Digestible protein levels and metabolic responses in juvenile piapara (Megaleporinus obtusidens) / Níveis de proteínas digestíveis e respostas metabólicas em juvenis de piapara (Megaleporinus obtusidens)

This study aimed to determine the effects of dietary digestible protein (DP) on growth and physiological indicators in piapara. Three hundred piapara juveniles (24.0 ± 1.3 g) were distributed in 20 tanks of 130 L (15 fish/tank) with continuous aeration and water. Five isoenergetic diets (14.0 MJ·kg-1) were formulated to contain increasing levels of DP (21, 24, 27, 30 and 33%). After 77 days of feeding, increasing levels of digestible protein influenced final weight, specific growth rate and weight gain linearly (p < 0.05). Water ammonia concentration and liver alanine aminotransferase activity also showed a linear effect with an increasing DP level (p < 0.05), but no relationship was found between DP level and serum ammonia (p > 0.05). There was no linear and quadratic effect for hepatosomatic index, liver glycogen and liver lipid content (p > 0.05). On the other hand, the muscle lipid content decreased linearly with the increase in the DP level (p < 0.05), while the mesenteric fat index showed a linear and quadratic effect (p < 0.05) with an increasing curve until the peak of 25.77% DP. The activity of the hepatic malic enzyme also followed a quadratic pattern (p < 0.05) with a maximum point of 27.08% of DP. This contrasts with the hepatic enzyme glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, which increased linearly with the increase in the DP level (p < 0.05). The results showed better productive performance for fish fed with the highest levels of DP, though greater excretion of ammonia in the water was also shown. Diets below 27% DP resulted in greater energy reserve, amino acid catabolism and lipogenesis. Therefore, the inclusion of 28 to 30% DP in the diet will be ideal for growth and physiological responses in piapara.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo determinar os efeitos da proteína digestível (PD) da dieta sobre o crescimento e indicadores fisiológicos em piapara. Trezentos juvenis de piapara (24 ± 1,3 g) foram distribuídos em 20 tanques de 130 L (15 peixes/tanque) com aeração contínua e água. Cinco dietas isoenergéticas (14,0 MJ·kg-1) foram formuladas para conter níveis crescentes de PD (21, 24, 27, 30 e 33%). Após 77 dias de alimentação, níveis crescentes de proteína digestível influenciaram o peso final, taxa de crescimento específico e ganho de peso de forma linear (p<0,05). A concentração de amônia na água e a atividade hepática da alanina aminotransferase também apresentaram efeito linear com o aumento do nível de PD (p < 0,05), mas não foi encontrada relação entre o nível de PD e amônia sérica (p > 0,05). Não houve efeito linear nem quadrático no índice hepatossomático, no glicogênio hepático e na concentração de lipídios hepáticos (p > 0,05). Por outro lado, o conteúdo de lipídio muscular diminuiu de forma linear com o aumento do nível de PD (p < 0,05), enquanto o índice de gordura mesentérica apresentou efeito linear e quadrático (p < 0,05) com curva crescente até o ponto máximo em 25,77% de PD. A atividade hepática da enzima málica também seguiu um padrão quadrático (p < 0,05) com ponto máximo em 27,08% de PD, diferentemente da enzima glicose-6-fosfato desidrogenase hepática, que aumentou linearmente com o aumento do nível de PD (p < 0,05). Os resultados mostraram melhor desempenho produtivo para os peixes alimentados com os maiores níveis de PD. Por outro lado, também proporcionaram maior excreção de amônia na água. Dietas abaixo de 27% PD resultaram em maior reserva energética, catabolismo de aminoácidos e lipogênese. Portanto, a inclusão de 28 a 30% PD na dieta será ideal para o crescimento e respostas fisiológicas em piaparas.(AU)

Comparative characterization of digestive proteases in redhead cichlid (Vieja melanurus) and twoband cichlid (Vieja bifasciata) (Percoidei: Cichlidae)

In the Southeast of Mexico, there are many native cichlids with commercial interest such as redhead cichlid (Vieja melanurus) and twoband cichlid (V. bifasciata), which have a great local demand and excellent meat quality. However, it is necessary to implement their culture based on nutrition studies and digestive biochemistry. This study's objective was to characterize these two cichlids' digestive proteases (pH, temperature, and inhibitors) through biochemistry techniques. Results showed that V. melanurus and V. bifasciata have a digestive capacity analogous to other omnivore fishes, where the optimal pH values of stomach proteases (4 and 2, respectively) and intestinal proteases (6 and 12, respectively), the optimal temperature of acid (35°C and 55°C, respectively) and alkaline proteases (45°C and 55°C, respectively) are quite similar. Both species presented high thermal and pH stabilities. Inhibition showed that V. melanurus is more sensitive to specific inhibitors for alkaline proteases than V. bifasciata. In conclusion, V. bisfasciata and V. melanurus have different digestive protease patterns. Both species can hydrolyze different protein ingredients to formulate a specific diet. Nevertheless, V. bifasciata is more resistant to the presence of inhibitors, which allow it to include vegetable proteins in its diet.(AU)

En el sureste de México, existen muchas especies de cíclidos nativos de interés comercial como el cíclido rojo (Vieja melanurus) y el cíclido de dos bandas (V. bifasciata), los cuales tienen una gran demanda local y tienen una excelente calidad de carne; sin embargo, es necesario implementar su cultivo con base en estudios de nutrición y bioquímica digestiva. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar las proteasas digestivas (pH, temperatura e inhibidores) de estos dos cíclidos nativos mediante técnicas bioquímicas. Los resultados mostraron que V. melanurus y V. bifasciata tienen una capacidad digestiva similar a otros peces omnívoros, donde los valores óptimos de pH de proteasas estomacales (4 y 2, respectivamente) e intestinales (6 y 12, respectivamente), la temperatura óptima de proteasas ácidas (35°C y 55°C, respectivamente) y alcalinas (45°C y 55°C, respectivamente) son muy parecidas. Ambas especies presentaron alta estabilidad térmica y de pH. La inhibición mostró que V. melanurus es más sensible a inhibidores específicos de proteasas alcalinas que V. bifasciata. En conclusión, V. bisfasciata y V. melanurus tienen diferentes patrones de proteasas digestivas, pero ambas especies pueden hidrolizar diversos ingredientes proteicos para formular dietas específicas; sin embargo, V. bifasciata es más resistente a la presencia de inhibidores, lo que permitiría incluir proteínas vegetales en su dieta(AU)

Comparative characterization of digestive proteases in redhead cichlid (Vieja melanurus) and twoband cichlid (Vieja bifasciata) (Percoidei: Cichlidae)

In the Southeast of Mexico, there are many native cichlids with commercial interest such as redhead cichlid (Vieja melanurus) and twoband cichlid (V. bifasciata), which have a great local demand and excellent meat quality. However, it is necessary to implement their culture based on nutrition studies and digestive biochemistry. This study's objective was to characterize these two cichlids' digestive proteases (pH, temperature, and inhibitors) through biochemistry techniques. Results showed that V. melanurus and V. bifasciata have a digestive capacity analogous to other omnivore fishes, where the optimal pH values of stomach proteases (4 and 2, respectively) and intestinal proteases (6 and 12, respectively), the optimal temperature of acid (35°C and 55°C, respectively) and alkaline proteases (45°C and 55°C, respectively) are quite similar. Both species presented high thermal and pH stabilities. Inhibition showed that V. melanurus is more sensitive to specific inhibitors for alkaline proteases than V. bifasciata. In conclusion, V. bisfasciata and V. melanurus have different digestive protease patterns. Both species can hydrolyze different protein ingredients to formulate a specific diet. Nevertheless, V. bifasciata is more resistant to the presence of inhibitors, which allow it to include vegetable proteins in its diet.(AU)

En el sureste de México, existen muchas especies de cíclidos nativos de interés comercial como el cíclido rojo (Vieja melanurus) y el cíclido de dos bandas (V. bifasciata), los cuales tienen una gran demanda local y tienen una excelente calidad de carne; sin embargo, es necesario implementar su cultivo con base en estudios de nutrición y bioquímica digestiva. El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar las proteasas digestivas (pH, temperatura e inhibidores) de estos dos cíclidos nativos mediante técnicas bioquímicas. Los resultados mostraron que V. melanurus y V. bifasciata tienen una capacidad digestiva similar a otros peces omnívoros, donde los valores óptimos de pH de proteasas estomacales (4 y 2, respectivamente) e intestinales (6 y 12, respectivamente), la temperatura óptima de proteasas ácidas (35°C y 55°C, respectivamente) y alcalinas (45°C y 55°C, respectivamente) son muy parecidas. Ambas especies presentaron alta estabilidad térmica y de pH. La inhibición mostró que V. melanurus es más sensible a inhibidores específicos de proteasas alcalinas que V. bifasciata. En conclusión, V. bisfasciata y V. melanurus tienen diferentes patrones de proteasas digestivas, pero ambas especies pueden hidrolizar diversos ingredientes proteicos para formular dietas específicas; sin embargo, V. bifasciata es más resistente a la presencia de inhibidores, lo que permitiría incluir proteínas vegetales en su dieta.(AU)

Use of sugar cane to feed lactating dairy goats / [Uso da cana-de-açúcar na alimentação de cabras leiteiras em lactação]

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of replacing corn silage with sugarcane in the diet of lactating Saanen goats and to determine their intake and digestibility of nutrients, ingestive behavior, milk yield and composition. The experimental diets were composed of increasing levels (0, 33, 66 and 100%) of substitution in dry matter (DM). Twelve multiparous Saanen goats, with an average body weight of 45.2kg, average milk yield of 3.0kg day-1, distributed in a triple latin square experimental design (4 × 4) were used. The dry matter intake (DMI) and other nutrients were estimated through the difference between the total nutrient in the food offered and its total in the leftovers. The DMI, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and total digestible nutrients were not influenced, but the apparent digestibility of DM and NDF decreased. Feeding time and feeding efficiency were not influenced, the rumination and total chewing times increased, and the leisure time decreased, both linearly. Milk yield was not influenced by substitution levels, but corrected milk yield to 3.5% fat decreased. Sugar cane represents a dietary alternative for goats with medium milk yield in critical periods of forage, since it does not change the consumption of DM and milk yield, even with the apparent declining digestibility of some nutrients, influencing the ingestive behavior of the animals.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da substituição da silagem de milho por cana-de-açúcar na dieta de cabras Saanen em lactação e determinar a ingestão e a digestibilidade de nutrientes, o comportamento ingestivo, a produção e a composição do leite. As dietas experimentais foram compostas de níveis crescentes (0, 33, 66 e 100%) de substituição na matéria seca (MS). Doze cabras Saanen multíparas, com peso corporal médio de 45,2kg, produção média de leite de 3,0kg dia-1, foram distribuídas em delineamento experimental triplo quadrado latino (4 × 4). A ingestão de matéria seca (IMS) e de outros nutrientes foi estimada por meio da diferença entre o total de nutrientes nos alimentos oferecidos e o total nas sobras. A IMS, a proteína bruta, a fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e os nutrientes digestíveis totais não foram influenciados, mas a digestibilidade aparente da MS e da FDN diminuiu. A produção de leite não foi influenciada pelos níveis de substituição, mas a produção de leite corrigida para 3,5% de gordura diminuiu. A cana-de-açúcar representa uma alternativa alimentar para cabras com produção média de leite em períodos críticos de forragem, pois não altera o consumo de MS e a produção de leite, mesmo diminuindo a digestibilidade aparente de alguns nutrientes e influenciando o comportamento ingestivo dos animais.(AU)

Partial characterization of digestive proteases in juveniles of Microphis brachyurus (short-tailed pipefish) (Syngnathiformes: Syngnathidae)

Short-tailed pipe fish (Microphis brachyurus) is a freshwater organism with high economic potential for the aquarium hobby, so it is necessary to implement methods to promote its culture through studies of digestive physiology. General activities of acid and alkaline proteases were evaluated, as well as the effect of pH, temperature and inhibitors. The optimal pH of stomach proteases was 2, while the optimal pH of intestinal proteases was 10. Optimal temperature for the acidic proteases was 35 ºC, while for alkaline proteases it was 45 ºC. Thermal stability showed high resistance at 35 ºC for both acid and alkaline proteases (above 100% residual activity). Acid proteases are resistant at pH 2 (50% of residual activity), meanwhile alkaline proteases were highly resistant at pH 10 (90% of residual activity). Acid proteases were inhibited by 80% with pepstatin A and alkaline proteases were inhibited with TLCK and TPCK for trypsin (75%) and chymotrypsin (80%), respectively. Finally, metallo-proteases were 75% partially inhibited some serine proteases by 75% with EDTA. In conclusion, M. brachyurus has a good digestive capacity, since they can degrade a wide variety of proteins due to their greater proteolytic activity.(AU)

El pez pipa (Microphis brachyurus) es un organismo dulceacuícola con alto potencial económico para la acuarofilia; sin embargo, es necesario implementar su cultivo a través de estudios de fisiología digestiva. Se evaluó el efecto del pH, temperatura e inhibidores sobre las actividades enzimáticas de proteasas ácidas y alcalinas. El pH óptimo de proteasas estomacales es de 2, mientras que el de proteases intestinales es de 10. La temperatura óptima de proteasas ácidas es de 35 ºC y las alcalinas de 45 ºC. La estabilidad térmica para proteasas ácidas y alcalinas es a los 35 ºC (más de 100% de actividad residual). La estabilidad a los diferentes pH de las proteasas ácidas es en 2 (50 % de la actividad residual), mientras que para las proteasas alcalinas es en 10 (90 % de la actividad residual). Las proteasas ácidas fueron inhibidas en 80% con pepstatina A y las proteasas alcalinas fueron altamente inhibidas con TLCK para tripsina (75%) y TPCK quimitripsina (80%). Finalmente, las metaloproteasas fueron inactivadas con EDTA en 70%. En conclusión, M. brachyurus tiene una buena capacidad digestiva al degradar una amplia variedad de proteinas debido a su alta actividad proteolítica.(AU)

Alimentación saludable en preescolares: un tema de interés para la salud pública / Healthy eating in preschoolers: a topic of interest for public health

Diversos organismos internacionales reconocen a los problemas de desórdenes nutricionales como una problemática de salud que afecta a todo el mundo. La forma en que los seres humanos asumen su alimentación repercute en su disposición intrínseca ante las enfermedades, siendo particularmente impactante durante las etapas tempranas de la vida, sobre todo en edades prees-colares por su incidencia en el desarrollo del individuo. Alrededor de esta situación, los autores del manuscrito que se presenta realizaron un análisis epidemiológico y salubrista desde diferentes posicionamientos establecidos en la bibliografía que fue consultada.

Several international organizations recognize the problems of nutritional disorders as a health problem that affects the entire world. The way how human beings assume their food has an impact on their intrinsic disposition towards diseases, being particularly striking in the early stages of life, especially in pre-school age because of its impact on the development of the individual. About this situation, the authors of the manuscript carried out an epidemiological and salubrious analysis from different positions established in the reviewed literature.

Technical position on milk and its derivatives in adult health and disease from the Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología and the Asociación Mexicana de Gerontología y Geriatría. / Posición técnica sobre la leche y derivados lácteos en la salud y en la enfermedad del adulto de la Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología y la Asociación Mexicana de Gerontología y Geriatría.

Milk is a liquid food that possesses an important quantity of highly bioavailable macronutrients. In addition, it is readily accessible, as well as relatively inexpensive. Given that the knowledge of physicians about nutrition and food composition is deficient, in general, many of the dietary interventions recommended in diverse clinical settings lack a scientific basis. The aim of the present review was to produce a technical opinion that serves as a frame of reference to best sustain recommendations for consuming milk and dairy products as daily nutrition in the adult and older adult. The effects of milk and dairy products during the pediatric stage are not addressed in the present work. The Asociación Mexicana de Gastroenterología and the Asociación Mexicana de Gerontología y Geriatría jointly discussed and analyzed topics dealing with the legal designation of milk, the classification and nutritional profile of cow's milk, its nutritional characteristics, its consumption in the adult, intolerance to cow's milk, and associations of milk consumption with digestive tract alterations and other conditions. Finally, certain aspects of milk consumption in the older adult and its relation to overall health are briefly discussed.

Labeling membrane receptors with lectins and evaluation of the midgut histochemistry of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) populations with different levels of susceptibility to formulated Bt.

BACKGROUND: Studies show that insects can adapt to the toxins of Bacillus thuringiensis under field and laboratory conditions through the development of resistance to the bacterium and its formulations. This has been demonstrated in the failure to control Tuta absoluta populations in Brazil. This study evaluated membrane receptors using peroxidase-labeled lectins and the midgut histochemistry of T. absoluta populations to assess susceptibility to the insecticides Bt fomulations. The histochemistry analysis used Periodic Acid-Schiff for glycogen and Ponceau Xylidine for total proteins. The presence of glucose/mannose and N-acetylgalactosamine (GalNAc) was analyzed using specific lectins. One susceptible and one tolerant population were used in the study; insects were exposed to the insecticide concentrations recommended by the manufacturers. The midgut was collected after an interval of 20 min and analyzed using optical microscopy. RESULTS: Bt fomulation interferes with the glycogen content, whereas XenTari® interferes with the protein content, irrespective of the level of susceptibility. High expression of GalNAc residues was observed using soybean lectin labeling, indicating a direct relationship between the glycosylation pattern and susceptibility to Bt fomulation in the Pelotas population. CONCLUSION: The use of Bt fomulation caused greater alterations in the larval intestinal histophysiology compared to the use of XenTari® . © 2018 Society of Chemical Industry.

The role of the peritrophic matrix and red blood cell concentration in Plasmodium vivax infection of Anopheles aquasalis.

BACKGROUND: Plasmodium vivax is predominant in the Amazon region, and enhanced knowledge of its development inside a natural vector, Anopheles aquasalis, is critical for future strategies aimed at blocking parasite development. The peritrophic matrix (PM), a chitinous layer produced by the mosquito midgut in response to blood ingestion, is a protective barrier against pathogens. Plasmodium can only complete its life-cycle, and consequently be transmitted to a new host, after successfully passing this barrier. Interestingly, fully engorged mosquitoes that had a complete blood meal form a thicker, well-developed PM than ones that feed in small amounts. The amount of red blood cells (RBC) in the blood meal directly influences the production of digestive enzymes and can protect parasites from being killed during the meal digestion. A specific study interrupting the development of the PM associated with the proteolytic activity inhibition, and distinct RBC concentrations, during the P. vivax infection of the New World malaria vector An. aquasalis is expected to clarify whether these factors affect the parasite development. RESULTS: Absence of PM in the vector caused a significant reduction in P. vivax infection. However, the association of chitinase with trypsin inhibitor restored infection rates to those of mosquitoes with a structured PM. Also, only the ingestion of trypsin inhibitor by non-chitinase treated mosquitoes increased the infection intensity. Moreover, the RBC concentration in the infected P. vivax blood meal directly influenced the infection rate and its intensity. A straight correlation was observed between RBC concentrations and infection intensity. CONCLUSIONS: This study established that there is a balance between the PM role, RBC concentration and digestive enzyme activity influencing the establishment and development of P. vivax infection inside An. aquasalis. Our results indicate that the absence of PM in the midgut facilitates digestive enzyme dispersion throughout the blood meal, causing direct damage to P. vivax. On the other hand, high RBC concentrations support a better and thick, well-developed PM and protect P. vivax from being killed. Further studies of this complex system may provide insights into other details of the malaria vector response to P. vivax infection.

Morphological study of the gastrointestinal tract of Larimichthys crocea (Acanthopterygii: Perciformes)

The present study aimed to investigate the macroscopic and histological structure of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of Larimichthys crocea (Richardson, 1846). It consists of esophagus, stomach regions, pyloric caeca, intestinal regions, and rectum. Sixteen tubular light yellowish pyloric caeca of similar sizes were observed in all individuals. The digestive wall consists of mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and adventitia. No major differences appeared in the structure of the tunica, epithelial cell types, connective tissues and musculature glands of L. crocea GIT. The mucosal epithelia in the oesophagus has longitudinal branched folds with frontward and hindmost zones. The gastric tunica mucosa has a characteristic folded structure and can be divided into three regions. The intestinal tunica mucosa is characterized by villi structures and numerous mucus-secreting cells. Mucus-secreting goblet cells were strongly positive to AB at pH 2.5 in the oesophagus (excluding gastro-oesophageal junction) and intestine mucosal regions, which indicates an abundance of carboxylate mucins. The surface epithelia of the gastric mucosa is PAS-positive and AB-negative. SEM examination revealed that cells in the epithelium of the esophagus have an unbroken apical layer and goblet cells. The intestinal coefficient (IC) of L. crocea was 0.80 ± 0.21, consistent with a carnivorous or omnivorous habit. Our study adds the knowledge of the digestive system of L. crocea and might be useful in the management of L. crocea stocks.(AU)

Morphological study of the gastrointestinal tract of Larimichthys crocea (Acanthopterygii: Perciformes)

The present study aimed to investigate the macroscopic and histological structure of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of Larimichthys crocea (Richardson, 1846). It consists of esophagus, stomach regions, pyloric caeca, intestinal regions, and rectum. Sixteen tubular light yellowish pyloric caeca of similar sizes were observed in all individuals. The digestive wall consists of mucosa, submucosa, muscularis, and adventitia. No major differences appeared in the structure of the tunica, epithelial cell types, connective tissues and musculature glands of L. crocea GIT. The mucosal epithelia in the oesophagus has longitudinal branched folds with frontward and hindmost zones. The gastric tunica mucosa has a characteristic folded structure and can be divided into three regions. The intestinal tunica mucosa is characterized by villi structures and numerous mucus-secreting cells. Mucus-secreting goblet cells were strongly positive to AB at pH 2.5 in the oesophagus (excluding gastro-oesophageal junction) and intestine mucosal regions, which indicates an abundance of carboxylate mucins. The surface epithelia of the gastric mucosa is PAS-positive and AB-negative. SEM examination revealed that cells in the epithelium of the esophagus have an unbroken apical layer and goblet cells. The intestinal coefficient (IC) of L. crocea was 0.80 ± 0.21, consistent with a carnivorous or omnivorous habit. Our study adds the knowledge of the digestive system of L. crocea and might be useful in the management of L. crocea stocks.

Macroscopic description of small and large intestine of the sloth Bradypus variegatus

Background: Sloths of the species Bradypus variegatus are mammals with peculiar habits, which feed mostly young leaves of ‘embaúba’ and occur broadly in Central and South America. This specie has the greatest occurrence in Brazilian Northeast, making it a biological model for several researches in the fields as anatomy, physiology, genetics, pathology, histology and ecology, which provide data to literature in order to benefit maintenance and preservation of these animals. This study aimed to describe unpublished data about small and large intestine anatomy of the sloth Bradypus variegatus, in order to collaborate for knowledge of its digestive processes.Materials, Methods & Results: In order to perform this present research, 10 corpses of specie Bradypus variegatus belonged to the acquis of Anatomy Division, Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology (DMFA); Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), with 5 males and 5 females, the study was authorized by Animal Use and Experimentation Ethic Committee license (CEUA-UFRPE), nº 034/2015. All 10 animals used had natural death, were obtained through a donation of CETAS Tangará (Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres - Wildlife Screening Center), and located in the city of Recife. Animals were dissected at abdominal and pelvic portion, from a median sagittal incision, followed by lateral folding of skin, muscle and withdrawal of pubis portion for exposition and description of intestines, with analysis of syntopy and measurement of these organs. A relation was observed among external holes of urinary, reproductive and digestive systems. A relation was still observed among intestines and stomach, liver, kidneys, bladder and abdominal cavity wall. Some animals had absence of sigmoid colon, ventral and dorsal descendent colon.[...]

Macroscopic description of small and large intestine of the sloth Bradypus variegatus

Background: Sloths of the species Bradypus variegatus are mammals with peculiar habits, which feed mostly young leaves of ‘embaúba and occur broadly in Central and South America. This specie has the greatest occurrence in Brazilian Northeast, making it a biological model for several researches in the fields as anatomy, physiology, genetics, pathology, histology and ecology, which provide data to literature in order to benefit maintenance and preservation of these animals. This study aimed to describe unpublished data about small and large intestine anatomy of the sloth Bradypus variegatus, in order to collaborate for knowledge of its digestive processes.Materials, Methods & Results: In order to perform this present research, 10 corpses of specie Bradypus variegatus belonged to the acquis of Anatomy Division, Department of Animal Morphology and Physiology (DMFA); Federal Rural University of Pernambuco (UFRPE), with 5 males and 5 females, the study was authorized by Animal Use and Experimentation Ethic Committee license (CEUA-UFRPE), nº 034/2015. All 10 animals used had natural death, were obtained through a donation of CETAS Tangará (Centro de Triagem de Animais Silvestres - Wildlife Screening Center), and located in the city of Recife. Animals were dissected at abdominal and pelvic portion, from a median sagittal incision, followed by lateral folding of skin, muscle and withdrawal of pubis portion for exposition and description of intestines, with analysis of syntopy and measurement of these organs. A relation was observed among external holes of urinary, reproductive and digestive systems. A relation was still observed among intestines and stomach, liver, kidneys, bladder and abdominal cavity wall. Some animals had absence of sigmoid colon, ventral and dorsal descendent colon.[...](AU)

Relação 18: 3n3/18: 2n6 sobre a digestibilidade de ácidos graxos em pacu / 18: 3n3/18: 2n6 ratio on fatty acid digestibility in pacu

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi determinar o efeito de dietas com relações 18:3n3/18:2n6 de: 2,98; 1,68; 1,03; 0,61 e 0,35 (tratamentos 1 a 5 respectivamente) sobre o coeficiente de digestibilidade aparente (CDA) dos ácidos graxos em dietas vegetais para juvenis de pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus). Dezoito grupos de 16 peixes cada um foram alimentados por 34 dias com dieta controle contendo óleo de tilápia como único ingrediente de origem animal (tratamento 6). Numa segunda fase, durante 72 dias, cada dieta foi fornecida a três grupos aleatórios e, finalmente, determinados os CDAs dos ácidos graxos. A dieta controle resultou em maiores CDAs de ácidos graxos saturados (97,3%) e monoinsaturados (98,24%), e o tratamento 1, em maiores CDAs de poli-insaturados (99,25%) e 18:3n3 (99,83%). O CDA de 18:3n3 variou de forma decrescente, de acordo com a variação da relação 18:3n3/18:2n6 e foi sempre superior ao CDA do 18:2n6, apesar da ação não específica das lipases. Conclui-se que o CDA dos ácidos graxos, ou de grupos deles, aumenta com a elevação do grau de insaturação do ácido e da concentração deste na dieta e que a fluidez do óleo afeta o CDA de 18:3n3 - ALA e não o de 18:2n6 - LA, quando estes são os únicos ácidos graxos poli-insaturados do alimento.(AU)

The objective of this work was to determine the effect of diets with this 18:3n3/18:2n6 ratios: 2.98; 1.68; 1.03; 0.61 and 0.35 (treatments 1 to 5 respectively), on the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of fatty acids in vegetable-based diets for pacu juveniles (Piaractus mesopotamicus). Eighteen groups of 16 fish each were fed for 34 days with a control diet containing tilapia oil as sole ingredient of animal origin (treatment 6). In a second phase, for 72 days, each diet was fed to 3 random groups, and finally the fatty acid ADCs were calculated. The control diet produced the highest ADC of saturated fatty acids (97.3%) and monounsaturated fatty acids (98.24%); and treatment 1, the highest polyunsaturated fatty acids (99.25%) and 18:3n3 (99.83%) ADCs. The ADC of 18: 3n3 varied in a decreasing manner according to the variation of the ratio 18:3n3/18:2n6 and was always higher than the ADC of 18:2n6, despite the non-specific action of lipases. We conclude that the ADCs of fatty acids, or groups of them, increase as their degree of unsaturation and concentration in the diet increases, and, the fluidity of the oil affects the ADC of 18:3n3 -ALA and not of 18:2n6 - LA when these are the only poly-unsaturated fatty acids.(AU)

Relação 18: 3n3/18: 2n6 sobre a digestibilidade de ácidos graxos em pacu / 18: 3n3/18: 2n6 ratio on fatty acid digestibility in pacu

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi determinar o efeito de dietas com relações 18:3n3/18:2n6 de: 2,98; 1,68; 1,03; 0,61 e 0,35 (tratamentos 1 a 5 respectivamente) sobre o coeficiente de digestibilidade aparente (CDA) dos ácidos graxos em dietas vegetais para juvenis de pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus). Dezoito grupos de 16 peixes cada um foram alimentados por 34 dias com dieta controle contendo óleo de tilápia como único ingrediente de origem animal (tratamento 6). Numa segunda fase, durante 72 dias, cada dieta foi fornecida a três grupos aleatórios e, finalmente, determinados os CDAs dos ácidos graxos. A dieta controle resultou em maiores CDAs de ácidos graxos saturados (97,3%) e monoinsaturados (98,24%), e o tratamento 1, em maiores CDAs de poli-insaturados (99,25%) e 18:3n3 (99,83%). O CDA de 18:3n3 variou de forma decrescente, de acordo com a variação da relação 18:3n3/18:2n6 e foi sempre superior ao CDA do 18:2n6, apesar da ação não específica das lipases. Conclui-se que o CDA dos ácidos graxos, ou de grupos deles, aumenta com a elevação do grau de insaturação do ácido e da concentração deste na dieta e que a fluidez do óleo afeta o CDA de 18:3n3 - ALA e não o de 18:2n6 - LA, quando estes são os únicos ácidos graxos poli-insaturados do alimento.

The objective of this work was to determine the effect of diets with this 18:3n3/18:2n6 ratios: 2.98; 1.68; 1.03; 0.61 and 0.35 (treatments 1 to 5 respectively), on the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC) of fatty acids in vegetable-based diets for pacu juveniles (Piaractus mesopotamicus). Eighteen groups of 16 fish each were fed for 34 days with a control diet containing tilapia oil as sole ingredient of animal origin (treatment 6). In a second phase, for 72 days, each diet was fed to 3 random groups, and finally the fatty acid ADC’s were calculated. The control diet produced the highest ADC of saturated fatty acids (97.3%) and monounsaturated fatty acids (98.24%); and treatment 1, the highest polyunsaturated fatty acids (99.25%) and 18:3n3 (99.83%) ADC’s. The ADC of 18: 3n3 varied in a decreasing manner according to the variation of the ratio 18:3n3/18:2n6 and was always higher than the ADC of 18:2n6, despite the non-specific action of lipases. We conclude that the ADC’s of fatty acids, or groups of them, increase as their degree of unsaturation and concentration in the diet increases, and, the fluidity of the oil affects the ADC of 18:3n3 -ALA and not of 18:2n6 - LA when these are the only poly-unsaturated fatty acids.

Major health problems and their economic impact on beef cattle under two different feedlot systems in Brazil / Principais problemas sanitários e seu impacto econômico em bovinos de corte criados em diferentes tipos de confinamento no Brasil

This study aimed to describe the diagnosis of health problems and to evaluate the cost of their treatment for cattle raised in feedlots to be slaughtered or to be sold as sires for cow-calf systems. Bovine respiratory disease and digestive disorders were the main problems diagnosed in the feedlot for slaughter; the cost for treatment was high, accounting for 9.7 to 20.9 kg of live weight (LW) or the equivalent of 7 to 15% of total LW gained over the days on feed. Due to the high intake of starch-rich concentrate, rumen and fecal pH was lower, whilst rumen osmolarity and blood lactate were higher in cattle fed for slaughter. Cattle affected by digestive disorders spent on average four additional days in the feedlot. Diseases and cost of treatments were associated with lower average daily gain and considerable economic losses. Health problems commonly observed in the feedlots for slaughter were not observed in the feedlots for males to be sold as sires. The most likely reason for this observation was the more careful nutrition and prophylactic health management in sire production systems, which produce animals of much higher selling price. Results from this study suggest that health problems found in feedlots for slaughter may not only reduce animal productivity and profitability, but also the welfare of the animals. The systemic understaffing of livestock cattle workers and veterinarians in large feedlots in Brazil results in under reporting of diseases and lack to understand epidemiological context and disease prevention.(AU)

No presente estudo coletou-se e se interpretou dados sobre os principais problemas sanitários, bem como a respeito dos custos com os tratamentos de bovinos de corte confinados em dois sistemas diferentes: o tradicional, isto é, aquele que objetiva produzir animais prontos para o abate e o sistema de produção de touros destinados à venda destes como reprodutores. A porcentagem de bovinos confinados para o abate e que adquiriram problemas sanitários foi consideravelmente maior do que nos sistemas que os confinam para a venda como futuros reprodutores. As pneumonias e os transtornos digestórios foram os principais problemas diagnosticados no confinamento para o abate e os custos com os tratamentos foram elevados e, em média, representaram entre 9,7 e 20,9 kg de peso vivo ou o equivalente de 7 a 15% das arrobas ganhas durante o período confinado. O crescimento exagerado e a aglutinação (paraqueratose) das papilas ruminais foram os principais achados macroscópicos nos rúmens dos bovinos confinados para o abate. Devido à maior ingestão de grãos, o pH ruminal e fecal foi sempre menor, enquanto que a osmolaridade ruminal e o lactato sanguíneo foi sempre maior nos animais confinados para o abate. O tempo de permanência no confinamento foi maior, em média 4 dias, para os animais que adquiriram qualquer problema digestório. Isso, aliado ao fato de também terem os menores ganhos de peso diários, pode resultar em um considerável prejuízo. Os ganhos de peso diários foram similares para os animais confinados (que ingeriram mais de 85% de concentrados) para o abate e para os que foram confinados para a venda como reprodutores, que consumiram cerca de 50% de concentrados em sua dieta.(AU)