We examined whether endurance performance and neuromuscular fatigue would be affected by caffeine ingestion during closed- and open-loop exercises. Nine cyclists performed a closed-loop (4,000-m cycling time trial) and an open-loop exercise (work rate fixed at mean power of the closed-loop trial) 60 min after ingesting caffeine (CAF, 5 mg/kg) or placebo (PLA, cellulose). Central and peripheral fatigue was quantified via pre- to post-exercise decrease in quadriceps voluntary activation and potentiated twitch force, respectively. Test sensitivity for detecting caffeine-induced improvements in exercise performance was calculated as the mean change in time divided by the error of measurement. Caffeine ingestion reduced the time of the closed-loop trial (PLA: 375.1±14.5 s vs CAF: 368.2±14.9 s, P=0.024) and increased exercise tolerance during the open-loop trial (PLA: 418.2±99.5 s vs CAF: 552.5±106.5 s, P=0.001), with similar calculated sensitivity indices (1.5, 90%CI: 0.7-2.9 vs 2.8, 90%CI: 1.9-5.1). The reduction in voluntary activation was more pronounced (P=0.019) in open- (-6.8±8.3%) than in closed-loop exercises (-1.9±4.4%), but there was no difference between open- and closed-loop exercises for the potentiated twitch force reduction (-25.6±12.8 vs -26.6±12.0%, P>0.05). Caffeine had no effect on central and peripheral fatigue development in either mode of exercise. In conclusion, caffeine improved endurance performance in both modes of exercise without influence on post-exercise central and peripheral fatigue, with the open-loop exercise imposing a greater challenge to central fatigue tolerance.

Oral tolerance blocks the development of specific immune responses to proteins ingested by the oral route. One of the first registries of oral tolerance showed that guinea pigs fed corn became refractory to hypersensitivity to corn proteins. Mice fed with chow containing corn are tolerant to zein, and parenteral injection of zein plus adjuvant blocks immunization to unrelated proteins injected concomitantly and reduces unspecific inflammation. Extensive and prolonged inflammatory infiltrate in the wound bed is one of the causes of pathological wound healing. Previous research shows that intraperitoneal injection of zein concomitant with skin injuries reduces the inflammatory infiltrate in the wound bed and improves wound healing. Herein, we tested if one subcutaneous injection of zein before skin injury improves wound healing. We also investigated how long the effects triggered by zein could improve skin wound healing. Mice fed zein received two excisional wounds on the interscapular skin under anesthesia. Zein plus Al(OH)3 was injected at the tail base at 10 min, or 3, 5, or 7 days before skin injuries. Wound healing was analyzed at days 7 and 40 after injury. Our results showed that a zein injection up to 5 days before skin injury reduced the inflammatory infiltrate, increased the number of T-cells in the wound bed, and improved the pattern of collagen deposition in the neodermis. These findings could promote the development of new strategies for the treatment and prevention of pathological healing using proteins normally found in the common diet.

The present study compared the effects of a footwear designed to enhance energy return (thermoplastic polyurethane, TPU) vs minimalist shoes on running economy (RE) and endurance performance. In this counterbalanced and crossover design study, 11 recreational male runners performed two submaximal constant-speed running tests and two 3-km time-trials with the two shoe models. Oxygen uptake was measured during submaximal constant-speed running tests in order to determine the RE at 12 km/h and oxygen cost of running (CTO2) at individual average speed sustained during the 3-km running time-trials wearing either of the two shoes. Our results revealed that RE was improved (2.4%) with TPU shoes compared with minimalist shoes (P=0.01). However, there was no significant difference for CTO2 (P=0.61) and running performance (P=0.52) comparing the TPU (710±60 s) and the minimalist (718±63 s) shoe models. These novel findings demonstrate that shoes with enhanced mechanical energy return (i.e. TPU) produced a lower energy cost of running at low (i.e., 12 km/h) but not at high speeds (i.e., average speed sustained during the 3-km running time-trial, ∼15 km/h), ultimately resulting in similar running performance compared to the minimalist shoe.

Abstract Epoxy systems are widely applied as adhesives in the aerospace industry. They have excellent adhesion properties, however, being thermosetting, epoxy systems show fracture brittleness characteristics. Polysulfide and polymercaptans are good options to increase the flexibility of the epoxy adhesive. Thermal analysis techniques are generally used to evaluate the curing degree of epoxy systems. In most cases, when infrared (IR) analysis is used, it is employed qualitatively. This paper presents the reaction study of a DGEBA epoxy prepolymer with diethylenetriamine (DETA) and linear and branched dodecyl mercaptans as flexibilizers. Conversion data and curing time were assessed qualitatively and quantitatively by Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR) in the medium infrared region (MIR) and in the near infrared region, using near infrared reflectance accessory (NIRA). NIRA methodology showed satisfactory results, with errors between 3 and 7%, especially in samples with lower amine contents. Mechanical tests confirmed the flexibilization of the cured epoxy system by the addition of mercaptans, indicating a lower crosslinking degree in the matrix. Young’s modulus (E) significantly decreased from 2017 MPa to 578 MPa with the addition of approximately 20 wt% of normal dodecyl mercaptan to the epoxy system.

ABSTRACT Stingless bee products such as honey, pollen, propolis, and geopropolis have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for the treatment of several illnesses. Investigation of the biological activity of stingless bee products, especially propolis and geopropolis, has revealed promising therapeutic properties. About 20% of total Neotropical stingless bees can be found in Brazil. Despite the species diversity, studies on their biological activity are scarce. The present review focuses on the antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of propolis and geopropolis from Brazilian stingless bees. In addition, the toxicity of these natural products was addressed. In order to provide new evidences for the toxic potential of propolis and geopropolis components, an in silico analysis was performed using the ADMET PredictorTM software. We observed that most of studies evaluated only crude ethanol extracts of a limited number of stingless bees species. Propolis and geopropolis displayed antioxidant capacity and antimicrobial activity. Concerning the toxic potential, the extracts of stingless bees propolis and geopropolis were considered safe. Nonetheless, in vitro and in vivo toxicological studies are still necessary.

RESUMO: A caprinocultura na região Nordeste do Brasil desempenha importante função socioeconômica e estratégica. A rusticidade desta atividade nesta região, aliada a sua rápida expansão em outros estados, tem gerado perdas na sua cadeia produtiva a nível regional e nacional, causadas por doenças infecciosas, destacando-se a Linfadenite Caseosa (LC), afecção amplamente difundida nos rebanhos caprinos, acarretando sérios prejuízos econômicos à atividade. Embora LC tenha sido detectada como um problema endêmico no nordeste brasileiro, uma análise abrangente e mais recente desta prevalência nos rebanhos caprinos brasileiros se faz necessária. O objetivo desse estudo foi determinar a frequência de anticorpos anti-Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis em cinco dos nove estados que compõem a região Nordeste do Brasil. Foram processadas amostras de soro de 2571 caprinos provenientes de 218 propriedades rurais oriundas de cinco estados da região Nordeste do Brasil, coletadas entre os anos de 2010 a 2012. O diagnóstico da infecção por C. pseudotuberculosis foi realizado pela técnica de ELISA-indireto. Em 88,5% (193/218) das propriedades investigadas, pelo menos um caprino foi soropositivo para C. pseudotuberculosis, sugerindo que o agente se encontra disseminado nos rebanhos do Nordeste, com a maior prevalência encontrada no Rio Grande do Norte (94,5%) e a menor no estado de Sergipe (70,3%). Foram identificados 783 (30,4%; IC 95%=28,7-32,2%) caprinos soropositivos, com a maior prevalência entre animais encontrada no Piauí (41,4%) e a menor no estado de Sergipe (22,5%). De um total de 279 reprodutores avaliados, 106 (37,9%) resultaram soropositivos, destacando-se o Rio Grande do Norte, com 45,30%, e Piauí com 46,8% dos reprodutores positivos para LC. Das 1420 matrizes testadas, 599(42,1%) apresentaram sorologia positiva para C. pseudotuberculosis. Entre os estados esta distribuição também se manteve semelhante, destacando-se o Rio Grande do Norte, com 47,5% e Piauí com 59,5% das matrizes positivos para LC. Entre os 872 caprinos jovens avaliados, 78 (8,9%) foram soropositivos para LC, observando-se uma diferença estatística na frequência de sopositividade obtidas entre os adultos e os jovens (P<0,001). Reforça-se a necessidade do diagnóstico da enfermidade em rebanhos caprinos da região Nordeste para possível implementação de programas de controle da doença e medidas mais precisas no manejo da LC junto aos criadores de caprinos.

ABSTRACT: Goat farming in the Northeast region of Brazil plays an important socioeconomic and strategic role. The rusticity of this activity in this region, allied with its rapid expansion in other states, has caused losses in its production chain in regional and national levels, caused by infectious diseases, especially caseous lymphadenitis (CL), a widespread goat herds disease which has been causing serious economic loss to this activity. Although CL has been detected as an endemic problem in the Brazilian Northeast, a comprehensive and more recent analysis of this prevalence in Brazilian goats is necessary. The objective of this study was to determine the frequency of anti-Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis antibodies in five of nine states of the northeast region of Brazil. Serum samples were collected from 2571 goats from 218 farms in five states in the Northeast region of Brazil, collected between 2010 and 2012. The diagnosis of C. pseudotuberculosis infection was made using the ELISA-indirect technique. In 88.5% (193/218) of the investigated properties, at least one goat was seropositive for C. pseudotuberculosis, suggesting that the agent is widespread in Northeast herds, with the highest prevalence found in Rio Grande do Norte (94.5%) and the lowest one in the state of Sergipe (70.3%). A total of 783 (30.45%; 95% CI = 28.71-32.26%) seropositive goats were found, and the highest prevalence among animals was found in Piauí (41.4%) and the lowest in the state of Sergipe (22.5%). Out of a total of 279 breeding herds, 106 (37.99%) were seropositive, standing out the Rio Grande do Norte, with a total of 45.30%, and Piauí 46.8% of positive breeding for CL. A total of the 1420 tested matrices, 599 (42.1%) presented positive serology for C. pseudotuberculosis. Among the States, this distribution also remained similar, standing out Rio Grande do Norte with 47.5%, and Piauí with 59.5% of positive matrices for CL. Among 872 young goats evaluated, 78 (8.9%) were seropositive for CL, observing a statistical difference in the frequency of soropositivity obtained between adults and young adults (P<0.001). The necessity to diagnose the disease in goat herds in the Northeast region is reinforced for the possible implementation of disease control programs and more precise measures to manage CL along with goat farmers.

Avaliaram-se os efeitos da inclusão da torta de macaúba (TM) na dieta sobre a concentração e o perfil da população de protozoários ciliados do rúmen. Foram utilizadas oito vacas Holandesas, dispostas em dois quadrados latinos 4x4 e alimentadas com diferentes níveis de inclusão da TM (0, 100, 200 e 300g kg-1 de matéria seca na dieta total). Para quantificação e identificação dos protozoários, amostras de 1mL do líquido ruminal de cada animal foram diluídas em 9mL de solução de formaldeído a 10%. Após diluições decimais sucessivas em solução salina, os protozoários foram quantificados em câmara de Sedgewick. A identificação foi realizada sob a luz da microscopia óptica, utilizando-se a objetiva de 40x para caracterizar o mínimo de 100 indivíduos por amostra. As concentrações de protozoários pequenos (P<0,01), médios (P=0,05), grandes (P=0,01) e o número total (P<0,01) apresentaram comportamento linear decrescente com o aumento dos níveis de inclusão da TM nas dietas. Foram encontradas características morfológicas típicas de 16 gêneros de protozoários ciliados, sendo os gêneros Entodinium e Eodinium os mais frequentes no líquido ruminal dos animais avaliados. O perfil da população de protozoários ciliados sofreu pequenas alterações com a inclusão da TM, sendo observada alteração na participação percentual dos gêneros Charonina (P = 0,03) e Polyplastron (P<0,01). A utilização da TM na dieta de bovinos promove redução na concentração e modificação no perfil da população de protozoários ciliados do rúmen.

ABSTRACT The effects of meal macaúba (MM) inclusion on the concentration and profile of the ciliate protozoa of the bovine rumen were evaluated. Eight Holstein cows were used during second lactation, with average 480 kg of body weight, arranged in two 4x4 Latin squares simultaneously and fed four diets with different concentrations of the MM (0, 100, 200 and 300 g kg-1). For identification and quantification of protozoa, samples of ruminal fluid from each animal with 1 ml were diluted in 9mL of 10% formaldehyde. After consecutive decimal dilutions in saline solution, protozoa were assessed in a Sedgewick chamber. The identification was carried out under the optical light microscope using a 40x objective to characterize at least 100 individuals per sample. The concentrations of small (P<0.01), medium (P=0.05), large (P= 0.01), and the total number (P<0.01) of protozoa decreased linearly with the increasing MM inclusion. Morphological characteristics typical of 16 genera of ciliates were found, being the Entodinium spp. and Eodinium spp. the most frequent in the rumen fluid of animals evaluated. The profile of the population of ciliated protozoa suffer minor changes with the addition of MM, with a change in the percentage share of Charonina spp. (P = 0.03) and Polyplastron spp. (P <0.01). The use of the MM in the cattle diet promotes reduction in the concentration and change in the profile of the population of rumen ciliates protozoa.

Objetivou-se avaliar o perfil sanguíneo e o tamanho absoluto e relativo dos órgãos internos de bezerros em sistema de aleitamento convencional ou fracionado. Foram utilizadas 10 fêmeas, com peso corporal inicial médio de 37,53 kg (±2,36) e 12 machos com peso corporal médio de 81,6 kg (±8,6), ambos da raça Holandesa. O aleitamento convencional constituiu-se de quatro litros de leite fornecidos diariamente durante 54 dias de avaliação e o fracionado, de seis litros do 6º ao 25º dias de idade, quatro litros do 26º ao 45º dias de idade e dois litros do 46º ao 59º dias de idade, além de concentrado, feno de Cynodon sp., água e suplemento mineral fornecidos ad libitum. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco repetições para os parâmetros sanguíneos e seis repetições para o desenvolvimento dos órgãos internos. As coletas de sangue foram realizadas nas fêmeas nos dias sete, 21, 28, 42, 49 e 56 de idade. Para a avaliação dos órgãos internos os machos foram abatidos aos dois meses de idade, após jejum de 16 horas. Não foram observadas diferenças para os valores de proteínas totais, albumina, globulina, creatinina, ureia, colesterol e β-hidroxibutirato nas idades avaliadas (p>0,05). Entretanto, para a concentração de glicose houve interação entre os sistemas de aleitamento e os períodos avaliados, podendo ser observado que com 21 dias de idade a concentração foi maior nas bezerras mantidas em sistema fracionado, quando comparadas aos animais do grupo convencional. O sistema de aleitamento não alterou o peso corporal final, peso corporal final vazio e o peso dos órgãos internos, exceto para o coração, demonstrando que o sistema de aleitamento fracionado não altera as avaliações dos órgãos internos.

The objective was to evaluate the blood profile together with the relative and absolute size of the internal organs of calves in conventional or fractionated feeding system. Ten females were used, with an average initial body weight of 37.53 kg (±2.36), and 12 males with a mean body weight of 81.6 kg (±8.6), both Holstein breed. The conventional feeding consisted of four liter milk supplied daily for 54 days of evaluation, and fractioned six liter milk was given from 6 to 25 days of age, four liter from 26 to 45 days of ager, and two liter from 46 to 59 days of age. Cynodon sp. hay, water and mineral supplement was provided ad libitum. The experimental design was completely randomized with five replicates for blood parameters and six replicates for the development of internal organs. Blood collections were performed in females on days seven, 21, 28, 42, 49 and 56 of age. For the evaluation of internal organs males were slaughtered at two months of age, after 16 hours of fasting. No differences occurred in the values of total protein, albumin, globulin, creatinine, urea, cholesterol and β-hydroxybutyrate in ages evaluated (p>0.05). However, for the concentration of glucose no interaction was found between lactation systems and periods evaluated. It can be noted that at 21 days of age the concentration was higher in calves kept in the fractionated system, when compared with animals of the conventional group. The feeding system did not affect the final body weight, the empty body weight or the weight of the internal organs, except for the heart, demonstrating that the fractional feeding system does not alter the assessment of the internal organs.

Avaliou-se o desenvolvimento do trato digestivo de bezerros Holandeses aleitados com silagem de leite de transição. Foram utilizados 18 animais, com peso corporal inicial médio de 36,50kg (±4,03), alimentados individualmente em baias com concentrado, feno de Cynodon sp., água e suplemento mineral oferecidos ad libitum. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, com três tratamentos e seis repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram em leite integral e silagem de leite de transição diluída em água ou misturada em leite, correspondendo a quatro litros diários divididos em duas refeições, durante 59 dias. Aos 60 dias, os bezerros foram abatidos e realizaram-se pesagens do trato digestivo e medidas histológicas das papilas ruminais. O sistema de aleitamento não interferiu nos consumos de concentrado e matéria seca total e no desenvolvimento de papilas ruminais (P>0,05). A silagem de leite de transição diluída em água resultou em menor peso corporal, menor peso corporal vazio e absoluto do abomaso e maior desenvolvimento intestinal. O aleitamento com silagem misturada em leite não comprometeu o desenvolvimento corporal e do trato digestivo até 60 dias de idade, representando alternativa ao aleitamento com leite.

This study aimed to evaluate the development of the digestive tract of Holstein calves which suckled milk from silage transition. We used 18 animals, with an average initial body weight of 36.50kg (±4.03), individually housed in pens with concentrate, hay Cynodon sp., water and mineral supplement offered ad libitum. The experimental design was completely randomized with three treatments and six replications. Treatments consisted of whole milk and silage transitional milk, diluted with water or mixed with milk, corresponding to four liters per day divided over two meals during 59 days. The food intake was monitored daily and weighed every week after the supply of liquid diet in the morning. At 60 days, the calves were slaughtered and the digestive tract was weighed and histological measures of rumen papillae were taken. The nursing system did not affect the consumption of concentrate and total dry matter and the development of rumen papillae (P>0.05). The silage transition milk diluted in water resulted in lower final body weight, lower body weight and absolute emptiness abomasum and intestinal further development. Milk transition silage mixed in milk did not affect the development of the digestive tract and body until 60 days of age, representing an alternative to milk.

Avaliou-se o tamanho absoluto e relativo dos órgãos internos de bezerros Holandeses aleitados com leite, silagem de leite de transição diluída em água ou misturada em leite. Foram utilizados 18 animais, machos, com 60 dias de idade e peso corporal médio de 70,3kg (±11,8kg). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, com três tratamentos e seis repetições. Os animais foram abatidos aos dois meses de idade, sendo previamente submetidos a jejum alimentar de 16 horas. O aleitamento modificou os pesos dos órgãos internos e da gordura omental dos animais, exceto para rins e gordura mesentérica, e não alterou o consumo de alimentos sólidos. A silagem de leite de transição diluída em água comprometeu o desempenho dos bezerros, refletindo no peso dos órgãos internos e de gordura omental, e apresentou pesos absolutos para fígado, baço e gordura omental de 1.072, 186 e 133g, respectivamente. A silagem misturada em leite proporcionou resultados mais semelhantes ao fornecimento exclusivo de leite, demonstrando-se como opção para o aleitamento de bovinos jovens.

This study aimed to evaluate the absolute and relative size of internal organs of Holstein calves which suckled milk, silage transition milk diluted with water or mixed in milk. We used 18 male animals, 60 days old with a mean body weight of 70.3kg (± 11.8kg). The experimental design was completely randomized with three treatments and six replications. The animals were slaughtered at two months, and previously fasted for 16 hours. Breast feeding changed the weights of internal organs and omental fat of animals, except for kidney and mesenteric fat, and did not affect food intake solids. The silage transition milk diluted in water compromised the performance of the calves, reflecting on the weight of internal organs and omental fat, and showed absolute weights for liver, spleen and omental fat of 1072, 186 and 133g, respectively. The silage mixed with milk yielded results more similar to the exclusive milk supply, being an option for suckling calves.

Avaliaram-se o consumo de nutrientes e a produção e composição do leite de vacas da raça Holandesa alimentadas com dietas contendo diferentes quantidades de inclusão de torta de macaúba. Oito animais foram distribuídos em dois quadrados latinos 4x4, sendo quatro tratamentos, 0, 100, 200 e 300g kg-1 de TM na matéria seca da dieta, e quatro períodos experimentais de 21 dias, 14 de adaptação e sete de avaliações. A adição de quantidades crescentes de torta de macaúba à dieta alterou o consumo de matéria seca, matéria orgânica, proteína bruta, extrato etéreo, fibra em detergente neutro, carboidratos não fibrosos, produção e os teores de lactose, extrato seco desengordurado e sólidos totais do leite, bem como a eficiência alimentar e a digestibilidade da matéria seca. Por outro lado, não foi verificada diferença nos teores de gordura do leite. A adição da TM em até 300g kg-1 da dieta comprometeu o consumo e o desempenho produtivo dos animais.

We evaluated nutrient intake, production and composition of milk from Holstein cows fed feedlot diets with different inclusion levels of macauba meal. Eight animals were divided into two 4x4 latin square designs, four treatments, 0, 100, 200 and 300g kg-1 macauba meal in the dry matter diet, and four experimental periods of 21 days, 14 adaptation and seven evaluation The addition of increasing levels of macauba meal diet alter the intake of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, non-fiber carbohydrates, production and concentration of lactose, nonfat dry and total solids in milk, as well as the feed efficiency and digestibility of dry matter. Moreover, there was no difference in the levels of milk fat. The addition of macaúba meal up to 300g kg-1 diet compromised the consumption and production performance of animals.

Avaliaram-se os efeitos de diferentes porcentagens (0, 10, 20 e 30%) de inclusão da torta de macaúba (TM) no comportamento ingestivo de 24 cordeiros Santa Inês, com média de cinco meses de idade e peso vivo de 23,9kg, distribuídos em delineamento em blocos ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e seis repetições, durante 60 dias de confinamento. Foram avaliados os tempos médios despendidos com alimentação, ruminação (TR), ócio (TO), tempo de mastigação total (TMT), eficiência de alimentação (EA MS e EA FDN) e eficiência de ruminação, além do número de bolos ruminados (NBR) e número diário de mastigações merícicas (MMnd). A adição de TM à dieta aumentou linearmente o TR, TMT, NBR, MMnd e EA FDN e reduziu de forma linear o TO, em consequência do maior teor de fibra em detergente neutro das dietas com o coproduto. Mesmo com o aumento no TMT, não foi verificada diferença no consumo e na eficiência de ruminação e alimentação da matéria seca, possivelmente em razão da baixa efetividade de fibra da TM, demonstrando o potencial de utilização desse coproduto na dieta de ovinos em crescimento.

The effects of different percentages (0, 10, 20 and 30%) of inclusion of macauba meal (MM) on the ingestive behavior of 24 Santa Inês male lambs, averaging five months of age and 23.9kg of initial body weight were studied. The animals were allotted to a completely randomized block design with four treatments and six replications during 60 days of confinement. The variables measured were time spent in rumination (TR), idle time (IT), total chewing (TC), power efficiency (PE DM and PE NDF) and efficiency of rumination, as well as the number of ruminated bolus (NRB) and daily number of chews (Cnd). The addition of MM to the diet increased TR, TC, NRB, Cnb and PE NDF linearly, and reduced IT linearly, as a result of higher content of neutral detergent fiber in the diet. Although there was an increase in TC, no difference was verified in the consumption and efficiency of rumination and feeding of DM, possibly due to the low efficiency of fiber, which demonstrates the potential use of this coproduct in the diet of growing sheep.

The price of milk does not follow the upward trend of inputs so, reduction of production costs may enable economic efficiency of dairy farming. Within this context, the use of coproducts with highlights to those obtained in the biodiesel chain, may be an alternative for lower feed costs and consequently the production costs. The objective was to analyze the inclusion of different levels of the macauba cake in the total diet of lactating Holstein cows, to replace the corn meal. Eight animals with average weight of 480 kg and average production of 25 kg milk/day were used, in two 4x4 latin squares, with four levels of the cake (0, 10, 20 and 30 % of dry matter) and four periods of 21 days, 14 to adapt and seven days for evaluation. The animals, kept in individual stalls, were fed ad libitum corn silage and concentrate. We evaluated the total dry matter intake, milk production, costs and economic returns of daily diets. The inclusion of coproduct in the diets reduced the dry matter intake and milk production, however, the marginal rate of return of 10 % with the inclusion of coproduct was superior to the other treatments, indicating that the inclusion of 10 % macauba pie is a technically and economically feasible to replace corn bran diet in the diet of dairy cows.

O preço do leite não acompanha a tendência de alta dos insumos e a redução dos custos de produção pode permitir a eficiência econômica da atividade leiteira. Dentro deste contexto, a utilização de coprodutos, pode ser alternativa para redução dos custos da alimentação e consequentemente os de produção. Objetivou-se analisar a inclusão de diferentes níveis da torta de macaúba, obtido na cadeia do biodiesel, na dieta total de vacas Holandesas, em lactação, em substituição ao farelo de milho. Foram utilizados oito animais com peso vivo médio de 480 kg e produção média de 25 kg de leite/dia, em dois quadrados latinos 4x4, sendo quatro níveis de inclusão da torta na matéria seca (0, 10, 20 e 30 %) e quatro períodos de 21 dias, 14 de adaptação e sete dias de avaliação. Os animais foram alimentados ad libitum, com silagem de milho e concentrado, confinados em baias individuais. Avaliou-se o consumo de matéria seca total, produção de leite, custos diários e o retorno econômico das dietas. A inclusão do coproduto reduziu o consumo de matéria seca total e produção de leite, entretanto, a taxa de retorno marginal com 10 % de inclusão do coproduto foi superior aos demais tratamentos, indicando que é uma alternativa técnica e economicamente viável em substituição ao farelo de milho na dieta de vacas leiteiras.

Objetivou-se neste estudo identificar os fatores de risco associados à mastite infecciosa ca-prina no sertão do Estado da Bahia. Foram visitadas 13 propriedades, totalizando 320 cabras em lactação e 640 metades mamárias. Amostras de leite foram coletadas após prévia antissepsia do teto e processadas utilizando-se as técnicas convencionais para o isolamento e identificação dos micro-organismos. Para o estudo dos fatores de risco foram aplicados questionários com perguntas referentes ao manejo sanitário dos rebanhos. A análise de fatores de risco foi efetuada em duas etapas: análise univariada e multivariada. A frequência de animais positivos para o exame microbiológico do leite foi de 29,06% (93/320), sendo que o percentual de amostras positivas foi de 18,44% (118/640). Foram isolados 118 micro-organismos, sendo o gênero Staphylococcus o mais frequente. Na análise univariada para fator de risco, quanto à variável assistência veterinária, os caprinos de propriedades sem assistência veterinária apresentaram maiores frequências de positividade para a mastite. Para a variável local de ordenha, observou-se que a positividade para a mastite foi menor quando se realizava a ordenha em plataforma. Na análise multivariada, observou-se que a predominância de animais mestiços constitui fator de risco para mastite (OR = 1,907; p = 0,010). Faz-se necessária a difusão de tecnologias direcionadas para melhoria das condições de higiene da ordenha, ambiente e do próprio ordenhador, objetivando a redução dos índices da mastite infecciosa nos rebanhos e consequentemente a garantia da qualidade sanitária dos produtos obtidos a partir do leite de cabra produzido em pequenas propriedades rurais.

The present study was aimed to identify risk factors associated to infectious mastitis in goats in a semiarid region of Bahia State, Brazil. Milk samples were taken from a total of 320 animals and 640 teats on 13 dairy goat farms. The samples were collected after teat disinfection, and were submitted to standard culture and identification of microorganisms. To evaluate the sanitary management an epidemiological questionnaire was used. The risk-factor analysis was performed in two steps: univariate and multivariate. The frequency of animals and mammary glands positive for the microbiologic exam was 29.06% (93/320) and 18.44% (118/640), respectively. One hundred eighteen bacteria were isolated, Staphylococcus spp. being the most prevalent. In the univariate risk-factor analysis, in regard to veterinary support, goats from farms without technical support presented higher frequencies to mastitis. In regard to the place of milking, a lower frequency of mastitis was detected where milking platforms were used. In the multivariate analysis, the predominance of mixed breeds was observed as an important risk factor for mastitis (OR = 1.907; p = 0.010). The spread of technology is necessary for better milking hygiene and environmental conditions, aiming to reduce the rates of infectious mastitis in the goats and consequently ensure the sanitary quality of the dairy products on small rural farms.

Estudou-se a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Leptospira e os fatores de risco associados à infecção em primatas do gênero Cebus mantidos em cativeiro no Nordeste do Brasil. Foram analisadas 139 amostras de soro sanguíneo de diferentes espécies de primatas de ambos os sexos e idades variadas. Para a pesquisa de anticorpos empregou-se a técnica de Soroaglutinação Microscópica (SAM) e para estudo dos fatores de risco utilizou-se análise multivariada. Foram observados anticorpos anti-Leptospira, sorovar Patoc em 6,5% dos primatas (09/139). O fator de risco identificado nesse estudo foi a não higienização diária de bebedouros (Odds ratio=12,095; IC 95% = 1,73-84,52; p=0,012,). Conclui-se que a população de Cebus mantidos em cativeiros no Nordeste do Brasil está exposta à infecção por anticorpos anti-Leptospira e que medidas corretivas de manejo dos animais, especificamente aquelas relacionadas à higienização diária de bebedouros devem ser implementadas para reduzir o risco de infecção por sorovares de Leptospira spp.

This study aimed to verify the occurrence of anti-Leptospira antibodies and the risk factors associated with infection in the Cebus spp. mantained in captivity in the northeast of Brazil. One hundred and thirty nine blood samples of different species of primates of both sexes and varied ages were analyzed. For the study of antibodies the Microscopic Agglutination Test (MAT) was used, and for the risk factor study a multivariate analysis was used. Antibodies anti-Leptospira, serovar Patoc were observed in 6.5% of primates (09/139). The risk factor identified in this study was the lack of daily hygienization of drinking fountains (Odds ratio=12.095; IC 95% = 1.73-84.52; p=0.012,). The conclusion of the study was that the Cebus population maintained in captivity in the northeast of Brazil is exposed to infection by antibodies anti-Leptospira and that corrective measures of animal handling, especially those related to daily hygienization of drinking fountains, must be implemented to reduce the risk of infection by serovars of Leptospira spp.