ABSTRACT The federal public agencies have prioritized the financing of underground dams as a strategy to decrease water scarcity in rural semiarid regions in Brazil. The objective of this work was to evaluated water quality in underground dams, for agricultural irrigation purposes, in Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil, at the end of the dry season in 2018 and at the end of the rainy season in 2019. The variables with the greatest impact on water quality were identified through multivariate analysis, using the software Statistica 7.0. The results showed that concentrations of variables correlated with salinity and ion toxicity in water of the dams decreased after the rainy season, whereas those correlated with clogging of localized irrigation systems increased. Salinity, sodicity, and/or toxicity in areas of underground dams were correlated with natural mineralization of geological components of soils; however, they also were affected by rainfall with marine hygroscopic nuclei, presence of rural clusters and corrals, and decomposition of organic matter in the damming area. The variables correlated with salinity presented higher effect on the hydrochemical variability of water within these dams in both sampling periods; electrical conductivity and chloride ions were the most significant variables.

RESUMO Os órgãos públicos federais têm priorizado o financiamento de barragens subterrâneas como forma de amenizar a escassez hídrica das regiões rurais semiáridas do Brasil. Este trabalho avaliou a qualidade da água, para fins de irrigação, de barragens subterrâneas do Estado do Rio Grande do Norte, no fim do período seco do ano de 2018 e fim do período chuvoso do ano de 2019. Além disso, elencou quais as variáveis apresentaram maior influência nessa qualidade, por meio de análise multivariada, utilizando o software Statistica 7.0. Os resultados indicaram que os problemas relacionados a salinidade e a toxicidade de íons das águas das barragens subterrâneas reduzem após o período chuvoso, enquanto que os problemas relacionados a obstrução dos sistemas de irrigação localizada aumentam. A salinidade, sodicidade e/ou toxicidade da água das barragens subterrâneas estão relacionadas a mineralização natural dos componentes geológicos do solo, porém também são influenciadas pelas precipitações com núcleos higroscópicos marinhos, presença de aglomerados rurais, existência de currais e decomposição de matéria orgânica na área do barramento. As variáveis relacionadas a salinidade apresentam maior influência na variação hidroquímica da água das barragens, nos dois períodos estudados, sendo a condutividade elétrica e o íon de cloreto os mais representativos.

ABSTRACT Underground dams have been widely deployed in the semi-arid region of Rio Grande do Norte, a state in the Brazilian Northeast, aiming to mitigate the effects caused by water scarcity. In this study, the geographic distribution of the electrical conductivity of water of underground dams was evaluated at the end of the dry season of 2018 and at the end of the rainy season of 2019. Maps were created in ArcGIS 10.4.1 software using the Inverse Distance Weighted interpolator. The results indicated high electrical conductivity variability in the evaluated underground dams. The highest values were obtained in the eastern portion of the Rio Grande do Norte state, except for two dams, located in the municipalities of Apodi and Severiano Melo. In most of the underground dams (64%), the water has an electrical conductivity with low soil salinization potential (EC < 0.7 dS m-1). It was observed that the salinity of the underground dams is influenced by several factors, such as climate, relief, land use and occupation due to rural agglomerations and animal husbandry in the dam hydrographic basin, and intensive nutritional management with fertilizers in the dam area.

RESUMO As barragens subterrâneas é uma tecnologia de convivência com a seca amplamente construída na zana semiárida do Rio Grande do Norte como garantia da segurança hídrica devido à escassez de água superficial. Neste trabalho avaliou-se a distribuição geográfica da condutividade elétrica da água (CEa) de barragens subterrâneas, no final do período seco de 2018 e no final do período chuvoso de 2019. Após a coleta e análise da CE da água das barragens foram elaborados os mapas utilizado o software ArcGIS 10.4.1, com auxílio do interpolador de ponderação do inverso da distância. Os resultados indicaram grande variabilidade da CEa nas barragens avaliadas, sendo os maiores valores de CEa registrados nas barragens situadas na porção leste do estado do Rio Grande do Norte - Classes C2 e C3, exceto nas duas barragens localizadas nos municípios de Apodi e Severiano Melo. A maioria das águas das barragens (64%), devido à baixa CEa, não tem restrição de uso quanto aos riscos de acúmulo de sais quando utilizadas para a irrigação (CE < 0,7 dS m-1). Observou-se que a salinidade das barragens é influenciada por fatores edafoclimáticos, uso e ocupação do solo e, ainda pela presença de aglomerados rurais, criação de animais na bacia hidrográfica da barragem e, pelo uso intensivo do manejo nutricional com fertilizantes na área do barramento.

Abstract In this article, the efficiency of the tuned liquid column damper (TLCD) in reducing structural vibration is analyzed. The analysis by numerical methods and by analytical methods is adopted in the search for the ideal parameters for the liquid column. The equivalent linear model is considered for the U-shaped liquid column equation of motion with damping resulting from an orifice. Thus, variation of TLCD parameters for different loads is investigated. Initially, for the numerical study in conjunction with the analytical formulation, a sinusoidal forcing is adopted. Subsequently, the action of an earthquake through the recorded ground accelerations is considered in the case study. Optimal TLCD parameters are presented via response map for reducing the structure's maximum permanent response to harmonic excitation and for reducing the structure's rms response to seismic excitation with wide frequency and various amplitude. The variation of the TLCD parameters presented by the response map is directly related to the force acting on the structure. However, it is verified that regardless of the acting force, there is an ideal frequency range to tune the TLCD where the greatest reductions in the primary system response are found. It appears that reducing the aspect ratio of the liquid column makes this range narrower, making the damper more sensitive to parameter variations, as well as its performance. It is also observed that the increase in the attenuator mass ratio combined with the correct tuning and damping ratios present greater reductions in structural vibration. Also, the frequency ratio is reduced with the increase of the mass ratio, while the damping rate of the liquid column increases. From the ideal liquid column parameters determined by the parametric analysis, structural response reductions of approximately 60% were achieved.

Abstract Objective: To analyze aspects of sexual life and fertility desire among 46, XY DSD people, including those who changed their gender. Methods: It is a cross-sectional study including 127 adults (> 16 years of age) with 46, XY DSD (83 females; 44 males) from a Single Brazilian Tertiary-Care Medical Center. Results: Sexual fantasies and masturbation were more frequent in 46, XY DSD males, whereas orgasm and sexual life satisfaction were similar in both genders. More 46, XY DSD men than women had a long-term romantic relationship. 46, XY DSD women with prenatal androgen exposure reported more fear of being romantically rejected. External genitalia appearance at birth did not impact the sexuality of 46, XY DSD women after surgical genital treatment had been completed. Overall, the sexual life was similar between 46, XY men assigned as males and those who changed to the male gender. Regarding sexual orientation, most self-reported as heterosexual (91% and 92% of women and men, respectively). The desire for fertility had a similar prevalence in both genders, but more women than men considered infertility a barrier to a long-term romantic relationship. Twelve individuals (7 males) had children; 10 out of 12 have adopted children. Conclusion: Fertility desire was shared among 46, XY DSD people, regardless of gender. Prenatal androgen exposure reduced the desire for motherhood in 46, XY women. 46, XY DSD people who changed from female to male gender presented similar sexual parameters as those assigned as males. Among females, virilized genitalia at birth did not affect sexuality once the surgical treatment is completed.

Abstract Introduction Glycemic control is important to avoid diabetes complications in individuals with cancer. There is no evidence for HbA1c and fructosamine as reliable biomarkers in these conditions. There are particularities in caring for patients with diabetes and cancer that can alter these biomarkers. Objective The aim of this study was to evaluate HbA1c and fructosamine as glycemic biomarkers in people with type 2 diabetes and cancer, undergoing clinical or surgical oncological treatment. Methods The authors conducted a single-center, retrospective analysis with people who have cancer and diabetes. Comparison of glycemic biomarkers (HbA1c, fructosamine, and Self-Monitoring of Blood Glucose [SMBG]) was performed including evaluation in individuals undergoing chemotherapy, using glucocorticoids, with anemia, hypoproteinemia or with reduced estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR). Results There was a strong positive correlation between fructosamine and HbA1c (n = 318, r= 0.66, p < 0.001) in people with diabetes and cancer even in those under chemotherapy (n = 101, r= 0.61, p < 0.001) or using glucocorticoids (n = 96, r= 0.67, p<0.001). There was a strong correlation between HbA1c and fructosamine in subjects with anemia (n = 111, r= 0.66, p < 0.001), hypoproteinemia (n = 54, r= 0.67, p < 0.001), or with eGFR ≥ 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (n = 189, r= 0.70, p < 0.001), and moderate correlation with hypoalbuminemia (n = 21, r= 0.54, p = 0.001) and with reduced eGFR (n = 67, r= 0.57, p < 0.001). The correlations between fructosamine and HbA1c with SMBG were moderate (n = 164, r= 0.49, p < 0.001; n = 111, r= 0.55, p < 0.001, respectively), strong in subjects undergoing chemotherapy, with hypoalbuminemia or hypoproteinemia, and at least moderate, if eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73 m2 or with anemia. Conclusions Fructosamine and HbA1c can be used as glycemic biomarkers in people with diabetes and cancer, even in those with anemia, hypoproteinemia, or undergoing chemotherapy.

ABSTRACT Central adrenal insufficiency (CAI) is a life-threatening disorder. This occurs when ACTH production is insufficient, leading to low cortisol levels. Since corticosteroids are crucial to many metabolic responses under organic stress and inflammatory conditions, CAI recognition and prompt treatment are vital. However, the diagnosis of CAI is challenging. This is not only because its clinical presentation is usually oligosymptomatic, but also because the CAI laboratory investigation presents many pitfalls. Thus, the clarification of when to use each test could be helpful in many contexts. The CAI challenge is also involved in treatment: Several formulations of synthetic steroids exist, followed by the lack of a biomarker for glucocorticoid replacement. This review aims to access all available literature to synthesize important topics about who should investigate CAI, when it should be suspected, and how CAI must be treated.

RESUMO Este trabalho tem como objetivo analisar a formação pedagógica dos professores engenheiros que atuam na Educação Profissional Técnica de Nível Médio (EPTNM). Foram realizadas entrevistas com oito professores engenheiros que atuam na EPTNM e que realizaram algum curso de formação pedagógica de diversos campi do IFMG e do CEFET-MG. Os resultados apontaram que os professores entrevistados buscaram a formação pedagógica em cursos de graduação (licenciatura) e especialização (pós-graduação lato sensu) somente após se formarem em cursos de engenharia. Concluiu-se que a formação pedagógica tem um potencial transformador da forma de agir e de pensar do docente e é bastante relevante para a formação do professor engenheiro.

ABSTRACT This work aims to analyze the pedagogical formation of teachers engineers who work in Technical Vocational Education of High School Level (EPTNM). Interviews had been conducted with eight teacher engineers who work in the EPTNM and who have done any course of pedagogical formation at any campi of the IFMG or the CEFET-MG. The results indicated that the interviewed teachers sought pedagogical formation in university graduate courses (teacher training) and specialization courses (lato sensu postgraduate studies) only after graduating from engineering courses. In conclusion, the pedagogical formation has a transforming potential in the way of performing and thinking of the teachers, and it is quite relevant to the formation of the teacher engineer.

ABSTRACT Water scarcity is one of the main problems in the Semiarid region of Brazil, which can be mitigated by water resource management strategies. The objective of this work was to classify waters of a watershed in the Semiarid region of Brazil and select the water attributes that most affect the quality of waters used for irrigation (QWI), using multivariate statistics. The study area was the Riacho da Bica watershed, which is between the municipalities of Portalegre and Viçosa, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil. The QWI was determined using water samples from 15 collections carried out from 2016 to 2018, in five specific points of the watershed, starting in the spring and following the water course. The water attributes evaluated were: electrical conductivity (EC), potential hydrogen (pH), and sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), magnesium (Mg2+), calcium (Ca2+), carbonate (CO32-), chloride (Cl-), and bicarbonate (HCO3-) contents. The water quality data were subjected to multivariate statistics through factorial analysis (FA) and principal component analysis (PCA). The application of multivariate statistics through FA-PCA generated four principal components. The attributes that most explained the QWI variation were potassium, calcium, and pH for Factor 01, and sodium and RAS for Factor 02. The watershed waters were classified as low risk of salinity and medium risk of sodicity (C1S2) for irrigation purposes.

RESUMO A escassez hídrica se configura como um dos principais problemas do semiárido, devendo ser mitigado pelas estratégias de gestão dos recursos hídricos. O objetivo desse trabalho foi classificar a água e utilizar a estatística multivariada, como uma ferramenta para selecionar os atributos que possuem maior influência na qualidade da água utilizada para fins de irrigação, em uma microbacia hidrográfica do semiárido brasileiro. Á área de estudo está inserida na microbacia hidrográfica do Riacho da Bica, entre os municípios de Portalegre-RN e Viçosa-RN. A determinação da qualidade da água para fins de irrigação foi realizada por meio de quinze campanhas de coleta de amostras de água em cinco pontos específicos do Riacho da Bica, iniciando na nascente e seguindo o curso d’água, no período de 2016 a 2018, sendo avaliados atributos como condutividade elétrica (CE), potencial hidrogeniônico (pH), sódio (Na+), potássio (K+), magnésio (Mg2+), cálcio (Ca2+), carbonato (CO32-), cloreto (Cl-), bicarbonato (HCO3-). Os dados de qualidade de água foram submetidos a estatística multivariada com a realização da análise fatorial (AF) e a análise de componentes principais (ACP). A aplicação da estatística multivariada, gerou através da ACP/AF, quatro componentes principais. O pH, potássio e cálcio foram os atributos que mais explicam a qualidade da água para irrigação para o Fator 01, para o Fator 02 os atributos sódio e RAS. A água da microbacia hidrográfica foi classificada para fins de irrigação como baixo risco de salinidade e médio risco de sodicidade (C1S2).

RESUMO Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar a alteração nos teores de metais em um Ultisol, cultivado com palma forrageira (Nopalea cochenillifera) e irrigado com diluições de água produzida de petróleo tratada. O experimento foi montado no delineamento em blocos casualizados, com cinco tratamentos (T1 - 100% de água subterrânea; T2 - 75% de água subterrânea mais 25% de água produzida; T3 - 50% de água subterrânea mais 50% de água produzida; T4 - 25% de água subterrânea mais 75% de água produzida; e T5 - 100% de água produzida), com cinco repetições. O trabalho foi conduzido em 25 vasos de 20 L dentro de casa de vegetação, em Mossoró, RN. Aos 240 dias após o plantio foram coletadas amostras do solo, nas profundidades de 0 a 0,10 m e de 0,10 a 0,20 m, para avaliação dos metais Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cd e Pb. O uso de diluições da água produzida do petróleo tratada não acarretou contaminação do solo cultivado com palma forrageira em relação aos metais, sendo que no T2 houve os menores aportes de metais. Ocorreu aumento significativo de Cr e Pb no solo, indicando que a aplicação de água produzida do petróleo tratada não deve ser realizada de forma contínua em uma mesma área.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate changes in soil metal contents in an Ultisol cultivated with forage cactus (Nopalea cochenillifera) irrigated with diluted treated oil produced water (TOPW). The experiment was conducted in a randomized block design with five replications. The treatments consisted of 100% underground water (T1); 75% underground water plus 25% TOPW (T2); 50% underground water plus 50% TOPW (T3); 25% underground water plus 75% TOPW (T4); and 100% TOPW (T5). The plots consisted of 25 pots of 20 L in a greenhouse, in Mossoró, RN, Brazil. Soil samples from the 0-0.10 m and 0.10-0.20 m layers were collected at 240 days after planting, and Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Cr, Ni, Cd, and Pb contents were evaluated. The use of irrigations with diluted TOPW caused no contamination of the soils cultivated with forage cactus by the evaluated metals. T2 presented the lowest metal contents. Cr and Pb contents in the soil were significantly high, indicating that the application of TOPW should not be used continuously in the same area.

RESUMO O semiárido apresenta extensos períodos de seca, com isso, o reúso da água é uma alternativa importante para viabilizar a agricultura irrigada. Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar o crescimento e composição mineral de mudas de mamoeiro e maracujazeiro irrigadas com efluentes de água cinza. Dois experimentos foram realizados com mudas de mamoeiro e maracujazeiro. Para as análises não destrutivas, o arranjo experimental foi em parcelas sub-divididas no tempo, sendo dispostos nas parcelas os três tipos de águas de irrigação (efluente de água cinza; água de abastecimento e mistura da água cinza e da água de abastecimento, na proporção 1:1). Na sub-parcela foram distribuídos os tempos de avaliação 30, 60 e 75 dias após a semeadura, com três repetições e cinco plantas por repetição. Para as análises destrutivas, o arranjo experimental foi de blocos casualizados simples, com três tratamentos, correspondentes às águas de irrigação, com três repetições e cinco plantas por repetição. As mudas irrigadas com efluente de água cinza tiveram maiores valores de altura da planta, diâmetro do caule, comprimento da maior raiz, matéria seca da parte aérea e matéria seca da raiz. Os teores de N, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn e Zn no tecido vegetal das mudas mamoeiro cv. Golden não foram alterados pela irrigação com efluente de água cinza. Os teores de N, Fe e Zn no tecido vegetal das mudas maracujazeiro cv. Redondo Amarelo são incrementados pela aplicação do efluente de água cinza, e os teores de P, K, Ca, Mg e Mn não foram influenciados.

ABSTRACT The semi-arid region has long periods of drought, so reusing water is an important alternative to enable irrigated agriculture. The objective of this study was to evaluate the growth and mineral composition of papaya and passion fruit seedlings irrigated with gray water effluents. Two experiments were carried out with papaya and passion fruit seedlings. For nondestructive analyses, the experimental arrangement was in splitplots in time, with plots consisting of three types of irrigation water (gray water effluent; supply water and mixture of gray water and supply water, at 1:1 ratio) and subplots formed by the evaluation times 30, 60 and 75 days after sowing, with three replicates and five plants per replicate. For destructive analyses, the experimental arrangement was a simple randomized block design, with three treatments, corresponding to the irrigation waters, with three replicates and five plants per replicate. The seedlings irrigated with gray water effluent had higher values of plant height, stem diameter, length of the largest root, shoot dry mass and root dry mass. N, K, Ca, Mg, Fe, Mn and Zn contents in the tissue of papaya seedlings, cv. ‘Golden’, were not altered by irrigation with gray water effluent. N, Fe and Zn contents in the tissue of passion fruit seedlings, cv. ‘Redondo Amarelo’, were increased by the application of gray water effluent, while P, K, Ca, Mg and Mn contents were not influenced.

ABSTRACT Objective Discrimination and bullying are common conditions among LGBT people. During schooling, these practices compromising education. The aim of this study is to evaluate educational attainment among Brazilian transgender women (TW) and how their education level affects the risk of HIV infection. Study design a cross-sectional population-based study. Subjects and methods 95 adult TW were selected. Information concerning verbal and physical aggression, school dropout, school years (SY), and educational level were assessed. HIV status was screened using a fourth-generation immunoassay followed by western blot testing. Results The mean of SY was 9.1 ± 3.8 ys. The mean age at school dropout was 16.3 ± 3.4 ys old. Verbal aggression was reported by 83%, physical by 48%, and 18% of the TW dropped out school immediately after being physically assaulted. Participants who suffered physical aggression attended school for almost 4 years less than those participants who did not suffer this abuse (OR = -3.96, p < 0.0001). A similar result was found for verbal aggression (OR = -4.35; p < 0.0001). HIV/AIDS prevalence was 18% (n = 17). The mean of SY among HIV/AIDS positive and negative individuals were 6.8 ± 43 versus 9.7 ± 3, respectively (p = 0.004). Lower education was associated with higher frequency of HIV/AIDS among TW and this relationship was sustained after adjustment for injectable drug use and sex work (OR = 0.79, p = 0.04). Conclusion Among Brazilian TW, lower education level was a risk factor associated with HIV. The reasons for low schooling among TW are multifactorial, but verbal and physical harassment strongly contribute for it.

RESUMO Objetivou-se, com este estudo, avaliar a uniformidade de distribuição em unidades gotejadoras aplicando diluições de água tratada produzida pela exploração do petróleo. O experimento foi montado no delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema de parcelas sub-subdivididas, com três repetições; tendo nas parcelas os tratamentos P0 - 100% de água subterrânea, controle; P10 - 90% de água subterrânea e 10% de água produzida; P20 - 80% de água subterrânea e 20% de água produzida; P30 - 70% de água subterrânea e 30% de água produzida; e P40 - 60% de água subterrânea e 40% de água produzida; nas subparcelas os tipos de gotejadores não autocompensantes (D1 - 1,6 L h-1, Netafim Super Typhoon, D2 - 1,6 L h-1, Netafim Streamline e D3 - 1,7 L h-1, NaanDanJain TalDrip) e nas subsubparcelas os tempos de avaliação (0, 40, 80, 120 e 160 h). Foram avaliados os coeficientes de uniformidade de distribuição e de uniformidade estatístico a cada 40 h, até completar 160 h. O pH das diluições foi o atributo que representou maior risco de obstrução aos emissores. Ainda em relação às diluições, P40 ocasionou maior desuniformidade de aplicação em D2, enquanto, os maiores valores de uniformidade de aplicação foram alcançados nos tratamentos P10 e P20 em D1 e D3, indicando eficácia da diluição na minimização da obstrução.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the uniformity of distribution in drip units applying dilutions of treated water produced by oil exploration. The experiment was set up in a completely randomized design in a split-split-plot scheme, with three replicates. The plots were composed of the treatments P0 - 100% groundwater, control; P10 - 90% groundwater and 10% produced water; P20 - 80% groundwater and 20% produced water; P30 - 70% groundwater and 30% produced water; and P40 - 60% groundwater and 40% produced water; the subplots had the types of non-pressure compensating drippers (D1 - 1.6 L h-1, Netafim Super Typhoon, D2 - 1.6 L h-1, Netafim Streamline and D3 - 1.7 L h-1, NaanDanJain TalDrip); and the sub-subplots contained the evaluation times (0, 40, 80, 120 and 160 h). Distribution uniformity and statistical uniformity coefficients were evaluated every 40 h, until completing 160 h. The pH of the dilutions was the attribute posing the highest risk of clogging to the emitters. Also in relation to dilutions, P40 caused greater application non-uniformity in D2, while the highest values of application uniformity were achieved in treatments P10 and P20 with D1 and D3, indicating the effectiveness of dilution in minimizing clogging.

Resumen Los efectos de riego del tratamiento del agua producida, diluida en agua subterránea, se analizaron a través de las características químicas del argisol con palma de forrajeo. El experimento se estableció en un delineamiento experimental de bloques al azar (DBA), con cinco repeticiones, en un esquema de parcelas subdivididas. Las parcelas comprendieron los tratamientos T1 (100% agua subterránea - AS, control), T2 (75% AS y 25% de agua producida - AP), T3 (50% AS y 50% AP), T4 (25% AS y 75% AP) y T5 (100% AT), y en las subparcelas comprendieron las profundidades de muestreo del suelo (0 - 0,10 m y 0,10 - 0,20 m). Los resultados revelaron que la irrigación con agua producida tratada diluida no provocó riesgo de salinización del suelo. Hubo indicio de lixiviación de los iones móviles para la capa más profunda del suelo, principalmente sodio y magnesio. El mayor riesgo de sodificación fue observado para el suelo irrigado sólo con agua subterránea (T1 - tratamiento control).

Abstract Irrigation effects of produced water treatment, diluted in underground water, were analyzed through the chemical characteristics of argisol with foraging palm. Assay was performed in a randomized block design (RBD), with five replications, in a subdivided split plot scheme. Splits comprised treatments T1 (100% underground water - UW, control), T2 (75% UW and 25% produced water treatment - PW), T3 (50% UW and 50% PW), T4 (25% UW and 75% PW) and T5 (100% PW), whilst sub splits comprised soil depths (0 - 0.10 m and 0.10 - 0.20 m). The results showed that irrigation with diluted treated water produced no risk of soil salinization. There was evidence of leaching of the mobile ions to the deeper layer of soil, especially sodium and magnesium. The highest risk of sodification was observed for soil irrigated only with groundwater (T1 - control treatment).

RESUMO: O dióxido de titânio (TiO2) é um marcador externo utilizado para estimativas da excreção fecal, visando medidas de consumo de forragem em ruminantes a pasto. No entanto, o uso deste marcador para ovinos em pastejo ainda pode ser melhor explorado. Neste trabalho, o TiO2 foi testado para estimar a produção fecal de ovinos ingerindo azevém anual. Foram conduzidos dois ensaios sequenciais utilizando a mesma forragem e os mesmos animais. Os animais eram seis cordeiros da raça Lacaune, mantidos em gaiolas metabólicas. No primeiro ensaio, os cordeiros receberam diariamente 1 g TiO2 em única dosagem (às 08 h 30), e no segundo foram oferecidas duas dosagens (08h30 e 16 h 30). Em ambos os ensaios, após sete dias para estabilização da excreção fecal do marcador foram realizados cinco dias de coleta total de fezes. A produção fecal observada foi comparada com a produção fecal estimada pelo TiO2, com ou sem correções, para sua taxa de recuperação fecal (kTiO2). A kTiO2 foi próxima de 1.0 e a produção fecal estimada foi similar à observada (P>0,05), independente do número de dosagens. Estes resultados mostram que o TiO2 é um indicador externo que pode ser utilizado, em única ou dupla dosagem, em experimentos com ovinos em pastejo.

ABSTRACT: Titanium dioxide (TiO2) is an external marker used to estimate fecal output based on forage intake of grazing ruminants; however, its use as marker for grazing sheep still needs attention. In the present study the TiO2 role to estimate fecal output of sheep grazing annual ryegrass was tested. Two essays were conducted in sequence using the same forage and animals. Six lacaune lambs were housed in metabolic cages. Lambs were administered 1 g TiO2 in a single (at 8:30 am, essay 1), or in two daily doses (at 8:30 am and 4:30 pm, essay 2). In both essays the TiO2 administration was followed by a 7-day period to stabilize the fecal excretion of the marker and then by a 5-day period for total collection of feces. Observed and TiO2-based estimated fecal outputs were compared, with or without correction for TiO2 fecal recovery rate (kTiO2). The kTiO2 was around 1.0 and the estimated fecal outputs were similar to the observed ones (p>0.05), regardless the number of daily doses. These results suggested that TiO2, administered in single or two daily doses, can be used as an external marker in grazing sheep.