ABSTRACT. The study aimed to determine the fatty acid profile, omegas and lipid quality indeces in commercial cuts of pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) of the slaughter class 11.1 to 14.0 kg. Sample collections were carried out in two fish processing industries located in Rondônia state, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized, with processing performed in triplicate. Data were submitted to ANOVA to assess differences between commercial cuts in chemical compositions. If ANOVA appeared statistically significant (α=0.05), the averages were compared by Tukey's test. In the composition of fatty acids, there was a difference (p <0.05) between cuts. Commercial cuts that expressed the highest percentages of SFAs tail fillet 51.2%, of MUFAs fillet mignon 39.8% and of PUFAs deboned cut 20.7%. The indeces prescribed for lipid quality, ∑PUFAs/∑SFAs, ∑PUFAs (n-6/∑n-3), AI, TI and HH, indicate that commercial cuts have lipid quality. Deboned is the cut with the highest PUFA fatty acid content, with the highest values of Omega 3, 6, 7 and n-9 being also expressed. Nutritional information is important for the processes of conservation and processing, development of new products on the market, as well as guiding the form of preparation, thus providing commercial security for different market niches.

ABSTRACT The evaluated ammonia volatilization rates and its association with humidity, temperature, and pH in broiler litter in conventional and dark house rearing systems. Evaluations were performed at 0.01, 1.00, and 1.50 m high, using a completely randomized design, at a weekly frequency for 12 weeks—from the sanitary void to the end of the 42-day cycle. Litter temperature had no significant difference for different types of house. Humidity and pH levels varied according to houses and evaluation periods. No ammonia volatilization was detected during initial periods. However, up from the 21st day of rearing, rates started to increase, showing higher concentrations at 0.01 m height. At 1.00 and 1.50 m, values around 20 mL·m–3, were obtained and considered an acceptable exposure level for the broilers and employees directly working in this sector. Yet, broiler breeders should target lower levels due to environmental impacts.

Resumo A infecção por Neospora caninum é considerada uma das principais causas de aborto entre bovinos. Esta pesquisa foi realizada no município de Rolim de Moura, estado de Rondônia, Brasil. Um questionário que investiga os aspectos epidemiológicos da neosporose foi utilizado na análise dos fatores de risco associados à prevalência em animais e em rebanhos. Um total de 416 amostras de sangue bovino foi colhido em 30 fazendas, e os níveis de anticorpos de N. caninum foram mensurados pela reação de Imunofluorescência Indireta (RIFI). A análise das amostras mostrou prevalência de anticorpos contra N. caninum de 47,36% (n = 197). Os fatores de risco associados à infecção por N. caninum foram o sistema de manejo e os locais de acesso dos cães. Os resultados da presente pesquisa indicam que a infecção de bovinos leiteiros com N. caninum está disseminada na região estudada da Amazônia Ocidental, o que tem implicações para a prevenção e controle da neosporose nessa região. Portanto, estratégias e medidas de controle integrado são recomendadas para prevenir e controlar a infecção por N. caninum em gado leiteiro. Além disso, o contato íntimo entre gado leiteiro, cães e animais selvagens, pode influenciar a epidemiologia da neosporose e deve ser investigada mais detalhadamente.

Abstract Neospora caninum is considered to be one of the main causes of abortion among cattle. The present survey was conducted in the municipality of Rolim de Moura, Rondônia State, Brazil. A questionnaire that investigates the epidemiological aspects of neosporosis was used in the analysis of risk factors associated with the animal-level and herd-level prevalence in dairy cattle. A total of 416 bovine blood samples were collected from 30 farms, and N. caninum antibody levels were measured by Indirect Fluorescent Antibody Test (IFAT). Analysis of dairy cattle serum samples revealed the presence of anti-N. caninum antibodies to be 47.36% (n = 197). Risk factors associated with N. caninum infection were the management system and access locations of dogs. The results of the present survey indicated that infection of dairy cattle with N. caninum is widespread in the studied region of Western Amazon, which has implications for prevention and control of neosporosis in this region. Therefore, integrated control strategies and measures are recommended to prevent and control N. caninum infection in dairy cattle. In addition, direct contact between dairy cattle, dogs and wild animals, which can influence the epidemiology of neosporosis, should be investigated further.

ABSTRACT. To evaluate the bromatological composition and ruminal degradability of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) of Xaraés palisade grass (Urochloa brizantha ‘Xaraes’ syn Brachiaria brizantha) under grazing in integrated crop, livestock (ICL), and forest (ICLF) systems, we conducted an in situ degradability trial in randomized blocks with three non-lactating 3/4 Gyr × 1/4 Holstein cows, provided with ruminal cannula. The management of Xaraés palisade grass was similar in both systems, differing only regarding shading in the ICLF system provided by eucalyptus trees (average 65% crown cover). Grass samples were incubated for 0, 3, 6, 9, 12, 24, 36, 48, 72, and 96 hours. Considering the passage rate 2% h-1, the Xaraés palisade grass of ICL system had greater NDF effective degradability in relation to ICLF (46.38 vs 44.98%). However, the palisade grass CP potential degradability was greater in the ICLF than in the ICL system (68.92% vs. 65.40%). The presence of trees in the pasture has effect on nutritional traits of the Xaraés palisade grass, increasing its protein content and degradability and reducing its fiber degradability.

Avaliou-se as características morfogênicas do Capim Tamani (Panicum maximum cv. BRS Tamani), estabelecido com sementes inoculadas ou não com Azospirillum brasilense em função de fontes de fosfato (superfosfato triplo e fosfato natural reativo de bayovar) e doses crescentes de nitrogênio (0, 75, 150, 300 e 600 kg ha-1) em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, organizado em esquema fatorial 2 x 2 x 5 com 4 repetições. A inoculação com Azospirillum brasilense promoveu uma melhoria no aproveitamento dos adubos fosfatados, reduzindo a amplitude de respostas entre eles. Contudo, o melhor desempenho foi observado com a fonte de maior solubilidade (superfosfato triplo) associada aos maiores níveis de adubação nitrogenada.

It was evaluated the morphogenic characteristics of the Capim Tamani (Panicum maximum cv. BRS Tamani) established with seeds either inoculated or not with Azospirillum brasilense as a function of phosphate sources (triple superphosphate and bayovar natural reactive phosphate) and increasing doses of nitrogen (0, 75, 150, 300 and 600 kg ha-1) in a completely randomized design, organized in a 2 x 2 x 5 factorial scheme with 4 replications. The inoculation with Azospirillum brasilense promoted an improvement in the use of phosphate fertilizers, reducing the amplitude of responses between them. However, the best performance was observed with the source of higher solubility (triple superphosphate) associated with higher levels of nitrogen fertilization.

RESUMO: No processo industrial de fabricação de palmito babaçu (Attalea speciosa) em conserva, a entrecasca ou bainha menos tenra, apresenta características impróprias à alimentação humana, sendo muitas vezes descartada de forma inadequada, oferecendo riscos de poluição ambiental. De tal forma, objetivou-se avaliar o consumo e a digestibilidade em ovinos recebendo silagens de coproduto da industrialização de palmito babaçu (CIPB) com diferentes aditivos ou silagem de cana-de-açúcar. Utilizou-se 15 ovelhas da raça Santa Inês, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, constituindo de cinco tratamentos e três repetições. Os tratamentos compreendiam dietas de silagem de babaçu enriquecidas com quirera de milho (QM), quirera de arroz (QA), raspa de mandioca (RM), casca de café combinada com quirera de milho (CC), e silagem de cana-de-açúcar (CA), todos complementadas com concentrado, na relação volumoso:concentrado, 65:35. Silagens a base de CIPB e CA tiveram consumos de matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), proteína bruta (PB), extrato etéreo (EE) e carboidrato não-fibroso (CNF) semelhantes. O incremento de aditivos às silagens de CIPB favoreceram a digestibilidade da MS, MO, PB, CNF, fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e de nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT). Silagem a base de CIPB pode ser utilizada na dieta de ruminantes com a inclusão de aditivos, especialmente quirera de milho e raspa de mandioca, que conferem qualidade nutricional superior às demais silagens avaliadas.

ABSTRACT: The inner bark or less tender sheath generated from industrial manufacture of canned babassu palm (Attalea speciosa) heart is inadequate for human consumption, often being discarded inappropriately and giving rise to environmental pollution. Accordingly, the aim of this study was to assess the intake and digestibility in sheep fed on silage of the agro-industrial co-product of babassu palm (ICBP)enriched with different additives, or on sugarcane silage. Fifteen Santa Inês sheep were distributed in a completely randomized design, consisting of five treatments and three replicates. The treatments comprised babassu palm silage enriched with broken maize (BM), broken rice (BR), cassava scrapings (CS), coffee husk combined with maize kernel (CC), and sugarcane silage (SC), all supplemented with concentrate, at a voluminous:concentrate ratio of 65:35. Silages based on ICBP and SC had similar intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), and non-fibrous carbohydrate (NFC). Increasing the additive fraction in ICBP silages favored the digestibility of DM, OM, CP, NFC, neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and total digestible nutrients (TDN). Our results indicated that silage based on additive-enriched ICBP can be used in the diet of ruminants, especially those based on broken maize and cassava scrapings that provide superior nutritional quality compared to the other silages assessed.

RESUMO Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, avaliar o desempenho do consórcio de milho com capim tifton na Amazônia sul ocidental. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, com seis tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos foram constituídos pelos monocultivos de milho e de capim tifton e por quatro épocas de transplantio de capim tifton nas entrelinhas de semeadura do milho (SM), sendo: simultâneo, aos 15, 30 e 45 dias após a SM. Para o milho, avaliaram-se: biomassa de 100 grãos, número de fileiras de grãos por espiga, produtividade de grãos, altura da planta e inserção da primeira espiga. A biomassa seca do capim tifton foi estimada a partir de dois cortes, com intervalo de 20 dias entre a primeira e a segunda coleta. Para avaliar a eficiência dos consórcios em relação aos monocultivos, utilizou-se o índice de equivalência de área. Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos ao teste de Shapiro-Wilk (p<0,05), a fim de aferir a normalidade dos dados, seguido pela análise de variância. Foram ajustados modelos de regressão para as épocas de implantação do capim tifton nas entrelinhas do milho, quando houve efeito significativo pelo teste F, a 5% de probabilidade. Utilizou-se o teste de Dunnet (p ≤ 0,05) para as comparações entre o milho consorciado com tifton e os monocultivos (testemunha). O milho não sofre interferência quando consorciado com capim tifton. Entretanto, o tifton apresenta menor acúmulo de biomassa seca quando consorciado com o milho. O melhor desempenho do consórcio verificou-se na implantação simultânea do milho com capim tifton.

ABSTRACT The objective of this work was to evaluate the performance of intercropped corn with tifton grass in South Western Amazonia. The experimental design was randomized blocks with six treatments and four replications. The treatments consisted of corn monocultures and tifton grass, and four transplantation periods of tifton between the corn sowing lines, as follows: simultaneously, at 15, 30 and 45 days after sowing corn. For corn, these were evaluated: biomass of 100 grains, number of kernel rows per ear, grain yield, plant height and insertion of the first spike. The dry biomass of tifton grass was estimated from two cuts with an interval of 20 days between the first and second collections. To evaluate the performance of intercrops compared to monocultures, we used the area equivalence ratio. The results were submitted to the Shapiro-Wilk test (p ≤ 0.05) in order to assess the normality of the data, followed by analysis of variance. Regression models were adjusted for the period of implantation of tifton grass between the corn sowing lines, when there was a significant effect by F test, at 5% probability. The Dunnet test was used (p ≤ 0.05) for the comparisons between the corn intercropped with tifton and monocultures (control). Corn is not affected when intercropping with tifton grass. However, tifton has a lower accumulation of dry biomass when intercropped with corn. The best performance of the consortium was the simultaneous implantation of corn with tifton grass.

Uma contribuição fundamental para o estudo da ciclagem de nutrientes no sistema solo/planta/ animal é a avaliação do consumo pelo gado de forragem e dos nutrientes nela contidos. Testaram-se, sob condições controladas, técnicas para avaliar a produção fecal, digestibilidade in vitro, consumo de forragem e a proporção de leguminosa ingerida na dieta. Cinco novilhos de Zebu foram confinados e alimentados com quantidades conhecidas de cinco rações com diferentes proporções de Brachiaria dictyoneura e Desmodium ovalifolium. Todas as fezes bovinas foram recolhidas e pesadas e estes valores foram comparáveis com as estimativas da produção fecal derivadas do uso da técnica de óxido de cromo. A digestibilidade in vitro variou de 7 a 10% acima da digestibilidade in vivo atual. Amostras de fezes de novilhos alimentados com dietas com 25% ou mais de capim na mistura apresentaram abundância de 13C por entre 1,7 e 2,1‰, mas este empobrecimento isotópico não foi observado quando a dieta era com 100% D. ovalifolium. Houve correlação positiva linear (r² = 0,97***) entre δ13C da dieta com o δ13C das fezes, mas o conteúdo de leguminosa foi subestimado em mais de 10% quando a dieta ingerida foi de 100% de leguminosa. Nenhum dos indicadores internos, como o conteúdo de lignina ou cinzas, foram úteis para prever o consumo de forragem, mas os resultados da técnica utilizando óxido crômico como indicador externo foram satisfatórios. A abundância de 13C das fezes foi indicador adequado da proporção da leguminosa na dieta.

A key contribution to study the cycling of nutrients in soil/plant/animal systems is the evaluation of the consumption of forage and their nutrients by cattle. The objective of this study was to test techniques to evaluate faecal production, in vitro digestibility, forage consumption and the proportion of legume in the acquired diet. Five Zebu steer calves were confined and fed five diets of different combinations of Brachiaria dictyoneura and Desmodium ovalifolium. All quantities of faeces were collected per animal and these values were found to compare favourably with those derived from using the chromium oxide technique. In vitro digestibility ranged from 7 to 10% higher than the actual in vivo digestibility. Faecal samples from steers fed with diets with 25% or more of grass in the mixture were found to be depleted in δ13C between 1.7 and 2.1‰, but no depletion was observed when the diet was 100% D. ovalifolium. There was a positive linear regression (r² = 0.97***) of the δ13C of the diet with the δ13C of faeces, but if the acquired diet contained a very high proportion of legume, the legume content could be underestimated by as much as 10%. None of the internal indicators, such as lignin or ash content of the diets, were useful to predict feed intake, but the chromium oxide external indicator performed satisfactorily. The 13C analysis of the faeces was an effective predictor of the proportion of the legume in the consumed diet.

Foi avaliada a redução da volatilização de amônia em cama de frangos por meio da adição de aditivos químicos em três experimentos. No primeiro experimento foram estudadas diferentes doses de fosfato: testemunha; 5, 10, 15, 20 e 25%, adicionado à cama No segundo, foi estudado o efeito da umidade, para os mesmos tratamentos realizados no primeiro experimento. No terceiro experimento, foram testados diferentes aditivos na cama de frango (testemunha, Sal de Glauber, Enxofre, Sulfato de cobre, Fosfato, Sulfato de alumínio e Carbonato de sódio, nos níveis de concentração de: 1,2,3,4 e 5%). Como resultado, obteve-se que a dose de 15% de superfosfatosimples foi a mais eficiente (P<0,05), inibindo em 95% a volatilização. Pela variação no teor de umidade da cama, comprovou-se a influência inibitória da água na volatilização de amônia. Para os diferentes aditivos testados, foi constatado que o sulfato de cobre foi o melhor aditivo (P<0,05) a inibir a volatilização (62%), seguido do sulfato de alumínio (53%) e o superfosfato simples (43%). O uso do carbonato de sódio aumentou os níveis de volatilização de amônia (+41%) originados da cama de frangos.

The effect of additives to reduce volatilization of ammonia in poultry litter was evaluated in three experiments. In experiment one, different doses of phosphate, in the form of simple superphosphate, were studied by means of six treatments: 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25% added to the poultry litter. In the second experiment, the effect of humidity was verified by using the same treatments carried out in the previous experiment. In experiment three, different additives were tested in the poultry litter, following seven treatments: Glauber’s salt; sulphur; copper sulphate, phosphate, aluminium sulphate; and sodium carbonate. In treatment one, the dose of 15% of simple superphosphate added to the poultry litter showed to be more effective than the other additives, for it has inhibited 95% of the volatilization. As to experiment two, a strong inhibiting influence of water in the volatilization of ammonia could be detected. As to experiment three, the copper sulphate was the best additive (P>0.05) to inhibit the poultry litter’s volatilization of ammonia (62%), followed by both the aluminium sulphate (53%) and the simple superphosphate (43%). The use of carbonate has promoted an increase of 41% in the levels of ammonia volatilization.