Identification of sialic acid receptors for influenza A virus in snakes.

The tissue tropism and the wide host range of influenza A viruses are determined by the presence of sialic acid (SA) α2,3-Gal and SA α2,6-Gal receptors. Recent studies have shown that animals possessing both receptors allow for the rearrangement and emergence of new viral strains of public health importance. This study aimed to evaluate the expression and distribution of human and avian influenza A receptors in nine Neotropical snake species using lectin immunohistochemistry. We selected 17 snakes that were examined post mortem at the Veterinary Pathology Sector of the Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais between 2019 and 2023. Sections of nasal turbinate, trachea, lung, oral mucosa, stomach and intestine were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis using the lectins Maackia amurensis and Sambucus nigra. This research detected, for the first time, co-expression of SA α2,3-Gal and SA α2,6-Gal receptors in the respiratory and digestive tracts of snakes, indicating the possible susceptibility of these species to influenza A virus of avian and human origin. Consequently, snakes can be considered important species for monitoring influenza A in wild, urban and peri-urban environments. More studies should be conducted to investigate the role of snakes in influenza A epidemiology.

Cellular and humoral immunity of broilers subjected to posthatch fasting and a prestarter diet containing conjugated linoleic acid.

This study aimed to evaluate the immunity of chickens up to 35 d subjected to posthatch fasting and supplementation with conjugated linoleic acid (CLA). A total of 320 chicks were housed in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (0 or 12 h of fasting × 0.000 or 0.025% CLA in a prestarter diet), totaling 4 treatments (No-F-12 h; F-12 h; No-CLA; CLA) with 8 replicates of 10 birds each. The relative weights (% body weight) of the spleen and bursa were determined 12 h posthatch (Post-12 h) and then weekly. Immunoglobulin Y (IgY) titers against Newcastle disease virus (NDV) were measured by ELISA in the yolk sac contents Post-12 h and in the serum weekly. Hypersensitivity to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) inoculation was evaluated by toe-web swelling response on d 13 and 34, 4 times a day (after 3 h, 6 h, 12 h, and 24 h inoculation, respectively, PHA-3 h, PHA-6 h, PHA-12 h, and PHA-24 h). The data were subjected to analysis of variance (P < 0.05). F-12h reduced the Post-12 h relative weight of the spleen, and CLA reduced the relative weight of the bursa at this stage and at 28 d. At 13 d, F-12 h reduced PHA-3 h, whereas PHA-12 h was increased by CLA. At 34 d, CLA reduced PHA-3 h. A greater reaction was observed in the No-F-12 h-CLA chicks, for the PHA-24 h. In the Post-12 h evaluation, F-12h reduced, whereas CLA increased NDV-specific IgY titers in the yolk sac. No-F-12 h-No-CLA chicks had the lowest serum titers. At 21 d, F-12 h-CLA chicks exhibited the highest serum titers. Titers were higher in the F-12 h-No-CLA chicks, when compared to other treatments. At 28 d, fasting reduced the titers. In conclusion, F-12 h and CLA accelerated the transfer of immunoglobulins from the yolk sac to the serum. F-12 h impairs cellular immunity, whereas CLA favors it.

Performance, carcass, and meat traits of locally adapted Brazilian cattle breeds under feedlot conditions.

Little is known about the performance, carcass, and meat traits of locally adapted cattle in Brazil. This study aimed to compare the growth, slaughter, and carcass traits as well as meat quality of two local breeds (Curraleiro Pé-Duro and Pantaneiro) with the Nelore breed. Fifteen 30-month-old steers of each breed were weighted (Curraleiro Pé-Duro = 264.80 kg; Nelore = 346.80 kg; Pantaneiro = 316.20 kg) and raised in a feedlot condition for 112 days, with measurements to assess growth and slaughter, visual and carcass and meat traits. Data were submitted to variance and multivariate analyses. Nelore and Curraleiro Pé-Duro had similar Gluteus medius depths. Pantaneiro and Curraleiro Pé-Duro were superior for leg compactness index (P < 0.05) and had higher eye muscle area than Nelore (P < 0.05). Although there was no difference in daily weight gain and slaughter weight between breeds, Curraleiro Pé-Duro had a lower initial weight (264.80 kg) when compared to Nelore (346.80 kg; P < 0.05). Nelore and Curraleiro Pé-Duro deposited more fat than Pantaneiro (P < 0.05), while Curraleiro Pé-Duro and Pantaneiro had more muscle than Nelore (P < 0.05), which also had more bone and a higher percentage of second-quality cuts (P < 0.05). Meat from Nelore also showed lower succulence than Pantaneiro (P < 0.05) and higher shear force than the other breeds (P < 0.05). Pantaneiro's meat had the most capacity to retain water (P < 0.05), lower shear force (P < 0.05), and was more succulent (P < 0.05) when compared to the other breeds. Multivariate analysis showed that Pantaneiro, Curraleiro Pé-Duro, and Nelore breeds can be considered distinct in growth, carcass, and meat traits, with the local breeds showing superior meat traits. The local breeds Curraleiro Pé-Duro and Pantaneiro presented characteristics similar or better to those of the Nelore, proving to be animals with great productive potential and generate high meat quality under feedlot conditions.

Iron counteracts zinc-induced toxicity in soybeans.

Zinc (Zn) and iron (Fe) are essential micronutrients for all living organisms and the major targets for crop biofortification. However, when acquired in excess quantities, Zn and Fe can be toxic to plants. In this study, we examined the interaction between Zn and Fe in soybean plants under various Zn and Fe treatments. While the level of Zn accumulation increased with increasing Zn supplies, Zn content greatly decreased with rising Fe supplies. Moreover, Zn uptake rates were negatively correlated with Fe supplies. However, Fe accumulation was not greatly affected by elevating Zn supplies. Excess Zn supplies were found to induce typical Fe deficiency symptoms under low Fe conditions, which can be counteracted by increasing Fe supplies. Interestingly, leaf chlorosis caused by excess Zn and low Fe supplies was not directly associated with reduced total Fe content but likely associated with deleterious effects of excess Zn. The combination of high Zn and low Fe greatly activates FRO2 and FIT1 gene expression in soybean roots. Besides, Zn-Fe interaction influences the activities of antioxidative enzymes as well as the uptake, accumulation, and homeostasis of other essential micronutrients, such as copper and manganese in soybean plants. These findings provide new perspectives on Zn and Fe interaction and on heavy metal-induced Fe deficiency-like symptoms.

Behavior of laying chicks fed diets containing sources and levels of dietary fiber in the starter phase / Comportamento de pintainhas de postura leve alimentadas com dietas contendo fontes e níveis de fibra dietética na fase de cria

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the behavior and welfare conditions of laying chicks in the starter phase, fed with diets formulated with increasing levels of crude fiber (CF) and two feedstuffs with different fiber compositions. The experiment was developed at the Federal University of Goiás, in Goiânia - GO, Brazil. Three hundred Bovans White chicks were evaluated in a completely randomized design with a 2×2+1 factorial arrangement corresponding to two levels of CF in the diet (3.0 and 3.5%) and two fiber sources (wheat bran and sugarcane bagasse), plus a control treatment (maize- and soybean meal-based), totaling five treatments with six replicates of 10 birds each. Maintenance behavioral patterns and welfare were assessed at 21 and 42 days of age. There was no difference in behavior and classification by order of importance of the activities performed by the fiber-fed birds observed at 21 and 42 days, according to the Kruskal Wallis test (P>0.05). Medium and good welfare conditions were obtained with wheat bran at 3.5 and 3.0% CF, respectively, at 21 days of age. At 42 days, the use of sugarcane bagasse at the CF level of 3.5% and wheat bran at the level of 3.0%provided good behavior conditions. The use of crude fiber in the feeding of hens did not change their behavior.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se avaliar o comportamento de pintainhas de postura na fase de cria, alimentadas com dietas formuladas com aumento de fibra bruta e dois alimentos com composições de fibra diferentes. O trabalho foi realizado na Universidade Federal de Goiás, Goiânia, GO, utilizando-se 300 pintainhas Bovans White, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado e arranjo fatorial 2x2+1, com dois níveis de fibra bruta na dieta (3,0% e 3,5 % de FB), duas fontes de fibra (farelo de trigo e bagaço de cana) e o tratamento testemunha (ração a base de milho e farelo de soja), totalizando cinco tratamentos e seis repetições de 10 aves cada. Foram avaliados padrões de comportamento de manutenção e bem-estar aos 21 e 42 dias de idade. Não houve diferença no comportamento e na classificação por ordem de importância das atividades realizadas pelas aves alimentadas com fibra e observadas aos 21 e 42 dias pelo teste de Kruskal Wallis (P>0,05). Obteve-se condições média e boa com farelo de trigo e 3,5 e 3,0% de fibra bruta, respectivamente, com 21 dias de idade. Aos 42 dias, o uso de bagaço de cana ao nível de 3,5% de fibra bruta e o farelo de trigo ao nível de 3,0%, mostraram boas condições de comportamento. A utilização de fibra bruta na alimentação de frangas não alterou o comportamento das aves.

Hematology and serum biochemistry of broilers at the initial and growth stages submitted to different levels of digestible sulfur amino acids / Hematologia e bioquímica sérica de frangos de corte submetidos a diferentes níveis de aminoácidos sulfurados digestíveis

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of digestible methionine and cystine (Met + Cys) levels on the hematological and serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens during the initial and growth stages. For this, 1,800 male chicks of the Coob 500 strain were used, with 900 chicks in the initial phase (1 to 21 days old) and 900 chicks in the growth phase (22 to 42 days old), distributed in a completely randomized design of five treatments with six replicates of 30 birds. The treatments consisted of 0.545, 0.616, 0.711, 0.782, and 0.853%; and 0.514, 0.571, 0.647, 0.704, and 0.761% digestible Met + Cys for "1 to 21" and "22 to 42" days of breeding, respectively. Results showed that digestible Met + Cys levels in broiler feed altered some hematological parameters (erythrocyte, hematocrit hemoglobin, total leukocytes, heterophile: lymphocyte) and serum biochemistry (uric acid, PST, total LDL, and TG). The digestible Met + Cys levels in the diet of broilers affected the hematological parameters and serum biochemistry, especially at higher levels. From the inclusion level 0.761 of Met + Cist in the broiler diet, red blood cells, hemoglobin and hematocrit changes begin to appear.

RESUMO: Teve-se como objetivos neste estudo avaliar o efeito dos níveis de metionina + cistina (Met+Cis) digestível na dieta sobre os parâmetros hematológicos e bioquímicos séricos de frangos de corte na fase inicial e de crescimento. Para isso, utilizou-se 1.800 pintos, machos, da linhagem Coob 500, sendo 900 pintos para a fase inicial (1 a 21 dias de idade) e mais 900 pintos para a fase de crescimento (22 a 42 dias de idade), distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado composto de cinco tratamentos, com seis repetições de 30 aves. Os tratamentos consistiram em 0,545; 0,616; 0,711; 0,782 e 0,853% e 0,514; 0,571; 0,647; 0,704 e 0,761% de Met+Cis digestíveis para a fase inicial e de crescimento, respectivamente. Os resultados demonstraram que níveis de Met+Cis digestível na alimentação de frango de corte, acarretam alterações em parâmetros hematológicos como: hemácia, hematócrito, hemoglobina, leucócitos totais, relação heterófilo: linfócito; e bioquímico sérico como: ácido úrico, albumina, colesterol total, proteínas séricas totais (PST), lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL) e triglicerídeos (TG). Os níveis digestíveis de Met + Cys na dieta de frangos de corte afetam os parâmetros hematológicos e a bioquímica sérica, principalmente em níveis mais elevados. A partir do nível de inclusão 0.761 de Met + Cist na dieta de frangos de corte, começam a aparecer alterações nos glóbulos vermelhos, hemoglobina e hematócrito.

Efficacy of the Canabrava Ring (pupil expansion device) in cataract surgery for eyes with small pupils: the first 30 cases.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the outcomes of the first 30 cataract surgeries performed with a new disposable, injector-free, small-pupil expansion device. METHODS: This consecutive case series included 30 eyes from 29 patients who underwent cataract surgery using a new disposable small-pupil expansion device called the Canabrava Ring (AJL Ophthalmic S.A, Spain). It is the first iris expansion ring produced with indents that do not align with each other in the superior and inferior regions, resulting in a small vertical length (0.4 mm) that minimizes the risk of endothelial contact. All eyes had poorly dilated pupils of less than 5 mm preoperatively. Fifteen eyes had significant infective or traumatic pathologies preoperatively. Vertical and horizontal pupil diameters were evaluated preoperatively, intraoperatively, and 1 month postoperatively. RESULTS: The mean patient age was 64 ± 11.8 (standard deviation) years. The Canabrava Ring remained engaged throughout all surgeries, except one. All pupils were intraoperatively expanded to a diameter of 6.3 mm. Although preexisting pathology on the innervation of the pupils, the mean pupil diameter returns to a close preoperative size after 1 month surgery. The mean pupil diameters postoperatively and preoperatively were 4.41 and 3.77 mm, respectively (p<0.05). Postoperative complications occurred in eight eyes (one toxoplasmosis reactivation, one retinal detachment, one posterior capsule rupture, one posterior capsule opacification, and four posterior synechiae). These complications occurred in eyes with preexisting traumatic or infective pathologies or synechiae. CONCLUSION: The Canabrava Ring is effective for expanding and maintaining expansion of small pupils in cataract surgery. The increase in postoperative pupil diameter is clinically diminutive and can most likely be attributed to preexisting pathologies affecting pupil innervation. Further large-scale studies are required to support the present findings.

Efficacy of the Canabrava Ring (pupil expansion device) in cataract surgery for eyes with small pupils: the first 30 cases / Eficácia do dispositivo de expansão pupilar Anel de Canabrava em cirurgia de catarata com pupilas pequenas: 30 primeiros casos

ABSTRACT Purpose: To evaluate the outcomes of the first 30 cataract surgeries performed with a new disposable, injector-free, small-pupil expansion device. Methods: This consecutive case series included 30 eyes from 29 patients who underwent cataract surgery using a new disposable small-pupil expansion device called the Canabrava Ring (AJL Ophthalmic S.A, Spain). It is the first iris expansion ring produced with indents that do not align with each other in the superior and inferior regions, resulting in a small vertical length (0.4 mm) that minimizes the risk of endothelial contact. All eyes had poorly dilated pupils of less than 5 mm preoperatively. Fifteen eyes had significant infective or traumatic pathologies preoperatively. Vertical and horizontal pupil diameters were evaluated preoperatively, intraoperatively, and 1 month postoperatively. Results: The mean patient age was 64 ± 11.8 (standard deviation) years. The Canabrava Ring remained engaged throughout all surgeries, except one. All pupils were intraoperatively expanded to a diameter of 6.3 mm. Although preexisting pathology on the innervation of the pupils, the mean pupil diameter returns to a close preoperative size after 1 month surgery. The mean pupil diameters postoperatively and preoperatively were 4.41 and 3.77 mm, respectively (p<0.05). Postoperative complications occurred in eight eyes (one toxoplasmosis reactivation, one retinal detachment, one posterior capsule rupture, one posterior capsule opacification, and four posterior synechiae). These complications occurred in eyes with preexisting traumatic or infective pathologies or synechiae. Conclusion: The Canabrava Ring is effective for expanding and maintaining expansion of small pupils in cataract surgery. The increase in postoperative pupil diameter is clinically diminutive and can most likely be attributed to preexisting pathologies affecting pupil innervation. Further large-scale studies are required to support the present findings.

RESUMO Objetivo: Avaliar a estabilidade intraoperatória, segurança e eficácia dos 30 primeiros casos operados com um novo anel expansor de pupilas. Métodos: Série de casos de 30 olhos de 29 pacientes submetidos a cirurgia de catarata com Anel de Canabrava (AJL Oftalmic, SPAIN). Trata-se do primeiro anel expansor de íris produzido com indentações não alinhadas entre as regiões superiores e inferiores. Devido a isso, apresenta altura vertical de 0,4 mm, diminuindo os riscos de toque endotelial. O diâmetro pupilar dos pacientes era menor que 5 mm. Os diâmetros verticais e horizontais foram avaliados antes, durante e um mês após a cirurgia. Resultados: A idade média dos pacientes foi de 64 ± 11,8 (desvio padrão) anos. O anel permaneceu estável em todas as cirurgias, exceto uma. Todas as pupilas foram expandidas no intraoperatório para um diâmetro de 6,3 mm. Apesar de patologias pupilares pré-existentes, o diâmetro médio da pupila retornou a um tamanho próximo após 1 mês de cirurgia. Os tamanhos médios da pupila no pós-operatório e pré-operatório foram medidos em 4,41 e 3,77 mm, respectivamente (p<0,05). As complicações pós-operatórias ocorreram em 8 olhos: 1 reativação de toxoplasmose, 1 descolamento de retina, 1 ruptura de cápsula posterior, 1 opacificação da cápsula posterior, 4 sinéquias posteriores. Essas complicações ocorreram nos olhos com patologias traumáticas, infecciosas ou sinéquias pré-existentes. Conclusão: O Anel de Canabrava parece efetivo na expansão e manutenção de pupilas pequenas submetidas à cirurgia de catarata. O aumento do diâmetro da pupila pós-operatória é clinicamente pouco relevante e provavelmente pode ser atribuído à patologias pré-existentes que afetam as inervações pupilares. Outros estudos em larga escala são necessários para suportar os achados do estudo.

Choosing the Most Effective Pattern Classification Model under Learning-Time Constraint.

Nowadays, large datasets are common and demand faster and more effective pattern analysis techniques. However, methodologies to compare classifiers usually do not take into account the learning-time constraints required by applications. This work presents a methodology to compare classifiers with respect to their ability to learn from classification errors on a large learning set, within a given time limit. Faster techniques may acquire more training samples, but only when they are more effective will they achieve higher performance on unseen testing sets. We demonstrate this result using several techniques, multiple datasets, and typical learning-time limits required by applications.

Glicogenoses: uma revisão geral / Glycogenoses: an overeview

Compreender o metabolismo dos diferentes tipos de glicogênio no organismo humano torna-se de suma importância, pois além da sua relevância no fornecimento energético e no controle da glicemia, o glicogênio pode estar relacionado com diversos tipos de doenças que comprometem a saúde do ser humano, especialmente pela deficiência em enzimas de vias anabólicas e catabólicas. Em um contexto de avanços no desenvolvimento de pesquisas relacionadas às áreas da saúde, uma série de estudos busca entender fisiologicamente os caminhos do glicogênio em situações de exercício, repouso, jejum, dentre outras, além de analisar os mais variados transtornos decorrentes da deficiência no metabolismo desse polissacarídeo. Um exemplo são as glicogenoses, doenças hereditárias, em sua maioria de caráter recessivo, relacionadas com o armazenamento de glicogênio. Dentre alguns dos treze tipos de glicogenoses podemos citar a glicogenose tipo 0, uma doença rara que se desenvolve na infância e implica na produção defeituosa da enzima glicogênio sintase; e a glicogenose tipo I, também conhecida como Doença de Von Gierke, que se caracteriza pela deficiência no complexo enzimático glicose-6-fosfatase, responsável pela catalisação da hidrólise de glicose-6-fosfato na metabolização do glicogênio. Apesar de todas essas doenças serem caracterizadas por glicogenoses, elas possuem diferenças quanto ao órgão afetado, à gravidade de suas manifestações, o perfil etário que cada uma atinge e no efeito enzimático. Por isso, a necessidade de estudos que correlacionam as principais causas e sintomas, e visam proporcionar uma visão global dessas desordens de hereditariedade.

The comprehension of the metabolism of different types of glycogen in the human organism becomes extremely important since, other than its relevance in providing energy and controlling glycemia, glycogen can be related to many types of diseases that compromise the human health, especially when it comes to the deficiency in enzyme anabolic and catabolic pathways. In the context of advances in the development of researches related of health area, many studies inquire a physiological understanding of the glycogen pathways exercising, resting, fasting and other conditions, as well as analyzing the most varied disorders arising from hereditary deficiencies in the carbohydrate metabolism, in polysaccharide specially. The glycogenoses are hereditary disorders, which present mainly recessive feature, related with the glycogen storage. Among the thirteen types of glycogenoses, type 0 is a rare disease that develops in early stages of life and implies in the production of defective glycogen synthase enzyme; and type I is characterized by the deficiency of the glucose-6-phosphatase enzyme complex, responsible for catalyzing the hydrolysis of glucose-6- phosphate in glycogen metabolism. Although all these diseases are characterized as being glycogenoses, they possess differences as to the organ affected, the gravity of their manifestations, the age it begins to manifest, and in which way it affects enzymatic properties. Therefore, there is a necessity of studies that correlates the main causes and symptoms, and aim to provide a global vision of these hereditary disorders.

Épocas de semeadura e cultivares de soja na produção de forragem / The sowing date and soybean cultivars in yield of forage

A soja apresenta potencial forrageiro por suas características nutricionais e produção de matéria seca, constituindo uma fonte de alimento de custo reduzido e elevada qualidade. Objetivou-se neste trabalho avaliar cultivares de soja semeadas em diferentes épocas, no rendimento e composição química da forragem. O experimento foi conduzido no Departamento de Agricultura da Universidade Federal de Lavras, em Lavras, MG, nos anos agrícolas 2006/07 e 2007/08. Foi utilizado o delineamento em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 5 x 3, com três repetições, envolvendo cinco épocas de semeadura (30/out., 15 e 30/nov., 15 e 30/dez.) e três cultivares de soja: M-SOY 8400 (ciclo médio), Conquista (ciclo semitardio) e Luziânia (ciclo tardio). Avaliou-se na forragem produzida: massa verde, matéria seca, proteína bruta e os minerais P, K, Ca, Mg e S. As épocas de semeadura 30/out e 15/nov são adequadas para obtenção de maior rendimento e melhor qualidade da forragem de soja. A cultivar Luziânia (ciclo tardio) se destaca para produção de forragem em relação à M-SOY 8400 (ciclo médio) e MG/BR 46 Conquista (ciclo semitardio), indicando o potencial da mesma para tal finalidade.

The soybean has forage potential due to its nutritional characteristics and dry matter production, constituting a source of low cost and high quality food. The aim of this study was to evaluate soybean cultivars in different sowing dates on the yield and chemical composition of the forage. The experiment was carried out at the Agriculture Department of the Federal University of Lavras, MG, cropping years 2006/07 and 2007/08. A randomized block experimental design in a 3 x 5 factorial with three replications involving five sowing dates (Oct. 30th., Nov. 15 and 30th., Dec. 15 and 30th ) and three soybean cultivars, M-SOY 8400 (mid cycle), Conquista (mid late cycle) and Luziânia (late cycle) was used. The characteristics in forage: fresh mass, dry matter, crude protein and minerals P, K, Ca, Mg and S were evaluated. The sowing dates October 30th and November 15th are suitable to obtain higher yields and better quality of soybean forage. The Luziania cultivar (late cycle) distinguished in relation to M-SOY 8400 (mid cycle) and MG / BR 46 Conquista (mid late cycle) for forage production, indicating the potential of this cultivar for this purpose

Carcass and meat characteristics of crossbred steers submitted to different nutritional strategies at growing and finishing phases / Características da carcaça e da carne de novilhos mestiços submetidos a diferentes estratégias nutricionais na recria e terminação

This study was carried out to evaluate the effects of different nutritional strategies at growing and finishing phases on carcass and meat characteristics from 24 crossbred steers predominatly Holstein, slaughtered at 15 months of age and with 395.00kg of body weight. At the growing phase, the animals were maintained on Brachiaria brizantha pasture with two levels of supplementation in amounts equivalent to 0.5 or 1.0% of body weight. Subsequently, the animals were finished in feedlot with diets composed of 50 or 80% of concentrate. The high level of the concentrate at the finishing phase increased significantly (P<0.05) the hot carcass yield (50.16 vs. 48.62%). The lowest level of supplementation at the growing phase resulted in higher (P<0.05) percentage of carcass fat (25.61 vs. 23.39%) but it did not influence the percentage of muscle and bone. The high level of supplementation at the growing phase provided higher (p<0.05) meat tenderness, required less shear force (4.72 vs. 6.66kg cm-3) and lighter red meat (3.88 vs 2.89 points). The high feeding level during the growing phase was more interesting because it affected positively some important carcass and meat characteristics, especially tenderness.

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar os efeitos de diferentes estratégias nutricionais na recria e terminação sobre as características da carcaça e da carne de 24 bovinos mestiços com predominância Holandês, abatidos com 15 meses de idade e 395,00kg de peso vivo. Na fase de recria, os animais foram mantidos em pastagem de Brachiaria brizantha com dois níveis de suplementação energética em quantidade equivalente a 0,5 ou 1,0% do peso vivo. Posteriormente, os animais foram terminados em confinamento com dietas compostas por 50 ou 80% de concentrado. Constatou-se efeito significativo (P<0,05) do nível de concentrado na terminação sobre o rendimento de carcaça quente em favor do nível alto (50,16 vs 48,62%). O menor nível de suplementação na recria resultou em maior (P<0,05) percentual de gordura na carcaça (25,61 vs 23,39%), mas não influenciou os percentuais de músculos e ossos. O nível alto de suplementação na recria proporcionou carne mais macia, requerendo menor força de cisalhamento (4,72 vs 6,66kg cm-3) e de coloração vermelha mais clara (3,88 vs 2,89 pontos). O nível alimentar alto na recria mostrou-se mais atrativo por ter efeitos positivos sobre algumas características importantes da carcaça e da carne, notadamente a maciez.

Yield per plant and other characteristics of soybean plants treated with kinetin and potassium nitrate / Produção por planta e outras características de plantas de soja tratadas com cinetina e nitrato de potássio

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of kinetin and potassium nitrate applied to leaves, at the R3 phenological phase, on some agronomic characteristics of soybean plants and their yield per plant in the field. The experiment was carried out in Itutinga, MG, using five kinetin concentrations (0, 250, 500, 750 and 1.000 mg kinetin ha-1) combined with four potassium nitrate concentrations (0, 5, 10 and 15 kg ha-1) in a factorial scheme using a randomized block experimental design, with three replications. The positioning of numbers of pods per plant was evaluated in three positions in the canopy: lower, middle and upper. The application of potassium nitrate did not influence the studied characteristics. Kinetin increased the total set pod number by 27.4 percent in contrast to the control, mainly in the lower and middle thirds of the canopy. The kinetin increased the pod set number up to 20.7 percent, in the middle third. The yield per plant was increased up to 27.1 percent using the highest kinetin concentration. The increases were attributed to an increase in the endogenous cytokinin levels that contribute to the higher production and better redistribution of assimilates to the pods and seeds.

Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, avaliar o efeito de diferentes doses do regulador vegetal do grupo das citocininas, cinetina, e de nitrato de potássio aplicados via foliar na fase fenológica R3 (início da frutificação) na produtividade e características agronômicas da soja em condições de campo. O experimento foi conduzido em Itutinga, MG, utilizando-se 0, 250, 500, 750 e 1.000 mg de cinetina ha-1 combinadas com as doses de 0, 5, 10 e 15 kg de nitrato de potássio ha-1 em esquema fatorial, num delineamento de blocos casualizados, com três repetições. Avaliou-se o posicionamento dos legumes nas plantas em três posições do dossel, dividido em inferior, médio e superior. A aplicação de nitrato de potássio não influenciou nenhuma das características avaliadas. A cinetina aumentou o número total de legumes fixados em até 27,4 por cento, principalmente, os do terço inferior e mediano do dossel. Observaram-se aumentos dos legumes no terço médio de até 20,7 por cento, perante a testemunha. A produção por planta foi incrementada em até 27,1 por cento, utilizando a maior dose. Atribui-se a causa dos efeitos da cinetina ao aumento dos níveis endógenos de citocininas que contribuíram para uma maior produção e melhor redistribuição de fotoassimilados para os legumes e sementes.

Desempenho e desenvolvimento corporal de bovinos leiteiros mestiços submetidos a níveis de suplementação em pastagem de Brachiaria brizantha / Performance and body development crossbred dairy cattle submitted to levels of supplementation in Brachiaria brizantha

Estudou-se o efeito dos níveis de suplementação energética, em pastagem de Brachiaria brizantha, sobre o desempenho e o desenvolvimento de medidas corporais de bovinos mestiços de origem leiteira na fase de desenvolvimento inicial. O experimento foi conduzido em 126 dias, divididos em seis períodos de 21 dias, correspondendo a segunda metade do período de chuvas e início do período seco. Foram utilizados 24 bovinos mestiços não castrados Holandês/Zebu, com 6 meses de idade e 118±16kg de peso vivo no início do experimento. Os tratamentos foram determinados pelo fornecimento de suplemento energético em quantidade equivalente a 0,5 ou 1,0 por cento do peso vivo. Constatou-se interação significativa entre os tratamentos e períodos experimentais sobre o ganho em peso médio diário. Animais do grupo de alto nível de suplementação (NA) mantiveram o GMD mais elevado e mais constante com a evolução dos períodos (0,95; 1,09; 1,07; 1,00; 0,93 e 0,23kg dia-1), resultando em maior peso final (231,26 vs 197,55kg), enquanto que os animais do tratamento de médio nível de suplementação (NM) apresentaram maiores oscilações de GMD entre os períodos (0,83; 0,59; 0,75; 0,78; 0,44 e 0,35kg dia-1). O grupo NA apresentou maiores patamares para as medidas finais (cm) de perímetro torácico (146,02 vs 136,44); comprimento (108,35 vs 103,22); altura da garupa (120,38 vs 112,46); altura da cernelha (113,91 vs 110,62) e não diferiu quanto ao perímetro escrotal e de canela.

It was studied the effect of energy supplementation levels in Brachiaria brizantha on performance and development of body measurements in crossbred dairy cattle at early growth stages. The experiment was conducted in 126 days, divided into six periods of 21 days, corresponding to the second half of the rainy season and early dry season. It was used 24 crossbred non-castrated Holstein / Zebu, with 6 months of age and 118±16kg live weight at the start of the experiment. Treatments were determined by the supply of energy supplement in an amount equivalent to 0.5 or 1.0 percent of body weight. It was found a significant interaction between treatments and experimental periods on the average daily weight gain. Animals with high level of supplementation (NA) had the highest and more constants ADG with the elapsing periods (0.95, 1.09, 1.07, 1.00, 0.93 and 0.23kg days-1), resulting in higher final weight (231.26 vs. 197.55kg), while animals fed with the medium level of supplementation ( NM) had higher ADG oscillations between periods (0.83, 0.59, 0.75, 0.78, 0.44 and 0.35kg day-1). The NA group showed higher final measures (cm) of girth (146.02 vs 136.44), length (108.35 vs 103.22), croup height (120.38 vs. 112.46), withers height (113.91 vs 110.62) and did not differ for scrotal circumference and cinnamon.

Rendimento e composição química da forragem de sorgo em diferentes épocas de semeadura / Yield and chemical composition of forage sorghum at different sowing dates

Com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de épocas de semeadura do híbrido de sorgo silageiro Volumax, foi conduzido um experimento no Campus da Universidade Federal de Lavras, em Lavras/MG, em dois anos agrícolas 2006/07 e 2007/08. O delineamento utilizado foi o de blocos ao caso, com cinco tratamentos e três repetições, compreendendo cinco épocas de semeadura (30 de outubro, 15 e 30 de novembro e 15 e 30 de dezembro). Foram avaliados o rendimento de massa verde, seca e proteína bruta além dos teores de P, Ca, K, Mg e S na forragem. Os resultados obtidos permitiram constatar decréscimos no rendimento de forragem com o atraso na época de semeadura. A semeadura de 30 de dezembro proporcionou menores teores de nutrientes na forragem do sorgo.

To evaluate the effect of sowing dates of hybrid silage sorghum Volumax, an experiment was conducted on the campus of the Universidade Federal de Lavras, Lavras/MG, in two crop years 2006/07 and 2007/08. The design was to block the case, with five treatments and three replicates with five sowing dates (October 30, November 15 and 30 and December 15 and 30). We evaluated the yield of green mass, dry mass and crude protein and levels of P, Ca, K, Mg and S in forage. The results revealed a decline in forage yield with delayed sowing date. The sowing of December 30 provided lower levels of nutrients in forage sorghum.

Índice de cobertura vegetal e sua modelagem para cultivares de soja no sul de Minas Gerais / Index of vegetal cover and its modeling for soybean cultivars in the south of Minas Gerais

A cobertura vegetal do solo é decisiva para redução dos efeitos erosivos do impacto direto das gotas de chuva na superfície do solo. Desta forma, objetivou-se com este estudo determinar o índice de cobertura vegetal (CV) e desenvolver modelos para sua estimativa para a cultura da soja, usando os atributos climáticos no período de chuvas intensas no Sul de Minas Gerais. As determinações da CV foram feitas semanalmente, na área experimental do Departamento de Ciência do Solo, Universidade Federal de Lavras, no período de novembro de 1999 a maio de 2000, em 28 cultivares de soja com potencial para cultivo nesta região. Para avaliação da cobertura vegetal foi utilizada a metodologia descrita por Stocking (1988). Na modelagem procurou-se relacionar a CV com os valores acumulados dos seguintes atributos climáticos: temperatura média (Tmed), precipitação (PREC) e umidade relativa do ar (UR). Os valores de cobertura vegetal apresentaram uma amplitude de variação de 56 a 83 por cento, sendo BR 162, LO 12 L e M. Soy 108 as cultivares mais eficientes e FT Abyara e Tucano as menos eficientes. O hábito diferencial de crescimento das cultivares ajuda a explicar esse comportamento. O modelo ajustado adequado para estimativa da CV foi: CV = 116589,976 + 0,422 . Tmed + 0,132 . PREC - 0,095 . UR + 0,000024 . Tmed², R² = 0,99 (P < 0,01). A determinação da CV nas diferentes fases de desenvolvimento da cultura é de grande importância, uma vez que seu estabelecimento coincide com o período de maior potencial erosivo das chuvas na região estudada.

Vegetal cover of soil is decisive to reduce the erosive effects of direct impact of raindrops on the soil surface. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the vegetal cover (CC) index and to develop models to estimate it for soybean cultivars, using climatic attributes in the period of intense rains in the South of the State of Minas Gerais in Brazil. CC was measured weekly in the experimental area of the Department of Soil Science, Federal University of Lavras, from November 1999 to May 2000, for 28 soybean cultivars with yield potential in this region. To evaluate the vegetal cover, the method described by Stocking (1988) was used. In the modeling, CC was related with the accumulated values of following climatic attributes: medium temperature (Tmed), precipitation (PREC), and relative humidity of the air (RH). Vegetal cover values presented an amplitude from 56 to 83 percent, being BR 162, LO 12 L and M. Soy 108, the more efficient cultivars, and the FT Abyara and Tucano, the least efficient ones. The differential growth habit of the cultivars helps to explain this behavior. The best adjusted model for the estimative of CC was: CC = 116589.976 + 0.422, Tmed + 0.132, PREC - 0.095, RH + 0.000024 Tmed², R² = 0.99 (P < 0.01). The knowledge of CC for different development phases of the crop is of great importance, taking into account that its establishment time coincides with the highest erosive potential of the rains in the studied region.

Consórcio sorgo-soja. XV. Épocas de semeadura do sorgo, cultivares de soja e sistemas de corte na composição da forragem / Consortium sorghum-soybean. xv. the sorghum sowing date, soybean cultivars and cut' systems in composition of forage

Com o objetivo de avaliar sistemas de corte, épocas de semeadura e cultivares de soja no consórcio das culturas de sorgo e soja na entrelinha, na composição da forragem, foi instalado em Lavras-MG, no Departamento de Agricultura da UFLA, um ensaio em blocos casualizados em esquema fatorial 5x3x3, compreendendo cinco épocas de semeadura do sorgo, três cultivares de soja e três sistemas de corte. As épocas de semeadura, alteraram significativamente a composição mineral (P, K, Ca e Mg) com rendimentos decrescentes à medida que atrasava a semeadura. As cultivares de soja proporcionaram aumentou no acúmulo de nutrientes. O sistema de corte rente ao solo apresentou maiores rendimentos dos minerais analisados (P, K, Ca e Mg). No sistema consorciado foi observada forragem mais rica em nutrientes em relação ao monocultivo do sorgo.

With the objective to evaluate systems for cutting, sowing dates and cultivars of soybean crops in the consortium of sorghum and soybeans in between, the composition of the forage, was installed in Lavras-MG, the Department of Agriculture UFLA, a test block randomized in a 5x3x3 factorial, with five times of sowing of sorghum, three soybean cultivars and three systems of cut. The sowing dates sorghum, significantly altered the mineral composition (P, K, Ca e Mg) with diminishing returns as the late sowing. The soybean cultivars increased in the accumulation of nutrients. The system of cut close to the soil showed higher yields of analyzed minerals (P, K, Ca e Mg). Consortium system was observed in more forage rich in nutrients in the sorghum monoculture

Desempenho de cultivares de soja [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] em cultivo de verão no sul de Minas Gerais / Performance of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] cultivars in the summer cropping in the south of Minas Gerais

Em função do seu potencial produtivo, a soja [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]ocupa posição de destaque na economia brasileira. O Sul de Minas Gerais apresenta crescente interesse pela cultura, principalmente para ser utilizada em rotação com o milho. Objetivou -se, com o presente trabalho, avaliar cultivares de soja adaptadas à região. Adotou - se delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, com 3 repetições, em esquema fatorial 2 x 24, compreendendo dois locais (Lavras - MG e Itutinga - MG), e 24 cultivares de soja. A semeadura foi realizada na primeira quinzena de novembro, anos agrícolas 2006/07 e 2007/08. Verificou-se em Lavras que as cultivares UFV 16 (3553 kg.ha-1) e Monsoy 6101 (3543 kg.ha-1) foram as mais produtivas. Em Itutinga, as cultivares que mais se destacaram foram Monsoy 8001, Conquista, Vencedora, DM Nobre, Emgopa 315, DM Vitória, Monsoy 6101, Preta, UFV 16, Emgopa 316, Santa Rosa, Aventis 7002 e CAC 1 com produtividades variando de 2958 a 3575 kg.ha-1. Todos os materiais avaliados apresentaram grau de acamamento, altura de planta e de primeiro legume favoráveis à colheita mecanizada.

Due to its productive potential, soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] occupies position of prominence in the Brazilian economy. The South of the State of Minas Gerais shows a growing interest in this crop, mainly to be used in rotation with maize. The objective of this work was to evaluate cultivars of soybean adapted to this region. The experiment design was randomized blocks, with three replicates, in factorial scheme 2 x 24; 2 sites (Lavras - MG and Itutinga - MG), and 24 soybean cultivars. The sowing was done in the first half of November, agricultural years 2006/07 and 2007/08. It was found that in Lavras the cultivars UFV 16 (3553 kg.ha-1) and Monsoy 6101 (3543 kg.ha-1) promoted the highest yield. In Itutinga, the better yield cultivars were Monsoy 8001, Conquista, Vencedora, DM Nobre, Emgopa 315, DM Vitória, Monsoy 6101, Preta, UFV 16, Emgopa 316, Santa Rosa, Aventis 7002 and CAC 1, with yields ranging from 2958 to 3575 kg.ha-1. All materials showed the degree of lodging, plant height and the first pod to be favorable to mechanized harvesting.

Efeito de doses de silício sobre a produtividade e características agronômicas da soja [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] / Effects of doses of silicon in the yield and agronomic characteristics of soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill]

A soja [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] é o principal produto agrícola da exportação brasileira, portanto, torna-se importante a realização de estudos que contribuam para a minimização dos efeitos que possam causar a diminuição do rendimento e a depreciação da qualidade dessa oleaginosa, como a ocorrência de pragas e doenças, problemas com a fertilidade do solo e adversidades climáticas, entre outros. Sabe-se que as plantas diferem na sua capacidade de absorver silício (Si), sendo assim diferentemente classificadas. A influência do Si no desenvolvimento vegetativo em plantas de soja ainda é pouco conhecida, existindo poucos estudos descritos na literatura. Diante disso, objetivou-se, neste trabalho, avaliar a resposta da soja a diferentes doses de Si no plantio, por meio da produtividade e características agronômicas das plantas no campo. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos casualizados (DBC), com três repetições, tendo como tratamentos 11 doses de Si (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450 e 500 kg ha-1) na semeadura da soja, cultivar BRS MG 68 Vencedora. As doses de Si utilizadas não proporcionaram aumentos significativos na produtividade de grãos, peso de mil sementes, número de sementes por legume, o mesmo não se verificando com o numero de legumes por planta, altura de planta e altura de inserção do primeiro legume que apresentaram efeito significativo, com o aumento das doses nessas características. A aplicação de Si não proporcionou efeitos fitotóxicos visíveis na planta de soja.

Soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] is the main agricultural product export of Brazil. Therefore, it is important studies that contribute to the mitigation of the effects that might cause a decrease in income and depreciation of the quality of this oleaginous plant, as the occurrence of pests and diseases, problems with soil fertility and climatic adversities, among others. It is known that plants differ in their ability to absorb silicon (Si) and are therefore classified differently. The influence of vegetation on Si in the development of soybean plants is still little known, and there are few studies described in the literature. Facing this, the objective of this work was to evaluate the response of soybean plants to variable dosage of silicon in the plantation, through agronomical characteristics of the plants in the field. The experimental design was a completely randomized block (CBD), with three replicates, eleven treatments with the following doses of silicon (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350, 400, 450 and 500 kg ha - 1) in the soybean planting, cultivating BRS MG 68 Vencedora. Doses of silicon used did not provide significant increases in seed yield, weight of a thousand seeds, and number of seeds per vegetable, but the number of vegetables per plant, plant height and time of insertion of the first vegetable increased significantly with higher doses. Application of silicon did not have phytotoxic effects on the soybean plant.

Enxofre aplicado via foliar na cultura da soja [Glycine max (L.) Merrill] / Foliar aplication of sulfur on soybean[Glycine max (L. ) Merrill] crop

Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, avaliar doses de enxofre aplicadas via foliar no acúmulo de nutrientes na planta e na produtividade da soja. O ensaio foi constituído por 7 tratamentos sendo utilizado o produto S300(S=26 por cento, densidade=1,16) nas dosagens 1,0; 2,0 e 3,0 l.ha-1 e S800 (S=56 por cento, densidade=1,43) com doses 0,5; 1,0 e 1,5 l.ha-1 e um tratamento controle, sendo todas as aplicações realizadas em R3. As parcelas foram constituídas por 4 linhas espaçadas de 0,50m sendo utilizadas como área útil as duas fileiras centrais. A produtividade dos grãos foi alterada significativamente pela aplicação do S, com destaque para S300 2,0 e 3,0 l.ha-1 e S800 1,0 e 1,5 l.ha-1 que proporcionaram rendimento de 2641, 2636, 2621 e 2549 kg.ha-1. Em relação aos nutrientes verificou-se que teor de Ca e S na planta foram elevados com a aplicação de S foliar.

The objective of this work was to evaluate doses of foliar sulfur application on the accumulation of nutrients in the plant and on the productivity of the soybean crop. The experiment consisted of seven treatments using the product S300 (S=26 percent, density =1,16) with doses 1,0; 2,0 and 3,0 l./ha-1 and S800 (S=56 percent, density =1,43) with doses 0,5; 1,0 and 1,5 l./ha-1 , and a control, with all of the applications being carried out in R3 stage. The plots consisted of 4 rows with 5,0m in length, spaced at 0,50m, utilizing the two central rows. The productivity of the grains was altered significantly by the application of sulfur for treatments S300 2,0 and 3,0 l.ha-1 and S800 1,0 and 1,5 l.ha-1 that yielded 2641, 2636, 2621, and 2549 kg/.ha-1. With respect to nutrients, it was confirmed that the content of Calcium and Sulfur in the plants was high with the foliar application of sulfur.