The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of diets with increasing concentrate levels on performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of Murrah buffaloes in feedlot. Twenty-four animals, with an initial body weight of 240 ± 50.5 kg and mean age of 9 months, were distributed to four treatments: 20%, 40%, 60% and 80% concentrate. After 114 days, the animals were weighed, slaughtered, and meat quality and performance data were submitted to analysis of variance and regression. The dry matter intake and average daily gain increased linearly. The final body, hot carcass, and cold carcass weights responded linearly to increases in concentrate level. The subcutaneous fat thickness, protein, and ether extract of meat increased linearly with an increase in concentrate level. The colour parameters, cooking losses, and shear force of the meat were not affected by increasing the concentrate. The inclusion of concentrate in feedlot diets increases performance, characteristics of carcass, and meat quality of Murrah buffalo in a feedlot.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of replacing soybean meal (SBM) with increasing levels (0%, 33%, 67%, and 100%) of sugarcane yeast and urea on the intake, performance, and feeding behaviour of buffalo heifers. Twenty Murrah female buffalos with an initial average weight of 157 ± 1.9 kg at 7 months old were distributed in a completely randomized design. The experimental period was 84 days, and was preceded with 30 days of adaptation. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and regression, using the GLM and REG procedures of SAS software at 5% probability level. The replacement of SBM with sugarcane yeast did not have a significant effect on the intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter and crude protein (CP). Non-fibrous carbohydrate intake increased linearly, whereas the intake of neutral detergent fibre (NDF), and ether extract (EE) decreased linearly. There was no treatment effect on average daily gain or feed conversion (FCR). Rumination efficiency on nondetergent fibre (NDF) decreased linearly. The times spent ruminating, remaining idle, and feeding were not influenced by the treatments, and neither were the parameters of feeding efficiency as a function of DM and NDF intakes and rumination efficiency as a function of DM intake. Dry sugarcane yeast and urea could replace SBM fully in the diet of buffalo heifers with a roughage to concentrate ratio of 50 : 50, because animal performance would not be affected.

The use of specially designed wound dressings could be an important alternative to facilitate the healing process of wounds in the hyperglycemic state. Biocompatible dressings combining chitosan and alginate can speed up wound healing by modulating the inflammatory phase, stimulating fibroblast proliferation, and aiding in remodeling phases. However, this biomaterial has not yet been explored in chronic and acute lesions of diabetic patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of topical treatment with a chitosan-alginate membrane on acute skin wounds of hyperglycemic mice. Diabetes mellitus was induced by streptozotocin (60 mg · kg-1 · day-1 for 5 days, intraperitoneally) and the cutaneous wound was performed by removing the epidermis using a surgical punch. The results showed that after 10 days of treatment the chitosan and alginate membrane (CAM) group exhibited better organization of collagen fibers. High concentrations of interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were detected in the first and second days of treatment. G-CSF and TNF-α level decreased after 5 days, as well as the concentrations of TNF-α and IL-10 compared with the control group (CG). In this study, the inflammatory phase of cutaneous lesions of hyperglycemic mice was modulated by the use of CAM, mostly regarding the cytokines IL-1α, IL-1β, TNF-α, G-CSF, and IL-10, resulting in better collagen III deposition. However, further studies are needed to better understand the healing stages associated with CAM use.

This study aimed to evaluate the chemical composition, fractionation of nitrogen compounds and carbohydrates, digestibility parameters, gas production kinetics and ruminal fermentation of fruit seed cakes. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with three fruit seed cakes (treatments) and four replications. The cakes were made of seeds of custard apple (Annona squamosa), soursop (Annona muricata) and passion fruit (Passiflora edulis), which were collected in a biodiesel plant. The passion fruit seed cake presented the highest content of dry matter, neutral detergent fibre crude protein (NDFcp), acid detergent fibre (ADF), lignin and total carbohydrates (P<0.05). The custard apple seed cake presented high proportions of crude protein, condensed tannins and digestible energy (P<0.05). The soursop seed cake presented higher values for ether extract and total digestible nutrients (P<0.05). For potential degradability, the authors detected a difference between the custard apple, soursop and passion fruit seed cakes. The total volume of gases was higher for custard apple and soursop seed cakes. Custard apple seed cake presented higher proportions of in vitro degradation parameters (P<0.05). Thus this cake could provide greater nutrient levels when supplied in ruminant diets, followed by soursop seed cake and passion fruit seed cake.

RESUMO Objetivou-se verificar a viabilidade econômica da produção de frangos de corte sob mecanismos de governança híbrida e hierárquica. Estudos de caso foram escolhidos para avaliação da atividade em núcleos de empresas integradoras e de produtores rurais integrados. Realizou-se pesquisa de campo para coleta de dados em 36 unidades de produção em Minas Gerais. Informações provenientes de 216 lotes produzidos entre agosto de 2015 e agosto de 2016 foram utilizadas nas análises econômicas. O cálculo dos custos baseou-se na metodologia proposta pela Embrapa - CNPSA e IEA - SP. As análises econômicas se realizaram conforme proposto pelo DAE - Ufla e pela Conab. Constatou-se que o custo com mão de obra causou maior impacto sobre o desempenho econômico de núcleos com estruturas de governança distintas. No modelo de produção via governança hierárquica, mesmo se considerando receitas secundárias ao processo de produção de aves, verificou-se prejuízo financeiro na atividade. Concluiu-se que a estrutura de governança híbrida representou melhor alternativa econômica que a internalização do processo de criação de frangos pelas empresas integradoras. Assim, sugere-se que empresas integradoras esgotem as possibilidades de produção via contrato de integração antes de investirem recursos em instalações próprias de criação.

ABSTRACT The objective was to verify the economic feasibility in the production of broilers under hybrid and hierarchical governance mechanisms. Case studies were used to evaluate the activity of the integrating company and the integrated rural producers. The primary data about costs, income, and zootechnical indicators were collected in 36 poultry production units belonging to an integrated company and five rural producers, in state of Minas Gerais. Data from 216 batches of broilers produced between August 2015 and August 2016 were used in the economic analysis. Costs calculation was based on the methodology proposed by EMBRAPA - CNPSA and IEA - SP. The economic analyzes were carried out as proposed by DAE UFLA and CONAB. It was verified that the cost of labor caused the greatest impact on the economic performance of cores with different governance structures. In all breeding sites via hierarchical governance, even considering secondary revenues, there was a financial loss in the activity. It was concluded that the hybrid governance represented a better economic alternative than the internalization of the broiler production by integrating companies. Thus, it is suggested that integrating companies deplete the production possibilities through an integration contract before investing resources in their own breeding facilities.

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

RESUMO A urolitíase obstrutiva em pequenos ruminantes é uma doença metabólica de etiologia multifatorial com distribuição mundial. A elevação da concentração urinária de solutos, minerais ionizados (cristaloides) que formam cristais insolúveis é citada por alguns autores como o fator mais importante. Assim, o conhecimento do perfil mineral dos animais submetidos a dietas calculogênicas e a composição química dos urólitos tornam-se ferramentas eficazes na prevenção da doença. Neste estudo, foram utilizados 14 ovinos hígidos, machos (não castrados), da raça Santa Inês, com idade aproximada de 90 dias, distribuídos em dois grupos (G1 - sem vitamina C e G2 - com vitamina C) e alimentados com dieta calculogênica. A análise dos perfis minerais, séricos e urinários revelou completo desbalanceamento na relação entre concentrações de cálcio, fósforo e magnésio, havendo elevação expressiva do fósforo e do magnésio e diminuição substancial do cálcio. Com isso, a análise bioquímica dos urólitos demonstrou que o cálcio esteve presente em 50% das amostras analisadas.

ABSTRACT Urolithiasis in small ruminants is a metabolic disease of multifactorial etiology with worldwide distribution. Increased urinary concentration of solutes, ionized minerals (crystalloid) that form insoluble crystals is cited by some authors as the most important factor. Thus, knowledge of mineral profile of the animals fed calculogenic diets and chemical composition of uroliths becomes an effective tool in preventing the disease. In this study, we used 14 healthy, male, non-neutered sheep, of the Santa Ines breed, aged approximately 90 days, divided into two groups (G1-without vitamin C and G2-with vitamin C) fed calculogenic diet. Analysis of mineral profiles in serum and urine revealed complete imbalance in the relationship between concentrations of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium, with significant increase of phosphorus and magnesium and substantial reduction of calcium. Thus, biochemical analysis of uroliths showed that calcium was present in 50% of samples.

Dengue fever and schistosomiasis are major public health issues for which vector control using larvicide and molluscicide substances present in plants provides a promising strategy. This study evaluated the potential toxicity of the extract of hydroethanol Schinopsis brasiliensis Engl., Anacardiaceae, stem bark and its chloroform, hexane, ethyl acetate, and hydromethanol fractions against Artemia salina and Aedes Aegypti larvae and snails Biomphalaria glabrata. All of the assays were performed in triplicate and the mean mortality rates were used to determine the LC50and LC90 values using the probit method. The hydroethanol hydromethanol extract and fraction were free of toxicity towards A. salina(LC50 > 1000 µg/ml), while chloroform fraction was moderately toxic (LC50313 µg/ml); ethyl acetate and hexane fractions displayed low toxicity, with LC50 557 and 582 µg/ml, respectively. Chloroform, hexane, and ethyl acetate fractions showed larvicidal potential towards A. aegypti (LC50 values of 345, 527 and 583 µg/ml, respectively), while chloroform and ethyl acetate fractions were highly toxic to B. glabrata (LC90values of 68 and 73 µg/ml, respectively). Based on these findings, ethyl acetate, chloroform, and hexane fractions should be further investigated for their potential use against the vectors of dengue and schistosomiasis.

Estudou-se a rentabilidade da atividade leiteira de 17 propriedades da região de Lavras/MG e identificaram-se os componentes que exerceram maior influência sobre os custos finais da atividade. Os dados foram coletados mensalmente durante o período de janeiro de 2004 a dezembro de 2005. Considerou-se a margem bruta, a margem líquida e o resultado (lucro ou prejuízo) como indicadores de eficiência econômica. Os itens componentes do custo operacional efetivo que exerceram maior influência sobre os custos da atividade leiteira foram, em ordem decrescente, alimentação (55,9%), mão-de-obra (19,1%), despesas diversas (11,3%), energia (7,1%), sanidade (4,9%), ordenha (0,74%), impostos (0,74%) e inseminação artificial (0,23%). A margem líquida e o resultado positivo indicam que os pecuaristas têm condições de produzir a médio e a longo prazo, com conseqüente capitalização. Os resultados do estudo não podem ser extrapolados por não se tratar de uma amostra probabilística.

It was studied the profitability of the milk production in 17 properties in the region of Lavras (MG), and the components that had the greatest influence on the final costs of the business were identified. The data were monthly collected from January 2004 to December 2005. The gross margin, net margin, and the result (profit or loss) were taken into consideration as indicators of economic efficiency. The component items of the effective operational cost that had the greatest influence upon the costs of dairy business were, in decreasing order, feeding (55.9%), labor (19.1%), different expenses (11.3%), energy (7.1%), health (4.9%), milking (0.74%), taxes (0.74%), and artificial insemination (0,23%). The net margin and the positive result show the farmers have conditions to produce in middle and long terms, with consequent capitalization. Although, the results of the study can not be extrapolated, since they do not represent a random sampling.

Por meio de simulações, compararam-se os dados de rentabilidade do sistema de produção de uma propriedade rural localizada em Nepomuceno, MG, considerando duas situações: a primeira, real, produz queijo, e a segunda, simulada, vende leite para o laticínio. A produção e a comercialização de queijo mostraram-se mais rentáveis que a comercialização do leite in natura, representando uma alternativa para o incremento da renda do produtor de leite.

It was performed a simulation in order to compare the profitability of a cheese producer dairy farm, located in Nepomuceno city, Minas Gerais state. According to the simulation, data of the production system were compared in two different situations: cheese production (real) and selling milk to dairy. The cheese production and marketing was more profitable than milk selling, representing an alternative to increase the productor’s income.

Estudou-se a rentabilidade da atividade leiteira na região de Lavras, MG, analisando a influência do nível tecnológico sobre o custo de produção do leite. Foram identificados os componentes com maior influência sobre os custos finais da atividade e calculado o ponto de equilíbrio. Os dados, provenientes de 16 sistemas de produção, representando os níveis tecnológicos baixo, médio e alto, foram coletados mensalmente, entre janeiro de 2002 e junho de 2003. Consideraram-se a margem bruta, a margem líquida e o resultado (lucro ou prejuízo) como indicadores de eficiência econômica. O nível tecnológico influenciou o custo total de produção do leite - lucratividade e rentabilidade. Os sistemas de produção com nível tecnológico baixo apresentaram o menor custo unitário. O nível tecnológico influenciou os itens componentes do custo operacional efetivo da atividade leiteira. A margem líquida positiva e a lucratividade negativa, nos três níveis tecnológicos, indicaram que os pecuaristas estarão se descapitalizando a longo prazo, mas não a médio prazo.

The profitability of milk activity was studied in the region of Lavras, MG by analyzing the influence of the technological level on milk cost. The components with major influence on the final cost of the activity were identified and the breakeven point was calculated. Monthly data from 16 production systems representing the low, medium and high technological levels from January 2002 to June 2003 were used. The gross margin, net income and the profit or loss results for the period were used as indicators of economic efficiency. The technological level had impact on the total costs of the milk and consequently on its profitability. The low level production system showed the lowest costs. The technological level also had an impact on the operational cost of the activity. The analysis of the net income and losses observed during the period for the three technological levels suggested the farmers will capitalize in medium term but not in the long one.