ABSTRACT. This study aimed to evaluate the nutrient intake, milk production, and production costs of dairy goats fed diets containing the rations with cactus cladodes (Opuntia stricta or Nopalea cochenillifera) associated with silage (Sorghum bicolor) or Tifton hay (Cynodon spp). Twelve pluriparous Saanen and Anglo Nubiana goats (42.25 ± 5.48 kg) at eight weeks of lactation were used. Treatments lasted 60 days, consisting of four periods of 15 days, distributed in three Latin square (4×4) with four diets. The treatments represented by diets with different associated feed: SSOP (Sorghum Silage + Opuntia); THOP (Tifton hay + Opuntia); SSNO (Sorghum Silage + Nopalea); and THNO (Tifton hay + Nopalea), in addition to concentrate in all diets. There were differences (p < 0.05) for the intakes of DM, OM, with higher values observed for goats fed the diets THNO, THOP, and SSNO, and for CP, NDF and ADF were higher for THNO and SSNO diets. Similar behavior occurred for voluntary and total water intake. The milk production and feed efficiency did not differ (p > 0.05). Costs with food, milk revenue, and gross revenue were not influenced by diets (p > 0.05). The Opuntia or Nopalea cactus cladodes genotypes associated with sorghum silage or tifton hay can be used to feed dairy goats in the semiarid region.

ABSTRACT. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of longer cutting intervals on morphogenetic and structural traits, herbage production, nutritional value, and in vitro digestibility of Guinea grass cv. Mombaça (Mombaça grass). Four cutting intervals (49, 63, 77, and 91 days) were evaluated in two crop years (2015-2016 and 2016-2017) during the rainy season, in two replicates. Cutting intervals influenced structural and morphogenetic traits, except for number of live leaves (4.35 leaves tiller-1) and final leaf length (72.94 cm) in the 2015-2016 crop year. As the cutting intervals increased, dry matter yield and stem percentage increased, whereas leaf percentage and leaf-to-stem ratio declined. Regardless of the evaluated crop year, the dry matter, acid detergent fiber, and lignin contents increased linearly; however, the neutral detergent fiber content was unaffected. Cutting intervals affected the crude protein content and in vitro digestibility. Considering leaf appearance rate, stem appearance rate, and leaf-to-stem ratio, the recommended harvest age for Mombaça grass for optimum yield and nutritional value is 77 days.

ABSTRACT. Ticks are obligate ectoparasite arthropods of the class Arachnida distributed worldwide and can parasitize many animals. They constitute one of the most important groups of vectors of infectious diseases, including zoonoses. The objective of this study was to report the parasitism by Amblyomma ovale Koch, 1844 in a domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris Linnaeus, 1758) in Santa Maria, in the central region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. Two specimens of ectoparasites found on a domestic dog, living in a rural property, were sent to the Laboratory of Veterinary Parasitology at the Federal University of Santa Maria for taxonomic identification. The two specimens found were classified as adult male and female of A. ovale. Through this study, the parasitism of this species is reported for the first time in the central region of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, in a domestic dog, allowing the infestation and transmission of diseases to humans.

ABSTRACT. The aim of the study was to evaluate the performance and physiological responses of juvenile tambaqui (Colossoma macropomum) fed diets containing pequi oil (Caryocar brasiliense, Camb). A total of 240 juveniles were observed, with an average weight of 17.91±4.87g, distributed in 20 boxes with a capacity of 500 liters each, in a completely randomized design with five treatments and four replications, containing 12 fish per replication. Five isoprotein diets (41% of crude protein) containing increasing levels of pequi oil (0.5, 1.5, 2.0, 3.8 and 5.5%) were assessed. The animals were kept in a water recirculation system, equipped with a filter, forced aeration, and a 12-hour photoperiod. To evaluate the performance, survival rate, weight gain, feed conversion, specific growth rate, protein efficiency rate, hepatosomatic index, and digestive-somatic index were analyzed. For physiological responses, hematological parameters and indexes, and differential leukocyte counts were determined. The concentration of serum protein, albumin, and globulin was also determined at the end of a 60-day period. There was no effect of the inclusion of pequi oil on weight gain, feed conversion, and protein efficiency rate (p ˃ 0.05). The specific growth rate was significantly different (p ˂ 0.05) with the reduction of treatments. An increase in the hepatosomatic index was observed in the treatments, with significant differences (p ˂ 0.05) and a linear increase, resulting in evidence of a lack of essential fatty acids. Hematocrit values showed no differences, but discrepancies were observed (p ˂ 0.05) for the number of erythrocytes, which, however, remained within the reference values for the species. The hematometric ratios also showed differences between treatments (p ˂ 0.05), remaining within the reference values, not characterizing an anemic condition in the animals. The increase in serum protein levels suggests that pequi oil starts to act as an immunostimulant. However, the use of pequi oil in juvenile tambaqui was not able to guarantee an efficient growth rate.

ABSTRACT. The present study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of spirulina on productive performance, nutrient utilization, and egg quality of Japanese quails. One hundred twenty quails were included in a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replicates. Treatments consisted of a control diet and three diets containing 0.3, 0.6, or 0.9% of spirulina powder. Spirulina inclusion had no effect (p > 0.05) on the productive performance, digestibility coefficients of dry matter and ether extract, calcium and phosphorus retention, weight and pH of the eggs, yolk index, albumen quality, and eggshell thickness when compared with the control diet. However, crude protein consumption was higher (p < 0.05) and the digestibility coefficient of crude protein was lower (p < 0.05) in birds in the 0.9% and 0.3% spirulina inclusion groups, respectively. The weights of the yolk and eggshell were improved (p < 0.007) by the inclusion of 0.6% and 0.9% and 0.9% spirulina, respectively. Quails fed diets containing 0.3% and 0.6% spirulina exhibited lower specific gravity of eggs (p < 0.019) than those fed diets containing 0.9% spirulina. Therefore, spirulina inclusion at 0.9% improved the eggshell quality and reduced the total lipid levels in the yolks.

ABSTRACT. Food production in a sustainable way is based on the association between animals and vegetables to minimize costs, environmental impact, and the use of insums in the breeding process. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of the inclusion of pumpkin seed flour (Cucurbita pepo L.) in the diet on the performance of early-stage pigs and the reduction of endoparasites in a commercial rearing system. The experimental design was completely randomized, with three treatments and six replicates, and the experimental unit consisted of two animals, totaling 36 animals. The treatments were the basal diet and two levels of inclusion of pumpkin seed: 5 and 10%. The animals were of the Agroceres line, with 42 days of age and an average weight of 12 kg. The animals and rations were weighed at the beginning and at the end of the 35-day experimental period to obtain the performance variables. A bromatological analysis was performed to evaluate the composition of pumpkin seed and for parasitic analysis, feces were collected individually from the animal. There was no significant effect for the Tukey test at the level of 5% probability, of the inclusion of pumpkin seed flour on in the parameters of weight gain and feed conversion. Was observed the reduction of helminth eggs present in feces using egg count and oocysts per gram of feces (OPG), performed at the beginning and end of the experiment. It is indicated the inclusion of 10% of pumpkin flour in the feeding of pigs in the initial phase by reducing contamination by verminosis and does not alter animal performance.

ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of palm kernel cake and ram effect on reproductive activity of postpartum and lactating ewes. Twenty multiparous ewes, five to eleven days postpartum, were separated into four different treatments: control, control-ram, palm and palm-ram. Body weight, difference in body weight recorded between days 0 and 42 of the experiment, diameter of the largest follicle at day zero of the study, number of ewes bearing a corpus luteum and pregnancy rate were measured in ewes. Average daily weight gain was measured in lambs. There was no effect (p ≥ 0.05) of palm kernel supplementation, ram stimulation, or their interactions on the weights of ewes and lambs. A greater number of ewes with corpus luteum (p < 0.05) were observed in ewes stimulated by rams than those not stimulated. The number of pregnant ewes was not affected by ram effect or palm kernel supplementation (p ≥ 0.05). In conclusion, the use of the ram effect increases the incidence of corpus luteum in postpartum and lactating ewes. In addition, palm kernel cake in the diet does not affect body weight of postpartum ewes and lambs.

ABSTRACT. The objective was to identify sets of relevant atributes for pricing Mangalarga Marchador horses at auctions and to estimate a hedonic pricing function. We analyzed 452 horses at 20 auctions. The studied variables were characteristics intrinsic to the animals and attributes that influence sale price, which were identified through generalized linear and logistic model analysis. For each additional prize and additional bid, the prices decreased by R$ 2110.00 and R$ 549.00 respectively. The individual’s maternal grandsire positively or negatively affected prices, from R$ - 86.70 to R$ + 35.50. Non-pregnant females were penalized in price by R$ 110.00 compared to non-castrated males. A bay coat added R$ 215.00 to prices when compared to chestnut animals. Online auctions added R$ 20.10 to prices and virtual auctions penalized prices by R$ 617.00. The gray coat devalues a sale by 48% and Seller 3 decreasing by 18%. We conclude that auction type, number of prizes, share sold, animal category, coat, seller, number of bids, and maternal grandsire influenced the prices of Mangalarga Marchador horses, and that coat and seller that influenced the probability of the animal being sold.

ABSTRACT. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of intratesticular injection (ITI) of sodium chloride (NaCl) at two different concentrations for supressing reproductive development in goat kids at two months of age. The experiment was carried out at the experimental unit of Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Çine Vocational School, located in Çine, Aydın, Turkey. The experimental groups were control (C, n = 9), a single ITI of 20% NaCl (T1, n = 8) or 40% NaCl (T2, n = 8). The growth, reproductive characteristics, and histological appearance of the testis in the kids were examined up to nine months of age in different periods. The live weights, scrotal circumference, semen and sexual behavior characteristics were not different among groups. The histogical findings were observed in both testes at nine months of age. Greater intensity of destruction was observed in the testes of T1 and T2 kids than that of C kids. High levels of tubular degeneration were detected in testicular tissue samples in T1 and T2 groups. Based on the results, however, it was concluded that neither 20 nor 40% concentrations of NaCl did ensure the castration effect in the goat kids.

ABSTRACT. The saiga antelope (Saiga tatarica tatarica L., 1766, S) is a prominent ungulate mammal species inhabiting Central Asia. Over the latter half of the 20th century, saiga populations, including the Volga-Ural (Kazakhstan) population, experienced a continuous decline. However, there was a resurgence in their numbers in the 1980s. This study aims to assess the present status of saiga populations, particularly the Volga-Ural (V-U) population, by analyzing existing retrospective data. Our findings reveal that during the 21st century, the saiga population has increased in two key regions: the Volga-Ural and Betpak-Dala (B) populations. Notably, the Northern-Western Population (NWP) habitat saw a drastic 50-fold decline in population, while other populations decreased by 2.0-5.0 times. Despite this decline, the NWP habitat exhibited higher juvenile saiga yields compared to other regions. The resurgence of saiga populations has been significantly influenced by the support of the Government of Kazakhstan, along with the effective efforts of international wildlife conservation organizations and local community engagement.

ABSTRACT. The aim of this study was to evaluate Pearson's linear correlations between productive and economic indicators as well as to estimate economic equations as tools in dairy farming. We used the database of the Research Group, registered with CNPq under the title ‘Animal and Forage Production in Piaui’, which consisted of two experiments with feedlot lactating cows. Economic and productive indicators were employed. Correlations were determined by Pearson’s linear correlation analysis, using the ‘t’ test. Equations were estimated via regression, using Saeg software (Statistical and Genetic Analysis System), considering α = 0.05. Based on concepts related to Pearson's linear correlation and dairy farming management, we were able to find correlations that allowed us to estimate simple, yet very informative equations, which facilitated the interpretation of the management of a dairy farm. Among the studied variables, net present value, internal rate of return, the cost per liter of milk produced and net margin were those which most contributed to the estimation of equations.

ABSTRACT. This work wass designed to analyze the possibility of heavy metals inducing oxidative stress and biochemical perturbations effect on fresh water fish and their impact directly or indirectly on the human race. Due to continuous drainage of municipal waste, tanneries, and pesticides in Ganga River, lifeline of millions of people is heavily affected. The physico-chemical qualities of Ganga River were analyzed in quarterly basis during year 2018 to 2021, by taking the freshwater sample of different locations in Kanpur. While collecting the sample water the average temperature 27.6°, DO value of selected locations were fairly poor with an average of DO 6.67 mg L-1 and BOD ranged from 11.93 to 20.79 mg L-1. On the other hand the BOD ranged from 11.93 to 20.79 mg L-1 which is far more than WHO standards. Additionally, levels of antioxidants in enzymatic and non-enzymatic tissues serve as proxies for fish exposure to oxidant pollutants. Higher physico-chemical responses indicate contaminants and heavy metals may be playing an important role that have to be considered. The heavy metals are affecting the antioxidant defense system particularly seen in liver and kidney of fish and this affect on kidney and liver functioning as the concentrations of heavy metals rises. The relation between enzymatic activity and the metabolite showing negatively correlation that is noted highly significant to this study (r = -0.87, t = 10.14, p* ≤0.05).

ABSTRACT. This study aimed to evaluate the feeding time and reactivity of male and female foals exposed to novel objects (seven plastic balls measuring 8 cm in diameter) placed inside the feeder. Eleven mixed-breed foals (males = 6; 316 ± 42 kg of BW, females = 5; 290 ± 35 kg of BW) were used. The amount of concentrate feed was calculated using 2000 g kg-1 BW for males and 1500 g kg-1 BW for females. Behavioral variables were assessed using a scoring system. Data on time spent feeding were subjected to analysis of variance and regression analysis (p < 0.05) and compared using the PROC REG procedure of SAS (with object = without object). A line of equality (y = x) was used to test correlations. The behavioral model was fitted by a generalized linear model using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS, and means were compared (p < 0.05) by t-tests. Feeding time differed between sexes (males = 23.7 ± 4.8 min., females = 19.5 ± 3.1 min.), attributed to the longer time spent by males in attentive behavior when plastic balls were placed in the feeders. There was no effect on composite behavioral score. Both males (18.37%) and females (14.29%) were classified as calm while feeding in feeders with unfamiliar objects. By adding plastic balls to the feeder, it was possible to increase the feeding time of foals fed concentrate feed.

ABSTRACT. A 84-day trial was conducted to investigate the potentialities of Vernonia amygdalina and Moringa oleifera leaves as natural growth promoters in ruminant production. Hence, the leaves were identified, collected, screened, air-dried, and milled separately into powdery form to make the leaf meals. A basal concentrate diet (BCD - control diet) was formulated, and were divided into nine equal portions while the leaf meals: V. amygdalina leaf meal (VALM) or M. oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) were added and thoroughly mixed with concentrate diet at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20 w w-1, per each leaf meal, respectively. Thereafter fed to forty-five West African Dwarf growing goats, randomly allocated to the diets. Nutrient intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, and weight change of goats were used as response criteria. The results revealed that 20% VALM improved (p < 0.05) crude protein intake, nitrogen retention, final live-weight, average daily weight gain (ADWG), and feed conversion ratio. VALM affected rumen fermentation (p < 0.05) increasing propionic, butyric acids and total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) concentrations, and total viables bacterial. Further, positive strong correlation (R2 = 0.9498) existed between ADWG and TVFA. It can be concluded that VALM and MOLM are potential phytogenic plants capable of altering the rumen ecosystem for improved nutrient intake, digestibility, rumen fermentation, better than the control diet, without any detrimental effects on growing goats' performance. Summarily, dietary inclusion of VALM at 20% improved feed utilization and animal performance.

ABSTRACT. This study aims to increase the utilization of banana peels, a local agricultural by-product, by improving nutrient value and partially reducing the presence of anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) as an alternative ingredient in fish feed. The feasibility of molasses-fermented banana peels (MFBP) as a protein source in a practical diet for hybrid tilapia (Oreochromis spp.) fries was investigated. Five isonitrogenous experimental diets containing 0 (control), 25, 50, 75, and 100% substitution levels of fish meal by MFBP were formulated. Twenty tilapia fries per group with three replicates were fed for eight weeks. The growth performance and feed efficiency values of fish were recorded and evaluated. Fish fed with 0, 25, and 50% MFBP levels showed significantly higher growth parameters, survival rate, and feed utilization efficiency than those fed with 75 and 100% MFBP levels. Although the control diet produced better growth performance and feed utilization efficiency than MFBP-based diets there was no significant difference between fish fed with the control diet and the low MFBP levels (0-50%) diet. Based on the present findings, it could be concluded that the molasses-fermented banana peels (MFBP) could efficiently replace the fishmeal by up to 50% without affecting the growth performance of red tilapia.