Sistemas de Alimentação com Livre Escolha e Semi Livre Escolha para Poedeiras

This research was carried out to verify the ability of laying hens to select food in order to meet their requirements for protein and energy. Ninety-six Hy-Line White laying hens, 45 weeks old, were allotted to a randomized block design with two blocks (two ranges of body weight), four treatments, and three replicates of four hens in each block. The treatments consisted of four different feeding systems: I-Conventional feeding represented by a complete ration composed of 60% ground corn and 40% protein concentrate; 2-Free-choice feeding with ground corn, protein concentrate and oyster shells fed in feeders with three separate compartments; 3-Semi free-choice feeding with whole corn grain, protein concentrate and oyster shells in the same proportion in one feeder; 4-Free-choice feeding with whole corn grain, protein concentrate and oyster shells fed in feeders with three separate compartments. The results indicated that the hens, in spite of age, adapt to different feeding systems, and that they can select feed to meet their nutrient requirements. The semi free-choice and free-choice feeding systems with whole corn grain resulted in the same performance compared to conventional feeding, but shell quality was not improved by oyster shell supplementation. However, the worst performance was with free-choice feeding with ground corn, which indicated that in the free-choice feeding system the use of whole corn grain is recommended.

Época de sobressemeadura de gramíneas anuais de inverno e de verão no capim-Tifton 85: produção e composição botânica

The experiment was conducted at UNESP-Jaboticabal during the 2001-2002 winter-spring-summer periods to evaluate the herbage mass, botanical composition, dry matter production of mix pastures, and leaf: sheat-stem ration of Tifton 85 or overseeding with annual winter or summer species. The treatments were: pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke) plus bristeal oat (Avena strigosa Schreb); sorghum sudan grass (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench x Sorghum sudanense (Piper) Stapf) (SS AG2501 C) plus bristeal oat, overseeded on Tifton 85 area on 06/19/02/04, or 07/02/02, and Tifton 85, conducted in a randomized block design. The AG2501 contributed with a small participation in the botanical composition and the presence of millet in the experiment was not observed. Highest herbage mass at first and second evaluations related to first seeding time was 63% higher compared to the second seeding time. The herbage mass were similar he production in the other evaluations were similar. on the second seeding time, it was observed highest oat species in relation to the first seeding time. The leaf: sheat-stem ration decreased during the experiment due to the pasture botanical composition changes.

Nitrogen management in maize cover crop rotations

Winter cover crops can affect N nutrition of the following maize crop. Although legumes have been recommend for maize rotations, in tropical areas grasses may be more interesting because they provide a longer protection of soil surface. Legumes can add N to the system and grasses can compete with maize for the available nutrient. An experiment was conducted in Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil, to study N dynamics in the soil surface straw-maize system as affected by N fertilization management and species included in the no-till rotation. Treatments were fallow, black oat (Avena strigosa), pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), white lupins (Lupinus albus), black oat fertilized with N. and pearl millet fertilized with N. Maize was grown afterwards in the same plots, receiving 0.0, 60.0 and 120.0 kg ha(-1) of N sidedressed 30 days after plant emergence. Soil, straw and maize samples were taken periodically. The highest corn yields were observed when it was cropped after pearl millet fertilized with N. Nitrogen side dressed application up to 120 kg ha(-1) was not able to avoid corn yield decrease caused by black oat. Grasses can be recommended in maize rotations in tropical areas, provided they receive nitrogen fertilizer and show no allelopathy. Due to its higher ON ratio and dry matter yield they are better than legumes, protecting the soil surface for a longer period. Pearl millet is particularly interesting because it enhances N use efficiency by the following maize crop. For a better N availability/demand synchronism, the cover crops should be desiccated right before maize planting.

Early development and nutrition of cover crop species as affected by soil compaction

A good cover crop should have a vigorous early development and a high potential for nutrient uptake that can be made available to the next crop. In tropical areas with relatively dry winters drought tolerance is also very important. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the early development and nutrition of six species used as cover crops as affected by sub-superficial compaction of the soil. The plants (oats, pigeon pea, pearl millet, black mucuna, grain sorghum, and blue lupin) were grown in pots filled with soil subjected to different subsurface compaction levels (bulk densities of 1.12, 1.16, and 1.60 mg m(-3)) for 39 days. The pots had an internal diameter of 10 cm and were 33.5 cm deep. Grasses were more sensitive to soil compaction than leguminous plants during the initial development. Irrespective of compaction rates, pearl millet and grain sorghum were more efficient in recycling nutrients. These two species proved to be more appropriate as cover crops in tropical regions with dry winters, especially if planted shortly before spring.

MINERAL COMPOSITION of RAW MATERIAL, SUBSTRATE and FRUITING BODIES of Pleurotus ostreatus IN CULTURE

In a culture of a Pleurotus ostreatus (oyster mushroom) strain, macro and micronutrients of the raw material and the initial and spent substrates were evaluated. Substrates were formulated with sawdust from Simarouba amara Aubl. and Ochroma piramidale Cav. ex. Lam., crushed Bactris gasipaes Kunth and crushed Saccharum officinarum (sugar cane). Samples were solubilized by means of acid digestion (nitric-peridrol). Ca, Mg, Fe, Cu, Zn and Mn were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry, Na and K by atomic emission, and P by colorimetry. The mineral composition of the fruiting body varied with the substrates, which made possible the production of a fruiting body rich in K, P Mg and Fe. Potassium was the mineral with the highest content in the fruiting body in all substrates tested (36.83-42.18g.kg(-1)). There was an increase of protein and mineral content in the spent substrate in relation to the initial one.

The correlation between subordinate fish eye colour and received attacks: a negative social feedback mechanism for the reduction of aggression during the formation of dominance hierarchies

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Root growth and nutrient accumulation in cover crops as affected by soil compaction

Crop rotation using cover crops with vigorous root systems may be a tool to manage soils with some degree of compaction. Root and shoot growth as well as nutrient accumulation by summer species suitable for crop rotation in tropical areas were studied at different subsoil compaction levels. Crotalaria juncea (Indian hemp), Crotalaria spectabilis (showy crotalaria), Helianthus annuus (sunflower), Pennisetum americanum (pearl millet) and Sorghum bicolor (guinea sorghum) were grown for 40 days in pots 33.5 cm high with 10 cm internal diameter. Soil in the pots had uniform bulkdensity of 1.25 Mg m-3 for the top and bottom 15 cm sections. Bulk densities of 1.31, 1.43, 1.58 and 1.70 Mg m-3 Were established in the 3.5 cm middle section. H. annuus and P. americanum had the highest early macronutrient accumulation. The grasses S. bicolor and P. americanum yielded twice as much shoot dry matter as the other species. Root growth generally decreased with increasing soil bulk density with C. spectabilis less affected than other species. Although the grasses were more sensitive to high soil penetration resistance, they showed higher root length densities at all compaction levels. P. americanum had the highest potential to be used as cover crop due to its high root density at high soil penetration resistances, vegetative vigour and ability to accumulate macronutrients. © 2002 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.

Potassium leaching from millet straw as affected by rainfall and potassium rates

Pearl millet (Penisetum glaucum) is an interesting species to be used as cover crop in tropical areas, showing a high ability in potassium uptake. Potassium (K) is not linked to organic compounds in the plant, and can easily be released from decaying straw becoming available for subsequent crops. This experiment evaluated K leaching from millet straw grown under potassium rates (0, 100, 200, and 300 mg dm-3), and submitted to five levels of simulated rain (5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mm). Plants were grown in soil filled pots in a greenhouse. On the 50th day after emergence, the plants were desiccated with glyphosate. Artificial rain was applied over the straw. Potassium deficiency speeds up millet dehydration after herbicide application and increases lightly rain water retention in the straw. The amount of K leached right after plant desiccation is correlated with the residue nutrient content and can be as high as 64 kg ha-1 considering a mulch of 8 t ha -1. Although well-nourished millet plants release considerable amounts of K with the first rains, a large percentage of the nutrient is still retained in the straw. Copyright © Taylor & Francis, Inc.

Estudo multicêntrico Brasileiro - Adesivo contraceptivo transdérmico semanal: Preferência e satisfação das usuárias

Background: To assess satisfaction with the weekly transdermal contraceptive patch, compared to the previous contraceptive method. Adhesion, cycle control, safety and efficacy were secondary outcomes. Methods: A multicenter, open label, descriptive study. Subjects received the weekly transdermal contraceptive patch for 6 cycles. At the baseline and after the 1 st, 3 rd and 6 th cycles, satisfaction with the method was assessed. The contraceptive efficacy was assessed by the Pearl Index and by life table analysis. Results: An ITT analysis was performed with 494 subjects. At the endpoint, 95.3% of women were satisfied with the patch compared to the previous method; 59.5%, 58.0% and 63.2% of women reported improvement in the physical and emotional well-being, and pre-menstrual symptoms, respectively. Pre-menstrual symptoms frequency decreased from 85.0% (CI 95%: 80.8-87.4%) to 55.0% (CI 95%: 49.9-66.0%). There was a significant increase in hemoglobin levels, and also a significant decrease in total serum cholesterol and tryglicerides.. There were no significant adverse events. The adjusted Pearl Index was 1.1 pregnancies per 100 women-years. Conclusions: The weekly contraceptive transdermal patch is a safe and effective method, and there was a high rate of satisfaction with its use among brazilian women. The patch was associated to a good cycle control, with easiness of use, improvement in the physical and emotional well-being and improvement in the premenstrual symptoms and lipid profile. © Copyright Moreira Jr. Editora. Todos os direitos reservados.

Influência da cobertura de aveia-preta e milheto sobre comunidade de plantas daninhas e produção de soja

The success in weed control by using straw depends on the management time, straw quality and quantity. The objective of this research was to evaluate the suppressor effect of black-oats and millet straw cover on the incidence of weeds and on the productivity of the soybean crop. The experiment was carried out during the years 2006 and 2007, in an area from the Farm of Education, Research and Production of FCAV-UNESP, Jaboticabal Campus, in a completely randomized block design, with four replications. Treatments consisted of different types of black oats and pearl millet straw management before soybean seeding (without management, obtained by machine cut, desiccated using glyphosate desiccation and with paraquat) and different periods of straw deposition (0, 15, 30 e 60 days before soybean seeding). The weed population and the characteristics of soybean growth and production were evaluated. The deposition of black oats and pearl millet straw provided reductions in weed density and dry mass, and this effect was more effective when the deposition occurred until 15 days prior to soybean seeding. The suppressor effect of black oats straw was more pronounced than that of pearl millet straw, regardless of the drying method, although the millet had a greater dry matter production. No significant differences were found between the drying methods and the straw effectiveness.

Determinação da massa seca, teor de nutrientes e cobertura do solo de espécies semeadas no outono-inverno

Culture options for the autumn-winter season are a major problem for production systems under low rainfall. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the sowing season on dry matter yield, nutrient content of the shoot and soil covering percentage of coverage plants on the soil on the intercrop: grain sorghum, rattlepods, pearl millet brachiaria grass and an area with weeds (fallow). The experiment was conducted under field conditions on an Oxisol (Haplustox), clay texture, in Selvíria, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The experimental design was a randomized block design with eight replications, two sowing seasons and five coverage treatments. When the sorghum culture of the first sowing season reached the harvest stage, the dry matter yield on the other treatments was evaluated. Results showed that sowing in March results in higher dry mass yield and higher soil coverage percentage in the studied species. In the first sowing season, Brachiaria brizantha presents higher dry matter yield and macronutrients extraction.

Phosphorus and potassium budget in the soil-plant system in crop rotations under no-till

Soil management and crop rotations can affect P and K budget in soil, decreasing losses, and increasing fertilizer use efficiency. The P and K budget in the soil-plant system at depths up to 60. cm was studied for different soil managements and crop rotations under no-till for three years in Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil. The investigated crop rotations were: triticale (X Triticosecale) and sunflower (Helianthus annuus) cropped in autumn-winter; pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), and Sunn hemp (Crotalaria juncea) were grown in the spring, as well as an additional treatment with chiseling followed by a fallow period; and soybean (Glycini max, L., Merril) was cropped in the summer. Each year triticale and sunflower were grown in plots and pearl millet, forage sorghum, Sunn hemp and of chisel/fallow in sub-plots. The triticale/millet rotation led to the largest decrease in available P within the 0-0.60. m layer of the soil profile and the largest K increase within the 0-0.05. m layer. Potassium mobility in the soil profile and the increases in the available K content in the 0.40-0.60. m layer were independent of the management system. Crop rotations with or without chiseling are not effective in preventing soil P losses. There is considerable K leaching below 0.60. m, but chiseling and the use of high K accumulating plants as triticale results in lower K losses. © 2012 Elsevier B.V.

A precautionary tale when describing species in a world of invaders: Morphology, coloration and genetics demonstrate that Lysmata rauli is not a new species endemic to Brazil but a junior synonym of the Indo-Pacific L. vittata

The objective of this study was to investigate morphological variation in traits of systematic relevance and the phylogenetic position, ecology, and reproductive biology of the shrimp Lysmata rauli Laubenheimer and Rhyne, 2010 (Caridea: Hippolytidae), described based only on a single specimen collected in Salvador, Bahia, Brazil. We analyzed a total of 89 specimens from Camamu Bay, Bahia (n = 88) and from S3o Vicente estuary, São Paulo (n = 1). Considerable morphological variation was detected in the rostral spine series, number of segments on the carpus and merus of pereiopod 2, number of spiniform setae on the ventrolateral margin of merus and on the ventral margin of propodus of pereiopods 3-5. Importantly, L rauli can be distinguished neither using morphology, nor coloration from the Indo-Pacific L. vittata (Stimpson, 1860). Furthermore, molecular phylogenetic analyses (using the 16S mt DNA fragment) did not reveal any considerable genetic dissimilarities between L rauli and L vittata. Thus, our results clearly indicate that L rauli is not a new species but a junior synonym of L vittata. The high density observed within the structures of oyster farming indicates that the invasive L vittata lives in crowds in Brazil. The studied population was composed of males, hermaphrodites, and transitional individuals (having characteristics of males and hermaphrodites). The above information suggests that L rauli is a protandric simultaneous hermaphrodite, as it has been observed in all species of Lysmata that have been investigated. Lysmata vittata has invaded the southwestern Atlantic and is present in Bahia, Rio de Janeiro and S3o Paulo, Brazil. © The Crustacean Society, 2013. Published by Brill NV, Leiden.

Phosphorus and potassium balance in a corn-soybean rotation under no-till and chiseling

Nutrient use efficiency has become an important issue in agriculture, and crop rotations with deep vigorous rooted cover crops under no till may be an important tool in increasing nutrient conservation in agricultural systems. Ruzigrass (Brachiaria ruziziensis) has a vigorous, deep root system and may be effective in cycling P and K. The balance of P and K in cropping systems with crop rotations using ruzigrass, pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) and ruzigrass + castor bean (Ricinus communis), chiseled or not, was calculated down to 0.60 m in the soil profile for 2 years. The cash crops were corn in the first year and soybean in the second year. Crop rotations under no-till increased available P amounts in the soil-plant system from 80 to 100 %, and reduced K losses between 4 and 23 %. The benefits in nutrient balance promoted by crop rotations were higher in the second year and under without chiseling. Plant residues deposited on the soil surface in no-till systems contain considerable nutrient reserve and increase fertilizer use efficiency. However, P release from ruzigrass grown as a sole crop is not synchronized with soybean uptake rate, which may result in decreased yields. © 2013 Springer Science+Business Media Dordrecht.

Cover crops and no-till effects on physical fractions of soil organic matter

Physical fractions (free light fraction, intra-aggregate light fraction and heavy fraction) of soil organic matter (SOM) are good indicators of soil quality for sustainable land use. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of cover crops on total organic carbon (TOC) and physical fractions of soil organic matter in soil under a no-tillage system (NTS) and a conventional tillage system (CTS, one plowing and two disking). A three-year field experiment was carried out as a cover crop-rice (Oryza sativa)-cover crop-rice rotation. Treatments included cover crops (Panicum maximum, Brachiaria ruziziensis, Brachiaria brizantha, and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), fallow, till or no till. The SOM was physically fractionated in free light fraction (FLF), intra-aggregates light fraction (IALF) and heavy fraction (HF). The levels of C in whole soil were also evaluated, as well as C in the light fractions (FLF+IALF) and in the HF. Results indicated that concentrations of C in the FLF and IALF in surface soils (0-0.05m) were much higher (10.8 and 1.95gkg-1, respectively) than that in the 0.05-0.1m soil depth (7.68 and 1.54gkg-1, respectively) and in the 0.1-0.2m soil depth (4.98 and 1.24gkg-1, respectively). The NTS resulted in higher levels of FLF (12.2gkg-1) and IALF (2.19gkg-1) than with CTS (1.37-7.30gkg-1). Millet had the highest C (19.5gkg-1) and N (1.1gkg-1) concentrations in soil. There was an accumulation of TOC and total N in the surface soil with cover crops, and concentrations of TOC were higher in the HF (79.0%) than in the light fractions (21.0%). Although SOM changed little during the two years of this experiment, the various C fractions were significantly affected by the tillage treatments. We conclude that SOM physical fractionation allowed seeing significant differences caused by the soil management in the organic matter dynamics in a short period of time. © 2013 Elsevier B.V.