Effect of the Inclusion of Bacillus spp. in Growing-Finishing Pigs' Diets: A Meta-Analysis.

This meta-analysis determined the effect of Bacillus spp. on growth performance of growing−finishing pigs and then assessed causes for the heterogeneity of responses detected using meta-regression. A database of 22 articles published from 2000 to 2020 was identified, and 9 articles fitted the selection criteria and were integrated in the final database. Statistical analysis was performed to analyze the effect size for ADG, average daily feed intake (ADFI), and F:G ratio using a standardized means difference (SMD) at a 95% confidence interval. A meta-regression analysis was used to investigate the cause of heterogeneity, using the individual SMD for each study assessment as the outcome and the associated SE as the measure of variance. Dietary Bacillus spp. supplementation had no effect on ADFI (SMD: −0.052, p = 0.138) and numerically increased ADG (SMD: 0.113, p = 0.081) and reduced the F:G ratio SMD: −0.127, p < 0.001). Meta-regression outcomes suggested that the number of animals per group was an essential component promoting heterogeneity in ADG. Overall, the inclusion of Bacillus spp. (median 486 mg/d) in growing−finishing pigs can increase ADG and can decrease the F:G ratio.

Use of natural ingredients in the Japanese quail diet and their effect on carcass and meat quality. Review.

The present paper reviews the findings of different research studies on the effect of natural ingredients in the Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) diet on carcass characteristics and meat quality. The results show a relationship between the type and concentration of ingredients used in diets and carcass characteristics and meat quality. The inclusion of medicinal herbs (thyme, black seed, and mint), plants (canola), seeds (chickpea), spices (cinnamon and coriander), worms (earthworms), bee products (propolis), phytochemicals (lycopene), and edible fungi (common mushrooms) in the Japanese quail diet improved carcass quality characteristics compared to the control diets (basal diets). The inclusion of medicinal herbs (spearmint and green tea), spices (cinnamon), vegetables (tomato), plants (verbena and canola), seeds (marijuana), and edible fungi (oyster mushrooms) improved meat quality. In conclusion, the use of ingredients of natural origin in the Japanese quail diet improves carcass quality characteristics and meat quality.

Produtos da cadeia produtiva da carnaubeira e seus efeitos na alimentação animal / Products of the wax palm production chain and their effects on animal feeding

A carnaubeira, planta nativa do Nordeste brasileiro, merece grande destaque em relação às suas possibilidades de uso, a partir dos seus diferentes produtos, especialmente quando utilizados na alimentação animal. Desta forma, o objetivo desta revisão foi apresentar as diversas aplicações dos diferentes produtos obtidos da carnaubeira, com ênfase nos seus efeitos quando utilizados na alimentação animal. Dentre os produtos, subprodutos e coprodutos obtidos da carnaubeira, pode-se citar a cera (principal produto do extrativismo desta planta), a bagana (palha resultante da extração da cera da folha da carnaubeira), raízes, caule e fruto. As aplicações de tais produtos são as mais diversas, desde seu uso nas diferentes indústrias, artesanato, construção civil, até seu uso na indústria farmacêutica. Em relação às possibilidades de uso na alimentação animal, já se observam relatos de uso dos diferentes produtos da carnaubeira, onde apenas as folhas apresentaram sinais de intoxicação, quando administradas a bovinos e caprinos. Os demais produtos oriundos da carnaubeira (cera, bagana e fruto) não apresentaram tais efeitos, variando entre respostas positivas e negativas, quanto à melhoria dos diversos parâmetros avaliados. Desta forma, pode-se concluir que, a utilização dos produtos oriundos da carnaubeira na alimentação animal e suas perspectivas de uso se mostram promissoras.(AU)

Palm wax, a native plant to the Northeast of Brazil, deserves great attention in relation to its possibilities of use from its different products, especially when used in animal feed. Thus, the objective of this review was to present the different applications of the different products obtained from wax palm, with emphasis on their effects when used in animal feed. Among the products, byproducts and coproducts obtained from the palm wax, mention the wax, the main product of the extractivism of this plant, the straw, resulting from the extraction of wax from the wax palm leaf, roots, stem and fruit. The applications of such products are very diverse, from their use in different industries, handicrafts, civil construction, until their use in the pharmaceutical industry. Regarding the possibilities of use in animal feeding, there are already reports of use of the different products of wax palm, where only the leaves showed signs of intoxication when administered to cattle and goats. The other products derived from wax palm (wax, straw and fruit) did not present such effects, varying between positive and negative responses regarding the improvement of the various parameters evaluated. In this way, concluded that the use of the products derived from wax palm in animal feed, their perspectives of use show promising.(AU)

Produtos da cadeia produtiva da carnaubeira e seus efeitos na alimentação animal / Products of the wax palm production chain and their effects on animal feeding

A carnaubeira, planta nativa do Nordeste brasileiro, merece grande destaque em relação às suas possibilidades de uso, a partir dos seus diferentes produtos, especialmente quando utilizados na alimentação animal. Desta forma, o objetivo desta revisão foi apresentar as diversas aplicações dos diferentes produtos obtidos da carnaubeira, com ênfase nos seus efeitos quando utilizados na alimentação animal. Dentre os produtos, subprodutos e coprodutos obtidos da carnaubeira, pode-se citar a cera (principal produto do extrativismo desta planta), a bagana (palha resultante da extração da cera da folha da carnaubeira), raízes, caule e fruto. As aplicações de tais produtos são as mais diversas, desde seu uso nas diferentes indústrias, artesanato, construção civil, até seu uso na indústria farmacêutica. Em relação às possibilidades de uso na alimentação animal, já se observam relatos de uso dos diferentes produtos da carnaubeira, onde apenas as folhas apresentaram sinais de intoxicação, quando administradas a bovinos e caprinos. Os demais produtos oriundos da carnaubeira (cera, bagana e fruto) não apresentaram tais efeitos, variando entre respostas positivas e negativas, quanto à melhoria dos diversos parâmetros avaliados. Desta forma, pode-se concluir que, a utilização dos produtos oriundos da carnaubeira na alimentação animal e suas perspectivas de uso se mostram promissoras.

Palm wax, a native plant to the Northeast of Brazil, deserves great attention in relation to its possibilities of use from its different products, especially when used in animal feed. Thus, the objective of this review was to present the different applications of the different products obtained from wax palm, with emphasis on their effects when used in animal feed. Among the products, byproducts and coproducts obtained from the palm wax, mention the wax, the main product of the extractivism of this plant, the straw, resulting from the extraction of wax from the wax palm leaf, roots, stem and fruit. The applications of such products are very diverse, from their use in different industries, handicrafts, civil construction, until their use in the pharmaceutical industry. Regarding the possibilities of use in animal feeding, there are already reports of use of the different products of wax palm, where only the leaves showed signs of intoxication when administered to cattle and goats. The other products derived from wax palm (wax, straw and fruit) did not present such effects, varying between positive and negative responses regarding the improvement of the various parameters evaluated. In this way, concluded that the use of the products derived from wax palm in animal feed, their perspectives of use show promising.

Effect of dietary inclusion of Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) and Banana flour (Musa cavendishii) on performance of laying hens

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) and Banana flour (Musa cavendishii) on performance of laying hens. Fifty laying hens (3 months of age) were randomly distributed into five experimental groups, each consisting of 10 laying hens. The groups were control (10 laying hens); L6 (Leucaena, 6 g/day (10 laying hens)); L8 (Leucaena, 8.0 g/day (10 laying hens)); L10 (Leucaena, 10 g/day (10 laying hens)); and L12 (Leucaena, 12 g/day (10 laying hens)), in addition, five levels of Banana flour control (10 laying hens); 25% (10 laying hens); 50%, (10 laying hens); 75% (10 laying hens); and 100% (10 laying hens), were assessed respectively. The experimental period lasted from 4 to 8 weeks. The results of this study showed that there were no significant differences between of treatments L6, L8, L10, and L12 for body weight during the first 30 days compared with the control, whereas for weight gain, statistically significant differences were observed between the control compared with the treatments L6, L8, L10, and L12 for days 10, 20 and 30 (p<0.05). Additionally, statistically significant differences were found between different levels of Banana flour for weight gain (g) between the control with the levels 25, 50 75, 100%, respectively for days 20 and 30. In the case of feed intake (g) statistically significant differences were found during day 30 between the control and 100%, also between the control and levels 25, and 75%, respectively. From the results, it can be concluded that the inclusion of Leucaena and banana flour have effects on weight gain, body weight and feed intake of laying hens.(AU)

Effect of dietary inclusion of Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) and Banana flour (Musa cavendishii) on performance of laying hens

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala) and Banana flour (Musa cavendishii) on performance of laying hens. Fifty laying hens (3 months of age) were randomly distributed into five experimental groups, each consisting of 10 laying hens. The groups were control (10 laying hens); L6 (Leucaena, 6 g/day (10 laying hens)); L8 (Leucaena, 8.0 g/day (10 laying hens)); L10 (Leucaena, 10 g/day (10 laying hens)); and L12 (Leucaena, 12 g/day (10 laying hens)), in addition, five levels of Banana flour control (10 laying hens); 25% (10 laying hens); 50%, (10 laying hens); 75% (10 laying hens); and 100% (10 laying hens), were assessed respectively. The experimental period lasted from 4 to 8 weeks. The results of this study showed that there were no significant differences between of treatments L6, L8, L10, and L12 for body weight during the first 30 days compared with the control, whereas for weight gain, statistically significant differences were observed between the control compared with the treatments L6, L8, L10, and L12 for days 10, 20 and 30 (p<0.05). Additionally, statistically significant differences were found between different levels of Banana flour for weight gain (g) between the control with the levels 25, 50 75, 100%, respectively for days 20 and 30. In the case of feed intake (g) statistically significant differences were found during day 30 between the control and 100%, also between the control and levels 25, and 75%, respectively. From the results, it can be concluded that the inclusion of Leucaena and banana flour have effects on weight gain, body weight and feed intake of laying hens.

Principles and limitations of stable isotopes in differentiating organic and conventional foodstuffs: 2. Animal products.

In this review, we examine the variation in stable isotope signatures of the lighter elements (δ2H, δ13C, δ15N, δ18O, and δ34S) of tissues and excreta of domesticated animals, the factors affecting the isotopic composition of animal tissues, and whether stable isotopes may be used to differentiate organic and conventional modes of animal husbandry. The main factors affecting the δ13C signatures of livestock are the C3/C4 composition of the diet, the relative digestibility of the diet components, metabolic turnover, tissue and compound specificity, growth rate, and animal age. δ15N signatures of sheep and cattle products have been related mainly to diet signatures, which are quite variable among farms and between years. Although few data exist, a minor influence in δ15N signatures of animal products was attributed to N losses at the farm level, whereas stocking rate showed divergent findings. Correlations between mode of production and δ2H and δ18O have not been established, and only in one case of an animal product was δ34S a satisfactory marker for mode of production. While many data exist on diet-tissue isotopic discrimination values among domesticated animals, there is a paucity of data that allow a direct and statistically verifiable comparison of the differences in the isotopic signatures of organically and conventionally grown animal products. The few comparisons are confined to beef, milk, and egg yolk, with no data for swine or lamb products. δ13C appears to be the most promising isotopic marker to differentiate organic and conventional production systems when maize (C4) is present in the conventional animal diet. However, δ13C may be unsuitable under tropical conditions, where C4 grasses are abundant, and where grass-based husbandry is predominant in both conventional and organic systems. Presently, there is no universal analytical method that can be applied to differentiate organic and conventional animal products.

Sorbitol na alimentação de leitões recém-desmamados / Sorbitol in weanling pig diets

O uso de aditivos em dietas tem sido recomendado para controlar os problemas relacionados ao desmame precoce e melhorar o desempenho dos leitões. O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar os efeitos da inclusão do sorbitol em dietas complexas de leitões recémdesmamados sobre o desempenho, a frequência de diarreia, a digestibilidade aparente de nutrientes, a morfometria dos órgãos e a viabilidade econômica. Foram utilizados 120 leitões recém-desmamados (6,22 ± 0,28 kg) em um experimento em blocos completos casualizados (definidos pelo peso inicial e sexo), com cinco tratamentos, oito repetições (blocos) por tratamento e três animais por unidade experimental (baia). Os tratamentos foram: dieta basal com 120 ppm de clorohidroxiquinolina e dieta basal com 0, 1, 1,5 ou 2% de sorbitol. Para a determinação da digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes e da energia, foi utilizado o método da coleta parcial de fezes. Ao final do experimento, foi abatido um animal de cada baia para avaliação da morfometria dos órgãos. De maneira geral, a inclusão de até 2,0% de sorbitol em dietas complexas de leitões recém-desmamados não afeta (P>0,05) o desempenho dos animais, a ocorrência de diarreia, a morfometria dos órgãos, a digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes e a viabilidade econômica, enquanto que o uso do antimicrobiano clorohidroxiquinolina prejudica o desempenho (P<0,05) e aumenta (P<0,01) o custo de produção dos leitões em fase de creche.

Feed additives have been recommended to overcome early weaning problems and to improve pig performance. The purpose of this study was to evaluate growth performance, frequency of diarrhea, apparent digestibility of nutrients, organs morphometry and economic feasibility of weanling pigs fed complex diets containing sorbitol. One hundred and twenty weanling pigs (6.22 ± 0.28 kg) were used in a randomized complete block design experiment with five treatments, eight replications (blocks) per treatment and three pigs per experimental unit (pen). The treatments were: basal diet with 120 ppm of chlorhydroxyquinoline or basal diet with 0, 1, 1.5 or 2% of sorbitol. The marker method was used in digestibility assay. At the end of experimental period, one animal per experimental unit was slaughtered to evaluate of organs morphometry. Overall, dietary added sorbitol up to 2.0% in weanling pig complex diet does not affect (P>0.05) growth performance, frequency of diarrhea, apparent digestibility of nutrients, organs morphometry and economic feasibility, while the antimicrobial agent chlorhydroxyquinoline depresses (P<0.05) growth performance and increases (P<0.01) the cost per kilogram of weight gain of weanling pig.

Utilização de glicerina proveniente da produção de biodiesel na dieta de frangos de corte / Effect of glycerine from biodiesel production in diets for broilers

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade da glicerina produzida no Brasil e o seu efeito no valor de energia metabolizável e na digestibilidade para frangos de corte, bem como avaliar o desempenho e qualidade de carne, estudando os possíveis efeitos adversos e determinando o melhor nível de inclusão a ser adotado com segurança. Na primeira etapa foram coletadas 10 amostras de glicerina de diferentes fontes e origens para a análise da composição. Em seguida, foram selecionadas 4 glicerinas de composições contrastantes para a determinação da energia metabolizável e digestibilidade em ensaios de metabolismo com 200 frangos de corte durante o período de 21 a 29 dias de idade, através do método de coleta total de excretas. Na segunda etapa, as aves foram submetidas ao um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com 6 tratamentos e 6 repetições de 45 aves cada. [...] Não foram encontrados alterações nos fígados das aves com os maiores níveis de inclusão. Os resultados sugerem que dietas contendo a inclusão de até 5% não causam nenhum efeito negativo para as aves e cama

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality of the glycerin produced in Brazil and its effect on the value of metabolizable energy and digestibility, the performance and meat quality of broilers, studying the possible adverse effects and determining the best level of inclusion to be adopted safely. In the trial were collected 10 glycerin samples from different sources and analysis of the composition. In the following section, we selected four contrasting glycerins compositions for the determination of metabolizable energy and digestibility in metabolism trials with 200 broiler chickens during the 21-29 days of age, by the method of total excreta collection. In the second trial, the birds were subjected to a completely randomized design with 6 treatments and 6 replicates of 45 birds each. [...] No changes were found in the livers of the birds with the highest levels of inclusion. The results suggest that diets containing the inclusion of up to 5% do not cause any negative effects for the broilers, meat quality and litter

Desempenho produtivo e composição isotópica de 13C e 15N no tecido muscular de tilápia do Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus) alimentada com diferentes fontes protéicas / Performance and isotopic composition of 13C and 15N in muscle tissue of Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fed with different protein

Fontes alternativas de alimentos vem sendo estudadas em substituição à farinha de peixe na aquicultura, podendo acarretar diferença na incorporação de carbono e nitrogênio decorrentes da disponibilidade e do valor nutricional da fonte. Três experimentos tiveram o objetivo de quantificar a participação das diferentes fontes protéicas nos tecidos de juvenis e pós-larvas através da composição isotópica de C e N e sua influência no crescimento. Além disso, a digestibilidade aparente das dietas contendo mistura de plantas C3 e C4 foi estudada usando o 13C nas fezes como traçador. As dietas consistiram de quatro ingredientes protéicos. Farelo de soja FS, farelo de coco FC, farinha de vísceras de aves FVA e farinha de peixe FP que compuseram cinco combinações diferentes: FS100; FS60FC40; FS60FVA40; FS60FP40; FS19F10FP10FVA11. No primeiro experimento duzentos juvenis de tilápia com peso médio de 3,4 ± 0,20 g foram distribuídos em 20 gaiolas flutuantes e após serem alimentados com as dietas experimentais, foram coletados amostras aos 0, 22, 44, 66 e 88 dias para estimar a contribuição de C e N das dietas no tecido. Foi observada diferença significativa (P0,05).

Alternative sources of food have been studied in substitution for fishmeal in aquaculture, and it may result in a difference in incorporation of carbon and nitrogen, depending on the nutritional value and availability of the source. Two experiments were designed to quantify the participation of different protein sources in the muscle tissue in juvenile and post larvae through isotopic composition and its influence on growth and body composition. In addition, the apparent digestibility of feedingstuffs containing mixture of C3 and C4 plants has been studied using 13C as tracer. The experiments were conducted in a random design with five treatments and four repetitions. Diets consisted of by four sources of protein ingredients. soybean meal SBM, coconut meal CM, poultry product meal PPM, meal and fish meal FM, composed five different combinations of diets: SBM100 SBM60CM40 SBM60PPM40 SBM60FM40 SBM19CM10FM10PPM11. In the first experiment, it used 200 juveniles with an average weight of 3.4 ± 0.20 g, distributed in 20 vinyl cages. Fish collections were held after being fed the experimental diets for 0, 22, 28, 38, 44, 66 and 88 days. In this assay, it was observed significant difference (P<0.05) for final weight, weight gain, feed conversion, fillet yield, protein efficiency ratio and condition factorHowever, there was no difference between food consumption, weight and content of the fillet profile. For the experiment two, 300 post-larvae, 20 days old and with average weight starting at 0.07 ± 0.020g, were randomly distributed in the five treatments, making each experimental unit with twenty animals. Six fish collections were held at 0, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 30 days. This assay also showed significant difference (P<0.05) for final weight, weight gain, food intake, feed conversion and protein efficiency ratio.

Seleção de dieta por bovinos em pastagem cultivada em área de várzea

This experiment was conduced on a three ha lowland area formed by Lolium multiflorum Lam and Trifolium repens L. species and located at the Federal University of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil). The objective of this work was to study diet selection by grazing cattle under different treatments (P and K fertilizer levels) and time of the year. The experiment design was a randomized complete block with two replications. The grazing was continuous with fixed animal number and variable grazing pressure. During winter, spring and summer of 1999/00 diet botanical composition was determined by microhistological analysis of feces by identification of leaf epidermis of L. multiflorum Lam, T. repens L., Paspalum urvillei Steud, Setaria geniculata (Lam) Beauv and Echinochloa spp. and results compared by randomization. Diet botanical composition was not affect by the treatments applied on the pasture (P=0.87), but sampling times had a significant effect on selection (P=0.03). Although management had a negative effect on native plants, these species were also selected by the grazing animals, been an important component of the diet.

O trabalho foi realizado em uma área de 3,0ha de várzea, situada no Campus da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil), cultivada com Lolium multiflorum Lam. e Trifolium repens L, onde se destacavam, também, alguns componentes nativos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi acompanhar, de forma paralela às ações de manejo, a dinâmica da composição botânica da dieta selecionada por bovinos em pastejo, sob o efeito de tratamentos (diferentes doses de P e K) e da sazonalidade. O delineamento experimental foi o completamente casualizado com duas repetições. O método de pastejo adotado foi o contínuo, com lotação fixa e carga variável. No inverno, primavera e verão de 1999/2000, foi determinada a composição botânica da dieta pelo método de análise microhistológica de fezes, através da diferenciação da epiderme foliar de L. multiflorum Lam., T. repens L., e dos componentes nativos Paspalum urvillei Steud., Setaria geniculata (Lam.) Beauv. e Echinochloa spp. Os resultados foram comparados através de testes de aleatorização. A composição botânica da dieta não foi afetada pelos tratamentos impostos à pastagem (P=0,87), mas houve efeito das épocas de amostragem sobre a seleção (P=0,03). As espécies da flora nativa, embora prejudicadas pelo manejo imposto, foram selecionadas pelos animais em pastejo, configurando-se num importante recurso forrageiro.

Seleção de dieta por bovinos em pastagem cultivada em área de várzea

This experiment was conduced on a three ha lowland area formed by Lolium multiflorum Lam and Trifolium repens L. species and located at the Federal University of Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul (Brazil). The objective of this work was to study diet selection by grazing cattle under different treatments (P and K fertilizer levels) and time of the year. The experiment design was a randomized complete block with two replications. The grazing was continuous with fixed animal number and variable grazing pressure. During winter, spring and summer of 1999/00 diet botanical composition was determined by microhistological analysis of feces by identification of leaf epidermis of L. multiflorum Lam, T. repens L., Paspalum urvillei Steud, Setaria geniculata (Lam) Beauv and Echinochloa spp. and results compared by randomization. Diet botanical composition was not affect by the treatments applied on the pasture (P=0.87), but sampling times had a significant effect on selection (P=0.03). Although management had a negative effect on native plants, these species were also selected by the grazing animals, been an important component of the diet.

O trabalho foi realizado em uma área de 3,0ha de várzea, situada no Campus da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul (Brasil), cultivada com Lolium multiflorum Lam. e Trifolium repens L, onde se destacavam, também, alguns componentes nativos. O objetivo deste trabalho foi acompanhar, de forma paralela às ações de manejo, a dinâmica da composição botânica da dieta selecionada por bovinos em pastejo, sob o efeito de tratamentos (diferentes doses de P e K) e da sazonalidade. O delineamento experimental foi o completamente casualizado com duas repetições. O método de pastejo adotado foi o contínuo, com lotação fixa e carga variável. No inverno, primavera e verão de 1999/2000, foi determinada a composição botânica da dieta pelo método de análise microhistológica de fezes, através da diferenciação da epiderme foliar de L. multiflorum Lam., T. repens L., e dos componentes nativos Paspalum urvillei Steud., Setaria geniculata (Lam.) Beauv. e Echinochloa spp. Os resultados foram comparados através de testes de aleatorização. A composição botânica da dieta não foi afetada pelos tratamentos impostos à pastagem (P=0,87), mas houve efeito das épocas de amostragem sobre a seleção (P=0,03). As espécies da flora nativa, embora prejudicadas pelo manejo imposto, foram selecionadas pelos animais em pastejo, configurando-se num importante recurso forrageiro.

Identificação de Paspalum notatum fluegge e Axonopus affinis chase através da análise de fragmentos foliares

This research aimed at the characterization and identification of leaves, fragments of Paspalum notatum Fluegge and Axonopus affinis Chase, for future studies of diet evaluation of fistuleted animals. For the species characterization, several collections of leaves were made in native pasture areas at the UFSM Campus (Santa Maria, RS) from May, 1992 to June, 1993. The differentiation of the species was based on the leaves venation pattern, hair presence, leaf border and apex features, observed with a stereomicroscope. The obververs ability to identify the two species of leaves in a misture were tested with statistical analysis. It was observed that the venation pattern is the best characterization criteria and that A. affinis differs from P. notatum mainly by the obtuse leaf apex and by the quaternary vein presence. The statistical analysis confirmed the observers ability in recognizing leaves fragments of the two species.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo a caracterização e identificação de fragmentos foliares de Paspalum notatum Fluegge e Axonopus affinis Chase, como forma de subsidiar projetos de avaliação da dieta de animais fistulados. Para a caracterização das espécies, foram feitas várias coletas de folhas em áreas de pastagem natural do Campus da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (RS), de maio de 1992 a junho de 1993. A diferenciação das espécies foi baseada no padrão de nervação, presença de pêlos e características do ápice e bordo foliar, observadas com auxílio de estereomicroscópio. A habilidade de um observador em identificar fragmentos das duas espécies numa mistura e a eficácia dos descritores foliares mencionados foram testadas através de análise estatística. Desta forma, foi constatado que o padrão de nervação é o melhor critério de diferenciação e que A. affinis difere de P. notatum, basicamente, pelo ápice foliar obtuso e pela presença de nervuras quaternárias. A análise estatística confirmou a capacidade do observador em reconhecer fragmentos das duas espécies.

Identificação de Paspalum notatum fluegge e Axonopus affinis chase através da análise de fragmentos foliares

This research aimed at the characterization and identification of leaves, fragments of Paspalum notatum Fluegge and Axonopus affinis Chase, for future studies of diet evaluation of fistuleted animals. For the species characterization, several collections of leaves were made in native pasture areas at the UFSM Campus (Santa Maria, RS) from May, 1992 to June, 1993. The differentiation of the species was based on the leave’s venation pattern, hair presence, leaf border and apex features, observed with a stereomicroscope. The obverver’s ability to identify the two species of leaves in a misture were tested with statistical analysis. It was observed that the venation pattern is the best characterization criteria and that A. affinis differs from P. notatum mainly by the obtuse leaf apex and by the quaternary vein presence. The statistical analysis confirmed the observer’s ability in recognizing leaves fragments of the two species.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo a caracterização e identificação de fragmentos foliares de Paspalum notatum Fluegge e Axonopus affinis Chase, como forma de subsidiar projetos de avaliação da dieta de animais fistulados. Para a caracterização das espécies, foram feitas várias coletas de folhas em áreas de pastagem natural do Campus da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (RS), de maio de 1992 a junho de 1993. A diferenciação das espécies foi baseada no padrão de nervação, presença de pêlos e características do ápice e bordo foliar, observadas com auxílio de estereomicroscópio. A habilidade de um observador em identificar fragmentos das duas espécies numa mistura e a eficácia dos descritores foliares mencionados foram testadas através de análise estatística. Desta forma, foi constatado que o padrão de nervação é o melhor critério de diferenciação e que A. affinis difere de P. notatum, basicamente, pelo ápice foliar obtuso e pela presença de nervuras quaternárias. A análise estatística confirmou a capacidade do observador em reconhecer fragmentos das duas espécies.