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Cooling ventilation at farrowing for sows from first to third parturition
Get PDFThis study aimed to evaluate the thermal comfort considering natural and cooling ventilation on the performance, physiological parameters and thermal comfort indices for sows from first to third parturition. A total of 30 sows from commercial lineage (genetic base Landrace x Large White) initially weighing 252.3±5.7, 280.8±9.5 and 324.5±4.8 kg at first, second and third parturition, respectively, were distributed in a 3x2 factorial arrangement, considering the three parturition orders and the two ventilation methods, with five replicas per treatment. The effect of ventilation methods and times of the day on relative humidity, radiant thermal load, temperature and humidity index and black globe humidity index. There was an interaction among ventilation methods and parturition order for sow weight at weaning and daily feed intake. Regarding the females physiological parameters, with the exception of rectal temperature, there was an interaction between ventilation methods and times of the day. The thermal conditioning using cooling ventilation provides better values for thermal comfort indexes of the sows and promotes an increase in feed intake, mainly in gilts.This study aimed to evaluate the thermal comfort considering natural and cooling ventilation on the performance, physiological parameters and thermal comfort indices for sows from first to third parturition. A total of 30 sows from commercial lineage (genetic base Landrace x Large White) initially weighing 252.3±5.7, 280.8±9.5 and 324.5±4.8 kg at first, second and third parturition, respectively, were distributed in a 3x2 factorial arrangement, considering the three parturition orders and the two ventilation methods, with five replicas per treatment. The effect of ventilation methods and times of the day on relative humidity, radiant thermal load, temperature and humidity index and black globe humidity index. There was an interaction among ventilation methods and parturition order for sow weight at weaning and daily feed intake. Regarding the females physiological parameters, with the exception of rectal temperature, there was an interaction between ventilation methods and times of the day. The thermal conditioning using cooling ventilation provides better values for thermal comfort indexes of the sows and promotes an increase in feed intake, mainly in gilts
Linear correlations between feed intake and ingestive behavior of feedlot lambs
Get PDFThe objective of this study was to evaluate linear correlations between feed intake and ingestive behavior of feedlot lambs. Were used ten castrated male Santa Inês sheep with a body weight of 20 ± 4.38 kg, at four months of age. The experiment lasted 50 days, with five 10-d periods, in which an evaluation of feed intake and ingestive behavior was undertaken per period, totaling 50 replicates. The diet was composed of concentrate ingredients only. The analyses were performed by Pearson’s linear correlations and the t test, and means were considered significant when P≤0.05. Intake showed positive correlations (P≤0.05) with the times spent feeding and ruminating and total chewing time, and a negative correlation (P≤0.05) with other activities. Positive correlations were found between the number of feeding periods, number of other activities and the time per rumination period with intake (P≤0.05). A negative correlation was found between the feed efficiency of dry matter and the intake, as well as the other nutrients (P≤0.05). The behavioral characteristics related to feed intake appear to be correlated, which allows for inferences through the study of these variables. The activities related to nutrient intake, with respect to time and efficiency, can be expressed directly through the animal behavior.The objective of this study was to evaluate linear correlations between feed intake and ingestive behavior of feedlot lambs. Were used ten castrated male Santa Inês sheep with a body weight of 20 ± 4.38 kg, at four months of age. The experiment lasted 50 days, with five 10-d periods, in which an evaluation of feed intake and ingestive behavior was undertaken per period, totaling 50 replicates. The diet was composed of concentrate ingredients only. The analyses were performed by Pearson’s linear correlations and the t test, and means were considered significant when P≤0.05. Intake showed positive correlations (P≤0.05) with the times spent feeding and ruminating and total chewing time, and a negative correlation (P≤0.05) with other activities. Positive correlations were found between the number of feeding periods, number of other activities and the time per rumination period with intake (P≤0.05). A negative correlation was found between the feed efficiency of dry matter and the intake, as well as the other nutrients (P≤0.05). The behavioral characteristics related to feed intake appear to be correlated, which allows for inferences through the study of these variables. The activities related to nutrient intake, with respect to time and efficiency, can be expressed directly through the animal behavior
Phenology and production of guava tree cv. “Paluma” pruned at different seasons in Mossoro – RN, Brazil.
Get PDFThe pruning allows fruit harvest in different periods, according to the grower decision, being economically viable. The harvest can be scheduled according to the agronomical traits and due to the market price. The experiment was conducted in the didactic orchard of the Federal University of the Semi-Arid Region (UFERSA), from April 2013 to December 2014, in the municipality of Mossoro-RN. It was carried out in a randomized block design, with treatments arranged in a split-plot, which were composed by pruning periods, conducted in April (2013), November (2013) and July (2014). The subplots consisted of pruning intensities (short, medium and long); with four repetitions, where the experimental unit consisted of two plants that was pruned with 8 marked branches. From pruning to harvest, the the following botanical characteristics were evaluated in the marked branches: number of emitted sprouts by branches pruned at the day 15th (NBE); number of established branches by branches pruned at the day 50th (NRE); number of productive branches (NRP); vegetative number (VRN) and the total number of fruits (NFT). The evaluated characteristics presented a significant effect. The long pruning resulted in a higher number of fruits for all evaluated seasons. The best months for pruning was November and July. The guava tree ‘Paluma’ cycle, from pruning to harvest can vary according to the period of pruning, with 132 days in July and 150 days in April.The pruning allows fruit harvest in different periods, according to the grower decision, being economically viable. The harvest can be scheduled according to the agronomical traits and due to the market price. The experiment was conducted in the didactic orchard of the Federal University of the Semi-Arid Region (UFERSA), from April 2013 to December 2014, in the municipality of Mossoro-RN. It was carried out in a randomized block design, with treatments arranged in a split-plot, which were composed by pruning periods, conducted in April (2013), November (2013) and July (2014). The subplots consisted of pruning intensities (short, medium and long); with four repetitions, where the experimental unit consisted of two plants that was pruned with 8 marked branches. From pruning to harvest, the the following botanical characteristics were evaluated in the marked branches: number of emitted sprouts by branches pruned at the day 15th (NBE); number of established branches by branches pruned at the day 50th (NRE); number of productive branches (NRP); vegetative number (VRN) and the total number of fruits (NFT). The evaluated characteristics presented a significant effect. The long pruning resulted in a higher number of fruits for all evaluated seasons. The best months for pruning was November and July. The guava tree ‘Paluma’ cycle, from pruning to harvest can vary according to the period of pruning, with 132 days in July and 150 days in April.
durando entre 132 em julho a 150 dias em abril.
 
Molecular identification of actinomycetes with antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer properties
Get PDFThe objectives of this study were to isolate and identify the actinomycetes strains from the soil and marine sediments and to evaluate the antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of their bioactive secondary metabolites. Eight actinomycetes strains were isolated from soil and marine sediment samples collected from different areas in Egypt. Only three actinomycetes exhibited a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activities. They were active in vitro against microbial pathogen viz: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Aspergillus parasiticus, Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum. These promising isolates were selected and identified using molecular identification technique and identified as Streptomyces spp. The crude extracts from the three Streptomyces exhibited potent antimicrobial activities against a set of microbial pathogens as well as antioxidant and anticancer activity in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2). The crude extract of Streptomyces isolate D showed antitumor activity with lC50 0.85 µg/ mL. Forty compounds were identified from the two most promising ethyl acetate extracts of culture broth of Streptomyces sp. (D-EGY) by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis. It could be concluded that the streptomycetes isolated from the Egyptian environment are promising candidates as antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer.The objectives of this study were to isolate and identify the actinomycetes strains from the soil and marine sediments and to evaluate the antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of their bioactive secondary metabolites. Eight actinomycetes strains were isolated from soil and marine sediment samples collected from different areas in Egypt. Only three actinomycetes exhibited a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activities. They were active in vitro against microbial pathogen viz: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Aspergillus parasiticus, Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum. These promising isolates were selected and identified using molecular identification technique and identified as Streptomyces spp. The crude extracts from the three Streptomyces exhibited potent antimicrobial activities against a set of microbial pathogens as well as antioxidant and anticancer activity in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2). The crude extract of Streptomyces isolate D showed antitumor activity with lC50 0.85 µg/ mL. Forty compounds were identified from the two most promising ethyl acetate extracts of culture broth of Streptomyces sp. (D-EGY) by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis. It could be concluded that the streptomycetes isolated from the Egyptian environment are promising candidates as antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer
Bromatological characteristics of the cowpea in the resistance to Callosobruchus maculatus
Get PDFThis work aimed to relate the bromatological characteristics of four cowpea cultivars to the preference and development of Callosobruchus maculatus. For this, oviposition preference, choice and no-choice tests were performed in four cowpea genotypes: Bico de Ouro, BRS Novaera, BRS Guariba and BRS Tumucumaque. In the no-choice test were determined: viability of eggs, duration of the immature stage, biological cycle, viability of the immature stage, population growth rate, weight per insect, biomass consumption and consumption per insect. As to the chemical composition, the seeds were characterized concerning the crude protein content, ash, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and organic matter. In the evaluation, there were significant differences within the genotypes, except for the viability of eggs and consumption per insect. The BRS Novaera genotype presented antixenosis resistance to C. maculatus, whereas the Bico de Ouro, BRS Guariba and BRS Tumucumaque genotypes revealed to be susceptible. The chemical composition of the seeds affects the development of C. maculatus, and the crude protein and ash contents of the seeds without integument present a positive influence over the insect development.This work aimed to relate the bromatological characteristics of four cowpea cultivars to the preference and development of Callosobruchus maculatus. For this, oviposition preference, choice and no-choice tests were performed in four cowpea genotypes: Bico de Ouro, BRS Novaera, BRS Guariba and BRS Tumucumaque. In the no-choice test were determined: viability of eggs, duration of the immature stage, biological cycle, viability of the immature stage, population growth rate, weight per insect, biomass consumption and consumption per insect. As to the chemical composition, the seeds were characterized concerning the crude protein content, ash, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and organic matter. In the evaluation, there were significant differences within the genotypes, except for the viability of eggs and consumption per insect. The BRS Novaera genotype presented antixenosis resistance to C. maculatus, whereas the Bico de Ouro, BRS Guariba and BRS Tumucumaque genotypes revealed to be susceptible. The chemical composition of the seeds affects the development of C. maculatus, and the crude protein and ash contents of the seeds without integument present a positive influence over the insect development
Physiological quality of citrandarins, Poncirus trifoliata and Sunki mandarin seeds
Get PDFRangpur lime is the rootstock most used in Brazil, mainly due to its resistance to drought; however, it is susceptible to several diseases, requiring the search for other rootstocks tolerant to factors limiting citrus cultivation. In addition, the Brazilian legislation stipulates that citrus seeds can only be commercialized with at least 50% germination rate. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the physiological quality of seeds of seven citrus rootstocks. The following citrus fruits were harvested: Poncirus trifoliata, Sunki mandarin and their hybrids –citrandarins (70, 106, 254, 299 and 310). Fruit mass, diameter and height were measured. Seeds were extracted from fruits, counting the number of normal seeds (not aborted). Seeds were dried up to 20% water content and stored for 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. The physiological quality of seeds was evaluated before storage (time 0) up to 12 months of storage. The quality of Poncirus trifoliata, Sunki mandarin and citrandarins 70, 106, 254, 299 and 310 seeds was reduced during storage. However, their germination rate remained above 50%, evidencing that seeds of all rootstocks could be marketed until 12 months of storage. The new rootstocks tested have seeds with physiological quality compatible with their parents, in compliance with current legislation.Rangpur lime is the rootstock most used in Brazil, mainly due to its resistance to drought; however, it is susceptible to several diseases, requiring the search for other rootstocks tolerant to factors limiting citrus cultivation. In addition, the Brazilian legislation stipulates that citrus seeds can only be commercialized with at least 50% germination rate. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the physiological quality of seeds of seven citrus rootstocks. The following citrus fruits were harvested: Poncirus trifoliata, Sunki mandarin and their hybrids –citrandarins (70, 106, 254, 299 and 310). Fruit mass, diameter and height were measured. Seeds were extracted from fruits, counting the number of normal seeds (not aborted). Seeds were dried up to 20% water content and stored for 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. The physiological quality of seeds was evaluated before storage (time 0) up to 12 months of storage. The quality of Poncirus trifoliata, Sunki mandarin and citrandarins 70, 106, 254, 299 and 310 seeds was reduced during storage. However, their germination rate remained above 50%, evidencing that seeds of all rootstocks could be marketed until 12 months of storage. The new rootstocks tested have seeds with physiological quality compatible with their parents, in compliance with current legislation
Mineral and heavy metals content in tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) collected from the River Nile in Damietta governorate, Egypt and evaluation of health risk from tilapia consumption
Get PDFThis study was conducted to determine heavy metals and trace elements content in tilapia fish collected from three sources in Damietta governorate, Egypt and to evaluate the human health risk due to tilapia consumption. Tilapia samples were collected from two locations in the River Nile stream, tow fish farms and two sluiceways. Health risk assessment was evaluated based on the consumption habits of adult human. The results revealed that all samples vary in elements concentrations. The calculation of human health risk revealed that the consumption of tilapia in the three tested area does not pose any health risk except for Selenium. It could be concluded that consumption of such fish may be a risk for consumers who eat fish more than one time per week. Consequently, precautions should be taken and warning against eating tilapia fish caught from these regions should be announced.This study was conducted to determine heavy metals and trace elements content in tilapia fish collected from three sources in Damietta governorate, Egypt and to evaluate the human health risk due to tilapia consumption. Tilapia samples were collected from two locations in the River Nile stream, tow fish farms and two sluiceways. Health risk assessment was evaluated based on the consumption habits of adult human. The results revealed that all samples vary in elements concentrations. The calculation of human health risk revealed that the consumption of tilapia in the three tested area does not pose any health risk except for Selenium. It could be concluded that consumption of such fish may be a risk for consumers who eat fish more than one time per week. Consequently, precautions should be taken and warning against eating tilapia fish caught from these regions should be announced
Entomofauna diversity in areas of Caatinga under forest management in the semi-arid region of Ceará
Get PDFThe Caatinga is characterised by deciduous plant species. The practice in this ecosystem is the production of firewood which, when carried out with no technical criteria, contributes to a reduction in the biodiversity and degradation of the biome. Forest Management Planning has been approved by the Ministry of the Environment; a lower impact on the environment is expected, as there is still little information on the effect on biodiversity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diversity of soil fauna in areas that adopt a Forest Management Plan. Five areas were selected that adopt Forest Management Planning: Area T1, unexploited for six months; Area T2, unexploited for 2-3 years; Area T3 unexploited for 5-6 years; Area T4, unexploited for 10-11 years; and the Control Area (unexploited). Four pitfall traps were installed in each area. The Shannon-Weaver (H’) Index, the Pielou Uniformity Index (e) and the Species Richness Index were calculated for the purpose of estimating the existing biodiversity. Total richness varied from 7 to 14 groups for the different collection periods and between the treatments; the highest value for the Shannon Index (0.72) was found during the dry/rainy transition period in the area that had been exploited 5-6 years earlier. The number of specimens is influenced by the various stages of wood exploitation.The Caatinga is characterised by deciduous plant species. The practice in this ecosystem is the production of firewood which, when carried out with no technical criteria, contributes to a reduction in the biodiversity and degradation of the biome. Forest Management Planning has been approved by the Ministry of the Environment; a lower impact on the environment is expected, as there is still little information on the effect on biodiversity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the diversity of soil fauna in areas that adopt a Forest Management Plan. Five areas were selected that adopt Forest Management Planning: Area T1, unexploited for six months; Area T2, unexploited for 2-3 years; Area T3 unexploited for 5-6 years; Area T4, unexploited for 10-11 years; and the Control Area (unexploited). Four pitfall traps were installed in each area. The Shannon-Weaver (H’) Index, the Pielou Uniformity Index (e) and the Species Richness Index were calculated for the purpose of estimating the existing biodiversity. Total richness varied from 7 to 14 groups for the different collection periods and between the treatments; the highest value for the Shannon Index (0.72) was found during the dry/rainy transition period in the area that had been exploited 5-6 years earlier. The number of specimens is influenced by the various stages of wood exploitation
Sunflower nutrition irrigated with domestic sewage treated
Get PDFThis study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of the sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) irrigated with domestic effluents. The study was performed in a pilot sewage treatment plant, where the treatments were composed by the combination of two factors: types of water (A1 - effluent treated by UASB reactor; A2 – effluent treated with digester decant and anaerobic filtering; A3 – effluent treated with anaerobic filtering; and A4 – water supply) and irrigation depths (L1 - equal to the crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and L2 – 1.2 ETc. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme, with four replications. At 96 days after sowing, the leaves, capitulum, and achenes were collected for the concentration evaluation of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S. The analyses of variance were performed based on the concentration of the nutrients in the respective organs; when significant, they were analyzed by orthogonal contrasts. The sunflower nutritional status was influenced by the types of treatment for the domestic sewage, especially regarding N, Ca and S, and by the irrigation depths; the sunflower crop presented a better nutritional balance when irrigated with treated domestic effluents; with the application of the water supply only, the nutritional supply of the P and S, is necessary.This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of the sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) irrigated with domestic effluents. The study was performed in a pilot sewage treatment plant, where the treatments were composed by the combination of two factors: types of water (A1 - effluent treated by UASB reactor; A2 – effluent treated with digester decant and anaerobic filtering; A3 – effluent treated with anaerobic filtering; and A4 – water supply) and irrigation depths (L1 - equal to the crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and L2 – 1.2 ETc. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme, with four replications. At 96 days after sowing, the leaves, capitulum, and achenes were collected for the concentration evaluation of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S. The analyses of variance were performed based on the concentration of the nutrients in the respective organs; when significant, they were analyzed by orthogonal contrasts. The sunflower nutritional status was influenced by the types of treatment for the domestic sewage, especially regarding N, Ca and S, and by the irrigation depths; the sunflower crop presented a better nutritional balance when irrigated with treated domestic effluents; with the application of the water supply only, the nutritional supply of the P and S, is necessary
Intercropping of castor bean and sugarcane under irrigation: part 2: yield and agronomic indices
Get PDFIntercropping can be an alternative to maximize yields of castor bean and sugarcane. This work aimed to investigate the yields and agronomic indices of castor bean and sugarcane in intercropping system. The experiment was carried out in the field, at the Ponta da Serra Farm, in the municipality of Queimadas-PB, Brazil. Treatments resulted from a 4 x 4 factorial arrangement, with twelve replicates. The irrigation depths (drip system) tested were: 50, 75, 100 and 125% crop evapotranspiration, and the spacings used for castor bean were: (1 x 0.5 m), (1 x 1 m), (1 x 1.5 m) and (1 x 2 m), that is, 20,000, 10,000, 6,666 and 5,000 plants per hectare, respectively, with total area of 2,880 m², each one with twelve plots of castor bean spacing. The following variables were evaluated: land equivalent ratio and relative crowding coefficient. For all irrigation depths tested, sugarcane yield increased linearly with the increment in castor bean spacing. The highest value of land equivalent ratio was found at 1 x 0.5 m spacing, and the lowest values of relative crowding coefficient for sugarcane occurred at 1x 0.5 m spacing for all irrigation depths.Intercropping can be an alternative to maximize yields of castor bean and sugarcane. This work aimed to investigate the yields and agronomic indices of castor bean and sugarcane in intercropping system. The experiment was carried out in the field, at the Ponta da Serra Farm, in the municipality of Queimadas-PB, Brazil. Treatments resulted from a 4 x 4 factorial arrangement, with twelve replicates. The irrigation depths (drip system) tested were: 50, 75, 100 and 125% crop evapotranspiration, and the spacings used for castor bean were: (1 x 0.5 m), (1 x 1 m), (1 x 1.5 m) and (1 x 2 m), that is, 20,000, 10,000, 6,666 and 5,000 plants per hectare, respectively, with total area of 2,880 m², each one with twelve plots of castor bean spacing. The following variables were evaluated: land equivalent ratio and relative crowding coefficient. For all irrigation depths tested, sugarcane yield increased linearly with the increment in castor bean spacing. The highest value of land equivalent ratio was found at 1 x 0.5 m spacing, and the lowest values of relative crowding coefficient for sugarcane occurred at 1x 0.5 m spacing for all irrigation depths