ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of exogenous amylase on gas production, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), and in vitro digestion kinetics of sorghum (Sorghum vulgaris) and two corn hybrids of different grain textures. Ruminal fluid was collected from two rumen-fistulated cows receiving or not exogenous amylase (0.7g kg-1 of dry matter (DM basis)), provided to achieve 396 kilo Novo units kg-1 for amylase activity (DM basis). Gas production was measured after 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 30, 36, 42 e 48 hours of incubation. Amylase increased gas production (mL) by 5.4%. Corn hybrids have higher in vitro dry matter digestibility than sorghum. Exogenous amylase increased the potential of gas production (A) (P=0.01). There was an effect of hybrid for IVDMD (P<0.01). The addition of exogenous amylase increases the in vitro gas production, improves fermentation kinetics, and increases the production of the ammonia nitrogen of corn and sorghum grains, but does not affect in vitro and dry matter digestibility or the short-chain fatty acids production.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da amilase exógena na produção de gases, a digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS) e a cinética de digestão in vitro de sorgo (Sorghum vulgaris) e de dois híbridos de milho de diferentes texturas de grãos. O líquido ruminal foi coletado de duas vacas fistuladas no rúmen recebendo ou não amilase exógena (0,7g kg-1 de matéria seca (MS)), fornecida para atingir 396 kg Novo unidades kg-1 para atividade de amilase (base na MS). A produção de gás foi medida após uma, três, seis, nove, 12, 15, 18, 21, 24, 30, 36, 42 e 48 horas de incubação. A amilase aumentou a produção de gás (mL) em 5,4%. Híbridos de milho apresentam maior DIVMS que o sorgo. A amilase exógena aumentou o potencial de produção de gás (A) (P=0,01). Houve efeito de híbrido para DIVMS (P<0,01). Amilase exógena aumenta a produção de gás in vitro, melhora a cinética da fermentação e aumenta a produção de nitrogênio amoniacal de grãos de milho e sorgo, mas não afeta a digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca ou a produção de ácidos graxos de cadeia curta.

RESUMO Este estudo identificou os fatores de risco associados à ocorrência de parasitas em alevinos de tambaqui Colossoma macropomum da região do baixo São Francisco, SE/AL. As pisciculturas foram caracterizadas segundo parâmetros de qualidade da água, manejo, alimentação e dos aspectos sanitários. Os índices parasitológicos (prevalência, intensidade média e abundância) foram obtidos mediante a análise de 380 peixes e correlacionados com as características das pisciculturas, bem como com os fatores bióticos e abióticos, a fim de determinar os fatores de risco. A fase de crescimento dos alevinos realizada em tanques de terra aumentou as infestações de parasitas, e os principais parasitas encontrados foram monogenéticos, Myxobolus sp., Ichthyophthirius multifiliis e metacercária de digenético. Os principais fatores de risco identificados foram: abastecimento irregular de água e consequente baixa qualidade da água (amônia total); falta de procedimento biométrico, que promoveu uma taxa de alimentação inadequada; e ausência de desinfecção dos tanques e das ferramentas. Pelo exposto, melhorias, especificamente nesses aspectos, nas pisciculturas de alevinos da região do São Francisco, devem ser realizadas para evitar surtos e disseminação de doenças, assim como mortalidades e perdas econômicas.

ABSTRACT This study identified the risk factors associated with parasite infestation in tambaqui fingerlings Colossoma macropomum from São Francisco region SE/AL. The fingerlings fish farms were and characterized about water quality, handling, feeding management and sanitary aspects. Parasitological indexes (prevalence, mean intensity and abundance) were obtained from 380 fish and correlated to the aspects of fish farms as well as biotic and abiotic factors to determine the risk factors. The fish rearing in earthen ponds increased the parasite infestations in tambaqui fingerlings, and the mainly parasites founded were monogenean, Myxobolus sp., Ichthyophthirius multifiliis and digenean metacercaria. The main risk factors identified were associated to irregular water supply and consequently low water quality (total ammonia); lack of biometric procedure which promoted an inadequate feeding rate; and absence of disinfection of tools and ponds. Thus, improvements on these specific aspects in fish farms from São Francisco region must be carried out to avoid disease outbreaks, dissemination, mortalities and economic losses.

Abstract Angiogenesis (budding of new blood vessels) is involved in several processes, including the development of embryos and growth of tumors. Schinus terebinthifolia leaves express an antitumor lectin (SteLL). This work hypothesized that SteLL can interfere with the formation of a vascular network from preexisting vessels. To test this hypothesis, the effect of SteLL on the angiogenesis process was assessed using an in vivo model of yolk sac membrane of Coturnix japonica embryos. SteLL was isolated with purification factor of 46.6. As expected, polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) for native basic proteins confirmed the homogeneity and PAGE in presence of dodecyl sodium sulphate revealed a single 14-kDa polypeptide band. The fractal analysis by box counting and information dimension measurements indicated that SteLL at 1.35 mg/mL significantly decreased by ca. 12% the angiogenesis within the C. japonica yolk sac membrane regarding the control. The inhibition of the vascular network formation in the yolk sac membrane resulted in decreased blood supply to the embryos. Consequently, the area of embryos was significantly reduced by 9.2% regarding the control, which corroborated with the antiangiogenic activity of SteLL. The findings implicate SteLL as an antiangiogenic agent and add to the panel of biological activities of this lectin.

Abstract The inadequate choice of a diagnostic method or the option for techniques that have low sensitivity and specificity may limit the diagnosis of parasitic agents that affect aquatic mammals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of the FLOTAC technique and compare it with three traditional methods (Willis, sedimentation and centrifugation- flotation) used in the diagnosis of gastrointestinal parasites in aquatic mammals. For this, 129 fecal samples from 12 species were collected. Each sample was submitted to laboratory processing using the Willis, Hoffman techniques, Faust method and FLOTAC. Sensitivity, specificity, real prevalence, estimated prevalence, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, correct classification (accuracy) and incorrect classification were evaluated to compare the different diagnostic methods. The highest frequency of positive samples occurred using FLOTAC (46.51%), compared to Hoffman (23.25%), Faust (10.07%) and Willis techniques (6.97%). In the samples analyzed, the occurrence of Strongylidae eggs and Eimeriidae oocysts was frequently observed. The FLOTAC technique proved to be the most appropriate technique and due to its efficacy, is strongly recommended for coproparasitological evaluations in aquatic mammals.

We aimed to evaluate whether the administration of riboflavin to septic animals reduces inflammation, oxidative stress, organ dysfunction, and mortality. C57BL/6 mice, 6-8 weeks old, were allocated to the study group (polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) + antibiotic + iv riboflavin), control (CLP + antibiotic + iv saline), or naïve (non-operated controls). Serum concentrations of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), urea, and creatinine, and markers of inflammation [interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, keratinocyte-derived chemokine (KC), and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP)-2)], and oxidative stress (malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured 12 h after the experiment. Animal survival rates were calculated after 7 days. Means between groups were compared using linear regression models adjusted under the Bayesian approach. No significant difference was observed between control and study groups in serum concentrations of IL-6 (95% credible interval) (-0.35 to 0.44), TNF-α (-15.7 to 99.1), KC (-0.13 to 0.05), MIP-2 (-0.84 to 0.06), MDA (-1.25 to 2.53), or ALT (-6.6 to 11.5). Serum concentrations of CK-MB (-145.1 to -30.1), urea (-114.7 to -15.1), and creatinine (-1.14 to -0.01) were higher in the study group. Survival was similar in both groups (P=0.8). Therefore, the use of riboflavin in mice undergoing sepsis induced by CLP did not reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, organ dysfunction, or mortality compared with placebo.

Agroecological dairy production systems are gaining attention worldwide. However, few studies have compared the quality of bovine milk produced in these systems with that produced in conventional dairy production systems. In view of the different farming practices, it was expected that milk quality would differ between systems. This study aimed to compare the quality of milk produced by cows raised in the two systems. Twelve conventional farms and 10 agroecological farms were evaluated. Milk samples were analysed for chemical composition, somatic cell count, nitrate and nitrite levels, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), which was assessed by 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2'-azino-bis (3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assays. Mean somatic cell counts (SSC) were high for both agroecological systems (2.31 SCC/mL (log10)) and conventional systems (2.42 SCC/mL (log10)). Nitrate levels of milk in agroecological and conventional systems were 0.15 ± 0.03 and 0.17 ± 0.02 mg/L, and nitrite levels were 0.05 ± 0.03 and 0.07 ± 0.02 mg/L. The DPPH radical scavenging activity levels were 6.31 ± 0.55% and 6.64 ± 0.44% for agroecological and conventional systems. According to the ABTS method, TAC values were 6.63 ± 0.28% and 6.48 ± 0.20% for agroecological systems and conventional systems. Thus, although these systems adopted different farming practices, no significant differences were observed in milk composition, SCC, nitrate, nitrite, and TAC.

RESUMO Objetivou-se neste estudo analisar biomarcadores histológicos e bioquímicos em brânquias de U. cordatus indicativos de impactos na Baía de São Marcos. Caranguejos foram coletados em quatro áreas na Baía de São Marcos: A1= Ilha dos Caranguejos (com baixo impacto); A2= Coqueiro, A3= Porto Grande, A4= Cajueiro (áreas potencialmente impactadas). Mediram-se os dados biométricos de cada exemplar de caranguejo. Amostras de brânquias foram submetidas à técnica histológica padrão e homogeneizadas em tampão fosfato, e o sobrenadante foi utilizado para análise das enzimas glutationa-S-transferase (GST) e catalase (CAT). A biometria indicou que os caranguejos de A1 são significativamente (P<0,05) maiores e mais pesados do que os caranguejos das áreas A2, A3 e A4. As alterações branquiais (rompimento das células pilastras, deformação do canal marginal, deslocamento da cutícula e necrose) foram significativamente (P˂0,05) mais frequentes em caranguejos de A2, A3 e A4 do que nos caranguejos de A1. As atividades enzimáticas da GST e CAT nos caranguejos apresentaram diferença significativa (P<0,05) entre as áreas de coletas, com padrão similar ao observado para as alterações branquiais. Os biomarcadores analisados mostraram que os caranguejos estão sob diferentes níveis de impactos (A4>A3>A2>A1) ao longo da Baía de São Marcos.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to analyze histological and biochemical biomarkers in U. cordatus gills indicative of impacts in São Marcos Bay. Crabs were collected from four areas in São Marcos Bay: A1=Ilha dos Caranguejos (with low impact); A2=Coqueiro, A3=Porto Grande, A4=Cajueiro (potentially impacted areas). The biometric data of each specimen was measured. Gill samples were submitted to standard histological technique and homogenized in phosphate buffer, and the supernatant was used for analysis of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and catalase (CAT) enzyme activity. Biometric data indicated that crabs found in A1 are significantly (P<0.05) larger and heavier than crabs found in A2, A3 and A4 areas. Gill alterations (rupture of pilaster cells, Dilation of the marginal channel, Cuticle Rupture and necrosis) were significantly (P˂0.05) more frequent in the crabs in A2, A3 and A4 than crabs in A1. The enzymatic activities of GST and CAT showed significant difference (P<0.05) between the sampling areas, similar to that observed for gill alterations. The biomarkers analyzed showed that the crabs are under different impact levels (A4> A3> A2> A1) along the São Marcos Bay.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar a suplementação de protease em dietas com baixa proteína contendo farinha de penas (FP) sobre o desempenho e o rendimento de carcaça de codornas de corte. Foram utilizadas 240 codornas, machos, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2x 3 (com e sem protease x 3 níveis de FP (0%, 5% e 10%)), totalizando seis tratamentos (dieta reduzida (DR) em 8% da exigência de proteína bruta e aminoácidos + 0% FP; DR + 5% FP; DR + 10% FP; DR + 0% FP + protease; DR + 5% FP + protease e DR + 10% FP + protease), quatro repetições de 10 codornas por parcela, nas fases de oito-21 dias e oito-35 dias de idade. Observou-se interação (P≤0,05) entre os níveis de FP e protease no ganho de peso de oito-21 dias. Os níveis de FP influenciaram (P≤0,05) o consumo de ração e o ganho de peso de oito-21 e oito-35 e a conversão alimentar de oito-21 dias. Verificou-se interação (P≤0,05) entre aprotease e a inclusão de FPpara o peso corporalaos 35 dias. Conclui-se que aFP pode ser utilizada em até 5% em dietas para codornas de corte semsuplementação comprotease.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate protease supplementation in low-protein diets containing feather meal (FP) on the performance and carcass yield of meat-type quails. Twenty male quails were used in a completely randomized design, in a 2 x 3 factorial scheme (with and without protease x 3 FP levels (0, 5 and 10%)), totaling six treatments (Reduced diet (RD) in 8 % of the requirement of crude protein and amino acids + 0% FP; RD + 5% FP; RD + 10% FP; RD + 0% FP + protease; RD + 5% FP + protease and RD + 10% FP + protease), four replicates of 10 quails per plot, in the phases of 8-21 days and 8-35 days of age. Interaction (P≤0.05) was observed between FP and protease levels on weight gain over the period of 8-21 days. The levels of FP influenced (P≤0.05) the feed intake and the weight gain of 8-21 and 8-35 and the feed conversion ratio of 8-21 days. There was interaction (P≤0.05) between protease supplementation and FP inclusion for body weight at 35 days. It is concluded that FP can be used up to 5% in diets for meat-type quails without protease supplementation.

RESUMO A criocirurgia tem sido utilizada no tratamento de diferentes enfermidades de sistemas e órgãos. Contudo, são relatados efeitos adversos, como cicatrização lenta, cicatrizes extensas, disfunção estética e funcional. As lesões que ocorrem naturalmente pela exposição ao frio extremo, comumente, resultam em gangrena. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a influência das células-tronco mesenquimais de origem adiposa (ADSCs) na fase de proliferação da cicatrização de feridas cutâneas. Por meio da aplicação do nitrogênio líquido pela técnica do spray aberto, realizou-se a indução de uma ferida, de aproximadamente 15mm de diâmetro, na região dorsal de cada rato. A ferida recebeu o tratamento de acordo com o grupo ao qual pertencia: 1) aplicação das ADSCs no 15º dia (grupo tratado); 2) aplicação da solução cloreto de sódio 0,9% no 15º dia (grupo sham); 3) nenhuma intervenção até o momento da eutanásia (grupo controle). O grupo tratado com as ADSCs apresentou as maiores taxas de contração média das feridas e obteve diferença estatisticamente significativa em relação ao grupo sham quanto à neovascularização. A terapia com as ADSCs proporcionou uma relevante evolução clínica das feridas, podendo ser constatada ao final do período de avaliação por cicatrizes mais estreitas e compridas.

ABSTRACT Cryosurgery has been used to treat different diseases of systems and organs, although adverse effects have been reported such as delayed wound healing, large scars, esthetical deformation and functional impairment. Injuries caused naturally by the exposure to extreme cold weather conditions mostly result in gangrene. This study aims to evaluate the influence of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) in the proliferation phase on cutaneous wound healing. Through the application of liquid nitrogen by the spraying technique, a 15 millimeter diameter lesion was produced in the dorsal region of each rat. The wound received treatment according to the group it belonged: 1) ADSCs application on the 15th day (treated group); 2) application of 0.9% sodium chloride solution on the 15th day (sham group); 3) no intervention until euthanasia (control group). The group treated with ADSCs showed the highest wound average contraction rate; this group got a significant statistical difference in relation to the sham group when it refers to neovascularization. The ADSCs therapy provides an important clinical evolution of wounds. This was verified at the end of the evaluation period through narrower and longer scars.

Abstract The high consumption of sugars is linked to the intermediate hyperglycemia and impaired glucose tolerance associated with obesity, inducing the prediabetes. However, the consequences of excessive invert sugar intake on glucose metabolism and genomic stability were poorly studied. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of invert sugar overload (32%) in rats, analyzing changes in obesity, glucose tolerance, pancreatic/hepatic histology and primary and permanent DNA damage. After 17 weeks, the rats became obese and had an excessive abdominal fat, as well as presented impaired glucose tolerance, caused by higher sugar caloric intake. Primary DNA damage, evaluated by the comet assay, was increased in the blood, however not in the pancreas. No protein carbonylation was seen in serum. Moreover, no increase in permanent DNA damage was seen in the bone marrow, evaluated using the micronucleus test. Some rats presented liver steatosis and that the pancreatic islets were enlarged, but not significantly. In this study, invert sugar altered the glucose metabolism and induced primary DNA damage in blood, but did not cause significant damage to the pancreas or liver, and neither changes in the levels of oxidative stress or permanent DNA damage.

RESUMO Realizou-se o exame tomográfico do crânio de uma lontra com histórico de incoordenação, déficit visual e convulsões. Imagens intracranianas revelaram grande lesão cística não captante de contraste em região frontoparietal esquerda, apresentando comunicação com o ventrículo lateral esquerdo e espaço subaracnoidea. Esses achados foram consistentes com cavitação cerebral congênita preenchida por fluido cerebroespinhal, sendo porencefalia o diagnóstico de maior probabilidade com base nos achados clínicos e tomográficos. Destaca-se a raridade dessa condição em animais silvestres, sendo este o primeiro relato em lontras.

ABSTRACT Computed tomography of the head of an otter with a history of incoordination, visual deficits, and seizures was performed. Intracranial images revealed a large non-enhancing fluid attenuating cystic lesion in the left frontoparietal region communicating with the left lateral ventricle and subarachnoid space. These findings are consistent with a congenital brain cavity filled by cerebrospinal fluid, with porencephaly being the most probable diagnosis based on the clinical and tomographic findings. The authors highlight the rarity of such a cystic lesion in wild animals, with this being the first report in otters.

RESUMO A pelvimetria consiste na determinação métrica das dimensões pélvicas, e sua utilização está diretamente relacionada à reprodução. O momento de fechamento da cartilagem dos centros de ossificação varia de acordo com o osso, algumas fechando já na vida uterina e outras permanecendo presentes por vários anos. Objetivou-se avaliar, radiograficamente, os diâmetros pélvicos, mediante pelvimetria, durante os 24 primeiros meses de vida de pacas, o segundo maior roedor brasileiro e sobre o qual tem havido grande interesse científico, para a determinação aproximada da idade. Foram utilizadas 12 pacas, as quais foram radiografadas mensalmente a partir do nascimento até 24 meses de idade, com os animais anestesiados. As pacas são animais dolicopélvicos e com pelve apresentando forte tendência ao crescimento constante durante os 12 primeiros meses de vida, o que pode ser útil na determinação aproximada da idade em animais que não possuem data precisa de nascimento, por exemplo.

ABSTRACT The pelvimetry consists of the metric determination of the pelvis dimensions and its use is directly related to the reproduction. The cartilage closure time of the ossification centers varies according to the bone, some closing already in the uterine life and others remaining present for many years. The objective was to evaluate, radiographically, the pelvic diameters by pelvimetry during the first 24 months of life in pacas, the second lagest Brazilian rodent and an animal that has shown big recent scientific interest, aiming the estimated age determination. Twelve pacas were used, which were monthly radiographed up from birth until 24 months old, with the animals anesthetized. The pacas are dolicopelvic animals and with pelvis presenting strong tendency to constant growth along the 12 first months of age, fact that can be useful in the approximated animals’ age determination that do not have precise birth date, for example.

RESUMO: Os porquinhos-da-índia são modelos animais amplamente utilizados em pesquisas relacionadas a biologia do desenvolvimento. O objetivo deste trabalho foi demonstrar o processo de formação e diferenciação dos órgãos urinários em fêmeas da espécie no período pré-natal. Foram utilizadas quatro fêmeas aos 25, 30, 45 e >65 DG (dias de gestação). Os animais foram dissecados e então, realizaram-se descrições macroscópicas e microscópicas dos órgãos urinários. Aos 25 DG os metanefros estavam presentes na crista urogenital da cavidade abdominal. Podiam ser visualizados ductos coletores e células precursoras glomerulares. Após este período, os metanefros sofreram modificações microestruturais para formar os rins ao final do período pré-natal. Após os 30 DG, o parênquima renal já apresentava um córtex, onde estavam presentes os glomérulos e túbulos convolutos proximais, e a medula onde estavam presentes túbulos convolutos distais, ductos coletores e a pelve. A pelve de cada rim era drenada pelos ureteres. Os ureteres também sofreram diferenciação tecidual para estarem com suas túnicas diferenciadas (mucosa com epitélio de transição e lâmina própria de tecido conjuntivo; muscular; e, adventícia) ao final do período pré-natal. A vesícula urinária também passou por modificações teciduais para formar as túnicas semelhantes as dos ureteres, com destaque para o maior volume da túnica muscular e a lâmina própria que constituiu a submucosa neste órgão. Uma uretra pélvica foi evidenciada por uma mucosa revestida por epitélio de transição, submucosa, muscular e adventícia. Por último, uma uretra parcialmente clitoriana e um meato uretral no prepúcio do clitóris também foi evidenciado. O canal uretral começou a se formar com o aparecimento da placa uretral e do sulco uretral aos 30 DG e posteriormente com a fusão das pregas uretrais para formar uma uretra parcialmente canalizada no clitóris. Observou-se um meato uretral na porção mais distal do tecido clitoriano, formado pela fusão do prepúcio. Conclui-se que os órgãos urinários do porquinho-da-índia possuem desenvolvimento semelhante ao descrito em animais domésticos, com exceção da uretra parcialmente clitoriana e do meato uretral evidente.

ABSTRACT: Guinea pigs are animal models widely used in research related to developmental biology. The objective of this work was to demonstrate the process of formation and differentiation of urinary organs in females of the species in the prenatal period. Four females were used at 25, 30, 45 and >65 DG (days of gestation). The animals were dissected, and then macroscopic and microscopic descriptions of the urinary organs were performed. At 25 DG metanephros were present in the urogenital crest into the abdominal cavity. Collecting ducts and glomerular precursor cells could be visualized. After this period, metanephros underwent microstructural modifications to form the kidneys at the end of the prenatal period. After 30 DG, the renal parenchyma already had a cortex, where the glomerulus and proximal convoluted tubules were present; and the medulla, where distal convoluted tubules, collecting ducts, and pelvis were present. The pelvis of each kidney was drained by the ureters. The ureters also underwent tissue differentiation to be differentiated (mucosa with transitional epithelium and lamina propria of connective tissue, muscular, and adventitia) at the end of the prenatal period. The urinary vesicle also underwent tissue changes to form the tunics similar to those found in the ureters, with emphasis on the greater volume of the muscular tunica and the lamina propria that constituted the submucosa in this organ. The pelvic urethra was evidenced by a mucosa lined by transitional epithelium, submucosa, muscular and adventitia. Finally, a partial clitoral urethra and a urethral meatus in the prepuce of the clitoris were also evidenced. The urethral channel began to form with the emergence of the urethral plate and the urethral groove at 30 DG and thereafter with the fusion of the urethral folds to form a partially channeled urethra in the clitoris. A urethral meatus was observed in the most distal portion of the clitoral tissue, formed by the fusion of the prepuce. It is concluded that the urinary organs of guinea pig have similar development to that described in domestic animals, except for the partial clitoral urethra and evident urethral meatus.

Thirty-two mixed-breed ram lambs (average age, 5.6 ± 0.4 months, and average live weight, 17.61 ± 2.63 kg) were used to evaluate the effect of diets containing silages of forages adapted to a semi-arid environment on the metabolic profile in serum and the histopathological assessment of liver and kidney tissues of the lambs. Lambs were allocated, in a completely randomised design, to four treatments (silage of old man saltbush (Atriplex nummularia Lind), buffelgrass (Cenchrus ciliaris), gliricidia (Gliricidia sepium) and 'pornunça' (Manihot sp.). The feedlot period was 49 days, and animals were slaughtered at an average weight of 27 ± 4.6 kg. On the last day of the experiment, blood was collected from the jugular vein of all animals to measure the protein, metabolic and energy profiles of the lambs. At slaughter, kidney and liver samples were collected for histopathological examination. The consuming of the diet containing buffelgrass silage resulted in a significantly higher activity of alanine-aminotransferase (30.14 IU/L) and the concentrations of urea (44.25 mg/dL), creatinine (0.94 mg/dL) and albumin (4.48 g/dL) in serum. Diets containing gliricidia silage resulted in significantly higher gamma-glutamyl transferase activity (92.0 IU/L), while the diets with pornunça silage resulted in higher serum levels of triglycerides (37.85 mg/dL). The diets had no effect on aspartate-aminotransferase enzyme activity and total protein, cholesterol and globulin concentrations, or the albumin : globulin ratio in serum. Mild congestion, necrosis and foci of mineralisation were observed in the kidneys of animals fed diets containing old man saltbush (50%) and pornunça (25%) silages, and mild fatty degeneration and mild mononuclear inflammatory infiltrate in their livers. In conclusion, diets containing silages of forages that are adapted to semi-arid environments may be used for feeding lambs, given the absence of dysfunctioning plasmatic levels of liver enzymes and energy and protein profiles. Additionally, kidney failure was not observed in lambs fed these diets during the feedlot period.

RESUMO: A espécie de planta daninha assa-peixe (Vernonanthura brasiliana) tem se destacado como uma das principais espécies vegetais invasoras de áreas de pastagens na Amazônia, tornando-se importante a necessidade da produção de informações acerca da sua biologia, visando o conhecimento de seu comportamento no ambiente e potencializando o desenvolvimento de estratégias de manejo, minimizando o uso de herbicidas. O presente estudo teve como objetivo testar o efeito alelopático na germinação e crescimento da espécie bioindicadora Lactuca sativa a partir de extratos de folhas e raiz obtidos de V. brasiliana em estado fresco e seco. O experimento consistiu de seis tratamentos, com concentrações de 0; 12,5; 25; 50; 100; e 200 mg mL-1, utilizando quatro repetições por tratamento. Os parâmetros avaliados foram: porcentagem de germinação, primeira contagem, índice de velocidade de germinação e comprimento da parte aérea e radicular das plântulas. O extrato aquoso das raízes frescas de V. brasiliana provocou efeito alelopático em todos os parâmetros avaliados, enquanto o extrato de raízes secas só afetou o índice de velocidade de germinação. Verificou-se inibição no crescimento da parte radicular e estímulo no crescimento da parte aérea das plântulas de alface quando submetidas aos extratos das raízes secas e frescas. Extratos de V. brasiliana ocasionaram efeito alelopático sobre a espécie Lactuca sativa L., sendo os extratos aquosos das folhas secas e das raízes frescas os que apresentaram maior influência.

ABSTRACT: The Brazilian native weed assa-peixe (Vernonanthura brasiliana) is considered one of the main invasive plant species of pasture areas in the Amazon. It is thus necessary to know their biology and their behavior in the environment, and to enhance the development of management strategies, minimizing the use of herbicides. The objective of this study was to test the allelopathic effect on the germination and growth of the bioindicator species Lactuca sativa from leaf and root extracts obtained from fresh and dry V. brasiliana. The experiment consisted of six treatments with concentrations of 0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg mL-1, using four replicates per treatment. The evaluated parameters were: germination percentage, first count, germination speed index, and shoot and root length. The aqueous extract of fresh V. brasiliana roots caused an allelopathic effect on all evaluated parameters, while the dry root extract only affected the germination speed index. Root growth inhibition and growth stimulation of lettuce seedlings were verified when submitted to dry and fresh root extracts. Extracts of V. brasiliana caused an allelopathic effect on the species Lactuca sativa L., where the aqueous extracts of dry leaves and fresh roots were the most influential.