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The aim of this study was to assess the impact of administering an energy-protein supplement with fibrolytic enzymes, either singly or in a blend, on the intake, digestibility, ruminal, and metabolic parameters in grazing beef cattle. Five rumen-cannulated Nellore steers, averaging 36 months of age and a body weight of 559.57 ± 35 kg were evaluated using a 5 x 5 Latin Square design. The treatments included a protein-energy supplement (2 g/kg BW) without additives (Control), or supplemented with 4 g β-glucanase/animal (BGLU); 4 g xylanase/animal (XYLA); 4 g β-glucanase and 1 g xylanase/animal (BGLU+XYLA); and 4 g xylanase and 1 g β-glucanase/animal (XYLA+BGLU). The administration of either single fibrolytic enzymes or the enzyme blend did not significantly influence (P > 0.05) the intakes of forage dry matter (DM), total DM, crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), organic matter (OM), digestible OM, or the digestibility coefficients of DM, NDF, CP, and OM. Similarly, the use of these enzymes individually or combined did not impact (P > 0.05) the levels of rumen pH, volatile fatty acids, ruminal ammonia nitrogen, microbial nitrogen, serum urea nitrogen, or urinary nitrogen excretion. Providing fibrolytic enzymes, individually or in blends, does not modify the nutrient intake, digestibility, or metabolism in beef cattle on tropical pastures receiving low levels of protein-energy supplements.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da inclusão de nitrogênio não proteico (NNP) no suplemento e a influência de diferentes tempos de maturação sobre características físico-químicas no músculo de bovinos de corte (½ Angus + ½ Nelore) em pastejo. Foram utilizados 108 bifes do músculo Longissimus dorsi, retirados de 36 bovinos não castrados, com aproximadamente 20 meses de idade e peso corporal inicial de 400,33 ± 40,87 kg, em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado e esquema fatorial, com doze tratamentos, constituídos pela combinação de quatro dietas pré-abate e três tempos de maturação da carne, sendo um bife por unidade experimental totalizando nove repetições. As dietas pré-abate foram compostas por pasto e suplementação concentrada com baixo, médio e alto teor de NNP e controle (não suplementado). Não houve interação (p > 0,05) entre dietas e tempos de maturação (TM) sobre a luminosidade, teor de vermelho e intensidade de amarelo, pH e força de cisalhamento da carne. Independente dos TM, animais não suplementados apresentaram menor (p < 0,05) perda de água por cocção (5,92%) e carnes mais duras (3,32 kgf cm-3) que bovinos que receberam dieta com média concentração de NNP (2,62 kgf cm-3). Os animais que receberam dietas com baixa suplementação de NNP apresentaram carnes com maior (p < 0,05) pigmentação vermelha, além de bifes mais leves (p < 0,05) no pós-cocção do que bovinos não suplementados e aqueles alimentados com dieta contendo média suplementação de NNP. Independente das classes de NNP, a maturação realizada até o 9º dia é eficaz para aumentar a maciez da carne dos bovinos. Bovinos cruzados (½ Angus + ½ Nelore) que consomem dietas com baixa ou média suplementação de nitrogênio não proteico apresentam bifes com melhores condições de intensidade de cor vermelha e de maciez, respectivamente.

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to assess prediction models for production indexes in batches of growing pigs using performance regressors (period of the year and farm size). A database containing 663 records on the performance of pig batches (18.83 ± 4.37 to 111.26 ± 10.59 kg body weight (BW) at housing and finisher, respectively) from a private company was used to assess the following average animal characteristics: initial number of animals (INA), initial BW (IBW), initial age (IA), final BW (FBW), final age (FA), daily feed intake (DFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR). Data were categorized by period (P) of the year (P1 = Nov to Apr and P2 = May to Oct), and farm size (FS): 0 ≤ INA ≤ 1,000, FS1; 1,001 ≤ INA ≤ 2,000, FS2; 2,001 ≤ INA ≤ 3,000, FS3; and INA > 3,000, FS4. The analysis resulted in representing 58 % of the variance of FCR data. The INA impaired FCR, and having larger pig batches improves FCR and profitability. The FBW prediction errors ranged from 2.47 to 3.38 %. Feed conversion ratio prediction errors ranged from 3.27 to 4.47 %. Based on the joint criteria of non-bias and accuracy, the models for predicting the FBW of growing pig batches have practical value in animal science on account of their accuracy. In addition, increasing the initial number of housed pigs in batches affects the FCR regardless of the period of the year.

This study was conducted to assess the effects of dietary monoglycerides and tributyrin on performance, blood metabolites, and intestinal health function in nursery piglets. A total of 96 crossbred entire male piglets (7.70 ± 0.49 kg) were allotted for 35 d in a complete block design to one of four treatments: (1) negative control (NC): no feed additive, (2) positive control (PC) containing 60 mg halquinol/kg diet, (3) diet containing 2 g monoglyceride blend/kg diet (MGD), and (4) diet containing 2 g tributyrin/kg diet (TBT). The growth phases were defined as pre-starter (day 0–20), and starter (day 20–35). No treatment effect on performance was observed. Pre-starter piglets fed NC showed higher diarrhoea occurrence (DO) than those fed PC and TBT (p

The objective of the current study was to compare the rumen inoculum of slaughtered cattle with the ruminal inoculum of cannulated cattle; additionally, determine its reliability in the in vitro analysis of ruminant feeds throughout a multivariate approach. Five male bovines (weight 320 ± 9.4 kg; mean ± standard deviation) provided with ruminal cannula and between five and seven bovines slaughtered in slaughterhouse were used. The evaluations were carried out following a completely randomized design. The data obtained were subjected to different multivariate analyzes to determine the reliability of the ruminal inoculum of animals slaughtered in commercial slaughterhouses compared to that obtained from cannulated animals. The relative contribution indicated that the in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD, 50.75%) and in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD, 29.83%) analysis influence 80.13% of the results to determine the reliability of the ruminal inoculum from slaughtered cattle. Furthermore, it was determined that the first two principal components (IVNDFD and acetic acid production) are the ones that influence the results by 89.87%. The grouping of diets using the Tocher optimization method and the dendrogram shows the formation of six groups and two groups, respectively. The grouping shows that the ruminal inoculum source was not the limiting parameter in the evaluation. Rumen inoculum from cattle slaughtered in a commercial slaughterhouse (with unknown diet) has potential as an alternative for the in vitro analysis of cattle feed, provided that the lignin concentration in the diet is less than 35.5 g/kg DM.

Abstract The effects of β-mannanase supplementation in metabolizable energy (ME)-reduced diets containing xylanase-phytase were investigated on growth performance, fecal score, ultra-sounded backfat thickness and loin depth, blood profile, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), digesta passage rate, and fecal microbiome in grower pigs (n = 40, 26.09 ± 0.96 kg) randomly assigned within 4 treatments: a control diet containing isolated phytase and xylanase valued at 40 kcal of ME/kg (CD0), CD0 + β-mannanase (0.3 g/kg valued at 30 kcal of ME/kg) (CD70), CD0 + β-mannanase (0.3 g/kg valued at 45 kcal of ME/kg) (CD85), and CD0 + β-mannanase (0.3 g/kg valued at 60 kcal of ME/kg) (CD100). Growth performance was not affected in pigs fed ME-reduced diets containing β-mannanase. Pigs with CD100 had lower serum IL-1β concentration, and higher IL-10 was observed in pigs on CD0 than those fed β-mannanase. Coefficients of ATTD, and ATTD of DM and CP were higher in animals fed CD85 or CD100. Pigs with CD85 had higher alpha diversity richness but lower Firmicutes:Bacteroidota ratio. Acidaminococcaceae and Ruminococcaceae were more abundant in pigs fed CD0, but lower for Christensenellaceae NSJ-63 and NSJ-63 sp014384805. Pigs in CD85 showed higher Bacteroidaceae and Prevotella abundance, and lower for Streptococcaceae and Streptococcus. In conclusion, supplementation of β-mannanase in diets containing xylanase-phytase saved 85 to 100 kcal of ME/kg by supporting growth performance and improving nutrient digestibility in grower pigs.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess an alkaline protease supplemented in diets with and without crude protein (CP) reduction on performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), blood parameters, and carcass and meat traits in growing-finishing pigs. Forty male pigs (26.2±1.2 kg) were randomly allocated into one of five treatments: negative control (NC, 2% and 1% reduction of CP in grower and finisher phases, respectively, no protease); NC150: NC + 150 mg protease kg−1 diet; NC300: NC + 300 mg protease kg−1 diet; PC: positive control (no CP reduction and protease); and PC300: PC + 300 mg protease kg−1 diet, with eight replicates of one pig/pen. Pigs fed NC showed greater average daily feed intake (ADFI) than pigs fed NC300 or PC and lower ADFI compared to pigs fed NC150. Pigs fed PC had lower ADFI than those fed PC300. Greater average daily gain and gain to feed ratio (G:F) were observed in pigs on NC compared with those on NC300 or NC150 and NC300, respectively. Pigs fed PC showed better G:F than pigs fed PC300. Lower coefficients of ATTD (CTTAD) of dry and organic matter (OM), digestible dry matter (DDM), digestible organic matter (DOM), and digestible protein were observed in growing II pigs fed NC compared with pigs fed NC150 or NC300. Pigs fed NC showed a lower DP compared with PC or NC150. Positive control group showed increased digestible protein compared with NC. Finishing II pigs fed NC showed lower DDM, DOM, CTTAD of OM, and gross energy than pigs fed NC150 or NC300. Pigs fed PC showed greater albumin concentration compared with pigs fed PC300 in finishing II. Pigs fed NC and PC300 showed greater luminosity in the l. thoracis muscle than pigs fed PC. A greater color score was evidenced in the l. thoracis in pigs fed PC compared with pigs fed PC300. The dietary supplementation of isolated alkaline protease and CP-reduced diets improves ATTD without supporting pig performance.

Este estudo foi composto por dois experimentos conduzidos para avaliar os efeitos de dietas com baixo e alto teor de proteína bruta suplementadas até o quarto aminoácido essencial e dois cruzamentos comerciais sobre o desempenho zootécnico, concentração de ureia plasmática (CUP), viabilidade econômica, digestibilidade aparente de nutrientes, e balanço de nitrogênio em leitões iniciantes. No Exp. I, um total de 128 leitões (14,02 ± 1,96 kg de peso corporal inicial e 48 dias de idade) foram distribuídos baseado no peso corporal inicial em um delineamento de blocos casualizados com arranjo fatorial 2 × 2. Foram avaliados dois cruzamentos comerciais (DB e PIC) e duas dietas de proteína bruta (baixa proteína bruta, BPB, e alta proteína bruta, APB). Foram utilizados quatro tratamentos, oito repetições e quatro leitões por unidade experimental. Exp. II foi conduzido utilizando 24 leitões machos inteiros (20,00 ± 1,41 kg de peso corporal inicial) alojados em gaiolas metabólicas por 12 dias e distribuídos no mesmo desenho experimental do Expt. I (seis repetições). Os resultados do Exp. I sugerem que os leitões alimentados com APB apresentaram melhor desempenho zootécnico. Foi observado um aumento de 25,2% na CUP em leitões alimentados com APB. Houve aumento de 18,2% no índice de eficiência econômica quando os leitões foram alimentados com APB, e também foi observada redução no custo por kg de ganho de peso corporal. No Exp. II, os leitões alimentados com APB apresentaram maiores coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes, proteína e energia digestíveis, consumo e absorção de N. Não houve efeito dos cruzamentos comerciais sobre as variáveis de desempenho e metabolismo. Conclui-se que as dietas APB, independente da genética, promoveram melhorias no desempenho e no índice de viabilidade econômica, mas aumentaram a CUP nos leitões. Além disso, as dietas APB influenciaram positivamente a digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes e a ingestão e absorção de N.

Objective This study was to assess the effects of different doses of an essential oil blend (EOB) on growth performance, diarrhea occurrence (DO), hematological and blood biochemical profile, intestinal morphometry, morphology and microbiology, relative weight and length of organs, digestive content pH, and liver antioxidant status in weaning piglets. Methods A total of 135 barrows (7.09±0.29 kg body weight) were allotted randomly in a randomized complete block design based on body weight with nine replications and three animals per pen. Dietary treatments were a negative control (NC): basal diet; positive control (PC): NC plus 125 mg performance-enhancing antibiotic (enramycin 8%)/kg diet; NC plus 100 mg EOB/kg diet (EO100); NC plus 200 mg EOB/kg diet (EO200); and NC plus 400 mg EOB/kg diet (EO400). Diarrhea occurrence was monitored daily, and performance at the end of each phase. Results Gain to feed ratio was greater (p

ABSTRACT: The quality of poultry by-product meal (PBM) is not standardized in the industry. Several factors are detrimental to PBM and compromise its nutritional value and shelf life. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the main PBM production factors that directly affect its in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVDOM) and protein oxidation (POX). Data on the processing of PBM samples (n = 100) were recorded in a rendering plant. Two types of PBM were used: 1) Low ash (LA, n = 66) with mineral matter (MM) content of 11% and 2) High ash (HA, n = 34) with MM above 11%. Processing traits and chemical composition of PBM were considered independent variables. The IVDOM and POX were determined in each sample and considered dependent variables. Data on independent variables were submitted to factorial and principal components (PC) analyses. In vitro organic matter digestibility data were clustered (P = 0.001) in low (778.92 g/kg), average (822.85 g/kg), and high (890.06 g/kg). The best arrangement was composed of six independent variables distributed in two PC, which explained 82.10% of the total variation. The ash concentration, oil to raw material ratio, collagen, and crude protein comprised PC1 with greater relevance and explained 58.46% of the total variance. The PC2 was composed of the processing time and temperature and explained 23.64% of the total variance. Protein oxidation data were clustered (P < 0.001) in low (265.19 nmol/mg CP), average (393.07 nmol/mg CP), and high (524.40 nmol/mg CP). Based on our results, the composition of the raw material from the slaughterhouse holds most of the information on PBM composition and digestibility. Developing improvements in the slaughtering or in the screening of the raw material that will be used by the rendering process is important to obtain a more nutritionally standardized ingredient.

This study aimed to assess the effects of β-mannanase supplementation in metabolizable energy (ME)-reduced diets containing xylanase-phytase on performance, fecal score, blood biochemical and immunological profile, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), digesta passage rate, fecal microbiome, carcass traits and meat quality in finisher pigs (n = 40 entire male hybrid, 26.0 ± 0.9 kg) randomly assigned to 1 of 4 dietary treatments: a control diet containing isolated phytase and xylanase valued at 40 kcal of ME/kg (CD0), CD0 + β-mannanase (0.3 g/kg valued at 30 kcal of ME/kg) (CD70), CD0 + β-mannanase (0.3 g/kg valued at 45 kcal of ME/kg) (CD85), and CD0 + β-mannanase (0.3 g/kg valued at 60 kcal of ME/kg) (CD100), with 10 pen replicates. Pigs fed CD0 diet showed (P = 0.002) greater ADFI. However, pigs fed CD0 diet showed (P = 0.009) lower G:F than those provided CD70 or CD85 diets. A greater (P < 0.001) superoxide dismutase concentration was observed in pigs fed CD70 diet. Pigs fed CD85 diet showed (P = 0.002) greater digestible protein than pigs fed CD0 or CD100 diets. Pigs fed CD70 diet showed an increase of 11.3% in digestible protein than those fed CD0 diet. In addition, greater (P < 0.001) digestible energy was observed in pigs fed CD85 diet. Pigs fed CD0 or CD100 diets showed greater (P < 0.05) Firmicutes:Bacteroidota ratio than those fed CD85 diet. The Muribaculaceae was more abundant (P = 0.030) in pigs fed CD70 diet than in those fed CD0 diet. The Prevotella was more abundant (P = 0.045) in pigs fed CD85 diet than in those fed CD100 diet. In conclusion, β-mannanase supplementation in diets containing xylanase-phytase allows reducing 85 kcal of ME/kg because it improves gain to feed ratio, energy and protein usage, and backfat thickness without metabolic and intestinal ecosystem disorders in finisher pigs.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) added to diets on growth performance, diarrhoea incidence (DI), blood metabolites, relative organ weight, and intestinal morphometry of weaned piglets challenged with enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F4 (K88). A total of 64 crossbred entire male piglets (25-day-old and 7.16 ± 0.28 kg body weight) were allocated into four treatments: control diet (CD-), CD- + antimicrobial growth promoter (AGP), CD- + 15 mg IAP/kg of diet and CD- + 30 mg IAP/kg of diet, with eight replications. At 15 days, all piglets were orally challenged with 6 ml of a solution containing K88 (106 colony forming units/ml). Microencapsulated IAP in acid solution showed 14.43% solubility and pH values of 1.69, 1.72, 1.51, and 1.52 at the different times measured (0.5 h, 1.0 h, 17.0 h, and 24 h); differently, IAP in basic solution had 4.10% solubility and pH values increased (5.95, 6.10, 6.32 and 6.63) according to the different times, respectively. On days 25-35, piglets that received 30 mg IAP and CD- showed a better feed conversion ratio (P = 0.075) compared to those fed 15 mg IAP. Piglets that consumed 30 mg IAP or CD- had higher (P = 0.004) average daily gain on days 35-44. On days 35-44, the piglet average daily feed intake was lower (P = 0.033) with 15 mg IAP compared to AGP. In the entire period, piglets fed 15 mg IAP showed a reduction in average daily gain (P = 0.040) and average daily feed intake (P = 0.092). Piglets on 30 mg IAP showed an improvement (P ≤ 0.05) in DI in the pre-and post-challenge periods. The relative spleen weight of the piglet increased (P = 0.043) in response to 30 mg IAP. Overall, the addition of 30 mg IAP to diets improves the growth performance, attenuates DI, and promotes an increase in spleen relative weight to maintain the healthy state of piglets.

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to assess the effects of maternal dietary calcitic seaweed (CSW) on performance and blood metabolites of sows, and on performance, blood metabolites, intestinal microbiota, and parameters of gastrointestinal tract and bone of litters. On d 21 (post-insemination), non-pregnant sows were removed from the trial, remaining 19 sows in control group (without CSW) and 16 sows receiving CSW. Then, a total of 35 sows were allocated in a randomized block design with two treatments: control diet with calcitic limestone plus dicalcium phosphate (CTL) or CTL plus 0.4% CSW. In gestation, sows were fed twice a day (07:00 and 15:00 h) to reach an intake of 2.5 kg animal−1 day−1 divided into two equal meals. On parturition day, sows were offered only 0.5 kg feed animal−1. Throughout lactation, sows were fed three times a day (≅7 kg animal−1 day−1). All diets were provided as mash. Results suggested that sows fed CTL had litters with lower body weight at birth compared with those fed CSW. Sows fed CSW had 14.28% more live-born piglets and lower stillborns. Piglets from sows fed CSW showed greater calcium concentration on d 14 after birth than those from sows fed CTL. Sows fed CSW showed better milk chemical composition and an increase of 27.16% in milk production compared with those fed CTL. Piglets from sows fed CSW had an increase in cecum content in the Enterobacteriaceae count. This study showed that adding 0.4% CSW in the diet of pregnant and lactating sows as an organic calcium source positively influences the number of live-born piglets and the percentage of stillborns. In addition, milk composition and production are also improved without affecting piglets’ biological response.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to assess the addition of intestinal alkaline phosphatase (IAP) to diets on the count of bacterial populations, pH of digestive organ contents, histopathological description, proinflammatory markers, hepatic glycogen reserve, and diarrhoea incidence of piglets challenged with Escherichia coli. Sixty-four crossbred piglets (7.16±0.28 kg body weight, 25-days-old) were assigned to four treatments in a completely randomised block design: negative control (NC), NC + antibiotic (ANT), NC + 15 mg IAP, or NC + 30 mg IAP kg−1 of diet, eight replications of two piglets per experimental unit. All piglets were orally challenged with 6 mL of a solution containing enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli K88 at 106 CFU mL−1 at 15 days of experimentation. The study lasted for 19 days. At the end of the experimental period, the piglets were slaughtered (six animals per treatment). Enterobacteriaceae in caecum and colon was lower in piglets on 30 mg IAP than with ANT and NC, ANT or 15 mg IAP, respectively. Enterobacteriaceae adhered to the mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN) was greater in piglets fed ANT than the other treatments. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) count in caecum was greater in piglets fed NC and ANT. In MLN, LAB count was greater in ANT and 30 mg IAP-fed piglets compared with 15 mg IAP. Piglets in 30 mg IAP in diet showed a tendency for lowering tissue necrosis compared with NC or ANT. Piglets fed 30 mg IAP showed a reduction in diarrhoea incidence in the pre- and post-challenge compared with 15 mg IAP and all other treatments, respectively. Based on the criteria, addition of 30 mg IAP to diet inhibits Enterobacteriaceae population and suggests a potential effect in mitigating intestinal injuries, as observed in piglets in the NC for some of the parameters investigated.

ABSTRACT: The study aimed to measure variations in industrial process and nutritional variables of poultry by-product meal (PBM) in rendering plants from batch cookers. A total of 200 samples of low ash PBM with mineral matter (MM) content of 11% (LA, n = 104) or high ash with MM above 11% (HA, n = 96) were collected from 5 industrial processing plants. The highest coefficients of variation in chemical composition were for MM (LA - 19.70%; HA - 19.59%), ether extract (LA - 20.72%; HA - 14.86%), collagen (LA - 21.16%; HA - 30.00%) and water activity (LA - 24.54%; HA - 25.89%). However, the crude protein (LA - 5.07%; HA - 7.39%), dry matter (LA - 1.75%; HA - 2.90%) and organic matter digestibility (LA - 4.81%; HA - 6.78%) were lower. The variability of the data related to the process of PBM was: maximum process temperature (LA - 3.91%; HA - 3.56%), average process temperature (LA - 3.73%; HA - 4.71%), and processing time (LA - 27.37%; HA - 37.59%). This study evidenced that the corrective measures by limiting the amount of bones in the raw material, optimizing the pressing step for the poultry fat extraction, and also controlling the processing time of PBM may favor the production of more standardized PBM in terms of chemical composition and quality.

Weaning is considered the "critical window" in the piglet's life because it is associated with several stress factors, such as loss of contact with the mother and original litter, solid diet, environmental and structural changes, and the establishment of a new hierarchy. During this abrupt period, several events such as reduced feed intake, high morbidity, susceptibility to enteric infections and post-weaning diarrhoea are observed. The nutritional landscape of the piglet gut is modified, which can compromise the maturity of the gastrointestinal system, the stable intestinal microbiome and the active immunity developed as an indicator of intestinal health. However, with increased awareness of feed safety issues and the development of drug-resistant bacteria, the interest in producing pigs without the use of antimicrobial growth promoters (AGP) is increasing, since long-term use and therapeutic doses of AGP can contribute to the reduction of bacterial diversity and increase of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Thus, the most widely researched alternatives include the use of feed additives, feeding strategies, nutraceuticals/functional foods and available handling that can reduce the risk of IBD beyond basic nutritional functions. Studies have reported intestinal alkaline phosphatase as a new nutritional therapy associated with intestinal health which may be a "key additive" in the AGP replacement. In this review article, the purpose is to show some current aspects of feed additive research, addressing a concept of the "intestinal health" from different points of view and properties of alkaline phosphatase.

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the functional results of surgically correcting drop foot in patients with leprosy and compare their SALSA, Social Participation, and AOFAS score. Methods: Overall, 22 patients were subjected to posterior tibial tendon transfer via the subcutaneous route to the foot dorsum with an average follow-up of 56 months (min 12, max 70). In our sample, 15 of the enrolled patients were men and seven, women, aged between 20 and 73 years old who were operated on from January 2014 to December 2017. The Pearson’s correlation test (r) was used to measure the correlation among those scales. A p < 0.05 was considered significant between the pre- and pos-operative AOFAS scale scores. Results: Pre-operative average AOFAS score was 59.6 (min 35, max 74) and 77.2 postoperative (min 36, max 97) (p < 0.0001), postoperative Salsa and Social Participation scale, 30.6 and 22.5, respectively. Statistical analysis suggests a strong positive correlation between AOFAS and Salsa scales (r = −0.83) and AOFAS and social participation (r = −0.78). Average dorsiflexion was 5.4 degrees. Conclusion: The surgical correction of drop foot positively affects the quality of life and social participation of patients with leprosy. Level of Evidence III, Retrospective Study.

This study was conducted to assess the effect of two types of drinkers on water intake (WI) and two types of toys on behavioural observations of piglets in the nursery phase. A total of 72 crossbred entire male piglets (Landrace × Large White, Agroceres and DanBred), weaned at 21 days of age, with an average initial body weight (AIBW) of 6.75 ± 0.19 kg were used. Two statistical models were fitted for WI. In model I, animals were distributed in a completely randomized design (CRD) with a split-plot in time, composed of six treatments (2 types of drinkers × 3 experimental phases), eight replications (days of sampling), and 36 animals/experimental unit (EU), without using AIBW as a covariate. In model II, animals were distributed in a CRD with two treatments (fixed or pendular nipple drinkers), eight replications (days of sampling) and 36 animals/EU, with use of AIBW as a covariate. For assessment of behavioural observations, the model was adjusted in a randomized block design, consisting of four treatments [two types of toys (metal chain and plastic bottle) × two daytime periods (morning and afternoon)], nine replications and three blocks constituted in time (days), totalling four pigs/EU. The results indicated an effect on animal daily WI in the starter phase in model I (p < 0.000) and II (p = 0.006). There was an effect (p smaller 0.05) of toy type for behavioural observations, in which pigs showed a greater proportion of fighting and belly nosing when they had the bottle toy. However, animals spent more time (p smaller 0.05) eating, drinking water, overlapping, and playing with the toy when they had access to the chain toy. There was an increase (p smaller 0.05) in sleeping behaviour in the morning period, as well as greater (p smaller 0.05) behavioural activity in the afternoon period. In conclusion, WI of nursery piglets was positively influenced by growth phase, and the fixed drinker stimulated greater WI in piglets in the starter phase. In addition, the metal chain, as an environmental enrichment, promoted improvements in feeding behaviour and WI, reducing fighting events, and the afternoon period had increased behavioural observations overall.

What started as a cluster of patients with a mysterious respiratory illness in Wuhan, China, in December 2019, was later determined to be coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The pathogen severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel Betacoronavirus, was subsequently isolated as the causative agent. SARS-CoV-2 is transmitted by respiratory droplets and fomites and presents clinically with fever, fatigue, myalgias, conjunctivitis, anosmia, dysgeusia, sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. In most critical cases, symptoms can escalate into acute respiratory distress syndrome accompanied by a runaway inflammatory cytokine response and multiorgan failure. As of this article's publication date, COVID-19 has spread to approximately 200 countries and territories, with over 4.3 million infections and more than 290,000 deaths as it has escalated into a global pandemic. Public health concerns mount as the situation evolves with an increasing number of infection hotspots around the globe. New information about the virus is emerging just as rapidly. This has led to the prompt development of clinical patient risk stratification tools to aid in determining the need for testing, isolation, monitoring, ventilator support, and disposition. COVID-19 spread is rapid, including imported cases in travelers, cases among close contacts of known infected individuals, and community-acquired cases without a readily identifiable source of infection. Critical shortages of personal protective equipment and ventilators are compounding the stress on overburdened healthcare systems. The continued challenges of social distancing, containment, isolation, and surge capacity in already stressed hospitals, clinics, and emergency departments have led to a swell in technologically-assisted care delivery strategies, such as telemedicine and web-based triage. As the race to develop an effective vaccine intensifies, several clinical trials of antivirals and immune modulators are underway, though no reliable COVID-19-specific therapeutics (inclusive of some potentially effective single and multi-drug regimens) have been identified as of yet. With many nations and regions declaring a state of emergency, unprecedented quarantine, social distancing, and border closing efforts are underway. Implementation of social and physical isolation measures has caused sudden and profound economic hardship, with marked decreases in global trade and local small business activity alike, and full ramifications likely yet to be felt. Current state-of-science, mitigation strategies, possible therapies, ethical considerations for healthcare workers and policymakers, as well as lessons learned for this evolving global threat and the eventual return to a “new normal” are discussed in this article.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of including two types of crude glycerin (CG) in feed on plasma parameters, quantitative and qualitative carcass characteristics, and the fatty acid profile of the Longissimus dorsi pig muscle. Sixty-three commercial line pigs were used, with an average weight of 30.53 ± 1.59 to 59.55 ± 4.27 kg in the growing phase and 60.35 ± 2.25 to 89.91 ± 5.23 kg in the finishing phase. The pigs’ diet included two sources of CG (vegetable and mixed) at four inclusion levels (3%, 6%, 9% and 12%). One CG was derived from soybean oil (VCG) and the other from 80% animal fat + 20% soybean oil (MCG). The control diet contained 0% glycerin. Blood samples were collected at the beginning, middle and final phases of the trial. In addition, at the end of the finishing phase, the animals were fasted for 12 h and then sacrificed to measure the quantitative and qualitative carcass characteristics and the fatty acid profile of the Longissimus dorsi. The results indicate that in both phases there was a quadratic effect on plasma triglycerides. There was no effect on carcass parameters. A quadratic behaviour for pH24 h was obtained, with the lowest value attained at 1.05% CG inclusion. There was an interaction between the type of glycerin and the inclusion level in the diets for polyunsaturated fatty acids. VCG and MCG can be used at up to 12% inclusion because they cause no negative effects on carcass characteristics and pig meat quality.

Three experiments were carried out to determine the nutritional value and the effect of acerola seed meal (ASM) for starter piglet diets on feed digestibility, nitrogen balance (NB), growth performance and blood metabolites. Twenty-four crossbred entire male piglets (21.07 ± 3.07 kg) were assigned to a digestibility assay (Exp. I) and distributed in a randomised block design (RBD) with two treatments composed of reference diet (RD) or test diet (20% replacement with ASM), 12 replications and with one pig per experimental unit (EU). An NB study (Exp. II) was conducted with four levels of ASM (0, 4, 8 and 12%) and 24 crossbred entire male piglets (20.78 ± 1.84 kg) allocated in an RBD of six replications and one pig per EU. The growth performance study (Exp. III) involved 120 crossbred piglets: 60 entire males and 60 females (13.85 ± 1.49 kg). Treatments consisted of a gender combination and five levels of ASM (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12%), distributed in an RBD with six replications and four animals per EU. The physicochemical composition results indicated 86.12% of dry matter (DM), 8.03% of crude protein (CP) and 4,553 kcal kg-1 of gross energy (GE) as well as apparent digestibility coefficients of 39.04 and 28.21% for CP and GE, respectively. The levels of ASM that provided the maximum estimate for final body weight, daily body weight gain and average daily feed intake were 2.93% (p = 0.037), 3.05% (p = 0.040) and 4.27% (p = 0.043), respectively. ASM can be indicated as a dietary fibre source for starter piglet diets because it contains relevant nutritional and energy values, without affecting the nitrogen balance and blood urea concentration.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of levels of concentrate supplement and dietary lipids on the nutritional characteristics, metabolic parameters, and performance of Nellore bulls grazing tropical pasture. Twenty-seven Nellore bulls were allotted to 2 × 2 completely randomized factorial design with two levels of supplementation and two levels of dietary lipids. The concentrate supplement was fed at 4 g kg-1 BW (low supplementation) and 8 g kg-1 BW (high supplementation), whereas the dietary lipid content was 28 g of ether extract (EE) g-1 on a dry matter basis (DM) (low-lipid diet) and 42 g EE kg-1 DM (high-lipid diet). There was no interaction between the level of concentrate supplement and dietary lipid content on all studied variables. High levels of supplementation led to shorter grazing time and reduced forage dry matter intake (DMF). On the other hand, the DM intake increased with increasing levels of concentrate supplement, with no significant effects on DM digestibility. The dietary lipid content did not affect forage and DM intakes. However, the digestibility of DM and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were lowest in high-lipid diets. Bulls receiving high levels of supplementation had higher average daily gains than low-supplemented animals. Neither the amount of concentrate supplement nor the dietary lipid content affected the hot carcass yield and carcass weight. Carcass fat deposition was greater in bulls fed high-lipid diets than in animals receiving low-lipid diets. The effects of the level of concentrate supplement and dietary lipid content on the nutritional characteristics and performance of grazing beef cattle are independent. Concentrate supplementation at 8 g kg-1 BW increases cattle performance but decreases forage utilization. Diets containing 42 g EE kg-1 DM reduces the digestibility of dry matter and fiber fractions, but increases backfat thickness.

Balancing diets for protein affects both protein and energy use efficiency in cattle. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary protein level on intake, digestibility and energy expenditure in Holstein heifers. Four Holstein heifers with a mean BW of 266.5 ± 10.7 kg were distributed in a 4 x 4 balanced Latin square design. Each period was comprised of 14 d for adaptation and 6 d for samplings. The heifers were fed diets with 9, 12, 15 and 18% of crude protein (CP). Total feces and urine were collected. Rumen fluid was collected at 2, 4, 6 and 8 h after feeding. The energy expenditure was evaluated at 6 a.m., 12 a.m., 6 p.m. and 12 p.m. by a closed-circuit mask technique. The intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) were similar between treatments (P > 0.05). Although the NDF digestibility was not changed (P > 0.05), the digestibilities of DM, OM, CP, non-fibrous carbohydrates, and total digestible nutrients increased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing CP levels in the diet. Urinary urea nitrogen excretion and nitrogen retained increased linearly (P < 0.01) with increasing CP levels. Dietary CP levels did not affect (P =0.53) energy expenditure in heifers. Ruminal ammonia-nitrogen concentration peaked at 2-4 h after feeding. Increasing dietary CP levels from 9 to 18% does not affect feed intake and energy expenditure in heifers. However, it improves the digestibility of OM and nitrogen retention.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL) in ruminant diets on in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), gas production kinetics, ruminal fermentation parameters, ammoniacal nitrogen concentration (NH3-N), and pH of the artificial rumen contents. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial 5 x 4 + 1 design, with five concentrate levels (200, 400, 600, 800, and 1,000 g kg-1 DM) and four CNSL levels (0, 0.3, 0.6, and 1.2 g kg-1 DM), as well as a control diet comprising only whole-plant corn silage, totaling 21 treatments. The inclusion of concentrate linearly increased IVDMD, while CNSL levels showed a quadratic effect, with the maximum estimated at 0.5 g kg-1 of CNSL. The total gas production, the disappearance of the substrate, the fraction of slow degradation (fraction VF2), and the respective degradation rate (fraction µ2) linearly increased with increasing levels of concentrate in the diet. Increasing concentrate levels resulted in a linear increase in the concentration of NH3-N and a reduction in the pH of the rumen liquid. Increasing CNSL levels decreased the concentration of NH3-N and increased the ruminal pH. The inclusion of 0.5 g CNSL kg-1 in the ruminant diets improved IVDMD, without altering the kinetic parameters of ruminal fermentation. The addition of CNSL to ruminant diets reduces ammoniacal nitrogen production and can avoid drastic reductions in ruminal pH, favoring better fermentation in the rumen.

This study was carried out to evaluate the inclusion of two rice co-products in pig feed during the starter phase in terms of the nutritional value and digestibility of the co-products, and the effect on plasma parameters, growth performance and economic viability. In Experiment I, a digestibility assay was performed using 30 barrows (14.4 ± 2.4 kg body weight), which were distributed in a completely randomised design. The co-products studied were broken rice (BR) and hominy rice 3/4 (HR) to replace the reference diet (300 g/kg). The estimated digestible energy (DE) and metabolisable energy (ME) were 3,476 and 3,360 kcal/kg for BR and 3,487 and 3,362 kcal/kg for HR, respectively. In Experiment II, 108 pigs (15.5 ± 1.0 to 30.1 ± 1.3 kg body weight) were used, distributed in a randomised block design with a factorial analysis scheme (2 × 4), using two types of rice and four inclusion levels (160, 320, 480, and 640 g/kg), with six replicates and two pigs per experimental unit. Additionally, a control diet was used with no inclusion of the co-product. The daily weight gain increased and the feed:gain (F:G) ratio decreased as HR content of feed increased. An effect of both types of rice on plasma glucose concentration was obtained, in which the pigs fed with BR showed the highest values. The cost of diet per kilogram of body weight gain increased as BR levels in the diet increased. It was observed that inclusion levels of 480 and 640 g/kg of BR differed from the control diet, showing the highest costs. HR and BR can be used in pig feed in the starter phase at up to 640 g/kg without impairing performance.

The objective was to test the hypothesis that ruminal inoculum obtained from slaughtered cattle can replace inoculum from cannulated cattle in trials evaluating animal feedstuffs through in vitro gas production and digestibility. Five adult Holstein × Zebu steers with ruminal cannula were used to collect and compare rumen liquid from in vivo and slaughtered animals. In vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), in vitro neutral detergent fiber digestibility (IVNDFD) and ammoniacal nitrogen concentrations did not differ between inoculum sources (slaughtered × cannulated) for all byproducts and levels tested. Total in vitro gas production in the ruminal inoculum of cannulated animals was greater (P < 0.001) than slaughtered cattle for different levels of licuri cake. However, the greatest total concentrations of in vitro gases for slaughtered animals were observed when evaluating different levels of crude glycerin (P < 0.001). No differences were observed for diets containing castor bean meal (P >0.05). Thus, the ruminal inoculum obtained from the ruminal contents of slaughtered cattle can replace the use of fistulated animals and is a viable alternative to digestibility analysis. This approach is ethically more correct because it alleviates the suffering of animals by avoiding an invasive procedure.

Introduction: Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to suspected or confirmed infection. Clinical evaluations are essential for its early detection and treatment. Blood cultures may take as long as 2 days to yield a result and are not always reliable. However, recent studies have suggested that neutrophil CD64 expression may be a sensitive and specific alternative for the diagnosis of systemic infection. Objective: The objective of the study was to analyze the difference in CD64 values between subjects with systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), suspected or confirmed sepsis, who meet diagnostic criteria for SIRS upon arriving at an emergency department. Materials and Methods: This was a prospective observational cohort study, an accuracy study of CD64 prospectively evaluated. The sample consisted of 109 patients aged 18 years with criteria for SIRS on arrival to emergency department. CD64 expression was measured within 6 h of hospital admission and once again after 48 h. Results: ROC curve analysis suggested that a cutoff of 1.45 for CD64 expression could diagnose sepsis with a sensitivity of 0.85, a specificity of 0.75, an accuracy of 82.08%, a positive predictive value of 0.96, a negative predictive value of 0.38 and a positive likelihood ratio of 3.33. The area under the curve was 0.83. Conclusion: CD64 seems to be a useful, sensitive, and specific biomarker in discriminating between SIRS and sepsis.

Two experiments were carried out to determine the nutritional value of a dehydrated cassava co-product (DCC) and its effects on the performance and blood variables of piglets fed with different levels of DCC. In experiment I, a digestibility assay was performed and 30 whole-male crossbred piglets with initial body weight of 18.00 ± 0.673 kg were housed individually in metabolism cages and distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with 5 treatments, 6 replicates and one animal per experimental unit. A reference diet was formulated to meet the category nutritional requirements and the different levels of DCC replacement (6, 12, 18 and 24%) were used to replace the reference diet and composed the treatments. In experiment II, 120 piglets (60 whole males and 60 females) were used, with initial body weight of 13.05 ± 1.59 kg, distributed in a randomized complete block design with 5 treatments, 6 replicates and 4 animals per experimental unit. Treatments consisted of five feeds with increasing inclusion levels (0, 3, 6, 9 and 12%) of the DCC. The feed based on corn and soybean meal were formulated to meet the recommended levels in starting piglets feeding. The data were submitted for statistical analysis and, when presenting significant difference, the averages were compared by the Dunnet’s test at 10 % significance. In the digestibility assay, the values of DCC’s digestive energy and metabolizable energy of 3,022 and 2,984 kcal kg -1 in natural matter, respectively, were found. There was no significant effect (p > 0.10) of inclusion levels of DCC on the final weight and daily gain of weight however we observed a quadratic effect (p < 0.10) of the DCC levels on daily feed intake and feed conversion. For the analysis of blood parameters, the results showed that there was no effect (p > 0.10) of DCC levels on glucose and blood urea in the different treatments. The use of the dehydrated cassava co-product can be an energetic alternative to piglets in starting phase and can be used up to 12 %.

The study objective was to evaluate the performance and the quantitative and qualitative carcass traits of three different commercial pig lines. Seventy-two animals were included, 24 animals of each lineage, 36 females and 36 immunocastrated males, with an initial and final average weight of 26 ± 6.5 kg and 139.49 ± 4.05 kg, respectively. These animals were identified and distributed in randomised blocks in a 2 x 3 factorial analysis (two sexes and three lineages) with three replicates per treatment and four animals per experimental unit. The daily gain (kg), feed conversion (kg kg-1), daily feed intake (kg), carcass weight (kg), backfat thickness (mm), loin depth (mm), lean meat percentage (%) lean beef kilograms (kg), marbling, water loss by leaking (%), water loss by defrosting (%), water loss by cooking (%), shear force (kgf cm2 -1) and objective colour were measured. The results were submitted to analysis of variance and means (Tukey’s test) of 5%. There was no interaction between factors, and evaluating the factors separately did not yield significant differences between the lineages for any of the evaluated parameters. For the gender factor, a difference was obtained only for loin depth during the growth phase, lean meat percentage and defrosting water loss. Overall, the evaluated commercial lines were similar and gender influenced some performance parameters.

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiae at levels 0; 0.2; 0.4 and 0.6 g/L on the in vitro digestibility of dry matter (IVDDM), crude protein (IVDCP) and neutral detergent fiber (IVDNDF) in diets containing, in DM, 100, 75, 50 and 25% Cynodon dactylon grass. The experimental design was completely randomized with 4x4 factorial scheme. The rumen fluid was collected from a cannulated cattle and food were incubated by two stages technique (48 hours + 24 hours), in artificial rumen. The data were interpreted by analysis of variance and regression studies. The elevation of the yeast has provided increases in IVDDM, IVDCP and IVDNDF in all treatments, except at the level of 0.6 g/L in the diets containing 100, 75 and 50% roughage for IVDDM and IVDNDF, and 100 and 75% for IVDCP, which presented quadratic behavior. We concluded that in diets with proportion of roughage equal or above 50%, the digestibility can be improved with the use of yeast to the level of 0.4 g/L. In diets with more than 50% of concentrate the improvement in digestibility occurs linearly with increasing levels of yeast.

Dois experimentos foram conduzidos, objetivando-se determinar o valor nutricional do Coproduto Desidratado de Mandioca (CDM) e seus efeitos no desempenho e nas variáveis sanguíneas de leitões alimentados com diferentes níveis do CDM. No experimento I, realizou-se um ensaio de digestibilidade e foram utilizados 30 leitões híbridos, machos inteiros, com peso vivo inicial de 18,00 ± 0,673 kg, alojados individualmente em gaiolas de metabolismo, e distribuídos em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com 5 tratamentos, 6 repetições e um animal por unidade experimental. Uma ração referência foi formulada para atender as exigências nutricionais da categoria e diferentes níveis de substituição do CDM (6, 12, 18 e 24%) foram utilizados para substituir a ração referência, compondo os tratamentos. No experimento II, foram utilizados 120 leitões (60 machos inteiros e 60 fêmeas), com peso vivo inicial de 13,05 ± 1,59 kg, distribuídos em um delineamento experimental em blocos casualizados, com 5 tratamentos, 6 repetições e 4 animais por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos consistiram de cinco rações com níveis crescentes de inclusão (0, 3, 6, 9 e 12%) do CDM. As rações à base de milho e farelo de soja foram formuladas para atender ao recomendado para suínos na fase inicial. Os dados foram submetidos à análise estatística e, ao apresentar diferença significativa, as médias foram comparadas pelo teste de Dunnet a 10% de significância. No ensaio de digestibilidade, foram encontrados os valores de Energia Digestível e Energia Metabolizável do CDM de 3022 e 2984 kcal kg-1 na matéria natural, respectivamente. Não houve efeito (P > 0,10) de níveis de inclusão de CDM sobre o peso final e ganho diário de peso, no entanto observou-se efeito quadrático (P < 0,10) dos níveis de CDM sobre o consumo diário de ração e conversão alimentar. Para as análises dos parâmetros sanguíneos, os resultados mostraram que não houve efeito (P > 0,10) de níveis de CDM sobre a glicose e a ureia sanguínea nos diferentes tratamentos. O uso do coproduto desidratado de mandioca pode ser uma alternativa energética para rações de leitões na fase inicial, podendo ser utilizado até o nível de 12%.

This experiment was conduct to study the effects of proteic supplementation and different sulfur sources added to supplements on the intake behavior, for cattle. Seven Holstein steers, weighing 442 kg ± 59 kg of live weight. The statistical design was a Latin square 7 x 7, and treatments consisted of the supplements use or no with addition or no of different sulfur sources: hay + supplement without sulfur (SWS), hay + sulfur 70S (S70), hay + sulfur 98S (S98), hay + calcium sulfate hemi-hydrated (CSH), hay + calcium sulfate di-hydrated (CSD), hay + ammonium sulfate (SFA) and hay without supplement (FSS). The Supplements affected in a positive way the feeding, chewing and resting activities. Steers without supplement (HWS) showed shorter total time of feeding, lower total time of chewing, and resting than steers with supplements. They had shorter meals and spent more time for rumination chewing per ruminal bolus, had lower efficiency of feeding (g DM/hour) and lower rumination efficiency (g of DM/hour and g of NDF/hour) as well as of the lower intake. SWS showed higher total time of rumination then supplements with different sulfur sources. The animals that had consumed supplements with sulfur, had presented lower number of rumination chews per day and per bolus, but they had not different to feeding efficiency and rumination.O presente experimento foi realizado com o objetivo de estudar os efeitos da suplementação proteica e de diferentes fontes de enxofre adicionadas aos suplementos, sobre o comportamento ingestivo de bovinos consumindo feno de baixa qualidade. Foram utilizados sete bovinos, machos, castrados, da raça Holandesa Preto e Branco com 442 kg ± 59 kg de peso vivo. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o quadrado latino 7 x 7, e os tratamentos consistiram na utilização ou não de suplementos com adição ou não de diferentes fontes de enxofre, conforme segue: feno + suplemento sem enxofre (SSE), feno + enxofre 70S (E70), feno + enxofre 98S (E98), feno + sulfato de cálcio hemi-hidratado (SCH), feno + sulfato de cálcio di-hidratado (E98), feno + sulfato de amônia (SFA) e feno sem suplemento (FSS). Os suplementos influenciaram de forma positiva as atividades de alimentação, mastigação e de ócio. Animais que não foram suplementados (FSS) apresentaram menor tempo total de alimentação, menor tempo total de mastigação e de ócio que animais que receberam suplemento. Fizeram refeições mais curtas e despenderam mais tempo para mastigações merícicas por bolo ruminal, apresentaram menor eficiência de alimentação (g MS/hora) e menor eficiência de ruminação (g de MS/hora e g de FDN/hora), e tiveram conseqüentemente menor consumo. SSE apresentou maior tempo total de ruminação que suplementos com diferentes fontes de enxofre. Os animais que consumiram suplementos contendo enxofre tiveram menor número de mastigações merícicas por dia e por bolo, no entanto não apresentaram diferenças nas taxas de eficiência de alimentação e ruminação.

O experimento foi conduzido para avaliar quatro fontes de fósforo para bovinos em pastagem de grama-estrela roxa (Cynodon nlemfuensis Vanderyst) e compará-las considerando o desempenho ponderal e os parâmetros fisiológicos. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, utilizando 32 animais mestiços (zebuíno x taurino), com peso inicial médio de 347 kg, distribuídos ao acaso em quatro grupos, cada um recebendo suplemento mineral formulado com fosfato bicálcico, superfosfato triplo, fosfato monoamônio e fosfato de rocha de Araxá. O ganho de peso por hectare diferiu entre as datas de avaliação e teve redução significativa no último período, mas não entre as fontes de fósforo. O ganho médio diário não diferiu entre as fontes de fósforo e foi de 0,67; 0,65; 0,63 e 0,56 kg/dia, respectivamente, para fosfato bicálcico, superfosfato triplo, fosfato monoamônio e fosfato de rocha Araxá. As concentrações de osteocalcina mantiveram-se em níveis baixos (47,67 ng/mL) e foram semelhantes entre as fontes de fósforo. As fontes de fósforo foram eficientes em manter níveis adequados de fósforo no soro, com média de 7,03 mg/100 mL.This study aimed to evaluate four sources of phosphorus for cattle grazing African Bermudagrass (Cynodon nlemfuesis Vanderyst) pasture and to compare them considering weight performance and physiological parameters. It was used a complete random experimental design, with 32 crossbred steers (Bos indicus x Bos Taurus) at average initial weight of 347 kg randomly distributed in four groups, each one receiving mineral supplement formulated with dicalcium phosphate, supertriple phosphate, monoammonium phosphate or Araxá rock phosphate, as sources of phosphorus. Weight gain per hectare differed among evaluation dates and it was significantly reduced in the last period, but it did not differ among sources of phosphorus. Average daily gain did not differ among sources of phosphorus and it was 0.67; 0.65; 0.63 and 0.56 kg/day, respectively for dicalcium phosphate, supertriple phosphate, monoammonium phosphate and Araxá rock phosphate. Concentrations of osteocalcin were kept in low levels (47.67 ng/mL) and they were similar among sources of phosphorus. Sources of phosphorus were efficient in keeping appropriate levels of phosphorus in serum, with an average of 7.03 mg/100 mL.

The aim of this study was to evaluate protein supplementation on theperformance of steers grazing on Mombaça grass and receiving chopped sugar cane tops at a level of 0.80% of live weight (dry matter (DM) basis), during the dry season. Forage availability and quality of the experimental pasture were also evaluated. Thirty-two Nellore steers, weighing 300 kg (. 25.80) of initial live weight, eight per treatment, were used. The statistical design was completely randomized and each steer group was allocated to one of four paddocks (1.125 ha paddock-1). All steers received a protein supplement at 0.40% of live weight (DM basis) and the four treatments consisted of the following four crude protein (CP) concentrations in supplements: 12.5, 25.0, 37.5 and 50.0% CP (DM basis). Average forage mass availability and green leaf blades availability were 10,069 and 2,195 kg of DM ha-1, respectively. Average CP, neutral fiber detergent (NDF) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) in forage mass were 6.87, 62.63 and 49.80%, respectively. Average daily gain was 0.61 kg steer-1 day-1 and these results show that the strategy of feeding steers in pasture, with chopped sugar cane tops (0.80% LW) and protein supplement with 12.50% CP (0.40% LW), during the dry season, allows high gain per area (363 kg live weight ha-1).No experimento foi avaliado o efeito da suplementação proteica sobre o desempenho de novilhos que pastejam capim Mombaça e recebem cana-de-açúcar picada, em nível de 0,80% do peso vivo (PV) (base matéria seca, MS). Também foram avaliadas a disponibilidade e a qualidade da forragem da área experimental. Foram usados 32 novilhos da raça Nelore, com peso inicial de 300 kg (± 25,80). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado e cada grupo de novilhos foi alocado para cada um dos quatro piquetes (1,125 ha piquete-1). Os animais receberam suplemento proteico em nível de 0,40% do PV (base MS) e os quatro tratamentos consistiam de suplementos com diferentespercentuais de proteína bruta: 12,5; 25,0; 37,5 e 50,0% (base MS). A disponibilidade média de massa de forragem e de lâminas foliares foi 10.069 e 2.195 kg de MS ha-1, respectivamente. A proteína bruta, a fibra em detergente neutro e a digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca na massa de forragem foram 6,87; 62,63 e 49,8%, respectivamente. O ganho médio diário foi de 0,61 kg novilho-1 dia-1, e estes resultados mostram que a estratégia de suplementação de novilhos, com cana-de-açúcar picada (0,80% do PV) mais suplemento proteico com 12,5% de PB (0,40% do PV), durante a estação seca, permite alto ganho por área (363 kg de PV ha-1).

Foram utilizados cinco bovinos machos, castrados, da raça Holandesa Preta e Branca, com 450 kg de peso vivo em um delineamento quadrado latino 5 x 5, sendo os tratamentos cinco níveis de substituição, 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100% de ureia por cloreto de amônio, como fontes de nitrogênio não-proteico da dieta. Houve redução linear (p < 0,05) na ingestão e no fluxo fecal, além de aumento na digestibilidade da MS, MO, PB, FDN e EE com a inclusão do cloreto de amônio na dieta. A inclusão de cloreto de amônio na dieta influenciou de forma quadrática (p < 0,05) o pH da urina, aumentou (p < 0,05) o volume urinário assim como a excreção de ácido úrico. Os tratamentos nãoinfluenciaram (p > 0,05) a excreção de alantoína e de derivados de purinas na urina, purinas absorvidas, síntese de compostos nitrogenados microbianos e eficiência de síntese de proteína microbiana. Houve queda linear (p < 0,05) no pH do líquido ruminal e Nureico plasmático com a substituição da ureia pelo cloreto de amônio, mas os tratamentos não influenciaram (p > 0,05) a concentração de amônia no rúmen. O cloreto de amônio pode ser utilizado como fonte de NNP para bovinos em níveis de até 1,4% da matéria seca total da dieta.Five Holstein steers weighting 450 kg were used in a 5 x 5 Latin square statistical design, where treatments consisted of five replacement levels: 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of urea by ammonium chloride, as non-protein nitrogen in the diet. There was a linear decrease (p < 0.05) on intake and fecal flow, as well as a linear increase in apparent digestibility of DM, OM, CP, NDF and EE as result of ammonium chloride inclusion in the diet. There was a quadratic effect (p < 0.05) on urine pH and a linear increase of urine volume and uric acid (p < 0.05) as a result of ammonium chlorideuse. Treatments did not influence (p > 0.05) daily excretion of allantoin, purine derivatives, absorbed purines, as well as microbial nitrogen compounds and microbial efficiency synthesis. Rumen pH and plasma urea nitrogen decreased linearly (p < 0.05) but treatments did not influence (p > 0.05) ruminal ammonia concentration as urea was replaced by ammonium chloride. Ammonium chloride can be used as a nonprotein nitrogen source in ruminant diets up to level of 1.4% of diet dry matter.

Este trabalho foi conduzido com os objetivos de avaliar o efeito de fontes de fósforo em dietas para bovinos em crescimento sobre o coeficiente de digestibilidade parcial e total dos nutrientes, os parâmetros ruminais, a eficiência de síntese microbiana e os níveis plasmáticos de fósforo. Foram utilizados quatro bovinos castrados, raça Holandesa Preto e Branco (280 kg de peso vivo), com cânula ruminal e duodenal, em delineamento quadrado latino 4 × 4, com quatro fontes de fósforo (fosfato bicálcico - BIC; superfosfato triplo - SPT; fosfato monoamônio - MAP; e fosfato de rocha Araxá - FRA). As fontes de fósforo não afetaram a ingestão, o fluxo fecal, as digestibilidades ruminal, duodenal e total de matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro e carboidratos não-fibrosos. A absorção de fósforo do fosfato de rocha Araxá foi menor e diferiu da absorção do fosfato bicálcico e do fosfato monoamônio. Os animais que receberam fosfato de rocha Araxá apresentaram maiores ingestão, fluxo fecal, fluxo duodenal, desaparecimento ruminal e desaparecimento fecal de flúor (F). A utilização de fosfato de rocha Araxá resultou em níveis de flúor na dieta superiores aos recomendados para evitar sua toxidez. As fontes de fósforo não alteraram os níveis plasmáticos de fósforo nem a ingestão de nitrogênio, a eficiência de síntese microbiana e a composição das bactérias ruminais. Também não influenciaram o pH ruminal e as concentrações de NH3-ruminal. Estes resultados indicam que é possível o uso do superfosfato triplo e do fosfato monoamônio em substituição ao fosfato bicálcico.This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of different phosphorus sources, in diets of growing cattle, on apparent partial and total nutrient digestibility; ruminal parameters; microbial efficiency synthesis and plasma phosphorus. Four Holstein steers weighting 280 kg and implanted with ruminal and duodenal cannulas were used. The experimental design was a 4 × 4 Latin Square and treatments were four supplemental phosphorus sources in the diet as follows: dicalcium phosphate (DP), supertriple phosphate (SP), monoammonium phosphate (MP) and Araxa rock phosphate (ARP). Phosphorus sources did not affect intake, fecal flow, apparent ruminal and intestinal digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and non fiber carbohydrates (NFC). There was a lower phosphorus apparent absorption for ARP, differing of DP and MP. Animals receiving ARP showed higher intake, fecal flow, duodenal flow, ruminal disappearance and total disappearance for fluoride. Animals receiving ARP presented fluoride levels higher than those acceptable to avoid toxicity. Phosphorus sources did not affect plasma phosphorus, nitrogen intake, microbial efficiency synthesis and ruminal bacteria composition. Treatments did not affect ruminal pH and ruminal ammonia concentration. These results show a possible use for supertriple phosphate and monoammonium phosphate to replace dicalcium phosphate.

OBJETIVO: Comparar o desenvolvimento da função motora de crianças nascidas pré-termo com crianças nascidas a termo, aos 8 e 12 meses de idade. Investigar a relação entre a qualidade motora aos 8 meses e a habilidade motora aos 12 meses. MÉTODO: Trinta e duas crianças participaram deste estudo: 16 nascidas pré-termo (grupo de risco) e 16 nascidas a termo (grupo controle). A movimentação espontânea das crianças foi avaliada aos 8 meses e as habilidades e independência em mobilidade foram avaliadas aos 12 meses de idade (idades corrigidas para grupo pré-termo), utilizando-se testes infantis padronizados (AIMS e PEDI, respectivamente). Os dados foram analisados através dos textes t de Student para grupos independentes (comparação entre grupos) e de correlação de Pearson (comparação intra grupo). RESULTADOS: Não foi evidenciada diferença significativa na comparação de crianças nascidas a termo com as pré-termo nem aos 8 nem aos 12 meses de idade. No grupo controle, foi observada relação significativa (r=0,67; p=0,004) entre movimentação aos 8 meses e habilidade de mobilidade aos 12 meses. No grupo de risco, houve relação significativa entre habilidade e independência em mobilidade aos 12 meses de idade corrigida (r=0,80; p=0,0001). CONCLUSÃO: Na ausência de outros distúrbios e com correção da idade em pré-termos, o desenvolvimento motor pode ser semelhante ao de crianças nascidas a termo. A forma pela qual as crianças nascidas pré-termo adquirem suas habilidades funcionais parece ocorrer de modo diferente da observada em crianças a termo.

The aim of this study was to evaluate protein supplementation on the performance of steers grazing on Mombaça grass and receiving chopped sugar cane tops at a level of 0.80% of live weight (dry matter (DM) basis), during the dry season. Forage availability and quality of the experimental pasture were also evaluated. Thirty-two Nellore steers, weighing 300 kg (± 25.80) of initial live weight, eight per treatment, were used. The statistical design was completely randomized and each steer group was allocated to one of four paddocks (1.125 ha paddock-1). All steers received a protein supplement at 0.40% of live weight (DM basis) and the four treatments consisted of the following four crude protein (CP) concentrations in supplements: 12.5, 25.0, 37.5 and 50.0% CP (DM basis). Average forage mass availability and green leaf blades availability were 10,069 and 2,195 kg of DM ha-1, respectively. Average CP, neutral fiber detergent (NDF) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) in forage mass were 6.87, 62.63 and 49.80%, respectively. Average daily gain was 0.61 kg steer-1 day-1 and these results show that the strategy of feeding steers in pasture, with chopped sugar cane tops (0.80% LW) and protein supplement with 12.50% CP (0.40% LW), during the dry season, allows high gain per area (363 kg live weight ha-1).

Foram utilizados cinco bovinos machos, castrados, da raça Holandesa Preta e Branca, com 450 kg de peso vivo em um delineamento quadrado latino 5 x 5, sendo os tratamentos cinco níveis de substituição, 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100% de ureia por cloreto de amônio, como fontes de nitrogênio não-proteico da dieta. Houve redução linear (p < 0,05) na ingestão e no fluxo fecal, além de aumento na digestibilidade da MS, MO, PB, FDN e EE com a inclusão do cloreto de amônio na dieta. A inclusão de cloreto de amônio na dieta influenciou de forma quadrática (p < 0,05) o pH da urina, aumentou (p < 0,05) o volume urinário assim como a excreção de ácido úrico. Os tratamentos não influenciaram (p > 0,05) a excreção de alantoína e de derivados de purinas na urina, purinas absorvidas, síntese de compostos nitrogenados microbianos e eficiência de síntese de proteína microbiana. Houve queda linear (p < 0,05) no pH do líquido ruminal e N ureico plasmático com a substituição da ureia pelo cloreto de amônio, mas os tratamentos não influenciaram (p > 0,05) a concentração de amônia no rúmen. O cloreto de amônio pode ser utilizado como fonte de NNP para bovinos em níveis de até 1,4% da matéria seca total da dieta.

Context: To provide adequate dietary vitamin D in nursery piglets, 1,25(OH)2D3-glycoside could be a potential alternative to supplements currently in use. Aims: The effect of this supplement on apparent total tract nutrient digestibility, growth performance, health status, and bone traits was assessed in nursery piglets. Methods: Digestibility was assessed in 30 piglets (23.8 ± 3.32 kg), and growth performance in 135 weaned piglets (8.0 ± 0.53 kg). Both trials used randomized complete block designs based on bodyweight, with five treatments: −D3: no vitamin D supplementation; +D3: 100% of the vitamin D requirement supplied as cholecalciferol; and +D3 + 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5 μg of 1,25(OH)2D3-glycoside. Key results: From Day 21 to 35, piglets fed D3 + 1.0 diet showed greater average daily gain compared to −D3 or D3 + 1.5, and a greater average daily feed intake was observed in piglets fed +D3, D3 + 0.5, and D3 + 1.0 compared to −D3 or D3 + 1.5. From Day 0 to 7, diarrhoea prevalence was lower in piglets fed D3 + 1.0 compared to −D3, D3 + 0.5, and D3 + 1.5. Across the entire period, animals fed D3 + 1.0 had lower diarrhoea prevalence compared to D3 + 0.5. Serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations was lowest in −D3 piglets. Leukocyte concentrations were greater in piglets on D3 + 1.0 than with D3 + 1.5, whereas eosinophil concentrations were lowest in piglets fed D3 + 0.5. Alkaline phosphatase activity was higher in piglets on +D3 than with D3 + 0.5 or D3 + 1.5. The greatest and lowest bone Ca contents were observed in treatments D3 + 1.5 and D3 + 0.5, respectively. The bone magnesium contents was lowest in piglets fed -D3. Conclusions: Adding 1,25(OH)2D3-glycoside to diets containing adequate vitamin D contents as cholecalciferol did not increase serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations, but physiological and metabolic parameters were improved and, in general, 1.0 μg of 1,25(OH)2D3-glycoside showed the best effects on performance, serum vitamin D, health status, and bone traits. Implications: This research has provided new information on the effects of 1,25(OH)2D3-glycoside supplementation in diets for nursery piglets and has shown its potential use for bolstering general health. Vitamin D is particularly important for livestock reared indoors in intensive production systems, due to its low levels in dietary sources, intense development of the animals' skeletal system and accelerated weight gain. We explored supplementing piglet diets with active vitamin D in its glycoside form. Adding these supplements to diets already containing adequate vitamin D did not further increase serum D concentrations, but did improve general health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In the context of climate change and the circular economy, biochar agricultural and environmental applications have attracted a good deal of attention. Biochar has unique characteristics like surface area, porosity, water-holding capacity, pH, surface charge, and nutrients. This study reviews the biochar production from olive pomace (OP) and olive stone (OS) byproducts, its chemical and physical characterization, and its environmental application. The current review highlights the conditions for biochar production, the effects of pyrolysis temperature, and feedstock type on the physicochemical properties of biochar. High pyrolysis temperature (>500 °C) promotes a high specific surface area, high porosity (especially for OS biochars), and pH as well as the content of ash and fixed carbon, but generates low cation exchange capacity (CEC) and electrical conductivity (EC) and high values of O/C and H/C ratio. OP biochar also presents a high C amount, and ash content, i.e., rich in nutrients and high alkalizing capacity. OP biochar serves as an important source of plant nutrients, especially potassium. After adding both types of biochar, aggregate stability and the amount of water held in soil increase, and bulk density and bioavailability of trace elements decrease. Thus, biochar from olive mill wastes can be a potential plant nutrient reservoir, a good amendment to improve soil properties and long-term carbon sequestration. Results presented in this review can be used to build designer biochars from olive mill wastes to help solve environmental issues (water purification and pollutant remediation) and are suitable for improving soil physical chemistry characteristics and crop growth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Adding organic and inorganic acids to the drinking water is a potential alternative to improve production results in nursery piglets, and a strategy for reducing the use of antimicrobials. Aims: To assess the effects of adding a blend of organic and inorganic acids to drinking water on the oxireduction potential (ORP) of water, and growth performance, biochemical, antioxidant and blood gas profiles, intestinal morphometry, biometry of organs, and intestinal microbiome of nursery piglets. Methods: Experiment involved 1080 female piglets assessed over 30 days (Landrace × Large White, weaned at 26 days of age, weighing 6.8 ± 0.29 kg), randomly assigned to the following three treatments: (1) piglets received drinking water of natural pH of 7.39 (pH7.39), (2) piglets received drinking water of pH of 5.31 (pH5.31), and (3) piglets received drinking water of pH of 3.40 (pH3.40), with eight replicates and 45 piglets/stall. Piglets had ad libitum access to diet and water throughout the experiment, and received different diets in each phase. Key results: Receiving drinking water of pH3.40 promoted a higher ORP, and a lower total water consumption was observed in Starter II piglets with pH5.31. There was no treatment effect on the performance, but mortality was lower in starter piglets in the pH3.40 treatment. Animals in the pH3.40 treatment had lower blood alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities, differing from the result obtained for total cholesterol concentrations. Animals in the pH3.40 treatment showed a lower concentration of total protein than did piglets in the pH7.39 treatment. Piglets in the pH3.40 treatment had higher weights of empty stomach, spleen, and liver with gallbladder than did those in the pH7.39 treatment. Animals in the pH3.40 treatment showed a lower relative abundance of the Escherichia–Shigella genus and bacteria of Enterobacteriaceae family than did those in the pH5.31 treatment. Conclusions: Acidification of drinking water to pH3.40 for nursery piglets can be used to partially increase the ORP of the water, and promote a greater weight of organs with metabolic and immune functions, while decreasing mortality. In addition, acidification of drinking water does not compromise performance or intestinal histology, but improves the profile of the intestinal microbiome in piglets. Implications: This research has provided new information on the effects of acidifiers in the drinking water for nursery piglets and has shown their potential use for bolstering general health. Post-weaning period causes drastic changes in piglets. Therefore, there is a need to investigate strategies to improve the general health of the animals. The administration of a blend of acidifiers to reduce the pH of the piglets' drinking water has shown interesting results, but still needs further investigation. Our results showed a reduction in mortality and an improvement in beneficial bacteria, which is reflected in animal welfare. These findings have provided information on farm conditions and scientific issues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]