Aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments as a tool for the assessment of the contamination status of mangrove forests in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil).

The distribution of aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in surface sediments from mangrove forests of the Rio de Janeiro State was investigated. Ten sampling stations were selected in the mangroves of Sepetiba Bay and the Jacarepaguá Lagoon Complex (JLC), which are areas affected by multiple human activities. The total aliphatic hydrocarbons concentrations showed marked variation between samples (27-407 µg g-1), mostly related to the total organic carbon contents. The total PAHs concentration ranged between 38 and 792 ng g-1. Diagnostic indices and statistical analysis showed that the mangrove forests can be divided into three groups: the western portion of Sepetiba Bay with the lowest level of contamination; the inner portion of the bay with the most intense presence of local sources of contamination, especially of pyrolytic character; and the JLC with a greater accumulation of hydrocarbons, mainly derived from petroleum combustion, resultant from the intense urbanization.

Herbage mass and allowance and animal genotype affect daily herbage intake, productivity, and efficiency of beef cows grazing native subtropical grassland.

The beef sector in Campos grasslands must increase animal productivity without external inputs, while reducing environmental impact. The objective of this study was to estimate herbage intake (g/metabolic body weight [MBW]/d) of straightbred (Hereford/Angus) and crossbred (F1 of Hereford × Angus) beef cows grazing subtropical native grassland with High and Low herbage allowance (HA, 5 vs. 3 kg DM/kg bodyweight [BW]) during gestation and lactation and its relationship with biological efficiency of cow-calf productivity. Herbage intake (estimated via n-alkanes C32:C33 ratio) was measured during early (Ge1, -163 d prior calving) and mid to late [Gm1 (-83) and Gm2 (-90 d prior calving)] gestation and lactation (L0, L1, and L2, 60, 47, and 31d following calving) periods in 24 to 36 cows, selected to create 8 groups (4 per block) of HA × cow genotype treatment. Cows grazed native grassland year-round, under High and Low HA (except in winter). We analyzed the effect of cow genotype (straightbred vs. crossbred cows) and HA (High vs. Low) on herbage mass and height, daily herbage intake rate (DMI), cow body condition score (BCS), calf average daily gain (ADG) and BW at weaning (BWW) and g of calf weaned/kg DMI. High allowance improved DMI during lactation periods (High 115.6 vs. Low 94.1 ± 5.3; P < 0.05 g/MBW/d). Crossbred cows decreased DMI during gestation (Crossbred 81 vs. Straightbred 94 ± 4.3; P = 0.05 g/MBW/d) compared with straightbred cows. Crossbred and High HA improved biological efficiency, 40.0 vs. 26.2 and 36.0 vs. 29.7 g of calf/kg DMI, respectively. High allowance increased herbage mass and sites with greater canopy height that allow greater DMI, positively associated with cow BCS at weaning, calf ADG, BWW, and g of calf/kg DMI. Crossbred cows reduced DMI during gestation showing no greater annual DMI. Animal productivity and biological efficiency can be improved using High HA and crossbred cows, which should decrease the environmental impact of cow-calf systems.

Source identification of n-alkanes and isoprenoids using diagnostic ratios and carbon isotopic composition on crude oils and surface waters from the Gulf of Mexico.

Diagnostic ratios and compound-specific isotopic analysis (CSIA) are two tools that can help identify and differentiate the petrogenic and biogenic sources of hydrocarbons found in environmental samples. The present study aims to evaluate the concentration and type of n-alkanes and isoprenoids found in the oligotrophic waters of the Gulf of Mexico (n = 14), and through the typical diagnostic ratios reported for n-alkanes and its carbon isotopic composition (δ13C) to establish and differentiate the possible source of the hydrocarbons. Additionally, crude oil samples (n = 10) extracted in the Gulf of Mexico were evaluated by CSIA as a possible source of hydrocarbons to the study area. We found that the CSIA of δ13C for n-alkanes (n-C11 to n-C30) and isoprenoids (pristane and phytane) found in the surface water samples varied from - 25.55 to - 37.59‰ and from - 23.78 to - 33.97‰ in the crude oil samples, values which are more related to petrogenic sources. An analysis of the δ13C for pristane vs. phytane suggests that only three surface water samples show an origin in common that those observed in crude oils of the Gulf of Mexico. A low incidence of odd- and even-numbered n-alkanes higher than n-C25 in the water samples indicate low to negligible presence of terrigenous sources into the area, which was supported by the carbon isotopic composition of the individual n-alkanes.

Evaluation of Aliphatic Hydrocarbons in Surface Sediments of Lagoa Mirim (RS, Brazil).

In this study, the hydrocarbons (HCs) levels in sediments from Lagoa Mirim, situated in the south of Brazil, were verified. The methodology brought together stages of pre-sonification, soxhlet extraction, and determination by gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Ten sample points were evaluated where ∑n-alkanes varied between 1.46 µg kg-1 ± 4.0% and 10.10 µg kg-1 ± 17.6%. Diagnostic indexes were calculated, being: Carbon Preferential Index (CPI), terrestrial/aquatic ratio (TAR), unresolved complex mixture (UCM), UCM/∑n-alkanes ratio, and n-alkane ratio with Low molecular weight hydrocarbon and High molecular weight hydrocarbons (HMW/LMW). In general, the results of this study indicate a low anthropogenic impact in the environment.

Synergism in Host Selection Behavior of Three Generalist Insects Towards Leaf Cuticular Wax of Sesame Cultivars.

Leaf cuticular wax plays important role in host selection, oviposition, and feeding of phytophagous insects. Thus, the role of cuticular wax of sesame (Sesamum indicum) cultivars (Savitri and Nirmala) in host selection of 3 generalist pests (Spilosoma obliqua Walker, Helicoverpa armigera Hübner, and Spodoptera litura Fabricius) was investigated under laboratory conditions. The GC-MS and GC-FID analyses of leaf surface waxes of both cultivars indicated the presence of 14 n-alkanes from n-C9 to n-C44 and 12 free fatty acids (FFAs) from C9:0 to C20:0. The most predominant n-alkane and FFA of the cultivars were n-C26 (94.3 ± 7.27 µg leaf-1) and C18:1 (110.8 ± 10.07 µg leaf-1), respectively present in Savitri cultivar. The generalists used visual (color and shape), olfactory (odorous n-alkanes and FFAs), tactile (surface ultra-structure), and gustatory (cuticular wax) cues in a synergistic manner for their host selection through attraction (adults and larvae) followed by oviposition (adults) and feeding (larvae) on studied cultivars (Savitri > Nirmala). Their olfactory responses were maximum towards 2 leaf equivalent amount, whereas oviposition and feeding preference were maximum towards 4 leaf equivalent amount of the combined synthetic (4 n-alkanes (n-C16, n-C22, n-C24, n-C26) + 3 FFAs (C12:0, C14:0, C18:1)) mixture-treated intact leaf of cultivar Savitri. This finding can suggest that the synthetic blend (4 n-alkanes + 3 FFAs) in leaf equivalent amount (396.6 ± 4.13 µg leaf-1) or more from cultivar Savitri can be used as lures to develop baited trap. In addition, the cultivar Nirmala can be used as a resistant cultivar in the ecological pest management (EPM) framework of these target pest species.

Modifying the catalytic preference of alpha-amylase toward n-alkanes for bioremediation purposes using in silico strategies.

Since the beginning of oil exploration, whole ecosystems have been affected by accidents and bad practices involving petroleum compounds. In this sense, bioremediation stands out as the cheapest and most eco-friendly alternatives to reverse the damage done in oil-impacted areas. However, more efforts must be made to engineer enzymes that could be used in the bioremediation process. Interestingly, a recent work described that α-amylase, one of the most evolutionary conserved enzymes, was able to promiscuously degrade n-alkanes, a class of molecules abundant in the petroleum admixture. Considering that α-amylase is expressed in almost all known organisms, and employed in numerous biotechnological processes, using it can be a great leap toward more efficient applications of enzyme or microorganism-consortia bioremediation approaches. In this work, we employed a strict computational approach to design new α-amylase mutants with potentially enhanced catalytic efficiency toward n-alkanes. Using in silico techniques, such as molecular docking, molecular dynamics, metadynamics, and residue-residue interaction networks, we generated mutants potentially more efficient for degrading n-alkanes, L183Y, and N314A. Our results indicate that the new mutants have an increased binding rate for tetradecane, the longest n-alkane previously tested, which can reside in the catalytic center for more extended periods. Additionally, molecular dynamics and network analysis showed that the new mutations have no negative impact on protein structure than the WT. Our results aid in solidifying this enzyme as one more tool in the petroleum bioremediation toolbox.

Use of n-alkanes to trace erosion and main sources of sediments in a watershed in southern Brazil.

Erosive processes can transport sediments containing nutrients, heavy metals and contaminants of organic and inorganic origin into bodies of water, therefore affecting the local ecosystem and the population that benefits from the water sources. In order to better understand the origin of sediment sources and establish mitigation measures, the use of the sediment fingerprinting technique has been highlighted. Thus, the present work had as objective to apply n-alkanes in order to trace and understand the main sources of organic matter in sediments and associate the results with land and soil occupation. The study area is located in the municipality of Rio Negrinho - Brazil, in the Saci river basin. Soil samples were collected and classified according to their use and occupation, as well as and samples of local vegetation to be used as reference. The distribution of n-alkanes in the sediments was compared with the distribution found in the vegetation and soil. Previously, a distribution pattern of n-alkanes had been identified in all major vegetation used to trace the source of organic matter and hence the soil. The concentrations of total organic carbon (TOC), total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and granulometry were also analyzed in the soil and sediment samples. Indexes between n-alkanes were used and applied to assess the source together with statistical analysis (PCA). In sum, the results showed that the sediments are mainly composed of Pinus taeda reforestation soils, as well as soil from the abandoned roads used to transport the cut trees, while the contribution of autochthonous sediments was found to be minimal. In this way, the fingerprint technique served as an auxiliary tool in order to establish measures for the good management of a river basin, bringing important information about the contributing sources of sediment to water bodies.

Concentrate containing calcium salts of fatty acids rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids can change rumen fermentation in grazing goats / Concentrado contendo sais de cálcio ricos em ácidos graxos poli-insaturados altera a fermentação ruminal de cabras na pastagem

Feeding goats with calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA) can supply ruminants with lipids, with minimal effects on ruminal fermentation and fiber digestibility. However, there is a shortage of information on the effect of CSFA on characteristics of rumen fermentation in grassland goats. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the addition of CSFA to concentrate on the parameters of rumen fermentation of grazing goats. Five rumen cannulated goats were distributed in a Latin square 5x5 design (treatments: 0%, 1.5%, 3.0%, 4.5% and 6.0% CSFA. The pH, ammonia N and volatile fatty acids (VFA) content were analyzed in the ruminal fluid at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours after concentrate supplementation. The pH and ammonia N concentration showed a linear effect with the addition of CSFA. There was no effect observed for the VFA molar concentration after grazing goats were fed with the experimental diet. In conclusion, further research is needed to investigate the addition of CSFA to goat diets because there is evidence that CSFA increases ruminal pH and decreases excess ruminal ammonia without changing the VFA concentration in the rumen fluid.(AU)

Alimentar cabras com sais de cálcio de ácidos graxos (SCAG) pode fornecer aos ruminantes lipídios, com efeitos mínimos na fermentação ruminal e digestibilidade das fibras. No entanto, há escassez de informações sobre o efeito da SCAG sobre as características da fermentação do rúmen em cabras de pastagem. Assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a adição de SCAG no concentrado de cabras na passagem sob nos parâmetros de fermentação ruminal. Cinco cabras canuladas do rúmen foram distribuídas em um quadrado latino 5x5 (tratamentos: 0%, 1,5%, 3,0%, 4,5% ou 6,0% de SCAG). O pH, N-amoniacal e ácidos graxos voláteis (AGV) foram analisado no liquido ruminal coletado às 0, 2, 4, 6 e 8 horas após a suplementação com concentrado. As concentrações de pH e N-amoniacal mostraram um efeito linear com a adição de SCAG. Não houve efeito observado para a concentração molar de AGV quando as cabras foram alimentadas com a dieta experimental. Em conclusão, são necessárias mais pesquisas para investigar a adição de SCAG às dietas de cabra, porque há evidências de que o SCAG aumenta o pH ruminal e diminui o excesso de amônia ruminal sem alterar a concentração de AGV no liquido ruminal.(AU)

Desiccation Resistance and Micro-Climate Adaptation: Cuticular Hydrocarbon Signatures of Different Argentine Ant Supercolonies Across California.

Cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs), the dominant fraction of the insects' epicuticle and the primary barrier to desiccation, form the basis for a wide range of chemical signaling systems. In eusocial insects, CHCs are key mediators of nestmate recognition, and colony identity appears to be maintained through a uniform CHC profile. In the unicolonial Argentine ant Linepithema humile, an unparalleled invasive expansion has led to vast supercolonies whose nestmates can still recognize each other across thousands of miles. CHC profiles are expected to display considerable variation as they adapt to fundamentally differing environmental conditions across the Argentine ant's expanded range, yet this variation would largely conflict with the vastly extended nestmate recognition based on CHC uniformity. To shed light on these seemingly contradictory selective pressures, we attempt to decipher which CHC classes enable adaptation to such a wide array of environmental conditions and contrast them with the overall CHC profile uniformity postulated to maintain nestmate recognition. n-Alkanes and n-alkenes showed the largest adaptability to environmental conditions most closely associated with desiccation, pointing at their function for water-proofing. Trimethyl alkanes, on the other hand, were reduced in environments associated with higher desiccation stress. However, CHC patterns correlated with environmental conditions were largely overriden when taking overall CHC variation across the expanded range of L. humile into account, resulting in conserved colony-specific CHC signatures. This delivers intriguing insights into the hierarchy of CHC functionality integrating both adaptation to a wide array of different climatic conditions and the maintenance of a universally accepted chemical profile.

Concentrate containing calcium salts of fatty acids rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids can change rumen fermentation in grazing goats / Concentrado contendo sais de cálcio ricos em ácidos graxos poli-insaturados altera a fermentação ruminal de cabras na pastagem

Feeding goats with calcium salts of fatty acids (CSFA) can supply ruminants with lipids, with minimal effects on ruminal fermentation and fiber digestibility. However, there is a shortage of information on the effect of CSFA on characteristics of rumen fermentation in grassland goats. Thus, the present study aimed to assess the addition of CSFA to concentrate on the parameters of rumen fermentation of grazing goats. Five rumen cannulated goats were distributed in a Latin square 5x5 design (treatments: 0%, 1.5%, 3.0%, 4.5% and 6.0% CSFA. The pH, ammonia N and volatile fatty acids (VFA) content were analyzed in the ruminal fluid at 0, 2, 4, 6 and 8 hours after concentrate supplementation. The pH and ammonia N concentration showed a linear effect with the addition of CSFA. There was no effect observed for the VFA molar concentration after grazing goats were fed with the experimental diet. In conclusion, further research is needed to investigate the addition of CSFA to goat diets because there is evidence that CSFA increases ruminal pH and decreases excess ruminal ammonia without changing the VFA concentration in the rumen fluid.

Alimentar cabras com sais de cálcio de ácidos graxos (SCAG) pode fornecer aos ruminantes lipídios, com efeitos mínimos na fermentação ruminal e digestibilidade das fibras. No entanto, há escassez de informações sobre o efeito da SCAG sobre as características da fermentação do rúmen em cabras de pastagem. Assim, o presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a adição de SCAG no concentrado de cabras na passagem sob nos parâmetros de fermentação ruminal. Cinco cabras canuladas do rúmen foram distribuídas em um quadrado latino 5x5 (tratamentos: 0%, 1,5%, 3,0%, 4,5% ou 6,0% de SCAG). O pH, N-amoniacal e ácidos graxos voláteis (AGV) foram analisado no liquido ruminal coletado às 0, 2, 4, 6 e 8 horas após a suplementação com concentrado. As concentrações de pH e N-amoniacal mostraram um efeito linear com a adição de SCAG. Não houve efeito observado para a concentração molar de AGV quando as cabras foram alimentadas com a dieta experimental. Em conclusão, são necessárias mais pesquisas para investigar a adição de SCAG às dietas de cabra, porque há evidências de que o SCAG aumenta o pH ruminal e diminui o excesso de amônia ruminal sem alterar a concentração de AGV no liquido ruminal.

Geochemical markers of sedimentary organic matter in Todos os Santos Bay, Bahia - Brazil. Indicators of sources and preservation.

Natural stable isotopes, such as carbon (C) and nitrogen (N), are modern tools to assess geochemical processes. C and N in organic matter can carry fingerprints of their hydrologic flows and sedimentary processes, including any anthropogenic modification on the natural system. This study focuses on the determination of aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and isotopic ratio in the sediment of Todos os Santos Bay (TSB). The isotopic results of the total organic matter indicate varied contribution marine and terrigenous. Typical rates of PAHs mainly indicate a pyrogenic source and mixture between pyrogenic and petrogenic sources. Typical ratios for the n-alkanes indicate the presence of petroleum hydrocarbons. The isotopic composition of n-alkanes suggests a mixture of sources, with the possible contribution of petrogenic.

Aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface sediments collected from mangroves with different levels of urbanization in southern Brazil.

Three mangroves located in southern Brazil, Carijós (CA), Rio Tavares (RT) and Itacorubi (ITA), with distinct anthropogenic influences, were assessed with regard to the presence of aliphatic and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH). In this study, the n-alkane concentrations ranged from 1.9µg g-1 (CA) to 55.6µg g-1 (ITA) (dry weight). The carbon preference index (CPI) ranged from 2.1 to 7.9 and values for the terrestrial/aquatic ratio (TAR) were >1. Thus, both indexes indicated the predominance of sediment of terrestrial origin, mainly comprised of higher plants. Concentrations of total PAH ranged from 6.8ng g-1 (RT) to 437.3ng g-1 (ITA). The PAH isomeric ratios indicated that these compounds originated mainly from pyrogenic sources. Nevertheless, levels of n-alkanes in the three mangroves were relatively low and they are considered typical of uncontaminated surface sediments, while the level of contamination with PAH was classified as low to moderate.

Effect of cuticular waxes compounds from table grapes on growth, germination and gene expression in Botrytis cinerea.

Botrytis cinerea attacks a broad range of host causing significant economic losses in the worldwide fruit export industry. Hitherto, many studies have focused on the penetration mechanisms used by this phytopathogen, but little is known about the early stages of infection, especially those such as adhesion and germination. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of cuticular waxes compounds from table grapes on growth, germination and gene expression of B. cinerea. To accomplish this, growth was analyzed using as substrate n-alkanes extracted from waxes of fresh fruit (table grapes, blueberries and apricots). Subsequently, the main compounds of table grape waxes, oleanolic acid (OA) and n-fatty alcohols, were mixed to generate a matrix on which conidia of B. cinerea were added to assess their effect on germination and expression of bctub, bchtr and bchex genes. B. cinerea B05.10, isolated from grapes, increased its growth on a matrix composed by table grapes n-alkanes in comparison to a matrix made with n-alkanes from apricot or blueberries. Moreover, at 2.5 h, B05.10 germination increased 17 and 33 % in presence of n-alkanes from table grape, in comparison to conditions without alkanes or with blueberries alkanes, respectively. Finally, expression of bchtr and bchex showed a significant increase during the first hour after contact with n-fatty alcohols and OA. In conclusion, B. cinerea displays selectivity towards certain compounds found in host waxes, mainly n-fatty alcohols, which could be a good candidate to control this phytopathogen in early stages of infection.

Characterization of organic matter in a sediment Core near the Mataripe refinery, Bahia-Brazil.

A sediment core was taken from the Todos os Santos Bay, near the Mataripe Bahia-Brazil refinery. The results of dating, (210)Pb and (137)Cs methods, combined with organic indicators, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), n-alkanes and total organic carbon (TOC), showed significant change with the start of production of the oil fields of Aratu, Itaparica and Dom João (1939-1947) and the construction of the Mataripe refinery (1949-1950). This event was marked by a series of significant changes, including an abrupt increase in TOC and the growth of PAH concentrations and the presence Unresolved/Resolved ratio (UR/R)>4 in n-alkanes fraction, which indicated that the contamination was of petrogenic origin. The δ(13)C of specific n-alkanes compounds showed gradual deplete with the depth.

Evaluation of metals and hydrocarbons in sediments from a tropical tidal flat estuary of Southern Brazil.

Although the Passagem Channel estuary, Espírito Santo State, Brazil, is located in an urbanized and industrialized region, it has a large mangrove system. Here we examined natural and anthropogenic inputs that may influence trace metal (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Sc, Pb and Zn) and hydrocarbon (n-alkane and terpane) deposition in three sediment cores collected in the tidal flat zone of the estuary. The cores were also analyzed for carbonate, grain size and stable isotopic composition (δ(13)Corg. and δ(15)Ntotal). Metal enrichment and its association to petroleum hydrocarbons in the surficial sediments of one of the cores, indicate crude oil and derivative inputs, possibly from small vessels and road run-off from local heavy automobile traffic. At the landward sites, the major contributions for metals and hydrocarbons are from natural sources, but in one case, Cu may have been enriched by domestic effluent inputs.

Inovações e desafios na avaliação de alimentos na nutrição de ruminantes

The food evaluation is one of the main points to be observed in the animal nutrition sector, which concerns the use of methods to describe animal feed as well its ability to support different types and levels of animal performance. Currently, researches have tried finding relationship between the nutrient content of foods and their digestive and metabolic exploitation. The animal nutrition is a science rather dynamic, always making use of new technologies and strategies to improve the utilization of food, always searching new methods as new answers to questions are necessary. Thus, the establishment of appropriate methodologies to obtaining the answers is essential to achieve success in search. This way this review will address and discuss some of the main techniques used in feed evaluation applied to ruminant nutrition.

A avaliação de alimentos é um dos principais pontos a serem observados no setor de nutrição animal, a qual diz respeito à utilização de métodos para descrever alimentos ao seu público e à sua capacidade de sustentar diferentes tipos e níveis de desempenho animal. Atualmente, as pesquisas têm buscado relacionar o conteúdo de nutrientes dos alimentos com seu aproveitamento digestivo e metabólico. A nutrição animal é uma ciência bastante dinâmica, sempre lança mão de novas tecnologias e estratégias para melhorar o aproveitamento dos alimentos e busca novas metodologias para respondem às demandas emergenciais.. Dessa forma, o estabelecimento de estratégias apropriadas para obtenção de respostas é essencial para que o sucesso na pesquisa seja atingido. Assim, esta revisão irá abordar e discutir as principais técnicas utilizadas na avaliação de alimentos aplicadas à nutrição de ruminantes.

Utilização dos componentes da cera das plantas, em especial os n-alcanos, em estudos de nutrição de ruminantes

The indirect methods used to estimate the intake and digestibility of feedstuffs by ruminants are very important because these methods represent an economy of time, money and work, in relation to conventional trials. Also, they permit estimates in grazing conditions. Among these methods, the faecal markers stand out and lots of substances have been used. This paper is a review about the use of n-alkanes as markers in ruminant nutrition studies.

A utilização de métodos indiretos para estimar o consumo e a digestibilidade dos alimentos por ruminantes é bastante importante, porque pode representar uma economia de tempo, dinheiro e trabalho em relação aos experimentos convencionais e, também, por permitir tais estimativas sob condições extensivas de pastejo. Dentre esses métodos, sobressai-se o dos indicadores fecais. Várias substâncias têm sido utilizadas para esse fim. Este artigo é uma revisão de alguns aspectos sobre o uso de n-alcanos como indicadores em estudos de nutrição de ruminantes.

Utilização dos componentes da cera das plantas, em especial os n-alcanos, em estudos de nutrição de ruminantes

The indirect methods used to estimate the intake and digestibility of feedstuffs by ruminants are very important because these methods represent an economy of time, money and work, in relation to conventional trials. Also, they permit estimates in grazing conditions. Among these methods, the faecal markers stand out and lots of substances have been used. This paper is a review about the use of n-alkanes as markers in ruminant nutrition studies.

A utilização de métodos indiretos para estimar o consumo e a digestibilidade dos alimentos por ruminantes é bastante importante, porque pode representar uma economia de tempo, dinheiro e trabalho em relação aos experimentos convencionais e, também, por permitir tais estimativas sob condições extensivas de pastejo. Dentre esses métodos, sobressai-se o dos indicadores fecais. Várias substâncias têm sido utilizadas para esse fim. Este artigo é uma revisão de alguns aspectos sobre o uso de n-alcanos como indicadores em estudos de nutrição de ruminantes.