Effect of feeding frequency and water salinization on early development of Pyrrhulina brevis, an Amazonian ornamental fish / Efeito da frequência alimentar e da salinização da água sobre o desenvolvimento inicial de Pyrrhulina brevis, um peixe ornamental da Amazônia

Pyrrhulina brevis is an endemic fish from the Amazon basin that is valued in the ornamental fish market. In larviculture, fish are very sensitive to stressors and have a high mortality rate. Salinized water may provide more energy to overcome stress and feeding frequency is an important strategy to improve productive performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the best feeding frequency and the best level of water salinization for larval development of P. brevis. A total of 360 post-larvae of P. brevis (5.26 ± 1.65 mg, 5.57 ± 0.68 mm) were randomly distributed in 36 aquariums (1 L) in a 3x4 factorial scheme, to evaluate three concentrations of salt in water (0, 1 and 2 g L-1) and four feeding frequencies (once, twice, three and four times a day). We offered 150 Artemia nauplii per day and per post-larvae during 15 days. The fish kept at 1 g L-1 salinized water, and those fed 3 and 4 times a day presented significantly greater final length and weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate for length and weight. An interaction between salinized water and feeding frequency was observed for survival rate. We conclude that, during the initial rearing phase of P. brevis, feeding frequency of three times a day and salinized water at 1 g L-1 is recommended.(AU)

Pyrrhulina brevis é um peixe endêmico da bacia amazônica que apresenta bons valores no mercado de peixes ornamentais. Na larvicultura, os peixes são muito sensíveis aos estressores e apresentam alta taxa de mortalidade. A água salinizada pode fornecer mais energia para superar o estresse e a frequência alimentar é uma estratégia importante para melhorar o desempenho produtivo. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a melhor frequência alimentar e o melhor nível de salinização da água para o desenvolvimento larval de P. brevis. Um total de 360 pós-larvas de P. brevis (5,26 ± 1,65 mg, 5,57 ± 0,68 mm) foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em 36 aquários (1 L) em esquema fatorial 3x4, para avaliar três concentrações de sal na água (0, 1 e 2 g L-1) e quatro frequências de alimentação (uma, duas, três e quatro vezes ao dia). Foram oferecidas 150 náuplios de Artemia por dia e por pós-larva, durante 15 dias. Os peixes mantidos com 1 g L-1 de água salinizada e os alimentados 3 e 4 vezes ao dia apresentaram comprimento e peso finais, ganho de peso e taxa de crescimento específico para comprimento e peso significativamente maiores. Uma interação entre água salinizada e frequência alimentar foi observada para a taxa de sobrevivência. Concluímos que, durante a fase inicial de criação de P. brevis, recomenda-se uma frequência alimentar de três vezes ao dia e água salinizada a 1 g L-1.(AU)

A simple dynamic to promote the improvement of good manufacturing practices at a school cafeteria of Belo Horizonte, Brazil / Uma simples dinâmica para melhorar as boas práticas em uma cantina escolar de Belo Horizonte, Brasil

A strategy to improve good manufacturing practices was applied at a school cafeteria (Belo Horizonte, Brazil). The Quality Signal in Food Services (SQUAN) consists of a strategy to evaluate the degree of compliance of food services to good practices, which includes classifying your sectors into different traffic-based colors. Inspections were performed in all cafeteria sectors for three months. Items evaluated were classified as "compliant" or "noncompliant" with the Resolution 216 from Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency. Sectors with 80-100% of compliance were assigned the "Green Signal"; 60-80% "Yellow Signal"; and less than 60% "Red Signal". The present study aimed at evaluating whether the SQUAN was a good strategy to improve school's cafeteria overall hygiene. Meat and side dish, salad, and dessert sectors displayed an improvement of 87%, 12%, and 35% regarding compliance to good practices, respectively. The salad sector reached the "Yellow Signal", but the remaining sectors reached the "Green Signal" and remained there until the end of the study. To our knowledge, until this time no study proposes the use of traffic-light-based colors as an educational means for implementing good manufacturing practices in food service. In conclusion, SQUAN was an effective strategy to improve hygienic/sanity conditions at a cafeteria.(AU)

Uma estratégia para melhorar as boas práticas de fabricação foi aplicada em uma cantina escolar (Belo Horizonte, Brasil). O Sinal de Qualidade em Unidades de Alimentação e Nutrição (SQUAN) consiste em uma estratégia para avaliar o nível de conformidade de serviços de alimentação às boas práticas, o que inclui classificar seus setores em diferentes cores baseadas no sinal de trânsito. Inspeções foram realizadas em todos os setores da cantina durante três meses. Os itens avaliados foram classificados como "conformes" ou "não conformes" de acordo com a Resolução 216 da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária. Os setores com 80- 100% de conformidade receberam o "Sinal Verde"; 60-80% "Sinal Amarelo"; e menos de 60% "Sinal Vermelho". O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar se o SQUAN foi uma boa estratégia para melhorar a higiene geral da cantina escolar. Os setores de carnes e acompanhamentos, saladas e sobremesas apresentaram melhora de 87%, 12% e 35% quanto ao cumprimento das boas práticas, respectivamente. O setor de saladas atingiu o "Sinal Amarelo", mas os demais setores atingiram o "Sinal Verde" e permaneceram assim até o final do estudo. De nosso conhecimento, até o momento nenhum estudo propõe o uso de cores baseadas em semáforos como meio educacional para a implementação de boas práticas em serviços de alimentação. Diante do exposto, o SQUAN foi uma estratégia eficaz para melhorar as condições higiênico-sanitárias em um refeitório.(AU)

Breeding behavioral activities of captive red pandas in Nepal

The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) population is decreasing, with less than 10,000 individuals in the wild because of habitat destruction, fragmentation, and illegal hunting. Captive breeding has become an increasingly crucial strategy for conserving endangered species, but efforts to generate self-sustaining populations have failed despite ample resources being allocated. Animals are often stressed in captivity, and it is necessary to examine reproductive behavior relating to the complexity of habitat requirements, dietary preferences, and, in particular, pregnant mothers and their sensitivity to disruptions. Using videography, we observed the reproductive behavior of two red pandas along with other behavioral activities in the Central Zoo, Kathmandu, Nepal. We collected behavioral data from December 2020 to June 2021 using scan and focal sampling. Reproductive behaviors (e.g., scent-marking, allogrooming, chasing, running, aggressiveness, mating, and feeding feces) were observed, along with behaviors like locomotion, climbing, standing, self-grooming, feeding, sleeping, self-play, and stretching. We observed 1­2% of reproductive behavior from total activity. Copulation was attempted on three occasions suggesting reproduction can be successful if animal husbandry is properly managed. We recommend zoo managers further refine strategies for captive breeding endangered species such as red pandas. Successful captive breeding benefits the zoo, and captive-born animals can mitigate extinction in the wild.

Dietary supplementation with soybean oil has not favored the tilapia growth in BFT tanks submitted to feeding restriction

The present work aimed at assessing the possibility of compensatingthe notorious deficiencies of bioflocs in lipids by supplementing the tilapia commercial diet with soybean oil. In the positive control, there was no feeding restriction nor dietary supplementation with soybean oil. In the experimental treatments, the commercial diet was restricted by 25% over the positive control level. In the negative control tanks, there was feeding restriction and the artificial diet had no oil supplementation. In the experimental tanks, soybean oil was mixed dailywith the commercial diet at the levels of 0.6%, 1.2 and 2.4%. Additionally, there were fed-restricted tanks that received a daily supplementation of 1.2% soybean oil mixed withdry molasses, and not withthe commercial diet. In general, only the restriction of the commercial diet affected the water quality. The supplementation of the artificial diet with soybean oil up to 2.4% has not improved the proximate composition of bioflocs, nor thefish growth performance. It wasconcluded that the strategy of supplementing the Nile tilapia juveniles' commercial diet with increasing levels of soybean meal, in BFT tanks submitted to 25%-feeding restriction, was notcapable of avoidingthe fish growth performancedeterioration.(AU)

Feeding strategy of the introduced Astronotus crassipinnis (Cichlidae) in upper Paraná river floodplain

ABSTRACT The cichlid Astronotus crassipinnis (Heckel, 1840) known as oscar or apaiari is native to the Amazon basin and presents an omnivorous feeding habit, with a tendency to carnivory. The species was introduced in the upper Paraná River floodplain, where the trophic strategies adopted by the species are not well-known. The objective of this study was to characterize the diet of A. crassipinnis in different size classes to identify ontogenetic differences in diet composition and to determine its feeding behavior in the invaded floodplain. In addition, we experimentally compared the feeding behavior of A. crassipinnis with Hoplias sp. 2, a native piscivorous. We evaluated the predation rate of the two species with different prey (fish and shrimp). Astronotus crassipinnis consumed items from several trophic levels in the juvenile stage, characterizing an omnivore feeding. In the adult stage, A. crassipinnis displayed a specialist strategy in which fish and mollusks dominated the diet. Under controlled conditions, A. crassipinnis consumed more shrimp than Hoplias sp. 2. The preference for shrimp during the experiment contrasted to its feeding in natural environments, showing the potential trophic plasticity of A. crassipinnis. The piscivorous habit in the invaded environment can be considered a trophic strategy of A. crassipinnis, which feeds on an abundant resource in the upper Paraná River floodplain. In conclusion, the ontogenetic diet shifts and the trophic opportunism of the carnivore adults can be the strategies used by the species to invade and settle the floodplain. The piscivorous strategy of A. crassipinnis may impact fish biodiversity, altering ecosystem functioning.

RESUMO Astronotus crassipinnis (Heckel, 1840), conhecido como oscar ou apaiari, é nativo da bacia Amazônica e apresenta hábito alimentar onívoro, com tendência à carnivoria. A espécie foi introduzida na planície de inundação do alto rio Paraná, onde as estratégias tróficas adotadas pela espécie não são bem conhecidas. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar a dieta de A. crassipinis em diferentes classes de comprimento para identificar diferenças ontogenéticas na composição da dieta e determinar seu comportamento alimentar na planície de inundação invadida. Em adição, nós comparamos experimentalmente o comportamento alimentar de A. crassipinnis com Hoplias sp. 2, um piscívoro nativo. Avaliamos a taxa de predação das duas espécies com presas diferentes (peixes e camarões). Astronotus crassipinnis consumiu itens de diferentes níveis tróficos no estágio juvenil, caracterizando uma alimentação onívora. No estágio adulto, A. crassipinnis apresentou uma estratégia especialista em que peixes e moluscos dominaram a dieta. Em condições controladas, A. crassipinnis consumiu mais camarões que Hoplias sp. 2. A preferência por camarão durante o experimento em contraste com sua alimentação em ambientes naturais evidencia a alta plasticidade trófica de A. crassipinnis. O hábito piscívoro no ambiente invadido pode ser considerado uma estratégia trófica de A. crassipinnis, que se alimenta de um recurso abundante na planície do alto Rio Paraná. Em conclusão, as mudanças ontogenéticas na dieta e o oportunismo trófico dos adultos podem ser as estratégias utilizadas pela espécie para invadir e colonizar a planície de inundação. A estratégia piscívora de A. crassipinnis pode impactar a biodiversidade de peixes, alterando o funcionamento do ecossistema.

Feeding strategy of the introduced Astronotus crassipinnis (Cichlidae) in upper Paraná river floodplain / Estratégia alimentar do introduzido Astronotus crassipinnis (Cichlidae) na planície de inundação do alto rio Paraná

The cichlid Astronotus crassipinnis (Heckel, 1840) known as "oscar" or "apaiari" is native to the Amazon basin and presents an omnivorous feeding habit, with a tendency to carnivory. The species was introduced in the upper Paraná River floodplain, where the trophic strategies adopted by the species are not well-known. The objective of this study was to characterize the diet of A. crassipinnis in different size classes to identify ontogenetic differences in diet composition and to determine its feeding behavior in the invaded floodplain. In addition, we experimentally compared the feeding behavior of A. crassipinnis with Hoplias sp. 2, a native piscivorous. We evaluated the predation rate of the two species with different prey (fish and shrimp). Astronotus crassipinnis consumed items from several trophic levels in the juvenile stage, characterizing an omnivore feeding. In the adult stage, A. crassipinnis displayed a specialist strategy in which fish and mollusks dominated the diet. Under controlled conditions, A. crassipinnis consumed more shrimp than Hoplias sp. 2. The preference for shrimp during the experiment contrasted to its feeding in natural environments, showing the potential trophic plasticity of A. crassipinnis. The piscivorous habit in the invaded environment can be considered a trophic strategy of A. crassipinnis, which feeds on an abundant resource in the upper Paraná River floodplain. In conclusion, the ontogenetic diet shifts and the trophic opportunism of the carnivore adults can be the strategies used by the species to invade and settle the floodplain. The piscivorous strategy of A. crassipinnis may impact fish biodiversity, altering ecosystem functioning.

Astronotus crassipinnis (Heckel, 1840), conhecido como "oscar" ou "apaiari", é nativo da bacia Amazônica e apresenta hábito alimentar onívoro, com tendência à carnivoria. A espécie foi introduzida na planície de inundação do alto rio Paraná, onde as estratégias tróficas adotadas pela espécie não são bem conhecidas. O objetivo deste estudo foi caracterizar a dieta de A. crassipinis em diferentes classes de comprimento para identificar diferenças ontogenéticas na composição da dieta e determinar seu comportamento alimentar na planície de inundação invadida. Em adição, nós comparamos experimentalmente o comportamento alimentar de A. crassipinnis com Hoplias sp. 2, um piscívoro nativo. Avaliamos a taxa de predação das duas espécies com presas diferentes (peixes e camarões). Astronotus crassipinnis consumiu itens de diferentes níveis tróficos no estágio juvenil, caracterizando uma alimentação onívora. No estágio adulto, A. crassipinnis apresentou uma estratégia especialista em que peixes e moluscos dominaram a dieta. Em condições controladas, A. crassipinnis consumiu mais camarões que Hoplias sp. 2. A preferência por camarão durante o experimento em contraste com sua alimentação em ambientes naturais evidencia a alta plasticidade trófica de A. crassipinnis. O hábito piscívoro no ambiente invadido pode ser considerado uma estratégia trófica de A. crassipinnis, que se alimenta de um recurso abundante na planície do alto Rio Paraná. Em conclusão, as mudanças ontogenéticas na dieta e o oportunismo trófico dos adultos podem ser as estratégias utilizadas pela espécie para invadir e colonizar a planície de inundação. A estratégia piscívora de A. crassipinnis pode impactar a biodiversidade de peixes, alterando o funcionamento do ecossistema.

Effect of sublethal concentrations of insecticides associated with NaCl and KCl on feeding behavior and mortality of Euschistus heros and Diceraeus melacanthus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae) / Efeito de concentracoes subletais de inseticidas associados com NaCl e KCl sobre comportamento alimentar e mortalidade de Euschistus heros e Diceraeus melatacanthus (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae)

Stink bugs are important pests of highly profitable agricultural crops worldwide, and the use of insecticides remains the main strategy for their control. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the behavioral aspects of Euschistus heros and Diceraeus melacanthus through feeding after exposure to chloride solutions (NaCl and KCl), as well as the control efficacy of insecticides in combination with salt. Two bioassays were performed with stink bugs exposed to treated substrate: i) feeding preference by salivary sheath counting in a free choice test for chloride solutions, using bean pod or corn seedling as counting substrate for newly emerged E. heros and D. melacanthus adults, respectively; and ii) comparative efficiency of five synthetic insecticides associated with NaCl or KCl in the mortality of 4th instar nymphs (N4). Pre-determined sublethal (LC25) and median lethal (LC50) concentrations of commercially available insecticides (Lfn), buprofezin (Bpf), pyriproxyfen (Ppx), chlorantraniliprole (Ctn) and spinosad (Spn) were used. For each species and insecticide, the treatments were pure LC25, LC25 + NaCl 5% m/m, LC25 + KCl 5% m/m, pure LC50, and distilled water (dH2O) as the control. Corn seedlings treated with 5% NaCl saline solution had reduced salivary sheaths from D. melacanthus. Ctn LC25 (0.63 mL L-1) + 5% NaCl and pure Ctn LC50 (1.16 mL L-1) were similar and more efficient in terms of mortality of D. melacanthus N4s than any other treatment. The association of Spn LC25(0.37 mL L-1) + 5% NaCl and Spn LC50 only (0.90 mL L-1) was similar to that of E. heros N4s compared to other treatments. The insecticide concentrations used in this study have potential for stink bug pest control, thus the association of insecticides with commercially available, easy-to-find, and low-cost chloride salts may represent a good strategy for stink bug control.(AU)

Os percevejos são importantes pragas de culturas agrícolas altamente rentáveis em todo o mundo, e o uso de inseticidas continua sendo a principal estratégia para seu controle. Os objetivos deste estudo foram avaliar os aspectos comportamentais de Euschistus heros e Diceraeus melacanthus através da alimentação após exposição a soluções cloradas (NaCl e KCl), bem como a eficiencia de controle de inseticidas em combinação com sal. Dois bioensaios foram realizados com percevejos expostos ao substrato tratado: i) preferência alimentar por contagem de bainhas salivares em teste de livre escolha de soluções contendo cloreto, usando vagem de feijão ou plantulas de milho como substrato de contagem para adultos de E. heros e D. melacanthus recém-emergidos, respectivamente; e ii) eficiência comparativa de cinco inseticidas sintéticos associados a NaCl ou KCl na mortalidade de ninfas de 4º estágio (N4). Foram utilizadas concentrações subletais pré-determinadas (CL25) e letais medias (LC50) de inseticidas comercialmente disponíveis lufenurom (Lfn), buprofezina (Bpf), piriproxifem (Ppx), clorantraniliprole (Ctn) e espinosade (Spn). Para cada espécie e inseticida, os tratamentos foram CL25 pura, CL25 + NaCl 5% m/m, CL25 + KCl 5% m/m, CL50 pura e água destilada (dH2O) como controle. Plantulas de milho tratadas com a solução salina NaCl 5% apresentaram redução das bainhas salivares de D. melacanthus. Ctn CL25 (0,63 mL L-1) + 5% NaCl e Ctn CL50 pura (1,16 mL L-1) foram semelhantes e mais eficientes em termos de mortalidade de N4s de D. melacanthus do que qualquer outro tratamento. A associação de Spn CL25 (0,37 mL L-1) + 5% NaCl e Spn CL50 pura (0,90 mL L-1) foi semelhante à de N4s de E. heros em relação aos outros tratamentos. As concentrações de inseticidas utilizadas neste estudo têm potencial para o controle de pragas de percevejos, portanto, a associação de inseticidas com sais de cloreto comercialmente disponíveis, de fácil acesso e baixo custo pode representar uma boa estratégia para o controle de percevejos.(AU)

Productive performance and ingestive behavior of crossbred heifers in integrated livestock-forest systems

The present study aimed to assess the productive performance, ingestive behavior, and thermal condition of crossbred beef heifers in an integrated livestock-forest (ILF) system with different tree-planting designs. Seventy-two ½ Angus ½ Nellore heifers were divided in three treatments­conventional system (CS) without eucalyptus, integrated livestock system with 187 eucalyptus ha−1 (ILF-1L), and integrated livestock system with 446 eucalyptus ha−1 (ILF-3L)­, in the winter and summer. Total dry mass of forage (TDM), chemical analysis of Marandu palisadegrass, average daily gain (ADG), stocking rate (SR), weight gain per area (WGA), behavior, microclimatic variables, and thermal comfort indexes were evaluated. A higher percentage of crude protein and lower TDM and SR were observed in ILF-1L and ILF-3L, with no differences for ADG and WGA. Ambient temperature, temperature-humidity index, black globe-humidity index, and radiant heat load were better in ILF-1L and ILF-3L. Heifers in ILF-1L and ILF-3L carried out grazing, resting, rumination, and other activities in the shade. In the summer, heifers in ILF-1L and ILF-3L spent less time resting and more time in rumination and performing other activities than those in the CS. In conclusion, the better forage quality in ILF-1L and ILF-3L does not alter the performance of heifers or WGA, despite the decreased TDM and SR. Furthermore, ILF-1L and ILF-3L provide better thermal comfort, and heifers that do not have access to shade decrease their activities as a strategy to reduce the use of energy for thermal regulation process.(AU)

Ecomorphological relations of sympatric juveniles of clupeiformes from a brazilian sandy beach / Relações ecomorfológicas de juvenis simpátricos de clupeiformes de uma praia arenosa brasileira

Surf zones are important for early life stages of several fish species for presenting characteristics such as high phytoplanktonic production, diverse food availability and shelter against predators. The action of waves in this environment provides nutrient cycling and increase the turbidity making surf zones ideal nursery environments for diverse species of fish, including clupeiforms. Clupeiform species have a great ecological and economic value for being abundant fish in tropical sandy beaches surf zones with significant fisheries importance. Studies about their feeding ecology and environment use are relevant, and one of the methods improving this knowledge is the application of ecomorphological analyses, which helps understanding species ecological interactions and their adaptations. In this context, the present study aimed to identify the ecomorphological relations and infer about the feeding ecology of eight sympatric clupeiform species in a Brazilian tropical sandy beach. Ten ecomorphological variables were analyzed of individuals belonging to the species Anchoa tricolor (Spix & Agassiz, 1829), Anchoa januaria (Steindachner, 1879), Anchovia clupeoides (Swainson, 1839), Anchoviella lepidentostole (Fowler, 1911), Lycengraulis grossidens (Spix & Agassiz, 1829), Chirocentrodon bleekerianus (Poey, 1867), Harengula clupeola (Cuvier, 1829) and Opisthonema oglinum (Lesueur, 1818), whose values were employed in a principal component analysis (PCA) with the two first axis explaining 58.92% of the total variance. A high morphological overlap between the species of Engraulidae was observed with the exception of A. clupeoides, which differed from the others for presenting higher values of the compression index and caudal peduncle compression index. The Clupeidae species differed from the other families due to higher values of relative height and relative head length which also showed differences between the species themselves, having H. clupeola presented the highest values of these variables. The representative of Pristigasteridae showed an intermediate overlap between the species of the other families because of its highly compressed body but with low scores of relative height, caudal peduncle relative length and mouth aspect ratio. The morphological differentiation between the families and even between species from the same family indicates niche divergences, showing that besides their phylogenetical proximity there are differences in their ecological interactions which possibly contribute to their coexistence.

Zonas de arrebentação são importantes para os estágios iniciais de várias espécies de peixes por apresentarem características como alta produção fitoplanctônica, disponibilidade alimentar diversificada e abrigo contra predadores. A ação das ondas nestes ambientes proporciona a ciclagem de nutrientes e eleva a turbidez, tornando as zonas de arrebentação ambientes de berçário ideais para diversas espécies de peixes, incluindo os clupeiformes. Espécies de Clupeiformes possuem alto valor ecológico e econômico, por serem peixes abundantes em zonas de arrebentação em praias arenosas tropicais com significativa importância pesqueira. Estudos sobre sua ecologia alimentar e utilização do ambiente são relevantes, e um dos métodos para aprimorar este conhecimento é a aplicação de análises ecomorfológicas, que auxiliam no entendimento das interações ecológicas das espécies e suas adaptações. Nesse contexto, o presente estudo teve como objetivo identificar as relações ecomorfológicas e inferir sobre a ecologia alimentar de oito espécies de clupeiformes simpátricas em uma praia arenosa tropical Brasileira. Foram analisadas dez variáveis ecomorfológicas de indivíduos pertencentes as espécies Anchoa tricolor (Spix & Agassiz, 1829), Anchoa januaria (Steindachner, 1879), Anchovia clupeoides (Swainson, 1839), Anchoviella lepidentostole (Fowler, 1911), Lycengraulis grossidens (Spix & Agassiz, 1829), Chirocentrodon bleekerianus (Poey, 1867), Harengula clupeola (Cuvier, 1829) e Opisthonema oglinum (Lesueur, 1818), cujos valores foram empregados em uma análise de componentes principais (PCA) com os dois primeiros eixos explicando 58,92% da variância total. Uma elevada sobreposição morfológica entre as espécies de Engraulidae foi observada, com exceção de A. clupeoides, que se diferenciou das demais por apresentar maiores valores do índice de compressão e índice de compressão do pedúnculo caudal. As espécies de Clupeidae diferiram das demais famílias devido aos elevados valores de altura relativa e comprimento relativo da cabeça, o que também mostrou diferenças entre as próprias espécies, tendo H. clupeola apresentado maiores valores destas variáveis. O representante de Pristigasteridae apresentou sobreposição intermediária entre as espécies das demais famílias, devido ao seu corpo altamente comprimido, mas com baixos escores de altura relativa, comprimento relativo do pedúnculo e aspecto da boca. A diferenciação morfológica entre as famílias, e até mesmo entre espécies de uma mesma família, indica divergências de nicho, mostrando que apesar de sua proximidade filogenética, existem diferenças em suas interações ecológicas, possivelmente contribuindo para a sua coexistência.

Diet of Psalidodon aff. fasciatus (Cuvier, 1819) (Teleostei: Characidae) in a neotropical river before reservoir formation / Dieta de Psalidodon aff. fasciatus (Cuvier, 1819) (Teleostei: Characidae) antes da formação de reservatório na região neotropical

The main objective of this study was to identify spatial and seasonal variations on the diet of Psalido-don aff. fasciatus from the Tibagi River (South Brazil) before the construction of the Tibagi Montante hydropower plant. Fish were collected quarterly between October 2017 and July 2019. 536 stomachs containing feeding items and identified to the lowest taxonomic level as possible have been analyzed. Results showed that plants, Hymenoptera, and insect parts in general were the most consumed items. The analysis of feeding strategy showed a diet based on rare items but with individuals varying among specialist, generalist, and opportunistic trends depending on the season. The non-metric multidimen-sional scaling (NMDS) revealed diet overlap in both spatial and seasonal terms, which was confir-med by the permutational analysis of variance (PERMANOVA). The indicator value analysis (IndVal) identified 15 items as the most important components of this species' diet such as superior plants, Hymenoptera and insect parts. Therefore, before the formation of the reservoir, P. aff. fasiatus could be characterized as predominantly herbivore with a strong trend for insectivory. Across seasons, this species had a specialized diet all year, although with more specialized preferences in the spring when the consumption of plants was increased.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi identificar variações espaciais e sazonais da dieta do Psalidodon aff. fas-ciatus do rio Tibagi (Sul do Brasil) antes da construção da usina hidrelétrica Tibagi Montante. Os peixes foram amostrados trimestralmente entre outubro de 2017 e julho de 2019. Foram analisados 536 estômagos contendo itens alimentares e identificados até o menor nível taxonômico possível. Os resultados indicaram que vegetais, Hymenoptera e restos de insetos em geral foram os itens mais con-sumidos. A análise da estratégia alimentar mostrou uma dieta baseada em itens raros, mas com indi-víduos variando entre tendências especialistas, generalistas e oportunistas, dependendo da estação. O escalonamento multidimensional não-métrico (NMDS) mostrou sobreposição da composição da dieta tanto em escala espacial quanto sazonal, o que foi confirmado pela análise de variância permutacional (PERMANOVA). A análise do valor indicador (Indval) identificou 15 itens como os componentes mais importantes na dieta desta espécie, como plantas superiores, Hymenoptera e resto de insetos. Por-tanto, antes da formação do reservatório, P.aff. fasciatus, pode ser caracterizada como predominante-mente herbívora com forte tendência insetívora. Ao longo das estações, esta espécie apresentou dieta especializada durante todo o ano, embora com especialização na primavera, quando houve aumento do consumo de vegetais. (AU)

Production of Pacific white shrimp in biofloc system with different food management strategies / Produção do camarão-branco-do-pacífico em sistema de bioflocos com diferentes estratégias de manejo alimentar

In the present work, different models for adjustments in feeding rates to produce Pacific white shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) in a biofloc system were analyzed. Shrimps were stocked with an initial wei-ght of 4.21 ± 0.09 g at a density of 250 shrimp m-3 and fed following different methodologies for 60 days. The first method was according to the Van-Wyk table, considering the minimum (MIN) and maximum (MAX) feed rates. The second was according to two estimated values from the feed conver-sion ratio (FCR; FCR of 1.1 and 1.5), based on the methodology determined by Garzade Yta. A comple-tely randomized experimental design was adopted, consisting of four treatments (MAX, MIN, FCR 1.1, and FCR 1.5) with 4 independent replicates. Zootechnical performance, the physical and chemical wa-ter quality parameters, and the production of solids in the system were evaluated. The treatment that used minimum amounts of feed determined by the table showed a better feed conversion, survival, using a lower amount of feed and, thus, generating less waste. Although the feeding strategy using the minimum values in the table has shown better results, it is still necessary to improve these strategies, as the biofloc system is a system that has variations and their adjustments must be made according to the interactions of the system.(AU)

No presente trabalho foram analisadas diferentes modelos para ajustes nas taxas de alimentação para a produção do camarão camarão-branco-do-pacífico (Litopenaeus vannamei) em sistema de bioflocos. Os camarões foram povoados com peso inicial de 4,21 ± 0,09 g na densidade de 250 camarões m-3, e alimentados seguindo as diferentes metodologias durante 60 dias. A primeira seguiu a tabela de Van--Wyk, considerando as taxas mínimas (MIN) e máximas (MAX) de ração. A segunda foi de acordo com dois valores estimados do cálculo de conversão alimentar (FCR de 1.1 e 1.5), baseado na metodologia determinada por Garzade Yta et al. (2004). Foi adotado um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, composto por quatro tratamentos (MIN, MAX, FCR 1.1 e FCR 1.5) com 4 repetições cada. Foram avaliados o desempenho zootécnico, os parâmetros físicos e químicos da água e a produção de sólidos do sistema. O tratamento que utilizava quantidades mínimas de ração determinada pela tabela apresentou uma melhor conversão alimentar, sobrevivência, utilizando uma menor quantidade de ração e gerando uma menor quantidade de resíduos. Embora a estratégia de alimentação utilizando os valores mínimos da tabela tenha apresentado melhores resultados, ainda é necessário o aprimora-mento dessas estratégias, pois o sistema de bioflocos possui variações e seus ajustes devem ser feitos de acordo com as interações do sistema.(AU)

Utilização de resíduos de frutos na produção e composição nutricional da larva de Tenebrio molitor / Use of fruit residues in the production and nutritiona l composition of the larva of Tenebrio Molito larva

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a utilização de resíduos de frutos típicos brasileiros sobre o perfil nutricional da larva de Tenebrio molitor. O delineamento experimental foi o bloco casualizado, onde foram testadas quatro dietas diferentes para o desenvolvimento de larvas do T. molitor. O tratamento controle foi composto de trigo, soja e milho, enquanto os outros três tratamentos consistiram em dietas suplementadas com 50% de subprodutos da extração de macaúba, buriti e cacau. Foram realizados quatro tratamentos com quatro repetições entre maio e junho de 2019. Os dados foram analisados através dos testes ANOVA e Holm-Sidak, onde valores de p<0,05 foram considerados estatisticamente significativos. As larvas de T. molitor completaram seu ciclo de vida em todas as dietas testadas, entretanto, na dieta suplementada com cacau, o desenvolvimento em número de larvas foi reduzido em relação aos outros grupos. A farinha dos animais alimentados com a dieta à base de cacau apresentou um teor de proteínas inferior quando comparada à do ao grupo controle (p<0,001). Dietas à base de buriti, cacau e macaúba apresentaram quantidades maiores de extrato etéreo (p<0,018, <0,012 e <0,003, respectivamente). Concluiu-se que a suplementação de Tenébrios com dietas à base de buriti e macaúba pode ser uma boa estratégia para a melhoria do perfil nutricional da farinha de T. molitor, fornecendo quantidades favoráveis de proteínas e minerais. No tocante ao uso do cacau, estudos futuros para avaliar a presença de componentes alcaloides e seus efeitos diretos na suplementação animal devem ser conduzidos, o que pode representar uma limitação deste estudo.

This study aimed to evaluate the use of typical Brazilian fruit residues on the nutritional profile of the Tenebrio Molitor larva. The experimental design was a randomized block, where four different diets were tested for the development of T. molitor larvae. The control treatment consisted of wheat, soy, and corn, while the other three treatments consisted of diets supplemented with 50% of by-products derived from macauba, buriti, and cocoa extraction. Four treatments were carried out with four repetitions between May and June 2019. The data were analyzed using the ANOVA and Holm-Sidak tests, where p values <0.05 were considered statistically significant. T. molitor larvae completed their life cycle in all tested diets; however, the development in number of larvae in the diet supplemented with cocoa was reduced compared to the other groups. The flour of animals fed with a cocoa-based diet showed had a lower protein level when compared to the control group (p<0.001). Diets based on buriti, cacoa, and macaúba presented higher amounts of ether extract (p<0.018, <0.012, and <0.003, respectively). It is concluded that the supplementation of Tenebrios with diets based on buriti and macaúba can be a good strategy to improve the nutritional profile of T. molitor flour, providing favorable amounts of proteins and minerals. Regarding the use of cocoa, further studies to assess the presence of alkaloids and their direct effects on animal supplementation must be conducted, which may represent a limitation of this study.

Pirarucu larviculture in green water provides heavier fish and modulates locomotor activity / Larvicultura de pirarucu em água verde produz peixes mais pesados e modula a atividade locomotora

The green water technique uses microalgae in the water of indoor larviculture, providing a darker environment to favor fish growth, welfare and health. We evaluated growth performance and locomotor activity after light exposure of pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) larvae reared in green or clear water. During one test, pirarucu larvae (3.6 ± 0.3 cm; 0.36 ± 0.1 g) were reared in 50-L circular tanks (n = 3 per treatment, 50 larvae per tank) in a static system containing green water [microalgae (w3algae; Bernaqua® 10 g m-3) added] or clear water (control). Fish weaning was achieved by co-feeding with Artemia nauplii and microdiets for seven days until full microdiet substitution. Larvae were biometrically evaluated on days 10, 17 and 24 to assess growth performance. In a second test, the locomotor activity of the larvae was analyzed before and after light exposure (1400 ± 60 lx) for 48 h according to an ethogram. After 24 days, the larvae reared in the green water were significantly heavier than those from the clear water, and displayed significantly fewer circular swimming movements. Body cortisol increased in both groups after light exposure. The microalgae provided an additional food source for larvae, with positive impact on growth until day 17 of larviculture. Green water can be a strategy to achieve better results in pirarucu larviculture, especially during and up to 10 days after the co-feeding period.(AU)

A técnica de água verde utiliza microalgas na água durante a larvicultura indoor, proporcionando um ambiente mais escuro que favorece o crescimento, bem-estar e saúde dos peixes. Avaliamos o crescimento e a atividade locomotora após exposição à luz de larvas de pirarucu (Arapaima gigas) criadas em água verde ou clara. Em um teste, larvas de pirarucu (3,6 ± 0,3 cm; 0,36 ± 0,1 g) foram criadas em tanques circulares de 50 L (n = 3 por tratamento; 50 larvas por tanque) em sistema estático contendo água verde [microalgas (w3algae; Bernaqua® 10 g m-3) adicionadas] ou água clara (controle). A transição alimentar dos peixes ocorreu por co-alimentação com náuplios de Artemia e microdieta por sete dias até a substituição completa pela microdieta. A biometria das larvas foi avaliada nos dias 10, 17 e 24, para avaliar o crescimento. Um segundo teste avaliou a atividade locomotora das larvas antes e após exposição à luz (1.400 ± 60,47 lx) por 48 horas usando um etograma. Após 24 dias, os peixes criados em água verde pesaram significativamente mais que os da água clara, e apresentaram significativamente menos movimentos circulares de natação. A exposição à luz aumentou o cortisol corporal nos dois grupos depois da exposição à luz. O nível corporal de cortisol aumentou em ambos grupos após exposição à luz. As microalgas forneceram uma fonte adicional de alimento para as larvas, com impacto positivo sobre seu crescimento até o 17º dia de larvicultura. Água verde pode ser uma estratégia para obter melhores resultados na larvicultura de pirarucu, principalmente durante e até 10 dias após o período de co-alimentação.(AU)

Foraging efforts and behaviour of the European Turtle doves (Streptopelia turtur) during the breeding season

During the breeding season, many avian species face spatial and seasonal variation in the availability of food resources required to rear chicks. Reduction of food abundance is often identified as the most important factor determining population trends and breeding success in bird species, such as the vulnerable European Turtle dove Streptopelia turtur. During the breeding periods, the increase of food requirements in chicks should increase foraging effort to maintain the amount of food required for optimal chick growth. To investigate the feeding effort of Turtle doves during the breeding season, we monitored foraging and drinking rates, in different wild habitats and farmlands, from March to September 2016-2017 in Midelt, Morocco. Similarly, breeding chronology, including nesting, laying, and chicks' fledging, were monitored in the same habitats to evaluate the correlation between breeding efforts and foraging rates. We found that Turtle doves feed actively from the arrival to departure dates. Foraging activities were intense during breeding phases, mainly laying and chicks' growth periods. Equally, Doves feed intensively during the end of the breeding season before migration departures. Besides, Doves feed actively during the morning and evening to avoid the hottest periods as a strategy to save metabolic water.(AU)

Foraging efforts and behaviour of the European Turtle doves (Streptopelia turtur) during the breeding season

During the breeding season, many avian species face spatial and seasonal variation in the availability of food resources required to rear chicks. Reduction of food abundance is often identified as the most important factor determining population trends and breeding success in bird species, such as the vulnerable European Turtle dove Streptopelia turtur. During the breeding periods, the increase of food requirements in chicks should increase foraging effort to maintain the amount of food required for optimal chick growth. To investigate the feeding effort of Turtle doves during the breeding season, we monitored foraging and drinking rates, in different wild habitats and farmlands, from March to September 2016-2017 in Midelt, Morocco. Similarly, breeding chronology, including nesting, laying, and chicks' fledging, were monitored in the same habitats to evaluate the correlation between breeding efforts and foraging rates. We found that Turtle doves feed actively from the arrival to departure dates. Foraging activities were intense during breeding phases, mainly laying and chicks' growth periods. Equally, Doves feed intensively during the end of the breeding season before migration departures. Besides, Doves feed actively during the morning and evening to avoid the hottest periods as a strategy to save metabolic water.

Trichostrongylus colubriformis affecting sheep phosphorus metabolism and precision feeding as a mitigating strategy / Trichostrongylus colubriformis afetando o metabolismo do fosforo em ovinos e alimentação de precisão como estratégia de mitigação

This review details the negative effects of Trichostrongylus colubriformis infection in sheep phosphorus metabolism and direct and indirect impacts from high excretion from susceptible animals, as well as the advantages offered by precision feeding as potential strategies to mitigate loss. In sheep infected with T. colubriformis there is a high reduction in P bioavailability, because of depression in the absorptive capacity of this mineral, affecting the absorption and recycling of P to the digestive tract, causing mineral deficiency. Therefore, precision feeding compiles animal genetics information, feeding type and grazing management to control animal feed intake and quantity and quality of manure produced. In this sense, the adoption of precision feeding can provide a better arrangement of the information, making sheep production more economically, socially and environmentally sustainable.(AU)

Essa revisão detalha os efeitos negativos da infecção por Trichostrongylus colubriformis no metabolismo do fósforo de ovinos e os impactos diretos e indiretos da alta excreção em animais susceptíveis, bem como as vantagens oferecidas pela alimentação de precisão como estratégia potencial para mitigar perdas. Em ovinos infectados com T. colubriformis há uma alta redução na biodisponibilidade de P, devido à depressão na capacidade de absorção desse mineral, afetando a absorção e a reciclagem de P no trato digestivo, causando deficiência mineral. Portanto, a alimentação de precisão compila informações de genética animal, tipo de alimentação e manejo da pastagem para controlar o consumo de alimento e a quantidade e qualidade dos dejetos produzidos. Nesse sentido, a adoção da alimentação de precisão pode proporcionar um melhor arranjo das informações, tornando a produção de ovinos mais econômica, social e ambientalmente sustentável.(AU)

Effect of different levels of Ipomoea batatasflour inclusion on the ruminal pH of sheep in metabolic cages

The accumulation of industrial by-products increases the use of sweet potato waste for ruminants, but ruminal pH characteristics are still not well known. The objective was to assess the fluctuation of ruminal pH in sheep supplemented with different levels of sweet potato flour inclusion in their diet. Four rumen-fistulated sheep were used; they were fed a diet based on ryegrass haylage (Lolium multiflorum) and sweet potato flour (Ipomoea batatas), provided according to the level of inclusion in the total diet (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%). Approximately 80 ml of ruminal fluid was collected for reading on a bench pH meter. Statistical data analysis was run on Statistical Analysis System (SAS Institute INC. Cary, NC, USA), and statistical difference was considered for p < 0.05. The animals that received 1.5% of sweet potato flour in their diet presented acid rumen pH; the 1.0% group presented rumen pH acidification in the first 6 hours after feeding, and the 0.5% level of inclusion did not change the rumen environment. It is concluded that the inclusion of 0.5% sweet potato flour in sheep diet proved to be an efficient energy supplementation strategy.(AU)

Effect of different levels of Ipomoea batatasflour inclusion on the ruminal pH of sheep in metabolic cages

The accumulation of industrial by-products increases the use of sweet potato waste for ruminants, but ruminal pH characteristics are still not well known. The objective was to assess the fluctuation of ruminal pH in sheep supplemented with different levels of sweet potato flour inclusion in their diet. Four rumen-fistulated sheep were used; they were fed a diet based on ryegrass haylage (Lolium multiflorum) and sweet potato flour (Ipomoea batatas), provided according to the level of inclusion in the total diet (0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5%). Approximately 80 ml of ruminal fluid was collected for reading on a bench pH meter. Statistical data analysis was run on Statistical Analysis System (SAS Institute INC. Cary, NC, USA), and statistical difference was considered for p < 0.05. The animals that received 1.5% of sweet potato flour in their diet presented acid rumen pH; the 1.0% group presented rumen pH acidification in the first 6 hours after feeding, and the 0.5% level of inclusion did not change the rumen environment. It is concluded that the inclusion of 0.5% sweet potato flour in sheep diet proved to be an efficient energy supplementation strategy.

Effect of ensiling on the feeding value of flint corn grain for feedlot beef cattle: A meta-analysis

The objective of this study was to review the effect of ensiling on the feeding value of flint corn grain and performance of feedlot cattle. In this meta-analysis, ensiled corn grain included both high-moisture corn and rehydrated corn grain. The criteria for a publication enter in the database were: diet was offered as a total mixed ration, diet contained at least 300 g/kg dry matter (DM) of ensiled or dry corn grain, and ensiled grain contained a minimum of 280 g/kg of moisture. The final dataset included 21 paired comparisons from eight publications, from 2002 to 2019. A sub dataset of digestibility trials contained six paired comparisons for starch digestibility and five paired comparisons for DM digestibility. The outcomes were compared using the Mixed procedure of SAS, including a random effect of comparison within study (paired comparison). Ensiling corn grain increased total-tract digestibility of DM (+4.59%) and starch (+3.33%), decreased DM intake by 14.1% (10.3 and 8.85 kg/d for dry and ensiled, respectively) and metabolizable energy intake by 4.39%, but did not affect average daily gain (1.61 and 1.58 kg/d for dry and ensiled corn, respectively). Therefore, ensiling corn grain increased feed efficiency by 18.3% (0.164 and 0.194, for dry and ensiled, respectively). The feeding value was on average 25.7% higher for ensiled corn grain compared with dry corn grain. Ensiling is an efficient strategy to improve the caloric value of flint corn grain for finishing cattle.

Intake and ruminal parameters of goats fed diets supplemented with vegetable oils

The objective of this study was to evaluate the intake and ruminal parameters of goats fed diets supplemented with vegetable oils. Four rumen-cannulated Saanen goats were allocated to four treatments, which consisted of a control diet and diets with the inclusion of 30 g of canola, sunflower, or soybean oils per kilogram of diet dry matter (DM). The experiment lasted 40 days, which were divided into four 10-day periods. Forage intake was estimated using chromium oxide as an external marker, and supplement intake was determined as the difference between the daily amount supplied and orts. Rumen fermentation parameters were evaluated from samples of rumen fluid collected every 2 h, for 12 h. Rumen pH and short-chain fatty acid and ammonia nitrogen concentrations were measured. There was no effect of lipid supplementation on DM intake. Ether extract intake was highest in the treatments with oil inclusion, and the highest acid detergent fiber intake was obtained with the diet containing canola oil. The pH was highest in the group fed soybean oil and responded quadratically to the collection times. Total short-chain fatty acid and acetic acid concentrations also responded quadratically to the collection times. Propionic and butyric acid concentrations and acetic:propionic acid ratio showed a cubic behavior with the increasing collection times. Canola, sunflower, or soybean oils can be included at 30 g/kg of the diet DM as a strategy to increase the energy density of goat diets.