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The aim of the study was to evaluate the carcass characteristics, proximate composition, and sensorial attributes of meat from sheep fed diets in which buffelgrass silage replaced corn silage. Thirty-two intact male crossbred Santa Inês sheep with an average live weight of 20.09 ± 2.0 kg were housed in individual stalls and allotted at random to four treatments in which corn silage was replaced by buffelgrass silage at the levels of 0 (control), 33.3%, 66.6%, and 100%. After an adaption period of 10 days, the sheep were fed for an additional 61 days. Feed was offered ad libitum and corn silage comprised 60% of the diet for the control group. Carcass characteristics, non-carcass components and meat quality were evaluated. Hot carcass yield, cold carcass yield, true carcass yield, trimmings, fat weight, and mesenteric and omental fat weight were highest for the control group (P

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da substituição da silagem de milho por volumoso extrusado (Urochloa brizanthacvMarandu) sobre o consumo e digestibilidade da matéria seca, comportamento ingestivo, curva glicêmica e metabó-litos sanguíneos de ovinos. Foram utilizadas 20 ovelhas da raça Santa Inês com idade superior a três anos e peso corporal médio de 54,5 kg, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram na inclusão de volumoso comercial extrusado, Foragge® 70% (F) (Nuttrata®) em substituição à silagem de milho (S) nas proporções: 20%F:80%S; 40%F:60%S; 60%F e 40%S e 80%F:20%S. Foi realizada a análise de regressão a 5% de significância. À medida que aumentou a inclusão de volumoso extrusado houve aumento no consumo de matéria seca (CMS), CMS em relação ao peso corporal, CMS em relação ao peso me-tabólico, peso de fezes na matéria natural e matéria seca (P0,05). O tempo de ruminação obteve resposta quadrática quanto a substituição da silagem de milho pelo volumoso extrusado (P

Changes in grazing intensity affect forage production and performance of animal on C4 grass pastures; however, these relationships are not well defined for cattle grazing on limpograss (Hemarthria altissima (Poir) Stapf & C.E. Hubb. cv. Flórida) under continuous stocking. The objective of this study was to quantify plant and animal production from Flórida limpograss pastures, managed at different grazing intensities by beef heifers (i.e. different sward heights) in order to define pasture management outcomes that maximise plant and animal responses. For a 3-year period, the influence exerted by the sward height (10, 20, 30 and 40 cm) was assessed. Greater total herbage accumulation and herbage accumulation rate were observed for the more lenient grazing heights (30 and 40 cm). The 20-, 30- and 40-cm heights revealed similar heifer average daily gain of 0.49 kg liveweight (LW) animal–1 day–1, reducing at the rate of 0.04 kg LW animal–1 day–1, for each cm decrease below 19 cm, according to a segmented equation. LW gain per area showed a quadratic response to the sward height, with optimum values (i.e. 2.1 kg LW ha–1 day–1) achieved at a pasture height of around 21 cm. Therefore, to optimise cattle performance on continuously stocked Flórida limpograss pastures, a sward height of ~20 cm should be maintained.

Beras merupakan makanan pokok di Indonesia. Beberapa varietas padi gogo unggul baru telah dilepas dan perlu dilengkapi pemupukan yang akurat di lokasi tertentu. Salah satu jenis pupuk tersebut adalah nitrogen (N). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui efisiensi penggunaan N pada padi gogo IPB 9G sebagai respon terhadap dosis pupuk N. Dosis pupuk yang diaplikasikan adalah 0, 46, 92, 138, dan 184 kg N ha-1 dalam bentuk urea (46% N). Percobaan dilakukan menggunakan rancangan acak kelompok dengan 3 ulangan di Darmaga, Bogor pada Maret-Juli 2018. Petak percobaan berukuran 3.5 m x 3.0 m. Padi gogo ditanam dengan jarak 50 cm x 10 cm. Efisiensi penggunaan N dinilai dari pertumbuhan padi, serapan N, efisiensi agronomi dan fisiologis. Peningkatan tinggi tanaman dan jumlah anakan mengikuti peningkatan dosis N. Serapan N dan hasil gabah memiliki respon kuadratik terhadap dosis N dan dapat menjadi indikator efisiensi pemupukan N. Serapan N dan hasil gabah yang maksimum diperoleh dari dosis pupuk N yang hampir sama, rata-rata 143.8 kg N ha-1 (312.5 kg urea ha-1). Untuk efisiensi pemupukan N padi gogo IPB 9G pada tanah dengan N total sedang (0.27%) di musim kering dapat diaplikasikan 143.8 kg N ha-1 (urea 312.5 kg N ha-1). Kata kunci: efisiensi agronomis, efisiensi fisiologis, hasil biji, serapan N

Kekasaaran permukaan merupakan salah satu kriteria penentuan kualitas pemesinan. Parameter ini di pengaruhi oleh parameter pemesinan seperti kecepatan potong (Vc), gerak makan pergigi (fz) dan kedalaman makan radial (ar). Material diproses dengan side milling dengan arah makan down milling. Hasil proses milling diukur dengan surface roughness taster dan nilai roughness average (Ra) sebagai nilai kekasaran permukaan. Prediksi kekasaran permukaan menggunakan metode Response Surface Methodology (RSM). RSM dipilih sebagai metode pendekatan kuantitatif berdasarkan eksperimental dan pemodelan. Jumlah pengambilan data dalam penelitian ini sebanyak 16 data eksperimen untuk 3 parameter pemesinan. Pemodelan kekasaran permukaan pemesinan milling AISI 1045 dengan metode RSM pada pemodelan Quadratic menunjukan hasil model yang signifikan. Dengan nilai F-Value sebesar 5,61 dan P-Value sebesar 0,0241. P-Value

UPC-ISIG-2.EN Piecewise linearization replaces a nonlinear transfer characteristic curve by a string of linear segments that connect several calibration points of the curve. This technique can be implemented by low-power digital processors but no design rules are available to determine how many segments are required for a given approximation between the actual curve and the polygonal line that replaces it. This paper provides the design equations to decide the number and span of the segments needed to linearize quadratic transfer characteristics such as those of the LM19 and the Pt100 (t > 0 °C) temperature sensors. The method can be applied to higher-order polynomial transfer characteristics such as thermocouples albeit non-uniform segmentation is not systematic in these cases. Using the proposed approach, the Pt100 can be approximated by seven segments between 0 °C and 850 °C and three segments between -200 °C and 0 °C, with a maximal deviation below 20 % of the uncertainty limit for class B sensors in both cases. Better approximations are feasible provided truncation effects are considered.

This study assessed the effect of crude protein level in the diet on animal performance, feed conversion ratio and N utilization, in early-weaned lot-fed calves. Four iso-energetic rations were formulated (ME: 12.0 MJ/kg dm) differing in the crude protein content (CP: 12%, 15%, 17% and 21%, DM basis), and offered in a random experimental design to 24 Hereford calves (107.2 ± 21.5 kg). Animals were individually housed and fed ad libitum twice a day for 84 days. Increasing CP levels in the diet promoted a quadratic response (P 0.10). As CP increased in the diet, N consumption increased quadratically (P

Fishes are often caught as bycatch on longlines and subsequently discarded. The behavioural response of fishes to longline capture is poorly understood, although it may be linked to the magnitude of the physiological stress response, and, ultimately, contribute to stress-induced mortality. We used accelerometers, video cameras, and hook timers to analyse the behavioural response of 13 subtropical teleost and elasmobranch species to experimental longline capture in The Bahamas. We found that, across all species and species groups, fight intensity during a capture event was best described by a negative linear and positive quadratic response. Nurse sharks and tiger sharks had lower fight intensity values and exhibited less steepness in their quadratic response during the first 10 min of capture than other species, particularly blacktip and Caribbean reef sharks. Nurse sharks also exhibited the most consistent fight intensity during the entire capture event compared to other shark species, particularly the blacknose shark. Generally, obligate ram ventilators and mixed ventilators exhibited higher steepness in fight intensity trajectories than buccal/spiracular pumpers, which had more consistent, lower fight intensity values. Behavioural responses to longline capture are species specific but may be linked to distinct evolutionary traits such as respiratory mode.

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da inclusão de níveis crescentes de volumoso extrusado (Urochloa brizantha cv Marandu) em substituição à silagem de milho sobre o consumo, digestibilidade, comportamento ingestivo e metabólitos sanguíneos em ovelhas. Foram utilizadas 20 ovelhas da raça Santa Inês com idade superior a três anos e peso corporal médio de 55,8 kg. Foi realizado um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições, sendo os resultados submetidos ao estudo de regressão (P

In pharmaceutical industry, statistically valid experimental design can be utilized to optimize data in order to provide an economic and effective formulation, which could overcome several product and process development problems. Domperidone is a BCS Class II drug and has wide range of use, but has very poor bioavailability when administered orally because of degradation in intestinal fluid. The present study was focused on formulation, evaluation and optimization of mucoadhesive tablets of domperidone using a four-factor, three-level Box-Behnken design (BBD) so as to retain the prepared optimized formulation in gastric fluid for a prolong period of time in order to have better bioavailability and to get a sustained action. Physicochemical properties of the prepared formulations were determined according to the USP pharmacopeia official method and found satisfactory, except friability which was optimized to get the acceptable value. In-vitro dissolution study was performed for 8 hours for all the prepared formulations using USP II (paddle type) dissolution tester having 0.1N HCl (pH 1.2) as dissolution medium. Obtained data was further analyzed by means of quadratic response surface models so as to find out an optimize formulation in terms of desirable condition of dissolution rate after 1 hour, after 8 hours, total mucoadhesion time and tablet friability. Optimized formulation was further evaluated and it was found that, it was almost similar to the proposed optimized data. The formulation can provide a high degree of patient compliance, as sustained release formulation reduces the side effects and the cost of the formulation will be minimal as lesser amount of effort will be needed employing statistical model instead of conventional trial and error method. Dhaka Univ. J. Pharm. Sci. 19(1): 65-76, 2020 (June)

Considering the expansion of forest plantations over the Brazilian territory and the imminent increase in air temperatures due to global warming, the search for technologies that ensure high levels of productivity and high quality plants in clonal nurseries is essential. Applying kaolin-based particle films (KBPF) has been used as a physical barrier to reduce the negative effects of excessive solar radiation and adverse temperatures. The effects of KBPF on production and physiological quality of eucalyptus mini-cuttings were evaluated during two different seasons. A randomized block design was used, consisting of five treatments and four replications. Five concentrations (0, 3%, 5%, 7%, and 10%) were tested here and six weekly replicates of each concentration was applied. The different kaolin concentrations and seasonal variations resulted in a quadratic response of the leaf SPAD reading during both daily evaluation periods. KBPF applications resulted in a quadratic response of photochemical efficiency in the morning period, and an increasing specific leaf weight linear response, and during the dry season, the different kaolin concentrations resulted in a bud length quadratic response. The results indicated that the kaolin application maintained the production and yield index statistically equal between weekly KBPF applications, improving photochemical efficiency, leaf thickness, SPAD reading, and bud length. The use of KBPF could reduce the intervals between collections of mini-cuttings and increase nursery yields in environments that present high temperatures.

The purpose of this study was to examine the growth and senescence dynamics of Digitaria eriantha cv. Survenola as a response to several canopy heights (25, 35, 45, and 55 cm) of harvests in two seasons of the year (rainy and dry). The experiment was established at the Federal University of Sergipe, in Sao Cristovao - SE, Brazil, from 03/26/2015 to 03/28/2016, under a randomized-complete-block design with four replicates. Plots were irrigated, and upon reaching the pre-established canopy heights, they were cut to a 10 cm-residual height. Increasing canopy heights in the dry season led to lower tiller density, for basal and aerial tillers. However, irrespective of tiller type and season, this variable increased after the rest period. Light interception rose with canopy heights (P

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of naturally oxidized corn oil on the inflammatory reaction and intestinal health of broilers. Total 450, one-day-old Arbor Acres male broilers were randomly divided into 5 treatments with 6 replicate cages (15 birds in each replicate cage). The dietary treatment array consisted of the varying ratio of nonoxidized corn oil to naturally oxidized corn oil from 0:100, 25:75, 50:50, 75:25, and 100:0, respectively. The experimental period was 42 d. Serum, jejunum, and contents of cecum samples were taken at the age of 42 d of broilers. The results showed no significant difference in the body weight gain (BWG) with a different proportion of oxidized corn oil compared with the 0% oxidized oil group on d 42. The feed intake (FI), the concentration of immunoglobulin G (IgG), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), and interleukin-10 (IL10) in serum showed a significant quadratic response with the increase of oxidized oil concentration on d 42. The serum's concentration of IgG, IFN-γ, and IL-10 reached the highest value at 75% oxidized corn oil. In addition, the mRNA expression levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IFN-γ, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and myeloid differentiation factor-88 (MyD88) in the jejunum were significantly affected by different proportions of oxidized corn oil, and the gene expression levels were highest at 75% oxidized corn oil on d 42. The mRNA expression of Bcl2-associated X (Bax) in the jejunum showed a significantly quadratic curve with the increase of oxidized oil concentration, and its gene expression was the highest after adding 50% oxidized corn oil according to the regression equation on d 42. The villus height/crypt depth and goblet cells of jejunum decreased linearly with the increasing proportion of oxidized corn oil and reached the lowest point after adding 100% oxidized corn oil on d 42. The β diversity showed the remarkable differentiation of microbial communities among 5 groups, and the microbial community of the 0% oxidized oil group was significantly separated from that of 75 and 100% oxidized oil groups in the cecum. Taken together, these results showed that a low dose of naturally oxidized corn oil is not harmful to the growth of broilers, while a high dose of oxidized corn oil will trigger the inflammatory response and adversely affect the gut health of broilers.

This experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary supplementation with Bacillus amyloliquefaciens CECT 5940 (BA-5940) on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, immunity, and digestive enzyme activity of broiler chickens. A total of 720 one-day-old Arbor Acres male broiler chicks (average body weight, 45.87 ± 0.86 g) were randomly allocated to 5 treatments of 8 replicates with 18 chicks in each replicate. Broilers in the control group were fed a corn-wheat-soybean basal diet, the other 4 groups were fed the same basal diet supplemented with 500, 1,000, 1,500, or 2,000 mg/kg Ecobiol (1.27 × 109 CFU/g BA-5940) for 42 d, respectively. Broilers fed diets supplemented with BA-5940 showed a quadratic response (P < 0.05) of average daily gain (ADG) and feed to gain ratio (F:G) during d 22 to 42 and d 0 to 42. The glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in serum and liver, and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in liver of broilers on d 42 increased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of BA-5940, while malondialdehyde (MDA) level in serum decreased linearly (P < 0.05). Concentrations of serum immunoglobulin (Ig) A and IgM on d 21, and IgM on d 42 increased linearly (P < 0.05) as BA-5940 levels increased. Supplementation with increasing levels of BA-5940 linearly decreased serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels on d 21 and 42, while increased interleukin (IL)-10 concentration (linear, P < 0.05) on d 21. Meanwhile, the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the mucosa of jejunum and ileum were decreased (linear, P < 0.05) on d 42 as dietary supplementation of BA-5940 increased. Additionally, supplementation with BA-5940 also increased the activities of amylase (linear, P < 0.01), lipase (linear, P < 0.05) and chymotrypsin (linear, P < 0.01) in jejunal digesta, and lipase (linear, P < 0.05) in ileal digesta of broilers on d 42. To summarize, inclusion of BA-5940 in corn-wheat-soybean meal-based diet improved growth performance of broilers through improving antioxidant capacity, immunity, and digestive enzyme activity. Based on the results of this study, 1.1–1.6 × 109 CFU/kg BA-5940 is recommended for supplementation in broiler diets.

The present study aimed to determine the effect of different times of supplementation of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D3) in broiler chickens on the performance, carcass and cuts yield, bone resistance, plasma concentration of 25(OH)D3, and expression of the mTOR gene. The treatments were a control diet (CD) supplemented with 3000 IU vitamin D3/kg of feed from 1 to 46 d, or the CD + 2760 IU (69 mcg) of 25(OH)D3/kg of feed from 1 to 21 d, from 1 to 35 d, or from 1 to 46 d. The period of supplementation of 25(OH)D3 did not affect the growth performance of broilers, but the breast meat yield was linearly increased in response to increasing days of supplementation (p &lt, 0.05). Birds supplemented with 25(OH)D3 at the time of the analysis showed an increase (p &lt, 0.05) in the plasma concentration of 25(OH)D3 when compared to non-supplemented birds. The mTOR gene expression (p &lt, 0.05), and breast protein deposition (p &lt, 0.05) presented a quadratic response related to the supplementation period of 25(OH)D3. The fat content of the breast linearly decreased (p &lt, 0.05) as the period of supplementation was extended. The results also showed a positive linear correlation between mTOR expression and 25(OH)D3 plasma levels (r = 0.593, p &lt, 0.05).

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different dietary pantothenic acid levels on growth performance, carcass traits, and plasma biochemical parameters of starter Pekin ducks from 1 to 21 days of age, as well as the pantothenic acid requirement of starter ducks. A total of 384 one-day-old male white Pekin ducklings were assigned randomly into 6 dietary treatments, each with 8 replicate pens of 8 ducks. Ducks were fed conventional basal corn–soybean diets containing 8.5, 10.5, 12.5, 14.5, 16.5, and 18.5 mg/kg pantothenic acid for 21 days. Growth depression, poor pantothenic acid status, fasting hypoglycemia, and elevated plasma uric acid (UA) content were observed in the ducks fed the pantothenic acid-deficient basal diet (p &lt, 0.05), and these adverse effects were ameliorated by pantothenic acid supplementation. Among all ducks, the birds fed the basal diet with no supplementation of pantothenic acid had the lowest body weight, average daily weight gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), breast meat yield, and plasma pantothenic acid and glucose contents (p &lt, 0.05), and the greatest plasma UA content (p &lt, 0.05). In addition, all these parameters showed a linear or quadratic response as dietary pantothenic acid levels increased (p &lt, 0.05). According to broken-line regression, the pantothenic acid requirements of starter male white Pekin ducks for body weight, ADG, and plasma pantothenic acid content were 13.36, 13.29, and 15.0 mg/kg, respectively. The data potentially provides theoretical support for the utilization of pantothenic acid in duck production.

We explored a series of squaraine homodimers with varying π-bridging centres to probe the relationship between the chemical structure and the two-photon absorption (2PA) characteristics. To this end, we designed and synthesised six linear homodimers based on two indolenine squaraine dyes with transoid configuration (SQA) which are connected by diverse bridges. In this regard, we investigated the effect of exciton coupling in these dimeric systems where the variation of the bridging units affects the magnitude of exciton coupling and leads to an alteration of their linear optical properties. Using two-photon absorption induced fluorescence measurements we determined the two-photon absorption cross section in this series of homodimers and found sizable values up to 5700 GM at ca. 11 000 cm−1 and 12 000 GM at 12 500 cm−1. The 2PA strength roughly follows the exciton coupling interaction between the squaraine chromophores which therefore may be used as design criteria to achieve high 2PA cross sections. The results were substantiated by polarization dependent linear and nonlinear optical measurements and by density functional theory calculations based on time dependent and quadratic response theory.

This paper presents a simulation model to predict the percussive drilling performance of a down-the-hole (DTH) hammer. First, the pneumatic dynamic model of the DTH hammer is developed considering mass flow rate relations representing orifice opening areas of the air tube, the piston, and the bit flushing channels. Next, the performance of the DTH hammer is numerically simulated and evaluated by considering fluctuations of the upper and lower chamber pressure, impact frequency, and force. The simulation model is validated through a series of laboratory tests. Finally, design factors influencing the hammers impact performance are selected via screening design, and the progressive quadratic response surface method then optimizes the set of design factors to propose a design modification to increasing the impact performance of the DTH hammer.

The coupling ratio (CR) has been widely used to quantitatively reflect the degree of coupling action between the component walls and link beams of a coupled wall. However, the CR index is very difficult to evaluate at early design stages. In order to develop alternative design parameters that can be easily utilized and ensure the dual lateral force resisting mechanism of coupled walls, nine prototype coupled walls were designed considering various aspect ratios of wall pier (αw) and span-to-depth ratios of coupling beams (αb). The incremental dynamic analyses on the seismic fragility was conducted to examine the influences of αw and αb on the fragility characteristics and the margin capacities corresponding to different performance limit states. The double-factorial quadratic response surface method was used to further reveal the interactive impact of αw and αb on the overall behavior of coupled walls. Then the combinations of αw and αb that can produce the optimal values of response variables were obtained. The curve-fitting technique was used to find the relationship between optimal αb and αw. It is indicated that αb and αw can effectively serve as the alternative parameters to CR and ensure optimal overall structural performance of RC coupled walls.

A study was conducted to determine the standardized total tract digestible phosphorus (STTD P) requirement for 24- to 130-kg finishing pigs housed under commercial conditions. A total of 1,130 barrows and gilts (PIC 359 × 1050, Hendersonville, TN; initially 24.2 kg) were used, with 26 to 27 pigs per pen with 7 replicates per treatment. Pens of pigs were allotted to treatments in a randomized complete block design with body weight (BW) as the blocking factor. The dietary treatments were fed in 4 phases and were formulated to contain 80%, 90%, 100%, 115%, 130%, and 150% of the National Research Council (NRC) requirement estimate for finishing pigs within each phase. Weight ranges for each phase were: 27 to 49, 49 to 76, 76 to 90, and 90 to 130 kg. Treatments were achieved by increasing the amount of monocalcium phosphate at the expense of corn in the diet with no added phytase. All diets were formulated to contain a similar 1.14:1 to 1.16:1 total Ca:P ratio across treatments in all phases. Increasing STTD P resulted in a quadratic response (P < 0.05) in average daily gain (ADG), gain-to-feed ratio (G:F), and final BW. The greatest improvement was observed with STTD P at 130% of NRC for ADG and final BW and at 115% STTD P for G:F. Average daily feed intake increased linearly (linear, P < 0.05) with the inclusion of STTD P. Increasing STTD P resulted in an increase (quadratic, P < 0.05) in hot carcass weight (HCW) and carcass ADG with the greatest response observed with STTD P at 130% of NRC. There was a marginally significant response (quadratic, P < 0.10) in carcass G:F, with the greatest improvement with STTD P at 115% of NRC. Carcass yield decreased (linear, P < 0.05) with increasing STTD P, while there was a marginally significant (linear, P < 0.10) decrease in backfat and increase in fat-free lean. At the end of the study, a metacarpal was collected and analyzed for bone ash. Increasing STTD P resulted in an increase (linear, P < 0.05) in bone ash weight and percentage ash. For ADG and G:F, the quadratic model demonstrated the best fit. The maximum response in ADG and G:F was estimated at 122% and 116% of NRC STTD P, respectively. The broken-line linear model best fit the data for percentage bone ash, with a plateau achieved at 131% of the NRC STTD P. In conclusion, the estimated STTD P requirement of 24 to 130 kg ranged from 116% to 131% of the NRC publication (2012) requirement estimate.

A total of 2,430 pigs (PIC 337 × 1050; Hendersonville, TN; initially 30.1 kg) were used in a 113-d growth trial to determine the effects of increasing dietary Zn on growth performance and carcass characteristics of finishing pigs raised under commercial conditions. Pens of pigs were assigned to be fed one of five dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design. Treatments consisted of 50, 87.5, 125, 162.5, or 200 mg/kg added Zn from Zn hydroxychloride (IntelliBond Z, Micronutrients, Indianapolis, IN). Two identical barns were used for a total of 18 pens per treatment with 27 pigs per pen. Experimental diets were fed in five phases and contained a vitamin-trace mineral premix without added Zn. Pens of pigs were weighed approximately every 2 wk to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F). At the end of the experimental period, pigs were tattooed with a pen identification number and transported to a packing plant to measure hot carcass weight (HCW), backfat, loin depth, and calculated lean percentage. Data were analyzed block nested within barn as a random effect and pen as the experimental unit. From days 0 to 42, pigs fed diets with increasing added Zn had lower (linear, P = 0.043) ADFI and a tendency (P = 0.092) for lower ADG. From days 42 to 113, increasing added Zn resulted in a quadratic response (P = 0.042) for ADFI and a tendency (linear, P = 0.056) for improved G:F. Overall (days 0 to 113), there were tendencies for quadratic responses for ADFI (P = 0.073) and G:F (P = 0.059), with the greatest G:F observed when 125 mg/kg of Zn was fed. Increasing added Zn resulted in a linear increase (P < 0.001) in daily Zn intake. There were no differences (P > 0.10) in overall ADG, final body weight, HCW, backfat, loin depth, lean percentage, mortality, and removal rate. In conclusion, there were no improvements in ADG when feeding beyond 50 mg/kg added Zn; however, providing 125 mg/kg added Zn resulted in the greatest G:F.

The aim of this study was to estimate the energy and protein requirements for maintenance and growth of lambs. A total of 35 crossbreed Dorper × Santa Ines lambs [31 ± 1.28 kg of initial body weight (BW) and 4 months old] were distributed in a completely randomized design with three treatments groups (ad libitum, 30 and 60% of feed restriction). Five lambs were slaughtered at the beginning of the experimental trial as a reference group to estimate the initial empty BW (EBW) and body composition. When the animals of the ad libitum treatment reached a BW average of 47.2 kg, at day 84 of trial, all lambs were slaughtered. The feed restriction promoted reduction in body fat (P < 0.001) and energy concentration (P < 0.001), while protein showed a quadratic response (P = 0.05). The equations obtained for NEg and NPg requirements were 0.2984 × EBW0.75 × EBWG0.8069 and 248.617 × EBW−0.15546, respectively. The net energy (NEm) and protein (NPm) for maintenance were 71.00 kcal/kg EBW0.75/day and 1.76 g/kg EBW0.75/day, respectively. In conclusion, the NEg and NPg requirement for lambs with 30 kg of BW and 200 g of average daily gain (ADG) were 0.736 Mcal/day and 24.38 g/day, respectively. Our findings indicate that the NEm for crossbreed Dorper × Santa Ines lambs is similar to those recommended by the international committees; however, we support the hypothesis that the requirements for gain are lower.

This study aimed to compare three methods of estimating the optimum plot size to evaluate the fresh matter productivity of pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum L.), slender leaf rattlebox (Crotalaria ochroleuca), and showy rattlebox (Crotalaria spectabilis). Twenty-seven uniformity trials were carried out with pearl millet, slender leaf rattlebox, and showy rattlebox cultivated alone and intercropped. Fresh matter productivity was evaluated in 972 basic experimental units (BEU) of 1 m × 1 m (36 BEU per trial). The optimum plot size was determined using the methods modified maximum curvature, linear response with plateau model, and quadratic response with plateau model. The optimum plot size differs between methods and decreases in the following order: quadratic response with plateau model (9.94 m2), linear response with plateau model (7.41 m2), and modified maximum curvature (3.49 m2). The optimum plot size to evaluate the fresh matter productivity of pearl millet, slender leaf rattlebox, and showy rattlebox cultivated alone or intercropped is 7.41 m2. This size could be used as a reference for future experiments. O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar três métodos de estimação do tamanho ótimo de parcela para avaliar a produtividade de matéria fresca de milheto (Pennisetum glaucum L.), crotalária ochroleuca (Crotalaria ochroleuca) e crotalária spectabilis (Crotalaria spectabilis). Foram conduzidos 27 ensaios de uniformidade com milheto, crotalária ochroleuca e crotalária spectabilis, em cultivo solteiro e em consórcio. Foi avaliada a produtividade de matéria fresca em 972 unidades experimentais básicas (UEB) de 1 m × 1 m (36 UEB por ensaio). Foi determinado o tamanho ótimo de parcela por meio dos métodos da curvatura máxima modificado, do modelo linear de resposta com platô e do modelo quadrático de resposta com platô. O tamanho ótimo de parcela difere entre os métodos e decresce na seguinte ordem: modelo quadrático de resposta com platô (9,94 m2), modelo linear de resposta com platô (7,41 m2) e curvatura máxima modificado (3,49 m2). O tamanho ótimo de parcela para avaliar a produtividade de matéria fresca de milheto, crotalária ochroleuca e crotalária spectabilis, em cultivo solteiro ou em consórcio é de 7,41 m2. Esse tamanho pode ser utilizado como referência para futuros experimentos. &nbsp

Objective: The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of varying standardized ileal digestible lysine:threonine (SID Lys:Thr) ratio in the diet on the performance and meat quality of finishing pigs.Methods: In total 192 crossbred pigs ([Landrace×Yorkshire]×Duroc, 17 weeks old), with an initial body weight (BW) of 70.6±3.9 kg were used in an 8-wk trial. Pigs were randomly allotted to one of six dietary treatments based on their initial BW and sex (8 replications; 4 pigs per pen, 2 barrows and 2 gilts). The pigs in the 6 treatments were fed diets having different SID Lys:Thr ratios such as 1:0.65, 1:0.66, 1:0.67, 1:0.68, 1:0.69, and 1:0.70.Results: A linear increment (p

A total of 300 pigs (DNA 400 × 200, Columbus, NE), initially 11.1 kg, were used in a study to evaluate the effects of increasing amounts of high-protein distillers dried grains (HP DDG) on growth performance and to estimate its energy value relative to corn. Pigs were weaned, placed in pens with five pigs each, and fed a common diet for 21 d after weaning. Then, pens were assigned to treatments in a randomized complete block design. There were 5 treatments with 12 replicates per treatment. Treatments consisted of 0, 10, 20, 30, or 40% HP DDG, formulated by changing only the amounts of corn and feed-grade amino acids. Pigs were weighed weekly for 21 d to evaluate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), and gain-to-feed ratio (G:F). Caloric efficiency was obtained by multiplying ADFI by kcal of net energy (NE) per kg of diet and dividing by ADG. The NE values for corn and soybean meal were obtained from NRC (2012), and initial estimates for HP DDG NE were derived from the Noblet et al. (1994) equation. The energy of HP DDG was estimated based on caloric efficiency relative to the diet without HP DDG. Pigs fed diets with increasing HP DDG had a linear decrease (P < 0.01) in ADG, ADFI, and final body weight. There was a tendency for a quadratic response (P = 0.051) in G:F, with the greatest G:F observed for pigs fed diets with 40% HP DDG. There was a linear reduction (P < 0.05) in caloric efficiency with increasing amounts of HP DDG, indicating the initial NE estimate of HP DDG was underestimated. The use of caloric efficiency to estimate the energy value of HP DDG presents several limitations. This approach assumes that the NE values of corn and soybean meal are accurate and does not take into account possible changes in body composition, which can influence the G:F response as leaner pigs are more efficient. In conclusion, increasing HP DDG in the diet linearly decreased ADG and ADFI. Using caloric efficiency to estimate energy content relative to corn, the HP DDG used in this study was estimated to be 97.3% of the energy value of corn. Direct or indirect calorimetry is needed to confirm this value.

The purpose of the present work was to determine the response in growth performance and spermatozoa characteristics of Windsnyer boars supplemented with progressive levels of α-tocopherol. Twenty Windsnyer boars aged 12 weeks with an average body weight of 19.5 ± 2.67 kg were used. Each boar was housed individually in a 1.54 × 0.8 m pen in environmentally controlled house with the temperature ranging from 22 to 25 °C. Five boars were randomly assigned to each diet containing 0, 40, 70 and 90 IU of α-tocopherol. The growth performance experiment lasted for 12 weeks. Subsequently, boars were humanely slaughtered for analyses of testicular development and spermatozoa characteristics. Polynomial regression was used to analyse data. There was a linear response (P < 0.05) in average daily gain and feed conversion ratio as α-tocopherol levels increased. Left and right testicular weights showed a linear increase (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of α-tocopherol. Weights of left and right epididymis exhibited quadratic response (P < 0.05). Seminiferous tube area responded in a quadratic fashion (P < 0.05). There was a quadratic relationship (P < 0.05) between semen volume, straight-line velocity and live spermatozoa. Dead spermatozoa and head abnormalities exhibited linear decrease (P < 0.05). In conclusion, inclusion of α-tocopherol improved growth performance and fertility of Windsnyer boars.

Background Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of increasing amounts of soybean meal (SBM) in swine diets and estimate the energy value of SBM. Methods A total of 2233 pigs (PIC 337 × 1050, Hendersonville, TN) and 3796 pigs (PIC 359 × C40), initially 11.0 kg and 17.6 kg body weight (BW), were used in Exp. 1 and 2, respectively. In Exp. 1, pigs were placed in 92 pens each containing 20 to 27 pigs. In Exp. 2, pigs were placed in 84 pens each containing 37 to 43 pigs. Treatments were assigned in a randomized complete block design with BW as the blocking factor. Dietary treatments consisted of 21%, 27%, 33%, or 39% SBM in Exp. 1 and 17.5%, 22%, 26.5%, 31%, 35.5%, or 40% SBM in Exp. 2, obtained by changing the inclusion rate of feed-grade amino acids and corn grain. For Exp. 1, representative samples of corn grain, SBM, and distillers dried grains with solubles were analyzed for total AA content prior to diet formulation. For Exp. 2, diets were formulated using NRC (2012) nutrient loadings. Treatment diets were fed for 21 and 22 d (Exp. 1 and 2) and there were 23 replicates in Exp. 1 and 14 replicates in Exp. 2. Pigs were weighed and feed disappearance measured weekly to calculate average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), gain-to-feed ratio (G:F), and caloric efficiency (CE). Data were analyzed with block as a random effect and treatment as a fixed effect, and contrasts were constructed to test the linear and quadratic effects of increasing SBM. Results In Exp. 1, there was a tendency (linear, P = 0.092) for a decrease in ADFI as SBM increased. There was a tendency (P = 0.090) for a quadratic response for ADG, with a decrease in ADG observed with 39% SBM inclusion. Pigs fed diets with increasing SBM had a tendency (quadratic, P = 0.069) for an increase in G:F up to 33% SBM and an improvement (linear, P = 0.001; quadratic, P = 0.063) in CE with increasing SBM. Using CE to estimate the energy of SBM relative to corn, a value of 105.4% of corn energy or 2816 kcal/kg NE was determined using all data points. When removing the CE value of the 39% SBM treatment due to the quadratic tendency, SBM was estimated to have 121.1% of corn energy or 3236 kcal/kg NE. In Exp. 2, there was a decrease (linear, P = 0.001) in ADFI. Pigs fed increasing SBM had a tendency (linear, P = 0.065) for reduced ADG but an improvement (linear, P = 0.001) in G:F and CE as SBM increased. The energy value of SBM was estimated as 124.7% of corn energy or 3332 kcal/kg NE. Conclusions The results suggest that feeding increasing levels of SBM improves G:F and CE. The energy value of SBM was estimated to be between 105% and 125% of corn, which is much greater than the NRC (2012) would indicate.

The aim of this study was was to determine the nutritional requirements of digestible methionine+cystine (M+C) for white-egg layers aged one to six weeks. A completely randomized design with five methionine+cystine levels, six replicates, and 30 birds per experimental unit was adopted. Dietary treatments consisted of five diets supplemented with DL-Methionine with resulted in five levels of digestible methionine + cystine, 80% (0.516%), 90% (0.578%), 100% (0.640%), 110% (0.702%), and 120% (0.764%), based on Brazilian tables of nutritional requirements. Performance, serological blood, and histological data were evaluated. Feed intake, feed conversion, hepatic glycogen deposition, enzymatic activity of alanine aminotransferase and gamma-glutamyl transferase, and serum creatinine and albumin levels had showed a quadratic response to the levels of digestible M+C, with the respective requirements: 89.78% (0.575%), 114.33% (0.732%), 86.50% (0.554%), 100% (0.640%), 100.40% (0.643%), 104.30% (0.668%), and 111.88% (0.716%). Increasing levels of methionine+cystine elevated the relative liver weight and the deposition of hepatic glycogen, in addition to promote higher growth in pullets, with better body weight and body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. Our findings suggest that 0.732% digestible methionine+cystine is recommended, which corresponds to an intake of 151.20 mg/bird/d and a Met+Cys:Lys ratio 83%, for light pullets from one to six weeks. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar los requerimientos nutricionales de metionina + cistina digestibles (M+C) para pollitas de remplazo blancas de una a seis semanas. Se adoptó un diseño completamente al azar con cinco niveles de metionina + cistina, seis réplicas y 30 aves por unidad experimental. Los tratamientos dietéticos consistieron en cinco dietas suplementadas con DL-Metionina que dieron como resultado cinco niveles de metionina + cistina digeribles, 80% (0.516%), 90% (0.578%), 100% (0.640%), 110% (0.702%), y 120% (0.764%), basado en tablas brasileñas de requerimientos nutricionales. Se evaluaron el rendimiento, la sangre serológica y los datos histológicos. El consumo de alimento, la conversión alimenticia, el depósito de glucógeno hepático, la actividad enzimática de alanina aminotransferasa y gamma-glutamil transferasa, y los niveles séricos de creatinina y albúmina mostraron una respuesta cuadrática a los niveles de M + C digestible, con los requisitos respectivos: 89.78% (0.575 %), 114.33% (0.732%), 86.50% (0.554%), 100% (0.640%), 100.40% (0.643%), 104.30% (0.668%) y 111.88% (0.716%). Los niveles crecientes de metionina + cistina elevaron el peso relativo del hígado y la deposición de glucógeno hepático, además de promover un mayor crecimiento en las pollitas, con un mejor peso corporal y ganancia de peso corporal y relación de conversión alimenticia. Nuestros hallazgos sugieren que se recomienda 0.732% de metionina + cistina digerible, lo que corresponde a una ingesta de 151.20 mg / ave / día y una relación Met + Cys: Lys 83%, para pollitas de una a seis semanas. Objetivou-se determinar a exigência nutricional de metionina+cistina (M+C) digestíveis para aves de reposição leves de 1 a 6 semanas de idade. Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso com cinco níveis de metionina+cistina, seis repetições e 30 aves por unidade experimental (UE). Os tratamentos dietéticos consistiram em cinco dietas suplementadas com DL-Metionina que resultou em cinco níveis de metionina+cistina digestíveis 80% (0.516%), 90% (0.578%), 100% (0.640%), 110% (0.702%), and 120% (0.764%), baseado nas tabelas brasileiras de exigências nutricionais. Foram avaliados dados de desempenho, sorologia e histologia. Houve comportamento quadrático para consumo de ração, conversão alimentar, deposição de glicogênio hepático, atividade enzimática da alanina aminotransferase, gama-glutamiltransferase e níveis séricos da creatinina e albumina em função dos níveis de M+C digestíveis, sendo as exigências para estas características: 89.78% (0.575%), 114.33% (0.732%), 86.50% (0.554%), 100% (0.640%), 100.40% (0.643%), 104.30% (0.668%), and 111.88% (0.716%), respectivamente. Recomenda-se a utilização de 0,732% de metionina+cistina digestíveis, que corresponde a um consumo de 151.20 mg/ave/dia, e uma relação com a lisina de 83%, para aves de reposição leves de 1 a 6 semanas de idade.

It was aimed to evaluate the effect of including the waste from passion fruit pulp extraction in diets for Japanese quail in the laying phase on their production performance and egg quality. A total of 280 female quail were distributed into five treatments with eight replicates and seven birds per cage. Treatments consisted of 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8% inclusion of passion fruit waste in the diet. The experiment began with quail at 70 days of age and lasted 63 days, with performance evaluated every 21 days and egg quality in the last two days of each cycle. There was no difference between the treatments for feed intake, body weight, specific gravity, or eggshell thickness. However, a decreasing linear regression was obtained for feed intake with the inclusion of the waste, while a quadratic response was show by egg production, weight and parts of the egg. Inclusion of up to 6% passion fruit waste in diets for quail is recommended to maintain the indices in relation to control treatment. However, the best values for egg-laying rate and for the weights of egg, albumen, yolk, and shell are obtained with 2.5 to 3.5% inclusion of passion fruit waste. It was aimed to evaluate the effect of including the waste from passion fruit pulp extraction in diets for Japanese quail in the laying phase on their production performance and egg quality. A total of 280 female quail were distributed into five treatments with eight replicates and seven birds per cage. Treatments consisted of 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8% inclusion of passion fruit waste in the diet. The experiment began with quail at 70 days of age and lasted 63 days, with performance evaluated every 21 days and egg quality in the last two days of each cycle. There was no difference between the treatments for feed intake, body weight, specific gravity, or eggshell thickness. However, a decreasing linear regression was obtained for feed intake with the inclusion of the waste, while a quadratic response was show by egg production, weight and parts of the egg. Inclusion of up to 6% passion fruit waste in diets for quail is recommended to maintain the indices in relation to control treatment. However, the best values for egg-laying rate and for the weights of egg, albumen, yolk, and shell are obtained with 2.5 to 3.5% inclusion of passion fruit waste.

It is important to consider nonlinear effects when designing controllers to maximise generated energy in wave energy converters (WECs). Due to the substantial extra computation and complexity added when considering nonlinearities in the controller calculations, quantifying the extent of nonlinearity in WECs’ behaviour is crucial to avoid designing overcomplicated control strategies. This paper suggests two nonlinearity measures to quantify the nonlinearity degree of wave-to-wire (W2W) models in steady-state, using the best linear approximation identified through a minimisation problem as a benchmark. The first measure, referred to as the original nonlinearity measure, evaluates the nonlinear effects of the wave-absorber hydrodynamic interaction. The second measure, referred to as the power nonlinearity measure, quantifies the nonlinear effects in power take-off (PTO) systems, considering the quadratic response of the power signal. The degree of nonlinearity of two WEC models, a partially-nonlinear hydrodynamic model with an ideal PTO model and a complete nonlinear W2W model, is evaluated using monochromatic and polychromatic waves over a wide range of wave periods and heights, covering the whole operational space of a WEC.

Os aceiros químicos consistem em faixas com aplicações de retardantes do fogo utilizados no combate indireto de incêndios florestais. Embora eficiente, a inexistência de recomendações de uso prático restringe a aplicação e eficácia dos produtos. Objetivou-se avaliar a eficiência de retardantes do fogo em queimas controladas em área de Eucalyptus urograndis (Eucalyptus grandis x Eucalyptus urophylla) (clone H13) com 6,0 anos de idade, por meio da aplicação de diferentes concentrações e volumes de calda, considerando 1,0 h como tempo pós-aplicação. Foram avaliados três retardantes do fogo: dois comerciais (Phos-Chek WD881® e Hold Fire®) e um alternativo (polímero hidrorretentor: Nutrigel®) com cinco concentrações e nos volumes de calda de 0,5; 1,0 e 2,0 L m-2 (apenas água e sem aplicação de calda foram as referências). O comportamento do fogo foi avaliado pela velocidade de propagação do fogo, comprimento das chamas (e suas respectivas taxas de reduções) e material combustível remanescente e consumido. Para todos os retardantes, o aumento do volume de calda propiciou redução das variáveis do comportamento do fogo, sendo recomendado a aplicação de calda equivalente a 2,0 L m-2. As eficiências do Phos-Chek WD881® e do Hold Fire® apresentaram comportamentos lineares crescentes indicando que o aumento da concentração propiciou maior do controle do fogo, todavia, o Nutrigel® apresentou eficiência com resposta quadrática ao incremento das concentrações. A concentração ideal variou de acordo com o produto, sendo recomendado 1,0 mL L-1; 1,5 mL L-1; 0,0060 g L-1 para Phos-Chek WD881®, Hold Fire® e Nutrigel®, respectivamente.

Digestibility of amino acids (AA) in feed ingredients for pigs has been generally determined by feeding experimental diets containing test feedstuffs as a sole source of N, which may lead to the deficiency or imbalance of AA and hinder an accurate determination of digestibility values. Therefore, the addition of casein in experimental diets may ameliorate the potential negative effects of deficiency or imbalance of AA. In addition, the concentration of test feedstuffs in experimental diets may affect the digestibility of AA in test feedstuffs. Two experiments were conducted with corn distillers' dried grains with solubles (DDGS) as the test feedstuff to determine the effects of increasing concentrations of casein in experimental diets on standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of AA in DDGS (experiment 1) and to investigate the effects of two concentrations of DDGS in experimental diets with or without the addition of casein on SID of AA in DDGS (experiment 2). In experiment 1, 20 barrows (initial BW = 45.3 ± 1.80 kg) surgically fitted with T-cannulas at the distal ileum were allocated to a quadruplicate 5 × 2 incomplete Latin square design with five diets and two periods. Four isonitrogenous diets containing increasing concentrations of casein from 0 to 165 g/kg with decreasing concentrations of DDGS from 466.8 to 0 g/kg and a N-free diet were prepared. The SID of AA, except for arginine, cysteine, and glycine, in DDGS linearly decreased (P

The goal of this study was to reconcile inconsistency of neural engagement underlying action anticipation between experts and nonexperts, as well as between correct and incorrect anticipations. Therefore, we asked novice, intermediate, and skilled baseball batters (N, IB, and SB) to anticipate their swing decisions in response to pitching videos of a strike or ball, using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Behavioral results confirmed the effect of expertise that is generally shown in a linear fashion. Imaging results instead revealed a nonlinear relationship between expertise level and the evoked response amplitude of nodes within the action observation network. The relationship was best captured by an inverted U‐shaped quadratic response profile across the three groups such that IB exhibited higher activation than did both SB and N. These empirical findings extend the framework of predictive coding as well as of neural efficiency in anticipating the action of others, and they might be associated with the underlying process to interpret the goal of the observed action and prepare one's own response. Furthermore, the right anterior cerebellum showed different levels of activation for correct and incorrect anticipations in all groups, adding novel evidence of its subtle involvement in anticipation processes irrespective of expertise status., The goal of this study was to reconcile inconsistency of neural engagement underlying action anticipation between experts and nonexperts. We asked novice, intermediate, and skilled baseball batters (N, IB, and SB) to anticipate their swing decisions in response to pitching videos of a strike or ball, using functional magnetic resonance imaging. Behavioural results confirmed the effect of expertise that is generally shown in a linear fashion, imaging results instead revealed a nonlinear relationship between expertise level and the evoked response amplitude of nodes within the action observation network.

Parametric optimization always plays important roles in bioengineering systems to obtain a high product yield under the proper conditions. The parametric conditions of lactic acid production by homologous batch fermentation of Lactobacillus pentosus cells was optimized by the Box-Behnken design. The highest l-lactic acid yield was obtained as 0.836 ± 0.003 g/g glucose with the productivity of 0.906 ± 0.003 g/(L × H) under the optimum conditions of 34.7 °C, pH 6.2, 148 rpm agitation speed, and 9.3 g/L nitrogen source concentration determined by quadratic response surface with high accuracy. The adequate kinetic models of cell growth rate, lactic production rate, and glucose consumption rate were also established to describe the fermentation behavior of L. pentosus cells with the correlation coefficients of 09985, 0.9990, and 0.9989, respectively.

The objective of the study was to determine the growth performance response to reduced dietary protein level and to identify the optimum level of protein for the performance in growing Windsnyer pigs. Maize-soybean-based diets were formulated to contain a protein level of 193 g/kg, 173.7 g/kg, 154.4 g/kg, 135.1 g/kg, 115.8 g/kg and 96.5 g/kg. The 193 g/kg (control diet) is the standard recommended by the National Research Council. The amino acid levels and net energy value were similar in all treatments. The study was conducted with five growing Windsnyer pigs per each protein inclusion level. The trial was carried out with individually caged pigs aged 4 months, weighing about 23 (SD = 1.39) kg. The experiment lasted a period of 8 weeks excluding 2 weeks of the adaptation period. The feed and water were offered ad libitum. The average daily feed intake (ADFI), average daily gain (ADG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), final body weight (FBW) and metabolic body weight (BW0.75) were measured. Polynomial regression and piecewise regressions were used to analyse data. Decremental levels of protein did not affect (p > 0.05) ADFI and ADG. Reduced levels of protein influenced FBW, BW0.75 and FCR (p

The objective was to evaluate the efficiency of inoculation based on the bacteria Azospirillum brasilense, in wheat crop performance with increasing nitrogen rates, in temperate conditions. The experiment was conducted on the wheat crop in a no-tillage system at the Federal University of Santa Catarina - Brazil, over two years (2013 and 2014). The experimental design was randomized blocks, in a 3x4 factorial model, with four replicates, combining three forms of wheat inoculation (seed inoculation, no inoculation, and leaf inoculation) with four N rates (0, 75, 150 and 225 kg ha-1 of N). A joint analysis of experiments (two assessment years) was used. Biometric parameters and yield components were evaluated. There was no three-way relationship among the factors. Inoculation effect was only significant for ear length and plant height, with different response accordingly to assessment year. The effect of N rate was a quadratic response for all variables. The best results for the variables were with the application of 150 to 225 kg N ha-1. The application of 215 kg N ha-1 with no inoculation resulted in the best management for wheat cultivation.

An experiment was carried out at farmer’s field of Kushtia district under High Ganges River Floodplain Soil (AEZ-11) during Rabi seasons of 2013-14, 2014-15 and 2015-16. The objectives of the study were to evaluate the effect of boron on the yield of hybrid maize (cv. BARI Hybrid Bhutta-9) and to find out the optimum dose of boron for higher yield and economic return. There were 6 treatments comprising 6 levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 kg B ha -1 ) of boron along with a blanket dose of N 256 P 65 K 45 S 27 Zn 3 kg ha -1 and cowdung 5 tha -1 . Boron fertility of the initial soil was in medium level (0.33 μg g -1 ). The experiment was conducted in RCB design with three compact replications. Results of three years study revealed that hybrid maize responded significantly to added boron for the first two years but for the third year the effect was statistically non significant. The highest grain yield was obtained with 2.5 kg B ha -1 , which was marginally significant with boron control but statistically identical to rest of the boron levels. Although, the yield increased linearly up to 2.5 kg ha -1 but the effect was relatively better fitted with quadratic response function (R 2 = 0.943). The mean highest grain yield found to be 8.55 t ha -1 for 2.5 kg B ha -1 against 8.20 t ha -1 from 0.5 kg B ha -1 and 7.84 t ha -1 from boron control. Considering the boron fertilty of soil, response of maize to boron and economic return, the optimum dose of boron may be 0.5 kg ha-1 for the cultivation of hybrid maize for medium level boron fertile soil under AEZ-11 of Kushtia district or alike. Bangladesh J. Agril. Res. 43(2): 281-288, June 2018

We examined egg production and quality responses of adding up to 7.5% defatted black soldier fly larvae meal (BSFLM) in a corn–soybean meal diet fed to pullets (19 to 27 wk of age). The concentration of CP and crude fat in BSFLM sample was 59.3 and 7.0% DM, respectively. A corn–soybean meal diet was formulated with 0 or 5.0 or 7.5% BSFLM and fed (n = 6) to a total of 108, 19-wk-old Shaver White pullets placed in conventional cages (6 birds/cage). The birds had free access to feed and water. Hen-day egg production (HDEP) and average egg weight were monitored daily and feed intake (FI) weekly. Egg quality parameters were assessed on individual eggs collected on the 5th d of wk 22, 24, and 26 and included individual EW (IEW), albumen height (HU), yolk color (YC), egg shell-breaking strength (SBS) and thickness (ST). A quadratic response (P < 0.02) was observed for HDEP, EW and egg mass. Specifically, birds fed 0 and 7.5% BSFLM diets had similar (P > 0.05) values for these parameters with birds fed 5.0% BSFLM showing lower (P < 0.05) HDEP than 0 or 7.5% BSFLM fed birds. The HDEP was 89.4, 84.8, and 87.8 for 0, 5.0, and 7.5% BSFLM, respectively. Feeding BSFLM linearly (P < 0.01) increased FI and feed conversion ratio (FCR) (FI/egg mass). There was no diet effect (P > 0.05) on IEW and HU, however, BSFLM linearly (P = 0.02) reduced CV of IEW. The IEW was 53.7, 52.3, and 53.0 g for 0, 5.0, and 7.5% BSFLM-fed birds, respectively and corresponding CV values of IEW were 7.9, 5.2, and 5.1%. Feeding BSFLM linearly (P < 0.01) increased YC, SBS, and ST. In conclusion, birds fed 7.5% BSFLM had similar HDEP and egg mass but poor FCR relative to corn–soybean meal diet without BSFLM. The effects of BSFLM on egg quality characteristics warrant further investigations.

A dose-response experiment with four dietary copper concentrations (4.17, 8.17, 12.17 and 16.17 mg/kg) was conducted to estimate the growth performance, slaughter performance, nutrient content of fecal and liver copper concentrations of growing Goslings from 28 to 70 d of age. Two hundred healthy male Yangzhou geese with similar body weight were randomized to four groups with five replicates per treatment and ten geese per replicate. Average daily feed intake, average daily gain and feed conversion ratio of geese for each pen were measured from 28 to 70 d of age. At 70 d of age, two geese were selected randomly from each pen and slaughtered to evaluate carcass quality. Metabolism experiment was conducted with five male geese from each group (one goose per pen) which body weight was close to the mean weight of the group from 64 to 70 d of age. Significant effects of dietary copper was found on body weight, feed conversion ratio, carcass yield, fecal copper concentrations and liver copper concentrations. Body weight, feed conversion ratio and carcass yield showed significant quadratic response to increase dietary copper concentration, while fecal copper concentration and liver copper concentration showed a significant linear response. The result showed that dietary Cu addition can improve growth by increasing the use of the feeding stuff and improving carcass yield in growing Goslings. Furthermore, taking into consideration, the optimal level of Gosling dietary copper was between 8.77 and 11.6 mg/kg from 28 to 70 days of age.

This study evaluated the level and length of time of vitamin A supplementation and its effects on carcass and cuts yield, meat quality, and myopathies in 42-day-old broilers. A total of 1,920 birds were divided into six groups, and each group received a different level of vitamin A: 0; 6,000; 16,000; 26,000; 36,000 and 46,000 IU/ kg. From day 1 to 21, the treatments were distributed among 16 replicates with 20 birds. From the 22nd day on, 8 repetitions remained with the initial treatment and the others received diets with no vitamin A supplementation. Twelve birds were slaughtered per treatment to evaluate carcass and cuts yield, shear force, cooking loss, water holding capacity and the presence of substances reactive to thiobarbituric acid. The remaining birds were slaughtered and evaluated in loco for Wooden Breast (WB) and White Striping (WS). Wings weight was affected by vitamin A levels. The duration of the vitamin A supplementation process had effects on the weight of breast, legs with a dorsal portion, and meat color in the yellow intensity (b*). Incidence of WB had higher scores in birds supplemented until 42 days of age. WS showed a quadratic response and a lower response with supplementation of 29,700 IU/ kg. Even for WS, a higher occurrence of the normal score was found in birds supplemented until 21 days of age. Minimal quadratic responses were obtained for normal, moderate and severe scores, in supplementations of 29,301; 29,959 and 29,827 IU/ kg, respectively. WB had lower occurrence rates in birds supplemented until 21 days of age. Consequently, the severe score was more frequent when supplementation was provided until 42 days of age. The level of vitamin A and the length of time during which this supplementation was provided had influence on cuts yield, meat color and the incidence of WB and WS of the 42-day-old birds.

The excited-state absorption in a set of fluorene oligomers are simulated based on the LR-TDDFT and QR-TDDFT calculations. It is shown that the results obtained from LR-TDDFT are in good agreement with the data of QR-TDDFT and the experimental results. The advantage of the LR-TDDFT over QR-TDDFT method is that the computational cost is scaling as only N 4 . In addition, it is noticed that the influences of the used exchange correlation functional in LR-TDDFT and QR-TDDFT for the simulations of ESA also show similar effects. Accordingly, LR-TDDFT can be used as an alternative to QR-TDDFT for studying the ESA of conjugated polymers.