Effect of age on seed digestion in parrots (Amazona aestiva)

The objective of this study was to compare the capacity of adult (more than 3 yr old) and young (less than 1 yr old) true parrots to digest seeds that are normally included in their diet in captivity, particularly soybean, sunflower, and corn. All the seeds were offered for 5 d with an interval of 15 d between different diets. The seeds of soybean and corn were boiled for 15 min and soaked in water at ambient temperature for 12 h before being fed to the birds. There were no differences in the digestibilities of crude protein and fats (ether extract) among animals, but the digestibilities of dry matter and crude fiber by the adult animals were higher than those of the young ones. The digestibility of carbohydrate (nitrogen-free extract) by adult birds was higher only for sunflower seeds. It is concluded that the capacity of parrots to digest fiber may change according to the age of the animal. Since the digestion of fiber depends on the action of microorganisms, these results suggest that the colonization of the gastrointestinal tract is delayed or very slow in young parrots.

Características físico-químicas, cozimento e produtividade de mandioca cultivar IAC 576-70 em diferentes épocas de colheita.

The instability of cassava culinary quality is a problem in the market. This work had the purpose of evaluating the interference of the productivity, rain precipitation and physical-chemical characteristics on the cooking time of the IAC 576-70 cultivar, from the 6(th) to the 12(th) month after the planting. The physical parameters evaluated were: difficulty in peeling (easy, medium, and hard), difficulty in cutting in long, thin sticks with a manual machine, being those cut in a subjective way. In the analysis of the cooked root, the percentage of water absorbed into the cassava pieces, the color, white points formed inside the pieces of cassava, gel formation around the pieces of cassava, and cooking time were evaluated. The pH, acidity, moisture, ashes, fibers, ether extract, protein, reducing sugars, and starch of the roots were also monthly evaluated. From the results obtained in the present work, it may be concluded that the cassava IAC 576-70, when planted in July, in Botucatu-SP area, must be harvested at the age of nine months, without damage to the productivity, starch level and root cooking, and the harvest could be extended up to ten months. The producers should follow the sum of precipitation index ten days before the harvest, and this value should be the smallest as it may be and the producers should not harvest when this value is more than 100 mm, in order not to hinder the cooking of the root.

Determinação bromatológica de Pleurotus ostreatus cultivado em resíduos de diferentes cultivares de bananeira

The objective of this work was to evaluate the nutritional composition (raw protein, ether extract, raw fiber, FDA, FDN and ash) of the POS 09/100 strain of Pleurotus ostreatus grown in three combinations of residues (pseudo-stem, leave and pseudo-stem + leaf) and four banana tree cultivars (Thap maeo, Prata ana, Pelipita and Caipira). The basidiomata harvested were submitted to dehydration in a forced ventilation stove with temperature adjusted to 40 degrees C until reaching constant weight, being then grinded in a knife mill. The method proposed by Kjeldahl (1883) was used to determine total nitrogen. The Weende method (AOAC, 1997) was employed to determine crude fiber, acid-detergent fiber (ADF) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). According to the results obtained, crude protein, ash, ADF and NDF contents varied with the kind of residue and banana tree cultivar; the substrate prepared with leaves of banana tree (Prata Ana cultivar) yielded the highest crude protein (35.4%) and ash (6.7%) contents in the basidiomata of P. streams; the substrate prepared with pseudo-stein of banana tree (Prata Ana cultivar) provided the highest ADF (31.6%) and NDF (41.9%) contents in the basidiomata of P. ostreatus. Ether extract and crude fiber contents of P. ostreatus didn't vary in function of the treatments, with averages of 2.45 and 11.27%, respectively.

Productive and reproductive performance of heifers fed different levels of urea in the diet

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the nutrient intake, blood parameters, follicular diameter and performance of pre-puberty crossbred heifers fed isoproteic diets (14.1%CP) containing 0.0; 0.44; 0.88 and 1.32% urea on the total dry matter (DM) of the diet, with a 77:23 roughage:concentrate ratio. Twenty-four 18- month old heifers (Holstein x Zebu), 277.9 kg mean live weight (LW) were used, distributed in four treatments and six replications in a randomized complete design. The following were evaluated: dry matter intake (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), ether extract (EE), hemicellulose (HEM), plasmatic ureic nitrogen (PUN), plasmatic glucose, plasmatic total cholesterol, follicular diameter and daily weight gain (DWG). No influence of the urea levels in the diet was observed on NDF and HEM intake. A maximum intake was obtained of DM (8.75 kg day(-1)), CP (0.88 kg day(-1)), ADF (2.5 kg day(-1)) and EE (0.17 kg day(-1)) respectively for the levels 0.7, 0.8, 0.7 and 0.7% urea in total DM. The 0.6%; 0.77% and 0.6% urea levels in diet were the critical points for obtaining maximum response for the PUN (10.96 mg dL(-1)) and plasmatic glucose (84.97 mg dL(-1)) concentrations and, for follicular diameter (11.08 mm) on the 40(th); 24(th) and 31(st) day, respectively. The plasmatic total cholesterol concentration and DWG were not influenced by the urea added to the diet, with averages of 119.39 mg dL(-1) and 1.66 kg day(-1), respectively. It was concluded that urea can be added up to 1.32% on the total DM of the diet for pre-puberty crossbred heifers.

Salga seca e úmida de filés de pacu (piaractus mesopotamicus)

The goal of this study was to evaluate the process of salting and dry salting of fillets in pacu (P. mesopotamicus), from cultivation in cages. Fillet with skin were salted at a rate of 40% of salt in relation of the initial weight, for a period of 10 days. After processing, were evaluated for microbiological and centesimal composition of fillets subjected to salting and determining the concentration of sodium chloride (NaCl) and calculation of income. The centesimal composition were evaluated the protein, ether extract, moisture and ash of the raw material fresh and processed products by salting. The microbiological analysis included the determination of coliforms at 45 degrees C, Salmonella and Staphylococcus coagulase positive. The pacus subjected to umided and dry salting were within quality control standards established by the legislation. The content of umided, protein, lipids and chlorides showed differences (p< 0.05) between the processes of salt. However both forms can be used for the development of technological processes of low investment by encouraging new options for fish consumption.

Desempenho produtivo de tilápia do Nilo alimentada com níveis de colina na dieta

Growth performance of Nile tilapia fed graded choline levels in the diet. A 109-day feeding trial was undertaken aiming to evaluate the growth performance of Nile tilapia fed graded choline levels One hundred and ninety-two (initial-weight 4 0 [plus or minus] 0 15 g) fingerlings were distributed into 32 net cages (200 L each), four cages per treatment and six fish per cage, placed in eight 10001, aquaria in a closed recirculation system The treatments were assigned to the tanks comprising eight treatments and loin replications arranged in a completely randomized experimental design Diets were supplemented with choline chloride to provide 100, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1200 mg of choline per kg of feed and an unsupplemented diet No significant differences were observed in growth performance, survival, apparent feed conversion, liver and fillet ether extract, hepatosomatic index and plasma lipid concentration, among treatments Choline levels did not improve growth performance, possibly because the amount of choline in the diet had already met fish requirement

Valor nutricional da soja integral tostada e extrusada para poedeiras comerciais

An experiment was conducted to determine the apparent nitrogen-corrected metabolizable energy (AMEn) values and the coefficients' metabolization of the: dry matter, ether extract, calcium and phosphorus availabilities of experimental layer diets containing toasted (TSB) and extruded (ESB) soybeans. The soybean meal (SBM) was substituted at 0, 50, and 100% by TSB and ESB whole soybeans. The whole soybeans utilization in layer diets did not adversely affect calcium and phosphorus availability. The SBM and ESB, in diets with crude protein at 17%, showed the best ether extract coefficients of metabolization. When TSB replaced all SBM in the diets, it was observed the worst value for AMEn.

Apparent absorption of zinc from supplemental inorganic and organic sources to Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus juveniles

Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus fingerlings were fed with purified or practical diets, supplemented with 150 Ing Zn/kg, from different sources. Dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), and gross energy (GE) apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC), as well as zinc, copper, calcium, and phosphorus apparent absorption coefficients (AAC) were determined by the addition of 0.1% chromic oxide to the diets. The supplemental zinc sources utilized were commercial grade zinc sulfate monohydrate (ZnSO 4), zinc oxide (ZnO) and a zinc amino acid complex (Zn-AA). Analytical grade zinc sulfate heptahydrate was also utilized as a standard reference zinc source. There was a significant difference between purified (74.9%) and practical (41.3%) zinc AAC for the ZnO supplemented diets (P < 0.05). The supplemental zinc sources presented similar AAC when purified diets were utilized. However, ZnSO 4 was the best supplemental zinc source when practical type diets were used. There were no significant differences between supplemental zinc AAC from ZnS0 4 (68.9%), and supplemental zinc AAC from Zn-AA (61.3%) in practical diets, but Zn-AA diet showed a statistically lower zinc AAC when compared with the standard zinc source diet (75.6%). The practical diet supplemented with ZnO had the worst supplemental zinc AAC (41.3%). Dietary copper (74.21%), calcium (70.9%), and phosphorus (71.9%) AAC of the practical diets supplemented with ZnO were statistically lower (P < 0.05) than the respective AAC of the practical ZnSO 4 supplemented diets (83.6%, 84.1%, 87.1%).The ADC of the practical ZnO supplemented diet for DM (76.3%), CP (88.6%), EE (82.4%), and GE (81.6%) were statiscally lower than the respective ADC of the ZnSO 4 practical diet (86.0, 92.7, 93.6, 89.6%, respectively) and those ADC of the Zn-AA practical diet (84.7, 92.7, 93.7, 88.2%, respectively) (P < 0.05). Hence, these results indicate that ZnSO 4 and Zn-AA have equivalent intestinal absorption as supplemental zinc sources for Nile tilapia juveniles and both are superior to ZnO. © Copyright by the World Aquaculture Society 2005.

Determination of crude protein, crude fiber and crude fat in twenty-five genotypes of kale (B. oleracea var. acephala)

The aim of the study was to determine the percentage of crude protein, crude fiber and crude fat (ether extract) of 25 genotypes of kale from the Germplasm Bank of Instituto Agronômico de Campinas and of one genotype grown in the region of Jaboticabal-SP. The plants were cultivated in the field, and the leaves after collection were pre-dried in a convection oven at 65°C for 72 h. Afterward, the leaves were analyzed for crude protein, crude fiber and crude fat (ether-soluble materials). Significant differences were detected among the different genotypes for all the characteristics examined. Of the genotypes studied, six showed more than 30% crude protein: HS-20 (32.56%), Comum (31.70%), Couve de Arthur Nogueira 2 (31.16%), Pires 2 de Campinas (30.63%), Manteiga I-916 (30.36%), and Manteiga de Ribeirao Pires I-2446 (30.03%). In relation to crude fiber, the highest percentage was seen in the genotype Manteiga de Mococa (10.92%), differing significantly from the other genotypes studied. With regard to crude fat, the highest percentage was found in the genotype HS-20 (3.72%), and Pires 1 de Campinas (3.34%). Of the genotypes tested, HS-20 stood out among the others, showing both the highest percentage of protein and fat.

Diferentes níveis de torta de nabo forrageiro (Raphanus sativus) como aditivo na silagem de capim elefante

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of different levels of turnip cake (TNF) on the chemical composition, digestibility and quality of elephant grass silage. Due to the quality of the oil extracted from the seeds, the turnip is being considered as an important option for the biodiesel industry in Brazil. The turnip cake is obtained from the mechanical pressing of the seeds to produce oil, and it differs from the meal by the content of fat. In the meal the fat is less than 1%, due to the use of solvents for the oil extraction. Experimental silos were used in a completely randomized design, in factorial arrangement 2 x 3 (two types of material and four levels of inclusion). The materials were represented for original material (fresh) and ensiled material, with four levels of inclusion of TNF (0, 3, 6, and 9%). Dry matter (DM), ether extract (EE), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), nitrogen indigestible neutral detergent (NIDN), nitrogen indigestible acid detergent (NIDA), ash (MM), lignin (LIG), buffer power (PT), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDDM) were determined in all materials. In silage, additionally, were determined pH and amoniacal nitrogen (NH3-N). There were effects of inclusion of TNF and the type of material on the DM, CP, ADF, NIDA, P, and MM contents and on IVDDM. The interaction of the two factors was observed to the contents of CP, NDF, ADF, NIDA, Ca and IVDDM. In silage, the DM levels were lower (P < 0.05) than in original material. The values of DM were increased linearly as increased levels of inclusion of TNF. The fibrous components, including NIDN and NIDA, decreased linearly when the TNF increased. In all treatments, values of pH and N-NH3 considered ideal for good silage were observed. The IVDDM was reduced, linearly, with the addition of increasing levels of TNF. A negative correlation (-0.95) between IVDDM and content of EE may explain the tendency of this variable, due to the EE content increased linearly with the addition of TNF. The addition of TNF as an additive in silage of elephant diminished IVDDM. Considering the changes observed in the chemical composition and digestibility of elephant grass silage with TNF as additive, suggests that this should not be included at levels exceeding 3%. On the other hand, the silages with TNF as additive showed appropriate fermentation characteristics.

Digestibilidade de uma dieta caseira e dois alimentos comerciais, econômico e super-prêmio, para cães

They were compared the coefficients of apparent digestibility (CAD) and the fecal quality of dogs fed a home-made diet and two dog foods, standard and super-premium. Six adult dogs were distributed in a double latin square desing (3 × 3), with three treatments and three periods, in a total of six replications per treatment. Tukey's test was used to compare the means. The home-made diet presented the highest CAD, not differing only of the CAD of acid ether extract of the super-premium food. The standard food was the lowest digestive, producting more feces. Fecal dry matter of dogs fed home-made diet was lower than in the standard and super-premium foods, which did not differ among then. Fecal score presented low variability among treatments, remaining in the considered ideal range. Home-made diet can be an alternative in the feeding of dogs.

Digestibilidade e tempo de trânsito gastrintestinal de dietas contendo níveis crescentes de fibra bruta para pacu

This work aimed to evaluate the effect of increasing dietary fiber levels on the digestibility and gastrointestinal transit time (GTT) for pacu. The digestibility trial used 288 pacu in a completely randomized design, fed in aquaria and transferred to a modified Guelf-type feces collector, using the partial sampling method. The inert marker on the diets was chromic oxide (1%) to establish the diet digestibility. In the GTT assay, 288 pacu were distributed in 24 aquaria in a completely randomized design. Fish were fed with two colored diets - green and white - and feces color was determined after abdominal pressure. The white and green diets used 1% of titanium and chromic oxides, respectively. Total GTT was determined when all fish showed green feces. The apparent digestibility coefficients and GTT of diets decreased as dietary fiber levels increased. These results indicated that 9% dietary fiber can be used in pacu diets without negative effects on energy, protein, crude fiber and ether extract digestibility and GTT.

Determinação do teor de extrato etéreo de grãos de oleaginosas através de diferentes processamentos

The objective of this work was to determine the ether extract content of peanut and canola seeds, with extraction in Soxhlet apparatus and with three types of processing: grinding in ball mill type; maceration in mortar and grind into micro mill after maceration in mortar. Data were analyzed in an entirely randomized design with 3 treatments and 12 replicates, submitted to variance analysis and the means were compared using Tukey test (P<0.05) with routines of the SAS statistical package. The largest percentage of ether extract was obtained in the treatment which the peanuts were subjected to a greater number of extractions (56.43%), and all treatments presented different results(P <0.05). In canola grains, it was observed that the extraction with the method of grinding in ball mill and the method of sequential extraction (macerate + ground in micro mill) were statistically similar (43.52 and 42.35% respectively), and these methods were more efficient (P <0.05) to extract the ether extract than the treatment in which the grains were only macerated. For peanut grains it was concluded that the most efficient method was the sequential one and to the canola grain, it can be used only a grinding mill as samples processing witch will be submitted to ether extract extraction.

Determinação bromatológica de pleurotus ostreatus cultivado em resíduos de diferentes cultivares de bananeira

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Digestibilidade da soja semi-integral extrusada para leitões na fase inicial

Two assays were conducted to determine the coefficients of digestibility (CD) and the digestible nutrients (DN) of the extruded semi-whole soybean (Assay 1 conventional feeding and Assay 2 feeding for sows, starting at 109 days of pregnancy and during the lactation and for lactating piglets and in the initial phase, with rations without soybean meal). Each assay was divided into two phases (32 and 50 days of age). Eight piglets weaned at 25 days of age were used. Total feces collection method was used. The following variables were analyzed in feed and in feces: dry matter, crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber and gross energy. The following average values were obtained: CDDM 88.87%; CDCP 86.81%; CDEE 85.41%; CDCF 78.22%; CDGE 80.21% and CMDE 95.71%, which allowed the calculation of the digestible nutrients: DDM 81.28%; DP 34.49%; DEE 14.02%; DF 4.49%; DEa 4087.86 kcal/kg and MEa 3912.73 kcal/kg. The different coefficients of digestibility were not affected by the differential feeding for sows and piglets nor by the different ages of the animals. Moreover, the extruded semi-whole soybean presented good levels of DN, concerning mainly the digestible and metabolizable energy.