Dietary supplementation with royal jelly (RJ) may improve growth, antioxidant gene expression, and intestinal antioxidant capacity, and possibly mitigate effects of stress induced by high stocking density (HSD) in zebrafish (Danio rerio). Effects of HSD and RJ supplementation on growth performance, antioxidant gene expression, and intestinal antioxidant capacity in zebrafish were investigated. A total of 240 four-month-old zebrafish were used in a 2 x 2 factorial design, with four treatments and three replications. The treatments consisted of normal stocking density (NSD) (1 fish/L) and high stocking density (HSD) (3 fish/L) and an unsupplemented commercial diet (0RJ) and commercial diet supplemented with 10% RJ (10RJ). The experiment lasted 25 days. Daily weight gain, final body length, specific growth rate, and survival were recorded. On day 25, six fish per treatment were euthanised and their intestines analysed for antioxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase 2 (SOD2) and catalase (CAT) gene expression. There were no effects of diet or SD and diet interaction on growth. High stocking density decreased daily weight gain by 25.31%, body length by 2.70%, and survival by 16.85%. Stocking density (SD) and diet interaction influenced intestinal SOD2 and CAT expression and antioxidant capacity. The HSD/0RJ group had lower antioxidant gene expression and antioxidant capacity than the HSD/10RJ and NSD/0RJ groups. Supplementation with RJ did not mitigate the harmful effects of stocking stress. These results indicate that HSD promotes transcriptional suppression of gene encoding enzymes that form the first line of antioxidant defence, resulting in reduced elimination of toxic substances and occurrence of intestinal oxidative stress.

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of citric acid supplementation on the performance and the gene expression in the duodenum of Japanese quail. Genes related to antioxidant activity: superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase 7 (GPX7); and genes related to nutrient uptake in the enterocytes' apical membrane: sodium-glucose cotransporter 1 (SGLT1, responsible for the glucose absorption), glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) and B0AT1 (responsible for the absorption of neutral amino acids in brush board membrane) were evaluated. For this, 270 laying quails (Coturnix japonica) were fed a diet supplemented with 0%, 0.6% or 1.2% of citric acid. Gene expression was evaluated by the quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) at 35 days old (n = 5). The highest expression of the SGLT1 gene was observed in quails fed the 1.2% citric acid supplemented diet (0.120 AU). Birds fed diets with both levels of citric acid supplementation showed a higher B0AT1 gene expression than quails fed no citric acid. Quails fed the 1.2% of citric acid supplemented diet had the lowest SOD gene expression (0.3455 AU). The birds receiving the diets supplemented with citric acid showed a lower GPX7 gene expression than the quails fed the 0% citric acid diet. These results suggests that the effect of citric acid on gene expression in the digestive tract may have contributed to the greater weight gain and lower feed intake observed in birds fed diets supplemented with citric acid.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the adjustment quality of nonlinear models to data organs growth, carcass and body components of meat-type (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) and japanese laying-type (Coturnix coturnix japonica) quail. A total of 1350 quails from one to 42 d old were distributed in a completely randomized design, with five replicates each. To determine the organs growth (gut, heart, liver and gizzard), carcass and body components (wing, thigh and drumstick, back and breast), two quails per repetition were slaughtered weekly. The data were evaluated in function of different nonlinear models (Logistical, Brody, Richards, Von Bertalanffy and Gompertz). All models studied adjusted the data, differing in adjustment quality. Brody model showed the best description of gut length to all treatments. For the data gizzard weight, heart, liver and gut, the models that best adjusted, presenting smaller residual mean square and numbers iterations were Gompertz and Logistical. The Gompertz, Logistic and Von Bertalanffy models were the most adequate to describe the thigh and drumstick growth, back and breast, and Gompertz models and Logistic to describe the wing growth and carcass, showing lesser number of iterations to achieve the convergence of date, as well as low residual mean square and squares sums of the regression residuals. The Gompertz model was the most appropriate to describe the organs growth and body components in meat- and laying-type quail when evaluated in growth phase.

Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar as frequências alélicas e genotípicas do polimorfismo do C242T no gene da aromatase em ovinos pertencentes a quatro grupos raciais. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 187 animais de quatro grupos raciais: Dorper, Santa Inês, Texel e White Dorper, provenientes de rebanhos da região de Maringá, PR - BR. O DNA genômico foi extraído utilizando o método de extração alcalina, com posterior amplificação dos fragmentos via PCR com primer específico. As amostras resultantes da amplificação foram submetidas ao processo de digestão com auxilio da enzima restrição Dpn II e submetido à eletroforese em gel de poliacrilamida de 10,0% e corado nitrato de prata. Foram observados três genótipos distintos: Homozigoto (CC), heterozigoto (CT) e homozigoto para não corte (TT). Os dados resultantes foram analisados utilizando o software POPGENE com significância de 5%. As frequências genotípicas entre os grupos raciais foram: Texel (CC - 0,426; CT - 0,511; TT - 0,064), Dorper (CC - 0,073; CT - 0,732; TT - 0,439), White Dorper (CC - 0,021; CT - 0,255; TT - 0,723) e Santa Inês (CC - 0,115; CT - 0,462; TT - 0,423).

Abstract The objective of this study was to evaluate the frequency of C242T polymorphism on the aromatase gene and the allelic and genotypic frequency of these variants in sheep belonging to four breed groups. Blood samples were collected from 187 animals of four breed groups: Dorper, Santa Inês, Texel and White Dorper, originated from herds in the region of Maringá/PR, Brazil. The genomic DNA was extracted using alkaline extraction, with subsequent amplification of the fragments via PCR with specific primer. The samples resulting from amplification were subjected to digestion process using the Dpn II restriction enzyme and to polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis 10.0% and stained with silver nitrate. Three distinct genotypes were observed: homozygous (CC), heterozygous (CT) and homozygous for no cut (TT). The resulting data were analyzed using the POPGENE software with 5% significance. Genotypic frequencies among the breed groups were: Texel (CC - 0.426; CT - 0.511; TT - 0.064), Dorper (CC - 0.073; CT - 0.732; TT - 0.439), White Dorper (CC - 0.021; CT - 0.255; TT - 0.723) and Santa Inês (CC - 0.115; CT - 0.462; TT - 0.423).

Avaliaram-se hambúrgueres de aparas de jacaré-do-pantanal (Caiman yacare) quanto à composição centesimal, cor e análise sensorial. O delineamento foi inteiramente ao acaso, em três tratamentos: T1= sem defumação; T2= defumação a quente e T3= defumação líquida, e nove repetições. As aparas foram moídas e condimentadas para o hambúrguer. Os hambúrgueres para defumação a quente foram colocados no defumador 60 min a 60ºC com gerador de fumaça por fricção. Foi pulverizada fumaça líquida, sobre os produtos (T3), e estes foram colocados em desidratador por 60 min a 60ºC. Houve diferença significativa quanto à composição centesimal entre os hambúrgueres defumados, T2 = 43,1% e T3 = 60,9%, e verificou-se menor teor de umidade em relação aos sem defumação, 73,3%. A proteína, 39,9%, e as cinzas, 6,1%, foram mais altas nos defumados a quente. Os hambúrgueres defumados a quente apresentaram menor luminosidade, 42,05, e maiores valores do croma a*, 14,65, e b*, 28,57, em relação aos demais tratamentos. As variáveis sensoriais foram significativas para sabor, textura e aceitação geral. Os produtos defumados a quente apresentaram a pior aceitação. Concluiu-se que a defumação a quente proporciona produtos com menor teor de umidade, com pigmentação mais intensa, porém menos aceitos pelos provadores.

Hamburgers made from minced meat of Pantanal caiman (Caiman yacare) were evaluated for their centesimal composition, color and sensory perception. The experiment was structured in a completely randomized design with three treatments (T1 = no smoke; T2 = smoked with hot smoke and T3 = smoked with liquid smoke), with nine repetitions each. The meat was minced and seasoned for the hamburgers. The hamburgers destined to hot smoking were placed in the smoker (60 min at 60ºC) with smoke generated through friction. The liquid smoke was sprayed in the samples (T3), next they were placed in dehydrators (60 min at 60ºC). There was a significant difference in centesimal composition, the smoked hamburgers (T2 = 43.1% and T3 = 60.9%) presenting significantly less moisture than non-smoked products (73.3%). Protein (39.9%) and ash (6.1%) were higher for the hot-smoked samples. The hot-smoked hamburgers had less luminosity (42.05) and higher values of chroma a* (14.65) and b* (28.57) than the other treatments. The sensorial parameters evaluated were significant for flavor, texture and general acceptance. The hot-smoked products had the worst acceptance. It was concluded that the hot smoke provided products with less moisture and higher pigmentation, but with less acceptance from the judges.

The aim of this work was to compare the tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) and tambaqui (Colossoma macroporum) skins on the histology, composition, physico-chemical and physico-mechanical features. Therefore, 10 kg of skins of each species were used. All skins have followed the same methodology for tanning, all processed in tannery machine. Histological and composition analysis were conducted in fresh skin, and 20 leather of each species were used after tanning for physical-chemical and physico-mechanical analysis. The skin of Nile tilapia showed lamellulae larger than the other species examined, however, the deeper layer of the dermis of this species shows collagen fibers thinner in the transverse direction to the skin surface. The Nile tilapia skin had a higher humidity (67.14 %), lipid (1.96 %) and ash contents (1.82 %), though the skin of this species showed the lowest level of crude protein (29.08 %). A higher content of crude protein was found in tambaqui skins (35.70 %). The Nile tilapia leather showed lower thickness (0.68 mm), tensile strength (11.86 N/mm²), progressive tearing (40.18 N/mm), elasticity (52.63 %) and lower maximum strength (81.06 %) compared to pacu and tambaqui leathers. It was observed that the tambaqui leather was the thickest (0.89 mm) and most resistante for the measured variables (tensile strength= 29.49 N/ mm², progressive tearing= 80.01 N/mm and maximum strength= 224.25). Tilapia leathers are less resistant than tambaqui and pacu leathers and the tambaqui leather could be destined for the manufacture of clothing, and the leathers of the three species have thickness within recommended for gloves and clothing manufacture.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar as peles de tilápia (Oreochromis niloticus), pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus) e tambaqui (Colossoma macroporum) quanto à histologia, composição centesimal, características físico-química e físico-mecânica. Para tanto foram utilizados 10 kg de peles de cada espécie. Todas as peles seguiram a mesma metodologia de curtimento, sendo todas processadas em fulão. Foram realizadas análises histológicas e de composição nas peles in natura, e após o curtimento foram utilizados 20 couros de cada espécie para obtenção dos corpos-de-prova de cada tratamento para análises físico-química e físico-mecânica. A pele de tilápia do Nilo apresentou lamélulas maiores que as demais espécies analisadas, entretanto, a camada mais profunda da derme desta espécie apresenta feixes de fibras colágenas mais finas no sentido transversal a superfície da pele, enquanto nas peles de pacu e tambaqui observouse fibras colágenas mais espessas no sentido longitudinal e grossos feixes de fibras colágenas no sentido transversal a superfície da pele. A pele de tilápia do Nilo apresentou maior teor de umidade (67,14 %), lipídeos (1,96 %) e cinzas (1,82 %), entretanto a pele dessa espécie foi a que apresentou menor teor de proteína bruta (29,08 %). Maior teor de proteína bruta foi encontrado nas peles de tambaquis (35,70 %). Os couros de tilápia do Nilo apresentaram menor espessura (0,68 mm), resistência à tração (11,86 N/mm²), rasgamento progressivo (40,18 N/mm), menor elasticidade (52,63 %) e menor força máxima (81,06 %) comparada aos couros de pacu e tambaqui. Sendo o couro de tambaqui, o de maior espessura (0,89 mm) e resistência para as variáveis analisadas (tração= 29,49 N/mm², rasgamento progressivo= 80,01 N/mm e força máxima=224,25). Os couros de tilápia são menos resistentes que os de pacu e tambaqui; os couros de tambaqui, poderiam ser destinados à confecção de vestuários, e os couros das três espécies apresentam a espessura dentro do recomendado para confecção de luvas e vestimentas.

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the quality of the rabbit skins in different parts and orientations of the surface, submitted at different time of processing. The rabbits were slaughtered with 70 days of age and forty skins were used. It was used a completely randomized design in a 2 x 4 factorial treatment, being in two times of processing (T1= regular time and T2= continuous time) and four positions of cut in the skin (P1= fore longitudinal and P2= fore transversal; P3= hind longitudinal and P4= hind transversal). The steps of the tanning process were soaking, fleshing, liming (3% of sodium sulphide and 4% of lime), alkaline products remotion, purge, degrease, pickling, tanning (6% of chrome salts), neutralization, retanning (4% of chrome salts), dying, grease (6% of sulfacant oils), dryness and softening. The thickness of the rabbit skins was significantly higher (p<0.05) when the continuous time technique was used (1.03 mm). The time of tanning gave different values of traction in all positions of the samples, except for the fore transversal. The hind region regardless of the time showed a less resistant skin to traction (regular time= 6.01 N/mm² and continuous time= 3.54 N/ mm²). The fore region regardless if it is a longitudinal way (37.28 N/mm) or transversal (35.71 N/mm), showed a higher resistance to tearing compared to the hind region (longitudinal= 26.78 N/mm and transversal= 25.94 N/mm) in regular time. The technique used in the regular time tanning offered a less elasticity to the rabbit skin in relation to the continuous time. The skins must be tanning by regular time because offer more resistance to traction and superior tearing than skins tanned by continuous time. The fore region showed more resistance than hind region for progressive tearing in all times of tanning. The skins of the hind longitudinal region regardless of the time showed a less resistant to traction. The regular time of tanning gave skins with less elasticity, but for progressive tearing and stretching test, the values are in the pattern for be used in clothing manufacturing, according to BASF (2005).

O experimento foi conduzido para avaliar a qualidade dos couros de coelhos em diferentes partes da superfície e orientações, submetidos a dois diferentes tempos de processamento. Foram utilizadas 40 peles de coelhos, da raça Nova Zelândia Branco, abatidos aos 70 dias de idade. Foi utilizado um delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, tendo nas parcelas os tratamentos (T1= tempo normal; T2= tempo contínuo) e nas subparcelas as posições de corte no couro (P1= anterior longitudinal; P2 = anterior transversal; P3= posterior longitudinal e P4= posterior transversal), com dez repetições por tratamento. As etapas aplicadas no processo de curtimento foram: remolho, descarne, caleiro (3% de sulfeto de sódio e 4% de cal), desencalagem, purga, desengraxe, píquel, curtimento (6% de sais de cromo), neutralização, recurtimento (4% sais de cromo), tingimento, engraxe (6% de óleos sulfatados), secagem e amaciamento. A espessura dos couros foi maior (p<0,05) quando se utilizou a técnica de curtimento com tempo contínuo (1,03 mm). O tempo de curtimento proporcionou diferentes valores de tração em todas as posições de retirada do corpo de prova, exceto para anterior transversal. A região posterior do couro apresentou menor tração independente do tempo de curtimento (normal= 6,01 N/mm2 e contínuo= 3,54 N/mm²). A região anterior independente da posição (longitudinal= 37,28 N/mm ou transversal= 35,71 N/mm), apresentou maior resistência ao rasgamento comparado a região posterior (longitudinal= 26,78 N/mm e transversal= 25,94 N/ mm) nos couros curtidos com tempo normal. Curtimento em tempo normal proporcionou menor elasticidade aos couros. Os couros devem ser curtidos pelo método com tempo normal de processamento, por proporcionarem maior resistência a tração e rasgamento superiores em relaçao aos curtidos em tempo contínuo. A região anterior apresentou maior resistência comparada a região posterior para rasgamento progressivo, independente do tempo de curtimento utilizado. Os couros na região posterior longitudinal apresentaram menor resistência a tração, independente do tempo de processamento aplicado. Deve-se ressaltar que o curtimento em período normal proporcionou couros com menor elasticidade, mas pelo teste de rasgamento progressivo e alongamento, os valores estão dentro dos padrões exigidos para confecção de vestuários seguindo os valores BASF (2005).

The aim of this study was to analyze the genetic diversity of three Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) strains, through the RAPD markers. Ninety adult individuals (30 of each strain) of two fish farms stations located in the Maringá (Bouaké - B and GIFT - G strains) and Guaíra (Chitralada C strain) cities, in the Paraná State (Brazil) were analyzed. The 13 selected primers yielded 72 fragments of which 60 (83.3%) were polymorphic. Differences (p<0.05) in the frequency of 33 fragments were observed, with 14 eliminated. The genetic variability results estimated by the percentage of polymorphic fragments and for the genetic diversity of Shannon index indicated a high intra-populational genetic variability. According with the AMOVA, most of the variation is within each strain. This result was corroborated with the FST values that showed a moderate genetic differentiation. It was also verified that C and G were the strains but similar genetically and that B and G presented less genes in common. The results of this study facilitated the correct reproductive and genetic management of these fish strains.

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar la diversidad genética de tres líneas de tilapia del Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus), mediante marcadores RAPDs. Se analizaron 90 individuos adultos (30 de cada línea) de dos piscifactorías ubicadas en las ciudades de Maringá (líneas Bouaké - B y GIFT G) y Guaíra (línea Chitralada - C), en el Estado del Paraná (Brasil). Los 13 oligonucleótidos seleccionados produjeron 72 fragmentos de los cuales 60 (83,3%) fueron polimórficos. Fueron observadas diferencias (p<0,05) en la frecuencia de 33 fragmentos, con 14 excluidos. Los resultados de variabilidad genética estimados por el porcentaje de fragmentos polimórficos y por el índice de diversidad genética de Shannon indicaron una alta variabilidad genética intra-poblacional. De acuerdo con el AMOVA, la mayor parte de la variación está dentro de cada línea. Este resultado se corroboró con los valores de FST, que mostraron una moderada diferenciación genética. También se constató que C y G fueron las líneas más semejantes genéticamente y que B y G presentaron menos genes en común. Los resultados de este estudio posibilitaran el correcto manejo re-productivo y genético de estas líneas de peces.

DGAT1 gene is a candidate gene involved in fat content in milk and. This study analyzed DNA samples from 72 dairy cattle using blood samples. DNA was extracted use CTAB and proteinase K. The target region of the gene was amplified by PCR and the results were visualized with the use of polyacrylamide gel. The level of significance adopted was 5% for all analysis. Four alleles were checked their frequencies were: A= 4.0%, B= 50%, C= 40%, and D= 6.0%. It was verified the Hardy-Weinberg using the Chi square test concluding that the population was not in balance.

O gene DGAT1 é um gene candidato envolvido com o conteúdo de gordura no leite. Neste estudo foram analisadas amostras de DNA de 72 bovinos leiteiros de uma população parcialmente fechada através amostras de sangue. O DNA foi extraído utilizando CTAB e proteinase K. A região alvo do gene foi amplificada por PCR e os resultados foram visualizados com a utilização de gel de poliacrilamida. Na população em estudo foi verificada a presença de quatro alelos, cujas frequências foram: A= 4,0%, B= 50%, C= 40%, e D= 6,0%. Foi verificado o equilíbrio de Hardy-Weinberg através do teste de χ², concluindo-se que a população não se encontrava em equilíbrio para o locos avaliado.

A diversidade genética entre três linhagens de codorna (Coturnix japônica) foi avaliada utilizando-se a técnica de random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD). As linhagens selecionadas para produção de ovos foram identificadas como amarela, azul e vermelha por meio de anilhas no pé esquerdo. Seis primers de RAPD amplificaram 55 loci, os quais geraram padrão de bandas intensa e reproduzível em gel de agarose. Os resultados indicaram polimorfismos dentro e entre as linhagens. A similaridade de Jaccard média e o índice de diversidade Shannon revelaram alta diversidade dentro das linhagens de codornas. O teste de Mantel por meio do algoritmo unweighted pair-group method using arithmetic average (UPGMA) e a dispersão de coordenadas principais indicaram diferenciação genética significativa, embora em baixo nível. Os resultados sugerem que a diversidade genética dentro e entre as linhagens de codornas da Universidade Estadual de Maringá são promissoras para uso em programas de melhoramento.

The genetic diversity among three lineages of quail (Coturnix japonica) was evaluated by the random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) technique. The lineages were selected for egg production and identified with a yellow, blue, or red ring fasten on their left foot. Six selected RAPD primers amplified 55 loci, which generated intense and reproducible bands on agarose gel. The results indicated polymorphism within and among the lineages. The Jaccard similarity average and the Shannon diversity index revealed high diversity values within the quail lineages. The Mantel test, unweighted pair-group method using arithmetic average (UPGMA) algorithm and dispersion of principal coordinates indicated significant genetic differentiation, although at low levels. Overall, the results suggest that the genetic diversity within and among the quail lineags from the State Universidade Estadual de Maringá are promising for use in breeding programs.

Realizaram-se testes físico-mecânicos e físico-químicos em couro de tilápia vermelha (Oreochromis spp.) a fim de testar a sua resistência. As amostras foram distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso com dois tratamentos: no T1, procedeu-se à retirada do corpo-de-prova no sentido longitudinal e, no T2, à retirada do corpo-de-prova no sentido transversal. Para os testes de determinação da resistência à tração, alongamento e rasgamento progressivo, foi utilizado o dinamômetro EMIC, com velocidade de afastamento entre as cargas de 100 ± 20mm/min, em ambiente climatizado (± 23ºC e UR do ar de 50%), por 24 horas. A espessura do couro variou de 0,61 a 0,75mm, mas não houve diferença entre os sentidos analisados. O couro apresentou maior resistência à tração no sentido transversal, 25,89N/mm², (P<0,01), comparado ao sentido longitudinal, 14,20 N/mm². O alongamento foi significativamente (P<0,05) maior no sentido longitudinal, 80,8%, em relação ao transversal, 62,6%. Não houve diferença para o rasgamento progressivo entre os tratamentos. O couro apresentou teor de óxido de cromo de 3,8%, graxa de 15,1% e pH e cifra diferencial de 3,5 e 0,5, respectivamente. Os valores nos testes de resistência e físico-químicos apresentados pelo couro indicam que ele pode ser utilizado para a confecção de vestuário e artefatos de couro em geral.

Physical-mechanical and physical-chemical tests were carried out on red tilapia leather. They were distributed in a completely randomized design with two treatments: T1 = longitudinal body of proof; T2 = transversal body of proof. It was used the EMIC dynamometer for the tests of resistance to traction and elongation and the progressive tearing, with the speed of 100±20mm/min away between the charges, in an acclimatized room (±23°C and relative humidity of 50%) during 24 hours. The thickness of the analyzed leathers ranged from 0.61 to 0.75mm, without differing between the analyzed ways. The leather demonstrated a higher resistance to traction in the transversal direction (25.89N/mm²) (P<0.01), when compared to the longitudinal one (14.20N/mm²). However, the elongation was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the longitudinal direction (80.8%) when compared to the transversal (62.6%). There was no significant difference for the progressive tearing between the treatments (longitudinal = 18.56N/mm; transversal = 21.90N/mm). The leather demonstrated a content of 3.8% of chromium oxide, 15.1% of grease, and pH and difference value of 3.5 and 0.5, respectively. The values in the resistance and physical-chemical tests shown by the leather indicate that it may be used for clothing and leather artifacts in general.

The objective was to evaluate the in vitro digestibilities of dry matter (DIVMS) and detergent fiber (DIVFDN) of different forage using the ANKOM® (Daisy II) ruminal fermenter, with different filters: nylon (N) and TNT (cloth non cloth) compared with the control ANKOM® (T). The DIVMS and DIVFDN averages for treatments N and TNT, overestimate the values obtained with material standard T. In such a way, comparing the efficiency of materials TNT and N, used as alternative, it was observed that they can be used in substitution of bag T, after correction through equations established in this experiment.

O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS) e da fibra em detergente neutro (DIVFDN) de diferentes forrageiras no fermentador ruminal da ANKOM® (Daisy II), empregando-se diferentes materiais para a confecção dos filtros usados na digestibilidade: náilon (N) e tecido não tecido (TNT) comparado à testemunha (ANKOM®-F57) (T). As médias de DIVMS e DIVFDN dos tratamentos N e TNT, superestimam os valores obtidos com o material padrão T. Desta forma, comparando a eficiência dos materiais TNT e N, utilizados como alternativos, observa-se que é possível utilizar os mesmos na substituição do saco T, desde que sejam corrigidos através de equações estabe-lecidas neste experimento.

Avaliaram-se a taxa de acúmulo foliar (TAF), a produção total de forragem (PTF), a composição química da forragem e os valores de digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS) do coastcross (Cynodon dactylon) e do amendoim forrageiro (Arachis pintoi) em pastagem consorciada. Foram avaliados os tratamentos (parcelas): coastcross + A. pintoi sem nitrogênio (CA0); coastcross + A. pintoi com 100kg de nitrogênio (CA100); coastcross com 200kg de nitrogênio (C200) e coastcross + A. pintoi com 200kg de nitrogênio (CA200), e as estações (subparcelas) do ano inverno, primavera, verão e outono. Utilizou-se um delineamento experimental em blocos ao acaso, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas no tempo, com duas repetições. Os tratamentos com os maiores níveis de adubação de nitrogênio apresentaram TAF mais alto que os demais (P<0,05). No verão ocorreu a maior PTF, seguida da primavera, outono e inverno, mas estes não diferiram entre si. Não houve diferença (P>0,05) entre os tratamentos para as variáveis proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro e digestibilidade in vitro de matéria seca, tanto para as frações de folhas do coastcross, como para a planta inteira do A. pintoi. A adubação nitrogenada, quando aplicada à pastagem de coastcross singular ou associada ao amendoim forrageiro, proporcionou aumento da TAF e da PTF, com maior produtividade e qualidade no verão.

Forage accumulation rate (FAR), total forage production (TFP), chemical composition and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of coastcross pasture mixed with Arachis pintoi (AP) were evaluated. Treatments plots were: coastcross + A. pintoi without N (CA0); coastcross + A. pintoi with 100kg of N (CA100); coastcross with 200kg of N (C200); and coastcross + A. pintoi with 200kg of N (CA200); and seasons of the year (split-plots): winter, spring, summer, and autumn were analyzed. A randomized block design was used subdivided into time plots, with two replications. Treatments with the highest fertilizer levels presented higher FAR than others (P<0.05), with higher TFP during the summer, followed by spring, autumn, and winter, with no differences among then. There were no differences (P>0.05) among treatments for CP, NDF, and IVDMD on coastcross leaf fractions and Arachis pintoi whole plant. Nitrogen fertilization, when applied to single coastcross pasture or mixed with forage peanut, increased accumulation rate and forage accumulation, with higher productivity and quality in summer.