Avaliação do capim-elefante (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) cultivar taiwan A-148, ensilado com diferentes técnicas de redução de umidade

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes técnicas de redução de umidade sobre a composição química, digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS) e degradação ruminal da matéria seca da silagem de capim-elefante (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.) cv. Taiwan A-148. Os tratamentos (A, Controle; B, 20,0; C, 30,0; D, 40,0% de sabugo de milho; E, emurchecimento por 12 horas; F, emurchecimento por 24 horas; e G, esmagamento + emurchecimento por 24 horas) foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com três repetições. Os tratamentos da silagem B e E não foram eficientes em reduzir a umidade excessiva da forragem. O emurchecimento por 24 horas aumentou o teor de MS, sem influir no teor de PB e na DIVMS. Os tratamentos C e D favoreceram o desenvolvimento da população de clostrídeos, aumentaram a concentração de N-NH3 e reduziram a concentração de ácido lático e a DIVMS das silagens. O tratamento G aumentou o teor de MS e reduziu a concentração de N-NH3 e DIVMS. A adiçao de sabugo de milho (tratamentos B, C e D) reduziu a degradação ruminal da MS das silagens. O sabugo de milho reduziu a umidade, mas apresentou efeitos negativos na qualidade da silagem, enquanto o esmagamento e/ou emurchecimento foram procedimentos que mostraram bons resultados em relação à conservação do material ensilado.

Avaliação química e microbiológica do capim-elefante, cultivar taiwan A-148, preparado para ensilagem com bagaço de cana-de-açúcar

Elephant grass (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.), was cut after nine weeks of regrowth and mixed with 10, 20, 30 and 40% of sugar cane bagasse (SCB) with the objective of reducing the moisture content of the ensiled mass. Willing of the grass for eight and twelve hours was used as a comparative treatment. Initial dry matter of the grass (13%) increased in the forage mass to 17, 23, 24 and 27% by the addition of 10, 20, 30 and 40% of the SCB respectively. Wilting for eight and twelve hours increased initial dry matter to 18 and 24% respectively. Buffering capacity of elephant grass was reduced by the addition of 40% of SCB. Clostridium spores in the ensiled mass tended to be lower due to the effect of the two pre-treatments. Initial dry matter and number of spores of Clostridium were negatively correlated although without statistic significance. The addition of SCB reduced (P < 0.0.5) soluble carbohydrates and crude protein percentages in the ensiled mass. It was concluded that wilting is more effective than the addition of SCB in the practice of ensiling elephant grass.

Botutatu: nova cultivar de amendoim (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Botutatu is a new released peanut cultivar, selected from the Brazilian cultivar Tatu by progeny testing. It belongs to Valencia type and has similar characteristics of cultivar Tatu, differing from the late by being 23.7% superior in pod yield.

Geophagy in the golden-faced saki monkey (Pithecia pithecia chrysocephala) in the Central Amazon

The golden-faced saki monkey Pithecia pithecia chrysocephala (Cebidae, Primates) was observed eating soil from termite nests during a long-term study of a family group in a Central Amazonian forest fragment. In this paper we describe the behaviour involved in the geophagy in these monkeys, and the results of geochemical and physical analyses of the termite nest material, as well as root mat and topsoil samples below the trees, in order to clarify the possible reasons for it. The sakis ate soil from nine arboreal termite nests on 26 soil feeding-bouts (in 853 observation hours); 25 soil feeding-bouts occurred in March 1987 (rainy season), during 19 days or 132 observation hours, and occupied 0.7% of the feeding time. Geophagy frequencies did not differ between sexes (17 feeding-bouts of four females and 8 for two males). Mineral composition was higher in arboreal termitaria than in the topsoil. Kaolinite was the major clay component. Tannin adsorptive capacity, tested through a modified radial diffusion method of Hagerman, was around 10-20%, similar to a control with kaolin (10-20%), but lower than bentonite or celite (30-45%). The observations reported here, although inconclusive as to the function of geophagy in this species, indicate that it is not a mineral supplement during times of scarcity or high consumption of leaves, as has been reported for other primates, nor that it is related to fruit consumption (redressing possible mineral imbalance), as has been suggested for some other frugivorous mammals. Our results do not rule out tannin adsorptive hypothesis for the ingestion of clays, but, being an irregular habit, we argue that it is most likely related to rare and occasional dietary components.

Scent-marking behaviour in free-ranging golden-faced saki monkeys, Pithecia pithecia chrysocephala: Sex differences and context

Scent-marking behaviour of golden-faced saki monkey, Pithecia pithecia chrysocephala, was observed intermittently between 1987 and 1990 for a family group in a Central Amazonian forest fragment. of 95 scent-marking events (during 275.5 hours of observation), throat-and-chest rubbing accounted for all except one anogenital rubbing. Nine of the throat-and-chest markings also involved touching groin with hands and eight markings (including the anogenital), urinating on the marked branch. Marking behaviour is strongly sex related, with the adult male making 88.4% of the markings. Scent-marking frequency by the adult male increased during breeding periods. Scent-marking behaviour seems related to courtship, and possibly stimulates sexual behaviour. All regularly marked spots consisted of horizontal branches on commonly travelled routes. Eleven occurred in feeding trees and lianas, but none in sleeping trees. Scent-marking behaviour in the monkeys studied here was not related to intergroup encounters and probably did not have a territorial function, although it may do so where different groups interact.

Morphological variation in two genetically distinct groups of the golden-striped salamander, Chioglossa lusitanica (Amphibia : Urodela)

Morphometric and colour pattern variation in the endemic Iberian salamander Chioglosso lusitanica is concordant with the genetic differentiation of two groups of populations separated by the Mondego river ill Portugal. Salamanders from the south have shorter digits than those from the north. Clinal variation with a south to north increase in limb. toe and finger length was found superiniposed on this dichotomy resulting in stepped clines for characters describing appendage size. Genetic variability was paralleled by colour pattern variability in the contact zone and in northern populations. To explain the observed parallels we invoke the neutral processes of vicariant isolation. admixture in a secondary contact zone, genetic drift in addition to selection acting along all environmental gradient. Morphological constraints imposed by a highly specialized ecological niche may explain why the genetic subdivision of C. lusitanica since the early, Pleistocene has remained fairly cryptic.

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.

Documenting the advantages and limitations of different classes of molecular markers in a well-established phylogeographic context: lessons from the Iberian endemic Golden-striped salamander, Chioglossa lusitanica (Caudata: Salamandridae)

Previous analyses of mitochondrial (mt)DNA and allozymes covering the range of the Iberian endemic golden-striped salamander, Chioglossa lusitanica, suggested a Pleistocene split of the historical species distribution into two population units (north and south of the Mondego river), postglacial expansion into the northernmost extant range, and secondary contact with neutral diffusion of genes close to the Mondego river. We extended analysis of molecular variation over the species range using seven microsatellite loci and the nuclear P-fibrinogen intron 7 (beta-fibint7). Both microsatellites and beta-fibint7 showed moderate to high levels of population structure, concordant with patterns detected with mtDNA and allozymes; and a general pattern of isolation-by-distance, contrasting the marked differentiation of two population groups suggested by mtDNA and allozymes. Bayesian multilocus analyses showed contrasting results as populations north and south of the Douro river were clearly differentiated based on microsatellites, whereas allozymes revealed differentiation north and south of the Mondego river. Additionally, decreased microsatellite variability in the north supported the hypothesis of postglacial colonization of this region. The well-documented evolutionary history of C. lusitanica, provides an excellent framework within which the advantages and limitations of different classes of markers can be evaluated in defining patterns of population substructure and inferring evolutionary processes across distinct spatio-temporal scales. The present study serves as a cautionary note for investigations that rely on a single type of molecular marker, especially when the organism under study exhibits a widespread distribution and complex natural history. (C) 2008 The Linnean Society of London, Biological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008, 95, 371-387.

PLANT-TO-SEED TRANSMISSION of CURTOBACTERIUM FLACCUMFACIENS pv. FLACCUMACIENS IN A DRY BEAN CULTIVAR

Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)

Efeitos da idade dos frutos, método e condição de secagem sobre a qualidade de sementes de quiabeiro. II. Cultivar Amarelinho

Fruits of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.) cv. Amarelinho were harvested at three times: 35, 45 and 55 days after anthesis. Half part of the fruits of each harvest time was shelled and the seeds were dried in natural environment of laboratory or in dry chamber. The other half was dried unshelled in the same two conditions. Water contents of seeds were evaluated at harvest time and before the germination test, that was carried out when the seeds were in hygroscopic equilibrium with the two environments. The physiological quality of seeds was affected by the interaction effects of fruit age, drying method and drying condition. The highest values for percentage of germination were obtained from seeds taken from fruits 55 days old (up to 92%) and the hard seeds percentage was not affected by drying method and drying condition. The seeds from fruits of 35 and 45 days old had the germination percentage increased when dried inside the fruit in natural environment.

Ausência de patogenicidade de Xylella fastidiosa da escaldadura da folha da ameixeira na cultivar de pessegueiro flordasun

Xylella fastidiosa associated to plum leaf scald is reported to belong to the same group of the strain that causes the phony disease of peach. Plants of plum cultivars Santa Rosa and Harry Pickstone and peach cultivar Flordasun, grafted on peach rootstock, were inoculated by using buds collected from plum plants severely infected with X. fastidiosa. Peach plants did not develop symptoms of phony disease, after four years in the greenhouse. In contrast, plum plants from both cultivars inoculated either in the rootstock or in the canopy developed leaf scald symptoms. DAS-ELISA tests with antibody against X. fastidiosa and isolation on BCYE medium indicated the presence of the bacterium in plum tissues. These tests were negative for Flordasun peach for both stem and root samples.

Comparison of medetomidine-ketamine and dexmedetomidine-ketamine anesthesia in golden-headed lion tamarins

The cardiovascular, respiratory, and anesthetic effects of medetomidine-ketamine (20 μg/kg bodyweight [BW] and 10 mg/kg BW) (MK group) or dexmedetomidine-ketamine (10 μg/kg BW and 10 mg/kg BW) (DK group) were studied in golden-headed lion tamarins. Heart rate decreased after administration of both combinations; this reduction was statistically greater in the DK group than in the MK group after 15 and 45 minutes. Systolic arterial pressure decreased in a similar way in both groups, except at 15 minutes, when systolic arterial pressure was significantly lower in the DK group. Diastolic arterial pressure, mean arterial pressure, respiratory rate, and rectal temperature were progressively reduced in all groups. Sedation time was significantly shorter and anesthesia time was significantly longer in the DK group compared with MK group. Anesthetic quality and analgesia scores were significantly greater at 5 and 15 minutes in the DK group compared with the MK group. The administration of dexmedetomidine-ketamine is as safe and effective as the administration of medetomidine-ketamine in tamarins.

Alkaline phosphatase localization in golden hamster epididymidis: A biochemical and histochemical investigation

The aim of this study was to determine alkaline phosphatase (ALP; E.C. 3.1.3.1) activity and major expression in homogenates obtained from different regions of Golden hamster epididymis, comprising the initial segment, head, body and tail, with concomitant research of this enzyme localization and activity in samples of tissues. These were collected from the same regions and investigated by histochemical conventional study performed on frozen histological sections. No significant differences in mean ALP activity, reported as U.100 mg-1 of tissue, were observed among the biological specimens collected from the epididymidis initial segment (0.92 ± 0.28 U.100 mg-1 tissue), head (1.07 ± 0.67 U.100 mg-1 tissue) and body (0.77 ± 0.23 U.100 mg-1 tissue). However, mean ALP activity was significantly higher in the epididymal tail (8.94 ± 0.40 U.100 mg-1 tissue) compared with the precedent segments. The findings suggested that ALP plays a significant role in the tail of the Golden hamster epididymidis, mediating androgenic segregation necessary to maintain the epithelial integrity. Furthermore, ALP acts on active transport of substances between the luminal fluid and spermatozoon membrane, and contrariwise. Thus, the high concentration of ALP in the epididymal tail helps to indicate the importance of this enzyme in the metabolism and maintenance of spermatozoa maturation and storage into the epididymidis luminal compartment, perhaps directly influencing the normal reproductive morphophysiology.

Efeitos da ciclosporina a sobre a função renal de cães da raça Golden Retriever normais ou afetados pela distrofia muscular

The muscular dystrophy of Golden Retriever is a degenerative miopaty caused by the absence of dystrophy and it is genetically homologue of the Duchenne muscular dystrophy in humans, so, these dogs are considerably experimental models for studies on cellular therapy. Their successful depends of the adequate immunosuppression. Cyclosporin A is indicated for that and the monitoring of blood concentration and adverse effects are essential to viabilise the therapy. It was studied GRMD dogs, and normal dogs from the same breed, submitted for therapy with CsA, associated, on GRMD, of cell transplantation. It was evaluated the possible effects of the drug on renal functions. It has been considerate the clinic manifestations, urinalisis, testis of glomerular function and blood concentrations of urea, cretinine, sodium and potassium. In our results we found a discrete increase of blood urea on booth groups; increased levels of urine's cylinders and protein and also increase of urinary density on GRMD group. CsA therapy could make acute lesions on renal tubules, especially on GRMD. These dogs also have different reactions than normal dogs on relation of ions homeostasis and renal function. However, earlier diagnosis and adequate treatment could prevent the development of renal diseases.