Effects of refused melon fruit in Canarana grass ensilage on intake, digestibility, serum biochemistry, performance, carcass characteristics and meat attributes of feedlot lambs.

Ensilage of refused fruit with forage is a viable approach to increase resource use in ruminant feed. The objective of this study was to investigate the impact of ensiling refused melon fruit (RMF) with Canarana grass on the intake, apparent digestibility, serum biochemistry, performance, carcass traits, and meat attributes of feedlot lambs. Four distinct silage treatment types were prepared by ensiling RMF at 0 g/kg (control), 70 g/kg, 140 g/kg, and 210 g/kg (as fed) with Canarana grass. Twenty-eight male Santa Inês lambs (7 lambs per treatment), initially weighing 22.3 ± 1.0 kg at 120 days of age, were distributed in a completely randomized design and confined for a total of 96 days, including a 23-day adaptation period and 73 experimental days in a feedlot. The lambs received the treatment-silage in diets as a complete mixture with a roughage: concentrate ratio of 30:70. The inclusion of RMF in Canarana grass ensilage decreased (P < 0.05) the lambs' intake of dry matter, crude protein and metabolisable energy. The inclusion of RMF in ensilage had a quadratic effect (P < 0.05) on the digestibility of non-fibrous carbohydrates. The serum total protein and cholesterol levels decreased (P < 0.05) with the inclusion of RMF in the ensilage, but we observed no effect on the final weight and average daily gain of the lambs. The feed efficiency increased (P < 0.05) by including RMF in the Canarana grass ensilage. The RMF in the ensilage did not influence cold carcass weight and yield. The fat content of the meat decreased (P < 0.05) with the inclusion of RMF in the ensilage. It is recommended the inclusion of up to 210 g/kg of RMF in Canarana grass ensilage to increase feed efficiency and avoid impacts on the performance and carcass attributes of confined lambs.

The effect of propolis extract on milk production and composition, serum biochemistry, and physiological parameters of heat-stressed dairy cows.

The aim of this study was to evaluate whether feeding propolis extract (PE) influences nutrient intake, milk production and composition, serum biochemistry, and physiological parameters of heat-stressed dairy cows. For this purpose, we used three primiparous Holstein cows with a lactation period of 94 ± 4 days and with 485 ± 13 kg body weight. The treatments were 0 mL/day, 32 mL/day, and 64 mL/day of PE randomly assigned in a 3x3 Latin square design, repeated over time. The experiment lasted a total of 102 days; each Latin square lasted 51 days divided into three 17-day periods (12 days for adaptation and five days for data collection). The PE supply did not influence (P > 0.05) the cows' intake of dry matter (18.96 kg/d), crude protein (2.83 kg/d), and neutral detergent-insoluble fiber (7.36 kg/d), but there was an increase in feeding time with the 64 ml/day PE supply (P < 0.05). Providing 64 ml/day of PE tended (P = 0.06) to increase milk production by 11.64% and improve gross feed efficiency of cows by 12.04%. The PE supply did not influence milk composition and blood parameters of cows (P > 0.05). Offering 32 mL/day of PE decreased (P < 0.05) the rectal temperature and respiratory rate of cows. We recommend a supply of 64 mL/day of PE for heat-stressed dairy cows.

Combinations of by-products from biodiesel production included in the supplement for finishing heifers on deferred pastures.

We hypothesized that by-products from biodiesel production like crambe meal (Crambe abyssinica) totally replace soybean meal (Glycine max) and crude glycerin could partially replace corn (Zea mays). Our aim was to evaluate different supplements with combinations of crambe meal and crude glycerin replacing soybean meal or corn on performance and carcass traits of finishing heifers. Sixty Nellore heifers 18 months old were used, and 298.96 ± 21.99 kg of body weight allotted in Brachiaria brizantha pastures. All heifers were distributed in a randomized complete block design, with four treatments being the following supplements: corn + soybean meal (CS), corn + crambe meal (CCr), corn + soybean meal + crude glycerin (CSG), corn + crambe meal + crude glycerin + (CCrG). The animals were distributed in four paddocks of 13 hectares each, in a continuous grazing system. We evaluated pasture characteristics, intake, performance, carcass traits, characteristics, and centesimal composition of Longissimus thoracis muscle. There was an effect (P < 0.05) of inclusion of crambe meal on the performance of the animals for slaughter weight and daily gain. The supplement containing corn + soybean meal (CS) presented better conversion rates and food efficiency. There was an effect of inclusion of crambe meal and crude glycerin on the centesimal composition of Longissimus thoracis muscle. The use of crambe meal and crude glycerin as alternative sources from the agro-industry of biodiesel in concentrate supplement for finishing heifers in pastures can promote positive effects related to productive performance and carcass characteristics.

Biofuel by-product can replace partially corn in supplement for Angus × Nellore heifers: productive performance and meat characteristics.

The aim of this is study was to test the hypothesis that corn can be partially replaced by crude glycerin (at a level of 50%) without affecting performance, ingestive behavior, ruminal parameters, meat composition, and fatty acids profile on the meat of heifers. Sixty-four intact plus four rumen cannulated Angus × Nellore heifers (359.0 ± 12.15 kg BW) were used. The cannulated animals received the same diets as the intact ones to determine the ruminal N-NH3 concentration, pH, and chewing activity weekly. All heifers were maintained in Brachiaria brizantha pasture and supplemented with a concentrate containing corn, soybean meal, urea, premixed minerals, and glycerin partially replacing corn. A completely randomized experimental design was used, with two treatments (corn ground or glycerin + corn ground). The inclusion of crude glycerin (high fat) decreased nutrients intake and ruminal N-NH3 concentration in the rumen but increased lipid intake. Inclusion of glycerin had no effect (P > 0.05) on ruminal pH, daily gain, performance, time spent eating, rumination, idling, or water intake. The moisture, ash, and protein contents of meat were not affected (P > 0.05) by crude glycerin intake. Crude glycerin increased saturated fatty acids (C14:0, C16:0, and C18:0) and decreased unsaturated fatty acids (C18:2n6c and C20:1) in meat. Despite the reduction in nutrient intake, we recommend crude glycerin to replace corn in concentrate because glycerin did not impair the performance, meat composition, and ruminal pH. Therefore, crude glycerin is a by-product that can partially replace corn in diets efficiently.

Lipid rich diet from sunflower seeds can alter the proportion of fatty acids on hybrid Beefalo × Nellore cattle.

We evaluated the lipid level effects in the diet on performance, carcass, and meat characteristics of forty-eight steers and heifers, F1 Beefalo (Bostaurus taurus × Bison bison hybrid) × Nellore (Bos taurus indicus), 22 months old, being 24 steers (393.2 ± 15 kg) and 24 heifers (278.4 ± 8 kg). The animals were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 4 × 2 factorial scheme (lipid levels in diet 55-, 65-, 75-, and 85-g/kg dry matter obtained by whole sunflower grain Helianthus annuus and two sexes). Increased amounts of sunflower grain in diet linearly reduce the proportion of saturated fatty acids (FA) in longissimus thoracis. Diets containing up to 85 g/kg of lipid can be used without negative effects on intake, carcass, and meat quality of Beefalo-Nellore steers and heifers and can be an effective strategy to reduce the proportion of saturated FA and increase unsaturated FA on the meat, which can be beneficial for human consumption.

Crambe meal and crude glycerin from biodiesel production in diets for finishing of crossbred cattle in feedlot.

Our hypothesis is that crambe meal can totally substitute soybean meal and crude glycerin can partially replace the corn in the diet without leading to losses of nutrient intake and productive performance. Two assays were performed using heifers and steers. In the first assay, 24 Beefalo-Nellore heifers with 18 months old with 311.5 ± 5.5 kg, and in the second assay, 24 Beefalo-Nellore steers with 18 months old with 317.0 ± 6.4 kg were evaluated. The experiment was carried out in a randomized complete design, in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme, consisting of two energy sources (corn and crude glycerin) and two protein sources (soybean meal and crambe meal). Both assays had 104 experimental days of feedlot. There was no interaction between the variation sources. There was an effect of protein source on nutrient intake for heifers except to neutral detergent fiber intake, which presented effect of energy source. Heifers fed soybean meal showed higher results for total weight gain and daily weight gain. There was observed effect of energy source on rib eye area and subcutaneous fat thickness. Steers fed soybean meal showed higher neutral detergent fiber intake and non-fibrous carbohydrates. Steers fed corn + crude glycerin showed higher results for total weight gain and daily weight gain. The steers fed soybean meal showed higher averages for subcutaneous fat thickness. Crambe meal and crude glycerin can be used as alternative sources of energy and protein to replace 100% of soybean and 50% of corn, respectively, for finishing Beefalo-Nellore cattle in a feedlot.

Effect of including oilseed grains in bovine diets on fatty acid profile, lipid stability, and sensory aspects of burgers.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of including different oilseed grains in the diets of cattle on the qualitative and sensory characteristics and fatty acid profile of burger over a storage period of up to 120 days. The soybean diet increased 30% of ether extract in burgers when compared to the control diet. The inclusion of oilseeds in the bovine diet did not change the n-6/n-3 and hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio, as well as the cholesterol levels in the burgers. The smallest flavor and aroma note scores were attributed to burgers produced with meat of bovine fed with cottonseed (4.35 and 4.67, respectively). The sunflower diet resulted in smaller lipid oxidation (1.03 mg/kg). The storage period increased lipid oxidation (0.43 and 1.97 mg/kg of malonaldehyde at 0 and 120 days, respectively). The inclusion of oilseeds in the diet of cattle does not change the ratios of fatty acids in burgers, which are important to human health. It is recommended to use soybean and sunflower grains in cattle diets to improve the sensory quality of burgers. A 30-day storage period is recommended to maintain the flavor and juiciness of beef burgers.

Genetic parameters associated with meat quality of Nellore cattle at different anatomical points of longissimus: Brazilian standards.

The present study estimated genetic parameters and evaluated the genetic and phenotypic correlations between meat quality characteristics of Nellore cattle evaluated at different anatomical points of the longissimus. Data from 1329 Nellore young bulls were used to evaluate, in the 5th and 12th ribs, marbling score (MAR), shear force (SF), cooking weight losses (CWL) and intramuscular fat (IMF). In addition, the subcutaneous fat thickness was measured at the 12th rib (SFT12) and between the last lumbar and the first sacral vertebrae (SFTLR), in the separation of loin and round. Results yielded moderate heritability coefficients for evaluated characteristics, except CWL. High genetic correlations (0.61) were found between measurements of SFT12 and SFTLR. MAR, IMF and SF were evaluated at the 5th and 12th rib. Meat quality and subcutaneous fat thickness measured at different anatomical points of the longissimus are genetically correlated and can be used in genetic selection programs to improve meat quality characteristics in Nellore cattle.

Mixed sorghum and forage cactus silage: composition, digestibility, fermentation, and losses / Silagem mista de sorgo e palma forrageira: composição, digestibilidade, fermentação e perdas

The production of mixed silages can be an essential strategy for storing and processing feed for ruminants in arid and semi-arid regions. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of inclusion levels of forage cactus in sorghum silage on chemical-bromatological composition, losses, in vitro digestibility, and fermentative profile. Sorghum silages were produced by adding 0, 10, 20, 30, and 40% forage cactus based on natural matter. Experimental silos were filled with the mixtures and hermetically sealed. The silos were opened after 34 days of fermentation, and the samples were analyzed for composition, digestibility, fermentative profile, and losses in silage. The inclusion of forage cactus presented a negative quadratic influence (P < 0.05) on the contents of dry matter (DM), ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, and cellulose of sorghum silage. The DM concentration decreased from 35.83 to 25.43% for the control treatment (0%) to the 20% treatment, followed by stabilization at values close to 26 ± 1% in subsequent levels. Digestibility in vitro and the total digestible nutrients of the silages increased linearly (P < 0.05) with the inclusion of forage cactus. However, there was a linear increase (P < 0.05) of pH, ammonia nitrogen, acetic acid, and butyric acid with the inclusion of forage cactus, reaching values indicative of the limitation of the fermentation process from the level of 20% inclusion. Including forage cactus in sorghum silage did not affect (P > 0.05) losses by gases, effluents, and DM recovery from silage. Adding up to 10% of forage cactus can benefit chemical-bromatological characteristics, digestibility, and fermentation of sorghum silage.(AU)

A produção de silagens mistas pode ser importante estratégia para armazenamento e beneficiamento dos alimentos para ruminantes em regiões áridas e semiáridas. Objetivou-se avaliar efeito de níveis de inclusão de palma forrageira na ensilagem do sorgo sobre composição químico-bromatológica, perdas, digestibilidade in vitro e perfil fermentativo. Foram produzidas silagens de sorgo com adição de 0, 10, 20, 30 e 40% de palma forrageira com base na matéria natural. Utilizou-se silos experimentais preenchidos com as misturas e fechados hermeticamente. Após 34 dias de fermentação os silos foram abertos e as amostras analisada quanto a composição, digestibilidade, perfil fermentativo e perdas na ensilagem. A inclusão de palma forrageira influenciou de forma quadrática negativa (P < 0,05) os teores de matéria seca (MS), extrato etéreo, fibra em detergente neutro, fibra em detergente ácido e celulose da silagem de sorgo. The DM concentration decreased from 35.83 to 25.43% for the control treatment (0%) to the 20% treatment, followed by stabilization at values close to 26 ± 1% in subsequent levels. A digestibilidade in vitro e os nutrientes digestíveis totais das silagens aumentaram linearmente (P < 0,05) com a inclusão de palma forrageira. Contudo, houve incremento linear (P < 0,05) do pH, nitrogênio amoniacal, ácido acético e ácido butírico com a inclusão de palma forrageira, atingido valores indicativos de limitação do processo fermentativo a partir do nível de 20% de inclusão. A inclusão de palma forrageira na ensilagem do sorgo não influenciou (P > 0,05) as perdas por gases, efluentes, e recuperação de MS da silagem. A adição até 10% de palma forrageira pode ser recomendada para beneficiar características químico-bromatológica, digestibilidade e fermentação da silagem de sorgo.(AU)

Escore visual como uma ferramenta eficiente para identificação de bovinos precoces / Visual scores are an efficient tool for identifying precocious cattle

A hipótese testada foi a possibilidade de identificar animais que depositam gordura e músculo mais precocemente através de avaliação indireta. Assim, o objetivo desse trabalho foi verificar a possibilidade da utilização da avaliação visual de escore de precocidade na identificação de novilhas Nelore com biotipo precoce. Foram avaliadas visualmente, 18 novilhas Nelore com idade de 9 a 11 meses, por escores para estrutura corporal (E), precocidade (P) e musculosidade (M). Os animais foram separados conforme os escores de precocidade, 4, 5 e 6 foram considerados com o biotipo precoce e 1, 2 e 3 foram classificados como biotipo tardio. Tomaram-se as medidas de área de olho de lombo (AOL) e espessura de gordura subcutânea (EGS) e na picanha (EGP) por ultrassonografia. Os animais classificados como precoce receberam maiores (P ≤ 0,05) escores para E (5,1 vs 2,4) e M (4,4 vs 2,6), o que resultou em animais mais pesados (233,2 vs 202,8 kg). Não foi observado efeito (P ≥ 0,05) do biotipo para a AOL (36,5 cm2), porém, animais classificados como precoce apresentaram maior (P ≤ 0,05) EGS (1,3 vs 0,5 cm) e EGP (2,9 vs 2,3 cm). Os coeficientes canônicos padronizados revelaram que a EGP (0,78) e o escore M (-1,02) são as variáveis que mais interferem sobre a primeira variável canônica de forma positiva e negativa, respectivamente. A variação total das características avaliadas foi explicada em 100% pela primeira variável canônica. O escore de precocidade mostrou ser uma alternativa eficiente para identificação de indivíduos precoces. A diferenciação de animais com biotipo precoce foi melhor elucidada pela espessura de gordura na picanha e pelo desenvolvimento muscular do animal.(AU)

The hypothesis tested was that it is possible to identify animals that deposit fat and muscle earlier through indirect evaluation. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the use of visual evaluation of precocity score for the identification of Nelore heifers with an early biotype. Eighteen Nelore heifers aged 9 to 11 months were evaluated visually for body structure (S), precocity (P), and muscle (M) scores. The animals were divided according to precocity scores: animals with scores 4, 5 and 6 were classified as early biotype and those with scores 1, 2 and 3 as late biotype. Loin eye area (LEA) and subcutaneous (SFT) and picanha (biceps femoris muscle) fat thickness (PFT) were measured by ultrasonography. Animals classified as precocious received higher scores (P≤0.05) for S (5.1 vs 2.4) and M (4.4 vs 2.6), which resulted in heavier animals (233.2 vs 202.8 kg). No biotype effect (P≥0.05) was observed for LEA (36.5 cm2), but animals classified as precocious had higher (P≤0.05) SFT (1.3 vs 0.5 cm) and PFT (2.9 vs 2.3 cm). The standardized canonical coefficients showed that PFT (0.78) and the M (-1.02) score are the variables that most affect the first canonical variable positively and negatively, respectively. The first canonical variable explained 100% of the total variation in the traits evaluated. The precocity score was found to be an efficient alternative for the identification of precocious individuals. Animals with an early biotype were better differentiated by fat thickness in the biceps femoris and by muscle development of the animal.(AU)

Escore visual como uma ferramenta eficiente para identificação de bovinos precoces / Visual scores are an efficient tool for identifying precocious cattle

A hipótese testada foi a possibilidade de identificar animais que depositam gordura e músculo mais precocemente através de avaliação indireta. Assim, o objetivo desse trabalho foi verificar a possibilidade da utilização da avaliação visual de escore de precocidade na identificação de novilhas Nelore com biotipo precoce. Foram avaliadas visualmente, 18 novilhas Nelore com idade de 9 a 11 meses, por escores para estrutura corporal (E), precocidade (P) e musculosidade (M). Os animais foram separados conforme os escores de precocidade, 4, 5 e 6 foram considerados com o biotipo precoce e 1, 2 e 3 foram classificados como biotipo tardio. Tomaram-se as medidas de área de olho de lombo (AOL) e espessura de gordura subcutânea (EGS) e na picanha (EGP) por ultrassonografia. Os animais classificados como precoce receberam maiores (P ≤ 0,05) escores para E (5,1 vs 2,4) e M (4,4 vs 2,6), o que resultou em animais mais pesados (233,2 vs 202,8 kg). Não foi observado efeito (P ≥ 0,05) do biotipo para a AOL (36,5 cm2), porém, animais classificados como precoce apresentaram maior (P ≤ 0,05) EGS (1,3 vs 0,5 cm) e EGP (2,9 vs 2,3 cm). Os coeficientes canônicos padronizados revelaram que a EGP (0,78) e o escore M (-1,02) são as variáveis que mais interferem sobre a primeira variável canônica de forma positiva e negativa, respectivamente. A variação total das características avaliadas foi explicada em 100% pela primeira variável canônica. O escore de precocidade mostrou ser uma alternativa eficiente para identificação de indivíduos precoces. A diferenciação de animais com biotipo precoce foi melhor elucidada pela espessura de gordura na picanha e pelo desenvolvimento muscular do animal.

The hypothesis tested was that it is possible to identify animals that deposit fat and muscle earlier through indirect evaluation. Thus, the objective of this work was to evaluate the use of visual evaluation of precocity score for the identification of Nelore heifers with an early biotype. Eighteen Nelore heifers aged 9 to 11 months were evaluated visually for body structure (S), precocity (P), and muscle (M) scores. The animals were divided according to precocity scores: animals with scores 4, 5 and 6 were classified as early biotype and those with scores 1, 2 and 3 as late biotype. Loin eye area (LEA) and subcutaneous (SFT) and picanha (biceps femoris muscle) fat thickness (PFT) were measured by ultrasonography. Animals classified as precocious received higher scores (P≤0.05) for S (5.1 vs 2.4) and M (4.4 vs 2.6), which resulted in heavier animals (233.2 vs 202.8 kg). No biotype effect (P≥0.05) was observed for LEA (36.5 cm2), but animals classified as precocious had higher (P≤0.05) SFT (1.3 vs 0.5 cm) and PFT (2.9 vs 2.3 cm). The standardized canonical coefficients showed that PFT (0.78) and the M (-1.02) score are the variables that most affect the first canonical variable positively and negatively, respectively. The first canonical variable explained 100% of the total variation in the traits evaluated. The precocity score was found to be an efficient alternative for the identification of precocious individuals. Animals with an early biotype were better differentiated by fat thickness in the biceps femoris and by muscle development of the animal.

Desenvolvimento dos estômagos de bezerros recebendo diferentes dietas líquidas / Development of the stomachs of calves receiving different liquid diets

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o desenvolvimento dos compartimentos estomacais de bezerros mestiços submetidos a diferentes dietas líquidas. Foram utilizados 24 bezerros mestiços, distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos e seis repetições: Leite integral; 50% Leite integral + 50% de Soro de queijo; 50% Leite integral + 50% de Soro de queijo adicionado de um ovo integral; e 50% Leite integral + 50% de Soro de queijo adicionado de um ovo integral adicionado de biotina. Foram avaliados o consumo de matéria seca, o ganho de peso, o peso absoluto e relativo (ao peso do corpo vazio e peso do estômago completo) dos quatro compartimentos estomacais, além da altura das papilas de quatro regiões do rúmen. As dietas testadas não afetaram nenhuma das características avaliadas, ficando evidenciada uma relação entre o desempenho dos animais e o desenvolvimento dos compartimentos gástricos. O desenvolvimento dos estômagos de bezerros não foi afetado pelas dietas líquidas testadas, sendo, portanto, possível a substituição de 50% do leite integral por soro de queijo.

This research evaluated the influence of different liquid diets on development of the stomach compartments of crossbred calves. It was used 24 crossbred calves distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments and six replications: whole milk, 50% whole milk + 50% of cheese whey, 50% whole milk + 50% cheese whey supplemented with a whole egg; whole milk and 50% + 50% of cheese whey a supplemented with a egg added with biotin. I was evaluated the dry matter intake, weight gain, absolute and relative weight (weight of the empty body and weight stomach full) of the four stomach compartments, and papillae height of four rumen regions. The experimental diets did not affect any of the traits, being shown a relationship between animal performance and development of gastric compartments. The development of calf stomachs was not affected by the tested liquid diets, therefore enabling the replacement of 50% of milk for cheese whey.

Qualidade de amostras de mel comercializadas em feiras livres do município de mossoró, RN / Quality of honey samples marketed in the municipal district of Mossoró, RN Brazil

O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade de amostras de mel comercializadas em feiras livres do município de Mossoró, RN. Foram realizadas análises físico-químicas e microbiológicas. Nas análises físico-químicas observou-se umidade (12 amostras) e acidez (14 amostras). Na microbiológica foram avaliadas 13 amostras para determinação do Número Mais Provável (NMP) de coliformes a 45°C. As análises de umidade variaram de 17,45 a 18,95 % de acordo com a legislação. A acidez variou de 11 a 42 meq. Kg-1 seguindo o determinado pela legislação. Na análise microbiológica uma amostra (7,7%) foi positiva para a presença de coliformes termotolerantes (45°C). O mel comercializado sem inspeção deve ser evitado, pois esse não apresenta garantia de qualidade ao consumidor, podendo causar transtornos à saúde.(AU)

The study aimed to evaluate the quality of honey samples sold in street markets in the city of Mossoró, RN, Brazil. Were carried out physical-chemical and microbiological. The physical and chemical analysis showed humidity (12 samples) and acidity (14 samples). In 13 microbiological samples were evaluated to determine the most probable number (MPN) of coliforms at 45 ° C. The humidity ranged from 17.45 to 18.95% in accordance with the law. Acidity ranged from 11 to 42 meq. Kg-1 determined by following the law. In a microbiological sample (7.7%) was positive for the presence of fecal coliforms (45 ° C). Honey sold without inspection should be avoided, as this does not have assurance to the consumer, may cause health disorders.(AU)

Qualidade de amostras de mel comercializadas em feiras livres do município de Mossoró, RN / Quality of honey samples marketed in the municipal district of Mossoró, RN, Brazil

O trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar a qualidade de amostras de mel comercializadas em feiras livres do município de Mossoró, RN. Foram realizadas análises físico-químicas e microbiológicas. Nas análises físico-químicas observou-se umidade (12 amostras) e acidez (14 amostras). Na microbiológica foram avaliadas 13 amostras para determinação do Número Mais Provável (NMP) de coliformes a 45°C. As análises de umidade variaram de 17,45 a 18,95 % de acordo com a legislação. A acidez variou de 11 a 42 meq. Kg-1 seguindo o determinado pela legislação. Na análise microbiológica uma amostra (7,7%) foi positiva para a presença de coliformes termotolerantes (45°C). O mel comercializado sem inspeção deve ser evitado, pois esse não apresenta garantia de qualidade ao consumidor, podendo causar transtornos à saúde.

The study aimed to evaluate the quality of honey samples sold in street markets in the city of Mossoró, RN, Brazil. Were carried out physical-chemical and microbiological. The physical and chemical analysis showed humidity (12 samples) and acidity (14 samples). In 13 microbiological samples were evaluated to determine the most probable number (MPN) of coliforms at 45 ° C. The humidity ranged from 17.45 to 18.95% in accordance with the law. Acidity ranged from 11 to 42 meq. Kg-1 determined by following the law. In a microbiological sample (7.7%) was positive for the presence of fecal coliforms (45 ° C). Honey sold without inspection should be avoided, as this does not have assurance to the consumer, may cause health disorders.