Resumen Introducción. Los huevos son un alimento fuente de proteínas que se deteriora fácilmente durante su almacenamiento. La suplementación de polvo de pimiento rojo picante rico en compuestos bioactivos en dietas para gallinas ponedoras puede mejorar la calidad del huevo y prevenir su deterioro durante el almacenamiento. Objetivo. Determinar el efecto de la suplementación con pimiento rojo picante en polvo y diferentes tiempos de almacenamiento sobre la calidad física del huevo de gallinas ponedoras. Materiales y métodos. El estudio se llevó a cabo de enero a marzo de 2024 en el Granero de Investigación de PT Agromix Lestari Group, Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Se asignaron 80 gallinas ponedoras de 56 semanas de edad (1681 ± 64 g) de la cepa Novogen a cuatro tratamientos dietéticos (cuatro réplicas, cinco gallinas por réplica): dieta basal como control (P0); dieta basal + 0,25 % de chile rojo en polvo (P1); dieta basal + 0,5 % de chile rojo en polvo (P2), y dieta basal + 0,75 % de chile rojo en polvo (P3). Al final de la sexta semana, se recogió un huevo por grupo y se analizó su calidad física en tres tratamientos de almacenamiento: fresco (S0), una semana de almacenamiento (S1) y dos semanas de almacenamiento (S2). Los datos de calidad de los huevos se analizaron con un diseño experimental factorial (4 × 3) utilizando el programa SPSS 26 (Chicago, IL, USA). Resultados. La suplementación con un 0,5% de pimiento rojo picante en polvo aumentó significativamente el peso del huevo. La adición de pimiento rojo picante y la duración del tratamiento afectaron significativamente al color de la yema del huevo. El grupo tratado con pimiento picante mostró un pH del albumen y la yema significativamente más bajo. Conclusiones. Se demostró que la suplementación de pimiento rojo picante en polvo en las dietas de gallinas ponedoras mejoró el color de la yema del huevo. La inclusión de 0,5 % en la ración fue capaz de mantener bajo el pH de la yema y el albumen.

Abstract Introduction. Eggs are a food source of protein that easily deteriorates during storage. Supplementation of hot red chili pepper powder, rich in bioactive compounds, in diets for laying hens can improve egg quality and prevent egg deterioration during storage. Objective. To determine the effect of hot red pepper powder supplementation and different storage times on the physical egg quality of laying hens. Materials and methods. This study was conducted from January to March 2024 at the Research Barn of PT Agromix Lestari Group, Kulon Progo, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Eighty 56-week-old Novogen laying hens (1681 ± 64 g) were assigned into four dietary treatments (four replications, five hens per replication): basal diet as control (P0); basal diet + 0.25 % hot red pepper powder (P1); basal diet + 0.5 % hot red pepper powder (P2), and basal diet + 0.75 % hot red pepper powder (P3). At the end of week 6, one egg per replicate group was collected and analyzed for physical quality in three storage treatments: fresh condition (S0), one week storage (S1) and two weeks storage (S2). Egg quality data were analyzed with a factorial experimental design (4 × 3) using SPSS 26 software. Results. Supplementation of 0.5 % hot red pepper powder significantly increased egg weight. Hot red pepper addition and treatment duration significantly affected egg yolk color. The hot red pepper treatment group showed significantly lower pH of albumen and yolk. Conclusions. The supplementation of hot red pepper powder in laying hens’ diets has been shown to improve egg yolk color. The inclusion of 0.5 % in the ration was able to keep the pH of yolk and albumen low.

RESUMO A utilização de testes eficientes, rápidos e de baixo custo, é fundamental nos programas de controle da qualidade de sementes. No presente estudo, almeja-se adequar as metodologias dos testes de pH de exsudato e precocidade de emissão de raiz para sementes de coentro. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições de 50 sementes. Quatro lotes de sementes da cv. Super Verdão foram avaliados em relação ao grau de umidade, primeira contagem, germinação, emergência, índice de velocidade de emergência, envelhecimento acelerado, massa seca total de plântulas e tetrazólio. No teste do pH de exsudato, os tempos de embebição foram de 30, 60, 90 e 120 minutos a 20, 25 e 30 °C. O teste de precocidade de emissão de raiz primária foi conduzido a 20, 25 e 30 °C, iniciando as avaliações com 24 horas após a instalação, com intervalos de 12 horas e finalizando com 120 horas. O teste de pH de exsudato a 20 °C por 30 minutos classificou os lotes de forma semelhante ao teste de germinação, no entanto, não foi eficiente nos testes de vigor. O teste de precocidade de emissão de raiz mostrou-se eficaz na classificação do vigor de lotes de sementes de coentro, sendo conduzido a 20 °C, com avaliação após 60 horas.

ABSTRACT The use of efficient, fast, and low-cost tests is essential in seed quality control programs. The objective of this study was to adapt exudate pH and primary root emergence tests for coriander (Coriandrum sativum) seeds. A completely randomized experimental design was used, with four replications of 50 seeds. Four coriander (C. sativum cv. Super Verdão) seed batches were evaluated for moisture content, first count, germination, emergence, emergence speed index, seedling total dry weight, and subjected to accelerated aging and tetrazolium tests. Exudate pH tests were conducted using soaking times of 30, 60, 90, and 120 minutes at 20, 25, and 30 °C. Primary root emergence tests were conducted at 20, 25, and 30 °C, starting observations 24 hours after the beginning of the test at 12-hour intervals and concluding after 120 hours. The exudate pH test at 20 °C for 30 minutes classified the batches similarly to the germination test, but differently from vigor tests. The primary root emergence test conducted at 20 °C, with evaluation after 60 hours, effectively classifies the vigor of coriander seed batches.

ABSTRACT Sisal (Agave sisalana Perrine), a crucial natural fiber source, exhibits varying yields in China’s Guangdong and Guangxi regions. This groundbreaking study sampled soil and sisal leaves from these production hubs to explore the interplay among soil pH, enzyme activity, microorganisms, and sisal nutrition. Using PCR and high-throughput sequencing, results indicate Guangdong’s soil is mildly acidic, contrasting with Guangxi’s neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Both regions show a robust correlation between soil pH and nutrient availability (organic matter, P, K). Enhanced soil enzyme activity is observed at higher pH levels (6.09, 7.39). Dominant bacterial phyla Acidobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria peak at pH 7.39, 6.09, and 5.41, respectively. Fungal phyla Ascomycota, Basidiomycota, and Mortierellomycota thrive at pH 4.23, 7.39, and 6.48. Sisal leaves display optimal nutrient levels at specific pHs: N, P, and K at pH 6.09; Ca at pH 7.39; Mg at pH 6.48. Functional predictions reveal fungal abundance varies with pH, while bacterial functions like metabolism, disease resistance, and environmental adaptation are bolstered in Guangxi’s alkaline soils compared to Guangdong’s acidic ones. These findings provide a scientific basis for optimizing sisal cultivation management.

ABSTRACT Tausch’s goat grass (Aegilops tauschii Coss.) is a troublesome and widespread weed that poses a significant challenge in winter wheat fields. Understanding the germination biology of Tausch’s goat grass is crucial for predicting its potential distribution area. To better understand its germination and emergence ecology, this study evaluated the effects of various environmental factors on seed germination and seedling emergence in laboratory and greenhouse experiments. Seed germinations were settled across a range of constant temperatures (5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 27 °C), and optimal germination rates were observed at 5, 15, 20, and 25 °C. The light and pH had no discernible effect on germination. Germination in this study was inhibited at osmotic potentials ranging from 0 to -0.7 MPa. The seedling emergence rate was highest (100%) when seeds were not buried (depth of 0 cm), emergence gradually declined while the depth of burial increased, no seedlings emerge at the depth of 6 cm. Those implied that deep plowing could effectively limit germination and emergence of this species. This study provides valuable insights into the germination conditions of Tausch’s goat grass and lays the groundwork for scientific prediction and control measures.

ABSTRACT The global tendency of higher production of fish has naturally led to more available derivatives of this industry such as hydrolysates, whose elevated percentage of proteins and mineral nutrients allows them to be used as a fertilization complement in agriculture. One of these products is salmon hydrolysate fertilizer, with unknown fertilizing value. This study determined the dynamics and delivery rate of N and P from a salmon hydrolysate fertilizer produced in Chile. Under controlled laboratory conditions using volcanic soil, a conventional fertilization treatment (urea and triple superphosphate) and control without fertilization were applied. The soil was incubated at 25 °C and 80% of usable humidity at times of 0, 7, 14, 21, 56 and 112 d. The results indicated that the salmon hydrolyzed fertilizer presented a rapid and high N delivery rate (104.2% availability), and its net N delivery value was higher than that obtained with urea. The P applied with salmon hydrolysate presented a high net delivery rate (68.4% availability) compared to triple superphosphate (6.6% availability) but showed erratic delivery dynamics. Soil pH and electrical conductivity were not affected. These results allow us to promote the idea that the use of salmon hydrolyzed fertilizer constitutes a good alternative to the use of conventional fertilizers.

RESUMEN El chame Dormitator latifrons es una especie símbolo asociada a la acuicultura rural de regiones costeras del Pacífico Sudamericano. Su adaptación para mantenerse vivo fuera del agua (anhidrobiosis) durante días es beneficiosa para su almacenamiento y transporte a temperatura ambiental. El estudio tuvo como objetivo determinar la tolerancia del chame a condiciones de anhidrobiosis. Se trabajó con 60 chames distribuidos en recipientes y mantenidos en dos ambientes climatizados a 16 y 24 °C durante 96 h. Se monitoreó la supervivencia, niveles de malondialdehido, proteínas totales y pH en la musculatura y la actividad de lactato deshidrogenasa (LDH) en branquias. Adicionalmente, se monitoreó el comportamiento de los peces, así como el número total de microorganismos con una evaluación sensorial. El periodo crítico de la supervivencia se presentó a partir de 48 h, donde el pH descendió y los niveles de MDA incrementaron. El número de microorganismos incrementó en ambos ambientes y la evaluación sensorial demostró una pérdida de frescura a 24 °C. La actividad de LDH está vinculada con la activación del metabolismo anaeróbico y es señal de un deterioro branquial. Los resultados de los análisis bioquímicos, microbiológicos y sensoriales indican que las primeras 48 h de exposición a la a anhidrobiosis comprende el periodo de manutención de la frescura de D. latifrons, lo cual puede ser clave para su manejo postcosecha y expendio.

ABSTRACT The chame Dormitator latifrons is a symbolic species associated with rural aquaculture in coastal regions of the South American Pacific. Its adaptation to stay alive out of water (anhydrobiosis) for days is beneficial for its storage and transport at room temperature. The aim of the study was to determine the tolerance of chame to anhydrous conditions. Sixty chames were distributed in containers and kept in two climate-controlled environments at 16 and 24 °C for 96 h. Survival, malondialdehyde levels, total proteins and pH in the muscles and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the gills were monitored. Additionally, the behaviour of the fish was monitored, as well as the total number of microorganisms with a sensory evaluation. The critical period of survival occurred after 48 h, where the pH decreased, and the MDA levels increased. The number of microorganisms increased in both environments and the sensory evaluation showed a loss of freshness at 24 °C. LDH activity is linked to the activation of anaerobic metabolism and is a sign of gill deterioration. The results of biochemical, microbiological and sensory analyses indicate that the first 48 h of exposure to anhydrobiosis comprise the period of maintenance of the freshness of D. latifrons, which may be key for its post-harvest handling and sale.

RESUMEN El objetivo del estudio fue validar una tecnología de producción de gamitana, Colossoma macropomum, rica en DHA en estanques de tierra excavados, suministrando una ración vegetal de terminación suplementada con harina de Schizochytrium sp. Se tuvo una ración vegetal (DV) y una vegetal suplementada con 5% de harina de Schizochytrium sp. (DS). Un total de 1200 peces (258.90 ± 6.93 g) fueron distribuidos en seis estanques de tierra de 200 m3 a una densidad de 1 pez/m3, y alimentados con la DV durante 120 d. Luego, peces de tres estanques seleccionados al azar continuaron su alimentación con DV y los restantes fueron alimentados con DS por 71 días, periodo mínimo para maximizar el contenido de DHA en el filete de gamitana. El alimento fue proporcionado a las 08:30 y 16:30 a una tasa diaria de 1.50%. Se evaluó el crecimiento corporal, contenido proximal, contenido de ácidos grasos y calidad nutricional de la fracción lipídica del filete, así como el pH y características microbiológicas del filete. Los datos se analizaron por la prueba t-Student para muestras independientes (p<0.05). Los datos de evaluación microbiológica estuvieron en función del límite máximo permisible. Los resultados del estudio validaron en campo una tecnología de enriquecimiento natural del filete de gamitana con DHA, demostrando que es posible suministrar ración vegetal con harina de Schizochytrium sp. a gamitanas por 71 días antes de su cosecha, sin afectar el crecimiento de los peces, garantizando su inocuidad (ausencia de contaminación microbiológica), sin afectar el contenido proximal del filete e incrementando el valor nutracéutico del pez en términos de incremento del contenido de DHA, n-3, AGPI y mejoramiento nutricional de la fracción lipídica de la carne del pescado.

ABSTRACT The aim of the study was to validate a DHA-rich production technology for gamitana, Colossoma macropomum, in excavated earthen ponds by supplying a finishing vegetable ration supplemented with Schizochytrium sp. meal. Avegetable ration (VR) and a vegetable ration supplemented with 5% Schizochytrium sp. meal (DS) were used. A total of 1200 fish(258.90±6.93g) weredistributedinsix200m3 earthen ponds at a density of 1 fish/m3, and fed with VR for 120 d. Then, fish from three randomly selected ponds continued to be fed VR and the remaining ones were fed DS for 71 d, the minimum period to maximize the DHA content in the gamitana fillet. The feed was provided at 08:30 and 16:30 h at a daily rate of 1.50%. Body growth, proximal content, fatty acid content and nutritional quality of the lipid fraction of the fillet, as well as pH and microbiological characteristics of the fillet were evaluated. Data were analysed by the Student t-test for independent samples (p<0.05). Microbiological evaluation data were based on the maximum permissible limit. The results of the study validated in the field a technology for natural enrichment of gamitana fillet with DHA, demonstrating that it is possible to supply vegetable ration with Schizochytrium sp. meal to gamitanas for 71 days before harvest, without affecting the growth of the fish, guaranteeing its safety (absence of microbiological contamination), without affecting the proximal content of the fillet and increasing the nutraceutical value of the fish in terms of increased DHA, n-3, PUFA content and nutritional improvement of the lipid fraction of the fish meat.

The National Immunization Program (NIP), established in 1973, is recognized nationally and internationally as one of the largest vaccination programs in the world, integrated into the Unified Health System (SUS). Over the years, the NIP has faced challenges in vaccine quality control, leading to significant evolution, especially since 1983 when the National Institute of Quality Control in Health (INCQS) centralized this control. INCQS conducts biological, microbiological, and physicochemical assays, such as pH, appearance, aluminum content, and thiomersal, the latter present in multidose vaccines as a preservative. Retrospective analysis of physicochemical assays reveals variations in analysis quantities, often correlated with specific vaccination campaigns. The introduction of new vaccines in the NIP, such as the pentavalent and inactivated polio vaccines, impacted quality control. Regarding the pH and appearance of vaccines, assays demonstrate improvements over time, including the adoption of more sensitive and specific techniques. The implementation of visual inspection aspect analysis as a preventive measure after occurrences of unsatisfactory lots underscores the commitment to vaccine safety. Public laboratories, like INCQS, play a crucial role in this process, ensuring the safety of immunobiological for the entire Brazilian population. The current challenge lies in the need to keep up with technological advancements to maintain vaccine quality.

Resumo A engenharia civil desempenha um papel importante quando se trata de sustentabilidade, oferecendo alternativas cada vez mais viáveis e atualizadas em termos de gestão de materiais. Nesse contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho é avaliar a viabilidade de reaproveitamento da água para amassamento em corpos de prova de concreto após o uso de filtro cerâmico como meio de purificação da água. Além disso, busca-se comparar as propriedades do concreto e os parâmetros químicos da água. Para isso, foi realizado um estudo quanti-qualitativo por meio de ensaios laboratoriais para caracterização dos materiais, análise físico-química de água a partir de duas amostras provenientes do rebaixamento do lençol freático, sendo uma na forma bruta e outra tratada com um filtro cerâmico. Também foram realizados ensaios de resistência mecânica. Ao analisar os resultados obtidos, verificou-se que a água filtrada apresentou um aumento de 8,66% na resistência à compressão em relação à água bruta. Na análise física da água, ambas as amostras atenderam aos critérios de pH, cor e substâncias dissolvidas totais. Além disso, durante a análise química da água, foi verificada diminuição em cinco dos seis parâmetros analisados, sendo eles a alcalinidade total, o teor de cloretos, de fosfatos, de nitratos, de sulfatos e de zinco. Por fim, é possível considerar a redução de alguns elementos da água não filtrada que afetam negativamente a resistência e a qualidade do concreto, além de melhorar o pH. Outro ponto relevante, foi o aumento da resistência à compressão do concreto ao utilizar água tratada em comparação com a água bruta.

Abstract Civil engineering plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainability by offering increasingly viable and cutting-edge alternatives in materials management. In this context, the objective of this study is to assess the feasibility of reusing water for mixing concrete test specimens after employing a ceramic filter as a means of water purification. Additionally, we aim to compare the properties of the concrete and the chemical parameters of the water. To achieve this, a quantitative and qualitative investigation was conducted through laboratory tests to characterize the materials and perform a physical-chemical analysis of water from two samples sourced from the water table drawdown. One sample was in its raw form, while the other was treated with a ceramic filter. Mechanical strength tests were also carried out. Upon analyzing the obtained results, it was observed that the filtered water exhibited an 8.66% increase in compressive strength compared to the raw water. In the physical analysis of the water, both samples met the criteria for pH, color, and total dissolved substances. Furthermore, the chemical analysis of the water revealed a decrease in five out of the six parameters analyzed, specifically total alkalinity, chloride, phosphate, nitrate, sulfate, and zinc content. In conclusion, it can be inferred that there is potential to reduce certain elements in untreated water that adversely affect concrete strength and quality, in addition to improving the pH levels. Another noteworthy finding was the enhanced compressive strength of concrete when using treated water as opposed to raw water.

Abstract The lamb meat tenderness acceptance threshold has been little studied and has never been evaluated for the Brazilian population. So, this study aimed to find the maximum acceptable shear force for Brazilian lamb meat consumers. Three muscles were previously tested and chosen Longissimus thoracis et lumborum (LTL), psoas major and semimembranosus muscles received different treatments in the post-slaughter period (Hot deboning followed by cooling on ice, Standard carcass cooling and Ageing), aiming to create samples with varying levels of tenderness, which were evaluated by acceptance tests and descriptive analysis of tenderness by a trained team. Sarcomere length, myofibril fragmentation index, proximate composition, weight loss and pH analyses were performed to observe the biochemical phenomena in each treatment's meats. Variations caused in samples by treatments were more significant than differences inherent to the different muscles. Pearson and Multiple Factor correlation analyses indicated positive correlations between sarcomere length, myofibril fragmentation index and the scores assigned in sensory tests by 140 panelists and a trained team. Both groups noted that the differences between the meats in terms of tenderness and the sarcomere length also influenced the perception of juiciness observed by the groups. The maximum shear force indicated as acceptable for lamb meat was 44.1 N. The results obtained are important to guide the lamb meat producer for certain practices in the post-slaughter moments, avoiding actions that lead to sarcomere shortening and encouraging the production of aged meats.

Abstract Metformin hydrochloride (MTF) has pharmacological properties for managing inflammatory skin conditions. MTF is a hydrophilic medication. Accordingly, embedding MTF into lipid carriers for enhancing skin penetration presents a challenge. The study aims to optimize the loading of MTF into nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) using a 22 full factorial design, employing the solvent injection technique. The NLCs were evaluated for encapsulation efficiency, hydrodynamic diameter, zeta potential, and polydispersity index. Alkalinization of the aqueous phase (pH = 12.5) resulted in maximizing the entrapment of MTF within NLCs. Furthermore, the tested solid lipids impacted the encapsulation of MTF based on their hydrophilic-lipophilic balance. The optimized formulation is composed of a lipid phase incorporating beeswax (75 mg), oleic acid (25 mg), and Span 60 (1% w/w), and an aqueous phase comprised of 1% w/w Tween 80, pH 12.5. The selected formula attained an entrapment efficiency of 53.68 ± 0.27%, a particle size of 333.0 ± 6.4 nm, and a negative surface charge, indicating adequate particles` stability. DSC and Molecular docking analyses confirmed the MTF incorporation within the lipid phase. The outcomes emphasize the importance of optimizing investigations in developing a viable delivery system for MTF to boost its permeation across the skin layers.

ABSTRACT This study investigates the treatment of Sago Wastewater (SW) using natural materials and α-Al2O3 ceramic membranes for filtration. SW samples were collected from influent and effluent of sago industries in Salem and Namakkal districts, Tamil Nadu, as well as from nearby open wells and bore wells. The physico-chemical parameters, including pH, color, turbidity, TSS, TDS, TS, DO, COD, and BOD, were analyzed. High levels of BOD (1800–1550 mg/L) and COD (3400–4150 mg/L) were observed, reflecting the high organic content of the effluents. Post-filtration, pH values ranged from 6.9 to 7.3, with BOD and COD levels within permissible limits set by TNPCB. Toxic substances were reduced by 52% to 96%. Statistical analysis using multiple linear regression showed an R2 of 0.98 in the predicted phase and 0.9 in the treatment phase, while CNN analysis yielded an R2 of 0.99 with an MSE of 5.9 after 2000 epochs. The filtration process significantly reduces toxins, making the treated water suitable for irrigation purposes.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate the coating based on Amaranthus flour (AF), montmorillonite, and three essential oils (clove, muña, and matico) to extend the shelf life of minimally processed mango. The mango cubes were divided into four different treatments. T1- control (uncoated mango), T2 (0.3% w/v of clove), T3 (0.3% w/v of muña), and T4 (0.3% w/v of matico). All treatments had 0.6% w/v Amaranth flour and 0.02% w/v montmorillonite (MMT) and were subjected to 5°C for 12 days. Water activity (Aw), pH, Total soluble solids, acidity, weight loss, color, texture, and antimicrobial activity were evaluated for each treatment. Matico treatment maintained pH and had the lowest count of yeast and mold forming units on mango (3.47 log UFC g-1). On the last day of storage, all coating treatments showed less weight loss and favorable results than the control. The matico treatment showed higher efficiency for mango preservation.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito de aditivo fitogênico sobre o consumo de nutrientes, digestibilidade da dieta, balanço de nitrogênio e parâmetros ruminais de ovinos. Quatro cordeiros com peso corporal médio de 27,6 ± 2,9 kg foram distribuídos em delineamento quadrado latino 4 × 4 e alimentados com uma dieta basal composta por 600 g MS/dia de silagem de milho e 400 g MS/dia de concentrado. A dieta basal foi suplementada com nenhum aditivo 0,0; 2,0; 4,0 e 6,0 g/kg MS de pimenta. O consumo de MS, proteína bruta (PB), matéria orgânica (MO) e fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) em g/dia reduziu linearmente (P < 0,05). Não foram observados efeitos (P > 0,05) para a digestibilidade aparente da MS, MO, FDN e extrato etéreo. Houve efeito quadrático (P < 0,05) sobre a digestibilidade da PB e do carboidrato não fibroso, estimando-se a digestibilidade máxima de 707,7 e 924,8 (g/kg MS) nos níveis de 2,55 e 0,27 g/kg MS de pimenta, respectivamente. Não houve efeito (P > 0,05) para o nitrogênio urinário e o nitrogênio de retenção. Níveis crescentes de pimenta não alteraram (P > 0,05) o valor de pH e a concentração de N-NH3 do fluido ruminal. Entretanto, houve efeito (P < 0,05) do tempo sobre o valor de pH e N-NH3 ruminal. A inclusão de pimenta na dieta de cordeiros confinados altera negativamente o consumo de matéria seca e FDN, sem prejudicar a digestibilidade dos nutrientes, a utilização do nitrogênio e outros parâmetros ruminais.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a phytogenic additive on nutrient intake, diet digestibility, nitrogen balance, and ruminal parameters of lambs. Four lambs with an average body weight of 27.6 ± 2.9 kg were distributed in a 4 × 4 Latin square design and fed a basal diet composed of 600 g DM/day of corn silage and 400 g DM/day of concentrate. The basal diet was supplemented with no additive 0.0, 2.0, 4.0, and 6.0 g/kg DM of pepper. The intake of DM, crude protein (CP), organic matter (OM), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) in g/day decreased linearly (P < 0.05). No effects (P > 0.05) were observed for the apparent digestibility of DM, OM, NDF, and ether extract. There was a quadratic effect (P < 0.05) on the digestibility of CP and non-fibrous carbohydrate, with maximum digestibility estimated at 707.7 and 924.8 (g/kg DM) at levels of 2.55 and 0.27 g/kg DM of pepper, respectively. There was no effect (P > 0.05) on urinary nitrogen and retention nitrogen. Increasing levels of pepper did not alter (P > 0.05) the pH value and N-NH3 concentration of the ruminal fluid. However, there was an effect (P < 0.05) of time on the pH and N-NH3 value of the rumen. The inclusion of pepper in the diet of confined lambs negatively alters dry matter and NDF intake without impairing nutrient digestibility, nitrogen utilization, and other ruminal parameters.

EVALUATION AND COMPARISON OF COLOIDAL SYSTEMS OF UHT MILK MARKETED IN THE SOUTH AND SOUTHEAST REGIONS OF BRAZIL. Ultra high temperature (UHT) milk has great relevance in the Brazilian dairy market. Thermal processing, physical-chemical and compositional properties have relevant impact on the quality of milk processed via UHT. The emergence of new categories of this product makes the production scenario even more challenging. The aim of this study was to investigate UHT milk and the effect of food additives on it, from a colloidal perspective, in the main consumer regions. The colloidal systems of samples with or without addition of stabilizers and with or without addition of tricalcium phosphate were evaluated based on analyses of ionic calcium concentration, pH, sedimentation, HCT (heat coagulation time), ethanol stability, particle size (D90) and zeta potential. The results indicated a relevant colloidal stability for this type of matrix, in addition to an efficient industrial homogenization process. The samples that received stabilizers addition showed lower ionic calcium, higher HCT and greater ethanol stability. There was no significant difference in sediment mass and pH. The samples that received Ca3(PO4)2 addition showed higher sedimentation and lower stability to ethanol. There were no significant differences regarding ionic calcium, pH and HCT.