Fermentative parameters and aerobic stability of orange peel silage with pelleted citrus pulp

This study evaluated the effects of pelleted citrus pulp (PCP) added to orange peel on fermentative parameters and aerobic stability of orange peel silages. The treatments were based on different levels of PCP: 0 (control), 10% PCP, 20% PCP, and 30% PCP calculated according to the weight of orange peel (w/w), with five experimental silos per treatment stored for 60 days. Chemical composition, fermentative parameters, microbial population, and dry matter (DM) losses were performed in silages after opening the experimental silos. Furthermore, aerobic stability was evaluated for 12 days. Silages with 10 and 20% PCP presented suitable levels of DM, 226 and 302 g kg−1, respectively, and probably adequate water activity that benefited the lactic acid fermentation, but it jeopardized their aerobic stabilities. The inclusion of 10% PCP did not reduce the effluent loss compared with the control silages. Yet, 30% PCP silage showed the lowest effluent loss (93%), in contrast to the low lactic acid content (35 g kg−1) and short aerobic stability (49 h). Control silages remained stable for a longer period (115 h), but showed greater loss of N as NH3, and higher losses of DM through gas (354 g kg−1) and effluents (114 g kg−1). In short, we highlighted 20% PCP silage because of its high lactic acid bacteria (6.3 cfu g−1), high lactic acid:acetic acid ratio (1.41), low nitrogen degradation as NH3, and reduced gas (67%) and effluent (80%) productions. With the highest lactic acid (66.42 g kg−1), these well-preserved silages showed a more intense aerobic degradation, starting after 42h. The inclusion of PCP to orange peel improves the fermentation process probably due to the decrease of water activity, but decreases the aerobic stability of the silage as well.(AU)

Genetic characterization, evaluation of growth and production of biomass of strains from wild edible mushrooms of Lyophyllum of Central Mexico

The present study conducted a genetic characterization and determined growth rate and biomass production in solid and liquid media, using strains obtained from wild edible sporomes of Lyophyllum that grow in high mountains. Vegetative isolation was used to obtain a total of four strains, which were divided into two clades within the section Difformia: Lyophyllum sp. and Lyophyllum aff. shimeji. Growth rate and biomass production were influenced by both the culture media and the strains. In a potato dextrose agar medium, the strains presented a higher growth rate, while in a malt extract-peptone and yeast agar medium, the growth rate was lower, but with a higher biomass production that was equal to that in the malt extract-peptone and yeast liquid medium.(AU)

Taxonomic identification using geometric morphometric approach and limited data: an example using the upper molars of two sympatric species of Calomys (Cricetidae: Rodentia)

The taxonomic identification of micromammals might be complicated when the study material is fragmented, as it is the case with pellets and fossil material. On the other hand, tooth morphology generally provides accurate information for species identification. Teeth preserve notably well, retaining their original morphology, unlike skulls and mandibles, which can get crushed or have missing parts. Here, we explored a geometric morphometrics approach (GM) to identify fragmented specimens of two sympatric Calomys Waterhouse, 1837 species - Calomys tener (Winge, 1888) and Calomys expulsus (Lund, 1841) - using the morphology of intact molars as the basis for identification. Furthermore, we included some specimens of uncertain taxonomic identification to test their affinities and the utility of the shape of the molar to identify incomplete specimens. We evaluated the variations in the shape of the first upper molar (M1) among 46 owl pellets specimens of Calomys, including C. expulsus (n = 15), C. tener (n = 15), and unidentified specimens treated as Calomys sp. (n = 16) through GM analysis using 17 landmarks. The data was explored using PCA, PERMANOVA, and Discriminant analyses over the Procrustes residuals matrix were applied to evaluate inter- and intraspecific shape differences. Also, we evaluated whether allometric shape differences could impact the data, but found no evidence of a correlation between size and shape. Our results support that shape differences in the M1 are effective for discriminating between C. tener and C. expulsus. Moreover, the unidentified specimens do not represent a third shape but could be identified with confidence either as C. teneror C. expulsus. Our results show that even with fragmentary materials, GM is a feasible and useful tool for exploring inter-specific shape differences and assisting in taxonomic identification as a complement to traditional qualitative description of diagnostic features in poorly preserved specimens.

Taxonomic identification using geometric morphometric approach and limited data: an example using the upper molars of two sympatric species of Calomys (Cricetidae: Rodentia)

The taxonomic identification of micromammals might be complicated when the study material is fragmented, as it is the case with pellets and fossil material. On the other hand, tooth morphology generally provides accurate information for species identification. Teeth preserve notably well, retaining their original morphology, unlike skulls and mandibles, which can get crushed or have missing parts. Here, we explored a geometric morphometrics approach (GM) to identify fragmented specimens of two sympatric Calomys Waterhouse, 1837 species - Calomys tener (Winge, 1888) and Calomys expulsus (Lund, 1841) - using the morphology of intact molars as the basis for identification. Furthermore, we included some specimens of uncertain taxonomic identification to test their affinities and the utility of the shape of the molar to identify incomplete specimens. We evaluated the variations in the shape of the first upper molar (M1) among 46 owl pellets specimens of Calomys, including C. expulsus (n = 15), C. tener (n = 15), and unidentified specimens treated as Calomys sp. (n = 16) through GM analysis using 17 landmarks. The data was explored using PCA, PERMANOVA, and Discriminant analyses over the Procrustes residuals matrix were applied to evaluate inter- and intraspecific shape differences. Also, we evaluated whether allometric shape differences could impact the data, but found no evidence of a correlation between size and shape. Our results support that shape differences in the M1 are effective for discriminating between C. tener and C. expulsus. Moreover, the unidentified specimens do not represent a third shape but could be identified with confidence either as C. teneror C. expulsus. Our results show that even with fragmentary materials, GM is a feasible and useful tool for exploring inter-specific shape differences and assisting in taxonomic identification as a complement to traditional qualitative description of diagnostic features in poorly preserved specimens.(AU)

Interações comportamentais e desempenho zootécnico de juvenis de Tambaqui (Colossoma Macropomum) alimentados com rações de diferentes velocidades de imersão

O objetivo deste estudo foi investigar a influência da velocidade de imersão da ração sobre os comportamentos alimentar e agressivo, bem como o desempenho zootécnico e homogeneidade do lote de juvenis de tambaqui. Para a obtenção das dietas experimentais as configurações da extrusora foram ajustadas para obter péletes com diferentes velocidades de imersão: ração que afunda rapidamente (RAR), ração que afunda lentamente (RAL) e ração que flutua (RF), as quais configuravam os tratamentos. O presente estudo foi dividido em três etapas. Na etapa 1 foi realizado os testes da qualidade física dos péletes: umidade (U), densidade aparente (DA), flutuabilidade (F), taxa de expansão (TE), índice de solubilidade em água (ISA), índice de absorção de água (IAA), índice de durabilidade dos péletes (IDP), resistência a água (RA), velocidade de imersão (VA) e microestrutura dos péletes . Na etapa 2 foram utilizados 48 indivíduos para a análise do comportamento alimentar e agressivo dos juvenis de tambaqui. Os peixes foram distribuídos em 12 aquários (55L, n=4; 4 peixes/aquário) em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos (RAR, RAL e RF). Para a análise das interações comportamentais, os peixes foram filmados durante 3 dias, com duração de 5 minutos após a arraçoamento, nos horários 08:00 e 16:00 h, totalizando 360 minutos de observação. Foram elaborados etogramas do comportamento alimentar e da interação agressiva que foram utilizados na quantificação da frequência das respectivas unidades comportamentais. Para a investigação da influência da velocidade de imersão dos péletes sobre o desempenho zootécnico (Etapa 3), utilizamos 225 peixes que foram igualmente distribuídos em 15 tanques circulares de polietileno, volume útil de 260 L, em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com os mesmos tratamentos (RAR, RAL e RF) e cinco repetições (15 peixes/tanque). O arraçoamento foi realizado quatro vezes ao dia (8:00, 11:00, 14:00, 17:00 horas) com 3% da biomassa durante 9 semanas. Foram avaliados os parâmetros zootécnicos: conversão alimentar aparente; taxa de eficiência alimentar; ganho em peso; ganho em peso diário; taxa de crescimento relativo, fator de condição; consumo total de ração e sobrevivência. Os dados das etapas 1 e 3 foram submetidos a análise de variância (One-way ANOVA) seguido pelo teste de Tukey (p < 0,05). Os dados da etapa 2 analisados por Kruskal-Wallis, seguido pelo teste de Fisher LSD (p < 0,05). Para avaliar a estabilidade da hierarquia de dominância foi utilizado Coeficiente de concordância de Kendall. Na etapa 1, todas as variáveis apresentaram diferenças significativas, com exceção do ISA e IAA. Há relação inversa entre TE e DA. Péletes com maior TE apesentaram menor DA. Desta forma, a RF foi a única que apresentou 75,33% de F. As demais dietas, afundaram logo que lançadas em água, com velocidades de imersão 3,22 ± 0,40 e 7,37 ± 0,94 cm/s, respectivamente. Os teores de U das rações, após a secagem, permaneceram inferiores a 10%. IDP foi estatisticamente menor para as dietas da RF, com 99,69 ± 0,03, devido ao aumento da TE, que resulta em péletes com paredes mais finas e menos resistente ao estresse mecânico. Na etapa 2, o consumo alimentar dos peixes que ingeriram RF foi mais demorado, totalizando 8,68 ± 2,86 minutos. Enquanto os tratamentos RAR e RAL foram iguais estatisticamente, com 0,18 ± 2,46 e 0,21 ± 3,89 min respectivamente. Provavelmente, devido a característica física da RF de flutuar na água e não possuir movimento, os animais não se alimentaram com a mesma motivação que os animais alimentados com a RAR e RAL, que afundam logo que lançadas em água. Os peixes alimentados com a RAL apresentaram maior agressividade em relação aos animais submetidos aos tratamentos RAR e RF. Isso indica que péletes da RAL ficam disponível por mais tempo na coluna d água e, portanto, os peixes apresentaram com maior competição por alimento, o que pode ser evidenciado pela maior frequência de interação agressiva e instabilidade social. Os resultados da Etapa 3, indicaram que os animais alimentados com RAR e RAL consumiram maior quantidade de ração, com 1798,07 ± 51,07 e 1783,98 ± 113,03, respectivamente, quando comparados aos grupos de peixes que ingeriram à RF (1596,08 ± 62,59 g). Apesar do ganho em peso entre os três tratamentos serem estatisticamente iguais, com valores de 79,46 ± 5,76g, 78,54 ± 15,85g e 72,16 ± 9,03g respectivamente, os valores de coeficiente de variação indicam que os peixes que foram alimentados com o tratamento RAL foram menos homogêneos com o valor de 15,9%. Desta forma, RAR é indicada para a alimentação de juvenis de tambaqui, pois os peixes apresentaram hierarquia social estável com baixa agressividade e melhor homogeneidade do lote.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the feed sinking velocity on feeding and aggressive behavior, as well as the zootechnical performance and homogeneity of the tambaqui juveniles. To obtain the experimental diets, the extruder settings were adjusted to obtain pellets with different immersion sinking velocity: fast sinking feed (FSF), slow sinking feed (SSF) and floating feed (FF), which configured the experimental treatments. The present study was divided into three assays. Assay 1, the physical quality tests of the pellets were performed: moisture (M), bulk density (BD), Floatability (F), expansion rate (ER), water solubility index (WSI), water absorption index (WAI), pellet durability index (PDI), water resistance (WR), sinking velocity (IS) and pellet microstructure. Assay 2, 48 fish were used to analyze the feeding and aggressive behavior of tambaqui juveniles. Fish were distributed in 12 aquariums (55L; n=4; 4 fish/aquarium) in a completely randomized design with three treatments (FSF, SSF and FF). For the behavioral interactions analysis, fish were filmed during 3 days, lasting 5 minutes after feeding, the feedings took place at 08:00 a.m. and 16:00 p.m., with a total of 360 minutes of observation. Ethograms of feeding behavior and aggressive interaction were elaborated and used to quantify the frequency of the respective behavioral units. To investigate the influence of pellet sinking velocity on zootechnical performance (Assay 3), It was used 225 fish that were equally distributed in 15 circular polyethylene tanks, with an useful volume of 260 L, in a completely randomized design with the same treatments (FSF, SSF and FF) (n=5, 15 fish/tank). Fish were fed four times a day (8:00, 11:00, 14:00, 17:00 hours) with 3% of biomass during 9 weeks. The following zootechnical parameters were evaluated: apparent feed conversion; feed efficiency rate; weight gain; daily weight gain; relative growth rate, condition factor; total feed consumption and survival. Data from assays 1 and 3 were subjected to analysis of variance (One-way ANOVA) followed by Tukey's test (p < 0.05). Data from assay 2 were analyzed by Kruskal-Wallis, followed by Fisher's LSD test (p < 0.05). To evaluate the stability of the dominance hierarchy, Kendall's coefficient of agreement was used. In assay 1, all variables presented significant differences, with the exception of WSI and WAI. There is an inverse relationship between ER and BD. Pellets with higher ER presented lower BD. Thus, FF was the only one that presented 75.33% of F. The other diets sank as soon as they were released in water, with sinking velocity of 3.22 ± 0.40 and 7.37 ± 0.94 cm/s, respectively. The M content of the rations, after drying, remained below 10%. PDI was statistically lower for FF diets, with 99.69 ± 0.03, due to the increase in ER, which results in pellets with thinner walls and less resistant to mechanical stress. In assay 2, the feed consumption of fish that ingested FF took longer, totaling 8.68 ± 2.86 minutes. However, FSF and SSF treatments were statistically equal, with 0.18 ± 2.46 and 0.21 ± 3.89 min, respectively. Probably, due to the physical characteristic of the FF of floating in water with no movement, fish were not fed with the same motivation as the animals fed with FSF and SSF, which sink as soon as it are thrown into water. Fish fed with FSF showed greater aggressiveness in relation to animals submitted to FSF and FF treatments. This indicates that pellets of SSF are available for longer in the water column and, therefore, fish presented more competition for food, which can be evidenced by higher frequency of aggressive interaction and social instability. The results of assay 3 indicated that the animals fed with FSF and SSF consumed a greater amount of feed, with 1798.07 ± 51.07 and 1783.98 ± 113.03, respectively, when compared to the groups of fish that ingested the FF (1596.08 ± 62.59 g). Despite the weight gain data from three treatments were statistically equal, with values of 79.46 ± 5.76g, 78.54 ± 15.85g and 72.16 ± 9.03g respectively, fish fed FSF were more homogeneous with a value of 15.9%. Thus FSF is indicated for feeding of tambaqui juveniles, as fish showed stable social hierarchy with low aggressiveness and better fish homogeneity.

Evaluation of a pelleted formulation of Momordica charantia on the control of goat verminosis in the Brazilian semiarid / Avaliação de uma formulação peletizada de Momordica charantia no controle da verminose de caprinos no semiárido brasileiro

The aim was to develop a pelleted formulation of Momordica charantia (São Caetano Melon) to improve its palatability, administration, and to test its anthelmintic efficacy in naturally infected goats in the semiarid region of Paraíba, Brazil. Ten animals were used in a pre-experiment, where 20 formulations containing the plant were tested. After choosing the most palatable one, 18 six months-old, male Boer goats, were divided into three groups and evaluated during 28 days: Group 1, received daily a formulation of pellets composed by 60% of M. charantia + 5% of emulsifier + 35% of molasses powder at a dose of 1 g/kg of live weight; Group 2, received the same formulation daily in the dose of 2 g/kg of live weight; and Group 3, received no phytotherapy treatment (Control group). Fecal samples were collected to carry out the EPG and fecal cultures and the animals were weighed at days zero, seven, 14, 21 and 28. The treatments with M. charantia pellets were unsatisfactory in all collections, and there was no statistical difference (P>0,05) among the groups. On day 28, the groups treated with 1g/kg and 2 g/kg showed an increase in EPG of 143% and 100%, respectively. Haemonchus sp. was the most prevalent genus in the fecal cultures. A statistical difference was not observed (P>0,05) in the animal’s weight. The pelleted formulation of M. charantia was ineffective to control of gastrointestinal helminthiosis of naturally infected goats in the Brazilian semiarid.

Objetivou-se desenvolver uma formulação peletizada de Momordica charantia (Melão de São Caetano) para melhorar sua palatabilidade e administração, bem como testar sua eficácia anti-helmíntica em caprinos naturalmente infectados no semiárido da Paraíba, Brasil. Foram utilizados dez animais em um pré-experimento, onde foram testadas 20 formulações contendo a planta. Após a escolha da mais palatável, 18 caprinos machos da raça Boer, com seis meses de idade, foram divididos em três grupos e avaliados durante 28 dias: Grupo 1, animais receberam diariamente uma formulação de péletes compostos por 60% de M. charantia + 5% de emulsificante + 35% de pó de melaço, na dosagem de 1 g/kg de peso vivo; Grupo 2, receberam a mesma formulação diariamente na dosagem de 2 g/kg de peso vivo e o Grupo 3 não recebeu tratamento fitoterápico, servindo como grupo Controle. Foram coletadas amostras de fezes para realização dos OPG e coproculturas e realizadas as pesagens dos animais nos dias zero, sete, 14, 21 e 28. Os tratamentos com péletes de M. charantia foram insatisfatórios em todas as coletas, não havendo diferença estatística (P>0,05) entre os grupos. No dia 28, os grupos tratados com 1 g/kg e 2 g/kg apresentaram aumento no OPG de, respectivamente, 143% e 100%. Haemonchus sp. foi o gênero mais prevalente nas coproculturas. Também não foi observada diferença estatística (P> 0,05) no peso dos animais. A formulação peletizada de M. charantia não foi eficaz no controle das helmintoses gastrintestinais de caprinos naturalmente infectados no semiárido Brasileiro.

Evaluation of a pelleted formulation of Momordica charantia on the control of goat verminosis in the Brazilian semiarid / Avaliação de uma formulação peletizada de Momordica charantia no controle da verminose de caprinos no semiárido brasileiro

The aim was to develop a pelleted formulation of Momordica charantia (São Caetano Melon) to improve its palatability, administration, and to test its anthelmintic efficacy in naturally infected goats in the semiarid region of Paraíba, Brazil. Ten animals were used in a pre-experiment, where 20 formulations containing the plant were tested. After choosing the most palatable one, 18 six months-old, male Boer goats, were divided into three groups and evaluated during 28 days: Group 1, received daily a formulation of pellets composed by 60% of M. charantia + 5% of emulsifier + 35% of molasses powder at a dose of 1 g/kg of live weight; Group 2, received the same formulation daily in the dose of 2 g/kg of live weight; and Group 3, received no phytotherapy treatment (Control group). Fecal samples were collected to carry out the EPG and fecal cultures and the animals were weighed at days zero, seven, 14, 21 and 28. The treatments with M. charantia pellets were unsatisfactory in all collections, and there was no statistical difference (P>0,05) among the groups. On day 28, the groups treated with 1g/kg and 2 g/kg showed an increase in EPG of 143% and 100%, respectively. Haemonchus sp. was the most prevalent genus in the fecal cultures. A statistical difference was not observed (P>0,05) in the animals weight. The pelleted formulation of M. charantia was ineffective to control of gastrointestinal helminthiosis of naturally infected goats in the Brazilian semiarid.(AU)

Objetivou-se desenvolver uma formulação peletizada de Momordica charantia (Melão de São Caetano) para melhorar sua palatabilidade e administração, bem como testar sua eficácia anti-helmíntica em caprinos naturalmente infectados no semiárido da Paraíba, Brasil. Foram utilizados dez animais em um pré-experimento, onde foram testadas 20 formulações contendo a planta. Após a escolha da mais palatável, 18 caprinos machos da raça Boer, com seis meses de idade, foram divididos em três grupos e avaliados durante 28 dias: Grupo 1, animais receberam diariamente uma formulação de péletes compostos por 60% de M. charantia + 5% de emulsificante + 35% de pó de melaço, na dosagem de 1 g/kg de peso vivo; Grupo 2, receberam a mesma formulação diariamente na dosagem de 2 g/kg de peso vivo e o Grupo 3 não recebeu tratamento fitoterápico, servindo como grupo Controle. Foram coletadas amostras de fezes para realização dos OPG e coproculturas e realizadas as pesagens dos animais nos dias zero, sete, 14, 21 e 28. Os tratamentos com péletes de M. charantia foram insatisfatórios em todas as coletas, não havendo diferença estatística (P>0,05) entre os grupos. No dia 28, os grupos tratados com 1 g/kg e 2 g/kg apresentaram aumento no OPG de, respectivamente, 143% e 100%. Haemonchus sp. foi o gênero mais prevalente nas coproculturas. Também não foi observada diferença estatística (P> 0,05) no peso dos animais. A formulação peletizada de M. charantia não foi eficaz no controle das helmintoses gastrintestinais de caprinos naturalmente infectados no semiárido Brasileiro.(AU)

Mamíferos pequeños en la dieta de la lechuza tyto alba (strigiformes: tytonidae) en dos localidades del occidente de Ecuador, con ampliación distribucional de Ichthyomys hydrobates (rodentia: cricetidae)

En el presente estudio a partir de 107 egagrópilas de la lechuza, determinamos el consumo de 300 presas agrupadas en 21 especies, las egagrópilas fueron colectadas en dos localidades de diferente ambiente Los Santiagos y La Ciénaga, en las provincias de Chimborazo y Manabí, al occidente de Ecuador. Nuestros análisis revelaron una dieta compuesta mayoritariamente de mamíferos pequeños, sobre todo roedores, quienes constituyeron el 80%. Entre las presas más abundantes se encontró a Oligoryzomys sp. que representó el 38.7% de la dieta en las muestras de Los Santiagos y Sigmodon peruanus 33.6% en La Ciénaga, siendo el 22,5% y 41% respectivamente de la biomasa total consumida para cada sitio. La rata cangrejera Ichthyomys hydrobates es reportada por primera vez en la dieta de la lechuza y también en la localidad de Los Santiagos, ampliando el rango distribucional de este roedor para el centro-sur al occidente de Ecuador en aproximadamente 200 km.

We analyzed 107 owl pellets and determined 300 prey items grouped into 21 species. The pellets were collected at two locations with different environments: Los Santiagos and La Ciénaga in the province of Chimborazo and Manabí in western Ecuador. Our analysis revealed a diet mostly comprised on small mammals, especially rodents which constituted 80%. Among the most abundant prey were Oligoryzomys sp. which accounted for 38.7% of the diet in Los Santiagos' samples and Sigmodon peruanus 33.6% in La Ciénaga, being 22.5% and 41% respectively of the total biomass consumed at each site. The crab-eating rat Ichthyomys hydrobates is first reported in this owl's diet and in the locality of Los Santiagos. This record extends the distributional range of I. hydrobates to southwest Ecuador by about 200 km.

Mamíferos pequeños en la dieta de la lechuza tyto alba (strigiformes: tytonidae) en dos localidades del occidente de Ecuador, con ampliación distribucional de Ichthyomys hydrobates (rodentia: cricetidae)

En el presente estudio a partir de 107 egagrópilas de la lechuza, determinamos el consumo de 300 presas agrupadas en 21 especies, las egagrópilas fueron colectadas en dos localidades de diferente ambiente Los Santiagos y La Ciénaga, en las provincias de Chimborazo y Manabí, al occidente de Ecuador. Nuestros análisis revelaron una dieta compuesta mayoritariamente de mamíferos pequeños, sobre todo roedores, quienes constituyeron el 80%. Entre las presas más abundantes se encontró a Oligoryzomys sp. que representó el 38.7% de la dieta en las muestras de Los Santiagos y Sigmodon peruanus 33.6% en La Ciénaga, siendo el 22,5% y 41% respectivamente de la biomasa total consumida para cada sitio. La rata cangrejera Ichthyomys hydrobates es reportada por primera vez en la dieta de la lechuza y también en la localidad de Los Santiagos, ampliando el rango distribucional de este roedor para el centro-sur al occidente de Ecuador en aproximadamente 200 km.(AU)

We analyzed 107 owl pellets and determined 300 prey items grouped into 21 species. The pellets were collected at two locations with different environments: Los Santiagos and La Ciénaga in the province of Chimborazo and Manabí in western Ecuador. Our analysis revealed a diet mostly comprised on small mammals, especially rodents which constituted 80%. Among the most abundant prey were Oligoryzomys sp. which accounted for 38.7% of the diet in Los Santiagos' samples and Sigmodon peruanus 33.6% in La Ciénaga, being 22.5% and 41% respectively of the total biomass consumed at each site. The crab-eating rat Ichthyomys hydrobates is first reported in this owl's diet and in the locality of Los Santiagos. This record extends the distributional range of I. hydrobates to southwest Ecuador by about 200 km.(AU)

Efeito do transporte de péletes sobre sua qualidade / Effect of pellets transport on its quality

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of pellets from the end of the pelletizer machine until the end of the line feed plate, using two methods of analysis: pellet durability index (PDI) and EMBRAPA pelletizing method (MEP). Furthermore, the effect of the discharging methods at the broiler farm on the physical quality of pellets using MEP as a method of analysis was evaluated. The first phase of the experiment was a randomized block with six treatments: A - pellets at the end of the pelletizer machine; B - pellets inside the truck; C - truck's discharging at the feed silo; D - place inside the warehouse after the feed silo; E - the middle of the feed plate line and F - the end of the feed plate line. The experiment was carried out in seven replicates (blocks). The second phase of the experiment was a randomized block with two treatments: A - smaller discharge opening (for pellets feed); B - bigger discharge opening (for mashed feed). The experiment was performed with twelve replicates (blocks). The discharge of the pellets feed at broilers farm is the point that worsens the pellets quality. The discharge of pellets feed by the truck should be done with the bigger discharge opening. Moreover, MEP showed to be a better method than PDI to evaluate the integrity of the pellets for broiler chickens.(AU)

Efeito do transporte de péletes sobre sua qualidade / Effect of pellets transport on its quality

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of pellets from the end of the pelletizer machine until the end of the line feed plate, using two methods of analysis: pellet durability index (PDI) and EMBRAPA pelletizing method (MEP). Furthermore, the effect of the discharging methods at the broiler farm on the physical quality of pellets using MEP as a method of analysis was evaluated. The first phase of the experiment was a randomized block with six treatments: A - pellets at the end of the pelletizer machine; B - pellets inside the truck; C - truck's discharging at the feed silo; D - place inside the warehouse after the feed silo; E - the middle of the feed plate line and F - the end of the feed plate line. The experiment was carried out in seven replicates (blocks). The second phase of the experiment was a randomized block with two treatments: A - smaller discharge opening (for pellets feed); B - bigger discharge opening (for mashed feed). The experiment was performed with twelve replicates (blocks). The discharge of the pellets feed at broilers farm is the point that worsens the pellets quality. The discharge of pellets feed by the truck should be done with the bigger discharge opening. Moreover, MEP showed to be a better method than PDI to evaluate the integrity of the pellets for broiler chickens.(AU)

Small mammals in the diet of barn owls, Tyto alba (Aves: Strigiformes) along the mid-Araguaia river in central Brazil

We collected and analyzed 286 Barn owl, Tyto alba (Scopoli, 1769), pellets from two nests in different environments along the mid-Araguaia River in central Brazil. Our analyses revealed that these owls feed mainly on small mammals, especially rodents. Owls from the riverbanks at Fazenda Santa Fé had a more diverse diet, preying mainly on rodents that typically inhabit riparian grasslands - Holochilus sciureus Wagner, 1842 - and forests - Hylaeamys megacephalus (Fischer, 1814) and Oecomys spp., which probably also occur in forest borders or clearings. On the other hand, owls from an agroecosystem at Fazenda Lago Verde preyed mostly on rodent species common in these agrarian fields, Calomys tocantinsi Bonvicino, Lima & Almeida, 2003. Additionally, we compared small mammal richness estimates based on the analysis of owl pellets with estimates from live-trapping in the same areas. Owl pellets revealed two rodent species undetected by live traps - Euryoryzomys sp. and Rattus rattus (Linnaeus, 1758) - and four rodent species were trapped, but not found in owl pellets - Oecomys roberti Thomas, 1904, Pseudoryzomys simplex (Winge, 1887), Rhipidomys ipukensis Rocha, B.M.A. Costa & L.P. Costa, 2011, and Makalata didelphoides (Desmarest, 1817). Traps yielded higher species richness, but these two methods complement each other for surveying small rodents.

Small mammals in the diet of barn owls, Tyto alba (Aves: Strigiformes) along the mid-Araguaia river in central Brazil

We collected and analyzed 286 Barn owl, Tyto alba (Scopoli, 1769), pellets from two nests in different environments along the mid-Araguaia River in central Brazil. Our analyses revealed that these owls feed mainly on small mammals, especially rodents. Owls from the riverbanks at Fazenda Santa Fé had a more diverse diet, preying mainly on rodents that typically inhabit riparian grasslands - Holochilus sciureus Wagner, 1842 - and forests - Hylaeamys megacephalus (Fischer, 1814) and Oecomys spp., which probably also occur in forest borders or clearings. On the other hand, owls from an agroecosystem at Fazenda Lago Verde preyed mostly on rodent species common in these agrarian fields, Calomys tocantinsi Bonvicino, Lima & Almeida, 2003. Additionally, we compared small mammal richness estimates based on the analysis of owl pellets with estimates from live-trapping in the same areas. Owl pellets revealed two rodent species undetected by live traps - Euryoryzomys sp. and Rattus rattus (Linnaeus, 1758) - and four rodent species were trapped, but not found in owl pellets - Oecomys roberti Thomas, 1904, Pseudoryzomys simplex (Winge, 1887), Rhipidomys ipukensis Rocha, B.M.A. Costa & L.P. Costa, 2011, and Makalata didelphoides (Desmarest, 1817). Traps yielded higher species richness, but these two methods complement each other for surveying small rodents.

Small mammals in the diet of barn owls, Tyto alba (Aves: Strigiformes) along the mid-Araguaia river in central Brazil

We collected and analyzed 286 Barn owl, Tyto alba (Scopoli, 1769), pellets from two nests in different environments along the mid-Araguaia River in central Brazil. Our analyses revealed that these owls feed mainly on small mammals, especially rodents. Owls from the riverbanks at Fazenda Santa Fé had a more diverse diet, preying mainly on rodents that typically inhabit riparian grasslands - Holochilus sciureus Wagner, 1842 - and forests - Hylaeamys megacephalus (Fischer, 1814) and Oecomys spp., which probably also occur in forest borders or clearings. On the other hand, owls from an agroecosystem at Fazenda Lago Verde preyed mostly on rodent species common in these agrarian fields, Calomys tocantinsi Bonvicino, Lima & Almeida, 2003. Additionally, we compared small mammal richness estimates based on the analysis of owl pellets with estimates from live-trapping in the same areas. Owl pellets revealed two rodent species undetected by live traps - Euryoryzomys sp. and Rattus rattus (Linnaeus, 1758) - and four rodent species were trapped, but not found in owl pellets - Oecomys roberti Thomas, 1904, Pseudoryzomys simplex (Winge, 1887), Rhipidomys ipukensis Rocha, B.M.A. Costa & L.P. Costa, 2011, and Makalata didelphoides (Desmarest, 1817). Traps yielded higher species richness, but these two methods complement each other for surveying small rodents.

Larvae of Lutrochus germari (Lutrochidae: Coleoptera) and Stegoelmis sp. (Elmidae: Coleoptera): bore submerged woody debris in Neotropical streams

We report boring activity of larval Lutrochus germari Grouvelle, 1889 and Stegoelmis sp. in submerged woody debris and describe the resulting grooves and faecal pellet production. This ability of the larvae was shown by three types of evidence: 1) examination of collected woody debris, 2) rearing of larvae and 3) gut content analysis. The larvae excavated galleries deep into the submerged woody debris. This is the first record of gallery-forming behaviour in submerged woody debris by aquatic beetles, adding larval Lutrochus germari and Stegoelmis sp. to the list of borers in Neotropical aquatic systems.

Larvae of Lutrochus germari (Lutrochidae: Coleoptera) and Stegoelmis sp. (Elmidae: Coleoptera): bore submerged woody debris in Neotropical streams

We report boring activity of larval Lutrochus germari Grouvelle, 1889 and Stegoelmis sp. in submerged woody debris and describe the resulting grooves and faecal pellet production. This ability of the larvae was shown by three types of evidence: 1) examination of collected woody debris, 2) rearing of larvae and 3) gut content analysis. The larvae excavated galleries deep into the submerged woody debris. This is the first record of gallery-forming behaviour in submerged woody debris by aquatic beetles, adding larval Lutrochus germari and Stegoelmis sp. to the list of borers in Neotropical aquatic systems.

Larvae of Lutrochus germari (Lutrochidae: Coleoptera) and Stegoelmis sp. (Elmidae: Coleoptera): bore submerged woody debris in Neotropical streams

We report boring activity of larval Lutrochus germari Grouvelle, 1889 and Stegoelmis sp. in submerged woody debris and describe the resulting grooves and faecal pellet production. This ability of the larvae was shown by three types of evidence: 1) examination of collected woody debris, 2) rearing of larvae and 3) gut content analysis. The larvae excavated galleries deep into the submerged woody debris. This is the first record of gallery-forming behaviour in submerged woody debris by aquatic beetles, adding larval Lutrochus germari and Stegoelmis sp. to the list of borers in Neotropical aquatic systems.

Efeito da peletização em dietas contendo complexo enzimático para frangos de corte / Effect of pelletization on diets containing an enzymatic complex to broiler chickens

O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar se a peletização interfere na atividade enzimática de dietas com um complexo enzimático (CE) produzido utilizando a tecnologia de fermentação no estado sólido. Alojaram-se 216 frangos de corte machos Cobb (1 a 21 dias de idade) em baterias, num total de seis repetições por tratamento e seis aves por tratamento. Os tratamentos consistiram em T1: dieta-controle farelada; T2: dieta-controle peletizada; T3: dieta superestimada com CE farelada; T4: dieta superestimada sem CE farelada; T5: dieta superestimada com CE peletizada; T6: dieta superestimada sem CE peletizada. Reformularam-se dietas com superestimação de 75 kcal EM/kg, 0.1% Ca e P. Observou-se que houve um aumento no ganho de peso, coxa e sobrecoxa com o uso de dieta peletizada. A coloração da carne não foi influenciada pelos tratamentos. Resultados indicaram que dietas com o complexo enzimático não foram afetadas pela peletização (75º C).

This study aimed to examine if pelletization interferes in the dietary enzymatic activity, in which an enzymatic complex (EC) produced by solid state fermentation technology was used. A total of 216 Cobb male broilers (1 to 21 days of age) were allocated in batteries. A total of 6 replicates per treatment, and 6 broilers per treatment were used. Treatments consisted of T1- Control mash diet, T2- Control pellet diet, T3- Overestimated mash diet + EC, T4- overestimated mash diet without addition of EC, T5- Overestimated pellet diet + EC, and T6- overestimated pellet diet without addition of EC. All overestimated diets were reformulated to 75 kcal ME/ kg, 0.1% Ca and P. Growth performance, drumstick and thigh were increased with the use of pellet diet. Meat color was not influenced by dietary treatments. Results indicated that the enzymatic complex was not affected by pelleting (75º C) the diets.

Efeito da peletização em dietas contendo complexo enzimático para frangos de corte / Effect of pelletization on diets containing an enzymatic complex to broiler chickens

O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar se a peletização interfere na atividade enzimática de dietas com um complexo enzimático (CE) produzido utilizando a tecnologia de fermentação no estado sólido. Alojaram-se 216 frangos de corte machos Cobb (1 a 21 dias de idade) em baterias, num total de seis repetições por tratamento e seis aves por tratamento. Os tratamentos consistiram em T1: dieta-controle farelada; T2: dieta-controle peletizada; T3: dieta superestimada com CE farelada; T4: dieta superestimada sem CE farelada; T5: dieta superestimada com CE peletizada; T6: dieta superestimada sem CE peletizada. Reformularam-se dietas com superestimação de 75 kcal EM/kg, 0.1% Ca e P. Observou-se que houve um aumento no ganho de peso, coxa e sobrecoxa com o uso de dieta peletizada. A coloração da carne não foi influenciada pelos tratamentos. Resultados indicaram que dietas com o complexo enzimático não foram afetadas pela peletização (75º C).(AU)

This study aimed to examine if pelletization interferes in the dietary enzymatic activity, in which an enzymatic complex (EC) produced by solid state fermentation technology was used. A total of 216 Cobb male broilers (1 to 21 days of age) were allocated in batteries. A total of 6 replicates per treatment, and 6 broilers per treatment were used. Treatments consisted of T1- Control mash diet, T2- Control pellet diet, T3- Overestimated mash diet + EC, T4- overestimated mash diet without addition of EC, T5- Overestimated pellet diet + EC, and T6- overestimated pellet diet without addition of EC. All overestimated diets were reformulated to 75 kcal ME/ kg, 0.1% Ca and P. Growth performance, drumstick and thigh were increased with the use of pellet diet. Meat color was not influenced by dietary treatments. Results indicated that the enzymatic complex was not affected by pelleting (75º C) the diets.(AU)

Sticholonche zanclea (Protozoa, Actinopoda) in fecal pellets of copepods and Euphausia sp. in Brazilian coastal waters

Fecal pellets produced by mesozooplanktonic copepods (Centropages velificatus and Paracalanus parvus) and macrozooplanktonic Euphausiacea (Euphausia sp.) were examined using scanning electron microscopy. Fragments of the protozoan Sticholonche zanclea were found in both copepod and in Euphausia sp. fecal pellets, even when the abundance of the protozoan in the water was low. The results suggest that S. zanclea is an important food resource for different trophic levels, including meso- and macrozooplankton, in Brazilian coastal waters.

Pelotas fecais produzidas por copépodos mesozooplanctônicos (Centropages velificatus e Paracalanus parvus) e por Euphasiacea macrozooplanctônico (Euphasia sp) foram examinadas em microscópio eletrônico de varredura. Fragmentos do protozoário Sticholonche zanclea foram encontrados nas pelotas fecais dos copépodos e de Euphasia sp, mesmo quando a abundância do protozoário no ambiente foi bastante reduzida. Os resultados sugerem que S. zanclea pode representar um importante recurso alimentar para diferentes níveis tróficos, incluindo meso e macrozooplâncton, em águas costeiras brasileiras.