Apparent digestible energy and nutrient digestibility coefficients of diet ingredients for pacu Piaractus brachypomus

The digestible energy and apparent nutrient digestibility coefficients of common diet ingredients were determined for pacu Piaractus brachypomus (370.21 ± 17.56 g). Fish were fed with pelleted practical diets to apparent satiation and the feces were collected by siphoning. The digestibility value for each ingredient was determined by comparison of the digestibility of a test diet with a reference diet (24.5% crude protein and 1% chromic oxide). The digestible energy values of soybean meal (SBM), fish meal (FM), corn (CN), and wheat bran (WB) were 2382, 3826, 3353, and 1784 kcal/kg, respectively. The apparent dry matter digestibility coefficients were 83.72, 90.14, 89.13, and 82.05% for SBM, FM, CN, and WB, respectively. The apparent crude protein digestibility coefficients were 75.88, 90.49, 85.06, and 61.62% for SBM, FM, CN, and WB, respectively. The apparent lipid digestibility coefficients were 63.03, 77.00, 83.01, and 82.45% for SBM, FM, CN, and WB, respectively. The digestibility of protein, lipid, and energy from SBM were somewhat low compared to values for other warmwater omnivorous fishes, but similar to values reported for pacu-caranha P. mesopotamicus. Otherwise, the nutrient and energy availability of the ingredients to P. brachypomus was similar to that of other fish. This information will be useful in formulating nutritious, economical diets for pacus. © by the World Aquaculture Society 2004.

Resídue de polpas de frutas desidratadas na alimentação de leitões em fase de creche

It was evaluated chemically and biologically the powdered fruits pulp residue, used in human food industry. In the digestibility study it was used 12 commercial hybrids barrows piglets, with initial weight 12.2 ± 1,6 kg, allotted in individual cages. The treatments were a basal and a test diet. In the test diet the fruits pulp residue replaced 30% of the basal dry matter. The following values were obtained: dry matter 89,54%, starch 71,1%, glucose 5.4%, fructose 2,2%, crude protein 5,33%, gross energy 3771 kcal/kg, apparent digestible dry matter 96,01%, digestible energy 3448 kcal/kg, metabolizable energy 3389 kcal/kg. By bromatologic results and metabolism study, the powdered fruits pulp residue was characterized as an alternative to be evaluated in piglet diets. In the performance assay 90 piglets with initial weight of 6,60 ± 0,76 kg were allotted in a randomized block design, with six replications and three animals per experimental unit. The treatments were levels of powdered fruits pulp residue (0. 25, 50, 75 and 100%) replacing the corn of the control diet. The studied phases were initial-1 (14 days), initial-2 (21 days) and total period. On the performance there was no difference between the studied inclusion levels. For meal diets, the fruits pulp residue can replace the corn.

Effects of hand weeding strip and nitrogen fertilizer on corn plants

The objective of the present research was to evaluate effects of different strip weed control associated with nitrogen fertilizer on corn applied after planting. The experiment was set and conducted in Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil, and the hybrid planted was Dekalb 333-B. A completely randomized block design with four replications was used. Experimental plots were disposed as a factorial scheme 2 x 2 x 4, constituted by two types of weeding on row (with or without manual hoeing), two types of weeding on inter-row (with or without manual hoeing), and four nitrogen levels applied after planting (00, 60, 90, and 120 kg ha-1). Plots were composed by six rows with 5 m length. Nitrogen fertilizer was applied at 35 days after emergence (d.a.e). For weed community it was evaluated: weed density, dominancy, frequency, and relative importance. The main weed species were: Brachiaria plantiginea, Amaranthus retroflexus, Bidens pilosa, Cyperus rotunds, Brachiaria decumbens, Euphorbia heterofila, Oxalis latifolia, Acanthospermum hispidum, Commelina benghalensis. It was evaluated corn height at 40 and 100 d.a.e., first ear insertion height at 100 d.a.e., and final grain yield at harvesting. Plants and first ear insertion height were affected when nitrogen fertilizer was not applied. Treatments without weed control showed that weed interfered negatively with plants height. There were no correlation between weeds and nitrogen fertilizer for all parameters evaluated. Parcels without weed showed the highest ear weights and final grain production. Treatments that received nitrogen fertilizer, independently of studied arrangement, provided higher yields.

Recycling of silicon carbide and corn starch as binder originating from commercial starch consolidation

The main goal of this work is to demonstrate that the use of recycled material originated from SiC ceramics is viable. These ceramics were produced by commercial starch consolidation process. Before calcination stage, surplus of these materials always appears. This surplus is rich in SiC and starch. Samples were made by material previously milled in automatic mortar and sieved (100 Tyler). Later, 10% of distilled water was added to the material and the mixture was pressed at 40 MPa. In order to characterize the ceramic, three point flexural test were made, according to the ASTM C1161/94 norm. The results were analyzed by Weibull statistical method. Apparent density and porosity measures also were made, according to ASTM C20/87 norm. A verification of the surface was made in the fracture area by the depth from focus method and SEM image analysis. The results showed that the recycling process is fully viable, being a good economic option and reduce possible pollutant effect to the environment.

Corn root length density and root diameter as affected by soil compaction and soil water content

Negative effects of soil compaction have been recognized as one of the problems restricting the root system and consequently impairing yields, especially in the Southern Coastal Plain of the USA. Simulations of the root restricting layers in green house studies are necessary for the development of mechanism which alleviates soil compaction problems in these soils. The selection of three distinct bulk densities based on the standard proctor test is also an important factor to determine which bulk density restricts the root layer. The experiment was conducted to assess the root length density and root diameter of the corn (Zea mays L.) crop as a function of bulk density and water stress, characterized by the soil density (1.2; 1.4, and 1.6 g cm -3), and two levels of the water content, approximately (70 and 90% field capacity). The statistical design adopted was completely randomized design, with four replicates in a factorial pattern of (3 × 2). The PVC tubes were superimposed with an internal diameter of 20 cm with a height of 40 cm (the upper tube 20 cm, compacted and inferior tube 10 cm), the hardpan with different levels of soil compaction were located between 20 and 30 cm of the depth of the pot. Results showed that: the main effects of subsoil mechanical impedance were observed on the top layer indicating that the plants had to penetrate beyond the favorable soil conditions before root growth was affected from 3.16; 2.41 to 1.37 cm cm -3 (P<0.005). There was a significant difference at the hardpan layer for the two levels of water and 90% field capacity reduced the root growth from 0.91 to 0.60 cm cm -3 (P<0.005). The root length density and root diameter were affected by increasing soil bulk density from 1.2 to 1.6 g cm -3 which caused penetration resistance to increase to 1.4 MPa. Soil water content of 70% field capacity furnished better root growth in all the layers studied. The increase in root length density resulted in increased root volume. It can also be concluded that the effect of soil compaction impaired the root diameter mostly at the hardpan layer. Soil temperature had detrimental effect on the root growth mostly with higher bulk densities.

Enhancement of meal-associated hypertonic NaCl intake by moxonidine into the lateral parabrachial nucleus

α2-Adrenoceptor activation with moxonidine (α2-adrenergic/imidazoline receptor agonist) into the lateral parabrachial nucleus (LPBN) enhances angiotensin II/hypovolaemia-induced sodium intake and drives cell dehydrated rats to ingest hypertonic sodium solution besides water. Angiotensin II and osmotic signals are suggested to stimulate meal-induced water intake. Therefore, in the present study we investigated the effects of bilateral injections of moxonidine into the LPBN on food deprivation-induced food intake and on meal-associated water and 0.3 M NaCl intake. Male Holtzman rats with cannulas implanted bilaterally into the LPBN were submitted to 14 or 24 h of food deprivation with water and 0.3 M NaCl available (n = 6-14). Bilateral injections of moxonidine (0.5 nmol/0.2 μl) into the LPBN increased meal-associated 0.3 M NaCl intake (11.4 ± 3.0 ml/120 min versus vehicle: 2.2 ± 0.9 ml/120 min), without changing food intake (11.1 ± 1.2 g/120 min versus vehicle: 11.2 ± 0.9 g/120 min) or water intake (10.2 ± 1.5 ml/120 min versus vehicle: 10.4 ± 1.2 ml/120 min) by 24 h food deprived rats. When no food was available during the test, moxonidine (0.5 nmol) into the LPBN of 24 h food-deprived rats produced no change in 0.3 M NaCl intake (1.0 ± 0.6 ml/120 min versus vehicle: 1.8 ± 1.1 ml/120 min), nor in water intake (0.2 ± 0.1 ml/120 min versus vehicle: 0.6 ± 0.3 ml/120 min). The results suggest that signals generated during a meal, like dehydration, for example, not hunger, induce hypertonic NaCl intake when moxonidine is acting in the LPBN. Thus, activation of LPBN inhibitory mechanisms seems necessary to restrain sodium intake during a meal. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Mixed germ cell tumor of the pituitary-hypothalamic region presenting as craniopharyngioma: Case report and review of the literature

Craniopharyngiomas and germ cell tumors (GCT) may affect the pituitary-hypothalamic region during childhood. Although different in origin, their clinical and radiological features may be similar. In this article we present a 5-year-old girl with clinical and radiological findings (computer tomography calcification) that were initially considered as craniopharyngioma. However clinical outcome, blood and cerebral spinal fluid tumoral markers, and results from anatomopathology and immunohistochemistry disclosed a mixed GCT. This case report highlights that some clinical features and radiological findings of pituitary-hypothalamic tumors may be misdiagnosed as craniopharyngioma mainly when there is a mature teratoma with cartilaginous tissue differentiation. Copyright© ABE&M.

An overview of functional and stereological evaluation of spermatogenesis and germ cell transplantation in fish

Although there are almost thirty-thousand species of fish living in a great variety of habitats and utilizing vast reproductive strategies, our knowledge of morphofunctional and quantitative aspects of testis structure and spermatogenesis is still incipient for this group of vertebrates. In this review, we discuss aspects that are important to better understanding of testis structure and function, and of the development of germ cells (GC) during spermatogenesis. To achieve this, we have recently completed a number of studies presenting morphometric and functional data related to the numbers of GC and Sertoli cells (SC) per each type of spermatogenic cyst, the number of spermatogonial generations, the SC efficiency, and the magnitude of GC loss that normally occurs during spermatogenesis. We also investigated SC proliferation and the relationship of this important event to early spermatogenic cysts. The available data strongly suggest that SC proliferation in sexually mature tilapia is the primary factor responsible for the increase in testis size and for determination of the magnitude of sperm production. The influence of temperature on the duration of spermatogenesis in tilapia was also evaluated and we have used this knowledge to deplete endogenous spermatogenesis in this teleost, in order to develop an experimental system for GC transplantation. This exciting technique results in new possibilities for investigation of spermatogenesis and spermatogonial stem cell biology, creating also an entirely new and promising scenario in biotechnology - transgenic animal production and the preservation of the genetic stocks of valuable animals or endangered species. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2008.

Características de carcaça de cordeiros alimentados com grãos e subprodutos da canola

The aim of this work was to evaluate the introduction of 8% grains and by-products (meal or cake) of canola in the diets of lambs. To evaluate quantitative carcass characteristics, 24 Santa Ines lambs were used in a completely randomized design. Diets with averages of 15.4% of CP in DM and 80.2% of TDN were composed for 40% Tifton hay and 60% concentrate based on corn grain, soybean meal, whole grain canola, canola meal, canola cake and mineral mixture. The use of whole grains and by-products of canola in the diet of lambs finished in feedlot did not influence (p > 0.05) quantitative carcass characteristics. For cut dressing in relation to the CCW, no effect was observed for the analyzed variables among treatments. It was concluded that the introduction of grains and by-products of canola allow for satisfactory results, and could be recommended in the formulations of lamb diets.

Automatic classification of fish germ cells through optimum-path forest

The spermatogenesis is crucial to the species reproduction, and its monitoring may shed light over some important information of such process. Thus, the germ cells quantification can provide useful tools to improve the reproduction cycle. In this paper, we present the first work that address this problem in fishes with machine learning techniques. We show here how to obtain high recognition accuracies in order to identify fish germ cells with several state-of-the-art supervised pattern recognition techniques. © 2011 IEEE.

Corn yield with reduction of insecticidal sprayings against fall armyworm Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)

The ideal time is more important than amount of insecticidal spraying to adequate the control of Spodoptera frugiperda J.E. Smith (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in corn. This study aimed to evaluate lufenuron sequential sprayings effect and its rotation with other active ingredients on the population, damage caused by S. frugiperda and the impact on corn yield. The experiment was carried out in the field with six treatments: (1) one lufenuron spraying, (2) two lufenuron sprayings, (3) three lufenuron sprayings (4) four lufenuron sprayings, (5) sprayings with spinosad, lufenuron, thiamethoxam+lambdacyhalothrin and deltamethrin (in sequence, at ten days intervals) (6) control treatment. Sprayings started twenty days after the seedling had emerged and then every ten days for a maximum of four sprays. Both caterpillar population (20.9-21.7 larvae/plot) and index of damage (1.2-1.7) observed in corn plants were significantly lower in treated plots compared to control (untreated) (31.7 larvae/plot and index of damage 2.7), regardless of spraying amount. The results showed that multiple insecticide applications to control S. frugiperda do not guarantee higher yields in corn, ranging from 6375.2 to 7650.1 kg ha -1. Only one spraying of lufenuron was enough to prevent significant reduction in corn yield (6749.9 kg ha -1). © 2012 Asian Network for Scientific Information.

Air-assistance in spray booms which have different spray volumes and nozzle types for chemically controlling spodoptera frugiperda on corn

The study aimed to evaluate the performance of air assistance in spray booms using different types of nozzles and spray volumes. We took into account spray deposits, fall armyworm control and crop corn performance in a narrow row cropping system. The experiment was carried out at the experimental area of Sao Paulo State University, Botucatu/SP, Brazil, during the 2008/2009 agricultural season, in randomized blocks with a factorial scheme (2×2+1) and four replications. Two spray nozzles (flat fan nozzle and hollow cone nozzle) were tested, combined with two air assistance levels in the spray boom (with and without air assistance) and a treatment control. In the experimental spraying, Spinosad insecticide was sprayed in amounts of 48 g active substance (a.s.)/ha. The air assistance in the spray boom increased the spray deposits in the V 4 growth stage of the corn plants. Moreover, the application of this technology showed higher efficiency on fall armyworm control, reaching a 100% level 15 days after spraying, in the V 10 growth stage of the plants. The hollow cone nozzle increased the spray deposit level on the corn plants compared with the flat fan nozzle, at growth stage V 4. However, the flat fan nozzle, combined with air assistance technology, was more effective for controlling fall armyworm in the same growth stage (V 4), although the hollow cone nozzle increased the deposit levels on the plants. All the technologies tested in the study promoted a reduction of plant damage from fall armyworm attack. Corn productivity is directly related to the control efficiency of fall armyworm.

Effects of spray nozzles and spray volume on spodoptera frugiperda management and narrow row corn performance

The high demand of pesticides in the production systems makes the application technology one of the main alternatives to optimize the products efficiency. In this context, the study aimed to evaluate the effects of spray nozzles and spray volumes on spraying deposits, armyworm control and crop corn performance in narrow row sowing system. The experiment was carried out at experimental area of Sao Paulo State University, Campus of Botucatu/SP, Brazil, during the 2009/2010 agricultural season, in randomized blocks with factorial scheme (2x2+1) and four replications. It was tested two flat fan spray nozzles (with and without air induction) combined with two spray volumes (100 and 200 L ha-1) plus a control treatment. There was no influence of spray nozzles (without air induction) in the spray deposits levels on plants. However, the flat fan nozzle with air induction was more effective on fall armyworm, with 100% of control against 47.84% from other at 15 days after spraying. The increase in the spray volume promoted high spray deposits (415.4 and 388.6 μL g-1 dry mass for flat fan nozzle with and without air induction, respectively at V10 growth stage) and consequently, the highest spray volume (200 L-1) was more efficient in the fall armyworm suppression, with 100% of control. All the technologies tested showed lower plant injury from fall armyworm. The insecticide sprayed with different technologies did not affect the parameters of plant height and leaf area index. The corn productivity was directly related with control efficiency of fall armyworm. © 2012 Academic Journals Inc.

Fontes energéticas associadas ao farelo de girassol ou à ureia em dietas para novilhos

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and carcass traits of steers fed corn or citrus pulp associated with sunflower meal or urea. Diets were composed of two energy sources (corn grain and citrus pulp) associated with two protein sources (soybean meal and urea), resulting in four treatments in forage:concentrate ratio of 40:60. It were used 24 steers, 1/2 Angus × 1/2 Nellore (18 months old and 329 kg BW) distributed in a completely randomized design which were finished in feedlot for 80 days. It were evaluated the intake, average daily gain and carcass traits of the animals. Intake of dry matter (DMI), crude protein (CPI) and neutral detergent fiber (NDFI) were affected (p<0.05) by diets. The diet with citrus pulp and urea (PU) showed the lowest (p<0.05) DMI (8.30 kg), CPI (1.03 kg) and NDFI (3.31 kg). The average daily weight gain (ADG) followed the behavior of DMI, NDFI and CPI and the lowest value (p<0.05) was observed for animals fed diet PU. Regarding carcass traits, diets containing corn associated with urea (MU) or sunflower meal (MFG) and citrus pulp associated with sunflower meal (PFG), provided the highest (p<0.05) carcass cold weights (238.37, 247.26 and 237.14 kg, respectively). However, the lowest cold carcass dressing percentage (p<0.05) was obtained in diet MU (50.57%). The association of citrus pulp with urea should not be performed when citrus pulp partially or totally replace corn as energy source in diets, because possibly this association promote an energy deficit resulting in lower performance and worse carcass traits of animals finished in feedlot.

Substituição dos grãos secos de milho pela silagem de grãos úmidos de milho para vacas da raça holandesa em lactação

In order to evaluate the effects of replacement of dried corn (GSM) for silage moisture corn (HMCS) on production and milk composition were used five Holstein cows, primiparous with a mean of 112 days post delivery, confined in Tie Stall, for 70 days. We used five diets according to NRC to 17.5% CP (DM) and 2.4 Mcal / kg DM, the 40:60 ratio of roughage and concentrate containing soybean meal, sugar cane silage and hay and substitution levels of the GSM HMCS the following treatments: a) 0%, 2) 25%, 3) 50%, 4) 75% and 5) 100%. Milk production and dry matter intake (DMI) were recorded daily. The animals were milked daily 6:00 and 18:00 h, and milk samples collected from consecutive milkings of each experimental period of 14 days (four days of collection). The experimental design was a 5x5 Latin square and the data analyzed by the statistical program SAS. Body weight (508 kg), milk (23.6 kg), corrected milk (22.7 kg), DMI (17.13 kg) showed no significant difference, but the intakes of neutral detergent fiber (6.67 kg), and detergent acid (3.39 kg), feed efficiency for the production of milk (milk 1.41 kg / day) urea nitrogen (17.67 mg / dL) differ, thus indicating that HMCS is more efficient than GSM in the diet of dairy cows not alter the production and milk composition.