Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro

About: Universidade Federal Rural do Rio de Janeiro is a education organization based out in Seropédica, Brazil. It is known for research contribution in the topics: Population & Species richness. The organization has 6405 authors who have published 9852 publications receiving 105911 citations.

Application of encapsulated essential oils as antimicrobial agents in food packaging

Abstract: Recently natural antimicrobials have attracted a great deal of attention from the food industry. Innovations in food packaging have also been focused on the incorporation of these active additives in polymer matrices with the purpose of extending foods shelf life. Essential oils (EOs) from aromatic plants are potent antimicrobial agents. However, their volatility, low solubility in water, and susceptibility for oxidation limits their use. EOs encapsulation is one of the options to reduce these effects and to improve their biological activities. In this review, the relevance of EOs encapsulation and their incorporation into food packaging are discussed. Application of active antimicrobial packaging, based on encapsulated EOs, to foods is also addressed to evaluate their influence in food shelf life.

Potential economic impact assessment for cattle parasites in Mexico. Review

Abstract: Here, economic losses caused by cattle parasites in Mexico were estimated on an annual basis. The main factors taken into consideration for this assessment included the total number of animals at risk, potential detrimental effects of parasitism on milk production or weight gain, and records of condemnation on livestock byproducts. Estimates in US dollars (US$) were based on reported yield losses in untreated animals. These estimates reflect the major effects on cattle productivity of six parasites, or parasite group. The potential economic impact (US$ millions) was: gastrointestinal nematodes US$ 445.10; coccidia ( Eimeria spp.) US$ 23.78; liver fluke ( Fasciola hepatica ) US$ 130.91; cattle tick ( Rhipicephalus microplus ) US$ 573.61; horn fly ( Haematobia irritans ) US$ 231.67; and stable fly ( Stomoxys calcitrans ) US$ 6.79. Overall, the yearly economic loss due to the six major parasites of cattle in Mexico was estimated to be US$ 1.41 billion. Considering that the national cattle herd registered in 2013 included 32.40 million head, the estimated yearly loss per head was US$ 43.57. The limitations of some of the baseline studies used to develop these estimates, particularly when extrapolated from local situations to a national scale, are acknowledged. However, the general picture obtained from the present effort demonstrates the magnitude and importance of cattle parasitism in Mexico and the challenges to maximize profitability by the livestock industry without adapting sustainable and integrated parasite control strategies.

Fungi and mycotoxins in silage: an overview

Abstract: The present revision shows the early and current knowledge in the field of silage fungi and mycotoxins explaining the relevance of fungi and mycotoxins in silage. The problem does not end in animal disease or production losses as mycotoxins in feed can lead to the presence of their metabolic products in dairy products, which will be eventually affecting human health, mainly infants. Silage is green forage preserved by lactic fermentation under anaerobic conditions. This ecosystem maintains its quality and nutritional value depending on interactions among physical, chemical and biological agents. Forages used for ensilage are naturally in contact with yeasts and filamentous fungi, and the contamination often occurs in the field and can also occur during harvesting, transport, storage. Moreover, postharvest poor management can lead to a rapid spoilage. Studies on fungal contamination of dairy cattle feed have shown how corn silage influences the contamination degree of feed supplied to livestock. Increasing knowledge in this area will help elucidate the influence that this microbiota exerts on production and/or degradation of mycotoxins present in silage. Some of these fungi, although opportunist pathogens, are relevant epidemiologically and represent a high risk of contamination to farm workers who handle them improperly.