Showing papers in "Ciencia Rural in 2015"
TL;DR: The aim of this review is to present viable encapsulation techniques of probiotics with alginate, emphasizing the internal ions gelation and external ionic gelation, with the possibility of applying, as well as promising for improving these techniques.
Abstract: The consumption of probiotics is constantly growing due to the numerous benefits conferred on the health of consumers. In this context, Microencapsulation is a technology that favors the viability of probiotic cultures in food products, mainly by the properties of protection against adverse environmental conditions and controlled release. Currently there are different procedures for microencapsulation using polymers of various types of natural and synthetic origin. The use of sodium alginate polymers is one of the largest potential application in the encapsulation of probiotics because of their versatility, biocompatibility and toxicity exemption. The aim of this review is to present viable encapsulation techniques of probiotics with alginate, emphasizing the internal ionic gelation and external ionic gelation, with the possibility of applying, as well as promising for improving these techniques.
52 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the main applications of green banana flour (GBF) in food products and the effects of the main utilized processes on sensorial, physicochemical and functional properties were evaluated.
Abstract: Recently, the market interest in green banana has raised because of its nutritional aspects, mainly due to its functional compounds as resistant starch. However, the adstringency limits green banana consumption hence it has been mostly marketed as flour or starch. The aim of this research was to evaluate the main applications of green banana flour (GBF) in food products and the effects of the main utilized processes on sensorial, physicochemical and functional properties. The cultivar or variety of fruit, presence or absence of peel, type and conditions of dehydration process have influenced on the aforementioned properties of GBF. It was also verified that the GBF has been utilized as a functional ingredient in different types of food products like breads, cookies, cake pre-mixture, snacks, nuggets and, mainly, pastas. Altogether, the use of GBF in food products enhanced their functional properties, because it improves the resistant starch, total phenolics content and antioxidant capacity. The GBF also reduces the content and hydrolysis of digestible starch and, therefore, glycemic index of these products that show a great potential in nutrition therapy of diabetes mellitus and obesity.
35 citations
TL;DR: It was concluded that the mixture of active ingredients insecticides and fungicides affect the early development of soybean seedlings and there is a positive effect of the products Tiametoxan, [abamectina + tiamet oxan + fludioxonil], Cruiser Advanced(r) and [metalaxyl-M + fludaonil].
Abstract: Every year, new products are discovered and used for seed treatment in soybeans (Glycine max. L. Merril), aiming to increase production. There is the need to know the influence of the products on the development of plants in order to be succeed in the activity. The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the effect of products applied as seed treatment on the morphology of soybean plants at different stages of crop development, as well as the components of income and productivity. The products used were: tiametoxan; [abamectina + tiametoxan + fludioxonil]; [fipronil + tiofanatometilico + piraclostrobina]; [imidacloprido + tiodicarbe]; Cruiser Advanced(r); carboxamida; abamectina; [metalaxyl-M + fludioxonil]; and the control without treatment. In the first step, it was evaluated the physiological quality of treated seed. Subsequently, it was evaluated the initial growth at 15, 30 and 45 days after emergence. In the third stage were evaluated agronomic traits and yield components. The experimental design used for physiological tests of the seeds was randomized and the measurements of early development and late season, were randomized blocks. For statistical analysis, it was used the program SASM-Agri (CANTERI et al., 2001). It was concluded that the mixture of active ingredients insecticides and fungicides affect the early development of soybean seedlings. At 45 days after emergence, there is a positive effect of the products Tiametoxan, [abamectina + tiametoxan + fludioxonil], Cruiser Advanced(r) and [metalaxyl-M + fludioxonil] on growth, but this stimulus, is not reflected in the final production.
34 citations
TL;DR: The quality of the menus offered to the schoolchildren improved significantly after the implementation of FF purchases, indicating that the partnership between FF and BSFP can contribute greatly to the development of healthy eating habits.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to characterize the process of buying Family Farming (FF) food for the Brazilian School Feeding Program (BSFP) and compare the quality of menus served to the schoolchildren before and after the implementation of Law n. 11,947/09. This is an observational cross-sectional study developed with application of semi-structured questionnaire and evaluating menus. Eighty-two cities from Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil participated of the study. Of these cities reported, 74.1% performed the purchase of products of FF for BSFP. The lack of interest of farmers and the deficient hygienic and sanitary conditions were the main difficulties reported. The quality of the menus offered to the schoolchildren improved significantly after the implementation of FF purchases. The partnership between FF and BSFP can contribute greatly to the development of healthy eating habits, not only by offering better nutritional quality menus, but also by implementing of nutritional education activities guided by the sustainable production and consumption of food.
33 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors developed and characterized flexible active packages formulated by the incorporation of pulps from tropical fruits to a polymeric matrix of manioc starch, plasticized with glycerol.
Abstract: This research aimed to develop and characterize flexible active packages formulated by the incorporation of pulps from tropical fruits to a polymeric matrix of manioc starch, plasticized with glycerol. The mechanical properties, the barriers and the antioxidant efficacy of these packages were evaluated during storing. The packages were produced by casting, with fixed concentrations of manioc starch (4.5%) and glycerol (1.0%), and variable concentrations of mango, acerola and seriguela pulps between 5 and 20%. The barrier properties (width, humidity, total solids, water activity and solubility) and the mechanical properties of the films were evaluated. The antioxidant action of the additives incorporated was evaluated through the storage of palm oil packed with the films containing the natural additives. Its oxidation was monitored for 40 days, under conditions of accelerated oxidation (63%UR/30oC). The addition of fruit pulps to the films promoted an increase of the mechanical resistance. The films with the added pulps performed an antioxidant effect on the palm oil during the 40 days storage, which could be applied for the oxidation control of this product.
29 citations
TL;DR: Diversity of Lepidoptera associated to crop, injury in different parts of the plant, and changes in species composition are discussed considering the changes in plant disease management, introduction of plants expressing Bt proteins, and the recent introduction of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) as a new crop pest.
Abstract: The present research updates the systematic position and nomenclature of Lepidoptera associated with soybean crops in Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Uruguay. Scientific literature lists 69 species of Lepidoptera feeding on soybean plants. These species are representatives of the Superfamilies Noctuoidea (31), Pyraloidea (13), Hesperioidea (12), Tortricoidea (5), Geometroidea (5), and Bombycoidea (3). Diversity of Lepidoptera associated to crop, injury in different parts of the plant, and changes in species composition are discussed considering the changes in plant disease management, introduction of plants expressing Bt proteins, and the recent introduction of Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) as a new crop pest.
27 citations
TL;DR: Eleven insect species were recorded for the first time in olive groves in Brazil, and the occurrence of P. forficifera is a new record for the Rio Grande do Sul State.
Abstract: The increased cultivation of olive trees in Rio Grande do Sul State and its potential production arouse the need to characterize the assemblage of insects in olive groves, especially those with potential as pests. Therefore, the insect fauna was sampled monthly for two years, in the canopy of olive trees, using beat cloth, and collection of buds in five municipalities in Southern Rio Grande do Sul State. The faunal indices analyzed were abundance, constancy, dominance and frequency. The olive caterpillar Palpita forficifera Munroe 1959 (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) and mealybugs Saissetia oleae (Olivier, 1791) and Saissetia coffeae (Walker, 1952) (Hemiptera: Coccidae) are the main phytophagous insects in olive farms in the Rio Grande do Sul State, with potential to reach pest status. Eleven insect species were recorded for the first time in olive groves in Brazil. The occurrence of P. forficifera is a new record for the Rio Grande do Sul State.
27 citations
TL;DR: In this article, the authors diagnose the species of wildlife seized or voluntarily surrendered in the wildlife rehabilitation center in Belo Horizonte and analyze their spatial distribution, identifying the species were identified and classified according to the taxonomic key and the risk of extinction.
Abstract: The wildlife rehabilitation center in Belo Horizonte (CETAS - BH) is one of the responsible for the receipt of wild animals in Minas Gerais (MG). The knowledge about the animals traffic is an important instrument for the wild species conservation as it allows the improvement of environmental education and the enforcement actions. The research aimed to diagnose the species of wildlife seized or voluntarily surrendered in CETAS-BH and analyze their spatial distribution. The species were identified and classified according to the taxonomic key and the risk of extinction. Descriptive spatial analysis identified the geographic coordinates of the cities where the animals were found to make maps showing their spatial distribution and the Kernel density. In 2011 were received 7426 live animals, 91.5 % of these birds, 7% reptiles and 1.5% mammals. It was found a range of species (166), most of them birds (79.5%). The most received species were Sicalis flaveola and Saltator similis. Fifteen percent of the species were endangered. The main category of receiving was the seizure (82.7%), and 79% of them were conducted by Environment Police. The animals were from 94 cities in the state of Minas Gerais. The spatial analysis identified the Belo Horizonte Metropolitan Region as the region with the highest concentration of occurrences. In this context, this study suggests the improvement and intensification of environmental education and supervision in those specific areas
27 citations
TL;DR: Evaluated inoculation methods of Azospirillum brasilense found total chlorophyll, grains per ear and yield were positively affected, with quadratic response, by the nitrogen fertilization in broadcasting, but not for yield.
Abstract: Nitrogen (N) is the most limiting nutrient for corn production. Thereby, the goal of the paper was to evaluate inoculation methods of Azospirillum brasilense in order to partially supply N required by the crop. The experiment was carried out in Guarapuava, PR, Brasil, in 2011/2012 growing season. Randomized blocks with factorial 3 inoculation methods (seed treatment, planting furrow and non-inoculated control) x 5 doses of nitrogen (0, 75, 150, 225 and 300kg ha-1) x 8 replications was used as the experimental design. Leaf are index, foliar nitrogen content, total chlorophyll, grains per ear and yield were evaluated. There was significant interaction between inoculation methods and nitrogen fertilization to leaf area index, but not for yield. Inoculation with the diazotrophic bacteria provided yield increase of 702kg ha-1 for inoculation in seeding furrow and 432kg ha-1 for inoculation in seed treatment compared to the control, but both treatments did not differ between each other. Furthermore, total chlorophyll, grains per ear and yield were positively affected, with quadratic response, by the nitrogen fertilization in broadcasting
27 citations
TL;DR: Among many architectures trained, the network with 35 neurons in the hidden layer had the lowest error in training and validation processes, being efficient to estimate grain production, considering the region covered by the experiment.
Abstract: This investigation aimed to evaluate the performance of artificial neural networks to predict the corn grain yield in the city of Jaguari, Central region of Rio Grande do Sul, based on morphological characteristics of this culture. It was used the data published by SOARES (2010) for training the neural networks. Several multilayer perceptron neural networks with backpropagation-optimized algorithm (Levenberg-Marquardt) were tested. The input layer variables used were leaf area index, total green matter, plant height and number of plants m-2 and the output layer: corn grain yield. Each architecture was trained 10 times, picking up at the end of training the one with lower mean relative error and less variance for data validation. efficiency of the networks was analyzed by means of statistical indicators. Among many architectures trained, the network with 35 neurons in the hidden layer had the lowest error in training and validation processes. In this way, the neural network with architecture 4-35-1 presents a good performance, being efficient to estimate grain production, considering the region covered by the experiment.
24 citations
TL;DR: The aim of the research was to characterize the primary metabolism, with emphasis on photosynthetic activity, of soybean plants under different water availability conditions and to characterized the vegetative growth in situations of short exposition to stress.
Abstract: The aim of the research was to characterize the primary metabolism, with emphasis on photosynthetic activity, of soybean plants under different water availability conditions. The experiment was conducted in growth chamber with young plants of soybean cv. BMX Apolo RR cultivated without water restriction up to the stage of six leaves expanded and the seventh leaf unfolded. Five levels of water availability were studied (-0.004, -0.006, -0.026, -0.042 and -0.164MPa) with eight pots (replications) per treatment. It was evaluated the net carbon assimilation (AL), stomatal conductance (gs) and transpiration (E) of the sixth leaf of one plant per pot. It was determined the water potential leaf, chlorophyll fluorescence, chlorophyll content (a, b and total), quantum yield and it was characterized the vegetative growth. Soil water potential of -0.026 MPa compromises the net carbon assimilation of soybean plants due to reduction of the stomatal resistance. The potentials applied did not influence in the amount of photosynthetic pigments andin the vegetative growth in situations of short exposition to stress.
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluate the ripening of Cabernet Franc's grape berries submitted to different levels of clusters thinning in order to establish criteria that will help to define the most appropriate management for winemaking in regions above 900m.
Abstract: This study aims to evaluate the ripening of 'Cabernet Franc's' grape berries submitted to different levels of clusters thinning in order to establish criteria that will help to define the most appropriate management for winemaking in regions above 900m. The experiment was conducted during the growing seasons of 2009/10 and 2010/11 in a commercial vineyard (28o 17' 39" S e 49o 55' 56" W, 1,230m), located in Sao Joaquim, SC. Plants are grafted on Paulsen 1103 and conducted in vertical shooting positioning trellis, spacing 3.0 x 1.2m and covered with hail protection net. Levels of clusters thinning, set at "veraison", corresponded to maximum production, and percentage reductions in productivity by 25%, 50% and 75%. In the region of altitude, the practice of clusters thinning modifies the chemical composition of 'Cabernet Franc's' grape berries. Besides reducing the production per area, this practice does not have a compensatory effect of lower productivity in the quality of wine and equilibrium vegetative/productive plants as well. Reducing production through clusters thinning did not reach the expected benefits for cv 'Cabernet Franc' in this survey.
TL;DR: A cultivar 'BRS Piata' foi o genotipo que menos apresentou alteracao entre os tratamentos com e sem deficit hidrico, indicando portanto, tolerância dessa cultivar em relacao ao estresse por falta de agua no solo nessas condicoes experimentais.
Abstract: O experimento foi desenvolvido em casa de vegetacao na Embrapa Pecuaria Sudeste, utilizando acessos de Brachiaria brizantha. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos ao acaso, com arranjo fatorial 2 X 4, sendo dois tratamentos (com e sem deficit hidrico) e quatro genotipos. O grupo de genotipos avaliado foi formado pelas cultivares 'BRS Piata', 'Marandu', 'Xaraes' e 'BRS Paiaguas', sendo o experimento realizado durante o mes de julho de 2008. As variaveis analisadas foram massa seca total, massa seca de parte aerea, massa seca de raiz, massa seca de colmo, massa seca de folha, taxa de alongamento foliar, area foliar, area foliar especifica. O estresse por deficiencia hidrica exerceu efeito negativo em todas as caracteristicas estudadas e em todos os acessos avaliados. A cultivar 'BRS Piata' foi o genotipo que menos apresentou alteracao entre os tratamentos com e sem deficit hidrico, indicando portanto, tolerância dessa cultivar em relacao ao estresse por falta de agua no solo nessas condicoes experimentais
TL;DR: This review has aimed to bring light the main aspects of the stay-green character, showing their employment potential of plant breeding.
Abstract: Looking at the new demands of the global agricultural scenario, the search for more productive, efficient and stress adapted genotypes has attracted attention of plant breeders regarding plants with improved physiological characteristics. Therefore, the stay-green trait has taken proeminence as an important strategy to overcome the current yield plateaus allied with yield adaptability and stability. This review has aimed to bring light the main aspects of the stay-green character, showing their employment potential of plant breeding.
TL;DR: The redberry had a high fruit production and showed to be an excellent choice for processing, and Brazos and Guarani cultivars enabled the production of higher fruit mass, while 'Caingangue', 'Tupy' and 'Choctaw' presented a good balance between soluble solids content and titratable acidity.
Abstract: Berries are widespread in temperate zones, but some cultivars have low requirements in cold weather and can be exploited in areas with high temperatures. The goal of this study was to evaluate the production of blackberries and redberry in Lavras (climate Cwb). The experimental design was in randomized blocks with four replications and eleven treatments ('Arapaho', 'Xavante', 'Ebano', 'Comanche', 'Caingangue', 'Choctaw', 'Tupy', 'Guarani', 'Brazos' and 'Cherokee' blackberry cultivars and the redberry, native from Brazil). In each experimental plot it was evaluated phonological data, production data during 2010/11 and 2011/12 and physicochemical fruit characteristics. The blackberry cultivars have production cycle between 66 and 133 days, harvest period starting in September until January, and redberry production cycle has 283 days. 'Brazos' presented the highest estimated yield (kg ha-1). Brazos and Guarani cultivars enabled the production of higher fruit mass, while 'Caingangue', 'Tupy' and 'Choctaw' presented a good balance between soluble solids content and titratable acidity. The redberry had a high fruit production (527g per plant on 1st cycle and 344g per plant on 2nd cycle) and showed to be an excellent choice for processing
TL;DR: In this paper, the influence of row spacing and plant population on the yield performance of biomass sorghum was evaluated in a randomized block, in factorial scheme of 4 x 4, with four row spacings and four plant populations (80,000, 100,000; 120,000 and 140,000 plants ha-1), with three replications.
Abstract: Biomass sorghum is one of the most promising crops for the production of electricity through the burning in high-pressure boilers, due to its high calorific value, high yield, seed propagation, short cycle, and to the possibility of full mechanization of its agricultural processes. However, there is still a lack of information about its cultural practices. To this end, this research aimed to evaluate the influence of row spacing and plant population on the yield performance of biomass sorghum. The experimental design was a randomized block, in factorial scheme of 4 x 4, with four row spacings (0.5, 0.7, 0.9 and 1.1m), and four plant populations (80,000; 100,000; 120,000 and 140,000 plants ha-1), with three replications. The characteristics evaluated were: plant height, stem diameter, number of leaves, number of tillers per plant, fresh weight per plant and biomass. Total biomass yield was greatly influenced by the row spacing, showing a sharp reduction when row spacing increased, in the two years of study, changing from 180.27 to 114.42t ha-1 in the 2012/13 crop year, and from 146.50 to 102.56t ha-1 in the 2013/14 crop year, for 0.5 and 1.1m between rows, respectively. The lowest yields observed in the second year of the study were due to unfavorable weather conditions in the period.
TL;DR: Estimation of genetic parameters and diversity in progenies from Macaw Palm based on morphological and physiological traits found the water use efficiency and the leaflet length were the traits that contributed most to the dissimilarity of the families.
Abstract: Obtaining reliable estimates of genetic parameters, including data related to the existing level of variability in breeding populations is essential to elucidate the genetic structure of populations and to infer their genetic variability and potential for improvement. Therefore, this study aimed to estimate genetic parameters and diversity in progenies from Macaw Palm based on morphological and physiological traits. For that, morphological and physiological traits were evaluated in 15 macaw palm progenies (established following a random block design with 5 repetitions and 3 plants per plot - 5x5m spacing). No significant genetic variability was observed for physiological traits in the evaluated progenies. However, for the morphological traits, the existence of genetic variability was evidenced. The macaw palm families were grouped into three distinct groups based on its genetic dissimilarity, being CPAC-03, the most divergent progeny to the others. The water use efficiency and the leaflet length were the traits that contributed most to the dissimilarity of the families.
TL;DR: Variables amylose, ethereal extract and cysteine showed the greatest contribution to genetic divergence in relation to grain productivity and nutritional quality in transgenic maize.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the genetic divergence between genotypes of transgenic maize, in relation to grain productivity and nutritional quality. The experiment was conducted in 2009/2010 in Santa Maria, State of Rio Grande do Sul, on randomized block design with three replicates. Eighteen genotypes were analyzed and the variables were measured after harvest: grain productivity, crude protein, lysine, methionine, cysteine, threonine, tryptophan, valine, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, histidine, arginine, ethereal extract, starch and amylose. An analysis of variance was performed for each variable and the means were compared using the Scott-Knott test. The genotypic correlation matrix was calculated, multicollinearity was evaluated and a contribution analysis was performed. Dissimilarity matrix between genotypes was determined by Mahalanobis generalized distance. The genotypes were grouped using the Unweighted Pair Group Method with Arithmetic Mean (UPGMA) and the cophenetic correlation coefficient was calculated to validate the grouping. The group means were compared using the t-test for independent samples. There is genetic divergence between genotypes of transgenic maize. Variables amylose, ethereal extract and cysteine showed the greatest contribution to genetic divergence. Based on grain productivity, crude protein, lysine, cysteine, tryptophan, ethereal extract and amylase, there are four genotype groups of transgenic maize
TL;DR: In this paper, the effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) application on volatile profile and quality on 'Royal Gala' apples produced in Southern Brazil and stored under controlled atmosphere condition (CA; 1.0kPa O2+1.2kPa CO2; 0.5±0.1°C; 94±1% relative humidity).
Abstract: Apple volatile aroma depends of complex interaction among organic compounds. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of 1-methylcyclopropene (1-MCP) application on volatile profile and quality on 'Royal Gala' apples produced in Southern Brazil and stored under controlled atmosphere condition (CA; 1.0kPa O2+1.2kPa CO2; 0.5±0.1°C; 94±1% relative humidity). Volatile profile was determined after eight month of CA storage plus 7 days of shelf life via solid-phase microextraction (HS-SPME) and analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometer. In the volatile profile were identified 8 esters, 11 alcohols, 6 aldehydes, 6 acids, 2 ketones, 1 ether and 1 terpene. 1-MCP application reduced significantly the main volatile compounds production by 'Royal Gala' apples produced in Southern Brazil. Its application decreases significantly the esters production, especially 2-methyl-butyl acetate and hexyl acetate, compared to 'Royal Gala' apples storage under CA. 1-methylcyclopropene application decrease ethylene production and respiration rate. Apples treated with 1-MCP exhibit higher hexanal and 2(E)-hexenal production.
TL;DR: In this article, the authors investigated the use of electrocoagulation (EC) treatment of wastewater from a dairy plant using aluminum electrodes to assess the removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total solids (TS) and their fractions and turbidity.
Abstract: This research deals with the investigation of electrocoagulation (EC) treatment of wastewater from a dairy plant using aluminum electrodes. Electrolysis time, pH, current density and distance between electrodes were considered to assess the removal efficiency of chemical oxygen demand (COD), total solids (TS) and their fractions and turbidity. Samples were collected from the effluent of a dairy plant using a sampling methodology proportional to the flow. The treatments were applied according to design factorial of half fraction with two levels of treatments and 3 repetitions at the central point. The optimization of parameters for treating dairy industry effluent by electrocoagulation using aluminum electrodes showed that electric current application for 21 minutes, an initial sample pH near 5.0 and a current density of 61.6A m-2 resulted in a significant reduction in COD by 57%; removal of turbidity by 99%, removal of total suspended solids by 92% and volatile suspended solids by 97%; and a final treated effluent pH of approximately 10. Optimum operating condition was used for cost calculations show that operating cost is approximately 3.48R$ m-3.
TL;DR: In this article, the presence of genotype x environment (G x E) interaction and determine the adaptability and phenotypic stability of strains of brown cotton fiber using the model of Ebehart & Russell were verified.
Abstract: The objective of this study was to verify the presence of genotype x environment (G x E) interaction and determine the adaptability and phenotypic stability of strains of brown cotton fiber using the model of Ebehart & Russell. Seven experiments were conducted in the states of CE, GO, MS and RN, in 2010 and 2011 under irrigated and rain fed conditions. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications. Eleven genotypes were assessed according to seven characters on the fiber. The G x E interaction was significant for most characters. The lines 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 7 showed better responsiveness to the environment, being 1 and 5 genotypes showed all predictable behavior characteristics for all characteristics. The content of short fibers proved to be a characteristic of high predictability
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated the influence of different temperature control systems on the voluntary feed intake (VFI), percentage of weight loss (PWL), and performance of lactating sows as well as on the weight of their piglets.
Abstract: The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of different temperature control systems on the voluntary feed intake (VFI), percentage of weight loss (PWL) and performance of lactating sows as well as on the weight of their piglets. Two systems were used: traditional temperature control system (TTCS) with curtain management and an evaporative snout cooling system (ESCS). The study was performed during the summer of 2011. After farrowing and at the weaning, 241 sows were weighed to evaluate the PWL during lactation. TTCS sows lost more weight (5.3±0.9%; P<0.05) than ESCS sows (2.2±0.9%). VFI was measured at intervals of four days in 32 primiparous and 39 multiparous sows. ESCS sows had higher VFI (5.8±0.2kg day-1; P<0.05) than TTCS sows (4.8±0.2kg day-1). Primiparous sows (4.4±0.2kg day-1) had a lower VFI than multiparous sows (6.3±0.2kg day-1, P<0.05) regardless of the temperature control system. Primiparous sows in the TTCS (10.9±1.3 days) had a longer weaning-to-oestrus interval than primiparous sows in the ESCS (7.0±1.2 days, P<0.05). Subsequent litter size tended to be higher (P=0.095) in ESCS than in TTCS (12.0±0.5 and 10.9±0.6 piglets born, respectively). Litters housed in ESCS were heavier (65.3±1.4kg; P<0.05) at weaning than litters in TTCS (60.7±1.4kg). The results suggest that in general sows and piglets housed in the ESCS have better performance than sows and piglets housed in TTCS.
TL;DR: In this article, the problems faced in their practice by a sample of Brazilian rural extensionists are described and how they relate to their conception of rural extension is analyzed, concluding that difficulties related to group or associate work among farmers are the most mentioned.
Abstract: In both, Latin America and Brazil, rural extension is recovering acknowledgment in the context of public policy. In this paper, the problems faced in their practice by a sample of Brazilian rural extensionists are described and how they relate to their conception of rural extension is analyzed. 52 rural extensionists of different Brazilian states were surveyed via email. It is concluded that (1) difficulties related to group or associate work among farmers are the most mentioned, (2) a diffusionist conception of rural extension tend to persist, even against the participatory and dialogical principles established by public policy and (3) rural extensionists have a limited self-critical attitude and tend to perceive the farmers as a problem.
TL;DR: In this paper, the effects of U. brizantha densities on forage growth and nutritional efficiency and productivity of maize in intercropping system were evaluated, and it was concluded that interference of u. brizmantha on corn planting simultaneously, reduces the levels of phosphorus, calcium and magnesium independent of density.
Abstract: In intercropping competition among species for environmental resources can cripple the system. The amount of interference of one species over another as a result of this competition depends on the species population density which composed the system. In the search for better understanding these effects it was evaluated the effects of U. brizantha densities on forage growth and nutritional efficiency and productivity of maize in intercropping system. The treatments were randomized in blocks with four replications. The DHB 390 RR corn was sown at a spacing of 0.50m in the population of 60.000 plants ha-1, with the planting of brachiaria performed manually in rows. Nutritional assessments were performed at 60 after planting the species (DAP) and grain yield of maize and dry weight was measured for brachiaria 160 DAP. The dry matter brachiaria presented quadractricaly behaviour with the increasing planting density. The increased density of U. brizantharesulted in a linear reduction of the levels of nitrogen, phosphorus, calcium and magnesium in maize plants, however, without changing the levels of potassium and sulfur. Grain yield was negatively affected in density of more than 15 plants m-2 brachiaria. It is concluded that the interference of U. brizantha on corn planting simultaneously, reduces the levels of phosphorus, calcium and magnesium independent of density. Grain yield and total nitrogen were reduced by brachiaria densities higher than 15 plants m-2
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors quantify the anthocyanins and phenolic compounds and also measure the antioxidant activity (ferric reducing antioxidant power - FRAP) of blackberries from two varieties grown in southern Brazil ('Brazos' and 'Tupy') at three stages of ripening.
Abstract: Fruits from temperate and tropical climates which have high levels of antioxidant compounds are the source of numerous studies concerning the correlation with benefits to human health. The objectives of this study were to quantify the anthocyanins and phenolic compounds and also to measure the antioxidant activity (ferric reducing antioxidant power - FRAP) of blackberries from two varieties grown in southern Brazil ('Brazos' and 'Tupy') at three stages of ripening; unripe, semi-ripe, ripe and their products (pulp and fermented products). During fruit ripening it was observed that weight, size, diameter and sugars increase significantly and acidity decreased significantly. The anthocyanin content ranged from 4.19 (semi-ripe 'Tupy' variety) to 205.75mg 100g-1 (ripe 'Brazos' variety). The highest levels of phenolic compounds were observed for the unripe fruit of both varieties, while antioxidant activity showed no significant difference during the ripening stages. The studied pulp showed a high content of phenolic compounds (ten times higher than that found in the ripe fruits). The anthocyanin content and antioxidant activity did not show the same increase due to the degradation of anthocyanins caused by the heat treatment that was used. The alcoholic fermented beverage made from blackberries remained stable (total phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity) during two years of storage, but the in third year a significant reduction in antioxidant activity was observed. These results can be important for establishing the shelf life of this kind of product made with blackberry
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors evaluated different residual structures of variance-covariance matrix (Σ), regarding the fitting of longitudinal data via mixed models in variety trials of sugarcane.
Abstract: This study aimed to evaluate different residual structures of variance-covariance matrix (Σ), regarding the fitting of longitudinal data via mixed models in variety trials of sugarcane. The adequate choice of this matrix provides most representative models to the data. In each model was also evaluated the effects of treatments (varieties), either as fixed or as random. Four trials were carried out in three locations in the Goias State, Brazil, from 2005 to 2009. Each experiment was designed in randomized complete block with three or four repetitions. The response variable analyzed was tons of stalks per hectare (TCH). The goodness of fitting of the different models to the data was assessed by Akaike information criterion (AIC) and by likelihood ratio test (LRT). This last statistic was used only to compare nested models, two by two. It was observed that classic model in split-plot design ranged among the worst or with just median adjustments. The structures of Σ matrix with the best fittings to the data varied among trials, with outstanding for the unstructured matrix. These results show that the structure of independent errors, in general, is not adequate for these analyses, and a prior definition of the co-variance structure can lead to unreliable results for these trials. Small changes were observed in the ranking of these structures by assuming the treatment effects as fixed or random, however, without significant effects on the ranking of the best structures in each trial.
TL;DR: This review aimed to outline some of the studies carried out with yacon and products produced from it, showing its health benefits, besides having great technological potential for developing new food products.
Abstract: In the early nineties was introduced in Brazil the yacon potato planting. This tuberous roots have been attracting interest from researchers due to their nutritional and technological properties.Yacon is its mainly characterized by being rich in fructans and phenolic acids, with prebiotic and antioxidant effects, respectively. Many studies in vivo and in vitro were carried out with yacon and products produced from it, showing its health benefits, besides having great technological potential for developing new food products .This review aimed to outline some of these studies, in both health and food technology. The prebiotic potential, glycemic index reduction and improvement of bone health are the effects that stand out in the in vivo researches. It can be noted a trend for bakery products formulations using yacon flour, and the outcomes were positive for both technological properties as well as for sensory evaluations
TL;DR: In this article, a modelo de GAB mostrou-se altamente eficiente na predicao das isotermas de sorcao de ambos os produtos, em toda a faixa de aw estudada.
Abstract: As farinhas de mandioca do grupo seca e do grupo d'agua sao produtos amilaceos amplamente consumidos na regiao amazonica do Brasil. Neste estudo, as isotermas de adsorcao e dessorcao de umidade foram obtidas para ambos os produtos a 25°C, na faixa de atividade de agua (aw) de 0,09 a 0,94 (tipo seca) e 0,07 a 0,93 (tipo d'agua). Foi avaliada a aplicabilidade de oito modelos matematicos na predicao das isotermas de sorcao. Tanto a farinha tipo seca quanto a farinha tipo d'agua apresentaram isotermas tipo II (sigmoide) e um efeito de histerese entre as isotermas de adsorcao e dessorcao, que se estendeu em toda a faixa de aw. Para que a estabilidade microbiologica teorica seja assegurada, a umidade em ambas as farinhas de mandioca nao pode alcancar valores superiores a 11,3 g H2O 100g-1 (aw=0,6). O valor da monocamada das farinhas seca e d'agua (9,0 e 7,9 g H2O 100g-1, respectivamente) indicou que esses niveis de umidade nao devem ser atingidos durante a secagem dos produtos, para evitar gasto desnecessario de energia. Finalmente, o modelo de GAB mostrou-se altamente eficiente na predicao das isotermas de sorcao de ambos os produtos, em toda a faixa de aw estudada.
TL;DR: Thrips on 33 species of Fabaceae (ornamental and forage) and some weed species were surveyed in areas of caatinga-cerrado ecotone in northeastern Brazil, extending the distribution area of thrips species and providing basic information on their associated plants.
Abstract: Thrips (Thysanoptera) on 33 species of Fabaceae (ornamental and forage) and some weed species were surveyed in areas of caatinga-cerrado ecotone in northeastern Brazil. Twenty species of thrips were identified, all of which are associated for the first time with the plants sampled in this study, totaling 26 new host associations, based on collections of immatures. Five species are probably new to science, illustrating the diversity of thrips in the region. A few thrips species that also occur as pests in other regions of Brazil are discussed. Our data extend the distribution area of thrips species and provide basic information on their associated plants.
TL;DR: The profile of dogs with fractures in the Central Region of Rio Grande do Sul State is: male dogs, mixed breed, immature and small size, presenting femoral fractures by car accident.
Abstract: Orthopedic diseases are common in dogs and cats, especially, those caused by traumatic injury. Overall, among the significant changes in this group, the fractures are the major cause of pain and dysfunction in dogs of all ages, sizes and breeds. Therefore, a retrospective study of dogs examined between January 2004 and December 2013 at the University Veterinary Hospital of Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, was conducted aiming to identify and determine the prevalence of appendicular fractures caused by trauma and characterizing the population/etiology. In a population of 1,200 dogs with suspected traumatic orthopedic diseases in the locomotor system, 955 (79.6%) had appendicular fractures. Of the dogs 23.5% had fractures on the femur (n=225), 23.4% had pelvic fractures (n=223), 22% had tibial and fibular fractures (n=210), 17.6% had radius and ulna fractures (n=168), 7.5% had humeral fractures (n=72) and 6% had distal limb fractures (tarsus, carpus, metacarpus, metatarsus and phalanges (n=57)). The most frequent cause was car accidents (72.2%). Most affected dogs were male (52.5%), juvenile (42%), mixed breed (51.4%) and small size (42.7%). In conclusion, the profile of dogs with fractures in the Central Region of Rio Grande do Sul State is: male dogs, mixed breed, immature and small size, presenting femoral fractures by car accident.