Private school canteens: an analysis of the economic and financial aspects of the traditional and the healthy models.

BACKGROUND: One of the reasons for the more prominent resistance of canteen managers to implementing healthy canteens is based on the belief in the economic infeasibility of these models. The research aimed to verify the economic and financial viability of traditional and healthy models of school canteens in a Brazilian metropolis. METHODS: The case study was carried out with 36 companies in the school canteen sector in a Brazilian metropolis. The classification of items sold in canteens considered the extent and purpose of food processing according to the NOVA Classification. The characterization and definition of traditional canteens and healthy canteens were proposed considering the amount of in natura or minimally processed foods and culinary preparations without the presence of ultra-processed foods; the percentage of ultra-processed foods or processed foods or culinary preparations with the presence of ultra-processed foods; and the existence of prohibited foods. The economic and financial analysis was carried out mainly through the evaluation of profitability. Data were collected through an electronic self-administered questionnaire sent to canteen managers. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare medians and the Chi-Square/Fisher's Exact Test to compare proportions. RESULTS: The study included six companies, responsible for 36 canteen units in private schools, 30 classified in the traditional model (83.3%), and six in the healthy model (16.7%). The median percentage of natural, minimally processed foods and commercialized culinary preparations was higher among the healthy model canteens (87.9% vs. 60.0%, p < 0.001). While the median percentage of ultra-processed, processed, or preparations with the presence of ultra-processed (40.0% vs. 12.1%, p < 0.001) and prohibited foods (10.0% vs. 0%, p < 0.001) sold was higher in the traditional model canteens. The results indicated that the profitability in the healthy canteens was higher (p < 0.001) than in the traditional ones. CONCLUSIONS: Healthy school canteens showed better financial and economic results compared to traditional canteens with emphasis on greater profitability and a shorter recovery time of the initial investment.

Brazil's Amazon Oxygen Crisis: How Lives and Health Were Sacrificed During the Peak of COVID-19 to Promote an Agenda with Long-Term Consequences for the Environment, Indigenous Peoples, and Health.

In January 2021, oxygen supplies in the Amazon region's largest city were allowed to run out at the peak of the second wave of the COVID-19 epidemic, shocking the world as hospital patients expired for lack of this basic medical resource in Manaus, which during the first COVID-19 wave had become the world's first city to bury its dead in mass graves. Brazil's authorities used this tragedy to further a political agenda that implies enormous environmental and human-rights consequences. Transport of oxygen was used to promote building a road that, together with its planned side roads, would give deforesters access to much of what remains of Brazil's Amazon Forest. Here, we demonstrate that the logistical strategy adopted by the Jair Bolsonaro administration's Ministries of Health and Infrastructure to bring oxygen to Manaus was the worst possible choice, and the foreseeable delay in the arrival of oxygen cost hundreds of lives. Rather than sending trucks to carry oxygen on the nearly impassible Highway BR-319 during the rainy season, the most appropriate transport option was barges on the Madeira River. As oxygen supplies dwindled in Manaus, the families of wealthier COVID-19 victims scrambled to buy the few remaining cylinders at prices out of reach for those in poorer (and often ethnically distinct) economic strata. Ethnic health disparities are aggravated by both the direct consequences of the oxygen crisis and, on the longer term, by the consequences of the highway project that political use of the crisis materially advanced.

Nutrient Intake, Performance, Carcass Characteristics, Meat Quality, and Cost Analysis of Sheep Submitted to Intermittent Supplementation on Masai Grass Pastures.

This study aimed to assess nutrient intake, performance, intake behavior, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of sheep managed on Masai grass pastures along with intermittent concentrate supplementation, in addition to the economic impacts of applying that strategy. A sample of 24 Santa Inês sheep (12 males and 12 females) was kept for 80 days on Panicum maximum cv. Massai pastures and was supplemented daily or every other day. The voluntary intake of dry matter and nutrients was estimated. Mean daily weight gain and total weight gain were calculated and intake behavior parameters were assessed. The males were slaughtered and the weight and yield of the carcasses and meat cuts were assessed. The meat was analyzed for cooking losses, shear force, and color. The gross margin of the system was estimated from the difference between total income and operational cost. No effect was seen of the interaction between supplementation frequency and sex for any parameter assessed (p > 0.05). Intermittent supplementation of Santa Inês sheep managed with Masai grass is recommended since the strategy does not impact nutrient intake, performance, intake behavior, carcass characteristics, or meat quality, but lowers the costs of producing 1 kg of meat by 15%.

Performance and Carcass of Broiler Quails Fed Distillers' Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS)

This study determined the metabolizable energy of DDGS for broiler quails (Experiment I) and evaluated the effect of different dietary levels of DDGS on performance, carcass, organ weight, meat quality, and economic viability (Experiment II). In Experiment I, 72 broiler quails were randomly distributed into two treatments (reference or test diets). The experimental period consisted of 5 days of adaptation, followed by 5 days of total excreta collection. Experimental diets consisted of a reference or a test diet containing 800 g/kg reference diet and 200 g/kg DDGS. In experiment II, 432 unsexed broiler quails were randomly distributed into groups fed six levels of DDGS (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, or 250 g/kg). At 43 days of age, birds were slaughtered and evaluated for carcass yield, organ weight, and meat quality. Apparent metabolizable energy values corrected for nitrogen retention of DDGS were 2,488 and 2,466 kcal/kg for males and females, respectively. In the growth phase and the overall period, feed intake increased linearly (p=0.015 and 0.040) and feed conversion ratio worsened (p=0.038 and 0.001) with the inclusion of DDGS in the diet, respectively. A linear increasing (p=0.001) of gizzard weight was observed with increasing dietary DDGS levels, while the economic variables were affect depending on seasonal feedstocks prices. It is concluded that dietary levels up to 250 g/kg DDGS do not affect growth, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of broiler quails. However, the prices of ingredients in the harvest and off-season period should be considered to determine the level of inclusion of DDGS.(AU)

A meta-analysis of biochar application to manage plant diseases caused by bacterial pathogens

The current agricultural scenario faces diverse challenges, among which phytosanitary issues are crucial. Plant diseases are mostly treated with chemicals, which cause environmental pollution and pathogen resistance. In light of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the biochar alternative use to chemical inputs fits into at least six of the proposed goals (2, 3, 7, 13, 15, and 17), highlighting the 12th, which explains responsible consumption and production. Biochar is valuable for inducing systemic resistance in plants because it is a practical and frequently used resource for improving physical, chemical, and biological soil attributes. This review assessed the beneficial and potential effects of applying biochar to agricultural soils on bacterial pathogen management. Such application is a recent strategy; therefore, this research evaluated 20 studies that used biochar to manage plant diseases caused by pathogens inhabiting the soil in different systems. The effectiveness of biochar application in controlling plant diseases has been attributed to its alkaline pH, which contributes to the growth of beneficial microorganisms and increases nutrient availability, and its porous structure, which provides habitat and protection for soil microbiome development. Therefore, the combined effect of improvements on soil attributes through biochar application aids pathogen control. Biochar application helps manage plant diseases through different mechanisms, inducing plant resistance, increasing activities and abundance of beneficial microorganisms, and changing soil quality for nutrient availability and abiotic conditions.

Thermogenic oils as a substitute forractopamine in the production of heavy pigs / Óleos termogênicos em substituição a ractopamina na produção de suínos em fase de pós-terminação

This study aimed to assess the effects of thermogenic oils (safflower and coconut oils) as a replacement for ractopamine in heavy pig diets. A total of 24 mix-breed barrows with an average weight of 98.70 ± 1.63 kg were distributed in a randomized block design with four treatments and six replicates. Treatments were as follows: basal diet, modified basal diet + 10 ppm ractopamine, basal diet + safflower oil, and basal diet + coconut oil. Animal performance, organ weights, meat quality, carcass traits, and economic viability were determined. Data were analyzed using Duncan's test at the 5% significance level. The safflower oil diet resulted in the highest carcass meat and ham weights, whereas the coconut oil diet provided the highest loin eye area and the lowest fat area, resulting in the highest meat/fat ratio. Analysis of economic viability indicators revealed that vegetable oil treatments differed significantly from other treatments in feed cost, feed cost per kilogram of live weight, economic viability index, and cost index, given that oil inclusion increased the price of diets. Supplementation of heavy pig diets with thermogenic oils is a viable alternative to enhance lean meat production, but its use depends on market availability and product price.(AU)

Este estudo visou avaliar os efeitos dos óleos termogênicos (óleos de cártamo e de coco) como substitutos da racto-pamina em dietas de suínos pesados. Um total de 24 suínos machos castrados com um peso médio de 98,70 ± 1,63 kg foram distribuídos em um modelo de blocos aleatorizados com quatro tratamentos e seis repetições. Os tratamentos foram os seguintes: dieta basal (RB), RB modificada + 10 ppm de ractopamina, RB + óleo de cártamo, e RB + óleo de coco. Foram determinados o desempenho animal, pesos dos órgãos, qualidade da carne, características da carcaça, e viabilidade económica. Os dados foram analisados utilizando o teste de Duncan ao nível de 5% de significância. A dieta de óleo de Cártamo resultou na maior quan-tidade de carne de carcaça e pesos de pernil, enquanto que a dieta de óleo de coco forneceu a maior área do olho do lombo e a menor área de gordura, resultando na maior relação carne/gordura. A análise dos indicadores de viabilidade económica reve-lou que os tratamentos com óleo vegetal diferiram significativamente de outros tratamentos no custo da alimentação, custo da alimentação por quilograma de peso vivo, índice de viabilidade económica, e índice de custo, dado que a inclusão do óleo aumentou o preço das dietas. A suplementação de dietas de suínos pesados com óleos termogênicos é uma alternativa viável para aumentar a produção de carne magra, mas a sua utilização depende da disponibilidade no mercado e do preço do produto.(AU)

Geração de energia usando biogás de aterros sanitários no Brasil: um estudo de potencial energético e viabilidade econômica em função da população / Power generation using landfill biogas in Brazil: a study of energy potential and economic viability in terms of the population

RESUMO A busca por energias alternativas que sejam renováveis está cada vez maior, assim como a preocupação com o crescente aumento da geração de resíduos pela população mundial. O aproveitamento energético do gás gerado pela decomposição dos resíduos sólidos é um caminho atrativo para a solução, de uma só vez, desses dois problemas. Com objetivo de contribuir para o desenvolvimento da geração de energia elétrica a partir de aterros sanitários no Brasil, o presente trabalho compreende uma análise de potencial energético e de viabilidade financeira dessa alternativa energética no Brasil. Para a construção das análises, utilizaram-se dados de geração de resíduos e climáticos de seis cidades brasileiras, o que permitiu a estimativa da vazão de produção de gás nos aterros de cada uma dessas localidades, a potência ótima a ser instalada em cada um desses aterros e da viabilidade econômica dessa alternativa. Os valores de custo de geração obtidos variaram entre R$ 345 e 440·MWh, sendo fortemente influenciados por fatores como população, captação de resíduos e aspectos climáticos, sendo, em geral, superiores aos valores típicos de tarifa de venda de energia no país. Isso implica uma necessidade de formulação de políticas públicas de incentivo à geração de energia a partir de resíduos sólidos urbanos no Brasil.

ABSTRACT The search for alternative and renewable sources of energies is growing, as is the concern with the growing increase in the generation of waste by the world population. The energy use of the gas generated by the decomposition of solid waste at landfills is an attractive way to solve these two problems, at once. In order to contribute to the development of electric power generation from landfills in Brazil, the present work comprises an analysis of the energy potential and financial viability of this energy alternative in the country. For the construction of the analyses, waste and climate generation data from six Brazilian cities were used, which allowed the estimation of the gas production flow in the landfills of each city, the optimum power to be installed in each of these landfills and the economic viability of this alternative. The generation cost values obtained ranged between R$ 345 and 440·MWh, being strongly influenced by factors such as population, waste capitation and climatic factors, being, in general, higher than the typical values of energy sales tariff in the country. This implies a need to formulate public policies to encourage the generation of energy from solid urban waste in Brazil.

Effects of replacing ground corn with Nopalea cochenillifera meal on the intake, performance, and economic viability of grazing steers.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing different levels of spineless-cactus meal instead of ground corn on supplements for crossbred steers grazing in Urochloa brizantha cv. Marandú pastures. Forty crossbred steers with an average body weight (BW) of 261 ± 7.46 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design. In supplements, the ground corn grain was substituted with 0%, 30%, 60%, and 90% spineless-cactus meal. The substitution of spineless-cactus meal instead ground corn promoted a linear decrease in the ether extract (EE; P = 0.03) and non-fibrous carbohydrates (NFC; P < 0.01) intakes. The apparent digestibility of EE was influenced (P < 0.05) showing a linear decrease. The apparent digestibility of NFC had a quadratic effect (P = 0.03). For the neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein, the apparent digestibility increased linearly (P = 0.01). The average daily gain showed a quadratic effect (P < 0.01), with a maximum response estimated at 44.94% (1055.52 g/day) substitution with spineless-cactus meal for ground corn. The cost per animal per period and the cost per hectare decreased linearly (P < 0.01). The revenue, net revenue, exchange rate, and monthly revenue of the activity showed quadratic responses to the spineless-cactus meal supplements (P < 0.01), with maximum effects at 44.99%, 47.46%, 61.25%, and 57.35%, respectively. The substitution with up to 44.94% of spineless-cactus meal for ground corn provided daily gains, increased the feed conversion, and was favorable as a cost to the production system. Moreover, the profitability increased with maximum animal performance and improved use of fiber from pastures.

Inclusion of residue meat flour in growing pigs diet (30-50 kg) / Inclusão de resíduo de farinha de carne em dietas para suínos em crescimento (30-50 kg)

A study was carried out to evaluate the inclusion of increasing levels of a residue from the rendering plant after obtaining meat and bone meal for growing pigs on performance, carcass characteristics, incidence of diarrhea and economic viability of the diets. Forty-eight pigs were allotted in a completely randomized design with four treatments (0, 2, 4 and 6% of residue inclusion), six replicates and two animals per experimental unit (barrows and females) with 30 ± 0.662 kg of initial weight in a 24-day trial period. Statistical assumptions of normality and homogeneity were verified using Shapiro-Wilk and Barllet tests, respectively, at 5% probability. The assumptions were met and the data were subjected to analysis of variance at 5% significance. The performance variables, carcass characteristics and diarrhea incidence did not show significant differences (P<0.05) between the levels of inclusion of residue in the diet. The residue can be used up to 6% in the feed without affecting performance, carcass characteristics and diarrhea incidence in growing pigs, however, the inclusion of 4% of the residue presents greater economic viability.

Foi conduzido um trabalho para avaliar a inclusão de níveis crescentes de um resíduo, proveniente da graxaria, após a obtenção de farinha de carne e ossos de abatedouro de bovinos, para suínos em fase de crescimento sobre o desempenho, características de carcaça, incidência de diarreia e viabilidade econômica das dietas. Foram utilizados 48 suínos, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso com 4 tratamentos (0, 2, 4 e 6% de inclusão do resíduo), seis repetições e dois animais por unidade experimental (machos castrados e fêmeas) com 30 ± 0,662 kg de peso inicial em período experimental de 24 dias. Foram verificadas as pressuposições estatísticas de normalidade por meio do teste de Shapiro-Wilk e homogeneidade pelo teste de Barllet a 5% de probabilidade. As pressuposições foram atendidas e os dados foram submetidos a análise de variância e teste F a 5% de significância. As variáveis de desempenho, características de carcaça e incidência de diarreia não apresentaram diferenças significativas (P<0,05) entre os níveis inclusão do resíduo na ração. O resíduo pode ser utilizado em até 6% na ração sem afetar o desempenho, as características de carcaça e causar diarreia em suínos em fase de crescimento, no entanto, a inclusão de 4% do resíduo apresenta maior viabilidade econômica.

Modeling the effects of steroid implant use on the environmental and economic sustainability of Brazilian beef production.

Brazilian beef systems contribute 14.9% of global beef production, therefore given climate change concerns, there is a clear need to reduce environmental impacts while maintaining economic viability. This study evaluated the hypothesis that steroid implant use in Brazilian beef cattle would reduce resource use, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and economic costs of production, thereby improving environmental and economic sustainability. A deterministic model based on beef cattle population demographics, nutrition and performance was used to quantify resource inputs and GHG emissions per 1.0 × 106 kg of hot carcass weight (HCW) beef. System boundaries extended from cropping input manufacture to cattle arriving at the slaughterhouse. Beef systems were modeled using herd population dynamics, feed and performance data sourced from producers in four Brazilian states, with additional data from global databases. Implants were used in calves, growing and finishing cattle at low (LI), medium (MI), and high (HI) levels of performance enhancement, compared to nonimplanted (NI) controls. Feed use results were used in combination with producer-derived input costs to assess the economic impacts of implant use, including production costs and returns on investment. Improved FCE, ADG, and carcass weights conferred by implant use reduced the number of cattle and the time taken to produce 1.0 × 106 kg HCW beef. Compared to NI controls, the quantities of feed, land, water and fossil fuels required to produce 1.0 × 106 kg HCW beef was reduced in implanted cattle, with reductions proportional to the performance-enhancing effect of the implant (HI > MI > LI). Implant use reduced GHG emissions per 1.0 × 106 kg HCW beef by 9.4% (LI), 12.6% (MI), or 15.8% (HI). Scaling up the MI effects to represent all eligible Brazilian cattle being implanted, revealed avoided GHG emissions equivalent to the annual exhaust emissions of 62.0 × 106 cars. Economic impacts of implant use reflected the environmental results, resulting in a greater margin for the producers within each system (cow-calf through to finishing). The 6.13% increase in kg of HCW beef produced generates a cost reduction of 3.76% and an increase in the return on invested capital of 4.14% on average. Implants offer the opportunity for Brazilian beef producers to demonstrate their dedication to improving environmental and economic sustainability through improved productivity, although care must be taken to avoid negative trade-offs.

Organic carbon bioavailability: Is it a good driver to choose the best biological nitrogen removal process?

Organic carbon can affect the biological nitrogen removal process since the Anammox, heterotrophic and denitrifying bacteria have different affinities and feedback in relation to carbon/nitrogen ratio. Therefore, we reviewed the wastewater carbon concentration, its biodegradability and bioavailability to choose the appropriate nitrogen removal process between conventional (nitrification-denitrification) and Anammox-based process (i.e. integrated with the partial nitritation, nitritation, simultaneous partial nitrification and denitrification or partial-denitrification). This review will cover: (i) strategies to choose the best nitrogen removal route according to the wastewater characteristics in relation to the organic matter bioavailability and biodegradability; (ii) strategies to efficiently remove nitrogen and the remaining carbon from effluent in anammox-based process and its operating cost; (iii) an economic analysis to determine the operational costs of two-units Anammox-based process when compared with the commonly applied one-unit Anammox system (partial-nitritation-Anammox). On this review, a list of alternatives are summarized and explained for different nitrogen and biodegradable organic carbon concentrations, which are the main factors to determine the best treatment process, based on operational and economic terms. In summary, it depends on the wastewater carbon biodegradability, which implies in the wastewater treatment cost. Thus, to apply the conventional nitrification/denitrification process a CODb/N ratio higher than 3.5 is required to achieve full nitrogen removal efficiency. For an economic point of view, according to the analysis the minimum CODb/gN for successful nitrogen removal by nitrification/denitrification is 5.8 g. If ratios lower than 3.5 are applied, for successfully higher nitrogen removal rates and the economic feasibility of the treatment, Anammox-based routes can be applied to the wastewater treatment plant.

Feedlot-finishing lambs with different levels of soybean pre-cleaning by product as the roughage source / Terminação de cordeiros em confinamento com diferentes teores de coproduto de pré-limpeza de soja como fração volumosa

An experiment was conducted in the Sheep Farming Laboratory at the Federal University of Santa Maria to examine the effect of different levels of replacement of sorghum silage with soybean pre-cleaning by product (SPCB) on nutrient intake, performance and feeding behavior; as well as to undertake an economic analysis of feeding finishing lambs in a feedlot system. The study involved 32 uncastrated Texel × Ile de France crossbred male lambs weaned at 60 days of age. Treatments consisted of diets in which the roughage source (sorghum silage) was replaced with SPCB at the levels of 0, 33.5, 66.5 or 100% (DM basis). A 45:55 roughage:concentrate ratio was used (DM basis). The diets were composed of a roughage feed based on sorghum silage and/or SPCB, and a concentrate consisting of crushed maize, soybean meal and limestone. In addition, mineral salt was freely available to the animals. The lambs were slaughtered upon reaching the pre-established live weight of 35 kg. Intake on a DM basis showed a quadratic response (P ≤ 0.05) in all forms it was evaluated and expressed, except for the NDF fraction, which increased linearly (P ≤ 0.05) with SPCB inclusion. Average daily weight gain was not significantly influenced (P > 0.05) by the different SPCB levels, averaging 292 g/day. As regards the feeding behavior characteristics evaluated, the number of daily feeding bouts increased linearly (P ≤ 0.01) with the SPCB content of the diets. Total feed cost decreased linearly (P ≤ 0.01), whereas the profit per kilogram of gain and profit obtained per day in the feedlot period increased linearly (P ≤ 0.01) with SPCB inclusion. The use of soybean pre-cleaning by-product as the roughage source in the finishing of feedlot lambs proved to be a viable alternative in both the productive and economic terms.(AU)

O experimento foi conduzido no Laboratório de Ovinocultura da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de diferentes teores de substituição da silagem de sorgo por coderivado da pré limpeza de soja (CPLS), sobre o consumo de nutrientes, o desempenho e o comportamento ingestivo, assim como realizar análise econômica da alimentação na terminação de cordeiros em sistema de confinamento. Foram utilizados 32 cordeiros machos, não castrados, cruza Texel x Ile de France, desmamados aos 60 dias de idade. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por diferentes teores de substituição do alimento volumoso (silagem de sorgo) por coderivado da pré-limpeza de soja em teores de 0%, 33,5%, 66,5% e 100% de substituição, com base na MS. Utilizou-se uma relação volumoso:concentrado de 45:55, com base na matéria seca. As rações eram compostas por volumoso a base de silagem de sorgo e/ou coderivados da pré-limpeza de soja, e o concentrado composto por milho desintegrado, farelo de soja e calcário calcítico. Além disso, foi fornecido sal mineral à vontade para os animais. Os cordeiros foram abatidos quando atingiram o peso pré-estabelecido de 35 kg de peso vivo. Os consumos em base na MS apresentaram comportamento quadrático (P ≤ 0,05), em todas as formas que foram avaliados e expressos, exceto o consumo de FDN que apresentou comportamento linear crescente (P ≤ 0,05) com o aumento dos teores de CPLS. O ganho de peso médio diário, não foi influenciado significativamente (P > 0,05) pelos diferentes teores de CPLS, com valor médio de 292 gramas por dia. Quanto às características do comportamento ingestivo avaliadas, observou-se que o número diário de refeições aumentou linearmente (P ≤ 0,01) com o incremento do teor de CPLS nas rações. O custo total diminuiu linearmente (P ≤ 0,01) enquanto que o lucro por kg de ganho e o lucro obtido por dia no período de confinamento aumentaram linearmente (P ≤ 0,01) com a elevação da inclusão de [...].(AU)

Feedlot-finishing lambs with different levels of soybean pre-cleaning by product as the roughage source / Terminação de cordeiros em confinamento com diferentes teores de coproduto de pré-limpeza de soja como fração volumosa

An experiment was conducted in the Sheep Farming Laboratory at the Federal University of Santa Maria to examine the effect of different levels of replacement of sorghum silage with soybean pre-cleaning by product (SPCB) on nutrient intake, performance and feeding behavior; as well as to undertake an economic analysis of feeding finishing lambs in a feedlot system. The study involved 32 uncastrated Texel × Ile de France crossbred male lambs weaned at 60 days of age. Treatments consisted of diets in which the roughage source (sorghum silage) was replaced with SPCB at the levels of 0, 33.5, 66.5 or 100% (DM basis). A 45:55 roughage:concentrate ratio was used (DM basis). The diets were composed of a roughage feed based on sorghum silage and/or SPCB, and a concentrate consisting of crushed maize, soybean meal and limestone. In addition, mineral salt was freely available to the animals. The lambs were slaughtered upon reaching the pre-established live weight of 35 kg. Intake on a DM basis showed a quadratic response (P ≤ 0.05) in all forms it was evaluated and expressed, except for the NDF fraction, which increased linearly (P ≤ 0.05) with SPCB inclusion. Average daily weight gain was not significantly influenced (P > 0.05) by the different SPCB levels, averaging 292 g/day. As regards the feeding behavior characteristics evaluated, the number of daily feeding bouts increased linearly (P ≤ 0.01) with the SPCB content of the diets. Total feed cost decreased linearly (P ≤ 0.01), whereas the profit per kilogram of gain and profit obtained per day in the feedlot period increased linearly (P ≤ 0.01) with SPCB inclusion. The use of soybean pre-cleaning by-product as the roughage source in the finishing of feedlot lambs proved to be a viable alternative in both the productive and economic terms.

O experimento foi conduzido no Laboratório de Ovinocultura da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito de diferentes teores de substituição da silagem de sorgo por coderivado da pré limpeza de soja (CPLS), sobre o consumo de nutrientes, o desempenho e o comportamento ingestivo, assim como realizar análise econômica da alimentação na terminação de cordeiros em sistema de confinamento. Foram utilizados 32 cordeiros machos, não castrados, cruza Texel x Ile de France, desmamados aos 60 dias de idade. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por diferentes teores de substituição do alimento volumoso (silagem de sorgo) por coderivado da pré-limpeza de soja em teores de 0%, 33,5%, 66,5% e 100% de substituição, com base na MS. Utilizou-se uma relação volumoso:concentrado de 45:55, com base na matéria seca. As rações eram compostas por volumoso a base de silagem de sorgo e/ou coderivados da pré-limpeza de soja, e o concentrado composto por milho desintegrado, farelo de soja e calcário calcítico. Além disso, foi fornecido sal mineral à vontade para os animais. Os cordeiros foram abatidos quando atingiram o peso pré-estabelecido de 35 kg de peso vivo. Os consumos em base na MS apresentaram comportamento quadrático (P ≤ 0,05), em todas as formas que foram avaliados e expressos, exceto o consumo de FDN que apresentou comportamento linear crescente (P ≤ 0,05) com o aumento dos teores de CPLS. O ganho de peso médio diário, não foi influenciado significativamente (P > 0,05) pelos diferentes teores de CPLS, com valor médio de 292 gramas por dia. Quanto às características do comportamento ingestivo avaliadas, observou-se que o número diário de refeições aumentou linearmente (P ≤ 0,01) com o incremento do teor de CPLS nas rações. O custo total diminuiu linearmente (P ≤ 0,01) enquanto que o lucro por kg de ganho e o lucro obtido por dia no período de confinamento aumentaram linearmente (P ≤ 0,01) com a elevação da inclusão de [...].

Biscuit residue in the nutrition of laying hens: effects on animal health, performance and egg quality

Background: Corn and soybean meal are common ingredients used in poultry feed in order to supply the demand forenergy and protein, respectively. Also, these ingredients directly influence the final price of the diets, and consequently,the final cost of production. A major problem is associated to the oscillation of these grains in some months of the year.Therefore, there is a need to search for nutritionally and economically viable alternatives to mitigate this problem. The aimwas to evaluate whether the addition of biscuit residue could partially replace the use of corn in the feed of laying hens inorder to obtain economic viability without impairment on production, egg quality and animal health.Materials, Methods & Results: The experiment was completely randomized and each repetition was considered one experimental unity. One hundred Hy-line brown 48 week-old chickens were allocated in cages and divided into five groupswith four repetitions each, allocating five animals per cage. The group T0 was composed by animals that received thebasal diet, i.e. without biscuit residue. The other groups were composed by increasing levels of biscuit residue to substitutecorn i.e., group T7 (7% of biscuit residue), T14 (14% of biscuit residue), T21 (21% of biscuit residue) and T28 (28% ofbiscuit residue). Productive performance of the animals, egg quality, as well as analysis of blood parameters related tolipid metabolism, carbohydrates and proteins of birds were measured at the beginning of the experiment (day 0) and atthe end of each cycle (days 21, 42 and 63 of experiment). Among the performance variables, only feed conversion wasaltered by biscuit residue, i.e., the feed conversion was lower in the groups that received the residue when compared tothe control. The replacement of corn by biscuit residue did not affect laying rate (P > 0.05). Regarding egg quality, a less...(AU)

Biscuit residue in the nutrition of laying hens: effects on animal health, performance and egg quality

Background: Corn and soybean meal are common ingredients used in poultry feed in order to supply the demand forenergy and protein, respectively. Also, these ingredients directly influence the final price of the diets, and consequently,the final cost of production. A major problem is associated to the oscillation of these grains in some months of the year.Therefore, there is a need to search for nutritionally and economically viable alternatives to mitigate this problem. The aimwas to evaluate whether the addition of biscuit residue could partially replace the use of corn in the feed of laying hens inorder to obtain economic viability without impairment on production, egg quality and animal health.Materials, Methods & Results: The experiment was completely randomized and each repetition was considered one experimental unity. One hundred Hy-line brown 48 week-old chickens were allocated in cages and divided into five groupswith four repetitions each, allocating five animals per cage. The group T0 was composed by animals that received thebasal diet, i.e. without biscuit residue. The other groups were composed by increasing levels of biscuit residue to substitutecorn i.e., group T7 (7% of biscuit residue), T14 (14% of biscuit residue), T21 (21% of biscuit residue) and T28 (28% ofbiscuit residue). Productive performance of the animals, egg quality, as well as analysis of blood parameters related tolipid metabolism, carbohydrates and proteins of birds were measured at the beginning of the experiment (day 0) and atthe end of each cycle (days 21, 42 and 63 of experiment). Among the performance variables, only feed conversion wasaltered by biscuit residue, i.e., the feed conversion was lower in the groups that received the residue when compared tothe control. The replacement of corn by biscuit residue did not affect laying rate (P > 0.05). Regarding egg quality, a less...

Cost of controlling Rhipicephalus microplus in dairy cattle through different methods / Custo do controle do Rhipicephalus microplus em bovinos leiteiros considerando diferentes métodos

This study examines the cost of applying ixodicides by using three methods (subcutaneous injection, pour-on and spraying), in different animal categories, to generate information that can help in the choice of the method. The research was carried out between May and September 2017, in the dairy cattle section of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of the South of Minas Gerais - IFSULDEMINAS - Muzambinho campus, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. All operational expenses related to the application of the ixodicides were recorded. Data were collected by three people: two to time the application of the product and one to record the measured data. Twenty-seven Holstein cattle infested with Rhipicephalus microplus were used, consisting of 12 calves, six heifers and nine adult cows. A simulation was carried out with 50 and 100 animals to check the effect of the production scale on the cost of applying the ixodicides. Application times (animal transport, product dosing and application itself) for the calves, heifers and cow categories were shorter in the injection and pour-on methods, which did not differ from each other in any of the three studied categories. The time spent per animal on the washing of personal protective equipment and washing of sprayer reduced as the number of animals increased, because these procedures are performed only once regardless of the number of animals. The pour-on method was the least expensive. Production scale was found to be an important factor for diluting fixed costs and optimizing labor.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar o custo da aplicação de carrapaticida utilizando-se três métodos (injetável via subcutânea, pour-on e pulverização), em diferentes categorias animais, com o intuito de fornecer informações que auxiliem na decisão da escolha de um método. A pesquisa foi realizada entre maio a setembro de 2017, no setor de bovinocultura de leite do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Sul de Minas Gerais - IFSULDEMINAS - Campus Muzambinho, Minas Gerais. Foram levantadas todas as despesas operacionais referentes à aplicação de carrapaticida. A coleta dos dados foi realizada por três pessoas: duas para cronometrar o tempo de aplicação do produto e uma para anotar os dados aferidos. Foram utilizados 27 animais da raça Holandesa parasitadas por Rhipicephalus microplus, sendo 12 bezerras, seis novilhas e nove vacas adultas. Foi realizada uma simulação com 50e 100 animais, visando verificar o efeito da escala de produção no custo da aplicação de carrapaticidas.Os tempos para as aplicações dos carrapaticidas (condução do animal, dosagem do produto e aplicação)das categorias de bezerras, novilhas e vacas foram menores nos métodos injetável e pour-on, que não diferiram entre si, em nenhuma das três categorias estudadas. Os tempos gastos por animal relacionados às lavagens do EPI e do pulverizador reduziram à medida que a quantidade de animais aumentou, devido ao fato desses procedimentos serem feitos somente uma vez independentemente da quantidade de animais. O método pour-on foi o de menor custo. Constatou-se que a escala de produção é um fator importante para diluição dos custos fixos e otimização da mão de obra.(AU)

Cost of controlling Rhipicephalus microplus in dairy cattle through different methods / Custo do controle do Rhipicephalus microplus em bovinos leiteiros considerando diferentes métodos

This study examines the cost of applying ixodicides by using three methods (subcutaneous injection, pour-on and spraying), in different animal categories, to generate information that can help in the choice of the method. The research was carried out between May and September 2017, in the dairy cattle section of the Federal Institute of Education, Science and Technology of the South of Minas Gerais - IFSULDEMINAS - Muzambinho campus, state of Minas Gerais, Brazil. All operational expenses related to the application of the ixodicides were recorded. Data were collected by three people: two to time the application of the product and one to record the measured data. Twenty-seven Holstein cattle infested with Rhipicephalus microplus were used, consisting of 12 calves, six heifers and nine adult cows. A simulation was carried out with 50 and 100 animals to check the effect of the production scale on the cost of applying the ixodicides. Application times (animal transport, product dosing and application itself) for the calves, heifers and cow categories were shorter in the injection and pour-on methods, which did not differ from each other in any of the three studied categories. The time spent per animal on the washing of personal protective equipment and washing of sprayer reduced as the number of animals increased, because these procedures are performed only once regardless of the number of animals. The pour-on method was the least expensive. Production scale was found to be an important factor for diluting fixed costs and optimizing labor.

Objetivou-se avaliar o custo da aplicação de carrapaticida utilizando-se três métodos (injetável via subcutânea, pour-on e pulverização), em diferentes categorias animais, com o intuito de fornecer informações que auxiliem na decisão da escolha de um método. A pesquisa foi realizada entre maio a setembro de 2017, no setor de bovinocultura de leite do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia do Sul de Minas Gerais - IFSULDEMINAS - Campus Muzambinho, Minas Gerais. Foram levantadas todas as despesas operacionais referentes à aplicação de carrapaticida. A coleta dos dados foi realizada por três pessoas: duas para cronometrar o tempo de aplicação do produto e uma para anotar os dados aferidos. Foram utilizados 27 animais da raça Holandesa parasitadas por Rhipicephalus microplus, sendo 12 bezerras, seis novilhas e nove vacas adultas. Foi realizada uma simulação com 50e 100 animais, visando verificar o efeito da escala de produção no custo da aplicação de carrapaticidas.Os tempos para as aplicações dos carrapaticidas (condução do animal, dosagem do produto e aplicação)das categorias de bezerras, novilhas e vacas foram menores nos métodos injetável e pour-on, que não diferiram entre si, em nenhuma das três categorias estudadas. Os tempos gastos por animal relacionados às lavagens do EPI e do pulverizador reduziram à medida que a quantidade de animais aumentou, devido ao fato desses procedimentos serem feitos somente uma vez independentemente da quantidade de animais. O método pour-on foi o de menor custo. Constatou-se que a escala de produção é um fator importante para diluição dos custos fixos e otimização da mão de obra.

Induction of lactation: an economic study of tool for dairy heifers with successive reproductive failures / Indução de lactação: levantamento econômico da utilização desta ferramenta em novilhas leiteiras com sucessivas falhas reprodutivas

The aim of this study was to evaluate the economic viability of the use of a lactation induction protocol in Holstein heifers. Were collected data of nutritional, reproductive and sanitary management pre and post-lactation period from 30 induction heifers (IG) and 30 pregnant heifers (CG). All animals were inseminated around 14 months of age and started lactation at 23±4 months. The animals of IG were heifers do not pregnant after two inseminations and natural service e were induced to lactation according to protocol: from the 1st to the 8th day, 30 mg of estradiol benzoate were administered daily, together with 300 mg of progesterone. From the 9th until the 14th, animals only received daily doses of 20 mg estradiol benzoate. On 16th day, 0.56 mg of sodium cloprostenol was administered and injections of 40 mg of dexamethasone sodium phosphate were administered daily from the 19th to the 21st day. On the 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd day, the animals received a dose of sometribove zinc. The animals of CG were managed according to the farm routine. The costs of the CG during pre and post lactation (nutrition, sanitary, reproduction management) e were higher than the IG, however, when evaluating the economic viability due to lower milk production, the induced group did not leave profit in the first year of use. When comparing the lactation induction with the sale of animals that did not conceive and purchase of animals for replacement, this last scenario showed itself as a better alternative.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a viabilidade econômica do uso de um protocolo de indução a lactação em novilhas da raça Holandês. Foram coletados dados econômicos do manejo nutricional, reprodutivo e sanitário pré e pós lactação de 30 novilhas induzidas à lactação (IG) e 30 novilhas prenhes (CG). Todos os animais foram inseminados em torno de 14 meses de idade e iniciaram a lactação com aproximadamente 23±4 meses. Os animais do IG foram novilhas que não conceberam após duas inseminações e monta natural, e foram induzidas à lactação com o protocolo: do 1° ao 8° dia receberam aplicação de 30 mg de benzoato de estradiol juntamente com 300 mg de progesterona. A partir do 9° dia até o 14° receberam 20 mg de benzoato de estradiol. No dia 16 ocorreu uma aplicação de 0.56 mg cloprostenol sódico e nos dias 19 ao 21, de 40 mg de dexametasona. Nos dias 1, 8, 15, e 22, os animais receberam 500 mg somatotropina recombinante bovina. Os animais do CG foram manejados conforme a rotina da propriedade. Os custos do CG durante o pré e lactação (nutrição, sanidade, reprodução) foram superiores ao grupo induzido. No entanto, ao avaliar a viabilidade econômica, devido a menor produção leiteira, o grupo induzido não deixou lucro na propriedade no primeiro ano de utilização. Ao comparar a indução de lactação com a venda de animais que não conceberam e a compra de animais para reposição, este último cenário mostrou-se como uma melhor alternativa.(AU)

Replacing oat hay with coffee husk in the feed of finishing lambs / A casca de café em substituição ao feno de aveia na alimentação de cordeiros em terminação

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of replacing oat hay with coffee husk for the feeding of confined lambs. In this study, 24 male Texel lambs of approximately 60 days of age and with a mean ± standard error weight of 21.95 ± 5.81 kg were examined. Their diet was composed of 30% oat hay and 70% concentrated feed per kilogram of dry matter. The experimental design was randomized and included four treatments (0, 7.5, 15, and 22.5% of coffee husk in the total dry matter), with six replicates of each treatment. The animals were slaughtered when they reached a mean live weight of 32 kg. There was no significant difference in dry matter intake and mean daily weight gain (which were 197 g day-1) among treatments. The mean daily weight gain (DWG) was not significantly affected (P > 0.05) by the replacement of oat hay with coffee husk in the diet, with the overall mean DWG being 215.05 g day-1. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) among treatments in any of the studied carcass variables, and the mean true carcass yield was 53.9%. The lambs presented a mean finishing score of 2.96 (on a scale of 1 to 5) and a conformation of 4.21 (on a scale of 1 to 6), characterizing them as good carcasses. In terms of economic viability, the 7.5% diet stood out as the one that had the highest profitability, generating a profit of $ 3.25 USD per kg of carcass produced. Coffee husk can therefore replace oat hay in the feed of finishing lambs in concentrations of 0.075 to 0.225 kg kg-¹ of total dry matter with biological and economical efficacy and generating good commercial carcasses.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia da substituição do feno de aveia pela casca de café na alimentação de cordeiros confinados. Foram utilizados 24 cordeiros machos da raça Texel, com aproximadamente 60 dias de idade e pesando em média (21,95 kg ± 5,81). As rações foram compostas por 30% de feno de Aveia e 70% de concentrado por kg de matéria seca. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos (0; 7,5; 15 e 22,5 % de casca de café na matéria seca total da dieta) e seis repetições. O abate dos animais foi realizado quando atingiram a média de 32 kg de peso vivo. Não foram observadas variações no consumo de nutrientes, assim como no ganho de peso médio diário (197 g dia-1). O ganho de peso médio diário (GPD) não foi alterado (P > 0,05) com a substituição do feno de aveia pela casca de café na dieta, ficando com média de 215,05 g dia-1. Não houve diferença (P > 0,05) para nenhuma das variáveis de carcaça estudadas e o rendimento verdadeiro da carcaça foi em média 53,9%. Os cordeiros apresentaram média de 2,96 para grau de acabamento (escala de 1 a 5) e 4,21 de conformação, caracterizando boas carcaças. Com relação à viabilidade econômica, a dieta com 0,075 kg de casca de café teve destaque em lucratividade, gerando 3,25 U$ de lucro por kg de carcaça produzida. A casca de café pode substituir o feno de aveia na terminação de cordeiros, em teores de 7,5 a 22,5% da matéria seca total da dieta com eficácia biológica e econômica, gerando boas carcaças para a comercialização.(AU)

Replacing oat hay with coffee husk in the feed of finishing lambs / A casca de café em substituição ao feno de aveia na alimentação de cordeiros em terminação

The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of replacing oat hay with coffee husk for the feeding of confined lambs. In this study, 24 male Texel lambs of approximately 60 days of age and with a mean ± standard error weight of 21.95 ± 5.81 kg were examined. Their diet was composed of 30% oat hay and 70% concentrated feed per kilogram of dry matter. The experimental design was randomized and included four treatments (0, 7.5, 15, and 22.5% of coffee husk in the total dry matter), with six replicates of each treatment. The animals were slaughtered when they reached a mean live weight of 32 kg. There was no significant difference in dry matter intake and mean daily weight gain (which were 197 g day-1) among treatments. The mean daily weight gain (DWG) was not significantly affected (P > 0.05) by the replacement of oat hay with coffee husk in the diet, with the overall mean DWG being 215.05 g day-1. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) among treatments in any of the studied carcass variables, and the mean true carcass yield was 53.9%. The lambs presented a mean finishing score of 2.96 (on a scale of 1 to 5) and a conformation of 4.21 (on a scale of 1 to 6), characterizing them as good carcasses. In terms of economic viability, the 7.5% diet stood out as the one that had the highest profitability, generating a profit of $ 3.25 USD per kg of carcass produced. Coffee husk can therefore replace oat hay in the feed of finishing lambs in concentrations of 0.075 to 0.225 kg kg-¹ of total dry matter with biological and economical efficacy and generating good commercial carcasses.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a eficácia da substituição do feno de aveia pela casca de café na alimentação de cordeiros confinados. Foram utilizados 24 cordeiros machos da raça Texel, com aproximadamente 60 dias de idade e pesando em média (21,95 kg ± 5,81). As rações foram compostas por 30% de feno de Aveia e 70% de concentrado por kg de matéria seca. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos (0; 7,5; 15 e 22,5 % de casca de café na matéria seca total da dieta) e seis repetições. O abate dos animais foi realizado quando atingiram a média de 32 kg de peso vivo. Não foram observadas variações no consumo de nutrientes, assim como no ganho de peso médio diário (197 g dia-1). O ganho de peso médio diário (GPD) não foi alterado (P > 0,05) com a substituição do feno de aveia pela casca de café na dieta, ficando com média de 215,05 g dia-1. Não houve diferença (P > 0,05) para nenhuma das variáveis de carcaça estudadas e o rendimento verdadeiro da carcaça foi em média 53,9%. Os cordeiros apresentaram média de 2,96 para grau de acabamento (escala de 1 a 5) e 4,21 de conformação, caracterizando boas carcaças. Com relação à viabilidade econômica, a dieta com 0,075 kg de casca de café teve destaque em lucratividade, gerando 3,25 U$ de lucro por kg de carcaça produzida. A casca de café pode substituir o feno de aveia na terminação de cordeiros, em teores de 7,5 a 22,5% da matéria seca total da dieta com eficácia biológica e econômica, gerando boas carcaças para a comercialização.