Abstract This study aimed to evaluate whether bacterial inoculation improves the fermentative, microbiological, and chemical characteristics of silages of the elephant grass cv. BRS Capiaçu on different regrowth days. The experimental design was completely randomized and set up in a 3x2 factorial arrangement (three regrowth days, with and without inoculant), with four replications. There was a significant interaction between the regrowth days and inoculant on the pH, ammoniacal nitrogen (N-NH3), and effluent losses (EL) of the silages. Inoculation decreased the EL with the advance of regrowth days and increased the dry matter recovery index compared to the silages without inoculant. The population of molds and yeasts decreased when inoculation was adopted to the forage harvested after 85 d. There was a significant interaction between the dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (NDFap) contents of the silages. Inoculation in the grass harvested after 85 d increased the DM contents of the silage. The highest CP contents were observed in the silages after 85 d. The NDFap contents of the grasses harvested after 110 and 135 d were higher than those of the grass harvested after 85 d. The NDFap contents of the silages without inoculant increased with the harvest age. The BRS Capiaçu forage silage harvested at 110 d demonstrated favorable performance for silage production. However, the influence of inoculant use was low for the characteristics evaluated.

Resumen Este estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar si la inoculación bacteriana mejora las características fermentativas, microbiológicas y químicas de los ensilados del pasto elefante cv. BRS Capiaçu en diferentes días de rebrote. El diseño experimental fue completamente al azar y se estableció en un arreglo factorial 3x2 (tres días de rebrote, con y sin inoculante), con cuatro repeticiones. Hubo una interacción significativa entre los días de rebrote y el inoculante sobre el pH, el nitrógeno amoniacal (N-NH3) y las pérdidas por efluentes (PE) de los ensilados. La inoculación disminuyó la PE con el avance de los días de rebrote y aumentó la tasa de recuperación de materia seca en comparación con los ensilados sin inoculante. La población de mohos y levaduras disminuyó cuando se adoptó la inoculación al forraje cosechado después de 85 d. Hubo una interacción significativa entre la materia seca (MS), la proteína cruda (PC) y la fibra detergente neutro corregida por los contenidos de cenizas y proteína (FDNcp) de los ensilados. La inoculación en el pasto cosechado después de 85 días aumentó el contenido de MS del ensilado. Los mayores contenidos de PC se observaron en los ensilados después de 85 días. Los contenidos de FDNcp de los pastos cosechados después de 110 y 135 días fueron mayores que el del pasto cosechado después de 85 días. El contenido de FDNcp de los ensilados sin inoculante aumentó con la edad de cosecha. El ensilado de forraje de BRS Capiaçu cosechado a los 110 días demostró un desempeño favorable para la producción de ensilado. Sin embargo, la influencia del uso de inoculantes fue baja para las características evaluadas.

Abstract Elephantgrass stands out for its high potential for forage production in different tropical and subtropical regions. In most properties, it is cultivated intensively with high doses of mineral fertilizers, mainly nitrogen, which makes production expensive and less sustainable. In this context, the mixtures of elephantgrass with forage legumes can make the system more efficient and with less environmental impact. Thus, the objective is to evaluate elephantgrass-based grazing systems,with or without a legume in terms of sward characteristics, herbage accumulation and nutritional value of pastures during one, agricultural year. Two grazing systems (treatments) were analyzed: (i) elephantgrass-based (EG) with mixed spontaneous-growing species (SGE) in the warm-season and ryegrass (R) in the cool-season; and (ii) EG + SGE + R + pinto peanut. The standardization criterion between the systems was the level of nitrogen fertilization (120 kg N/ha/year). The presence of pinto peanut positively affected the botanical composition of the pasture, with a reduction in SGE and dead material, and in the morphology of elephantgrass, with a greater proportion of leaf blades, and less stem + sheath and senescent material. In themixture with pinto peanut, there was an increase in herbage accumulation and greater nutritional value of forage. regions properties fertilizers sustainable context impact Thus elephantgrassbased based systemswith characteristics one year treatments (treatments analyzed i (i (EG spontaneousgrowing spontaneous growing (SGE warmseason warm season (R coolseason cool cool-season ii (ii 120 (12 N/ha/year. Nhayear N/ha/year . N ha N/ha/year) pasture material blades 12 (1 1 (

ABSTRACT Among the various forage species used in ruminant feeding, elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) is notable as it is a perennial plant and has a high potential for dry matter production. The present study evaluated the performance of elephant grass cultivars and soil chemical characteristics under different biochar addition levels and at different evaluation times under irrigation in the dry season. The treatments were arranged in a factorial randomized complete block design (CBD) and analyzed in a split-plot design according to cultivar (BRS Capiaçu and BRS Kurumi) x biochar dose (0, 8, 16 and 24 t ha-1); the subplots consisted of four evaluation times (71, 225, 335 and 447 days after application of biochar), with four replicates. The soil chemical characteristics were evaluated without inclusion of the time factor according to a CBD in a 2 x 4 factorial scheme, with 4 replications. The attributes analyzed were soil fertility, morphometry and elephant grass yield. The performance of the cultivars improved at 225 days (2nd evaluation) and 335 days (3rd evaluation) after biochar application. The biochar doses did not significantly increase morphometric attributes, cultivar productivity or soil fertility. The application of biochar did not improve the yield attributes or crude protein of elephant grass cultivars under the conditions of this study. feeding Pennisetum Schum. Schum production season (CBD splitplot split plot Kurumi 0, 0 (0 8 1 ha1 ha ha-1) 71, 71 (71 33 44 biochar, , biochar) replicates scheme replications fertility 22 2nd nd 3rd rd ( ha-1 7 (7 3 ha-

RESUMO Entre as diversas espécies forrageiras utilizadas na alimentação de ruminantes, o capim elefante (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) se destaca por ser perene e de elevado potencial de produção de matéria seca. Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho avaliar o desempenho de cultivares de capim elefante e características químicas do solo sob diferentes níveis de biochar e épocas de avaliação sob irrigação na época da seca. Os tratamentos foram dispostos em delineamento em blocos casualizados (DBC) em esquema fatorial, e analisado em parcelas subdivididas, sendo as parcelas, as cultivares BRS Capiaçu e BRS Kurumi x doses de biochar (0, 8, 16 e 24 t ha-1), e as subparcelas, quatro épocas de avaliação (71, 225, 335 e 447 dias após aplicação do biochar), com quatro repetições. Para avaliação de características químicas do solo o delineamento não teve o fator épocas, sendo analisado em DBC em fatorial 2 x 4, com 4 repetições. Os atributos analisados foram a fertilidade de solo, a morfometria e o rendimento de capim elefante. Nas avaliações aos 225 (2ª) e 335 (3ª) dias após aplicação de biochar houve melhor desempenho das cultivares. As doses de biochar não aumentaram significativamente atributos morfométricos, de produtividade das cultivares e fertilidade do solo. A aplicação de biochar não melhora os atributos de produtividade e proteína bruta das cultivares de capim elefante nas condições deste estudo. ruminantes Pennisetum Schum. Schum seca Objetivouse Objetivou (DBC subdivididas 0, 0 (0 8 1 ha1, ha1 ha , ha-1) subparcelas 71, 71 (71 33 44 biochar, biochar) repetições 22 2ª ª (2ª 3ª (3ª morfométricos estudo ( ha-1 7 (7 3 ha-

Abstract Medicinal plants hold significant cultural significance and play a crucial role in the advancement of potentially safe drugs for the therapy of disease worldwide. Pennisetum purpureum or elephant grass has been used for traditional medications in Indonesia without understanding the phytochemicals of those plants. Herein, our report revolves around the qualitative and quantitative examination of phytochemical components, optical properties, antioxidants, and antibacterial assessments of solvent fractions derived from Pennisetum purpureum leaf. The Pennisetum purpureum leaf was successfully soaked with ethanol, n-hexane, and chloroform. The study aimed to assess the total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and total alkaloid content (TAC) within different of extracts. The optical properties of extract were analyzed by absorption light and photoluminescent. Moreover, evaluation of antioxidant activities of extracts through DPPH free radical scavenging and FRAP assays, followed by an evaluation of their effectiveness in antibacterial therapy against different bacterial strains. The qualitative and quantitative phytochemical of Pennisetum purpureum presented as highest in ethanol TPC (85.5 mg GAE/g extracts), TFC (87.9 mg QE/g extracts), and TAC (86.2 mg ATE/g extracts) as compared to other solvents extract. Pennisetum purpureum extract had antioxidant capacity against DPPH radical and FRAP assay. Furthermore, each of the samples displayed antibacterial effectiveness that was dependent on the dosage towards different strains of bacteria. Our findings clearly demonstrated that Pennisetum purpureum leaf extracts grown in Indonesia containing alkaloid, flavonoid, glycoside, saponin, steroids, tannin, and terpenoids that support its capability as antioxidant and antibacterial. worldwide Herein components antioxidants nhexane, nhexane n hexane, hexane n-hexane chloroform TPC, , (TPC) TFC, (TFC) (TAC photoluminescent Moreover assays 85.5 855 85 5 (85. GAEg GAE g extracts, 87.9 879 87 9 (87. QEg QE 86.2 862 86 2 (86. ATEg ATE assay Furthermore bacteria glycoside saponin steroids tannin (TPC (TFC 85. 8 (85 87. (87 86. (86 (8 (

Resumo As plantas medicinais possuem importante significado cultural e desempenham um papel crucial no avanço de medicamentos potencialmente seguros para o tratamento de doenças em todo o mundo. Pennisetum purpureum, ou capim-elefante, tem sido usado na medicina tradicional na Indonésia, sem o entendimento dos fitoquímicos dessas plantas. Este relatório enfoca o exame qualitativo e quantitativo de componentes fitoquímicos, propriedades ópticas, antioxidantes e avaliações antibacterianas de frações de solventes derivadas da folha de Pennisetum purpureum. A folha de Pennisetum purpureum foi embebida com sucesso em etanol, n-hexano e clorofórmio. O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o teor de fenólicos totais (CPT), o teor de flavonoides totais (CFT) e o teor de alcaloides totais (CAT) em diferentes extratos. As propriedades ópticas do extrato foram analisadas por absorção de luz e fotoluminescência. Além disso, avaliação das atividades antioxidantes dos extratos por meio de eliminação de radicais livres DPPH e ensaios FRAP, seguida de avaliação de sua eficácia na terapia antibacteriana contra diferentes cepas bacterianas. O fitoquímico qualitativo e quantitativo de Pennisetum purpureum apresentou-se mais alto em etanol TPC (85,5 mg GAE/g extratos), TFC (87,9 mg QE/g extratos) e TAC (86,2 mg ATE/g extratos) em comparação com outros extratos solventes. O extrato de Pennisetum purpureum apresentou capacidade antioxidante contra o radical DPPH e ensaio FRAP. Além disso, cada uma das amostras apresentou eficácia antibacteriana que dependia da dosagem para diferentes cepas de bactérias. Nossas descobertas demonstraram claramente que o extrato de Pennisetum purpureum contém alcaloides, flavonoides, glicosídeos, saponinas, esteroides, taninos e terpenoides que suportam sua capacidade como antioxidante e antibacteriano. mundo capimelefante, capimelefante capim elefante, elefante capim-elefante Indonésia nhexano n hexano clorofórmio CPT, CPT , (CPT) CFT (CFT CAT (CAT fotoluminescência disso FRAP bacterianas apresentouse se 85,5 855 85 5 (85, GAEg GAE g extratos, 87,9 879 87 9 (87, QEg QE 86,2 862 86 2 (86, ATEg ATE bactérias glicosídeos saponinas esteroides antibacteriano (CPT 85, 8 (85 87, (87 86, (86 (8 (

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the biological quality of soil under the influence of different genotypes of elephant grass in the agreste region, which has a climate that marks the transition between a humid climate with a dry season and the semi-arid climate of the north-eastern hinterland. The study was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Universidade Federal Rural de Pernambuco, Garanhuns, PE, Brazil. The treatments comprised a combination of two elephant grass cultivars (Elefante B and Mott), two irrigation regimes (with and without irrigation), and two climatic periods (dry and rainy). Biological indicators, microbial biomass carbon, soil basal respiration, metabolic quotient, enzymatic activity of soil β-glucosidase, acid and alkaline phosphatase, arylsulfatase, urease, and the hydrolytic determination of fluorescein diacetate were evaluated. The Mott genotype showed superior results, attributed to the biological indicators studied at different times and irrigation management, even during periods of drought, and Mott grass had significant effects microbial activities. This genotype constitutes one of the alternatives for soil quality in semiarid regions, with advantageous biomass and soil microbial activity, thus presenting the greatest complexity in biological attributes with microorganisms tolerant to climate change. region semi arid northeastern north eastern hinterland Pernambuco Garanhuns PE Brazil Elefante Mott, , Mott) irrigation, irrigation) rainy. rainy . rainy) carbon respiration quotient βglucosidase, βglucosidase β glucosidase, glucosidase β-glucosidase phosphatase arylsulfatase urease evaluated results management drought activities regions change

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to evaluate the yield of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and in vitro digestibility of dry matter (IVDMD) at four cutting heights and five maturity times of Pennisetum sp (Maralfalfa) during the periods of greatest and least precipitation in Pucallpa, Peru. Cuts were made at 0, 10, 20 and 30 cm height from the ground at 28, 35, 42, 49 and 56 days of regrowth. Plant height, number of stems, number, length and width of leaves, DM, CP and IVDMD yield were evaluated under a complete randomized design with a 4x5 factorial arrangement and 4 repetitions. The plant reached 120.5 cm in height at 56 days of regrowth. At the beginning of the growth period, it had 28 stems and 127 leaves, decreasing until it was established on 15 stems and 58 leaves after 56 days. In that same period the leaves grow up to 77.9 cm long and 2.3 cm wide. The DM performance increases when the cutting height is higher. The DM (kg/ha/cut) in the wet season (391.8 ± 386.1) was higher (p<0.05) than in the dry (235.5 ± 205.1). Plants cut at 30 cm height achieved the highest forage yields (DM kg/ha/cut) at 49 days (557.8 ± 322.8) and 56 days (537.5 ± 138.5) (p<0.05). The DM content of the plant was 15.9%. The highest CP content (13%) was obtained in 30 cm high cuts with 28 days of growth. The average PC was 9.645 ± 1.63 in the season of lowest precipitation and 11.94 ± 1.94 in the season of highest precipitation. The IVDMD value at 0 cm height at 28 days (59.5 ± 19.4%) was similar to that at the cuts at 35 days (59.5 ± 5.5%). It is concluded that maralfalfa can produce up to 557.8 ± 322.8 MS kg/ha/cut, and reach 11.0% CP, while the IVDMD reaches 59.5%, and it can be considered as an option to improve the diet of animals in the humid tropics of Pucallpa.

RESUMEN El propósito de este trabajo fue evaluar el rendimiento de materia seca (MS), proteína cruda (PC) y digestibilidad in vitro de la materia seca (DIVMS) en cuatro alturas de corte y cinco tiempos de madurez del Pennisetum sp (Maralfalfa) durante las épocas de mayor y menor precipitación en la zona de Pucallpa, Perú. Se realizaron cortes a 0, 10, 20 y 30 cm de altura con respecto al suelo a los 28, 35, 42, 49 y 56 días de rebrote. Se evaluó la altura de planta, número de tallos, número, largo y ancho de hojas, rendimiento de MS, PC y DIVMS bajo un diseño completo al azar con arreglo factorial de 4x5 y 4 repeticiones. La planta alcanzó 120.5 cm de altura a los 56 días de rebrote. Al inicio del crecimiento tuvo 28 tallos y 127 hojas disminuyendo hasta establecerse en 15 tallos y 58 hojas a los 56 días. En ese mismo periodo las hojas crecen hasta 77.9 cm de largo y 2.3 cm de ancho. El rendimiento de MS se incrementa cuando la altura de corte es mayor. La MS (kg/ha/corte) en época de mayor precipitación (391.8 ± 386.1) fue mayor (p<0.05) que en la época de menor precipitación (235.5 ± 205.1). Las plantas cortadas a 30 cm de altura lograron los mayores rendimientos de forraje (MS kg/ha/corte) a los 49 días (557.8 ± 322.8) y 56 días (537.5 ± 138.5) (p<0.05). El contenido de MS de la planta fue 15.9%. El mayor contenido de PC (13%) se obtuvo en cortes de 30 cm de altura con 28 días de crecimiento. El promedio de PC fue (9.645 ± 1.63) en la época de menor precipitación y (11.94 ± 1.94) en la de mayor precipitación. El valor de DIVMS a 0 cm de altura a los 28 días (59.5 ± 19.4%) fue similar que al corte a los 35 días (59.5 ± 5.5%). Se concluye que la maralfalfa puede producir hasta 557.8 ± 322.8 MS kg/ha/corte, y alcanzar 11.0% de PC, mientras que la DIVMS llega a 59.5%, pudiendo considerarse como una opción para mejorar la dieta de los animales en el trópico húmedo de Pucallpa.

Abstract Wild white-tailed deer Odocoileus virginianus consume a diversity of high energy plants. Captive deer, however, do not have access to this diversity, which may affect their productive capacity. A cafeteria test was used to evaluate intake of and preference for eight plant species among captive deer in Veracruz, Mexico. Three replicates were done of five consecutive days of feeding with the selected plants followed by a 15-d evaluation period. One kilogram of material from each plant species was offered each day and intake recorded. Physicochemical analyses were done of all eight species. Intake results were evaluated with an analysis of variance and a Tukey test, and a partial least squares regression analysis was applied to relate intake to plant characteristics. Intake was highest for four plants: Zapoteca acuelata, Bidens pilosa, Pennisetum purpureum and Parthenium hysterophorus. Preference for these species was determined by their fiber and protein contents, and °Brix and pH levels. Diversifying the diet of captive deer could provide additional feed options for producers and increase animal productivity parameters.

Resumen En vida libre, Odocoileus virginianus consume plantas con alto beneficio energético, pero en cautiverio, no se cuenta con una alimentación diversa que aumente su capacitad productiva. El objetivo fue evaluar el consumo y preferencia de ocho plantas por un grupo de venados en cautiverio con base en una prueba de cafetería. El experimento se desarrolló durante cinco días consecutivos con tres repeticiones, con un descanso de 15 días entre repetición, y consistió en ofrecer 1 kg de material vegetal de cada planta, se registró su consumo y se evaluó con un análisis de varianza y una prueba de Tukey; además, de cada planta, se estimaron sus características fisicoquímicas y bromatológicas y se relacionaron con el consumo mediante un análisis de regresión por mínimos cuadrados parciales. El consumo fue significativamente mayor en cuatro plantas: Zapoteca acuelata, Bidens pilosa, Pennisetum purpureum y Parthenium hysterophorus y su preferencia estuvo determinada por el contenido de fibra, proteína, °Brix y pH. Diversificar la alimentación de los venados en Unidades de Manejo para la Conservación de la Vida Silvestre (UMA) podría incrementar su productividad.

ABSTRACT Alkaline soils present large amounts of calcium carbonates, with precipitation of insoluble calcium phosphate. The objective of the research was to determine the effects of the P application on the nutrient levels of the foliar tissue of Pennisetum pastures in calcareous soils in Córdoba-Colombia. Soil samples were collected from two locations in the Department of Córdoba. A completely randomized design with a 2 x 3 x 6 factorial arrangement (Vista Hermosa and Carolina), there Pennisetum species (king grass, Cuba OM-22, and Pennisetum purpureum), and six P doses (0, 80, 150, 250, 400, and 650 kg ha-1), applied as P2O5, was used. The addition of P did not increase the contents of N, K, Ca, and Mg in the king grass, Pennisetum purpureum, and Cuba OM-22 pastures. However, in the calcareous soils of Carolina, king grass, Pennisetum purpureum, and Cuba, OM-22 absorbed higher amounts of P. carbonates phosphate CórdobaColombia. CórdobaColombia Córdoba Colombia. Colombia Córdoba-Colombia Vista Carolina , Carolina) grass OM22, OM22 OM 22, 22 purpureum purpureum) 0, 0 (0 80 150 250 400 65 ha1, ha1 ha 1 ha-1) P2O5 PO O used N K Ca OM-2 However OM2 ( 8 15 25 40 ha-1 P2O OM- 4 ha-

RESUMO Solos alcalinos podem apresentar grandes quantidades de carbonatos de cálcio, houve precipitação de fosfato de cálcio insolúvel. O objetivo da pesquisa foi determinar a resposta da aplicação de fósforo no conteúdo nutricional do tecido foliar das pastagens Pennisetum purpureum e dois híbridos com espécies do gênero Pennisetum em solos calcários do Departamento de Córdoba-Colômbia. Este estudo foi realizado em estufas e laboratórios da Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade de Córdoba, localizada no município de Montería. O solo calcário foi coletado em dois locais do Departamento de Córdoba fazenda Vista Hermosa, e o segundo local correspondeu à localidade de Carolina, e Planeta Rica. Utilizou-se o delineamento inteiramente casualizado com arranjo fatorial 2x3x6 com quatro repetições: dois tipos de solo (Vista Hermosa e Carolina); três gramíneas King Grass (Híbrido entre Pennisetum purpureum y Pennisetum typhoides), Cuba OM-22 (Hibrido entre Pennisetum purpureum Cuba CT-169 y Pennisetum glaucum Tiffton) e elefante roxo (Pennisetum purpureum); seis doses de fosfato (0, 80, 150, 250, 400 e 650 kg ha-1) aplicado na forma de P2O5. A aplicação de P no solo não aumentou os teores de N, K, Ca e Mg na pastagem King Grass, Pennisetum purpureum e Cuba OM-22 estabelecidos nos solos calcários de Vista Hermosa e Carolina. Nos solos calcários da Carolina, King Grass, Pennisetum purpureum e Cuba, OM-22 absorveram maiores quantidades de fósforo. insolúvel CórdobaColômbia. CórdobaColômbia Colômbia. Colômbia Córdoba-Colômbia Montería Carolina Rica Utilizouse Utilizou se xx x 2x3x repetições Carolina) Híbrido typhoides, typhoides , typhoides) OM22 OM 22 OM-2 Hibrido CT169 CT 169 CT-16 Tiffton purpureum) 0, 0 (0 80 150 250 40 65 ha1 ha 1 ha-1 P2O5 PO N K OM2 2 OM- CT16 16 CT-1 ( 8 15 25 4 6 ha- P2O CT1 CT-

ABSTRACT The agricultural use of alternative water sources of inferior quality, such as reusing the water from domestic sewage, is seen as one way of increasing water availability, in addition to allowing the reuse of nutrients and organic matter, thereby helping to maintain the fertility and productivity of the soil. The aim of this study, therefore, was to evaluate growth, productivity and nutrition in elephant grass irrigated with different combinations of treated domestic effluent and well water. The experimental design was of randomised blocks, with six treatments and four replications, containing 10 plants in each plot. The treatments comprised five combinations of treated domestic effluent (TDE) and well water (WW): T1 (100% WW), T2 (25% TDE + 75% WW), T3 (50% TDE + 50% WW), T4 (75% TDE + 25% WW), T5 (100% TDE), and an additional treatment (T6) of 100% well water + a mineral fertiliser (NPK) recommended for elephant grass. The following variables were analysed: number of leaves, stem diameter, number of tillers, plant height, leaf area, fresh and dry weight of the leaves and stems, fresh and dry weight production, and the macronutrient content of the aerial part of the plant. The treatments applying the greatest levels of TDE had the closest mean values to those obtained under the conventional treatment, while the treatments applying 50% or more TDE were statistically equal by Tukey’s test (p < 0.05) to the conventional treatment. quality sewage availability matter soil study therefore growth blocks replications 1 plot (TDE WW (WW) T 100 (100 WW, , WW) 25 (25 75 50 (50 (75 TDE, TDE) T6 (T6 NPK (NPK analysed diameter tillers height area stems production Tukeys Tukey s p 0.05 005 0 05 (WW (10 2 (2 7 5 (5 (7 (T 0.0 00 (1 ( 0.

RESUMO A utilização agrícola de fontes alternativas de água de qualidade inferior, tais como o reuso de águas de esgotos de origem doméstica, surge como opção para ampliar a disponibilidade hídrica, além de proporcionar o reaproveitamento de nutrientes e matéria orgânica, auxiliando na manutenção da fertilidade e produtividade do solo. Nesse contexto objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o crescimento, a produtividade e a nutrição do capim elefante irrigado com diferentes combinações de aplicação do esgoto doméstico tratado e água de poço. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos ao acaso, com seis tratamentos e quatro repetições, contendo 10 plantas em cada parcela. Os tratamentos consistiram em cinco combinações de aplicação do efluente doméstico tratado (EDT) e água de poço (AP): T1 (100% AP), T2 (25% EDT + 75% AP), T3 (50% EDT + 50% AP), T4 (75% EDT + 25% AP), T5 (100% EDT) e um tratamento adicional (T6) irrigado 100% com água de poço + adubação mineral (N-P-K) recomendada para o capim elefante. As variáveis analisadas foram: número de folhas, diâmetro do colmo, número de perfilhos, altura da planta, área foliar, massa fresca e seca da folha e do colmo, produtividades de massa fresca e seca, e o teor de macronutrientes na parte aérea da planta. Os tratamentos com maiores quantidades de EDT aplicado na irrigação foram os que mais se aproximaram das obtidas no tratamento cultivado convencionalmente, sendo os tratamentos com 50% ou mais de EDT estatisticamente iguais ao tratamento com cultivo convencional pelo teste de Tukey (p < 0,05). inferior doméstica hídrica orgânica solo objetivouse objetivou crescimento acaso repetições 1 parcela (EDT AP (AP) T 100 (100 AP, , AP) 25 (25 75 50 (50 (75 T6 (T6 NPK N P K (N-P-K folhas colmo perfilhos planta foliar convencionalmente p 0,05. 005 0,05 . 0 05 0,05) (AP (10 2 (2 7 5 (5 (7 (T 00 0,0 (1 ( 0,

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of palm oil on the ruminal environment and nutrient digestibility of sheep diets. Twenty rumen-cannulated sheep were kept in individual stalls equipped with feeding and drinking troughs The animals were fed five diets based on Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum. cv. Roxo) silage and supplemented with 0, 25, 50, 75, or 100 g kg-1 of palm oil (based on total DM). The Elephant grass was harvested at 90 days of regrowth and the concentrate was based on ground corn grain, soybean meal and mineral mix (20 g kg-1 DM), offered to the sheep at a ratio of 1.5 g kg-1d-1 of body weight (restricted intake) to maintain a forage-to-concentrate ratio of 1:1, based on DM. There were no differences (P = 0.324) in ruminal disappearance and degradability parameters with up to 75 g of oil per kg of DM. Organic matter showed a linear reduction in apparent digestibility, while ether extract increased linearly. Palm oil affected the digestibility and nutritional parameters in ruminant diets. rumencannulated rumen cannulated Pennisetum Schum cv Roxo 0 25 50 10 kg1 1 kg- DM . DM) 9 grain 20 (2 DM, , 15 5 1. kg1d1 kgd 1d d kg-1d- restricted intake foragetoconcentrate forage 11, 11 1, 1:1 P 0.324 0324 324 7 linearly 2 ( kg1d kg-1d 1: 0.32 032 32 0.3 03 3 0.

Abstract Grass species forage yield and nutritional value directly affect livestock production performance. They also vary in response to regional climate and soil conditions. Forage yield and nutritional value in Pennisetum purpureum cv. Cuba CT-115 were evaluated at five regrowth ages (30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 d) in three seasons (dry, rainy and northwinds). A completely randomized block design with repeated measures was used, with four replicates per treatment. In all three seasons, maximum height was reached at 75 d: 127.1 cm in the dry season, 151.6 cm in the rainy season and 137.0 cm the northwind season. Forage yield was highest (27.0 t DM ha-1) at 90 d in the rainy season, with a growth rate of 300.2 kg DM ha-1 d-1, 7.3% crude protein and 37.0% in situ digestibility of dry matter. The leaf:stem ratio was highest at 30 d in all seasons, with a 1.65 average value. Crude protein content was highest in the northwind season at 30 and 45 d, with a 15.6 % average value. In all three seasons, digestibility was highest at 30 (mean= 49.3 %), 45 (51.8 %) and 60 d (48.2 %). Based on forage yield, use of P. purpureum cv. Cuba CT-115 grass for open grazing is recommended for cutting at 90 days’ regrowth and based on its nutritional quality is recommended for grazing at 60 days’ regrowth, both during the rainy season.

Resumen Se evaluó el rendimiento de forraje y valor nutritivo del pasto Pennisetum purpureum cv Cuba CT-115, en cinco edades de rebrote: 30, 45, 60, 75 y 90 días, en tres épocas del año: seca, lluvias y nortes. Se utilizó un diseño de bloques completos al azar con medidas repetidas, con cuatro repeticiones por tratamiento. La mayor altura se registró a partir de los 75 días, en todas las épocas, con valores de 127.1, 151.6 y 137.0 cm, en seca, lluvias y nortes, respectivamente. El rendimiento más alto de forraje (27.0 t MS ha-1) se obtuvo a los 90 días en la época de lluvias, con una tasa de crecimiento (TC) de 300.2 kg MS ha-1 día-1, 7.3 % de proteína cruda (PC) y 37.0 % de degradación in situ de la materia seca (DIMS). La relación hoja:tallo fue mayor a los 30 días de rebrote, con un valor promedio de 1.65. El contenido de PC fue mayor en la época de nortes a 30 y 45 días, con un valor promedio de 15.6 %. La DIMS fue más alta a 30, 45 y 60 días, con valores promedio de 49.3, 51.8 y 48.2 %, respectivamente. Con base al rendimiento de forraje, se recomienda el uso del pasto Cuba CT-115 para corte a 90 días de rebrote durante la época de lluvias, mientras que, por su calidad nutricional, se recomienda su uso para pastoreo a 60 días de crecimiento después del corte.

RESUMO O cultivo de gramíneas em lodo de esgoto com aeração melhora a qualidade desse fertilizante, uma vez que o crescimento das raízes, a liberação de exsudatos e a oxigenação favorecem a mineralização dos nutrientes e a humificação da matéria orgânica. Assim, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a decomposição de lodo de esgoto utilizando-se cultivo com gramínea e aeração para uso como adubo orgânico. O experimento foi realizado no delineamento em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições, num esquema fatorial 2 x 5, correspondendo à presença ou não de cultivo com Pennisetum purpureum em lodo de esgoto, combinado com cinco períodos de aeração: 0, 14, 28, 42 e 60 dias, com vazão de ar de 1.059 dm3.h−1.kg−1 de sólidos voláteis. As análises mostraram que a injeção de ar no lodo de esgoto não influenciou a decomposição da matéria orgânica e a realização de cultivo da gramínea em lodo de esgoto aumentou os teores de N, Ca, S, Na e resíduos minerais solúveis, bem como a condutividade elétrica, indicando sua mineralização. Em contrapartida, o cultivo diminuiu os teores totais de Fe e Pb, propiciando redução no risco de toxidez desses elementos. Para aplicação em solos agrícolas e áreas degradadas, o lodo de esgoto enquadra-se como da classe 2, atendendo completamente à norma vigente. Pelos baixos valores de C orgânico do lodo utilizado, a biomassa vegetal produzida pode ser incorporada ao lodo de esgoto para adequação e registro como fertilizante orgânico.

ABSTRACT The cultivation of grasses in sewage sludge (SS) with aeration improves the quality of this fertilizer, since the growth of the roots, the release of exudates and oxygenation, favor the mineralization of nutrients and the humification of organic matter. Thus, the present work aimed to evaluate the decomposition of SS using grass cultivation and aeration for use as organic fertilizer. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design with four replications, in a 2 x 5 factorial scheme, corresponding to the presence or absence of culture with Pennisetum purpureum in SS, combined with five periods of aeration: 0, 14, 28, 42, and 60 days, with an air flow of 1,059 dm3.h−1.kg−1 of volatile solids. The analyses showed that the air injection in the SS did not influence the decomposition of organic matter and the cultivation of the grass in SS increased the levels of N, Ca, S, Na and soluble mineral residues, as well as the electrical conductivity, indicating its mineralization. On the other hand, cultivation decreased the total levels of Fe and Pb, providing a reduction in the risk of toxicity of these elements. For application in agricultural soils and degraded areas, the sewage sludge is classified as Class 2, completely complying with the current regulation. Due to the low organic C values of the sludge used, the vegetable biomass produced can be incorporated into it for suitability and registration as organic fertilizer.

RESUMO: Relatamos dois surtos de intoxicação por nitrato e nitrito na Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil. O primeiro por Pennisetum purpureum (capim-elefante), e o segundo por P. purpureum e Brachiaria spp. (capim braquiária); ambos ocorreram durante uma estiagem prolongada. No primeiro surto, a irrigação das pastagens com água poluída e esgoto contribuiu para o acúmulo de nitrato. O segundo surto ocorreu em pastagens cultivadas na borda de uma barragem, que há muito tempo ficavam submersas, acumulando grande quantidade de matéria orgânica no solo. Outros prováveis fatores de risco para o acúmulo de nitrato incluíram o uso de fertilizantes químicos e herbicidas e a queima da vegetação. No primeiro surto, quatro bezerros de um total de 42 bovinos morreram, e no segundo surto 49 de 243 bovinos, incluindo adultos, jovens de um ano e um bezerro de 2 dias de idade morreram. Os sinais clínicos incluíram dispneia, cianose, ataxia e quedas, levando à morte. A presença de nitratos foi detectada em ambos os surtos pelo teste de difenilamina. Testes quantitativos foram realizados no segundo surto usando um medidor portátil de nitrato, e altas concentrações de nitrato foram encontradas. Os achados macroscópicos característicos e a ausência de lesões microscópicas e a resposta ao tratamento com azul de metileno foram fundamentais para o diagnóstico de intoxicação por nitratos e nitritos. Concluímos que a intoxicação por nitratos e nitritos em ruminantes na região semiárida do Nordeste do Brasil é frequente devido ao cultivo de gramíneas nas bordas de barragens que estiveram cobertas por água por longos períodos ou em áreas irrigadas por água poluída e/ou esgoto. Além disso, o uso de medidor portátil é uma alternativa eficaz para a quantificação de nitratos em pastagens.

ABSTRACT: We report two outbreaks of nitrate and nitrite poisoning in Paraíba, Northeast Brazil. The first, due to Pennisetum purpureum (elephant grass), and the second, due to P. purpureum and Brachiaria spp. (brachiaria grass), both occurred during a prolonged drought. In the first outbreak, the irrigation of the pastures with wastewater and sewage contributed to nitrate accumulation. The second outbreak occurred in pastures cultivated in the border of a dam, that had been submerged for long time accumulating large amounts of organic matter in the soil. Other probably risk factors for nitrate accumulation included the use of chemical fertilizers and herbicides and burning of the vegetation. In the first outbreak, four calves out of a total of 42 cattle died, and in the second outbreak 49 out of 243 cattle, including adults, yearlings, and a 2-day-old calf died. The clinical signs included dyspnea, cyanosis, ataxia, and falls, leading to death. The presence of nitrates was detected in both outbreaks using the diphenylamine test. Quantitative tests were performed in the second outbreak using a portable nitrate meter, and high nitrate concentrations were found. The characteristic macroscopic findings and absence of microscopic lesions and response to treatment with methylene blue were key to the diagnosis of poisoning by nitrates and nitrites. We conclude that poisoning by nitrates and nitrites in ruminants in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil is frequent due to the cultivation of grasses in the border of dams that had been covered by water for long periods or in areas irrigated by wastewater and/or sewage. In addition, the use of a portable measuring device is an effective alternative for the quantification of nitrates in pastures.

RESUMO As energias renováveis vêm ocupando cada vez mais espaço nas matrizes energéticas mundiais, e as biomassas lignocelulósicas são promissoras para essas fontes de energia. Objetivou-se desenvolver um modelo fuzzy para otimizar a concentração de sulfato ferroso e temperatura no pré-tratamento de capim-elefante. Foram utilizadas como entrada cinco concentrações (10; 15; 20; 25; e 30 mM) e três temperaturas (25; 40; e 55 ºC). A aplicação do modelo fuzzy evidenciou que os melhores resultados para a exposição à celulose (53,1 %) foram alcançados utilizando-se concentração de sulfato ferroso entre 20 e 22,5 mM e temperatura entre 39,5 e 42,5 ºC.

ABSTRACT Renewable energies have been occupying more and more space in energy matrices worldwide, and lignocellulosic biomasses are promising for these energy sources. This study aimed to develop a fuzzy model to optimize the ferrous sulfate concentration and temperature in the pre-treatment of elephant grass. Five concentrations (10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 mM) and three temperatures (25, 40 and 55 ºC) were used as input. The application of the fuzzy model evidenced that the best results for cellulose exposure (53.1 %) were achieved by using a ferrous sulfate concentration between 20 and 22.5 mM and temperature between 39.5 and 42.5 ºC.

ABSTRACT. The objective was to evaluate the morphometric, productive and chemical aspects of purple elephant grass as a function of nitrogen fertilization. The treatments consisted of applying 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 kg ha-1 of N, using a randomized block design, with five treatments and four replications. The following were evaluated: plant height, number, length and leaf mass, stem diameter and mass, leaf/stem ratio, production of green and dry mass, support capacity for dairy cows, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and mineral matter. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey's test at 5% probability. The increase in N doses did not affect (p < 0.05) the morphometry of the purple elephant grass, however it positively stimulated the productivity, the animal support capacity and the bromatological components of the harvested material. The lack of response to nitrogen fertilization may be related to the edaphocilimatic conditions during the experiment and efficiency in the use of N of the variety used. The results demonstrate the high demand of the cultivar for N, actively interfering in the forage yield.