commercial yield and the diets containing disabled soybean more edible portion.

The objective was to evaluate fatty acids composition of the back fat in loin meat (Longissimus muscle) from Nellore and Canchim young bulls. The animals were finished at feedlot and received sugar cane diets with two concentrate levels (40 and 60% of dry matter). The concentrates were formulated with sunflower grains, corn, soybean meal, dry sugar cane yeast, urea and mineral mixture. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with a 2x2 factorial arrangement (genetic group x concentrate level), and the results were submitted to the variance analysis and means compared by Tukey test at 5% probability, when the interaction was significant. The loin backfat of Nellore bulls had higher concentration of conjugated linoleic acids than Canchim bulls (0.86 and 0.59%, respectively). On the other hand, the loin back fat of Canchim bulls had higher concentrations of estearic (17.07%) and linoleic acids (2.40%) and polyunsaturated fatty acids than Nellore bulls, that showed values of 13.47 and 1.44, respectively. The Nellore and Canchim loin back fat presents significant amounts of beneficial fatty acids to human health. Levels of 40 and 60% of concentrate in the diet did not alter the fatty acids composition of loin backfat.

Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar qualitativamente os compostos voláteis (CV) do headspace de diferentes músculos de carne cozida de ovinos e caprinos da região do Alto Camaquã, Rio Grande do Sul - Brasil. Os CV do headspace dos músculos cozidos, L. dorsi e V. lateralis de cinco ovinos machos (idade de 6 meses) e cinco cabritos machos castrados (idade de 8-9 meses) foram analisados pela técnica de microextração em fase sólida (HS-SPME) e cromatógrafo a gás acoplado a espectrômetro de massas (GC/MS). Foram encontrados 73 compostos voláteis, dentre eles aldeídos, cetonas e compostos sulfurados, característicos de carne processada termicamente. A partir da fração volátil, foi possível encontrar marcadores que discriminassem as espécies animais estudadas, caracterizando os caprinos por apresentarem, entre outros compostos, terpenos (β-pineno, α-gurjuneno, α-muuroleno), ausentes em ovinos. Alguns compostos discriminaram V. lateralis e L. dorsi de ovinos, como álcool isopropílico, α-pineno, o-xileno, porém não foi possível obter uma diferenciação entre os músculos de caprinos.

Muitos foram e continuam sendo os critérios escolhidos para abate de animais com o propósito do consumo da carne pelo homem; alguns buscando o retorno econômico e, na atualidade, para satisfação do consumidor e melhor funcionalidade do organismo. Porém, o desconhecimento e/ou a utilização indevida do critério de abate dos animais, e menos apropriada, pode causar danos à qualidade da carne ou não contribuir para que esta tenha em grau máximo atributos que provoquem, além da satisfação ao consumir, maiores benefícios em sua digestão. O tema aborda os principais critérios de abate dos animais para consumo humano, tais como: morfologia/conformação, época/idade/peso corporal, sexo, estágio de maturidade tecidual, química, condição corporal e sua influência na carne, com menções a carcaça e ao animal, especialmente o ovino. Conclui-se que o momento de abater o animal para consumo deve ser aquele em que: “a carne reúna em sua porção comestível a composição tecidual e química que provoque o mais alto grau de satisfação ao consumo, supra as necessidades esperadas e colabore na funcionalidade do organismo” e que a condição corporal, hoje, e a determinada percentagem do estágio de maturidade química da porção comestível em relação à expectativa de vida do animal, amanhã, com certeza são os mais indicados.

Para avaliar os efeitos da castração e idade de abate sobre as características sensoriais da carne ovina foram utilizados 60 animais da raça Corriedale (30 não castrados e 30 castrados), abatidos aos 120, 210 e 360 dias de idade, criados em condições extensivas de pastagem natural, no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Após o abate, as carcaças foram armazenadas em câmara fria, com ar forçado, a 1oC, durante 18 horas; a seguir o músculo Longissimus dorsi foi retirado e congelado a -18°C para análise sensorial. A caracterização sensorial foi com a utilização do desenvolvimento de nove termos descritivos dos atributos odor, sabor e textura. A terminologia foi desenvolvida por equipe de julgadores selecionados e treinados, que geraram a definição de cada termo e amostras referência. A análise de variância foi utilizada para avaliar os efeitos dos tratamentos e o teste de Tukey na comparação de média das idades. Não ocorreu interação entre a idade de abate e sexo para as características sensoriais, porém os fatores isolados tiveram efeito no atributo odor e textura. A carne dos ovinos com 120 dias apresentou maior maciez e suculência do que dos com 210 e 360 dias. A carne dos não castrados apresentou odor característico mais intenso que dos castrados. Excetuando o odor os ovinos não castrados apresentam atributos sensoriais similares na carne. Os cordeiros aos 120 dias de idade apresentam carne com melhor qualidade sensorial.

Neste estudo objetivou-se avaliar a relação do escore de comportamento materno de ovelhas com os parâmetros fisiológicos relacionados ao seu temperamento. Durante a parição, foram avaliadas 258 ovelhas Corriedale e 50 ovelhas Ideal criadas em campo natural em três fazendas na região sudoeste do estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foram analisados os efeitos propriedade, idade, tipo de parto, escore de comportamento materno e escore de condição corporal antes do parto e ao desmame em relação às frequências cardíaca e respiratória e temperatura corporal dos animais ao desmame. Nas primeiras 24 horas de vida do cordeiro, o escore de comportamento materno foi atribuído à distância de fuga da ovelha em relação ao seu cordeiro: 1) >10 m e não retorna ao cordeiro; 2) >10 m do cordeiro e retorna; 3) 5 a 10 m; 4) entre 1 e 3. Ovelhas criadas em Bagé apresentaram os maiores valores de frequência cardíaca e respiratória. Ovelhas com escore de condição corporal antes do parto The objective of this study to assess the relationship between ewe maternal behavior score and physiological parameters related to their temperament. During lambing, 258 Corriedale and 50 Polwarth ewes were evaluated. They were raised on native pasture in the southwest region of Rio Grande do Sul State, Brazil. The effects of farm, age, type of lambing, maternal behavior scores and body condition score before lambing and during the weaning were evaluated in relation to heart rate, respiratory rate and body temperature of animals at weaning. In the first 24 hours after lambing, the maternal behavior score was assigned to the ewe as the distance from its lamb: 1) >10 meters and does not return to the lamb; 2) >10 meters from the lamb, but returns; 3) five to 10 meters; 4) between one and five meters; 5) less than one meter; 6) maintains physical contact. Ewes with maternal behavior score of 3. Sheep raised on the farm in Bagé municipality had higher heart and respiratory rates. Ewes with a body condition score before lambing of

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of finishing systems on natural pasture and gender on the carcass quality, parts and tissue development of lambs. Forty-five non-castrated males and forty-five females were distributed in a completely randomized design into three treatments: lamb with mother kept on pasture; weaned lamb kept on pasture and weaned lamb kept on pasture with supplementation (soybean hulls at 1% of body weight). The criteria for slaughter was body condition score (2.0 - 3.0). The carcass characteristics and parts composition were influenced by the sex. The finishing system with supplementation promoted greater carcass yield and longer leg length. The tissue composition was different only for the sex, with the males presenting bigger amount of muscle mass. The allometric growth of shoulder of supplemented lambs and the shoulder and leg of the lambs with mother had been precocious, while the ribs of the supplemented lambs and lambs with the mother were late and the other components had growth similar to the half-carcass. For the females, only shoulder of lambs finished with mother presented precocious growth, being isogonic for the other cuts. The finished systems evaluated demonstrated that Texel × Corrierdale lambs slaughtered with similar body condition score present similar carcass quality. The development is influenced by the termination system and sex. The quali-quantitative characteristics of the carcass were influenced by the sex. The development of the regional components of the males are influenced by the finishing system. Nevertheless, the tissu components are not influenced by the finishing system or gender.O objetivo neste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do sistema de terminação em pastagem natural e do sexo sobre a qualidade de carcaça, o desenvolvimento regional e tecidual de cordeiros. Foram utilizados 45 machos não-castrados e 45 fêmeas, distribuídos inteiramente ao acaso em três sistemas de terminação: cordeiro com a mãe, mantido em pastagem; cordeiro desmamado mantido em pastagem; cordeiro desmamado mantido em pastagem e suplementado com casca do grão de soja a 1% peso corporal. O critério de abate foi a condição corporal, entre dois e três. As características da carcaça e componentes regionais foram influenciadas pelo sexo. O sistema de terminação com suplementação promoveu maior rendimento de carcaça e comprimento da perna. A composição tecidual foi afetada apenas pelo sexo, de modo que os machos apresentaram maior massa muscular em comparação às fêmeas. O crescimento alométrico da paleta dos animais que receberam suplementação e da paleta e da perna dos mantidos com a mãe foi precoce, enquanto o das costelas dos cordeiros sob suplementação e daqueles mantidos com a mãe foi tardio, embora os demais componentes tenham tido crescimento semelhante ao da meia-carcaça. Nas fêmeas, apenas a paleta daquelas terminadas no sistema com a mãe teve crescimento precoce, sendo isogônico para os demais cortes. Os sistemas de terminação avaliados comprovam que cordeiros Texel × Corriedale abatidos com condição corporal similar apresentam qualidade de carcaça semelhante. Houve influência do sexo sobre as características quali-quantitativas da carcaça. O desenvolvimento dos componentes regionais, nos machos, é influenciado pelo sistema de terminação, enquanto os componentes teciduais não são influenciados pelo sistema de terminação e sexo.

O objetivo neste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do sexo e de três sistemas de terminação nas características sensoriais da carne de cordeiros Texel × Corriedale e na aceitação da carne pelo consumidor. Foram utilizados 90 animais, 45 cordeiros machos não-castrados e 45 fêmeas mantidos em pastagem até o desmame (70 dias) e terminados em três sistemas de produção: pastagem; pastagem ao pé da mãe; e pastagem com suplementação (casca de soja em nível correspondente a 1% do peso vivo dos cordeiros). Após o abate, as carcaças foram armazenadas em câmara fria, com ar forçado, a 1ºC, durante 24 horas, para retirada do músculo longissimus dorsi, que foi congelado a -18ºC para análise sensorial. A caracterização sensorial da carne foi realizada por meio da análise descritiva quantitativa: 22 termos descritivos foram desenvolvidos por uma equipe de julgadores selecionados, que geraram também a definição de cada termo e as amostras-referência. Foi realizado um teste de aceitação utilizando escala hedônica híbrida de nove pontos. A carne dos machos e dos animais terminados em pastagem ao pé da mãe caracterizou-se pelo odor e sabor residual mais suaves de carne ovina e gordura, menor maciez e maior mastigabilidade em comparação à das fêmeas e dos animais terminados nos demais sistemas. As carnes dos cordeiros terminados nos sistemas de pastagem e de pastagem com suplementação são semelhantes quanto aos aspectos sensoriais. A carne é igualmente aceita pelos consumidores, independentemente do sexo e do sistema de terminação, apresentando boa aceitação.The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of sex and of three finishing systems on sensory traits of Texel × Corriedale lamb meat an on the consumer acceptance of the meat. It was used 90 animals, 45 non-castrated male lambs and 45 females kept on pasture until weaning (70 days of age) and finished in three production systems: pasture, pasture with mother, and pasture with supplementation (soybean hull corresponding to 1% of life weight of the lambs). After slaughter, carcasses were stored in cold chamber, with forced air at 1ºC until reaching 24 hours for removal of longissimus dorsi muscle which had been frozen at -18ºC for sensory analysis. Meat sensorial characterization was performed by quantitative descriptive analyses: 22 descriptive terms were developed by a team of selected judges who also created the definition for each term and the reference-samples. Acceptability test was performed by using a nine-point hybrid hedonic scale. Meat of male animals and of animals finished in pasture with the mother was characterized by the flavor and softer residual taste sheep meat and fat, less softness and higher chewiness in comparison to the meat of female and of animals finished in the other systems. Meat of lambs finished in pasture systems and pasture with supplementation were similar regarding to sensory aspects. Meat was equally accepted by the consumers, regardless of sex and finishing system, presenting good acceptability.

Neste trabalho o objetivo foi avaliar o efeito do sexo e do sistema de terminação de cordeiros Texel × Corriedale sobre as características subjetivas da carcaça e as medidas instrumentais e químicas da carne. Foram utilizados 90 animais, 45 deles cordeiros machos não-castrados e 45 fêmeas, mantidos em pastagem com a mãe até o desmame (70 dias); e terminados em três sistemas de produção: apenas pastagem; mantidos na pastagem com a mãe e pastagem com suplementação (casca de soja em nível correspondente a 1% do peso vivo dos cordeiros). Após o abate dos animais, as carcaças foram armazenadas em câmara fria (1ºC, 24 horas) para medidas de pH, marmoreio, estado de engorduramento, cor e textura. Na sequência, foi retirado o músculo longissimus dorsi da meia-carcaça, para a análise instrumental e química. A análise de variância e o teste de Tukey foram utilizados para comparação da média a 5% de significância. Não ocorreu interação de sexo e sistema de terminação dos animais nas características avaliadas na carcaça. Igualmente, não ocorreu interação entre sexo e sistema de terminação, porém os fatores isolados tiveram efeito significativo na força de cisalhamento e nos teores de umidade e gordura. A carne dos machos e dos animais terminados mantidos com a mãe apresentam maior resistência à força de cisalhamento e maior umidade, porém menor teor de gordura.In this work we aimed to evaluate the effect of sex and finishing systems on individual characteristics of carcass, instrumental and chemical meat measurements of Texel × Corriedalle lambs. Ninety animals were used; 45 non-castrated rams and 45 females. Lambs were kept on pasture with mother to weaning (70 days) and assigned to one of three production systems: pasture, pasture with mother, and on pasture receiving a soy peel supplement at 1% of live weight basis. After slaughtering, carcasses were stored under vacuum in a freezer at 1 ºC for pH, marbling, fat condition, color and texture measurements. The longissimus dorsi muscle was separated from the half carcass to proceed instrumental and chemical analysis. Analysis of variance and Tukey test were used for comparison of the mean at 5% significance. There was no interaction for sex and finishing system on carcass characteristics. Similarly, there was no interaction between sex and termination system as related to instrumental measurements and meat chemical composition. Conversely, the isolated factors affected significantly the shearing force, moisture and fat content. Rams meat and the meat of the lambs kept on pasture with mother presented better resistance to shearing force and moisture, but less fat content.

Avaliou-se o desempenho reprodutivo de ovelhas sob suplementação com sal orgânico ou sal comum durante a estação de monta e sua associação com os constituintes metabólicos do sangue. O experimento foi conduzido no período de novembro de 2005 a maio de 2006 utilizando-se 40 ovelhas da raça Ile de France. Durante a estação de monta, as ovelhas permaneceram em duas áreas de campo nativo, cada uma com 15 hectares, e foram distribuídas em dois grupos, conforme o tipo de suplementação: recebendo apenas mistura mineral (sal+fosfato) ou suplementação diária de sal orgânico. Foram analisados os indicadores bioquímicos do perfil nutricional por meio da quantificação de albumina, ureia, glicose, colesterol e triglicerídeos do soro sanguíneo. As ovelhas sob suplementação com mineral orgânico tiveram teor de nitrogênio ureico sérico superior ao daquelas que receberam mineral na forma tradicional (39,00 vs 35,69 mg/dL, respectivamente). Os demais componentes bioquímicos avaliados não apresentaram diferença entre as formas de suplementação. Os níveis séricos de albumina, ureia, glicose e colesterol apresentaram variação entre os períodos avaliados durante a estação de monta. Os níveis séricos de albumina e nitrogênio ureico não influenciam a taxa de parição das ovelhas. A suplementação com mineral orgânico não melhora os índices reprodutivos do rebanho ovino na estação de monta das ovelhas.The objective of this study was to evaluate the reproductive performance of ewes supplemented with organic or common mineral salt in the breeding season, and the effect on metabolic constituents of the blood. The experiment was carried out from November 2005 to May 2006 using 40 Ile de France breed ewes. During the breeding season, sheep grazed on two native pasture areas of 15 ha each and were distributed in two groups, depending on the supplementation: submitted to treatments: receiving only mineral mix (salt+phosphate) and receiving organic salt. Biochemical indicators of the nutritional status were analyzed by quantifying the serum albumin, urea, glucose, cholesterol and triglycerides of the blood serum. Ewes fed organic mineral had a higher rate of serum urea nitrogen than ewes that received salt in the traditional form (39.00 vs. 35.69 mg/dL, respectively). The others biochemical components evaluated did not differ between treatments. The albumin, urea, glucose and cholesterol serum values differed between the evaluated periods during the breeding season. Serum albumin and urea nitrogen values did not influence the birth rate. Supplementation with organic salt do not improve the reproductive performance of ewes in the breeding season.

Considerando que a tendência mundial é produzir o que se consome e que a ciência da carne busca o mais alto grau de satisfação do consumidor, o estudo aborda as características que propiciam essa satisfação na carne ovina. A utilização dos órgãos dos sentidos humanos na percepção das características que propiciam a mais alta satisfação do consumidor, passou a ser definição de "qualidade"; que aponta como características sensoriais importantes da carne ovina a suculência (capacidade de retenção de água), cor, textura (dureza ou maciez), odor e sabor e o flavor (odor + sabor). Estas características variam de acordo com a espécie, raça, idade, sexo, alimentação, manejo pós-mortem e as condições e tempo de conservação do produto. Sendo que á maioria das investigações relacionam estas características direta ou indiretamente com as do produto cárnico cozido. O produtor, a indústria e os segmentos da cadeia devem ter em conta que as propriedades sensoriais aceitáveis são fundamentais no momento da venda e consumo. No agronegócio da carne, todos os segmentos da cadeia são responsáveis e participam direta ou indiretamente na máxima satisfação do consumidor, quer através dos atributos do produto ou pelo preço. Assim, o aperfeiçoamento dos processos de produção, industrialização e comercialização para obter um produto de qualidade serão consolidados se existirem técnicas claras e práticas para descrever os caracteres relacionados com a qualidade da carne, que possam ser medidos na carcaça e que tenham relação biológica com uma avaliação in vivo. A carne de qualidade é a que provoca o mais alto grau de satisfação do consumidor e as características sensoriais estão relacionadas à porção comestível, principalmente a relação músculo/gordura e composição e valor biológico destes. Porém, não basta somente estudar o alimento, é importante ter presente que a meta é o consumidor e, que nem sempre está educado para melhor apreciar as características sensoriais do produto. Para medir as propriedades sensoriais perceptíveis do alimento, ou seja, os atributos desse alimento que é possível detectar e avaliar por meio dos sentidos humanos, está à análise sensorial. Para que se possa alcançar a "mais alta satisfação possível do consumidor" não somente devem-se buscar no alimento as características desejadas; mas, também é necessário que o consumidor seja educado para melhor apreciar estas características.Considering that the world-wide trend is to produce what is consumed and that the science of the meat looks for the highest degree of satisfaction of the consumer, the study approaches the characteristics that propitiate this satisfaction in the sheep meat.The use of the human senses in the perception of the characteristics that provoke the highest consumer acceptability determines the definition of "quality"; this indicates important sensorial characteristics of lamb: the succulence (water holding capacity), colour, texture (tenderness), odour and flavour. These characteristics vary in accordance with the species, race, age, sex, feeding, handling after-mortem and the conditions and duration of the conservation of the product. Despite that the majority of research relates these characteristics, direct or indirectly, with the product after cocking, the producer, the industry and the segments of the chain must take into account that the acceptable sensorial properties are basic at the moment of selling and consumption. In the meat sector, all the chain segments are responsible and participate, direct or indirectly, in the maximum satisfaction of the consumer, either through the product attributes or through its price. Thus, to get a quality product, the improvement of the production, industrialization and commercialization processes could be consolidated if there would be techniques, clear and practical; to describe the characters related to the quality of the meat, which could be measured in the carcass and if these techniques would have some biological relation with measurements taken in the alive animal. The meat quality is also related with the relation muscle: fat and with the composition and biological value of these compounds. However, it is not enough to study the meat as food, it is important to have in mind that the goal is the consumer and that he is not always educated in an adequate way to appreciate the sensorial characteristics of the product. To measure the sensorial meat characteristics, or the attributes of this food that are possible to detect and to evaluate by human senses, we have the sensorial analysis techniques. For all of that, it is necessary not only to reach the "higher possible satisfaction of the consumer" through the most appreciated characteristics in the product, but also it is necessary that the consumer should be better educated in the perception and valorization of these characteristics.

O experimento foi conduzido na Estação Experimental da Embrapa, Bagé, Rio Grande do Sul, entre março de 2005 e fevereiro de 2006. O objetivo foi avaliar o comportamento materno-filial e o temperamento de ovelhas e cordeiros e relacioná-los com a sobrevivência dos cordeiros. Foram utilizadas 47 ovelhas da raça Corriedale, com peso médio de 52,1kg, e 45 ovelhas da raça Ideal, com peso médio de 49,5kg, em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado. O temperamento foi avaliado por meio dos testes: escore de comportamento materno (ECM), tempo de fuga, tipo de marcha e distância de fuga. As ovelhas da raça Corriedale apresentaram maiores valores no teste tipo de marcha que as ovelhas da raça Ideal. Os cordeiros da raça Corriedale eram os mais pesados e tinham maior índice de sobrevivência, quando comparados com os da raça Ideal. A raça não afetou o escore de comportamento materno. Ovelhas reativas (ECM=1), que fogem e não retornam aos seus cordeiros, se isolaram menos do rebanho antes do parto, protegeram menos suas crias, desmamaram-nas mais cedo e tiveram menor peso em relação às não-reativas. A reatividade das ovelhas prejudicou o cuidado materno com os cordeiros e essa característica deve ser considerada pelo setor produtivo.The trial was conducted at the Experimental Station of Embrapa, Bagé, RS, from March 2005 to February 2006, and aimed to evaluate the maternal behavior and temperament of ewes and their lambs and related them with lamb's survival. Forty-seven Corriedale ewes with mean body weight of 52.1kg and 45 Pollwarth ewes with mean body weight of 49.5kg were used, according to a completely randomized design. Temperament was evaluated through maternal behaviour score (MBS), flight time test (score and quantitative) and flight distance. Corriedale ewes presented larger values for flight time score than Pollwarth ewes. Corriedale lambs were heavier and a greater number survived than Pollwarth lambs. Sheep breed did not affect maternal score. Ewes considered reactive (MBS=1, those who run away and did not come back to stay with their lamb) seek less isolation from the herd at parturition, protected less their lambs, weaned them earlier and lighter than less reactive ewes. Reactivity decreased maternal care of ewes with its lambs, and this characteristic might be considered by productive systems.

Foram avaliados os efeitos de épocas alternativas de nascimento sobre a composição regional e tecidual da carcaça em ovinos. Quarenta e nove cordeiros machos não-castrados da raça Texel, nascidos em duas épocas (agosto e novembro), foram mantidos em regime de pastagem e abatidos com média de idade de 129 e 164 dias, respectivamente. Previamente aos abates foi feita a avaliação da produção forrageira do campo pelo método Botanal. Foram verificadas melhores condições forrageiras para os cordeiros nascidos em agosto, que apresentaram maior peso e proporção na maioria dos cortes, assim como menor proporção de músculo na paleta e perna; apresentando maior conteúdo de tecido adiposo na maioria dos cortes da carcaça. Para os cordeiros nascidos em novembro, ocorreu maior relação músculo:gordura e músculo:osso na paleta e na perna, assim como maior relação músculo:gordura no costilhar. As condições nutricionais são responsáveis pelas diferenças nos pesos e rendimentos dos cortes, assim como na composição tecidual da carcaça, em cordeiros mantidos em regime de pasto, viabilizando o uso de época alternativa de nascimentos para incrementar a oferta de animais para o abate.The effect of alternative birth season on regional and tissue carcass composition of sheep was evaluated. Forty nine (49) Texel intact male lambs, born in two seasons (August and November), were kept under grazing and slaughtered with an average age of 129 and 164 days, respectively. Prior to slaughter forage production was measured using Botanal method. Lambs born in August had more favorable forage conditions, showing higher body weight and proportion in the majority of cuts, as well as lower proportion of shoulder and leg muscles showing higher adipose tissue content in the majority of carcass cuts. For lambs born in November, a higher muscle:fat and muscle:bone rate in shoulder and leg, as well as a higher ribcut muscle:fat rate. Nutritional conditions are responsible for differences in weights and cuts yields, as well as for the tissue carcass composition, in lambs maintained under grazing regime, making feasible the use of alternative birth periods to increase animal offer for slaughter.

With the objective of evaluating the isolated effects of genotype and of nutritional system, as well as the effect of the interaction between genotype and nutrition on quantitative and qualitative aspects of the meat production, sixty Polwarth male lambs and 51 Corriedale male lamb, born at August and September, raised in three different nutritional systems (native pasture, improved pasture e confinement) and slaughtered with 122 days of age, were examined. The animals were weighed before slaughtering and, after slaughtering, the following traits were measured: cold carcass weights, shoulder, hindquarter, rib and neck weights and the weight of bone, muscle and fat of the shoulder and the hindquarter. The percentages were obtained by calculation. The experimental design was a totally randomized in a 3x2 factors (nutritional systems and genotypes). There was interaction genotype-nutrition (P KEY WORDS: Interaction genotype-nutritional system, lambs, regional composition, tissue composition. Com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos isolados de genótipo e de sistema nutricional, bem como o da interação genótipo x sistema nutricional sobre aspectos quantitativos e qualitativos da produção de carne ovina, utilizaram-se 60 cordeiros da raça Ideal e 51 da raça Corriedale, nascidos no mês de agosto e setembro, criados em três sistemas diferentes de alimentação (campo natural, pastagem cultivada e confinamento) e abatidos com 122 dias de idade. Os animais foram pesados antes do abate e de suas carcaças obteve-se o peso da carcaça fria, da paleta, da perna, do costilhar e do pescoço e, por cálculo, percentagem de paleta, da perna, do costilhar e do pescoço. A paleta e a perna foram desossadas e destes cortes obtiveram-se o peso de osso, músculo e gordura e, por cálculo, a percentagem desses tecidos. Desenvolveu-se o experimento em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 3x2 (sistemas nutricionais e genótipos). Houve interação genótipo-nutrição (PPALAVRAS-CHAVES: Composição regional, composição tecidual, interação genótipo-sistema nutricional, ovinos.

Para avaliar a viabilidade de épocas alternativas de nascimento sobre o desenvolvimento corporal e as características de carcaça de interesse comercial e dos componentes corporais em ovinos, foram utilizados 49 cordeiros machos Texel, não-castrados, nascidos em duas épocas (agosto e novembro). Os animais foram mantidos em pastagem e abatidos em dezembro para os cordeiros nascidos em agosto e abril para os nascidos em novembro, aos 129 e 164 dias de idade, respectivamente. Previamente aos abates, avaliou-se a produção forrageira do campo pelo método Botanal e verificaram-se melhores condições de forragem para os cordeiros nascidos em agosto. Esses cordeiros foram superiores quanto aos rendimentos comercial e verdadeiro, ao peso de carcaça quente e fria e quanto ao estado de engorduramento e cobertura de gordura da carcaça. O volume de vísceras verdes foi maior nos cordeiros nascidos em novembro, o que pode ser resultado da influência das condições nutricionais. A utilização de uma época alternativa de nascimentos para incrementar a oferta de cordeiros para o abate é viável em campo nativo melhorado.Forty-nine intact Texel lambs were used to evaluate the effects of different birth periods (August vs. November) on body development, body measurements and carcass characteristics. Animals were maintained in pasture and slaughtered in December for those born in August and April for those born in November at 129 and 164 days of age, respectively. Prior to slaughtering forage yield was estimated by the Botanal technique, which showed that animals born in August had access to better quality pasture. These lambs had greater retail and true carcass yields, hot and cold carcass weights, and carcass fat score and covering fat than those born in November. However, green viscera yield was higher in lambs born in November probably due to the observed differences in pasture nutritional conditions. It can be concluded that birth period affected carcass characteristics in the present trial.

Este trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da castração e da idade de abate sobre as características subjetivas e instrumentais da carne de cordeiros Corriedale criados em condições extensivas de pastagem natural. Foram utilizados 60 cordeiros machos (30 não-castrados e 30 castrados) abatidos no ano de 2003, aos 120, 210 e 360 dias de idade, nos meses de fevereiro, maio e outubro, respectivamente. As avaliações da carne foram realizadas no músculo Longissimus dorsi. Pela análise da variância, verificou-se que não houve efeito da interação castração × idade de abate nas características estudadas. Foi encontrada significância para a idade de abate nas características subjetivas espessura de gordura de cobertura e marmoreio (os índices foram mais baixos nos animais mais velhos) e em todas as características instrumentais avaliadas, principalmente maciez, que diminuiu com o aumento da idade de abate. O efeito da castração foi significativo somente no componente de cor L*. A qualidade da carne foi similar entre cordeiros Corriedale castrados e não-castrados criados extensivamente em pastagem natural, entretanto, a idade de abate influenciou a qualidade da carne, que foi melhor nos animais abatidos aos 120 dias.The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effects of castration and slaughtering age on subjective and instrumental characteristics of meat from Corriedale lambs raised on native pasture. Sixty male lambs (30 castrated and 30 intact) slaughtered at 120, 210 and 360 days of age were used in this experiment. The Longissimus dorsi muscle was used for all meat evaluations and analysis. No significant castration × slaughtering age interaction was observed for the studied variables. A significant slaughtering age effect was found for meat fat thickness and marbling, which had lower scores in animals slaughtered at more advanced age as well as for all instrumental characteristics of the meat, mainly tenderness that was reduced in older lambs. However, a significant castration effect was observed only for meat color (brightness according to the CIELAB system). It can be concluded that meat quality from Corriedale lambs grazing native pasture was not affected by castration. Slaughtering age affected meat quality with lambs slaughtered at 120 days of age showing the best results.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi a avaliação da produção do leite e de seus componentes químicos de animais Corriedale e cruzas de Corriedale x Milchschaf. Foram utilizadas 33 ovelhas Corriedale, 43 cruzas Corriedale x Milchschaf (F1) e 23 cruzas F1 (Corriedale x Milchschaf) x Milchschaf (F2). Os animais foram ordenhados duas vezes ao dia, de setembro a dezembro de 2002. No total, foram realizados cinco controles leiteiros com intervalo de vinte e um dias. As amostras para composição química foram analisadas para determinação de gordura, proteína e lactose. Foi utilizado o delineamento completamente casualizado para avaliação do efeito do genótipo sobre a produção de leite corrigida para os 100 dias, e sobre a produção de gordura, proteína e lactose. No modelo matemático, a idade, o número de cordeiros ao parto e a condição corporal foram utilizadas como covariáveis. Houve diferença significativa (P

O estudo objetivou oferecer informações sobre a morfologia (in vivo e na carcaça), características comerciais, componentes do peso vivo, qualidade da carcaça e da carne em cordeiros não castrados cruzas de Border Leicester com ovelhas Corriedale e Ideal, criados em condições de campo nativo no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Foram utilizados 24 cordeiros, 11 procedentes do cruzamento de Border x Corriedale e 13 de Border Leicester x Ideal, sacrificados com 6,5 meses de idade. Foi verificado um efeito entre os cruzamentos para a perda ao resfriamento (em kg e %), peso e percentagem da pele, peso e percentagem do pescoço e capacidade de retenção de água. Igualmente, foi verificado que há diferença no desenvolvimento relativo dos componentes do peso vivo, composição regional da carcaça e composição tecidual da paleta entre os cordeiros Border Leicester x Corriedale e Border Leicester x Ideal e, dentro de cada genotipo verificou-se uma diferença quantitativa e qualitativa entre a paleta e a perna. As diferença quanto à qualidade da carcaça e carne não apresentam importância prática que justifique uma diferenciação do produto; porém, a comercialização deve ser com base no peso de carcaça fria e não com base no peso vivo ou carcaça quente. A paleta é mais precoce que a perna em ambos grupos genéticos.

Oxidative biocatalysis by laccase arises as a promising alternative in the development of advanced oxidation processes for the removal of xenobiotics. The aim of this work is to develop various types of nanobiocatalysts based on laccase immobilized on different superparamagnetic and non-magnetic nanoparticles to improve the stability of the biocatalysts. Several techniques of enzyme immobilization were evaluated based on ionic exchange and covalent bonding. The highest yields of laccase immobilization were achieved for the covalent laccase nanoconjugates of silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles (2.66 U mg−1 NPs), formed by the covalent attachment of the enzyme between the aldehyde groups of the glutaraldehyde-functionalized nanoparticle and the amino groups of the enzyme. Moreover, its application in the biotransformation of phenol as a model recalcitrant compound was tested at different pH and successfully achieved at pH 6 for 24 h. A sequential batch operation was carried out, with complete recovery of the nanobiocatalyst and minimal deactivation of the enzyme after four cycles of phenol oxidation. The major drawback associated with the use of the nanoparticles relies on the energy consumption required for their production and the use of chemicals, that account for a major contribution in the normalized index of 5.28 × 10−3. The reduction of cyclohexane (used in the synthesis of silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles) led to a significant lower index (3.62 × 10−3); however, the immobilization was negatively affected, which discouraged this alternative.

Neste artigo, considera-se o problema de programação da produção a curto prazo em plantas químicas multipropósito operando em batelada, em que a produção da planta é determinada pela demanda a ser atendida. Nesta situação, a capacidade da planta não está bem definida porque depende do mix de produção. Propõe-se uma fase de planejamento que tem como objetivo a determinação do número de bateladas de cada tarefa necessárias para atender a produção, bem como a respectiva janela de tempo de processamento. Estas janelas permitem a análise do carregamento dos processadores e da factibilidade do plano, ou seja, o atendimento das datas de entrega, através de ferramentas desenvolvidas na área de Busca Orientada por Restrições. Esta análise é feita para uma atribuição fixa de tarefas a processadores introduzida pelo usuário. O sistema fornece informações para orientar o usuário na criação de diferentes cenários de atribuição. O resultado da fase de planejamento é formado por um conjunto de janelas de processamento que diminuem sensivelmente a dimensão do problema de programação da produção, como é discutido para duas abordagens: programação mista (Mixed Integer Linear Programming - MILP) e Simulated Annealing.Short term scheduling in multipurpose batch chemical plants is specially complicated by the fact that plant capacity is not well defined due to the multipurpose nature of equipment units, allowing different routes. In order to reduce problem dimension, as well as allowing to analyze problem feasibility prior to spending time solving a large scheduling problem, a planning phase is proposed. At this level the objective is to determine a set of processing time windows for the batches necessary to fulfill final products' demand. The time windows allow analyzing equipment units load and plan feasibility in terms of satisfying final products due dates. To accomplish those tools from the area of Constrained Based Search are used. Feasibility analysis is done for a fixed assignment of tasks to equipment units. Through the analysis of equipment units load, the user can modify system's inputs, as raw material delivery plan, assignment task/equipment and product's demands, in order to obtain an acceptable final plan. This planning frame is especially well suited to reduce the dimension of the scheduling problem, as it is shown for a MILP formulation and for a Simulated Annealing application.

O presente estudo objetivou verificar o desenvolvimento relativo dos componentes do peso vivo, da composição regional da carcaça e da composição tecidual da paleta e do quarto em cordeiros das raças Merino Australiano, Ideal, Corriedale, Romney Marsh e Texel. O trabalho foi realizado no Centro de Pesquisa de Pecuária dos Campos Sulbrasileiros (CPPSUL-EMBRAPA) em Bagé/RS. Foram utilizados 50 cordeiros, sendo 10 de cada uma das raças, nascidos e criados até o desmame (10 semanas) em campo nativo. A partir do desmame, foram suplementados (200g/cab/dia) com uma ração contendo 17% de PB e 75% de NDT, oferecida em regime de confinamento até uma semana pós-desmame e a campo até o abate aos 7,5 meses de idade. O estudo do desenvolvimento relativo realizou-se mediante o modelo da equação exponencial: Y = a . x b. O desenvolvimento relativo dos componentes do peso vivo, da composição regional e tecidual dos cordeiros sofreu influência dos genótipos. As raças Merino Australiano, Romney Marsh e Texel, mais pesadas ao abate, apresentaram maior rendimento de carcaça, mas nas raças Ideal e Corriedale, o rendimento de carcaça quente foi semelhante ao do peso vivo. Os componentes do peso vivo nos diferentes genótipos apresentaram-se isogônicos (não significativos), com exceção da cabeça, na raça Romney Marsh e Texel, que apresentou um desenvolvimento precoce e o baço, que na raça Merino Australiano, foi tardio. A região do pescoço, nas raças Corriedale e Romney Marsh, apresentou um desenvolvimento precoce, considerando-se a carcaça fria, e o costilhar na raça Romney Marsh mostrou-se tardio. Os outros cortes apresentaram um desenvolvimento semelhante ao da carcaça fria em todos os genótipos estudados. Com base nos resultados, pode-se afirmar que o peso de abate e das diferentes regiões da carcaça em cordeiros depende do genótipo.The aim of the present work was to study the relative development of liveweight components, regional composition and tissue composition of shoulder and hindquarter in Australian Merino, Polwarth, Corriedale, Romney Marsh and Texel lamb. The study was carried out at the Centro de Pesquisa de Pecuária dos Campos Sulbrasileiros of EMBRAPA (CPPSUL/EMBRAPA), located in Bagé, state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Fifty lambs, ten of each breed, were used, born and raised up to weaning (10 weeks) on native pasture. After weaning, they were fed with a concentrate (200g/lamb/day), containing 17% of crude protein and 75% of dry matter basis, which was offered in confinement until one week. After this, they were put onto paddoks and slaughtered at 7.5 months of age. The study on the relative development of liveweight was done by using the equation: Y = a . x b. The genotype had an effect on the relative development of liveweight components, and both regional composition and tissue composition. By increasing the liveweight, there was proportional increase in the hot carcass weight in Australian Merino, Romney Marsh and Texel breeds. In Polwarths and Corriedales, the development of both traits was similar. The liveweight components in all genotypes were non significant with exception of head in Romney Marsh and Texel lambs, which showed a late development, and of spleen in Australian Merino lambs, which showed a late development. Related to cold carcass, the neck region had an early development in Corriedale and Romney Marsh lambs, while the rack was late in Romney Marsh lambs. Other cuts showed a similar development in all genotypes. Based on the results of this work, it can be stated that the slaughtery weight of lambs is influenced by genotype.

O estudo objetivou quantificar e comparar o rendimento da carcaça em cordeiros machos e fêmeas, abatidos com 63-73 dias de idade (peso de carcaça fria entre 6,5 kg e 7,9 kg) e 80-90 dias de idade (peso de carcaça fria entre 8,0 kg e 9,5 kg), procedentes das raças Rasa Aragonesa, Ojinegra de Teruel e Roya Bilbilitana. Não foi verificada diferença de rendimentos de carcaça entre as raças; por outro lado, as fêmeas apresentaram rendimentos superiores aos machos; assim como os cordeiros de maior idade/peso de carcaça apresentaram rendimentos superiores aos de menor idade/peso de carcaça. As raças que participam da denominação específica de qualidade "Ternasco de Aragón" (Rasa Aragonesa, Ojinegra de Teruel e Roya Bilbilitana) apresentam rendimentos de carcaça semelhantes. Entretanto, o sexo e a idade/peso de carcaça são fatores de variação do rendimento de carcaça que devem ser considerados para uma uniformização e comercialização de um produto de qualidade.This study aimed to compare and quantify carcass yield of male and female lambs of the following breeds: Rasa Aragonesa, Ojinegra de Teruel and Roya Bilbilitana. Animals were slaughtered, one group at 63-73 days of age (cool carcass weight between 6.5 and 7.3 kg) and another when 80-90 days of age (cool carcass weight between 8.0 and 9.5 kg). Carcass yield has not been influenced by breed. On the other hand, females have shown yields higher than the males; as well as lambs of higher age/weight of carcass did show higher yields than those of lower age/weight of carcass. These breeds, which comprise the ones that receive the specific denomination for quality "Ternasco de Aragón", show similar carcass yields. However, sex and age/weight of carcass are variation factors of carcass yields which should be considered for a standardization and selling of a quality product.

O estudo comparou a produção de carne entre 13 cordeiros castrados aos 45 dias e 13 não castrados, procedentes do cruzamento de ovelhas Corriedale com Hampshire Down, nascidos em agosto de 1996 e abatidos aos 5 meses de idade, criados em condições extensivas de pastagem natural, na localidade de Aceguá, município de Bagé-RS. Foram coletados dados de produção de carne, morfologia in vivo e, na carcaça, componentes do peso vivo, composição regional e tecidual. Não se verificou diferença significativa entre cordeiros castrados e não castrados, concluindo-se que não há vantagem, quanto à produção de carne, em castrar os cordeiros muito jovens.This study has compared meat production among two groups of crossbred lambs Hampshire Down x Corriedale: 13 castrated at 45 days of age and 13 non-castrated (all born in August 1996 and slaughtered when five months old). The flock was raised on natural pasture, under an extensive grazing system, in Aceguá, Bagé, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. The characteristics research were meat production, morfology "in vivo" and carcass, living weight components, regional and tissue composition .There is no significant difference between castrate lambs and not castrate lambs. The results showed that there is not advantage in to castrate very young lambs, when the purpose is meat production

Com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos isolados de genótipo e de sistema nutricional, bem como o da interação genótipo x sistema nutricional sobre aspectos quantitativos e qualitativos da produção de carne ovina, utilizaram-se 60 cordeiros da raça Ideal e 51 da raça Corriedale, nascidos no mês de agosto e setembro, criados em três sistemas diferentes de alimentação (campo natural, pastagem cultivada e confinamento) e abatidos com 122 dias de idade. Os animais foram pesados antes do abate e de suas carcaças obteve-se o peso da carcaça fria, da paleta, da perna, do costilhar e do pescoço e, por cálculo, percentagem de paleta, da perna, do costilhar e do pescoço. A paleta e a perna foram desossadas e destes cortes obtiveram-se o peso de osso, músculo e gordura e, por cálculo, a percentagem desses tecidos. Desenvolveu-se o experimento em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 3x2 (sistemas nutricionais e genótipos). Houve interação genótipo-nutrição (P