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The structure of the root system of the conilon coffee tree has improved over the years through propagation, genetic, and agronomic studies in response to demands for improvements in plant development, production, and survival of the species. Scientific research plays an important role in generating technologies and the security of applications. However, there is a need to refine the content generated to analyze discoveries and trends on the subject. Therefore, the present study conduct a bibliometric review and analysis on the main contributions of relevant studies, researchers, organizations, and countries in academic research on the rooting of Coffea canephora in the Web of Science (WOS) database. Data from the WOS database published between 1982 and 2021 and systematized in the VOSviewer software showed a set of 92 articles, the majority of which originated in Brazil and France, with the main groups being the Brazilian Agricultural Research Corporation, the Federal University of Viçosa, and CIRAD. The study was divided into five areas: genetic diversity, asexual propagation, nematology, tolerance to water stress, and micropropagation. However, in the context of climate changes and its impact on the production and longevity of Brazilian coffee farming, research focused on the root system has increased significantly, integrating it into lines that explore and integrate topics such as climate risk, water management, drought tolerance, and drip irrigation, including reflections on the performance of coffee agronomy.

A estrutura do sistema radicular do cafeeiro Conilon tem sido aprimorada ao longo dos anos por meio de propagação e estudos genéticos e agronômicos em resposta às demandas por melhorias no desenvolvimento vegetal, na produção e na sobrevivência da espécie. Entende-se que a pesquisa científica desempenha um papel importante na geração de tecnologias e também na segurança das aplicações. Porém, há necessidade de refinar o código gerado para descobrir descobertas e tendências sobre o assunto. Nesse sentido, o presente estudo tem como objetivo realizar uma revisão bibliométrica e análise na base de dados Web of Science (WOS) sobre as principais contribuições de estudos, pesquisadores, organizações e países relevantes nas pesquisas acadêmicas sobre o enraizamento de Coffea canephora. Dados da base de dados WOS publicados entre 1982 e 2021 e sistematizados no software VOSviewer, mostraram um conjunto de 92 artigos, em que a maioria teve origem no Brasil e na França, tendo como principais grupos a Empresa Brasileira de Pesquisa Agropecuária, a Universidade Federal de Viçosa e o CIRAD. O estudo está dividido em quatro áreas: diversidade genética, propagação assexuada, nematologia, tolerância ao estresse hídrico e micropropagação, porém, destaca-se que no contexto das mudanças climáticas e seu impacto na produção e longevidade da cafeicultura brasileira, podemos ver o surgimento de pesquisas focadas no sistema radicular, integrando-o em linhas que exploram e integram temas como risco climático, gestão hídrica, tolerância à seca e irrigação por gotejamento, incluindo reflexões sobre o desempenho da agronomia cafeeira.

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Quantification and evaluation of the spatiotemporal changes in soil quality is important to understand soil degradation mechanisms and restore the damaged land productivity. However, the effects of coal mining subsidence on the spatial and temporal characteristics of soil quality are not well understood. We investigated the contents of pH, organic matter (OM), total nitrogen (TN), nitrate nitrogen (NN), ammonia nitrogen (AN), total phosphorus (TP), available phosphorus (AP), available potassium (AK), total potassium (TK), cation exchange capacity (CEC), sucrase activity (SA), urease activity (UA), phosphatase activity (PA), catalase activity (CA) and dehydrogenase activity (DA) in the coal mining subsided area. The results showed that the contents of TN, NN, AN, TP, AK, TK, SA, UA, PA, CA and DA exhibited significant (P < 0.05) differences among the four seasons. Compared with the upper layer (0-20 cm), the lower layer (20-40 cm) contained higher contents of AN, NN, TN, TP and TK but lower contents of SA, UA, PA, CA and DA. The NN, AP, TP, AK and UA were identified as key indicators in the minimum dataset using principal component analysis. The seasonal changes of soil quality index (SQI) were in the following order: winter (0.707), spring (0.681), summer (0.616), and autumn (0.563). The spatial changes of SQI were highest for middle slope position 3 (0.508), followed by lower slope position 4 (0.507), top slope position 1 (0.446), upper slope position 2 (0.442), and bottom slope position 5 (0.437). Based on these spatiotemporal changes in soil quality, it was suggested that the application of multiple land use types may be a useful method for land reclamation and the interest of local farmers in the coal mining subsided area.

A quantificação e avaliação das mudanças espaço-temporais na qualidade do solo são importantes para compreender os mecanismos de degradação do solo e restaurar a produtividade da terra danificada. Contudo, os efeitos da subsidência da mineração de carvão nas características espaciais e temporais da qualidade do solo não são bem compreendidos. Foram investigados os teores de pH, matéria orgânica (MO), nitrogênio total (NT), nitrogênio nitrato (NN), nitrogênio amoniacal (AN), fósforo total (TP), fósforo disponível (FA), potássio disponível (AK), total potássio (TK), capacidade de troca catiônica (CEC), atividade de sacarase (SA), atividade de urease (UA), atividade de fosfatase (PA), atividade de catalase (CA) e atividade de desidrogenase (DA) na área subsidiada de mineração de carvão. Os resultados mostraram que os teores de TN, NN, AN, TP, AK, TK, SA, UA, PA, CA e DA apresentaram diferenças significativas (P < 0,05) entre as quatro estações. Comparada com a camada superior (0-20 cm), a camada inferior (20-40 cm) continha maiores teores de AN, NN, TN, TP e TK, mas menores teores de SA, UA, PA, CA e DA. Os NN, AP, TP, AK e UA foram identificados como indicadores-chave no conjunto mínimo de dados utilizando análise de componentes principais. As mudanças sazonais no índice de qualidade do solo (IQS) ocorreram na seguinte ordem: inverno (0,707), primavera (0,681), verão (0,616) e outono (0,563). O valor do IQF foi mais alto para a posição 3 do declive médio (0,508), seguido pela posição 4 do declive inferior (0,507), posição 1 do declive superior (0,446), posição 2 do declive superior (0,442) e posição 5 do declive inferior (0,437). Com base nestas mudanças espaço-temporais na qualidade do solo, foi sugerido que a aplicação de múltiplos tipos de uso da terra pode ser um método útil para a recuperação de terras e o interesse dos agricultores locais na área subsidiada de mineração de carvão.

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The objective of this study was to determine the agronomic characteristics, chemical composition and in situ degradability of different sorghum genotypes. The experiment was conducted at the National Maize and Sorghum Research Center ­ Sete Lagoas, MG. For agronomic and nutritional characteristics, a randomized block design was used, and for in situ degradability, a split-plot design was applied. Genotypes 13F2006, BRS655 and Volumax showed lower dry matter productivity compared to 12F02006 and 12F03033. Genotype BRS655 had the lowest levels of neutral detergent-insoluble fiber (NDF), acid detergent-insoluble fiber (ADF) and lignin. Furthermore, no difference was found for potential degradability (PD), indigestible fraction (IF), and effective degradability (ED) at 2; 5 and 8% hour-1 DM among the studied materials. Genotypes 12F03033 and 12F02006 combine higher productivity and nutritional quality.(AU)

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The objective of the current study was to investigate the effects of different levels of andiroba oil (AO) in a bioproduct based on andiroba oil (BBAO) on the physical quality, bacteriological concentration, chemical composition, yolk lipid oxidation, and sensory characteristics when coating eggs and storing them for seven days at room temperature. The eggs were arranged in a completely randomized design, in which treatments consisted of a control group (eggs stored for seven days without the application of BBAO) and eggs covered with biofilms produced with BBAO with different levels of AO (1%, 5%, 10%, and 15%). Each treatment contained 50 eggs, and each egg was considered a replicate. Data collected were subjected to Tukey test and linear or polynomial regression at 0.05 statistical significance. The results indicate that the application of BBAO on eggs stored for 7 days at room temperature resulted in better (p<0.05) conservation of their physical quality and chemical composition, and a reduction (p<0.05) or elimination of bacteriological concentrations. This conservation effect became increasingly pronounced as the concentration of AO in the BBAO increased. However, it is crucial to consider the implications of BBAO on sensory characteristics, as higher concentrations of AO in BBAO lead to a decreased (p<0.05) sensory acceptance of the eggs. Therefore, it was concluded that the use of AO in the bioproduct, especially at high levels, can provide better conservation of the eggs for seven days at room temperature, particularly concerning the physical, chemical, and microbiological characteristics; however, it can also cause significant changes in sensory attributes.(AU)

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Analyses of fertilizer are essential to ensuring that fertilizer sold to final users presents chemical and physical qualities in the range determined by law. As regards the sampling of fertilizers, the official method currently used in Brazil for sampling preparation is to reduce the size of the sample (from ~ 3 kg to ~ 0.25 kg) by quartering, followed by grinding (so as to pass through a 0.85 sieve) and nutrient quantification. Herein, we propose an alternative method of sampling preparation by grinding the total sample (~ 3 kg) before quartering to improve accuracy and reduce segregation during quartering. Six formulations of fertilizers (basal samples) were weighed (0.01 kg precision) and sampled according to the two methods (official and alternative), followed by the quantification of nutrient concentration in duplicate. Results showed that both methods presented similar nutrient concentrations for most formulations compared to the basal samples. However, the alternative method presented higher precision (less variation between replicates) and accuracy (versus the basal samples) than the official method. Consequently, the alternative method can be used for sampling preparation fertilizers with high accuracy and precision in determining nutrient concentration.

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Corn silage is susceptible to losses through aerobic spoilage. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate increasing sweet orange essential oil levels in chemical composition, in vitro degradability, losses, fermentation parameters, microbial count, and the aerobic stability of corn silage. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design with four treatment levels: Control (CON), ensiling corn without sweet orange essential oil; 200 mg kg­1,400 mg kg­1, and 600 mg kg­1 of ensiling mass with four replicates per treatment. Sweet orange essential oil affected both the dry matter (p = 0.035) and the organic matter (p = 0.021), presenting quadratic behavior. Sweet orange essential oil did not affect (p ≥ 0.05) in vitro dry matter degradability, in vitro neutral detergent fiber degradability, or gross energy. Sweet orange essential oil had a quadratic effect (p = 0.022) on the acetic acid concentration in corn silage. There was a tendency (p = 0.097) for sweet orange essential oil to reduce the ammoniacal nitrogen linearly. The levels of sweet orange essential oil did not influence losses by gases or effluents (p ≥ 0.05). We observed no effect of sweet orange essential oil on Lactic acid-producing bacteria populations or fungi (p ≥ 0.05). Furthermore, increasing sweet orange essential oil levels decreased temperature (p = 0.02) over time but did not influence pH (p = 0.404). Sweet orange essential oil does not affect in vitro degradability, fermentation parameters, nor microbial count in corn silage. However, the 600 mg of ensiling mass increases corn silage's acetic acid concentration and aerobic stability.

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Diets with high protein levels but unbalanced amino acid (AA) profiles can lead to poor AA utilization, increasing nitrogenous compound excretion and feed costs. Our study aimed to develop a formulation strategy to maintain a balanced dietary AA profile with a low protein level for Nile tilapia juveniles without compromising growth. Fish (6.75 ± 0.07 g) were fed on one of four isoenergetic diets with varied protein concentrations and AA profiles twice daily to apparent satiation for 41 days. The trial included four dietary treatments containing either 321 (32HighLys and 32LowLys) or 292 and 222 g protein kg -1 (29BAL and 22BAL, respectively) with five replicates per diet, making a total of 20 experimental units in a completed randomized design. The growth of fish fed the 29BAL diet was not compromised; weight gain (WG) and thermal growth coefficients were similar to those fed the 32HighLys and 32LowLys diets. However, the protein gain of those fish fed the 32HighLys diet was significantly higher than that of those fed the other diets. The 22BAL diet promoted the lowest growth, and its higher protein-energy ratio led to increased body lipid content. Therefore, the formulation strategy to supply balanced dietary AA to Nile tilapia reduced digestible protein from 32 to 29 %, without compromising fish growth and allowing a 12 % decrease in the excretion of nitrogenous waste.

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This study aimed to investigate the effects of different levels of vitamin D3 in broiler diets on performance and bone health. A total of 360 one-day old male Cobb500® broiler chicks were subjected to five treatments of different levels of vitamin D3 in diets during two rearing phases: 0 IU/kg in both phases; 625 IU/kg in starter and 500 IU/kg in grower phase (25% of commercial inclusion); 1,250 IU/kg in starter and 1,000 IU/kg in grower phase (50% of commercial inclusion); 1,875 IU/kg in starter and 1,500 IU/kg in grower phase (75% of commercial inclusion); and 2,500 IU/kg in starter and 2,000 IU/kg in grower phase (100% of commercial inclusion). The traits studied weekly were feed intake, body weight, feed conversion, and viability. At 21 and 35 days of age, tibiae and femurs were removed, dissected, and evaluated for dry matter (DM), ash (%MM), calcium (%Ca), phosphorus (%P) and breaking strength. At 35 days of age, the bones were subjected to histopathological analysis for macro- and microscopic morphological evaluation. Data were subjected to regression analysis, using α = 0.05. The variables of percentage %MM, %Ca, %P, and breaking strength experienced a positive linear effect up to the supplementation levels of approximately 25% of inclusion. The histopathological analysis found that the group that received the diet with 100% inclusion of vitamin D3 presented lesions compatible with osteopetrosis and tibial dyschondroplasia. The observed results showed that for isonutritive diets, reduced levels of vitamin D3 guaranteed performance during the evaluated period while the use of 100% of vitamin D3, as commonly used, can cause bone diseases and harm the welfare of broilers.(AU)

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The objective of this study was to assess the effect of cutting time on the nutritional composition and dehydration rate of stargrass, as well as the nutritional value of the hay as a function of storage time. Two plant cutting times were analyzed: at 13:00 (H13) and 17:00 (H17). After cutting, the dehydration rate of both the plant and its fractions until baling was monitored. The bales were checked for nutritional composition and digestibility after 30, 60, 90 and 120 days. At the time of cutting, a difference was observed for the concentrations of ethanol-soluble carbohydrates, which were higher for H17 (90.3 g kg-1) compared to H13 (52.9 g kg-1). Leaf dehydration rates were higher in the H17 treatment. Cutting time had no influence on the nutritional value of the hay. With storage time, there was an increase in the levels of neutral detergent fiber and acid detergent fiber, and a reduction in the content of ethanol-soluble carbohydrates. It was concluded that cutting at 17:00 allows for a greater accumulation of soluble carbohydrates in the plant. Cutting time does not change the time required for dehydration and the nutritional value of the hay. Storage time reduces soluble components and increases fibrous constituents(AU)

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This study aims to investigate the gene expression of sperm-borne phospholipase C zeta (PLCζ), WW domain-binding protein 2N-Terminal Like (WBP2NL), and Tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), as a negative control, in spermatozoa and their relationship with fertility and seminal quality in stallions. Ejaculates from 40 Criollo stallions were used, whose fertility was assessed on the basis of their pregnancy rate per cycle in at least two breeding seasons. Pregnancy rates ranged from 20% to 90% and were used to divide the stallions into two groups: High rates (≥ 50%) (n = 25), and Low rates (< 50%) (n = 15). A computer-assisted sperm analysis system - (CASA) analyzed semen after collection. Also were evaluated the physical and functional integrity of the plasmatic membrane and sperm morphology alterations. All stallions expressed PLCζ, WBP2NL, and TNF-α. PLCζ positively correlates with conception rate, total motility (TM), progressive motility (PM), plasmatic membrane functionality, and integrity. A simple linear regression was detected between pregnancy rate and PLCζ expression (P = 0.003), TM (P < 0.001) and PM (P < 0.001). PLCζ gene expression was higher (P = 0,012) in the High rates group than in the Low group. WBP2NL and TNF-α did not correlate with seminal quality and stallion's fertility. It was concluded that PLCζ gene expression in the spermatozoa might be used as a biomarker of fertility and seminal quality in stallions. Parameters of sperm kinetics also showed, positive correlation between TM, PM and pregnancy rate.(AU)

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This study was conducted to determine the effects of housing systems (free-range and conventional cage) during the egg-laying phase on the growth, egg production, overall egg weight, and egg quality traits of a new Turkish laying hen hybrid, Akbay. A total of 600 (300 hens per housing system) Akbay laying hen hybrids were used in this study. At the end of the rearing cycle (17 weeks) the average live weight and cumulative feed intake for both groups were 1150.8g and 5067.52g, respectively. The live weight and cumulative feed intake at the onset of laying for both groups were 1198.42g and 5537.77g, respectively. Egg production, average daily feed intake, and average daily feed conversion ratio were significantly higher (p≤0.05) in free-range hens than in hens housed in cages. The live weight at peak production was significantly higher (p≤0.05) in hens housed in cages than in free-range hens. Significant differences (p≤0.05) in terms of internal and external egg quality traits were observed between the housing systems in this study. Generally, the free-range hens had better performance than the hens in cages. It was therefore concluded that the growth performance, egg production, overall egg weight, and egg quality traits of the new Turkish laying hen hybrid Akbay are better in the free-range production system than in convention cages; and that these hens can be housed in the free-range system without any negative effect on performance and egg quality traits.(AU)

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This study aimed to analyze the characteristics of the HSP70 gene and protein in spermatozoa of Bali bulls of different age groups and to examine its potential as a biomarker determining bull fertility. This study used frozen semen produced from six Bali bulls divided into two groups based on age (≤ 9 years and ≥ 12 years). Parameters of frozen semen quality analyzed included sperm motility and kinetics using computer-assisted semen analysis, sperm morphological defects using Diff-Quick staining, acrosome integrity using FITC-PNA staining, and DNA fragmentation using acridine orange staining. HSP70 gene expression characterization was analyzed using qRT-PCR, and HSP70 protein abundance was analyzed using enzyme immunoassays. Fertility field data were obtained by analyzing the percentage conception rate for each bull based on the artificial insemination service data contained in the Indonesian-integrated system of the National Animal Health Information System (iSIKHNAS). The results showed significant differences (P<0.05) in total and progressive motility, morphological defects of the neck and midpiece, and tail of sperm, and acrosome integrity between the age groups of Bali bulls. HSP70 gene expression and protein abundance showed no significant differences (P>0.05) in different age groups. HSP70 gene expression correlated with fertility rate (P<0.05). Age affected several semen quality parameters but did not affect HSP70 gene expression and protein abundance. The HSP70 gene molecule could be a biomarker that determines the fertility of Bali bulls.(AU)

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The aim of this study was to determine the meat quality characteristics of broilers that were brought to the slaughterhouse from different transport distances and received post-slaughter carcass electrical stimulation. For this purpose, broilers were transported to the slaughterhouse from different distances, from farms belonging to the same enterprise. Broilers coming from different distances were randomly divided into two subgroups after slaughter. Electrical stimulation was applied to one of the groups, on the pectoral muscle. After electrical stimulation, pH measurements of the carcasses were made in both groups in the first 15 minutes. The carcasses were then cut, and the breast and thigh meats were separated. Subsequently, these samples were kept at +4°C for 24 hours, and pH measurements, electrical conductivity, color parameters, cooking loss and texture profile analyses were made. For the breast meat samples, it was determined that the difference in transport distance between the groups caused a difference in crude protein, crude fat, and crude ash values. It was detected that as the transport distance to the slaughterhouse increased, the protein and ash values decreased, while the fat value increased. pH15min was measured to be lower in breast meat samples taken from a closer distance to the farm. In thigh meat samples, the difference in transport distance was significant in crude fat and crude ash values. It was determined that the difference between the groups in the values obtained as a result of the electrical stimulation applied after slaughter were not significant, except for redness values of thigh meat.(AU)

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The production of Minas Artesanal Cheese (MAC) is a centuries-old activity that involves a great deal of physical effort on the part of the producer, especially during the pressing stage, which is carried out by hand. Inspection agencies do not allow manual stainless-steel presses in MAC production. Studies are still needed to prove whether this technique changes the cheese characteristics. Therefore, this study tested two types of MAC production in the Campo das Vertentes region: traditional hand pressing and a new technology, a stainless-steel press. After the cheeses were made, analyses of their physicochemical composition and microbiological analysis were made, as well as their texture profile and instrumental color, over four ripening periods (7, 14, 22, and 30 days) to see if the pressing interfered with the characteristics of the MAC from the Campo das Vertentes-MG region. Pressing in a stainless-steel press did not change the main characteristics of the MAC studied, with changes only observed in some texture profile attributes. Therefore, a stainless-steel press is recommended in manufacturing and pressing MAC due to the health benefits for producers.

A produção do Queijo Minas Artesanal (QMA) é uma atividade secular que envolve grande esforço físico do produtor, principalmente na etapa de prensagem, que é realizada com as mãos. Os órgãos fiscalizadores não permitem o uso de prensas manuais de inox na produção de QMA. Ainda não há estudos que comprovem se o uso dessa técnica modifica as características do queijo. Assim, no presente estudo, foram testados dois tipos de fabricação de QMA da região do Campo das Vertentes: utilizando-se a prensagem tradicional com as mãos e uma nova tecnologia, com a prensagem em prensa de aço inoxidável. Após a fabricação dos queijos, foram feitas análises de composição físico-química, microbiológicas e de perfil de textura e cor instrumental, ao longo de quatro tempos de maturação (7, 14, 22, 30 dias) para se verificar se o tipo de prensagem interfere nas características do QMA da região do Campo das Vertentes-MG. A prensagem em prensa de inox não modificou as principais características do QMA pesquisadas, tendo sido observadas alterações apenas em alguns atributos do perfil de textura. Portanto, recomenda-se o uso da prensa de inox na fabricação e prensagem dos QMA, em virtude dos benefícios trazidos para a saúde dos produtores.

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Artificial insemination success in swine is mainly associated with semen dose quality. Thus, this study compared quality control parameters in 11 Brazilian boar studs after applying audit services for 24 months (1,650 boars). An extensive checklist was applied in each audit, registering 'compliance' or 'noncompliance' for 75 items. Semen doses produced were analyzed as regards volume and sperm concentration, and microbiological analyses were conducted for semen and water samples collected at distinct production stages. On average, boar studs produced 112.9 semen doses per boar per month, and the odds of raw semen contamination increased when boars were inadequately housed and doses were collected under increased temperatures, with no anti-slip rubber mat or after a poor prepuce cleaning (p < 0.05). Collection from boars with locomotor problems and no regular change of reverse osmosis filters increased the contamination odds in semen doses produced and stored at the stud (p < 0.05). As regards the water submitted to the osmosis reverse process, contamination odds increased as a result of deficient cleaning and disinfection of the purification equipment (p < 0.05). Risk factors for reduced sperm motility (< 70 %) were: no anti-slip rubber mat for semen collection, no cleaning program for automatic feeding system (drops) and bins, and inadequate intervals between semen collections (≤ 2 days or > 7 days; p < 0.05). Two boar studs had the best results for compliance with the checklist items. Constant monitoring, appropriate hygiene of facilities and equipment, and periodical staff training are highlighted as non-negotiable points for boar semen dose quality.

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Assisted reproductive technologies (ART) are fundamental for cattle breeding and sustainable food production. Together with genomic selection, these technologies contribute to reducing the generation interval and accelerating genetic progress. In this paper, we discuss advancements in technologies used in the fertility evaluation of breeding animals, and the collection, processing, and preservation of the gametes. It is of utmost importance for the breeding industry to select dams and sires of the next generation as young as possible, as is the efficient and timely collection of gametes. There is a need for reliable and easily applicable methods to evaluate sexual maturity and fertility. Although gametes processing and preservation have been improved in recent decades, challenges are still encountered. The targeted use of sexed semen and beef semen has obliterated the production of surplus replacement heifers and bull calves from dairy breeds, markedly improving animal welfare and ethical considerations in production practices. Parallel with new technologies, many well-established technologies remain relevant, although with evolving applications. In vitro production (IVP) has become the predominant method of embryo production. Although fundamental improvements in IVP procedures have been established, the quality of IVP embryos remains inferior to their in vivo counterparts. Improvements to facilitate oocyte maturation and development of new culture systems, e.g. microfluidics, are presented in this paper. New non-invasive and objective tools are needed to select embryos for transfer. Cryopreservation of semen and embryos plays a pivotal role in the distribution of genetics, and we discuss the challenges and opportunities in this field. Finally, machine learning (ML) is gaining ground in agriculture and ART. This paper delves into the utilization of emerging technologies in ART, along with the current status, key challenges, and future prospects of ML in both research and practical applications within ART.

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The current investigation aimed to explore the effects of Myrciaria dubia liquid extract (MDLE) as the primary component of an extender for breeder rooster semen over different periods at room temperature. Fifteen breeder roosters (40 weeks of age, average body weight of 2.05±0.12) with confirmed fertility were used. Employing a factorial design (3x4), the treatments consisted of semen in natura and two semen extenders (an experimental based on MDLE and a commercial) subjected to four periods at room temperature post-collection (5, 10, 15 and 20 minutes) with four replicates (tubes) each. All variables evaluated in this study yielding significant results (p<0.05). Analyzed individually, the experimental extender based on MDLE exhibited a linear reduction (p<0.05) in motility and vigor results, while it caused an increase in pH values and percentages of sperm defects evaluated. When compared with semen in natura and commercial extender, the efficiency of MDLE as a semen extender was inferior to that observed with the commercial extender and similar to the results observed with semen in natura. Nonetheless, the experimental extender based on MDLE yielded satisfactory results for up to 15 minutes of storage time. In conclusion, MDLE can be considered as an alternative for composing a roosters' semen extender, maintaining sperm characteristics within acceptable limits for up to 15 minutes at room temperature. However, this experimental extender demonstrated lower efficiency than the commercial extender in maintaining the sperm quality at room temperature across all periods tested.(AU)

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Loquat (Eriobotrya japonica Lindl.) is a kind of subtropical fruit cultivated in many countries. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the content of total phenol, total flavonoid, and 1,1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), scavenging activity during the seven developmental stages and to determine the optimum harvesting time of loquat fruits by using chlorophyll fluorescence and Red Green Blue (RGB) intensity detection. Our results revealed a high correlation between chlorophyll fluorescence parameters and the internal chemical parameters (total phenol, total flavonoid, and DPPH scavenging activity) in loquat. The best prediction model from ST1 to ST5 for total flavonoid with variable fluorescence (Fv) and Fv / maximum fluorescence (Fm), R 2 = 0.79, and for DPPH scavenging activity with Fm, Fv, and Fv/Fm, R 2 = 0.92 was achieved, respectively. Total phenol correlated with minimum fluorescence (Fo) and Fv from ST4 to ST7, with R 2 = 0.99. Red Green Blue (RGB) intensity is also highly correlated with the internal chemical parameters. Both total phenol and DPPH radical scavenging activities had the best correlations with the B intensity value (R 2 = 0.998, R 2 = 0.970) in the ST1-ST4 period, respectively. Total phenols and total flavonoids had the best correlation with the G intensity value (R 2 = 0.909, R 2 = 0.986) in the ST5-ST7 period, respectively. In conclusion, developmental stage ST5 is the optimum harvesting time for loquat fruit, and chlorophyll fluorescence and RGB intensity are both noninvasive measurements for quality assessment during the loquat development period and for the prediction of the optimal time for harvesting loquat fruit.

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Light stress damages the photochemical apparatus and affects seedling growth of forest species. Using potassium silicate (K2SiO3) can mitigate these deleterious effects and contribute to the acclimatization and robustness of seedlings. This study evaluated the effect of K2SiO3 and shading levels on the photochemical and growth of Alibertia edulis (Rich) A. Rich seedlings. The experiment was arranged under three light conditions based on shading levels of 0 % (full sun), 30 %, and 70 %. Four doses of K2SiO3 applied through foliar spray were tested: 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, and 10.0 mL L­1. Cultivation under full sun and under 70 % of shade was stressful for A. edulis, while cultivation under 30 % of shade improved plant growth. Increasing application of K2SiO3 in seedlings under full sun damaged the reaction center, causing lower photochemical yields, but increased the photochemical efficiency of photosystem II under 30 % of shade. Using K2SiO3 contributed to leaf water regulation while applying 10.0 mL L­1 increased chlorophyll indices, leaf area, physiological indices, and the quality of seedlings cultivated under full sun and 30 % of shade. Using 10.0 mL L­1 K2SiO3 mitigated the negative effects of light stress under full sun. It provided high photochemical efficiency, morphology aspects, and Dickson quality index A. edulis seedlings in environments with high or moderate light availability.(AU)

Resumo

O mel é um produto de origem animal, considerado saudável e homogêneo, que se caracteriza por ter um aspecto límpido. No entanto, falhas nos estabelecimentos sob inspeção sanitária podem comprometer a inocuidade, identidade, integridade e qualidade dos méis, representando uma contaminação e risco para o consumidor, seja pela presença de substâncias estranhas como insetos, pelos, larvas, grãos de areia, terra e, também, pela presença de bactérias do gênero Salmonella. O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar 18 diferentes marcas de méis por meio de microscópio óptico a fim de verificar a presença de sujidades e corpos estranhos, e analisar a presença de bactérias do gênero Salmonella em méis inspecionados, que foram comercializados no município de Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, no período de maio a julho de 2023. Para a etapa analítica, foi realizada avaliação em microscópio óptico, preparando uma lâmina para cada marca de mel. Quanto à parte microbiológica, as amostras foram semeadas em Ágar Teague e Ágar SS. Dentre os resultados, mesmo com a ausência de positivos para a análise microbiológica de Salmonella, os produtos não demonstraram seguridade, pois verificou-se a presença de sujidades e materiais não desejáveis em cinco marcas, como insetos inteiros, fragmentos de insetos, pelos, aracnídeos e cristais de açúcar na avaliação por microscopia óptica. Por esse motivo, ressalta-se a importância de uma adequada fiscalização para que haja melhorias nos processos de fabricação dos méis.(AU)

Honey is a product of animal origin, considered healthy and homogeneous, characterized by having a clear appearance. However, failures in establishments under sanitary inspection can compromise the safety, identity, integrity and quality of honeys, representing contamination and risk to the consumer, either by the presence of foreign substances such as insects, fur, larvae, grains of sand, earth and also by the presence of bacteria of the Salmonella genus. The aim of this study was to evaluate 18 different brands of honeys using an optical microscope to check for the presence of debri and foreign bodies, and to analyze the presence of bacteria of the Salmonella genus in inspected honeys sold in the municipality of Duque de Caxias, Rio de Janeiro, between May and July 2023. For the analytical stage, an evaluation was carried out under an optical microscope, preparing a slide for each brand of honey. As for the microbiological part, the samples were seeded on Teague Agar and SS Agar. Among the results, even with the absence of positives for the microbiological analysis of Salmonella, the products did not prove to be safe, as debri and undesirable materials were found in five brands, such as whole insects, insect fragments, furs, arachnids and sugar crystals in the optical microscopy evaluation. For this reason, the importance of proper inspection is emphasized, so that improvements can be made to the manufacturing processes of these brands.(AU)