Ministry of Agriculture

About: Ministry of Agriculture is a government organization based out in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Biology & Chemistry. The organization has 1153 authors who have published 1189 publications receiving 14442 citations.

Comparação de sistemas alternativos para o envelhecimento de aguardente vínica. Efeito da oxigenação e da forma da madeira

Abstract: SUMMARY During the first year of ageing, the dissolved oxygen, dry extract, total polyphenol index, low molecular weight compounds, colour parameters and sensory properties of wine brandies were analysed with regard to the kind of ageing system: 650-L wooden barrels (traditional system) and 40-L stainless-steel tanks with wood tablets, with and without oxygenation (alternative systems). The barrels and wood pieces were manufactured from Portuguese chestnut wood (Castanea sativa Mill.) with heavy toasting level. The quantity of tablets was calculated in order to reproduce the surface/volume ratio of a 650-L barrel. The oxygenation was made by the application of air with a specific device in the middle height of the tanks, after 60, 90, 120, 180 and 360 days of ageing. In the experimental conditions, the results obtained demonstrated that the chemical composition and the colour evolution of the wine aged brandies are closely dependent on the ageing system. The oxygen effect on the total polyphenol index and on the low molecular weight phenolic compounds found in the brandies aged in traditional and alternative systems is quite different. This aspect is of great importance since it is strongly related with the chemical changes that occur during the ageing process and determine the quality of the brandies. Contrary to what have been observed in the ageing of red wines, the oxygen consumption in the brandies aged in wooden barrels did not induced colour stabilization, suggesting that the chemical mechanisms and the compounds responsible for the colour changes of the brandy should be different from those identified in red wine.

Validation of two real-time PCRs targeting the PE-PGRS 20 gene and the region of difference 4 for the characterization of Mycobacterium bovis isolates.

Abstract: This study aimed to develop and validate real-time PCR for the diagnosis of Mycobacterium bovis isolates. Two hundred and seventy-four M. bovis isolates and 156 M. tuberculosis isolates were tested. Both qPCRs amplified all of the 274 M. bovis samples, but none of the 156 M. tuberculosis samples. The qPCR for PE-PGRS 20 had 91% efficiency and a detection limit of 0.32 ng (sensitivity and specificity for qPCR "Mbovis.100" were 99.64 and 100%, respectively). The qPCR for RD4 had 100% efficiency, and a detection limit of 4 pg (diagnostic sensitivity and specificity were 100 and 100%. The qPCR tests were performed using 4 extraction sets, 3 qPCR kits, and with a range of equipment; yet, all combinations produced similar results in a diagnostic

Risk-Off Method: Improving Data Quality Generated by Chemical Risk Analysis of Milk

Abstract: Here the Risk-Off Method is presented as a contribution to improve the quality of data and information using milk chemical safety as a model, as overseen by the National Plan for Control of Residues and Contaminants (PNCRC) of the Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply (MAPA). In particular, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), which notably lack internal expertise, could benefit from the Risk-Off method, given that SMEs worldwide contribute significant amounts of food to meet global needs. This study develops an innovative tool to help countries provide robust and transparent chemical safety guarantees for their food products. Creating a flexible base platform to appropriately pre-classify results generated by laboratory testing of food samples, the method pre-processes data undergoing the process of Knowledge Discovery in Databases – KDD, producing systemic intelligence deriving from effective, proactive assessment and management of chemical safety risks in foods, a complex issue of increasingly global concern.

Fortificação de alimentos com o pó da casca de ovo como fonte de cálcio

Abstract: Egg shell powder is used as a calcium source in a nutritional supplement known as "multimistura" that has been distributed in Brazil by non-governmental organizations The objectives of this research were to fortify traditional, low cost and easy to prepare dishes with egg shell powder and to estimate the nutritional contribution of each portion to the calcium daily intake Ten common dishes were prepared and fortified with egg shell powder (with 374% of calcium) at the rate of 1g to 100 g of cereal or flour used in the processing foods The fortified foods showed a range of calcium concentrations between 1115 mg and 5064 mg100 g -1, which were significantly higher than the contents of the original formulations without fortification Mean portions of fortified dishes provide about 14 to 32% of the nutritional calcium references for adults It was concluded that traditional dishes fortified with egg shell powder could contribute significantly to the adequate calcium intake and to prevent calcium deficiency, mainly osteoporosis, in individuals of different age groups and social levels

Estudo retrospectivo de abscessos hepáticos em bovinos abatidos em um frigorífico paulista

Abstract: A retrospective survey was carried out in cattle slaughtered in a private abattoir in the State of Sao Paulo, Brazil. The survey was based on the reports done by the Federal Inspection Service of the liver condemnations among 1,568,821 cattle (85% steers; 15% cows and heifers) from six different Brazilian states during 2002 and 2006. Feedlot cattle were mostly slaughtered in the last trimester of each year, while the cattle bred extensively were in the remaining months. The abscesses (1.60%) were the second highest cause of liver condemnation after telangiectasis (1.67%). The frequency of liver abscesses were higher in feedlot cattle (2.54%) than in cattle raised exclusively on pasture (1.28%), female (1.85%) than male (1.56%). Feedlot increased the outcome (odds ratio OD = 2.01x) of liver abscess. The highest frequency of liver abscess was detected in feedlot and extensive farming cattle system from the Parana state.