Nutrient digestibility of degermed, dehulled corn, citrus pulp, and soy protein concentrate by barrows

This study was carried out to determine apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of DM, CP, GE, and their respective digestible content of degermed dehulled corn (Zea mays), citrus pulp, and soy (Glycine max) protein concentrate by pigs using the difference method. Thirty-two barrows (28.1 +/- 1.6 kg of BW) were fed a corn-soybean meal basal diet or 1 of 3 diets formulated by replacing 30% of the basal diet with 30% of 1 of the test feedstuffs for 11 d. Chromic oxide (0.3%) was included in the diets. Feces were collected from days 7 to 11 by grab sampling and ileal digesta were collected after pigs were slaughtered on day 12. The AID of DM and AID and ATTD of GE of degermed corn (77.4, 88.7, and 77.7%) were greater (P < 0.05) than those observed in citrus pulp (50.3, 86.5, and 55.8%) and in soy protein concentrate (63.5, 85.1, and 59.4%), which did not differ (P > 0.05). The ATTD of CP, total digestible CP, and total DE of soy protein concentrate (87.5%, 500 g/kg, and 3739 kcal/kg) were higher (P < 0.05) than the values in degermed corn (81.7%, 57.5 g/kg, and 3330 kcal/kg), which were greater (P < 0.05) than those in citrus pulp (60.5%, 39.5 g/kg, and 3223 kcal/kg). Total and ileal digestible DM, AID of CP, and ileal DE of degermed corn (782 g/kg, 673 g/kg, 70.7%, and 2913 kcal/kg) and soy protein concentrate (778 g/kg, 570 g/kg, 78.7%, and 2878 kcal/kg) were similar (P > 0.05) and greater (P < 0.05) than those in citrus pulp (737 g/kg, 436 g/kg, 50.6%, and 2081 kcal/kg). Ileal digestible CP of degermed corn (49.8 g/kg) and citrus pulp (33.0 g/kg) did not differ (P > 0.05) but were smaller (P < 0.05) than the value found in soy protein concentrate (434 g/kg). The DM and energy from degermed corn are more efficiently digested by the pig than those from soy protein concentrate and citrus pulp. Soy protein concentrate was the best protein source evaluated in this study.

Effect of Phytase Supplementation in Diets on Nutrient Digestibility and Performance in Broiler Chicks

A performance trial was conducted with broiler chicks to Study the effect of phytase (PHY) supplementation in diets formulated With reduced AME, Ca, and P. The nutrient digestibility was determined during the 14- to 21-d and 28- to 35-d periods. The treatments consisted of 3 diets (NC1, NC2. NC3) differing ill nutrient content and each diet with Or without supplemental PHY (NC1, 0 oi 500; NC2, 0 or 750; NC3, 0 or 1,000 U of PHY/kg feed) and I positive control diet (PC). Compared with the PC diet. negative control diets (NC) resulted in lower AME and apparent ileal amino acid digestibility for some amino acids. Phytase Supplementation of the NC diets increased AME. apparent ileal amino acid digestibility, and apparent ileal crude protein digestibility. Phytase addition also increased mineral absorption in 2 1 - and 35-d-old broilers fed NC diets. Reduced nutrient digestibility appears to be I factor in the weight gain and feed intake results. Reducing Ca and P content reduced feed intake in a stepwise fashion in the NC diets. Phytase increased feed intake and generally improved nutrient digestibility, which resulted in an increase in digestible nutrient intake. Averaged across NC diets. PHY improved body weight. Bone-breaking strength was the most consistent predictor of Ca and P reduction. All NC diets had significantly lower bone-breaking strength than the PC. Phytase supplementation of the NC diets gave bone-breaking strengths that were comparable to the PC. Diets with PHY had the highest bioeconomic index.

Resource partitioning among epigaeic and hypogaeic ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) of a Brazilian cocoa plantation

Patterns of dietary and foraging strata utilization by the ground ant community of a Brazilian cocoa planatation were examined using sugar, meat and flour baits on the surface as well as buried. A total of 49 ant species was recorded, including 10 species of Pheidole. Strong dominance was exercised by Solenopsis geminata at both surface and subterranean strata, and at all food resources. The dissimilarity matrix of the epigaeic ant fauna was much greater than that for the hypogaeic species. At least four guilds were identified: the fungus-growing ants, epigaeic nectivores, epigaeic carnivores, and hypogaeic foragers. Niche breadth reduction, leading to the formation of guilds, permits the coexistence of many species in the this ground ant community from a tropical cocoa plantation. -Authors

Transpressional tectonics and strain partitioning during oblique collision between three plates in the Precambrian of southeast Brazil

This paper is part of the special publication Continental transpressional and transtensional tectonics (eds R.E. Holdsworth, R.A. Strachan and J.F. Dewey). Two orogenic belts have been recognized in south- east Brazil, which are interpreted to have been formed as a product of diachronous collisions between three continental plates. Wide crustal-scale shear belts have developed both between and inboard of the collided and amalgamated plate borders. These shear belts record frontal, oblique or lateral displacements during oblique plate convergence and A-type subduction. The overall structural style of each belt depends on the angle subtended between the plate boundary and the convergence vector. The E-W branch between the Sao Paulo and Brasilia plates the Campo do Meio strike-slip shear belt, has undergone dominantly sinistral wrench dominated transpression along a set of folds and shear zones dipping southwards. The NE-SW branch between the Sao Paulo and Vitoria plates, the Paraiba do Sul strike-slip shear belt, has undergone a partitioned dextral transpression, whereas the north-south branch between the Brasilia and Vitoria plates is essentially a frontal thrust system with only a weak component of dextral strike-slip. These complex structural patterns, formed at deep to mid-crustal levels, reflect temporal and spatial partitioning at all scales between flattening and non- coaxial deformation, and down-dip and strike-slip shearing, in tangential as well as in transcurrent structural domains. Additionally, this area demonstrates that regional flower structures, lateral extrusion and other secondary deformations across the yz sections of transpressional belts are important in accommodating shortening in obliquely convergent orogens.

Ferulic acid uptake by soybean root in nutrient culture

Ferulic acid uptake by soybean root in nutrient culture was investigated by the depletion method at different concentrations, temperatures and pH. Results showed that soybean roots absorbed this compound at greater rates in the concentrations between 0.05-mM and 1.0-mM and it was concentration dependent. Ferulic acid uptake was unaffected at pH 4.5 or 6.0 but reduced at pH 7.0. At pH 6.0, uptake rates decreased significantly with increasing temperature of nutrient solution.

Growth of Dendrobium nobile Lindl. as related with nutrient concentration in the growing media

Dendrobium nobile orchids were grown for three years in different substrates (tree fern fiber, blocks of pressed coconut bark, bark of Eucalyptus grandis, mixtures with coconut bark blocks and eucalyptus bark and mixtures with the latter materials and charcoal. Plant growth increased with higher concentrations of S (up to 1.6 g/kg), Cu (up to 46 mg/kg) and Zn (up to 147 mg/kg), and decreased with higher concentrations of Ca (up to 13.2 g/kg), Mg (up to 6.6 g/kg) and B (up to 19 mg/kg). High Mo (up to 5.3 mg/kg) caused a more intense loss of leaves after planting. Relations between nutrient concentrations also affected plant growth. With exception of eucalyptus bark, all growing media under study were suitable for plant growth.

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.

Growth parameters and nutrient content in four multipurpose tree species with potential characteristics for agroforestry systems in a Cerrado region in Botucatu, São Paulo State, Brazil

In order to evaluate growth characteristics, adaptability, biomass production, nutrient recycling, nutrient distribution and the ability to regenerate degraded land, a trial using four multipurpose tree species (Leucaena leucocephala, Leucaena diversifolia, Acacia melanoxylon and Mimosa scabrella) was undertaken over two years in a distrophic red yellow latosol (oxisol) following a randomized block experimental design with four replications. At the age of two years, A. melanoxylon and L. diversifolia were the tallest species (5.25 and 4.97 m, respectively) and A. melanoxylon and M. scabrella had the largest diameters at 20 cm from tree base. Mimosa scabrella and A. melanoxylon had the highest dry matter production and quantity of nutrients in the above ground biomass. In all species, the highest nutrient contents were found in the leaves, followed by branches and stems. From all species, the highest Nutrient Utilization Efficiency Indexes were obtained for sulphur, phosphorous, and magnesium; L. diversifolia was the most efficient for nitrogen, potassium, calcium, sulphur, and manganese, while A. melanoxylon was the most efficient for phosphorus, magnesium, boron, iron, and zinc. Litter production levels over a three month period were as follows: M. scabrella > A. melanoxylon > L. diversifolia > L. leucocephala. Litter nutrient content was higher in M. scabrella than in the other species.

The effect of trail length on task partitioning in three Acromyrmex species (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

By comparing the behavior of three Acromyrmex (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) species during foraging on artificial trails of different lengths, we observed the occurrence of task partitioning and its relation to the food distance from the nest. Task partitioning was verified by leaf cache formation along the trail and leaf direct transferring among workers. There was significant difference between the number of leaf fragments carried directly to the fungus chamber and those transferred direct or indirectly, via cache, depending upon the trail length. Task partitioning could be a strategy used by leaf-cutting ants that allows the workers to use food sources far from their nests.

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.

Non-nutrient heavy metals in tomato plants cultivated in soil amended with biosolid and sugar-cane bagasse compost

In this study, non-nutrient heavy metal concentrations (Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb) were measured in composts during the composting process, in compost/Red-yellow Latosol mixtures, and in tomato plants. Composts were produced using sugar-cane bagasse, biosolids and cattle manure in the proportions 75-0-25, 75-12.5-12.5, 75-25-0, 50-50-0 or 0-100-0 (composts with 0, 12.5, 25, 50 and 100% biosolids). The composts were applied to the soil, in 6 treatments and a control (mineral fertilization). Control and the 0% biosolids treatments received inorganic nitrogen and all the treatments received the same amount of N, P and K. Tomato plants were cultivated in 24-L pots, in a green house in Jaboticabal, SP, Brazil. The experiment had a split plot design, in randomized blocks. Cadmium, Cr, Ni and Pb concentrations were determined during the composting process (7, 27, 57, 97 and 127 days after compost mounting), in soil (0 and 164 days after mixing) and plants. The samples were subjected to digestion with HNO 3, H2O2 and HCl and the metals were determined by AAS. Negative correlations were observed between Cd, Cr and Pb in the compost and Cd, Cr and Pb plant uptake, as well as Ni in the compost and Ni concentration in the plants. The concentrations of Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb increased during composting. Only Cd levels increased when compost was applied to the soil. The roots accumulated Cr, Ni and Pb, the stems and leaves, Cd and Ni and the fruits did not accumulate any of the metals studied. The composts with biosolids did not increase Cd, Cr, Ni and Pb uptake by plants.

Calling sites and acoustic partitioning in species of the Hyla nana and rubicundula groups (Anura, Hylidae)

We analysed spatial and acoustic partitioning among four species of Hyla belonging to two species-groups: nana (H. nana and H. sanborni) and rubicundula (H. elianeae and H. jimi). Field activities were conducted at three permanent ponds, from 1998 through 2001. Four attributes of the calling sites were analysed: perch height, distance of the perch from the edge of the pond, type of perch (vegetation) and the individual's position on the perch. There was extensive overlap in the four calling-site variables analysed. However, we found spatial segregation did occur in calling site height and the distance of perches from pond edges. Bioacoustic analyses revealed behavioural differences among species in calling activity, both time of onset and peak calling in chorus. There was acoustic partitioning among species the fundamental frequency of the advertisement calls, principally as a function of the temporal structure (e.g. note duration, rate of note repetition, duration and rate of repetition of the calling pulses). We propose that differences in physical attributes of calling site and in characteristics of calls allow these species to exist in sympatry.

The use of the carbon-13 in the partitioning of photosynthate in vegetative and reproductive twigs of 'Sweet' passion fruit

This study's objective is to evaluate the photosynthates partitioning and source-sink relationships, in vegetative and reproductive twigs of sweet passion fruit, using the carbon-13, stable isotope of carbon. The leaves of vegetative and reproductive twigs were placed in a sealed chamber and 13CO 2 were injected for 30 minutes. After six hours, the different organs of the twig were collected and immersed in liquid nitrogen (-196°C). All plant samples were oven-dried, powdered and combusted in an elemental analyzer. The results showed that the methodology was efficient to evaluate the partitioning of photosynthates. In the vegetative twigs, the new open leaves, the closed leaves and growth meristem were the principal sink for the source leaves enriched with 13CO 2. In the reproductive twigs with only flowers buds, the source-sink relationship was changed and the flowers buds turn to be the principal sink and the growing leaves were secondary sinks. The presence of young fruits changed again the source-sink relationship of the twig, and they were the principal sinks. The apical leaves, with 60% of final leaf area were also a sink for photosynthates.