Abstract The number of deaths associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVD) increases every year, leading to an intense search for new compounds that may be employed as anticoagulants. One of the classes of bioprospected molecules comprises sulfated polysaccharides (SP) from seaweed, as heparin displays many adverse effects associated with its use. The present study aimed to characterize and evaluate the anticoagulant potential of SP extracted from the green algae Halimeda opuntia. Four PS-rich fractions, F23, F44, F60 and F75, were obtained by proteolytic digestion in papain followed by ethanol precipitation. The presence of SP was confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis, revealing different populations in each fraction. The F44 fraction is noteworthy compared to the other fractions, presenting a 5% yield compared to the initial algae weight and anticoagulant activity revealed by the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) assay (intrinsic/common coagulation pathway). Surprisingly, F44 purification (SP peak P1F44) resulted in prothrombin time (PT) activity (extrinsic coagulation pathway) at a 160 µg/mL, in addition to enhanced APTT activity. The P1F44 anticoagulant activity mechanism was shown to be dependent on two coagulations factors, IIa and Xa, more potent via IIa. Future assessments will be performed to assess this fraction in the medical clinic.

Abstract The economic losses caused by parasite infections, aggravated by resistance to anthelmintics, have generated demand for alternatives involving non-chemical control, such as the selection of resistant animals. The objective of this study was to identify which characteristics best describe animals that are resistant, resilient or susceptible to Haemonchus contortus and estimate the percent number in each category. Sixty-one Morada Nova ewes were evaluated in an extensive system. The performance variables (weight, body condition score), hematological variables (packed cell volume, hemoglobin, white blood cells, segmented neutrophils, lymphocytes, eosinophils, monocytes) and fecal egg counts were measured individually every 14 days during 6 months. The variables were transformed, and analysis of variance was carried out, with construction of a correlation network. Characteristics linked to parasite infection showed variations among the categories, which helped to identify sheep resistant, resilient or susceptible to H. contortus. Based on the analyses performed, 88.3% of the animals were resistant or resilient and only 11.7% were susceptible. Presence of Trichostrongylidae eggs, body condition score, packed cell volume (PCV) and eosinophil counts were found to be good indicators of naturally infected ewes, and there were significant differences between the categories and correlations between the traits.

Abstract A total of 40 lambs were divided into four different treatments according to the inclusion level of the macadamia nut cake: C-control (0%), M1 (6.5%), M2 (12%) and M3 (20%). Feed was provided twice a day; animal weighing along with body condition scoring occurred within a 14-day interval. The lambs were slaughtered at the end of the performance test. Analysis of variance was performed through the Mixed procedure of the SAS, as well as linear and quadratic regression analysis. The groups presented differences between the treatments (P <0.05) for dry matter intake (DMI), ethereal extract intake (EEI), consumption in relation to live weight percentage and feed conversion ratio (FCR). The lowest mean DMI was obtained by the animals that received the M2 and differed from the C treatment, whose average was the highest. The EEI was highest for the M3 group and the FCR was also better for this group. There was a linear effect for EEI and FCR, and quadratic for crude protein intake. There was no effect for carcass characteristics, and only initial pH had a decreasing linear effect. The macadamia nut cake was effective in promoting the performance of the animals, since there was an improvement in feed conversion.

Abstract The aim of this study was to analyze the effects of genetic group and sex on residual feed intake, performance, testicular size, carcass and morphometric traits in Santa Ines purebred and Dorper ´ Santa Ines crossbred lambs. A total of 32 lambs, with initial body weight of 18±3.7 kg were used. Analysis of variance, considering the interaction between sex and genetic group of all the traits were performed. Crossbred females (-0.018±0.06) and purebred males (-0.018±0.05) were more efficient (p<0.001) in residual feed intake than crossbred males (0.018±0.04) or purebred females (0.018±0.04). The most efficient animal in residual feed intake consumed 37.9% less feed (1.179 kg/day) than the least efficient animal (1.899 kg/day). Crossbred, when compared to purebred, showed higher values for body weight, average daily gain, testicle size, carcass traits; had greater muscle accumulation, were more compact and with more aptitude to beef. Purebred were taller, but with lower body length and thoracic perimeter than crossbred. Males had greater muscle accumulation, were more compact and with more aptitude to meat. Crossing of native (Santa Ines) with exotic breed (Dorper) is an alternative to align efficiency in feed use, testicular size, compactness, aptitude for meat and ability for muscle accumulation.

International projections point to the growth in global production of sheep meat, mainly from developing countries. However, the exigencies of consumers on characterization of production systems, nutritional information, and sensorial analysis to target the preferences must be answered. The aim of this study was to characterize the meat quality and the global acceptance of Brazilian native ovine breeds and their crosses, and discuss these aspects on the current basis of human health and wellbeing. Three native breeds (Morada Nova, Rabo Largo, and Santa Inês) that were managed in semi-intensive systems and raised in semi-arid Brazilian regions were used. Chemical composition and fatty acid analysis, sensory evaluation and health indices were accessed. The combined effects of breed, sex and breed by sex interaction produced differentiation in meat fatty acid (FA) profiles. The cholesterol contents ranged between 51 and 59.1 mg/100 g. The Morada Nova lambs showed the lowest lipid content (1.93%). The Morada Nova x Rabo Largo crossbreed breed has the potential to increase the content of conjugated linoleic acid. The high content of a-linolenic acid, which is considered hypocholesterolemic, was responsible for better health indices. The moderate acceptability obtained in sensory traits is compatible with the requirements of the consumer market. The combination of nutritional and sensory traits associated with human health and wellbeing that is presented by these native ovine breeds qualifies them as a good choice of red meat to be included in a larger proportion in human food.

RESUMO: Herpesvírus bovino 1 (BoHV-1) é um importante patógeno bovino, responsável por causar doenças respiratórias e falhas reprodutivas. A presença do BoHV-1 em sistema de produção in vitro de embriões afeta a fertilização, a maturação e o desenvolvimento embrionário. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a capacidade de desenvolvimento de ovócitos oriundos de vacas infectadas naturalmente sem histórico reprodutivo. Além disso, este estudo investigou a presença do DNA viral em Complexos Cumulus Ooforus (COCs). Os tratamentos foram definidos a partir do título de anticorpos detectados pelos ensaios de soroneutralização, sendo estabelecidos três grupos: animais soronegativos (título menor do que 2), título baixo (2 a 8) e animais com título maior ou igual a 16. Os COCs foram obtidos de 15 doadoras durante 22 sessões de aspiração folicular guiada por ultrassom. A extração do DNA foi realizada em um pool de COCs de todas as aspirações de uma mesma doadora e no sangue total para a realização das reações de Nested-PCR. Para avaliação da taxa de maturação nuclear, foram selecionados para o cultivo in vitro somente os COCs com camada compacta de células do cumulus, zona pelúcida íntegra e citoplasma homogêneo. Após 24 horas de cultivo, os ovócitos foram fixados e corados em lâmina para a avaliação do estádio do ciclo celular meiótico. Os ovócitos que apresentaram configuração cromossômica em metáfase II foram considerados como tendo alcançado a maturação nuclear. Verificou-se comprometimento na taxa de maturação nuclear ovocitária (P<0.05) nos animais de título maior ou igual a 16 (50%). No entanto, não houve influência do título viral na taxa de maturação de ovócitos bovinos em animais que apresentaram titulação baixa (62,2%) quando comparados com o grupo controle (76,7%). O DNA viral não foi identificado nas amostras de sangue, mas foi detectado no pool de COCs de três doadoras soropositivas. Diante dos resultados encontrados conclui-se que vacas infectadas naturalmente pelo vírus BoHV-1 apresentam comprometimento na taxa de maturação nuclear, dependendo do grau de titulação de anticorpos contra o vírus. Ademais, o DNA viral pode estar presente em COCs contrariando a hipótese de que animais sorologicamente positivos e sem histórico de sintomatologia clínica oferecem risco negligível de transmissão do BoHV-1 por COCs.

ABSTRACT Bovine herpesvirus 1 (BoHV-1) is an important bovine pathogen that is responsible for causing respiratory diseases and reproductive failures. The presence of BoHV-1 in an in vitro embryo production system affects fertilization, maturation, and embryonic development. The objective of this study was to evaluate the developmental capacity of oocytes from naturally infected cows with no reproductive history. Moreover, this study investigated the presence of viral DNA in cumulus oophorus complexes (COCs). Experimental groups were differentiated by titrating the antibodies detected through seroneutralization assays, establishing three groups: seronegative animals (titer lower than 2), low titer (2 to 8), and animals with a titer above or equal to 16. COCs were obtained from 15 donors during 22 sessions of ultrasound-guided follicular aspiration. DNA was extracted from a pool of COCs obtained from all aspirations from the same donor as well as from whole blood and nested PCR reactions were performed. Only COCs with a compact layer of cumulus cells, an intact zona pellucida, and homogeneous cytoplasm were selected for in vitro culture and evaluation of nuclear maturation rate. After culturing for 24 hours, the oocytes were fixed and stained to evaluate the meiotic cell cycle stage. Oocytes that showed a chromosomal configuration in metaphase II were considered to have reached nuclear maturation. Compared with the other groups, the oocyte nuclear maturation rate in animals with a titer greater than or equal to 16 (50%) was compromised (P< 0.05). However, the viral titer did not influence the maturation rate of bovine oocytes in animals exhibiting low titration (62.2%) when compared with the control group (76.7%). Viral DNA was not observed in the blood samples but was detected in the COC pool from three seropositive donors. In view of the results obtained, we conclude that natural infections by the BoHV-1 virus can compromise the nuclear maturation rate in cows, depending on the titration levels of antibodies against the virus. Moreover, viral DNA could be present in COCs, contradicting the hypothesis that seropositive animals with no history of clinical symptomatology pose a negligible risk of transmitting BoHV-1 by COCs.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos do zinco ou do propilenoglicol sobre o desempenho e nas características da carcaça e da carne de ovinos sob pastejo em pastagem nativa da Caatinga. Utilizaram-se 24 ovinos, mestiços Santa Inês, machos, não castrados, peso inicial de 19,3±2,52kg, com quatro meses de idade, oito repetições por tratamento, distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso. Os tratamentos foram: sem aditivo, controle (CT), adição de sulfato de zinco (ZnSO4.7H2O) (Zn) para fornecimento de 300mg de Zn dia-1 via sal mineral, e propilenoglicol (PG), 2,5mL kgPC0,75-1 animal-1 dia-1 misturado no concentrado. Os animais foram suplementados com concentrado constituído de milho (54,0%), farelo de soja (45,1%) e calcário (0,911%) em 0,7% do PC médio de cada tratamento. O ensaio foi conduzido durante quatro meses (março a junho/2014). Avaliaram-se o desempenho e, após o abate dos animais, as características de carcaça e os componentes não carcaça, os parâmetros físico-químicos e organolépticos na carne. O Zn e o propilenoglicol não afetaram o desempenho e os parâmetros da carcaça em termos absoluto e relativo, bem como os pesos dos cortes e seus rendimentos (P>0,05). Não houve efeito dos aditivos nas características organolépticas e nos aspectos físico-químicos da carne (P>0,05), exceto cinzas (P<0,05). O zinco e o propilenoglicol não melhoram o desempenho e as características da carcaça de animais terminados em pastagem nativa da Caatinga. O baixo suprimento energético devido à má qualidade do pasto entre os meses de abril a junho contribui para a ineficiência no aproveitamento dos constituintes proteicos, implicando menor consumo e consequente diminuição do desempenho.

ABSTRACT The aim was to evaluate the effects of zinc sulfate or propylene glycol on performance and carcass and meat characteristics from sheep under grazing in native Caatinga (Brazilian savannah) pasture during the rainy season. Twenty-four intact Santa Ines crossbreed male lambs, with an initial weight of 19.3±2.52kg, and 4-mo old, were distributed in a completely randomized design with eight replications per treatment. The treatments were composed of additives, as follows: no additive - control (CT); addition of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4.7H2O) (Zn) to supply a total of 300mg Zn day−1 on mineral salt; and addition of propylene glycol (PG), 2.5mL kg LW0.75−1 animal−1 day−1 mixed directly in the concentrate. Afterwards, they were supplemented with concentrate at 0.7% of the average LW of each batch according to the treatments. The concentrate was based on corn (54.0%), soybean meal (45.1%), and limestone (0.911%). The trials were carried out during the rainy season (March to June 2014), and evaluated the performance, and before of slaughter, carcass characteristics and non-carcass components were evaluated and the physical-chemical aspects and the organoleptic attributes on the meat. The additives did not affect the performance, parameters of carcass, in terms absolute and relative, carcass morphometric measurements, weight of the commercial cuts and yields (P>0.05). The additives did not affect the organoleptic characteristics and physical-chemical aspects of the meat (P>0.05), except, ash (P<0.05). The zinc sulfate and propylene glycol did not improve on performance and in carcass characteristics in lambs finished on a native Caatinga (Brazilian savannah) pasture. The low supply energetic due to poor quality of pasture between the months of April to June, which contributed to inefficiency in the utilization of proteics constituents, implying in lower intake, and decrease in performance.

RESUMO A endometrose é uma alteração degenerativa das glândulas uterinas e do estroma circundante, caracterizada pelo arranjo periglandular de miofibroblastos e pela deposição de matriz extracelular (ECM). O presente trabalho objetivou avaliar a expressão de colágenos tipos I, III e IV e α-actina de músculo liso (α-SMA) nas endometroses equinas, procurando esclarecer a participação dos miofibroblastos na progressão desses processos. Foram utilizadas 24 biópsias uterinas com diagnóstico de endometrose, recebidas pelo Serviço de Patologia Veterinária e de Reprodução Animal da FMVZ, Unesp, Botucatu, SP. Cortes histológicos foram submetidos às técnicas histoquímicas de tricrômico de Masson, picrosirius red sob luz polarizada e ácido periódico de Schiff (PAS) e imuno-histoquímicas para os três tipos de colágeno citados e α-SMA. Ainda, traçou-se um paralelo entre a técnica de picrosirius red e a imunomarcação dos colágenos tipos I e III. A análise histológica revelou que as fibras de colágeno denso correspondem ao colágeno tipo I, predominantes nas endometroses inativa e inativa destrutiva. As fibras de colágeno frouxo correspondem ao colágeno tipo III, predominantes nas endometroses ativas e ativas destrutivas. Nesses mesmos processos, a membrana basal revelou espessamento, aparentemente não relacionado ao colágeno tipo IV, e uma maior imunomarcação de miofibroblastos periglandulares em relação às endometroses inativa e inativa destrutiva. Dessa forma, nota-se que os miofibroblastos estão relacionados ao aumento na deposição de colágeno tipo III nos ninhos fibróticos ativos.

ABSTRACT Endometriosis is a degenerative change of the uterine glands and surrounding stroma, characterized by periglandular arrangement of myofibroblasts and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the expression of collagen type I, III and IV and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in equine endometriosis, and investigate the role of myofibroblasts in the progression of these processes. A parallel was made with histochemical techniques of Masson's trichrome, Picrosirius Red under polarized light and Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS). Twenty four uterine biopsies received by the Veterinary Pathology Service and Animal Reproduction of FMVZ, UNESP, Botucatu, SP, were diagnosed with endometriosis. Histological analysis revealed that the orange dense collagen fibers correspond to type I collagen, being prevalent in inactive and inactive destructive endometriosis. The green loose collagen fibers correspond to type III collagen, and are predominant in active and active destructive endometriosis. In the same processes, a greater amount of periglandular myofibroblasts were observed in comparison to inactive and inactive destructive endometriosis. The presence of these cells in active processes are strongly related to an increased deposition of collagen type III in fibrotic nests. Regarding the basement membrane, the active destructive and active endometriosis shows thickening, apparently not related to an increase in expression of type IV collagen. The active destructive and inactive destructive endometriosis exhibited disruption areas in type IV collagen fibers. Thus, it is noted that the myofibroblasts are related to increased deposition of type III collagen in active fibrotic nests.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do cruzamento entre ovinos nativos no desempenho e características da carcaça. Foram utilizados vinte cordeiros, machos, inteiros, com idade inicial de quatro meses, e peso médio inicial 19,0±5,11, distribuídos em dois grupos genéticos: Rabo Largo (RL) e Santa Inês x Rabo Largo (F1SI x RL), em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso. Os animais foram terminados em regime de confinamento durante 70 dias. Os cordeiros F1SI x RL apresentaram maiores pesos ao desmame, ao abate, do corpo vazio, das carcaças quente e fria, e maior rendimento biológico. Verificaram maiores valores para os parâmetros de morfometria da carcaça para animais F1SI x RL comparados aos animais Rabo Largo (P<0,05). Os pesos da hemi-carcaça e dos cortes comerciais foram superiores para cordeiros F1SI x RL. Nas medidas obtidas no músculo Longissimus dorsi, os cordeiros Rabo Largo apresentaram valores superiores para espessura de gordura subcutânea. A utilização da raça Santa Inês como base paterna acarreta em melhorias nas características de carcaça de cordeiros Rabo Largo podendo ser indicado em sistemas de produção de carne ovina.

ABSTRACT The aim of study was to evaluate the effect of crossbreeding among native sheep on performance and traits carcass. Twenty intact lambs, male, at four months of age, with an initial weight of 19.0±5.11kg, were distributed in two groups genetics: Rabo Largo (RL) e Santa Inês x Rabo Largo (F1SI x RL), in a completely randomized design. The animals were finished in feedlot by 70 days. The lambs F1SI x RL showed higher weight at weaning, to slaughter, of the empty body, and hot and cold carcass, and increased biological yield. Higher values for carcass morphometry in F1SI x RL animals were found in comparison to Rabo Largo animals (P<0.05). The weight of half-carcass and the commercial cuts were higher for lambs. On the measurements obtained in muscle Longissimus dorsi, Rabo Largo lambs showed higher values for subcutaneous fat thickness. The use of the breed Santa Inês like base paternal may bring in improvements in lambs’s carcass characteristics Rabo Largo and may be recommended in sheep meat production systems.

Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar a persistência e o risco de intoxicação de espécies de eucalipto para mistura de herbicidas picloram + 2,4-D em aplicação prévia ao plantio florestal. O experimento foi implantado em campo, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com 6 repetições, no esquema fatorial 4 x 5, com quatro espécies (Eucalyptus urophylla, E. globulus, E. saligna e Corimbia citriodora) e cinco doses de herbicida à base de picloram + 2,4-D (64 + 240gL-1 ): 0, 3, 4, 5 e 6Lha-1 do produto, aplicadas 30 dias antes da implantação da cultura. Aos 15 e 40 dias após o plantio (DAP), foram feitas avaliações fisiológicas. Aos 90 dias após a aplicação do herbicida (DAA), foi realizado um bioensaio para identificar o efeito residual do produto. Nenhuma espécie apresentou sintoma visível de intoxicação, porém ocorreram alterações fisiológicas. Para taxa fotossintética, houve diferentes respostas, com redução para maiores doses, exceto em E. saligna. Aos 15DAP E. saligna e E. urophylla apresentaram taxas superiores para condutância estomática e transpiração. Aos 40 DAP, constatou-se que o aumento das doses ocasionou diminuição linear na condutância estomática. A eficiência no uso da água das plantas foi menor aos 15 DAP nas doses mais elevadas, não havendo alterações aos 40 DAP. Não foram observados sintomas de intoxicação no bioindicador aos 90 DAA. Entretanto, o aumento das doses aplicadas ocasionou efeito linear positivo no acúmulo de biomassa do bioindicador. A mistura de picloram + 2,4-D não causou alterações morfológicas, porém desencadeou respostas fisiológicas negativas nas plantas.

The objective was the assessment of the persistence and risk of intoxication of eucalyptus species by mixing picloram 2,4-D herbicide on application prior to forest planting. The experiment was deployed in the field in a completely randomized design with 6 repetitions, in a 4 x 5 factorial scheme, with four species (Eucalyptus urophylla, E.globulus, E.saligna and Corimbia citriodora) and five doses of the picloram base herbicide + 2,4-D (64 + 240 g L-1): 0, 3, 4, 5, and 6 L ha-1 of the product, applied 30 days before deployment of culture. At 15 and 40 days after planting (DAP), physiological assessments were carried out. At 90 days after herbicide application (DAA) a bioassay took place to identify the residual effect of the product. No species showed visible symptoms of intoxication; however, there were physiological changes. For photosynthetic rate there were different responses, with reduction for larger doses, except in E.saligna. At 15 DAP, E.saligna and E.urophylla showed higher rates for stomatal conductance and transpiration. At 40 DAP, it was found that increasing the doses caused a linear decrease in stomatal conductance. Water use efficiency of plants was lower at 15 DAP in higher doses, with no changes at 40 DAP. Toxic symptoms were not noticed the in bioindicator at 90 DAA. However, increasing the applied doses caused a positive linear effect on the accumulation of biomass of the bioindicator. The mixture of picloram + 2,4-D did not cause morphological changes, but triggered negative physiological responses in the plants.

O teste de uma repetição máxima (1-RM) é frequentemente aplicado para medir a força de um indivíduo em um determinado exercício. O objetivo do presente estudo foi comparar o efeito de diferentes intervalos entre as tentativas do teste de 1-RM no desempenho de força máxima em mulheres no exercício leg press 45°. Para tanto, 12 voluntárias (19 ± 1 ano) praticantes de exercícios resistidos há no mínimo seis meses foram submetidas a quatro sessões de testes, alternadas por no mínimo 48 horas de repouso. Os intervalos de recuperação entre as tentativas do teste de 1-RM foram de 30, 45, 60 e 180 segundos, sendo que a ordem de execução foi definida aleatoriamente. Para identificação da diferença entre os intervalos propostos foi aplicada a análise de variância ANOVA One-way (p < .05). Os resultados não revelaram diferenças significativas no desempenho de força máxima em mulheres, quando comparados os valores médios de teste obtidos em cada um dos intervalos propostos. Esses achados indicam que para a medida de força máxima no exercício leg press 45°, intervalos menores do que um minuto (30 - 45 segundos) podem ser utilizados com a mesma precisão que intervalos maiores, garantindo maior economia de tempo para a aplicação do teste de 1-RM.

Test of one repetition maximum (1-RM) is often used to measure the strength of an individual in a given exercise. The purpose of this study was to compare the effect of different intervals between the attempts of the 1-RM test on the maximum strength performance in women on the leg press 45°. Thus, 12 volunteers (19 ± 1 year) resistance exercises to practice at least six months, were submitted to four sessions of testing, alternated by at least 48 hours. The recovery intervals between the attempts of the 1-RM test were 30, 45, 60 and 180 seconds, with order randomly determined. To identify the difference between the intervals proposed was applied to analysis of variance One-way ANOVA (p < .05). The results revealed no significant differences in performance for maximal strength in women, compared to the average values obtained in each test interval. These findings indicate that for maximal strength measure in leg press 45°, intervals less than a minute (30 - 45 seconds) can be used with the same accuracy as longer intervals, providing greater time economy for 1-RM test application.

This work evaluated the effects of increasing levels of the brown seaweed Ascophyllum nodosum meal (BSM) in the feed given to Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings. The completely randomized design experiment lasted 42 days. Nile tilapia fingerlings (n=75) with an average age of 30 days and average weight of 0.43 ± 0.02 g were assigned to 25 plastic tanks and submitted to five treatments in five repetitions. The treatments were increasing levels of BSM (5, 10, 15, and 20 g kg-1 of feed) and a control feed (no BSM). Each experimental unit was made up of a 36 L plastic tank with three fingerlings. The parameters studied were final average weight, percentage of weight gain, apparent feed conversion ratio, total length and carcass yield with and without head. The final average weight, percentage of weight gain, and total length were not affected by the treatments (p>0,05). The apparent feed conversion ratio improved linearly (p<0.01) and carcass yield increased linearly (p<0.01) as the BSM in feeds increased. BSM is an additive with potential use in Nile tilapia feed at the level of 20 g kg-1 because it does not result in growth loss and improves the feed conversion ratio and carcass yield in Nile tilapia during the fingerling period.

Este trabalho avaliou os efeitos de níveis crescentes da farinha de alga marromAscophyllum nodosum (FAM) nas rações para alevinos de tilápia do Nilo Oreochromis niloticus. O experimento, com delineamento inteiramente casualizado, durou 42 dias. Foram utilizados alevinos de tilápia do Nilo (n= 75) com idade média de 30 dias e peso médio de 0,43 ± 0,02 g, distribuídos em 25 tanques plásticos submetidos à cinco tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os tratamentos foram níveis crescentes de farinha de alga marrom (5, 10, 15 e 20 g kg-1 de ração) e uma ração controle (sem FAM). Cada unidade experimental foi composta por um tanque plástico de 36 L com três alevinos. Foram estudados os parâmetros médios de peso final, percentagem de ganho de peso, taxa de conversão alimentar aparente, comprimento total e rendimento de carcaça, com e sem cabeça. As médias de peso final, percentagem de ganho de peso e comprimento total não foram influenciadas pelos tratamentos (p>0,05). Os valores da taxa de conversão alimentar aparente melhoraram linearmente (p<0,01) e os valores de rendimento de carcaça aumentaram linearmente (p<0,01) à medida que se aumentaram os níveis de FAM nas rações. A farinha de alga marrom é um aditivo com potencial utilização em rações de tilápia do Nilo no nível de 20 g kg-1, pois não diminui o crescimento e promove melhora da taxa de conversão alimentar e do rendimento de carcaça de alevinos de tilápia do Nilo.

Foram avaliadas as características produtivas do maxixe-do-reino [Cyclanthera pedata L. Schrad.)], em função de sistemas de tutoramento e do espaçamento. O experimento foi conduzido na UFMG em Montes Claros. Empregou-se o delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com quatro repetições e arranjo em faixas 3 x 2, sendo três sistemas de tutoramento (cerca vertical, cerca cruzada com varas e cerca cruzada com fitilho de polietileno) e dois espaçamentos entre plantas (1,0 x 0,5 m e 1,0 x 1,0 m), totalizando 24 parcelas. Cada faixa correspondeu a um sistema de condução. As características produtivas dos frutos em número e em peso foram significativamente maiores nas plantas cultivadas no sistema de cerca vertical, onde cada planta produziu, em média, 56 frutos, equivalendo ao peso de 2,68 kg. Nesse sistema houve melhor fixação dos ramos no tutor e menor incidência de frutos danificados por contato com o solo. No espaçamento 1,0 x 1,0 m houve maior rendimento de frutos por planta em número e em peso, resultante do menor efeito competição entre plantas por água, nutrientes e luz. Já, a produtividade por área foi menor devido ao menor número de plantas por ha.

A field experiment was carried out to evaluate the yield of achocha [Cyclanthera pedata L. Schrad.) ] in Montes Claros, Minas Gerais State, Brazil, as a result of the staking system and within-row spacing. The experimental design was of randomized blocks with four replications, arranged in a scheme 3 x 2, being three staking systems (vertical fence, pole-trellised fence and polyethylene ribbon-trellised fence) and two within-row spacings (1,0 x 1,0 m and 1,0 x 0,5 m), totalizing 24 plots. The fruit number and weight were significantly higher from plants cultivated in the system of vertical fence, where each plant produced 56 fruits on average, corresponding to 2,68 kg. In this system plants presented better fixation to the tutor, besides having minor incidence of damaged fruits caused by the contact with the soil. Highest number, weight of fruits and yield were observed when within-row spacing of 1,0 x 1,0 m was adopted, due to lesser effect of competition between plants for water, nutrients and light. However the yield per area was less due to lower number of plants per ha.

Avaliou-se a intensidade de ataque de Thrips tabaci Lind., a incidência de Alternaria porri (Ellis) e Botrytis squamosa J.C. Walker em nove cultivares de cebola [Aurora, Primavera, CNPH 6400, Crioula Alto-Vale, Vale-Ouro (IPA 11), Franciscana (IPA-16), Piraouro, Conquista e Serrana], num experimento no delineamento em blocos casualizados com cinco repetições. Foram feitas avaliações semanais, do transplantio até a colheita, em dez plantas/parcela do número de T. tabaci presente na bainha das folhas bem como da percentagem de área foliar danificada pelo mesmo a partir da primeira folha expandida e também da presença ou da ausência de lesões causadas por A. porri e B. squamosa. A cv. Franciscana mostrou-se mais resistente em relação às demais ao ataque de T. tabaci. Não houve diferença significativa de plantas afetadas por A. porri e B. squamosa. T. tabaci e A. porri foram ambos afetados positiva e negativamente pela temperatura e pela umidade relativa do ambiente, respectivamente.

The intensity of attack of T. tabaci and incidence of Alternaria porri (Ellis) Cif and Botrytis squamosa J.C. Walker in nine onion cultivars [Aurora, Primavera, CNPH 6400, Crioula Alto-Vale, Vale-Ouro (IPA 11), Franciscana (IPA-16), Piraouro, Conquista and Serrana] was evaluated, in an experiment in randomized blocks design, with five replications. Weekly evaluations were done from the transplanting until harvesting date, in ten plants/parcel of the number of T. tabaci on the leaves, the percentage of damaged foliar area from the first expanded leaf up and the presence or absence of injuries caused by A. porri and B. squamosa. The cv. Franciscana was more resistant to the attack of T. tabaci in comparison to the other onion cultivars. There was no significant difference between cvs for A. porri and Botrytis squamosa resistance. T. tabaci and A. porri were influenced positively and negatively by temperature and relative humidity, respectively.

Avaliou-se o efeito de quatro níveis de adubação nitrogenada e potássica (NK) na resposta do tomateiro Lycopersicon esculentum, c.v Santa Clara, ao ataque de mancha de alternaria (Alternaria solani), e da traça-do-tomateiro (Tuta absoluta), em casa de vegetação, em três diferentes idades da planta. O delineamento experimental foi blocos casualizados com sete repetições, no esquema fatorial 3 x 4. Foram avaliados a altura da planta (cm), área foliar (cm²) e o número de cachos por planta, flores por cacho, flores abortadas por cacho, frutos por cacho, frutos com mancha de alternaria por cacho, frutos atacados por traça-do-tomateiro por cacho, peso dos frutos por planta e minas de traça-de-tomateiro. A maior percentagem de frutos atacados pela traça foi observado em plantas de tomate cultivadas com altas doses de N. Com o aumento do número de flores ocorreu menor número de frutos atacados por alternaria. Tanto o ataque de A. solani como o de traça-do-tomateiro foi concentrado em frutos de menor peso, sendo que quanto maior o número de flores atacadas por A. solani, menor foi o ataque da traça aos frutos. O ataque da traça aos frutos foi maior em plantas de dois meses do que em plantas de quatro meses de idade, sendo o mesmo observado para o número de minas da traça-do-tomateiro.

The effect of NK fertilization on tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum), cv. "Santa Clara", over early blight (Alternaria solani) and the leafminer (Tuta absoluta) attack in greenhouse, in the different plant ages, was evaluated. The 3 x 4 factorial experiment was established in a randomized blocks design with seven replicates. Plant height (cm), leaf area (cm²) and number of raceme per plant, number of flowers per raceme, flower drop per raceme, number of fruits per raceme, damaged fruits per raceme by early blight and leafminer, fruit weight per plant and number of mines of leafminer were evaluated. Greater percentage of fruits damaged by leafminer was observed in the tomato plants grown under higher N levels. Positive correlation between number of flowers and of fruits with A. solani attack were observed. A. solani and T. absoluta attacks was concentrated in fruits with smaller weight. Nevertheless, with the increase of flowers damaged by A. solani a decrease in the percentage of fruits attacked by T. absoluta was observed. Tomato plants two months old showed higher percentage of fruits damaged by T. absoluta and number of mines of this insect than on plants four months old.