Expression analysis of m6A-related genes in various tissues of Meishan pigs at different developmental stages

To characterize the N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-related gene expression profiles in various tissues of Meishan pigs at different stages, m6A modification-related genes (METTL3, METTL14, METTL16, WTAP, RBM15, and FTO) were detected from newborn to physical maturity of Meishan pigs at eight important developmental stages (1, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 134, and 158 days old). The expression of m6A-related genes was tissue-specific. Furthermore, the level of METTL3 messenger RNA (mRNA) was higher on day 35 than in other stages in most tissues, and the expression of METTL14 increased after day 35, and FTO exhibited a peak on day 14 in muscle, intestine, lymph nodes, thymus, and kidney. This study provided a reference for an in-depth study of the expression patterns of m6A modification-related genes in Meishan pigs.

Paternal effects on fetal programming

Paternal programming is the concept that the environmental signals from the sire's experiences leading up to mating can alter semen and ultimately affect the phenotype of resulting offspring. Potential mechanisms carrying the paternal effects to offspring can be associated with epigenetic signatures (DNA methylation, histone modification and non-coding RNAs), oxidative stress, cytokines, and the seminal microbiome. Several opportunities exist for sperm/semen to be influenced during development; these opportunities are within the testicle, the epididymis, or accessory sex glands. Epigenetic signatures of sperm can be impacted during the pre-natal and pre-pubertal periods, during sexual maturity and with advancing sire age. Sperm are susceptible to alterations as dictated by their developmental stage at the time of the perturbation, and sperm and seminal plasma likely have both dependent and independent effects on offspring. Research using rodent models has revealed that many factors including over/under nutrition, dietary fat, protein, and ingredient composition (e.g., macro- or micronutrients), stress, exercise, and exposure to drugs, alcohol, and endocrine disruptors all elicit paternal programming responses that are evident in offspring phenotype. Research using livestock species has also revealed that sire age, fertility level, plane of nutrition, and heat stress can induce alterations in the epigenetic, oxidative stress, cytokine, and microbiome profiles of sperm and/or seminal plasma. In addition, recent findings in pigs, sheep, and cattle have indicated programming effects in blastocysts post-fertilization with some continuing into post-natal life of the offspring. Our research group is focused on understanding the effects of common management scenarios of plane of nutrition and growth rates in bulls and rams on mechanisms resulting in paternal programming and subsequent offspring outcomes. Understanding the implication of paternal programming is imperative as short-term feeding and management decisions have the potential to impact productivity and profitability of our herds for generations to come.(AU)

Chemical composition of forage watermelon fruit at different maturity stage or storage length / Chemical composition of forage watermelon fruit at different maturity stage or storage length

This study aimed to assess the chemical responses of forage watermelon fruit at different maturity stages or storage lengths, performing two experimental tests. In the first test, four maturity stages were assessed: 30, 45, 60, and 75 days after anthesis, with four replicates. In the second test, fruits were maintained under three storage lengths: T1D (harvest day), T3M (3 months after harvest), and T6M (6 months after harvest), with eight replicates. Experimental design was completely randomized in both experimental tests. Fruit maturity stage did not affect crude protein, total carbohydrate, neutral detergent fiber, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), pulp firmness, soluble solids content and total pectin content, but increased acid detergent fiber content from 45 days after anthesis. Storage length up to six months after harvest increased ash, crude protein and IVDMD, and reduced the content of soluble solids. Forage watermelon fruit can be harvested from 30 to 75 days after anthesis equivalent to 75 - 120 days after planting, and they can be stored under tree shade up to 6 months after harvest.

This study aimed to assess the chemical responses of forage watermelon fruit at different maturity stages or storage lengths, performing two experimental tests. In the first test, four maturity stages were assessed: 30, 45, 60, and 75 days after anthesis, with four replicates. In the second test, fruits were maintained under three storage lengths: T1D (harvest day), T3M (3 months after harvest), and T6M (6 months after harvest), with eight replicates. Experimental design was completely randomized in both experimental tests. Fruit maturity stage did not affect crude protein, total carbohydrate, neutral detergent fiber, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), pulp firmness, soluble solids content and total pectin content, but increased acid detergent fiber content from 45 days after anthesis. Storage length up to six months after harvest increased ash, crude protein and IVDMD, and reduced the content of soluble solids. Forage watermelon fruit can be harvested from 30 to 75 days after anthesis equivalent to 75 - 120 days after planting, and they can be stored under tree shade up to 6 months after harvest.

Effect of storage time on the chemical composition of whole and grainless corn plant silage harvested at different maturity stages

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of harvesting corn at different maturity stages for silage production combined with four storage periods, considering nutrient loss and the chemical composition of silage of the whole plant and also of grainless plants. The experiment was performed in a completely randomized design with a factorial arrangement of six maturity stages of corn [reproductive (R); R1 to R6] and four periods of silage storage (30, 60, 90, and 120 days). At stages R1 and R2, losses by effluents occurred more intensely when compared with the more advanced stages, whereas losses by gases showed the opposite behavior, with stage R6 responsible for the greatest losses. Stage R4 showed a stable dry matter (DM) content during the storage period, 42.08%, and had the lowest levels of neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and acid detergent lignin (ADL) for the whole plant silage. The ADL in the silage of grainless plant of stage R4 was not the lowest, but it was close to the first reproductive stages, being an important point, since the first reproductive stages can present a vegetative fraction of better quality. The highest DM volumes produced by area occurred in the most advanced stages; however, R5 obtained a greater reduction in volume over the days of storage (20.66 kg day−1). The production cost was lower at the advanced stages (R4, R5, and R6) when compared with the first reproductive stages (R1, R2, and R3), and in general, during the storage period the costs did not have great variations. Based on the chemical composition of the silages, DM losses during the storage period, the stability in the costs of DM ton over the days of storage, the R4 stage was the most suitable for silage production.(AU)

Chemical composition of forage watermelon fruit at different maturity stage or storage length

This study aimed to assess the chemical responses of forage watermelon fruit at different maturity stage s or storage lengths, performing twoexperimental tests. In the first test, four maturity stages were assessed: 30, 45, 60, and 75 days after anthesis, with four replicates. In the second test, fruits were maintained under three storage lengths: T1D (harvest day), T3M (3 months after harvest), and T6M (6 months after harvest), with eight replicates. Experimental design was c ompletely randomized in both experimental tests. Fruit maturity stage did not affect crude protein, total carbohydrate, neutral detergent fiber, in vitrodry matter digestibility (IVDMD), pulp firmness, soluble solids content an d total pectin content, but increased acid detergent fiber content from 45 days after anthesis. Storage length up to six months after harvest increased ash, crude protein and IVDMD, and reduced the content of soluble solid s. Forage watermelon fruit can be harvested from 30 to 75 days after anthesis eq uivalent to 75 -120 days after planting, and they can be stored under tree shade up to 6 months after harvest.(AU)

Chemical composition of forage watermelon fruit at different maturity stage or storage length

This study aimed to assess the chemical responses of forage watermelon fruit at different maturity stages or storage lengths, performing two experimental tests. In the first test, four maturity stages were assessed: 30, 45, 60, and 75 days after anthesis, with four replicates. In the second test, fruits were maintained under three storage lengths: T1D (harvest day), T3M (3 months after harvest), and T6M (6 months after harvest), with eight replicates. Experimental design was completely randomized in both experimental tests. Fruit maturity stage did not affect crude protein, total carbohydrate, neutral detergent fiber, in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), pulp firmness, soluble solids content and total pectin content, but increased acid detergent fiber content from 45 days after anthesis. Storage length up to six months after harvest increased ash, crude protein and IVDMD, and reduced the content of soluble solids. Forage watermelon fruit can be harvested from 30 to 75 days after anthesis equivalent to 75 - 120 days after planting, and they can be stored under tree shade up to 6 months after harvest.(AU)

Life history trait variations and population dynamics of Calophysus macropterus (Siluriformes: Pimelodidae) in two river systems of the Colombian and Peruvian Amazon

The catfish Calophysus macropterus is heavily exploited in the Amazon basin, yet its life history characteristics are poorly documented, hampering proper fisheries management. In order to fill this gap, monthly sampling in the upper Putumayo River and in the Amazonas, lower Marañón and Ucayali (AMU) rivers were carried out over several years (2013-2015 in the AMU, 2013-2017 in the Putumayo) to provide detailed information about its reproduction, growth and mortality patterns (using length frequency data). Reproduction, which occurs during the dry and early flooding season, was only observed in the upper Putumayo River and not in the sampled portion of the AMU system, suggesting that the species reproduces closer to the Andes than other pimelodid catfishes. Size at first sexual maturity did not differ significantly among sex or among river systems, ranging from 25-28 cm SL. In both river systems, females had a faster growth than males and both genders also tended to have a better growth in the AMU than in the upper Putumayo. Mortality and exploitation estimate all indicated overexploitation of the species in both river systems. The implications of these results for fisheries management and conservation are discussed.(AU)

El bagre Calophysus macropterus está fuertemente explotado en la cuenca Amazónica. Sin embargo, su ciclo de vida está poco documentado, lo que dificulta su gestión pesquera. Para llenar este vacío, se realizaron muestreos mensuales en el alto río Putumayo alrededor de Puerto Leguízamo y en el Amazonas y los ríos bajo Marañón y Ucayali (AMU) cerca de Iquitos durante varios años (2013-2015 en AMU, 2013-2017 en Putumayo) para generar información sobre su reproducción, crecimiento y mortalidad. La reproducción, que se produce durante la estación seca y el inicio de la inundación, sólo se observó en el curso superior del río Putumayo y no en la parte muestreada del sistema de la AMU, lo que sugiere que la especie se reproduce más cerca de los Andes que otros pimelodidos. El tamaño de primera madurez sexual no difirió entre sexos o entre sistemas fluviales, oscilando entre 25-28 cm. En ambos sistemas fluviales, las hembras tuvieron un crecimiento más rápido que los machos y ambos géneros también tendieron a tener un mejor crecimiento en el AMU que en el alto Putumayo. Estimaciones de mortalidad y explotación indicaron una sobreexplotación en ambos sistemas. Se discuten las implicaciones de estos resultados para la gestión y conservación de las pesquerías.(AU)

Antioxidant and physiological responses of seeds of soybean cultivars to delayed harvest / Respostas antioxidantes e fisiológicas de sementes de cultivares de soja ao atraso de colheita

Soybean seeds are susceptible to field deterioration after reaching physiological maturity, which usually occurs at the R7 stage, with harvest at R8. This study aimed to evaluate the biochemical and physiological changes in seeds of different soybean cultivars submitted to delayed harvest in the field. Seeds of the cultivars NS 5959, BMX Potência, and TMG 1175 were harvested at four times (0, 10, 20, and 30 days after reaching R8). Moisture, germination, first count, accelerated aging, emergence, and tetrazolium tests were performed in each harvest period. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX), and ascorbate peroxidase (APX) were also evaluated. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design in a 3×4 factorial scheme (three cultivars and four harvest times). A reduction in germination and vigor of seeds of different soybean cultivars was found at R8 + 20 and R8 + 30 days related to field deterioration due to delayed harvest. The seeds of the cultivars did not differ in terms of viability under delayed harvest but differed in terms of antioxidant and physiological responses. Better and worse seed performances were found for the cultivars BMX Potência and TMG 1175, respectively, at R8 and in R8 + 10 days.(AU)

Sementes de soja são suscetíveis à deterioração em campo após atingirem a maturidade fisiológica, que em geral, ocorre no estádio R7 sendo a colheita realizada em R8. Objetivou-se com esse trabalho avaliar as alterações bioquímicas e fisiológicas em sementes de diferentes cultivares de soja submetidas ao atraso de colheita no campo. Sementes das cultivares NS 5959, BMX Potência e TMG 1175 foram colhidas em quatro épocas (0, 10, 20 e 30 dias após atingirem R8). Em cada período de colheita, foram realizados os testes de umidade, germinação, primeira contagem, envelhecimento acelerado, emergência e tetrazólio. Também foram avaliadas as atividades das enzimas antioxidantes catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POX) e ascorbato peroxidase (APX). O experimento foi conduzido em DIC, em esquema fatorial 3 x 4 (três cultivares e quatro épocas de colheita). Em R8 + 20 e R8 + 30 dias, foi encontrada redução na germinação e vigor das sementes das diferentes cultivares de soja devido à deterioração em campo pelo atraso de colheita. Sob atraso de colheita, as sementes das cultivares não diferiram quanto à viabilidade, mas diferiram quanto às respostas antioxidantes e fisiológicas. No estádio R8 e em R8 + 10 dias foi possível observar melhor desempenho das sementes da cv. 'BMX Potência' e pior para a cv. 'TMG 1175'.(AU)

Clinical and laboratory evaluation of premature goat kids with and without antenatal corticotherapy / Avaliação clínica e laboratorial de cabritos prematuros com e sem corticoterapia antenatal

This article evaluated the vital parameters, blood gas measurements, cortisol values and radiological findings of goat kids born at term and prematurely during the first 48 hours of life. For this purpose, 24 kids from 24 goats were used and assigned to groups as follows: Group I, eight kids born through cesarean sections performed at 149 days of gestation; Group II, eight kids born through cesarean sections performed at 143 days of gestation; Group III, eight kids born through cesarean sections performed at 143 days of gestation, whose mothers received 20 mg of dexamethasone. Group I had lower heart rate values than the other groups at 60 minutes after birth. In terms of temperature, there was no difference between the groups. The pH values were reduced shortly after birth, rising at 24 and 48 hours in all animals studied. In terms of the cortisol levels, the values increased significantly at birth (M0), with the highest values obtained in animals in group II. These values decreased at 48 hours after birth in the evaluated goats. The animals belonging to group I showed better radiographic aspects, and throughout the 48 hours of evaluation, all newborns exhibited adequate respiratory adaptation. It can be concluded that antenatal dexamethasone administered at 143 days of gestation did not influence neonatal viability, metabolic or radiographic parameters. The metabolic changes found are consistent with the extrauterine adaptation period that animals in this stage of life.

O presente artigo teve como objetivo avaliar os parâmetros vitais, hemogasométricos, valores de cortisol e os achados radiológicos, de cabritos nascidos a termo e prematuros, durante as primeiras 48 horas de vida. Para tanto, foram utilizados 24 cabritos oriundos de 20 cabras, distribuídos nos grupos: grupo I: oito cabritos nascidos por meio de cesarianas realizadas aos 149 dias de gestação; grupo II: oito cabritos nascidos por meio de cesarianas realizadas aos 143 dias de gestação; grupo III: oito cabritos nascidos por meio de cesarianas realizadas aos 143 dias de gestação, cujas mães receberam 20 mg de dexametasona. O grupo I apresentou valores mais baixos de frequência cardíaca quando comparados aos demais grupos aos 60 minutos após o nascimento. Em relação à temperatura, não houve diferença entre os grupos nos momentos avaliados. Os valores de pH apresentaram-se diminuídos logo após o nascimento, vindo a elevar-se nos momentos 24 e 48 horas em todos animais estudados. Em relação à análise dos níveis de cortisol, os valores aumentaram de forma significativa no (M0), com os maiores valores obtidos nos animais do grupo II. Esses valores decresceram às 48 horas após o nascimento nos cabritos avaliados. Os animais pertencentes ao grupo I demonstraram melhores aspectos radiográficos, sendo que, ao longo das 48 horas de avaliação, todos os recém-nascidos possuíam adequada adaptação respiratória. Conclui-se que a dexametasona antenatal realizada aos 143 dias de gestação não exerceu influência sobre a viabilidade neonatal, parâmetros metabólicos e radiográficos. As alterações metabólicas encontradas são condizentes com o período de adaptação extrauterina que animais nessa fase de vida enfrentam.

Morphological sexual maturity of the marine crab Xanthodius parvulus at the State Marine Park Laje de Santos, São Paulo, Brazil

ABSTRACT The marine crab Xanthodius parvulus (Fabricius, 1793) is naturally distributed in the Western Atlantic, being commonly found in the northeastern Brazilian coast. However, this species has been also recorded in the southeastern coast, especially in São Paulo State, on islands located close to harbors, which are becoming a place of occurrence for exotic species. This study aimed to estimate the morphological sexual maturity (relative growth) of X. parvulus the functional biological patterns of the species in a No-take marine reserve. The crabs were sampled at the Marine State Park of Laje de Santos, an important protected area from São Paulo that is located close to the largest Brazilian harbor, Santos, using an artificial substrate and active search methods (scuba diving). The morphological sexual maturity of females was estimated in 7.28 mm, according to the Abdomen Width vs. Carapace Width relationship, while for males this value was 8.83 mm based on the Gonopod Length vs. Carapace Width relationship, the females presented an increase in abdominal growth, even during the mature stage in order to achieve higher reproductive success, since the abdominal structure is used to protect the embryos. The Gonopod Length vs. Carapace Width relationship showed that males copulate with different sized females, since a non-exaggerated growth of the gonopods keeps them adequate to the size of the female genital pore, i.e., juveniles exhibited negative allometry and adults presented isometry. Thus, estimating the size of the sexual maturity of a species requires the development of a model to acknowledge its biological and reproductive pattern, being an important tool to increase the knowledge about the behavior of this species and one of the parameters to evaluate its conservation status.

RESUMO Maturidade sexual morfológica do caranguejo marinho Xanthodius parvulus no Parque Estadual Marinho Laje de Santos, São Paulo, Brasil. O caranguejo marinho Xanthodius parvulus (Fabricius, 1793) tem distribuição natural ao longo do Atlântico Ocidental, comumente encontrado no litoral nordeste brasileiro. Contudo, essa espécie vem sendo amplamente registrada ao longo do litoral sudeste, especialmente na costa do estado de São Paulo, em ilhas próximas a regiões portuárias, (que são regiões recorrentes para introdução de espécies exóticas). O presente estudo tem como objetivo estimar a maturidade sexual morfológica (utilizando crescimento relativo) de X. parvulus para que seja possível compreender o funcionamento de padrões biológicos da mesma em uma área de preservação ambiental, subsidiando assim, possíveis intepretações para futuros estudos de conservação e manejo da espécie. Os caranguejos foram amostrados no Parque Estadual Marinho Laje de Santos, uma importante área de preservação do estado de São Paulo, utilizando substrato artificial de refúgio e captura ativa com mergulho autônomo como metodologia. A maturidade sexual morfológica das fêmeas foi estimada em 7,28 mm, considerando a relação da Largura do Abdome vs. Largura da Carapaça, enquanto para os machos, este valor foi de 8,83 mm baseando na relação Comprimento do Gonopódio vs. Largura da Carapaça, as fêmeas apresentaram um incremento no crescimento abdominal, mesmo durante os estágios mais maduros para alcançar um maior sucesso reprodutivo, uma vez que as estruturas abdominais são usadas na proteção dos embriões. A relação Comprimento do Gonopódio vs. Largura da Carapaça indicou que os machos, por sua vez, podem copular com fêmeas em diferentes tamanhos, uma vez que um crescimento não exagerado da estrutura mantém o gonopódio em tamanho adequado a todos os tamanhos de poros genitais das fêmeas, corroborado pelo crescimento alométrico negativo em juvenis e crescimento isométrico nos adultos. Sendo assim, estimando o tamanho da maturidade sexual das espécies, torna-se possível o desenvolvimento de um modelo para reconhecimento da biologia e padrões reprodutivos dos animais, sendo uma importante ferramenta no conhecimento comportamental e para registro de um dos parâmetros para se avaliar o status de conservação da espécie na área.

Effect of advancing maturity stages of corn for silage on chemical characterization, digestibility and production costs / Efeito do avanço do estádio de maturação do milho para silagem sobre a caracterização bromatológica, digestibilidade e custos de produção

The goal of the present study was to evaluate the biomass and grain yield, the morphological and chemical composition, production costs and the ruminal disappearance of the whole corn plant and grain-free corn plant harvested at different reproductive stages. The experimental design was completely randomized, consisting of six treatments, where each treatment corresponded to a stage of corn maturity. The advance of plant cycle promoted an increase in dry biomass and grain yields per unit area, reducing production costs. Higher participation of grains and lower participation of structural components promoted a reduction in NDF and ADF, with the lowest values in dough grain (R4) and dent grain (R5) stages. The advancement of stages promoted an increase in production and a reduction in costs, but significantly reduced the quality of grain-free plants, increasing the NDF, ADF and ADL; but R4 and R5 presented NDFd of 84.80 % and 82.79 %, respectively, showing to be a good quality fiber. R4 stage had the highest rumen disappearance values after 24 and 48 hours of incubation. Based on chemical data, ruminal disappearance, ruminal degradation kinetics of the whole corn plant and without grains, the R4 stage of the evaluated hybrid is the stage at which the plant had the best quality, representing the appropriate stage to harvest the material for making silage, aiming at the production(AU)

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a produção de biomassa e de grãos, a composição morfobromatológica, os custos de produção e o desaparecimento ruminal da planta de milho inteira e sem grãos, colhidas em diferentes estádios reprodutivos. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, composto por seis tratamentos, onde cada tratamento correspondeu a um estádio de maturação do milho. A evolução do ciclo das plantas promoveu aumento na produção de biomassa seca e de grãos por unidade de área, proporcionando redução nos custos de produção. A maior participação de grãos e a menor de componentes estruturais promoveu redução nos teores de FDN e FDA, tendo os menores valores nos estádios de grão farináceo (R4) e grão duro (R5). O avanço dos estádios promoveu aumento na produção e redução nos custos, porém reduziu significativamente a qualidade da planta sem grãos, elevando os teores de FDN, FDA e LDA, porém R4 e R5 obtiveram FDNd de 84,80 % e 82,79 % respectivamente, mostrando ainda ser uma fibra de boa qualidade, o estádio R4 possuiu os maiores valores de desaparecimento ruminal em 24 e 48 horas de incubação. Embasado nos dados bromatológicos, nos custos de produção, desaparecimento ruminal, cinética da degradação ruminal da planta de milho inteira e sem grãos o estádio R4 do híbrido avaliado é o estádio em que a planta possuiu melhor qualidade, sendo este o momento adequado para realizar a colheita do material para confecção de silagem, visando a produção de uma silagem com boa qualidade bromatológica.(AU)

Effect of advancing maturity stages of corn for silage on chemical characterization, digestibility and production costs / Efeito do avanço do estádio de maturação do milho para silagem sobre a caracterização bromatológica, digestibilidade e custos de produção

The goal of the present study was to evaluate the biomass and grain yield, the morphological and chemical composition, production costs and the ruminal disappearance of the whole corn plant and grain-free corn plant harvested at different reproductive stages. The experimental design was completely randomized, consisting of six treatments, where each treatment corresponded to a stage of corn maturity. The advance of plant cycle promoted an increase in dry biomass and grain yields per unit area, reducing production costs. Higher participation of grains and lower participation of structural components promoted a reduction in NDF and ADF, with the lowest values in dough grain (R4) and dent grain (R5) stages. The advancement of stages promoted an increase in production and a reduction in costs, but significantly reduced the quality of grain-free plants, increasing the NDF, ADF and ADL; but R4 and R5 presented NDFd of 84.80 % and 82.79 %, respectively, showing to be a good quality fiber. R4 stage had the highest rumen disappearance values after 24 and 48 hours of incubation. Based on chemical data, ruminal disappearance, ruminal degradation kinetics of the whole corn plant and without grains, the R4 stage of the evaluated hybrid is the stage at which the plant had the best quality, representing the appropriate stage to harvest the material for making silage, aiming at the production

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a produção de biomassa e de grãos, a composição morfobromatológica, os custos de produção e o desaparecimento ruminal da planta de milho inteira e sem grãos, colhidas em diferentes estádios reprodutivos. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, composto por seis tratamentos, onde cada tratamento correspondeu a um estádio de maturação do milho. A evolução do ciclo das plantas promoveu aumento na produção de biomassa seca e de grãos por unidade de área, proporcionando redução nos custos de produção. A maior participação de grãos e a menor de componentes estruturais promoveu redução nos teores de FDN e FDA, tendo os menores valores nos estádios de grão farináceo (R4) e grão duro (R5). O avanço dos estádios promoveu aumento na produção e redução nos custos, porém reduziu significativamente a qualidade da planta sem grãos, elevando os teores de FDN, FDA e LDA, porém R4 e R5 obtiveram FDNd de 84,80 % e 82,79 % respectivamente, mostrando ainda ser uma fibra de boa qualidade, o estádio R4 possuiu os maiores valores de desaparecimento ruminal em 24 e 48 horas de incubação. Embasado nos dados bromatológicos, nos custos de produção, desaparecimento ruminal, cinética da degradação ruminal da planta de milho inteira e sem grãos o estádio R4 do híbrido avaliado é o estádio em que a planta possuiu melhor qualidade, sendo este o momento adequado para realizar a colheita do material para confecção de silagem, visando a produção de uma silagem com boa qualidade bromatológica.

Growth stanza in fish life history using otoliths shape: the protandric Centropomus case (Carangaria: Centropomidae)

Morphoanatomical or physiological changes coupled with changes in body size are known as allometric relationships. The objective of this study was to identify the points of growth changes in Centropomus based on otolith morphometry and morphogeometry. For this purpose, 455 individuals of C. undecimalis and 176 of C. parallelus were collected from artisanal fishermen of the coast of the state of Alagoas, Brazil. The sagittal otoliths were measured for length, height, perimeter, area and weighed. The potential and polyphasic models were fitted between total fish length and otolith length. The morphotypes otoliths wen describe by form Fourier descriptors and shape indices. The polyphasic model detected three growth phases. The first stanza for C. undecimalis was at 46.8 cm and the second at 75.9 cm. For C. parallelus, it was at 18.8 cm and at 41.2 cm. Each stanza has a specific otoliths morphotype in both species. The otoliths of C. undecimalis and C. parallelus exhibited ontogenetic allometric changes in their growth pattern with two stanzas changing points. The stanzas corresponded to specific lengths reached by individuals over their life cycles, such as their size at maturity and length at sexual reversion.(AU)

Mudanças morfoanatômicas ou fisiológicas em conjunto com mudanças no tamanho do corpo, são conhecidas como relações alométricas. O objetivo do estudo foi identificar os pontos de mudanças de crescimento de Centropomus com base na morfometria e morfogeometria dos otólitos. Foram coletados 455 indivíduos de C. undecimalis e 176 de C. parallelus, adquiridos com pescadores artesanais do estado de Alagoas, Brasil. Os otólitos sagitta foram medidos quanto ao comprimento, altura, perímetro, área e pesados. Os modelos potencial e polifásico foram ajustados entre o comprimento do peixe e o comprimento do otólito. Os morfotipos de otólitos são descritos por descritores de Fourier e índices de forma. O modelo polifásico detectou três fases de crescimento. A primeira stanza para C. undecimalis foi em 46,8 cm e a segunda em 75,9 cm. Já C. parallelus, a primeira foi em 18,8 cm e segunda em 41,2 cm. Cada stanza possui um morfotipo específico de otólitos em ambas as espécies. Os otólitos de C. undecimalis e C. parallelus exibiram mudanças alométricas ontogenéticas em seu padrão de crescimento com dois pontos de mudança de stanzas. As stanzas corresponderam a comprimentos específicos alcançados por indivíduos ao longo de seus ciclos de vida, como seu tamanho na maturidade e comprimento na reversão sexual.(AU)

Growth stanza in fish life history using otoliths shape: the protandric Centropomus case (Carangaria: Centropomidae)

Morphoanatomical or physiological changes coupled with changes in body size are known as allometric relationships. The objective of this study was to identify the points of growth changes in Centropomus based on otolith morphometry and morphogeometry. For this purpose, 455 individuals of C. undecimalis and 176 of C. parallelus were collected from artisanal fishermen of the coast of the state of Alagoas, Brazil. The sagittal otoliths were measured for length, height, perimeter, area and weighed. The potential and polyphasic models were fitted between total fish length and otolith length. The morphotypes otoliths wen describe by form Fourier descriptors and shape indices. The polyphasic model detected three growth phases. The first stanza for C. undecimalis was at 46.8 cm and the second at 75.9 cm. For C. parallelus, it was at 18.8 cm and at 41.2 cm. Each stanza has a specific otoliths morphotype in both species. The otoliths of C. undecimalis and C. parallelus exhibited ontogenetic allometric changes in their growth pattern with two stanzas changing points. The stanzas corresponded to specific lengths reached by individuals over their life cycles, such as their size at maturity and length at sexual reversion.(AU)

Mudanças morfoanatômicas ou fisiológicas em conjunto com mudanças no tamanho do corpo, são conhecidas como relações alométricas. O objetivo do estudo foi identificar os pontos de mudanças de crescimento de Centropomus com base na morfometria e morfogeometria dos otólitos. Foram coletados 455 indivíduos de C. undecimalis e 176 de C. parallelus, adquiridos com pescadores artesanais do estado de Alagoas, Brasil. Os otólitos sagitta foram medidos quanto ao comprimento, altura, perímetro, área e pesados. Os modelos potencial e polifásico foram ajustados entre o comprimento do peixe e o comprimento do otólito. Os morfotipos de otólitos são descritos por descritores de Fourier e índices de forma. O modelo polifásico detectou três fases de crescimento. A primeira stanza para C. undecimalis foi em 46,8 cm e a segunda em 75,9 cm. Já C. parallelus, a primeira foi em 18,8 cm e segunda em 41,2 cm. Cada stanza possui um morfotipo específico de otólitos em ambas as espécies. Os otólitos de C. undecimalis e C. parallelus exibiram mudanças alométricas ontogenéticas em seu padrão de crescimento com dois pontos de mudança de stanzas. As stanzas corresponderam a comprimentos específicos alcançados por indivíduos ao longo de seus ciclos de vida, como seu tamanho na maturidade e comprimento na reversão sexual.(AU)

Morphological sexual maturity of the marine crab Xanthodius parvulus at the State Marine Park Laje de Santos, São Paulo, Brazil / Maturidade sexual morfológica do caranguejo marinho Xanthodius parvulus no Parque Estadual Marinho Laje de Santos, São Paulo, Brasil

The marine crab Xanthodius parvulus (Fabricius, 1793) is naturally distributed in the Western Atlantic, being commonly found in the northeastern Brazilian coast. However, this species has been also recorded in the southeastern coast, especially in São Paulo State, on islands located close to harbors, which are becoming a place of occurrence for exotic species. This study aimed to estimate the morphological sexual maturity (relative growth) of X. parvulus the functional biological patterns of the species in a No-take marine reserve. The crabs were sampled at the Marine State Park of Laje de Santos, an important protected area from São Paulo that is located close to the largest Brazilian harbor, Santos, using an artificial substrate and active search methods (scuba diving). The morphological sexual maturity of females was estimated in 7.28 mm, according to the Abdomen Width vs. Carapace Width relationship, while for males this value was 8.83 mm based on the Gonopod Length vs. Carapace Width relationship, the females presented an increase in abdominal growth, even during the mature stage in order to achieve higher reproductive success, since the abdominal structure is used to protect the embryos. The Gonopod Length vs. Carapace Width relationship showed that males copulate with different sized females, since a non-exaggerated growth of the gonopods keeps them adequate to the size of the female genital pore, i.e., juveniles exhibited negative allometry and adults presented isometry. Thus, estimating the size of the sexual maturity of a species requires the development of a model to acknowledge its biological and reproductive pattern, being an important tool to increase the knowledge about the behavior of this species and one of the parameters to evaluate its conservation status.(AU)

O caranguejo marinho Xanthodius parvulus (Fabricius, 1793) tem distribuição natural ao longo do Atlântico Ocidental, comumente encontrado no litoral nordeste brasileiro. Contudo, essa espécie vem sendo amplamente registrada ao longo do litoral sudeste, especialmente na costa do estado de São Paulo, em ilhas próximas a regiões portuárias, (que são regiões recorrentes para introdução de espécies exóticas). O presente estudo tem como objetivo estimar a maturidade sexual morfológica (utilizando crescimento relativo) de X. parvulus para que seja possível compreender o funcionamento de padrões biológicos da mesma em uma área de preservação ambiental, subsidiando assim, possíveis intepretações para futuros estudos de conservação e manejo da espécie. Os caranguejos foram amostrados no Parque Estadual Marinho Laje de Santos, uma importante área de preservação do estado de São Paulo, utilizando substrato artificial de refúgio e captura ativa com mergulho autônomo como metodologia. A maturidade sexual morfológica das fêmeas foi estimada em 7,28 mm, considerando a relação da Largura do Abdome vs. Largura da Carapaça, enquanto para os machos, este valor foi de 8,83 mm baseando na relação Comprimento do Gonopódio vs. Largura da Carapaça, as fêmeas apresentaram um incremento no crescimento abdominal, mesmo durante os estágios mais maduros para alcançar um maior sucesso reprodutivo, uma vez que as estruturas abdominais são usadas na proteção dos embriões. A relação Comprimento do Gonopódio vs. Largura da Carapaça indicou que os machos, por sua vez, podem copular com fêmeas em diferentes tamanhos, uma vez que um crescimento não exagerado da estrutura mantém o gonopódio em tamanho adequado a todos os tamanhos de poros genitais das fêmeas, corroborado pelo crescimento alométrico negativo em juvenis e crescimento isométrico nos adultos. Sendo assim, estimando o tamanho da maturidade sexual das espécies, torna-se possível o desenvolvimento de um modelo para [...].(AU)

Morphological sexual maturity of the marine crab Xanthodius parvulus at the State Marine Park Laje de Santos, São Paulo, Brazil / Maturidade sexual morfológica do caranguejo marinho Xanthodius parvulus no Parque Estadual Marinho Laje de Santos, São Paulo, Brasil

The marine crab Xanthodius parvulus (Fabricius, 1793) is naturally distributed in the Western Atlantic, being commonly found in the northeastern Brazilian coast. However, this species has been also recorded in the southeastern coast, especially in São Paulo State, on islands located close to harbors, which are becoming a place of occurrence for exotic species. This study aimed to estimate the morphological sexual maturity (relative growth) of X. parvulus the functional biological patterns of the species in a No-take marine reserve. The crabs were sampled at the Marine State Park of Laje de Santos, an important protected area from São Paulo that is located close to the largest Brazilian harbor, Santos, using an artificial substrate and active search methods (scuba diving). The morphological sexual maturity of females was estimated in 7.28 mm, according to the Abdomen Width vs. Carapace Width relationship, while for males this value was 8.83 mm based on the Gonopod Length vs. Carapace Width relationship, the females presented an increase in abdominal growth, even during the mature stage in order to achieve higher reproductive success, since the abdominal structure is used to protect the embryos. The Gonopod Length vs. Carapace Width relationship showed that males copulate with different sized females, since a non-exaggerated growth of the gonopods keeps them adequate to the size of the female genital pore, i.e., juveniles exhibited negative allometry and adults presented isometry. Thus, estimating the size of the sexual maturity of a species requires the development of a model to acknowledge its biological and reproductive pattern, being an important tool to increase the knowledge about the behavior of this species and one of the parameters to evaluate its conservation status.

O caranguejo marinho Xanthodius parvulus (Fabricius, 1793) tem distribuição natural ao longo do Atlântico Ocidental, comumente encontrado no litoral nordeste brasileiro. Contudo, essa espécie vem sendo amplamente registrada ao longo do litoral sudeste, especialmente na costa do estado de São Paulo, em ilhas próximas a regiões portuárias, (que são regiões recorrentes para introdução de espécies exóticas). O presente estudo tem como objetivo estimar a maturidade sexual morfológica (utilizando crescimento relativo) de X. parvulus para que seja possível compreender o funcionamento de padrões biológicos da mesma em uma área de preservação ambiental, subsidiando assim, possíveis intepretações para futuros estudos de conservação e manejo da espécie. Os caranguejos foram amostrados no Parque Estadual Marinho Laje de Santos, uma importante área de preservação do estado de São Paulo, utilizando substrato artificial de refúgio e captura ativa com mergulho autônomo como metodologia. A maturidade sexual morfológica das fêmeas foi estimada em 7,28 mm, considerando a relação da Largura do Abdome vs. Largura da Carapaça, enquanto para os machos, este valor foi de 8,83 mm baseando na relação Comprimento do Gonopódio vs. Largura da Carapaça, as fêmeas apresentaram um incremento no crescimento abdominal, mesmo durante os estágios mais maduros para alcançar um maior sucesso reprodutivo, uma vez que as estruturas abdominais são usadas na proteção dos embriões. A relação Comprimento do Gonopódio vs. Largura da Carapaça indicou que os machos, por sua vez, podem copular com fêmeas em diferentes tamanhos, uma vez que um crescimento não exagerado da estrutura mantém o gonopódio em tamanho adequado a todos os tamanhos de poros genitais das fêmeas, corroborado pelo crescimento alométrico negativo em juvenis e crescimento isométrico nos adultos. Sendo assim, estimando o tamanho da maturidade sexual das espécies, torna-se possível o desenvolvimento de um modelo para [...].

Agronomic characteristics of maize hybrids (Zea mays, L. ) at different maturity stages / Características agronômicas de híbridos de milho (Zea mays, L. ) silageiros em diferentes estádios de maturação

The objective of this study was to evaluate the production and physical composition of three maize hybrids (Zea mays, L.) for silage production at six maturity stages. The hybrids evaluated were Maximus VIP3, Defender VIP and Feroz VIP. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design with four replicates. The mean plant heights observed at harvest time (2.33 m, 2.45 m and 2.40m) demonstrated that all materials were medium-sized hybrids. A positive correlation was observed between plant height and height of the ear insertion, varying from 0.86 for the Feroz VIP hybrid to 0.88 for the Maximus VIP3 hybrid, but these two variants had no correlation with the productivity data. There was a significant difference for the production of fresh biomass at the R1, R2 and R5 stages, with Maximus VIP3 obtaining the highest yields. The proportion of grains in the physical composition of plant varied between hybrids, where Maximus VIP3 and Defender VIP (482.2 and 461.7 g kg-¹, respectively) were superior to Feroz VIP (429.7 g kg-¹). With the advancement of maturity, there was a decreasing linear behavior for stem and leaf participation, with reductions of 3.8 g kg-¹ and 4.5 gkg-¹, respectively, per day (R2 = 0.79 and 0.80, respectively), quadratic behavior for bracts and corncob and a linear increase in grain participation in the plant structure, with an increase of 7.7 g kg-¹ per day (R2 = 0.88). In general, the three hybrids present good characteristics for silage production and permit harvesting in the hard grain stage, allowing the addition of starch in relation to the farinaceous grain stage.

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a produção e a composição física de três híbridos de milho (Zea mays, L.) para produção de silagem, em seis estádios de maturidade. Os híbridos avaliados foram o MaximusVIP3, Defender VIP e Feroz VIP. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento de blocos inteiramente casualizados com quatro repetições e três tratamentos. A média de altura de planta observada no momento da colheita (2,33m, 2,45m e 2,40m, respectivamente) classifica todos os materiais como híbridos de porte médio. Foi observado correlação positiva, variando de 0,86 para o híbrido Feroz VIP a0,88 para o híbrido Maximus VIP3, entre a altura de planta e altura de inserção da espiga, porém, essas duas varáveis não tiveram correlação com os dados de produtividade. Houve diferença significativa para produção de biomassa fresca nos estádio R1, R2 e R5, tendo o Maximus VIP3 obtido as maiores produtividades. A proporção de grãos na composição física da planta variou entre os híbridos, onde o Maximus VIP3 e o Defender VIP (482,2 e 461,7 g kg-¹) foram superiores ao Feroz VIP (429,7 g kg-¹).Com o avanço da maturidade notou-se comportamento linear decrescente para participação de colmo e folha, com redução de 03,8 g kg-¹ e 04,5 g kg-¹ (R2=0,79 e 0,8; respectivamente) ao dia, quadrático para brácteas e sabugo, e linear crescente para participação de grãos na estrutura da planta, com aumento de 7,7 g kg-¹ ao dia (R2=0,88). De forma geral, os três híbridos apresentam boas características para produção de silagem e permitem a colheita em estádio de grão duro, possibilitando acréscimo de grãos em relação ao estádio de grão farináceo.

Agronomic characteristics of maize hybrids (Zea mays, L. ) at different maturity stages / Características agronômicas de híbridos de milho (Zea mays, L. ) silageiros em diferentes estádios de maturação

The objective of this study was to evaluate the production and physical composition of three maize hybrids (Zea mays, L.) for silage production at six maturity stages. The hybrids evaluated were Maximus VIP3, Defender VIP and Feroz VIP. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized block design with four replicates. The mean plant heights observed at harvest time (2.33 m, 2.45 m and 2.40m) demonstrated that all materials were medium-sized hybrids. A positive correlation was observed between plant height and height of the ear insertion, varying from 0.86 for the Feroz VIP hybrid to 0.88 for the Maximus VIP3 hybrid, but these two variants had no correlation with the productivity data. There was a significant difference for the production of fresh biomass at the R1, R2 and R5 stages, with Maximus VIP3 obtaining the highest yields. The proportion of grains in the physical composition of plant varied between hybrids, where Maximus VIP3 and Defender VIP (482.2 and 461.7 g kg-¹, respectively) were superior to Feroz VIP (429.7 g kg-¹). With the advancement of maturity, there was a decreasing linear behavior for stem and leaf participation, with reductions of 3.8 g kg-¹ and 4.5 gkg-¹, respectively, per day (R2 = 0.79 and 0.80, respectively), quadratic behavior for bracts and corncob and a linear increase in grain participation in the plant structure, with an increase of 7.7 g kg-¹ per day (R2 = 0.88). In general, the three hybrids present good characteristics for silage production and permit harvesting in the hard grain stage, allowing the addition of starch in relation to the farinaceous grain stage.(AU)

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a produção e a composição física de três híbridos de milho (Zea mays, L.) para produção de silagem, em seis estádios de maturidade. Os híbridos avaliados foram o MaximusVIP3, Defender VIP e Feroz VIP. O experimento foi conduzido em delineamento de blocos inteiramente casualizados com quatro repetições e três tratamentos. A média de altura de planta observada no momento da colheita (2,33m, 2,45m e 2,40m, respectivamente) classifica todos os materiais como híbridos de porte médio. Foi observado correlação positiva, variando de 0,86 para o híbrido Feroz VIP a0,88 para o híbrido Maximus VIP3, entre a altura de planta e altura de inserção da espiga, porém, essas duas varáveis não tiveram correlação com os dados de produtividade. Houve diferença significativa para produção de biomassa fresca nos estádio R1, R2 e R5, tendo o Maximus VIP3 obtido as maiores produtividades. A proporção de grãos na composição física da planta variou entre os híbridos, onde o Maximus VIP3 e o Defender VIP (482,2 e 461,7 g kg-¹) foram superiores ao Feroz VIP (429,7 g kg-¹).Com o avanço da maturidade notou-se comportamento linear decrescente para participação de colmo e folha, com redução de 03,8 g kg-¹ e 04,5 g kg-¹ (R2=0,79 e 0,8; respectivamente) ao dia, quadrático para brácteas e sabugo, e linear crescente para participação de grãos na estrutura da planta, com aumento de 7,7 g kg-¹ ao dia (R2=0,88). De forma geral, os três híbridos apresentam boas características para produção de silagem e permitem a colheita em estádio de grão duro, possibilitando acréscimo de grãos em relação ao estádio de grão farináceo.(AU)

Influence of high temperature on the reproductive biology of dry edible bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. )

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of heat stress on 12 bean genotypes through the analysis of their reproductive biology in terms of flowering, pollen viability, meiotic behavior, and production. Plants were grown in a climate chamber at 25-20 °C (day and night) and at a high temperature treatment 37-26 °C (day and night) from the vegetative (V4) development stage to physiological maturity. The experimental design was 2 × 12 factorial arrangement with six replications and the factors consisted of heat treatments and genotypes. In three replications, the number of newly opened flowers was checked daily. At physiological maturity, the following traits were evaluated: percentage of pod set, number of pods, number of viable seeds, number of aborted seeds, 100 seed weight, and seed yield (g per plant). The other three replications were used to collect flowers to create slides to study viability of the pollen grain and analyze the meiotic behavior. The heat treatment factor significantly affected the following traits: total number of pollen grains, number of flowers, number of pods, pod set, number of viable seeds, 100 seed weight, and seed yield. The raised temperature reduced these variables, except for percentage of pod set, and increased meiotic irregularities. The mean values regarding seed yield were 16.39 g per plant for the control treatment and 7.46 g per plant under high temperature. IAC Imperador, FT Nobre, Pérola, BRS Estilo, and IAC Diplomata stood out for higher bean seed yield under increased temperature.

Influence of high temperature on the reproductive biology of dry edible bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L. )

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of heat stress on 12 bean genotypes through the analysis of their reproductive biology in terms of flowering, pollen viability, meiotic behavior, and production. Plants were grown in a climate chamber at 25-20 °C (day and night) and at a high temperature treatment 37-26 °C (day and night) from the vegetative (V4) development stage to physiological maturity. The experimental design was 2 × 12 factorial arrangement with six replications and the factors consisted of heat treatments and genotypes. In three replications, the number of newly opened flowers was checked daily. At physiological maturity, the following traits were evaluated: percentage of pod set, number of pods, number of viable seeds, number of aborted seeds, 100 seed weight, and seed yield (g per plant). The other three replications were used to collect flowers to create slides to study viability of the pollen grain and analyze the meiotic behavior. The heat treatment factor significantly affected the following traits: total number of pollen grains, number of flowers, number of pods, pod set, number of viable seeds, 100 seed weight, and seed yield. The raised temperature reduced these variables, except for percentage of pod set, and increased meiotic irregularities. The mean values regarding seed yield were 16.39 g per plant for the control treatment and 7.46 g per plant under high temperature. IAC Imperador, FT Nobre, Pérola, BRS Estilo, and IAC Diplomata stood out for higher bean seed yield under increased temperature.(AU)