Clinical and toxicological findings in nitrate and nitrite poisoning in cattle in Northeastern Brazil / Achados clínicos e toxicológicos na intoxicação por nitrato e nitrito em bovinos no Nordeste do Brasil

We report two outbreaks of nitrate and nitrite poisoning in Paraíba, Northeast Brazil. The first, due to Pennisetum purpureum (elephant grass), and the second, due to P. purpureum and Brachiaria spp. (brachiaria grass), both occurred during a prolonged drought. In the first outbreak, the irrigation of the pastures with wastewater and sewage contributed to nitrate accumulation. The second outbreak occurred in pastures cultivated in the border of a dam, that had been submerged for long time accumulating large amounts of organic matter in the soil. Other probably risk factors for nitrate accumulation included the use of chemical fertilizers and herbicides and burning of the vegetation. In the first outbreak, four calves out of a total of 42 cattle died, and in the second outbreak 49 out of 243 cattle, including adults, yearlings, and a 2-day-old calf died. The clinical signs included dyspnea, cyanosis, ataxia, and falls, leading to death. The presence of nitrates was detected in both outbreaks using the diphenylamine test. Quantitative tests were performed in the second outbreak using a portable nitrate meter, and high nitrate concentrations were found. The characteristic macroscopic findings and absence of microscopic lesions and response to treatment with methylene blue were key to the diagnosis of poisoning by nitrates and nitrites. We conclude that poisoning by nitrates and nitrites in ruminants in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil is frequent due to the cultivation of grasses in the border of dams that had been covered by water for long periods or in areas irrigated by wastewater and/or sewage. In addition, the use of a portable measuring device is an effective alternative for the quantification of nitrates in pastures.

Relatamos dois surtos de intoxicação por nitrato e nitrito na Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil. O primeiro por Pennisetum purpureum (capim-elefante), e o segundo por P. purpureum e Brachiaria spp. (capim braquiária); ambos ocorreram durante uma estiagem prolongada. No primeiro surto, a irrigação das pastagens com água poluída e esgoto contribuiu para o acúmulo de nitrato. O segundo surto ocorreu em pastagens cultivadas na borda de uma barragem, que há muito tempo ficavam submersas, acumulando grande quantidade de matéria orgânica no solo. Outros prováveis fatores de risco para o acúmulo de nitrato incluíram o uso de fertilizantes químicos e herbicidas e a queima da vegetação. No primeiro surto, quatro bezerros de um total de 42 bovinos morreram, e no segundo surto 49 de 243 bovinos, incluindo adultos, jovens de um ano e um bezerro de 2 dias de idade morreram. Os sinais clínicos incluíram dispneia, cianose, ataxia e quedas, levando à morte. A presença de nitratos foi detectada em ambos os surtos pelo teste de difenilamina. Testes quantitativos foram realizados no segundo surto usando um medidor portátil de nitrato, e altas concentrações de nitrato foram encontradas. Os achados macroscópicos característicos e a ausência de lesões microscópicas e a resposta ao tratamento com azul de metileno foram fundamentais para o diagnóstico de intoxicação por nitratos e nitritos. Concluímos que a intoxicação por nitratos e nitritos em ruminantes na região semiárida do Nordeste do Brasil é frequente devido ao cultivo de gramíneas nas bordas de barragens que estiveram cobertas por água por longos períodos ou em áreas irrigadas por água poluída e/ou esgoto. Além disso, o uso de medidor portátil é uma alternativa eficaz para a quantificação de nitratos em pastagens.

Clinical and toxicological findings in nitrate and nitrite poisoning in cattle in Northeastern Brazil / Achados clínicos e toxicológicos na intoxicação por nitrato e nitrito em bovinos no Nordeste do Brasil

We report two outbreaks of nitrate and nitrite poisoning in Paraíba, Northeast Brazil. The first, due to Pennisetum purpureum (elephant grass), and the second, due to P. purpureum and Brachiaria spp. (brachiaria grass), both occurred during a prolonged drought. In the first outbreak, the irrigation of the pastures with wastewater and sewage contributed to nitrate accumulation. The second outbreak occurred in pastures cultivated in the border of a dam, that had been submerged for long time accumulating large amounts of organic matter in the soil. Other probably risk factors for nitrate accumulation included the use of chemical fertilizers and herbicides and burning of the vegetation. In the first outbreak, four calves out of a total of 42 cattle died, and in the second outbreak 49 out of 243 cattle, including adults, yearlings, and a 2-day-old calf died. The clinical signs included dyspnea, cyanosis, ataxia, and falls, leading to death. The presence of nitrates was detected in both outbreaks using the diphenylamine test. Quantitative tests were performed in the second outbreak using a portable nitrate meter, and high nitrate concentrations were found. The characteristic macroscopic findings and absence of microscopic lesions and response to treatment with methylene blue were key to the diagnosis of poisoning by nitrates and nitrites. We conclude that poisoning by nitrates and nitrites in ruminants in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil is frequent due to the cultivation of grasses in the border of dams that had been covered by water for long periods or in areas irrigated by wastewater and/or sewage. In addition, the use of a portable measuring device is an effective alternative for the quantification of nitrates in pastures.(AU)

Relatamos dois surtos de intoxicação por nitrato e nitrito na Paraíba, Nordeste do Brasil. O primeiro por Pennisetum purpureum (capim-elefante), e o segundo por P. purpureum e Brachiaria spp. (capim braquiária); ambos ocorreram durante uma estiagem prolongada. No primeiro surto, a irrigação das pastagens com água poluída e esgoto contribuiu para o acúmulo de nitrato. O segundo surto ocorreu em pastagens cultivadas na borda de uma barragem, que há muito tempo ficavam submersas, acumulando grande quantidade de matéria orgânica no solo. Outros prováveis fatores de risco para o acúmulo de nitrato incluíram o uso de fertilizantes químicos e herbicidas e a queima da vegetação. No primeiro surto, quatro bezerros de um total de 42 bovinos morreram, e no segundo surto 49 de 243 bovinos, incluindo adultos, jovens de um ano e um bezerro de 2 dias de idade morreram. Os sinais clínicos incluíram dispneia, cianose, ataxia e quedas, levando à morte. A presença de nitratos foi detectada em ambos os surtos pelo teste de difenilamina. Testes quantitativos foram realizados no segundo surto usando um medidor portátil de nitrato, e altas concentrações de nitrato foram encontradas. Os achados macroscópicos característicos e a ausência de lesões microscópicas e a resposta ao tratamento com azul de metileno foram fundamentais para o diagnóstico de intoxicação por nitratos e nitritos. Concluímos que a intoxicação por nitratos e nitritos em ruminantes na região semiárida do Nordeste do Brasil é frequente devido ao cultivo de gramíneas nas bordas de barragens que estiveram cobertas por água por longos períodos ou em áreas irrigadas por água poluída e/ou esgoto. Além disso, o uso de medidor portátil é uma alternativa eficaz para a quantificação de nitratos em pastagens.(AU)

In vitro and in vivo study of the antiparasitic effect of thymol on poultry drinking water

The current study evaluates the antiparasitic effect of thymol on reducing parasite burden, especially Cryptosporidium load, in poultry drinking water and in improving zootechnical performances of chicks. The first experiment assessed in vitro the anti-cryptosporidiumactivity of NP (thymol-based product) on drinking water samples using microscopic counting. Samples were treated by increasing concentrations of thymol (1, 2 and 4 g L-1of NP). In vivo, chicken wererandomly assigned to three groups (control and chicks consuming treated water with two concentration of thymol (1 and 2 g L-1of NP). Water treatment efficiency was evaluated on the intestinal parasitic load and zootechnical performances of animals (Body weight, body weight gain, food intake and the consumption index). In vitro the anti-cryptosporidium effect was dose dependent (p <0.05; p <0.01; p <0.001). The in vivo test showed that the intestinal parasitic load was significantly lower (p <0.05; p <0.01; p <0.001) in the group treated with 2 g L-1of NP. Additionally, results showed a significant increase (p <0.05; p <0.1; p <0.001) in the body weight and the body weight gain of treated groups during the whole rearing period compared to the control. Furthermore, treated groups represent a lower consumption index compared to the control.(AU)

Physicochemical, microbiological and parasitological analysis of water for human consumption in a quilombola community in Alagoas / Análise físico-química, microbiológica e parasitológica da água para consumo humano em comunidade quilombola em Alagoas

Water is the indispensable natural resource for all living beings. For human consumption, it must be potable, so as not to pose a risk to health, and can be used for ingestion, food preparation and personal hygiene. Knowing this importance, this study aimed to carry out physical-chemical, microbiological and parasitological analyzes of water for human consumption in a quilombola community of Santa Luzia do Norte in Alagoas. A cross-sectional, experimental and quantitative study was carried out between January and December 2019. The physical-chemical parameters of residual chlorine, turbidity, fluoride, fluoridation, color and pH were analyzed, microbiological analyses were based on the research of total and thermotolerant coliforms (E. coli) and parasitological analyses were performed based on the research of protozoa and intestinal helminths. Some physical-chemical parameters (turbidity and pH) were observed outside the limits required by the Ministry of Health, and the presence of total coliforms in some of the analyzed samples (17.85%), characterizing this community at risk related to waterborne diseases. The samples analyzed did not present infecting forms of parasitic species. Regarding the variables evaluated, the results found showed that the lack of adequate basic sanitation affects the quality of water used for human consumption by the quilombola population of Santa Luzia do Norte-AL.(AU)

A água é o recurso natural indispensável a todos os seres vivos. Para consumo humano, deve ser potável, de modo a não oferecer risco à saúde, podendo ser usada para ingestão, preparação de alimentos e higiene pessoal. Sabendo dessa importância, este estudo teve como objetivo realizar análises físico-químicas, microbiológicas e parasitológicas da água para consumo humano em uma comunidade quilombola de Alagoas. Foi realizado um estudo transversal, do tipo experimental e quantitativo, realizado na comunidade quilombola de Santa Luzia do Norte-AL, entre janeiro a dezembro de 2019. Foram analisados os parâmetros físico-químico de cloro residual, turbidez, fluoreto, fluoretação, cor e pH, as análises microbiológicas foram baseadas na pesquisa de coliformes totais e termotolerantes (E. coli) e as análise parasitológicas foram realizadas com base na pesquisa de protozoários e helmintos intestinais. E a pesquisa de protozoários oportunistas pelo método de Ziehl-Neelsen modificado. Foi observado alguns parâmetros físico-químicos (turbidez e pH) fora dos limites exigidos pelo Ministério da Saúde, e a presença de coliformes totais em algumas das amostras analisadas (17,85%), caracterizando esta comunidade em situação de risco relacionado às doenças de veiculação hídrica. As amostras analisadas não apresentaram formas infectantes das espécies parasitárias. Em relação às variáveis avaliadas, os resultados encontrados demonstraram que a falta de saneamento básico adequado afeta a qualidade da água utilizada para consumo humano pela população quilombola de Santa Luzia do Norte-AL.(AU)

Agronomic characteristics of the Pennisetum glaucum submitted to water and saline stresses

Agricultural production in semi-arid regions is limited due to water availability. In addition, the water quality available for irrigation is often compromised due to the high salt content present. Millet is a forage species considered tolerant to water deficit and moderately salt tolerant. In view of the above, the objective was to evaluate the growth of millet under water and saline stress associates. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design, in a 4x3 factorial scheme, composed of four levels of water replacement, based on crop evapotranspiration (ETc): 25%.ETc, 50%.ETc, 75%.ETc and 100%.ETc and three levels of water salinity (0.03, 2.0 and 4.0 dS m-1). With 25%.ETc independent of salinity, all morphological characteristics of millet were affected, occurring death of plants in the initial growth phase. In the absence of salt and greater availability of water, greater plant growth occurred. With respect to salinity, there was a reduction in the increment of all variables evaluated, with the highest reduction at the highest saline level (4.0 dS m-1). Water and salt stresses, when associated, reduce the growth of millet, since concentrations above 2.0 dS m-1 and less than 50%.ETc compromise its full development, providing declines in yield.(AU)

Agronomic characteristics of the Pennisetum glaucum submitted to water and saline stresses

Agricultural production in semi-arid regions is limited due to water availability. In addition, the water quality available for irrigation is often compromised due to the high salt content present. Millet is a forage species considered tolerant to water deficit and moderately salt tolerant. In view of the above, the objective was to evaluate the growth of millet under water and saline stress associates. The experiment was carried out in a randomized block design, in a 4x3 factorial scheme, composed of four levels of water replacement, based on crop evapotranspiration (ETc): 25%.ETc, 50%.ETc, 75%.ETc and 100%.ETc and three levels of water salinity (0.03, 2.0 and 4.0 dS m-1). With 25%.ETc independent of salinity, all morphological characteristics of millet were affected, occurring death of plants in the initial growth phase. In the absence of salt and greater availability of water, greater plant growth occurred. With respect to salinity, there was a reduction in the increment of all variables evaluated, with the highest reduction at the highest saline level (4.0 dS m-1). Water and salt stresses, when associated, reduce the growth of millet, since concentrations above 2.0 dS m-1 and less than 50%.ETc compromise its full development, providing declines in yield.

O cultivo do milheto com água salobra e adubação orgânica altera as características do solo / Pearl millet cultivation with brackish water and organic fertilizer alters soil properties

Regiões semiáridas são caracterizadas pela elevada evapotranspiração e baixa precipitação pluvial, favorecendo o acúmulo de sais quando irrigado com água salobra. Objetivou se avaliar o efeito do cultivo de milheto com níveis de água salobra e fertilização orgânica nas propriedades químicas e físicas do solo. Adotou-se o delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com arranjo fatorial, em parcelas subdivididas, com três repetições. As parcelas foram constituídas por quatro lâminas de irrigação (25, 50, 75 e 100% da evapotranspiração da cultura) e as subparcelas foram compostas por quatro níveis de fertilização orgânica (0; 15; 30 e 45 Mg ha-1). No final do ciclo de produção do milheto, o solo foi coletado nas camadas de 0-0.20 e 0.20-0.40 m, para aspectos físicos (densidade do solo, densidade de partículas e porosidade) e químicos (CE, pH, K, Na, Ca, Mg, H + Al, SB, CTC, V). Não houve interação entre a água salobra e a fertilização orgânica nas propriedades químicas do solo. A água salobra reduziu o potássio na camada de 0,20-0,.40 m. Observou-se efeito linear negativo para densidade na camada 0,20 - 0,40 m sob níveis de fertilização orgânica. Níveis de água salobra e fertilizante orgânico no cultivo do milheto não altera as propriedades químicas e físicas do solo na camada de 0-0,20 m. Porém, o uso de água salobra reduz a concentração de potássio no solo e a aplicação de fertilização orgânica reduz a densidade do solo na camada de 0.20-0,40 m.

Semi-arid regions are characterized by high evapotranspiration and low rainfall, favoring the accumulation of salts when irrigated with brackish water. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of pearl millet cultivation with brackish water levels and fertilized with organic fertilizer on the chemical and physical properties of the soil. A split plot randomized block design was adopted, in a factorial arrangement, with three repetitions. Plots consisted of four irrigation levels (25, 50, 75 and 100% crop evapotranspiration) and subplots consisted of four levels of organic fertilizer (0; 15; 30 and 45 Mg ha-¹). At the end of the pearl millet production cycle, soil was collected from layers 0-0.20 m and 0.20-0.40 m, for physical (soil bulk density, particle density and porosity) and chemical (EC, pH, K, Na, Ca, Mg, H + Al, SB, CEC, V) properties. There was no effect of interaction of brackish water levels and organic fertilizer levels on soil chemical properties. Brackish water reduced potassium on layer 0.20-0.40 m. A negative linear effect was found for density in the 0.20-0.40 m layer under different levels of organic fertilizer. Brackish water levels and organic fertilizer levels in the cultivation of pearl millet does not alter soil chemical and physical properties at the 0-0.20 m layer. However, the use of brackish water reduces the concentration of potassium in the soil and the application of organic fertilizer reduces soil density at the 0.20-0.40 m layer.

Influence of Effective Microorganism Supplementation to the Drinking Water on Performance and Some Blood Parameters of Laying Hens Exposed to A High Ambient Temperature

In the present study, seventy-two 30-week-old laying hens (Brown Hisex) were separated into two groups (control and treatment) and fed with a standard layer diet. In the treatment group the amount of effective microorganism (EM) added to the drinking water is equal to1000 ppm EM dose. Throughout the 8-week study period, 16 h thermoneutral (20-22 ºC) and 8 h hot (35-37 ºC) environmental temperature regime was applied daily. The results indicated that EM supplementation affected performance and some egg quality characteristics of layers exposed high environmental temperature. Feed intake and conversion ratio, yolk index, albumen index, yolk colour b, Haugh unit were decreased by supplemental EM. Serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, total oxidant- antioxidant concentration were not affected by EM. It is concluded that EM supplementation in laying hens could have potential to improve feed intake and feed conversion ratio under high environmental temperature. However, supplemental EM with drinking water decreased some egg quality parameters.(AU)

Influence of Effective Microorganism Supplementation to the Drinking Water on Performance and Some Blood Parameters of Laying Hens Exposed to A High Ambient Temperature

In the present study, seventy-two 30-week-old laying hens (Brown Hisex) were separated into two groups (control and treatment) and fed with a standard layer diet. In the treatment group the amount of effective microorganism (EM) added to the drinking water is equal to1000 ppm EM dose. Throughout the 8-week study period, 16 h thermoneutral (20-22 ºC) and 8 h hot (35-37 ºC) environmental temperature regime was applied daily. The results indicated that EM supplementation affected performance and some egg quality characteristics of layers exposed high environmental temperature. Feed intake and conversion ratio, yolk index, albumen index, yolk colour b, Haugh unit were decreased by supplemental EM. Serum glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, calcium, total oxidant- antioxidant concentration were not affected by EM. It is concluded that EM supplementation in laying hens could have potential to improve feed intake and feed conversion ratio under high environmental temperature. However, supplemental EM with drinking water decreased some egg quality parameters.

The effects of tryptophan and pyridoxine supplied orally to nursing piglets on weight loss and social behavior after weaning / Os efeitos do triptofano e da piridoxina fornecidos por via oral aos leitões em amamentação sobre a perda de peso e o comportamento social após o desmame

This study evaluated the effect of oral supplementation with tryptophan (Trp) and pyridoxine (Pyr) on the growth performance and social behavior of suckling piglets before and after weaning. At day 14, six suckling piglets per sow were distributed into three treatments and allotted in a randomized block design, with eight replicates and two piglets per experimental unit. Treatments consisted of a Control - oral supplementation with L-alanine (1.70 g), D-glucose (1.74 g) and distilled water (3.44 mL); Trp - oral supplementation with Trp (3.5 g/d) and distilled water; and Trp + Pyr - oral supplementation with Trp (3.5 g/d) + Pyr (0.0095 g/d) and distilled water. Each treatment was supplied orally five times per day (2.5 mL each treatment), from 14 to 21 days old. Piglets were monitored continuously in the nursing phase for 24 h at 21, 28 and 33 days of age to assess the behavior (standing, lying, eating, socializing, sitting and drinking). Piglets receiving oral Trp + Pyr showed a decreased weight loss on the first day after weaning (P = 0.03). Performance was not affected (P > 0.05) by treatments in each studied period, such as in overall period (21 to 34 days) after weaning. Piglets receiving Trp supplementation visited the feeders more frequently from days 21 to 22 (P < 0.01) and from days 28 to 29 (P < 0.02), as well as in the overall period (P < 0.01). It is concluded that high doses of tryptophan with or without high doses of pyridoxine, supplied orally to nursing piglets, reduced the weight loss on the first day after weaning and increased the frequency of visits to the drinkers on the first day after weaning and also to the feeders, mainly from weaning until 7 days after.(AU)

Este estudo avaliou o efeito da suplementação oral de triptofano (Trp) e piridoxina (Pyr) para leitões em aleitamento sobre o desempenho produtivo e comportamento social, antes e após o desmame. No 14º dia de vida, seis leitões por porca foram divididos em três tratamentos e foram distribuídos em um delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso, com oito repetições e dois leitões por unidade experimental (16 leitões/ tratamento). Os tratamentos foram os seguintes: Controle - suplementação oral de L-alanina (1.70 g), D-glicose (1.74 g) e água destilada (3.44 ml); Trp - suplementação oral de Trp (3.5 g / d) e água destilada; Trp + Pyr-Trp (3.5 g / d) + Pyr (0.0095 g / d) e água destilada. Cada tratamento foi fornecido oralmente por cinco vezes ao dia (2.5 ml em cada suplementação), do 14º até o 21º dia de idade. Durante a fase de creche os leitões foram monitorados durante 24 horas no 21º, 28º e 33º dia de idade para avaliação do comportamento (em pé, deitado, comendo, sociabilizando, sentado e bebendo). Leitões suplementados oralmente com Trp + Pyr apresentaram uma redução na perda de peso (P=0.03) no primeiro dia após o desmame. O desempenho não foi influenciado (P > 0.05) pelos tratamentos nos períodos estudados, assim como no período total após o desmame (21 a 34 dias). Leitões que receberam suplementação de Trp, com ou sem Pyr, visitaram os comedouros mais frequentemente do 21º ao 22º dia (P < 0.01) e do 28º ao 29º (P < 0.02) assim como no período total (P < 0.01). Conclui-se que altas doses de Trp associadas ou não com altas doses de Pyr fornecidas oralmente aos leitões em aleitamento reduziram a perda de peso no primeiro dia após o desmame e aumentaram a frequência de visitas aos bebedouros no primeiro dia após o desmame e aos comedouros principalmente do desmame até 7 dias após ao desmame.(AU)

Soroepidemiological survey of chlamydia abortus infection in bovine in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil / Inquérito soroepidemiológico da infecção por chlamydia abortus em bovinos no Estado de Pernambuco, Brasil

The objective of this study was to conduct a seroepidemiological survey of Chlamydia abortus infection in dairy cattle herds. A total of 303 blood serum samples were collected from 24 property in Vale do Ipanema microregion in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil. For the diagnosis of C. abortus infection, a commercial enzyme immunoassay kit (ELISA) was used. A prevalence of 34.0% (103/303; 95% CI: 28.7%-39.7%) of infected animals was identified. In 79.8% (19/24) of the properties, at least one infected animal was detected. The risk factors identified were: semi-intensive system (OR = 3.47, p ≤ 0.000), extensive system (OR = 8.14; p ≤ 0.000), supply of water in troughs and directly at the fountain (OR = 2.29, p = 0.002), pasture rent (OR = 1.72, p = 0.041), use of artificial insemination (AI) (OR = 3.07, p = 0.002), and use of AI associated with natural mount (OR = 2.22, p = 0.003). The occurrence of C. abortus infection in dairy cattle in the state of Pernambuco, Brazil, was recorded for the first time. It is concluded that the infection by this agent is present in the analyzed herds and that hygienic and sanitary management measures based on the identified risk factors should be implemented to avoid reproductive losses and losses to the producers.(AU)

Objetivou-se realizar um inquérito soroepidemiológico da infecção por Chlamydia abortus em rebanhos bovinos leiteiros. Foram coletadas 303 amostras de soro sanguíneo de bovinos procedentes de 24 propriedades da microrregião do Vale do Ipanema no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Para o diagnóstico da infecção por C. abortus, utilizou-se kit comercial de ensaio imunoenzimático (ELISA). Foi identificada uma prevalência de 34,0% (103/303; IC 95% - 28,7% - 39,7%) de animais positivos. Em 79,8% (19/24) das propriedades foi detectado pelo menos um animal positivo. Os fatores de risco identificados foram: sistema semi-intensivo (OR = 3,47; p= < 0,000), sistema extensivo (OR = 8,14; p = < 0,000); fornecimento de água em cochos e diretamente na fonte (OR = 2,29; p = 0,002); aluguel de pasto (OR = 1,72; p = 0,041); uso de inseminação artificial (IA) (OR = 3,07; p = 0,002) e uso de IA associado à monta natural (OR = 2,22; p = 0,003). Registra-se, pela primeira vez, a ocorrência da infecção por C. abortus em bovinos no estado de Pernambuco, Brasil. Conclui-se que a infecção por esse agente está presente nos rebanhos analisados e que medidas de manejo higiênico-sanitário baseadas nos fatores de risco identificados devem ser implementadas com o intuito de evitar perdas reprodutivas e prejuízos para os produtores.(AU)

Sugarcane with Elephant grass replacing sugarcane with urea in the diet of crossbred dairy cows

The objective was to evaluate the partial substitution of sugarcane treated with urea by elephant grass in the feeding of crossbred cows in lactation. Eight crossbred cows (Holstein x Gyr) were used, with 474 kg of body weight (standard deviation = 46.15 kg) and 8.15 kg of milk per day. The animals were housed in individual stalls, distributed in two 4 x 4 Latin squares, and the treatments were: sugar cane; sugar cane corrected with 0.5% of urea and ammonium sulfate (9:1); 75% of sugar cane + 25% of elephant grass and 50% of sugarcane + 50% of elephant grass, based on natural matter. In addition to the treatments, it was provided water and mineral salt ad libitum and 3 kg of concentrate supplement (24% crude protein), based on corn meal and soybean meal, supplied in two portions during the morning and afternoon milking. There was a treatment effect on the intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, except for non-fibrous carbohydrate intake, and there was no effect on milk production and composition. It can be concluded that the substitution of sugarcane by elephantgrass (25 and 50%) increases the intake and decreases the digestibility of DM and OM, without affecting milk production, when the cows are supplemented with 3 kg of concentrate, containing 24% of protein per day.(AU)

Sugarcane with Elephant grass replacing sugarcane with urea in the diet of crossbred dairy cows

The objective was to evaluate the partial substitution of sugarcane treated with urea by elephant grass in the feeding of crossbred cows in lactation. Eight crossbred cows (Holstein x Gyr) were used, with 474 kg of body weight (standard deviation = 46.15 kg) and 8.15 kg of milk per day. The animals were housed in individual stalls, distributed in two 4 x 4 Latin squares, and the treatments were: sugar cane; sugar cane corrected with 0.5% of urea and ammonium sulfate (9:1); 75% of sugar cane + 25% of elephant grass and 50% of sugarcane + 50% of elephant grass, based on natural matter. In addition to the treatments, it was provided water and mineral salt ad libitum and 3 kg of concentrate supplement (24% crude protein), based on corn meal and soybean meal, supplied in two portions during the morning and afternoon milking. There was a treatment effect on the intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, except for non-fibrous carbohydrate intake, and there was no effect on milk production and composition. It can be concluded that the substitution of sugarcane by elephantgrass (25 and 50%) increases the intake and decreases the digestibility of DM and OM, without affecting milk production, when the cows are supplemented with 3 kg of concentrate, containing 24% of protein per day.

Preventive, Behavioral, Productive, and Tissue Modification using Green Synthesized Selenium Nanoparticles in the Drinking Water of Two Broiler Breeds under Microbial Stress

A study was conducted to investigate the influence of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPS) and inorganic selenium supplementation in the drinking water on behavior, performance, and immunity of Arbor Acres® and Ross®308 broilers exposed to E. coli O157:H7 1.6 × 108 challenge at the 10th day of age. 180 one-day-old female broilers were divided into six groups, each with 30 chicks. G1 and G4 were supplied with 1 mL SeNPS 100 mg.L-1/L, G2 and G5 were supplied with 1 mL inorganic selenium 100 mg.L-1/L, and G3 and G6 were supplied with non-supplemented water. Where, G1, G2, and G3 were Arbor Acres®, while G4, G5, and G6 were Ross®308 broilers. A total of 1280 samples (160 sera, 160 intestinal swabs and 960 organ samples including liver, spleen, bursa, heart, breast muscles, and thymus) were collected in a study period of 38 days. A highly significant increase (p 0.01) of weight gain, feed conversion, performance index, total protein, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, immunoglobulin G and M, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase was recorded in G4 Ross®308 compared to other supplemented and control groups. G1 Arbor Acres® and G4 Ross®308 broilers, also revealed a highly significant decline (p 0.01) in total bacterial and enterobacteriaceae counts of intestine and breast muscles compared to G2 Arbor Acres® and G5 Ross®308 broilers and to controls. Photomicrographs revealed a higher degree of cellular and tissue protection in G4 and G5 Ross®308 compared to G1 and G2 Arbor Acres® broilers. An improvement from SeNPS supplementation was detected on behavior, performance, bacterial load, immunological, antioxidant profiles, and tissue architecture in broilers breeds with special reference to Ross®308 compared to Arbor Acres® broilers.(AU)

Preventive, Behavioral, Productive, and Tissue Modification using Green Synthesized Selenium Nanoparticles in the Drinking Water of Two Broiler Breeds under Microbial Stress

A study was conducted to investigate the influence of selenium nanoparticles (SeNPS) and inorganic selenium supplementation in the drinking water on behavior, performance, and immunity of Arbor Acres® and Ross®308 broilers exposed to E. coli O157:H7 1.6 × 108 challenge at the 10th day of age. 180 one-day-old female broilers were divided into six groups, each with 30 chicks. G1 and G4 were supplied with 1 mL SeNPS 100 mg.L-1/L, G2 and G5 were supplied with 1 mL inorganic selenium 100 mg.L-1/L, and G3 and G6 were supplied with non-supplemented water. Where, G1, G2, and G3 were Arbor Acres®, while G4, G5, and G6 were Ross®308 broilers. A total of 1280 samples (160 sera, 160 intestinal swabs and 960 organ samples including liver, spleen, bursa, heart, breast muscles, and thymus) were collected in a study period of 38 days. A highly significant increase (p 0.01) of weight gain, feed conversion, performance index, total protein, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, immunoglobulin G and M, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase was recorded in G4 Ross®308 compared to other supplemented and control groups. G1 Arbor Acres® and G4 Ross®308 broilers, also revealed a highly significant decline (p 0.01) in total bacterial and enterobacteriaceae counts of intestine and breast muscles compared to G2 Arbor Acres® and G5 Ross®308 broilers and to controls. Photomicrographs revealed a higher degree of cellular and tissue protection in G4 and G5 Ross®308 compared to G1 and G2 Arbor Acres® broilers. An improvement from SeNPS supplementation was detected on behavior, performance, bacterial load, immunological, antioxidant profiles, and tissue architecture in broilers breeds with special reference to Ross®308 compared to Arbor Acres® broilers.

Different roughage: concentrate ratios in extruded feed, and feeding behavior of growing lambs / Diferentes relações volumoso:concentrado de ração extrusada e comportamento ingestivo de borregas em crescimento

Animal performance is directly related to the food quality and intake. Analyzing feeding behavior is an important tool to evaluate diet efficiency. This study aims to evaluate the intake of dry matter, feeding behavior and ruminal movement amongst lambs fed with extruded feed in different roughage (R) : concentrate (C) ratios. An experiment was carried out in the Experimental Farm Capim Branco, Universidade Federal de Uberlandia, from December 7, 2016 to March 22, 2017. It involved 30 3-month-old crossbred lambs (Santa Ines x Dorper) with a mean weight of 20.67 ± 4.57 kg allocated in collective stalls equipped with feeder, water fountain, salt shaker, and wooden slatted floor. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete design with 2 treatments and 15 replicates per treatment. The treatments consisted of roughage and concentrate extruded and mixed in the following ratio 30R:70C and 70R:30C. The dry matter intake (DMI), 24-hour feeding behavior and 5-minute ruminal movement were evaluated. The findings pointed to reduced DMI in relation to body weight for 30R:70C at the end of the experiment. Reduced rumination time, total chewing and ruminal movement were found for both ratios. However, shorter rumination time and total chewing had been recorded for 30R:70C at the beginning of the experiment. Extruded feed with 70R:30C increased rumination and total chewing and, consequently, ruminal movement.

Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho avaliar o consumo de matéria seca comportamento ingestivo e movimentação ruminal de cordeiros alimentados com ração extrusada em diferentes relações volumoso(V):concentrado(C). O experimento foi realizado na Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Fazenda Experimental Capim Branco, no período de 07 de dezembro de 2016 a 22 de março de 2017. Foram utilizados 30 borregas, mestiças (Santa Inês x Dorper), com idade de três meses, e peso médio de 20,67 ± 4,57 kg. Os animais foram alocados em baias coletivas providas de comedouro, bebedouro, saleiro e piso ripado de madeira. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com dois tratamentos e quinze repetições por tratamento totalizando 30 unidades experimentais. Os tratamentos consistiam de volumosos e concentrado extrusados e misturados na seguinte proporção 30V:70C e 70V:30C. Foram avaliados o consumo de matéria seca (CMS), comportamento ingestivo durante 24 horas e movimentação ruminal durante 5 minutos. Houve menor CMS para o tratamento 30V:70C, e redução do CMS em relação ao peso corporal no final do experimento. Os animais apresentaram redução no tempo gasto com ruminação e mastigação total e, também menor movimentação ruminal para as duas rações analisadas. Porém, no início de experimento houve menor tempo gasto com ruminação e mastigação total para o tratamento 30V:70C. O uso de ração extrusada com 70V:30C promove maior tempo dispendido em atividades de ruminação e mastigação total, e, consequentemente maior movimentação ruminal nos animais.

Different roughage: concentrate ratios in extruded feed, and feeding behavior of growing lambs / Diferentes relações volumoso:concentrado de ração extrusada e comportamento ingestivo de borregas em crescimento

Animal performance is directly related to the food quality and intake. Analyzing feeding behavior is an important tool to evaluate diet efficiency. This study aims to evaluate the intake of dry matter, feeding behavior and ruminal movement amongst lambs fed with extruded feed in different roughage (R) : concentrate (C) ratios. An experiment was carried out in the Experimental Farm Capim Branco, Universidade Federal de Uberlandia, from December 7, 2016 to March 22, 2017. It involved 30 3-month-old crossbred lambs (Santa Ines x Dorper) with a mean weight of 20.67 ± 4.57 kg allocated in collective stalls equipped with feeder, water fountain, salt shaker, and wooden slatted floor. The experiment was conducted in a randomized complete design with 2 treatments and 15 replicates per treatment. The treatments consisted of roughage and concentrate extruded and mixed in the following ratio 30R:70C and 70R:30C. The dry matter intake (DMI), 24-hour feeding behavior and 5-minute ruminal movement were evaluated. The findings pointed to reduced DMI in relation to body weight for 30R:70C at the end of the experiment. Reduced rumination time, total chewing and ruminal movement were found for both ratios. However, shorter rumination time and total chewing had been recorded for 30R:70C at the beginning of the experiment. Extruded feed with 70R:30C increased rumination and total chewing and, consequently, ruminal movement.(AU)

Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho avaliar o consumo de matéria seca comportamento ingestivo e movimentação ruminal de cordeiros alimentados com ração extrusada em diferentes relações volumoso(V):concentrado(C). O experimento foi realizado na Universidade Federal de Uberlândia (UFU), Fazenda Experimental Capim Branco, no período de 07 de dezembro de 2016 a 22 de março de 2017. Foram utilizados 30 borregas, mestiças (Santa Inês x Dorper), com idade de três meses, e peso médio de 20,67 ± 4,57 kg. Os animais foram alocados em baias coletivas providas de comedouro, bebedouro, saleiro e piso ripado de madeira. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com dois tratamentos e quinze repetições por tratamento totalizando 30 unidades experimentais. Os tratamentos consistiam de volumosos e concentrado extrusados e misturados na seguinte proporção 30V:70C e 70V:30C. Foram avaliados o consumo de matéria seca (CMS), comportamento ingestivo durante 24 horas e movimentação ruminal durante 5 minutos. Houve menor CMS para o tratamento 30V:70C, e redução do CMS em relação ao peso corporal no final do experimento. Os animais apresentaram redução no tempo gasto com ruminação e mastigação total e, também menor movimentação ruminal para as duas rações analisadas. Porém, no início de experimento houve menor tempo gasto com ruminação e mastigação total para o tratamento 30V:70C. O uso de ração extrusada com 70V:30C promove maior tempo dispendido em atividades de ruminação e mastigação total, e, consequentemente maior movimentação ruminal nos animais.(AU)

Water productivity and production function in irrigated millet crop / Função de produção e produtividade da água em cultura de milheto irrigado

Determining the function that correlates water productivity with crop yield is essential for the correct sizing and management of irrigated agricultural systems. The objectives of this study are to determine forage production (FP) of millet at different irrigation levels and water productivity. Two experiments were conducted using millet crop sown in the 2014/2015 growing season in Santiago, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and in the 2015/2016 growing season in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul. The experiments were carried out using a completely randomized block design with four repetitions and six irrigation regimes (0, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 125% of reference evapotranspiration-ETo). Dry matter (DM) production of plants collected at 50, 80, 110, and 140 days after sowing and water productivity were determined. Irrigation had a significant effect on millet FP (kg DM ha-1) during the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 growing seasons after adjusting the quadratic equation. The maximum technical efficiency in the two growing seasons was reached at 125% of ETo, with FP of 15,494.47 kg ha-1 and 14,779.50 kg ha-1, respectively. Water productivity was not significantly different between treatments, yieldingan average of 1.86 kg DM m-3 and 1.69 kg DM m-3 in the two seasons, respectively. The curve of average FP estimated with the logistic equation accurately represents the total FP in the two seasons. Millet crop is susceptible to water deficits, and the irrigation regime of 125% ETo achieved the highest FP in both growing seasons. However, the adopted irrigation regimes did not significantly affect water productivity.

A determinação da função de produção que relaciona a água com a produção da cultura é imprescindível para o correto dimensionamento e manejo de sistemas agropecuários irrigados. Os objetivos deste trabalho são a identificação da função de produção de forragem de milheto em relação às lâminas aplicadas e a determinação da produtividade da água. Foram realizados dois experimentos com a cultura do milheto semeados na safra agrícola 2014/2015 em Santiago, RS e na safra 2015/2016 em Santa Maria, RS. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições e seis lâminas de irrigação (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 e 125% da evapotranspiração de referência - ETo). Foi avaliada a produção de massa seca total acumulada de forragem, coletada aos 50, 80, 110 e 140 dias após a semeadura e determinou-se a produtividade da água. Observou-se efeito significativo para a produção de forragem de milheto (kg de MS ha-1) nas duas safras agrícolas 2014/2015 e 2015/2016, ajustando-se equação quadrática. A máxima eficiência técnica entre os tratamentos foi encontrada, para as duas safras, na lâmina 125% da ETo com produção de forragem de 15.494,47 kg ha-1 e 14.779,50 kg ha-1. A produtividade da água não diferiu estatisticamente para os distintos tratamentos em ambos os anos, com as médias gerais dos tratamentos em cada ano de 1,86 e 1,69 kg de MS m-3 nas safras de 2014/2015 e 2015/2016 respectivamente. A dinâmica de produção de massa seca acumulada, para a equação logística obtida com a média das duas safras representa com desempenho “ótimo” as produções de forragem acumuladas das duas safras agrícolas. A produção de forragem de milheto é suscetível a déficits hídricos, sendo a lâmina de 125% da ETo, a mais produtiva nas duas safras agrícolas. As lâminas de irrigação não influenciaram na produtividade da água.

Water productivity and production function in irrigated millet crop / Função de produção e produtividade da água em cultura de milheto irrigado

Determining the function that correlates water productivity with crop yield is essential for the correct sizing and management of irrigated agricultural systems. The objectives of this study are to determine forage production (FP) of millet at different irrigation levels and water productivity. Two experiments were conducted using millet crop sown in the 2014/2015 growing season in Santiago, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and in the 2015/2016 growing season in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul. The experiments were carried out using a completely randomized block design with four repetitions and six irrigation regimes (0, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 125% of reference evapotranspiration-ETo). Dry matter (DM) production of plants collected at 50, 80, 110, and 140 days after sowing and water productivity were determined. Irrigation had a significant effect on millet FP (kg DM ha-1) during the 2014/2015 and 2015/2016 growing seasons after adjusting the quadratic equation. The maximum technical efficiency in the two growing seasons was reached at 125% of ETo, with FP of 15,494.47 kg ha-1 and 14,779.50 kg ha-1, respectively. Water productivity was not significantly different between treatments, yieldingan average of 1.86 kg DM m-3 and 1.69 kg DM m-3 in the two seasons, respectively. The curve of average FP estimated with the logistic equation accurately represents the total FP in the two seasons. Millet crop is susceptible to water deficits, and the irrigation regime of 125% ETo achieved the highest FP in both growing seasons. However, the adopted irrigation regimes did not significantly affect water productivity.(AU)

A determinação da função de produção que relaciona a água com a produção da cultura é imprescindível para o correto dimensionamento e manejo de sistemas agropecuários irrigados. Os objetivos deste trabalho são a identificação da função de produção de forragem de milheto em relação às lâminas aplicadas e a determinação da produtividade da água. Foram realizados dois experimentos com a cultura do milheto semeados na safra agrícola 2014/2015 em Santiago, RS e na safra 2015/2016 em Santa Maria, RS. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições e seis lâminas de irrigação (0, 25, 50, 75, 100 e 125% da evapotranspiração de referência - ETo). Foi avaliada a produção de massa seca total acumulada de forragem, coletada aos 50, 80, 110 e 140 dias após a semeadura e determinou-se a produtividade da água. Observou-se efeito significativo para a produção de forragem de milheto (kg de MS ha-1) nas duas safras agrícolas 2014/2015 e 2015/2016, ajustando-se equação quadrática. A máxima eficiência técnica entre os tratamentos foi encontrada, para as duas safras, na lâmina 125% da ETo com produção de forragem de 15.494,47 kg ha-1 e 14.779,50 kg ha-1. A produtividade da água não diferiu estatisticamente para os distintos tratamentos em ambos os anos, com as médias gerais dos tratamentos em cada ano de 1,86 e 1,69 kg de MS m-3 nas safras de 2014/2015 e 2015/2016 respectivamente. A dinâmica de produção de massa seca acumulada, para a equação logística obtida com a média das duas safras representa com desempenho “ótimo” as produções de forragem acumuladas das duas safras agrícolas. A produção de forragem de milheto é suscetível a déficits hídricos, sendo a lâmina de 125% da ETo, a mais produtiva nas duas safras agrícolas. As lâminas de irrigação não influenciaram na produtividade da água.(AU)

Análise microbiológica de água consumo humano de um município do oeste do Estado do Paraná / Microbiological analysis of water for human consumption in the city of west of Paraná State

Devido ao grande desenvolvimento populacional, a contaminação da água tem se tornado cada vez mais recorrente, em consequência à poluição e más condições de saneamento. A água de consumo pode ser obtida de diversas fontes, entre elas os poços rasos, suscetíveis a contaminação devido à menor profundidade. A saúde pública requer água potável segura,que seja livre de patógenos. Portanto, a avaliação de sua qualidade é essencial, principalmente a água destinada ao consumo humano. O objetivo deste trabalho foi determinar a qualidade microbiológica de água para consumo humano de um município do Oeste do Paraná. De fevereiro a dezembro de 2017, foram coletadas 112 amostras de água de um município do Oeste do Paraná e transportadas para Unioeste para realizar a determinação de coliformes totais e E. coli, pelo método Colilert®. Do total das amostras de água analisadas, 28,6% apresentaram-se contaminadas por E. coli, indicando riscos à saúde da população que consome esta água.(AU)