A dataset of new occurrence records of primates from the arc of deforestation, Brazil.

​​​​​​​The so-called arc of deforestation is a major agricultural and industrial frontier in southern Amazonia and northern Cerrado of Brazil. As arboreal mammals, the primates in this region are therefore threatened by forest loss and fragmentation. At the same time, knowledge about the taxonomic diversity and distribution ranges of these taxa is incomplete, which might hamper efficient conservation measurements. New species have been recently discovered in this region, and their ranges remain imprecise because only a few occurrence records are available for each species. Here we present 192 new records of 22 species and subspecies of Alouatta, Aotus, Ateles, Cebus, Chiropotes, Lagothrix, Leontocebus, Pithecia, Plecturocebus, Saimiri, and Sapajus, collected in 56 different localities during 10 field expeditions across the arc of deforestation between 2015 and 2018. Based on these new records, we extend the ranges of Alouatta puruensis, Ateles chamek, and Saimiri collinsi; identify potential hybridization zones between A. puruensis and A. discolor, and between At. chamek and At. marginatus; redefine the range of Plecturocebus moloch; and clarify the ranges of P. baptista and P. hoffmannsi. Moreover, these results and the dataset are valuable for further research on, for example, species distribution and habitat use modeling, for assessing species extinction risks, and for supporting efforts for the conservation of species increasingly threatened on a global deforestation frontier.

DNA barcode reveals occurrence of threatened species and hidden diversity on Teleost fish trade in the Coastal Amazon.

This study aimed to identify the teleost fish species sold in Bragança, a major fishing hub on the north coast of Brazil. The COI gene analysis was performed for the identification of fish species. The local market uses common names that are not accurate and do not reflect the diversity of the species. 204 sequences were obtained, with 119 haplotypes. 83 species were identified by comparing with public databases and constructing phylogenetic trees, with Carangidae being the most prevalent family. The study also found Haemulon atlanticus, Menticirrhus cuiaranensis and Hoplias misioneira, a newly described species from the Amazon basin, among the samples. Additionally, 73 commercial names were recorded, including 10 categories, and the illegal trade of Epinephelus itajara was detected. The DNA Barcode method proved to be effective for discriminating the species. The study highlights that common and commercial names are vague and underestimate the fish diversity, and that Brazil needs to revise its regulations for commercial and scientific names.

Genetic connectivity and population expansion inferred from multilocus analysis in Lutjanus alexandrei (Lutjanidae-Perciformes), an endemic snapper from Northeastern Brazilian coast.

Previous studies about the genetic diversity, connectivity and demographic history in Lutjanidae fishes have reported a common pattern of genetic homogeneity and expansion in populations from Western South Atlantic. In the present work, we inferred the population structure, the levels of genetic diversity and the demographic history of the Brazilian snapper Lutjanus alexandrei, a recently described and endemic species from Northeastern coast of Brazil. Five different fragments, including mitochondrial DNA (Control Region, Cyt b and ND4) and nuclear DNA (Myostatin and S7) regions were analyzed in 120 specimens of L. alexandrei from four localities in Northeastern Brazil, representing the first study of population genetics in this species. High levels of genetic diversity were observed following a panmictic pattern, probably related to the larval dispersal by the current tides along the Brazilian coast. In addition, both demographic history and neutrality tests indicated that L. alexandrei has undergone population expansion during Pleistocene. In this sense, the sea level variation from this period could have increased the available resources and suitable habitats for the Brazilian snapper.

Molecular characterization of juvenile fish from the Amazon estuary using DNA barcoding approach.

The efficiency of the DNA barcoding relies on sequencing fragment of the Cytochrome C Subunit I (COI) gene, which has been claimed as a tool to biodiversity identification from distinct groups. Accordingly, the goal of this study was to identify juvenile fish species along an estuary of Caeté River in the Brazilian Blue Amazon based on. For this purpose, we applied the DNA barcoding and discuss this approach as a tool for discrimination of species in early ontogenetic stages. A 500-bp fragment was obtained from 74 individuals, belonging to 23 species, 20 genera, 13 families and seven orders. About 70% of the 46 haplotypes revealed congruence between morphological and molecular species identification, while 8% of them failed in identification of taxa and 22% demonstrated morphological misidentification. These results proved that COI fragments were effective to diagnose fish species at early life stages, allowing identifying all samples to a species-specific status, except for some taxa whose COI sequences remain unavailable in public databases. Therefore, we recommend the incorporation of DNA barcoding to provide additional support to traditional identification, especially in morphologically controversial groups. In addition, periodic updates and comparative analyses in public COI datasets are encouraged.

Arboviruses in Free-Ranging Birds and Hematophagous Arthropods (Diptera, Nematocera) from Forest Remnants and Urbanized Areas of an Environmental Protection Area in the Amazon Biome.

The rapid and disorderly urbanization in the Amazon has resulted in the insertion of forest fragments into cities, causing the circulation of arboviruses, which can involve hematophagous arthropods and free-ranging birds in the transmission cycles in urban environments. This study aimed to evaluate the circulation of arboviruses in free-ranging birds and hematophagous arthropods captured in an Environmental Protection Area in the Belem metropolitan area, Brazil. Birds were captured using mist nets, and hematophagous arthropods were collected using a human protected attraction technique and light traps. The birds' sera were subjected to a hemagglutination inhibition test to detect antibodies against 29 arbovirus antigens. Arthropod macerates were inoculated into C6/36 and VERO cell cultures to attempt viral isolation and were tested using indirect immunofluorescence, subsequent genetic sequencing and submitted for phylogenetic analysis. Four bird sera were positive for arbovirus, and one batch of Psorophora ferox was positive for Flavivirus on viral isolation and indirect immunofluorescence. In addition, the Ilheus virus was detected in the sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. The presence of antibodies in sera from free-ranging birds and the isolation of Ilheus virus in Psorophora ferox indicate the circulation of arboviruses in forest remnants in the urban center of Belem.

Inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus TetK and MsrA efflux pumps by hydroxyamines derived from lapachol and norlachol.

The present study aimed to evaluate the in vitro efflux pump inhibitory capacity of hydroxyamines derived from lapachol and norlachol, where compounds 3, 4, and 5 were tested against the S. aureus strains: RN4220 carrying the pUL5054 plasmid; and IS-58, endowed with the PT181 plasmid. The substances were synthesized from 2-hydroxy-quinones, lapachol and nor-lapachol obtaining the corresponding 2-methoxylated derivatives via dimethyl sulfate alkylation in a basic medium, which then reacted chemoselectively with 2-ethanolamine and 3-propanolamine to form the corresponding amino alcohols. The antibacterial action of the substances was quantified by determining the Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC), while a microdilution assay was carried out to ascertain efflux pump inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus strains carrying the MsrA macrolide and the TetK tetracycline efflux pumps with the substances at a sub-inhibitory concentration. The results were subjected to statistical analysis by an ANOVA test and Bonferroni post hoc test. The MIC from the substances exhibited a value ≥ 1024 µg/mL. However, a significant reduction (p < 0.0001) of the erythromycin, tetracycline and ethidium bromide MIC was demonstrated when these were in combination with the substances, with this effect being due to a supposed efflux pump inhibition. The tested substances demonstrated effectiveness at decreasing the MIC of erythromycin, tetracycline and ethidium bromide, potentially by inhibiting the MsrA macrolide and the TetK tetracycline efflux pumps present in the tested S. aureus strains.

New insights about species delimitation in red snappers (Lutjanus purpureus and L. campechanus) using multilocus data.

Lutjanus campechanus and Lutjanus purpureus are two commercially important lutjanid fishes (snappers) with non-sympatric distribution throughout Western Atlantic. Even though both taxa have traditionally been regarded as valid species, their taxonomic status remains under debate. In the present study, we used phylogeographic approaches and molecular methods of species delimitation to elucidate the taxonomic issues between both species, based on 1478 base pairs from four genomic regions. We found haplotypes shared between the two species, particularly in relation to nuclear DNA (nuDNA) sequences. The molecular delimitation of species supported the discrimination of L. purpureus and L. campechanus as distinct evolutionary units. Nonetheless, a unidirectional gene flow was found from L. campechanus towards L. purpureus. Therefore, it seems plausible to infer that L. campechanus and L. purpureus are two evolutionary units in which the apparent sharing of haplotypes should be driven by introgression.

Adsorption of Vi Capsular Antigen of Salmonella Typhi in Chitosan-Poly (Methacrylic Acid) Nanoparticles.

The development of a nanoparticulate system for the carrier antigen is now an important tool in the vaccination process, since a smaller number of doses is necessary for effective immunization. Thus, in this work a nanoparticulate system using polymers of chitosan and poly (methacrylic acid) (CS-PMAA) to adsorb the Vi antigen of Salmonella Typhi was developed. CS-PMAA nanoparticles with different proportions of chitosan and poly (methacrylic acid) were obtained and reached sizes from 123.9 ± 2.48 to 234.9 ± 2.66 nm, and spherical shapes were seen in transmission microscopy. At pH 7.2, the nanoparticles had a cationic surface charge that contributed to the adsorption of the Vi antigen. Qualitative analyses of the isolated Vi antigen were performed using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, which indicated the presence of all the characteristic bands of the capsular polysaccharide, and nuclear magnetic resonance, which showed signals for the five hydrogens and the N-acetyl and O-acetyl groups which are characteristic of the Vi antigen structure. In the adsorption kinetics study, the Vi capsular antigen, contained in a phosphate buffer solution of pH 7.2, experienced 55% adsorption on the 1-1% (CS-PMAA) nanoparticles. The adsorption kinetics results showed the ability of the nanoparticulate system to adsorb the Vi antigen.

Forensic analysis reveals fraud in fillets from the "Gurijuba" Sciades parkeri (Ariidae - Siluriformes): a vulnerable fish in Brazilian Coastal Amazon.

The utilization of molecular tools for the certification of fishery products has been increasing over the last years. In general, economically important species are replaced by less valuable species, characterizing a commercial fraud. We evaluated the authenticity of 107 frozen fillets tagged as Gurijuba (Sciades parkeri) and Uritinga (Sciades proops) from local markets in northern amazon coast by sequencing two mitochondrial genes: Cytochrome oxidase subunit I and cytochrome b (Cyt b). About 16% of fillets putatively related to S. parkeri were replaced by S. proops. The Gurijuba faces high fishing pressure, being currently listed by the International Union for Conservation of Nature as vulnerable. Forensic analysis with DNA markers, proved to be highly efficient in the discrimination of the processed seafood products, providing unequivocal identification of species, revealing commercial fraud in the fillets of the Gurijuba, and revealing the utility of Cytb sequences as barcode in fishes.

Comparative analyses of species delimitation methods with molecular data in snappers (Perciformes: Lutjaninae).

The integration of approaches that allow the incorporation of stochasticity of gene histories with phylogenetic methods resulted in new approaches for the old issue of species delimitation. Nevertheless, coalescent methods seem problematic for taxa with large effective population size and shallow temporal diversification (like marine fishes). Here, we investigate the performance of single-locus (cytochrome oxidase 1, commonly used in DNA barcoding initiatives) methods for molecular species delimitation in snappers of Lutjaninae from the Western Atlantic and Pacific Eastern. Our results show incongruences among methods. ABGD, PTP and mPTP trend towards a lower number of estimated species. Phylogenetic-coalescent methods with single threshold were majority congruent for a same number of lineages. On the other hand, algorithms with multiple thresholds tend to estimate a higher number of potential species. We do not endorse the use of single-locus for species delimitation, but we do reinforce that single-locus data is sufficient to flag many problems.

Study of molecular interactions between Chitosan and Vi Antigen.

Chitosan has attracted much interest due to its special physical and chemical properties related to drug administration. Nanoparticles delivery systems from Vi Antigen are a promising approach in the struggle against typhoid fever. In this paper, we reported the obtainment and the characterization of Vi Antigen by Infrared spectroscopy as well as Molecular Modeling and Computational Chemistry studies of the Chitosan-Vi Antigen interaction through theoretical models. The results of the theoretical and experimental Infrared spectroscopy showed important bands related to N-Acetyl and O-Acetyl groups present in Vi Antigen. Important interactions related to its adsorption were observed through three-dimensional optimized structures. Two models were proposed for the Chitosan-Vi Antigen in adsorption system, one as a monomer and another as an optimized tetrasaccharide antigen. The Molecular Modeling studies presented the best conformation and binding site on the nanoparticle Chitosan-Vi Antigen in models proposed. Interactions were observed between O-Acetyl and N-Acetyl groups the Vi Antigen and hydroxy, amino and methyl groups the Chitosan.

Lack of Spatial Subdivision for the Snapper Lutjanus purpureus (Lutjanidae - Perciformes) from Southwest Atlantic Based on Multi-Locus Analyses.

The Caribbean snapper Lutjanus purpureus is a marine species fish commonly found associated with rocky seabeds and is widely distributed along of Western Atlantic. Data on stock delineation and stock recognition are essential for establishing conservation measures for commercially fished species. However, few studies have investigated the population genetic structure of this economically valuable species, and previous studies (based on only a portion of the mitochondrial DNA) provide an incomplete picture. The present study used a multi-locus approach (12 segments of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA) to elucidate the levels of genetic diversity and genetic connectivity of L. purpureus populations and their demographic history. L. purpureus has high levels of genetic diversity, which probably implies in high effective population sizes values for the species. The data show that this species is genetically homogeneous throughout the geographic region analyzed, most likely as a result of dispersal during larval phase. Regarding demographic history, a historical population growth event occurred, likely due to sea level changes during the Pleistocene.

Divergência nutricional de cascas de vagens de genótipos de feijão-fava para alimentação de ruminantes

AbstractThis research aimed to evaluate the nutritional divergence of twenty-five genotypes of peel pods of lima bean for ruminant feeding, based on chemical composition as well as fermentation and in situ degradation kinetic characteristics. The chemical constituents were considered discriminatory variables in the first analysis, while the parameters of rumen degradation kinetics and effective degradability (ED 2%h-1) of dry matter were considered in the second analysis. Was adopted the cluster analysis according to the Tocher optimization approach, considering the average Euclidian distance matrix of characters to evaluate the dissimilarity among the genotypes. It was verified the formation of seven heterogeneous groups, highlighting the acid detergent fiber (ADF) and crude protein (CP) as most impactful variables for grouping in the first analysis, contributing with 41.7 and 29.3%, respectively, while in the second analysis, the soluble fraction degradation rate accounted for 38.7 and 28.0%, respectively. The chemical constituents CP and ADF and the kinetic parameters of ruminal degradation soluble fraction (fraction a), degradation rate (c) and potentially degradable fraction (fraction b) of the DM, are efficient to identify the nutritional divergence of pod shells lima bean genotypes based on multivariate analysis. Considering the parameters adopted to form a pool by Tocher´s method, the lima bean genotype 123, present efficient effective degradation and degradation rate compatible with the tropical forage, and better nutritive value and forage potential than pod shells of the other lima bean genotypes.

ResumoObjetivou-se avaliar a divergência nutricional de cascas de vagens de 25 genótipos de feijão-fava para alimentação de ruminantes, considerando-se a composição química, características de fermentação e cinética de degradaçãoin situ no rúmen. Os constituintes químicos foram considerados variáveis discriminatórias em uma primeira análise, enquanto os parâmetros de cinética de degradação ruminal e a degradação efetiva (DE 2%h-1) da matéria seca foram considerados na segunda análise. Utilizou-se o método de otimização de Tocher, adotando-se a matriz de distâncias euclidiana média dos caracteres para avaliar a dissimilaridade entre os genótipos. Constatou-se a formação de sete grupos heterogêneos, destacando-se a fibra em detergente ácido e proteína bruta como as variáveis mais impactantes para agrupamento na primeira análise, contribuindo com 41,7 e 29,3%, respectivamente, enquanto, na segunda análise, a fração solúvel (fração a) e a taxa de degradação da fração b participaram em 38,7 e 28,0%, respectivamente. Os constituintes químicos PB e FDA e os parâmetros de cinética de degradação ruminal fração solúvel (fração a), taxa de degradação (c) e fração potencialmente degradável (fração b)da MS, mostram-se eficientes para conhecimento da divergência nutricional de cascas de vagens de genótipos de feijão-fava, com base em análise multivariada. Considerando-se os parâmetros adotados para a formação de agrupamentos pelo método de Tocher, o genótipo de feijão-fava 123 apresenta boa degradação efetiva e taxa de degradação compatível com a de forragens tropicais além de melhor valor nutritivo e potencial forrageiro que a casca dos demais genótipos de feijão-fava.

High levels of genetic connectivity among populations of yellowtail snapper, Ocyurus chrysurus (Lutjanidae-Perciformes), in the western South Atlantic revealed through multilocus analysis.

In the present study, five loci (mitochondrial and nuclear) were sequenced to determine the genetic diversity, population structure, and demographic history of populations of the yellowtail snapper, Ocyurus chrysurus, found along the coast of the western South Atlantic. O. chrysurus is a lutjanid species that is commonly associated with coral reefs and exhibits an ample geographic distribution, and it can therefore be considered a good model for the investigation of phylogeographic patterns and genetic connectivity in marine environments. The results reflected a marked congruence between the mitochondrial and nuclear markers as well as intense gene flow among the analyzed populations, which represent a single genetic stock along the entire coast of Brazil between the states of Pará and Espírito Santo. Our data also showed high levels of genetic diversity in the species (mainly mtDNA), as well a major historic population expansion, which most likely coincided with the sea level oscillations at the end of the Pleistocene. In addition, this species is intensively exploited by commercial fisheries, and data on the genetic structure of its populations will be essential for the development of effective conservation and management plans.

Divergência nutricional de cascas de vagens de genótipos de feijão-fava para alimentação de ruminantes

AbstractThis research aimed to evaluate the nutritional divergence of twenty-five genotypes of peel pods of lima bean for ruminant feeding, based on chemical composition as well as fermentation and in situ degradation kinetic characteristics. The chemical constituents were considered discriminatory variables in the first analysis, while the parameters of rumen degradation kinetics and effective degradability (ED 2%h-1) of dry matter were considered in the second analysis. Was adopted the cluster analysis according to the Tocher optimization approach, considering the average Euclidian distance matrix of characters to evaluate the dissimilarity among the genotypes. It was verified the formation of seven heterogeneous groups, highlighting the acid detergent fiber (ADF) and crude protein (CP) as most impactful variables for grouping in the first analysis, contributing with 41.7 and 29.3%, respectively, while in the second analysis, the soluble fraction degradation rate accounted for 38.7 and 28.0%, respectively. The chemical constituents CP and ADF and the kinetic parameters of ruminal degradation soluble fraction (fraction a), degradation rate (c) and potentially degradable fraction (fraction b) of the DM, are efficient to identify the nutritional divergence of pod shells lima bean genotypes based on multivariate analysis. Considering the parameters adopted to form a pool by Tocher´s method, the lima bean genotype 123, present efficient effective degradation and degradation rate compatible with the tropical forage, and better nutritive value and forage potential than pod shells of the other lima bean genotypes.

ResumoObjetivou-se avaliar a divergência nutricional de cascas de vagens de 25 genótipos de feijão-fava para alimentação de ruminantes, considerando-se a composição química, características de fermentação e cinética de degradaçãoin situ no rúmen. Os constituintes químicos foram considerados variáveis discriminatórias em uma primeira análise, enquanto os parâmetros de cinética de degradação ruminal e a degradação efetiva (DE 2%h-1) da matéria seca foram considerados na segunda análise. Utilizou-se o método de otimização de Tocher, adotando-se a matriz de distâncias euclidiana média dos caracteres para avaliar a dissimilaridade entre os genótipos. Constatou-se a formação de sete grupos heterogêneos, destacando-se a fibra em detergente ácido e proteína bruta como as variáveis mais impactantes para agrupamento na primeira análise, contribuindo com 41,7 e 29,3%, respectivamente, enquanto, na segunda análise, a fração solúvel (fração a) e a taxa de degradação da fração b participaram em 38,7 e 28,0%, respectivamente. Os constituintes químicos PB e FDA e os parâmetros de cinética de degradação ruminal fração solúvel (fração a), taxa de degradação (c) e fração potencialmente degradável (fração b)da MS, mostram-se eficientes para conhecimento da divergência nutricional de cascas de vagens de genótipos de feijão-fava, com base em análise multivariada. Considerando-se os parâmetros adotados para a formação de agrupamentos pelo método de Tocher, o genótipo de feijão-fava 123 apresenta boa degradação efetiva e taxa de degradação compatível com a de forragens tropicais além de melhor valor nutritivo e potencial forrageiro que a casca dos demais genótipos de feijão-fava.

Inadequate prenatal care utilization and associated factors in São Luís, Brazil.

BACKGROUND: Over the last decades there has been a reduction of social inequalities in Brazil, as well as a strong expansion of health services, including prenatal care. The objective of the present study was to estimate the rate of inadequate prenatal care utilization and its associated factors in São Luís, Brazil, in 2010 and to determine whether there was a reduction of inequity in prenatal care use by comparing the present data to those obtained from a previous cohort started in 1997/98. METHODS: Data from the BRISA (Brazilian birth cohort studies of Ribeirão Preto and São Luís) population-based cohort, which started in 2010 (5067 women), were used. The outcome variable was the inadequate utilization of prenatal care, classified according to the recommendations of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. The explanatory variables were organized into three hierarchical levels based on the Andersen's behavioral model of the use of health services: predisposing, enabling and need factors. RESULTS: Only 2.0% of the women did not attend at least one prenatal care visit. The rate of inadequate prenatal care utilization was 36.7%. Despite an improved adequacy of prenatal care use from 47.3% in 1997/98 to 58.2% in 2010, social inequality persisted: both low maternal schooling (prevalence ratio (PR) = 2.78; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 2.23-3.47 for 0 to 4 years of study) and low family income, less than 0.5 monthly minimum wage per capita (PR = 1.37; 95% CI 1.22-1. 54), continued to be associated with higher rates of inadequate prenatal care utilization. Racial disparity regarding adequate utilization of prenatal services was detected, with black (PR = 1.19; 95% CI 1.04-1.36) and mulatto (PR = 1.14; 95% CI 1.02-1.26) women showing higher rates of inadequate use. On the other hand, women covered by the FHP - Family Health Program (PR = 0.92; 95% CI 0.85-0.98) showed a lower rate of inadequate prenatal care utilization. CONCLUSIONS: Despite strong expansion of health services and expressive improvements in adequate prenatal care use and social indicators, inequalities in prenatal care use still persist. The FHP seems to be effective in reducing inadequate prenatal care utilization.

[Access to and use of the services of the family health strategy from the perspective of managers, professionals and users]. / Acesso e utilização dos serviços na Estratégia Saúde da Família na perspectiva dos gestores, profissionais e usuários.

Questionnaires adapted to the Brazilian reality (Primary Care Assessment Tool) to evaluate access to and use of services were distributed to 30 managers, 80 professionals and a random sample of 882 Family Health Strategy (FHS) users in São Luís in the state of Maranhão. The differences between the evaluations of managers, professionals and users were identified by the Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn's post test. Users faced difficulties in access to and use of the services, which were also considered unsatisfactory by managers and professionals. Access was the dimension with the worst evaluation, and non-functioning of units after 6 p.m. and at weekends were the main difficulties. The evaluations of the managers and professionals were almost always divergent from those of the users, with the evaluation of the managers being more favorable. The fact that the service was free of charge, the use of preventive services and the FHS services before the specialized care were well evaluated. The operation of units should attend users' needs, especially that of the working population. Strengthening social participation in local management of the FHS may assist in identifying these needs, thereby reducing the divergent opinions of the players involved.

Efficiency of utilization of nitrogen coated with urease inhibitor in maize.

This study aimed to evaluate under field conditions the efficiency in the use ofN coated with urease inhibitor in maize. The experiment was conducted in the year of 2007/2008. The experimental design was a randomized block design in a factorial 2 x 6, with five repetitions, constituted the N sources (common and coated with urease inhibitor) and levels (0, 40, 80, 120, 160 and 200 kg ha-1 of N) sidedressing nitrogen application in the growth stage V4. Based on the data obtained were determined recovery efficiencies, utilization, agronomic and physiological N applied. In all cases, the efficiency levels for maize were influenced by levels of sidedressing nitrogen application, in which increasing levels of N resulted in a decrease of the efficiencies, regardless of the source being common urea or coated with urease inhibitor.

Degradabilidade ruminal e balanço energético em vacas leiteiras a pasto suplementadas com torta de dendê

With the objective to verify the most appropriate level of palm kernel cake inclusion in the concentrate of dairy cows on pasture, 16 multiparous dairy cows crossbreed Gir and Holstein were used, with average weight of 436.6kg (±59.7) in latin square design, with the cows distributed in four Latin squares (4 x 4 simultaneous; four treatments x four periods x four animals in each treatment). Ruminal degradability and energy balance were evaluated under grazing conditions, supplemented with concentrate, containing levels of 0, 25, 50 and 75% of palm kernel cake. The values of fractions A, B and C in DM of palm kernel cake were 2.41, 66.65% and 0.0272 respectively. Potential and effective degradability of DM of palm kernel cake were: PD (69.06%) of ED 2%/h (40.84%) 5%/h (25.91%) and 8%/h (19.34%), fractions B and I, 66.65% and 30.94% respectively. Energy availability for lactation and net energy intake linearly decreased with palm kernel cake inclusion. Energy balance although positive was negative correlated to all levels of palm kernel cake inclusion. The best level of palm kernel cake inclusion is zero. However, in practice, it can be indicated the level of 25% of palm kernel cake in concentrate supplement for lactating cows on pasture, by the proximity of energy availability values with the most appropriate level (0% palm kernel cake).

Com o objetivo de verificar o nível mais adequado de inclusão da torta de dendê no concentrado de vacas em lactação a pasto, utilizaram-se 16 vacas multíparas leiteiras cruzadas das raças Gir e Holandês, com peso médio de 436,6kg (±59,7) em delineamento experimental quadrado latino, com as vacas distribuídas em quatro quadrados latinos, 4x4 simultâneos (quatro tratamentos x quatro períodos x quatro animais em cada tratamento). Foram avaliados a degradabilidade ruminal e o balanço energético em condições de pastejo, suplementado com concentrado, que continham os níveis de 0; 25; 50 e 75% de torta de dendê. Os valores das frações A, B e c na MS da torta de dendê foram 2,41, 66,65 e 0,0272% respectivamente. As degradabilidades potencial (DP) e efetiva (DE) da MS da torta de dendê foram: DP (69,06%), DE 2%/h (40,84%); 5%/h (25,91%) e 8%/h (19,34%), as frações B e I, 66,65% e 30,94% respectivamente. A disponibilidade energética para lactação e o consumo líquido de energia diminuíram linearmente com a inclusão de torta de dendê. O balanço energético, embora positivo, correlacionou-se negativamente com os todos os níveis inclusão de torta de dendê. O melhor nível de inclusão da torta de dendê é o zero. Contudo, na prática pode-se indicar o nível de 25% de torta de dendê no suplemento concentrado para vacas em lactação a pasto pela proximidade dos valores de disponibilidade energética com o nível mais adequado (0% torta de dendê).

Ruminal degradability and energy balance in dairy cows on pasture supplemented with palm kernel cake / Degradabilidade ruminal e balanço energético em vacas leiteiras a pasto suplementadas com torta de dendê

With the objective to verify the most appropriate level of palm kernel cake inclusion in the concentrate of dairy cows on pasture, 16 multiparous dairy cows crossbreed Gir and Holstein were used, with average weight of 436.6kg (±59.7) in latin square design, with the cows distributed in four Latin squares (4 x 4 simultaneous; four treatments x four periods x four animals in each treatment). Ruminal degradability and energy balance were evaluated under grazing conditions, supplemented with concentrate, containing levels of 0, 25, 50 and 75% of palm kernel cake. The values of fractions A, B and C in DM of palm kernel cake were 2.41, 66.65% and 0.0272 respectively. Potential and effective degradability of DM of palm kernel cake were: PD (69.06%) of ED 2%/h (40.84%) 5%/h (25.91%) and 8%/h (19.34%), fractions B and I, 66.65% and 30.94% respectively. Energy availability for lactation and net energy intake linearly decreased with palm kernel cake inclusion. Energy balance although positive was negative correlated to all levels of palm kernel cake inclusion. The best level of palm kernel cake inclusion is zero. However, in practice, it can be indicated the level of 25% of palm kernel cake in concentrate supplement for lactating cows on pasture, by the proximity of energy availability values with the most appropriate level (0% palm kernel cake).

Com o objetivo de verificar o nível mais adequado de inclusão da torta de dendê no concentrado de vacas em lactação a pasto, utilizaram-se 16 vacas multíparas leiteiras cruzadas das raças Gir e Holandês, com peso médio de 436,6kg (±59,7) em delineamento experimental quadrado latino, com as vacas distribuídas em quatro quadrados latinos, 4x4 simultâneos (quatro tratamentos x quatro períodos x quatro animais em cada tratamento). Foram avaliados a degradabilidade ruminal e o balanço energético em condições de pastejo, suplementado com concentrado, que continham os níveis de 0; 25; 50 e 75% de torta de dendê. Os valores das frações A, B e c na MS da torta de dendê foram 2,41, 66,65 e 0,0272% respectivamente. As degradabilidades potencial (DP) e efetiva (DE) da MS da torta de dendê foram: DP (69,06%), DE 2%/h (40,84%); 5%/h (25,91%) e 8%/h (19,34%), as frações B e I, 66,65% e 30,94% respectivamente. A disponibilidade energética para lactação e o consumo líquido de energia diminuíram linearmente com a inclusão de torta de dendê. O balanço energético, embora positivo, correlacionou-se negativamente com os todos os níveis inclusão de torta de dendê. O melhor nível de inclusão da torta de dendê é o zero. Contudo, na prática pode-se indicar o nível de 25% de torta de dendê no suplemento concentrado para vacas em lactação a pasto pela proximidade dos valores de disponibilidade energética