Fermentative and microbiological profile of marandu-grass ensiled with citrus pulp pellets

Forragens com alta umidade e baixa concentração de carboidratos solúveis, como é o caso dos capins tropicais, podem conduzir a condições desfavoráveis para a produção de silagens de qualidade satisfatória. Esse estudo objetivou conhecer o perfil fermentativo e microbiológico de silagens de capim-Marandu [Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst ex. A. Rich) Stapf cv. Marandu], colhido com 58 dias de crescimento, aditivadas com polpa cítrica peletizada (PCP),. Foram utilizados silos experimentais de PVC adaptados com válvula do tipo Bunsen, tendo a silagem atingindo densidade de 900 kg m-3. Os tratamentos foram constituídos por três proporções de PCP (0, 50 e 100 g kg-1 em relação a matéria natural) e sete tempos de abertura após a ensilagem (1, 4, 7, 14, 21, 28 e 56 dias). A presença de PCP aumentou os teores de CHOs em 15 a 20%, reduziu o pH (5,3 para 4,2) e diminuiu as concentrações de N-NH3. Houve crescimento da população de enterobactérias somente durante o primeiro dia de fermentação (média 3 UFC g-1), pequeno desenvolvimento de clostrideos (média 0,5 UFC g-1) e dominância de bactérias homo em relação às heterofermentativas, para os três tratamentos estudados. A adição de polpa cítrica durante a ensilagem do capim-Marandu foi benéfica, podendo ser recomendada desde que haja benefício econômico na sua adoção.High-wet roughages with low content of soluble carbohydrates, such as tropical grasses, should be inappropriate for producing silages of adequate quality. This study aimed to evaluate the fermentative and microbiological profiles of Marandu-grass ensilaged with pelleted citric pulp (PCP). Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst ex. A. Rich) Stapf cv. Marandu with 58 days of vegetative growth was harvested for producing experimental silages in PVC silos provided with Bünsen valves and density capacity of 900 kg m-3. Treatments were three PCP levels (0, 50 and 100 g kg-1 of fresh forage) and seven times (1, 4, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 56 days) after sealing. PCP inclusion increased soluble carbohydrate concentrations by 15 to 20% and reduced pH (5.3 to 4.2) and N-NH3 levels of experimental silages. An increase of the population size of the enterobacterium (mean of 3 CFU g-1) was observed only at the first day of fermentation, small growth (mean 0.5 of CFU g-1) of clostridium and the dominance of homo in relation to hetero-fermentative bacteria. Citric pulp addition during Marandu-grass ensilage was benefic, its utilization being recommended, especially when associated with economical advantages

Characterization of silage made from sweet potato vines using corn meal as additive

The objective of this study was to investigate the fermentative and nutritional characteristics of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) vine silage using different levels of corn meal as additive. A completely randomized design consisting of seven levels of the additive (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30% corn meal) and four replicates was used, totaling 28 laboratory mini-silos (experimental units). The different levels of additive in sweet potato vine silage exerted quadratic effects on the content of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent insoluble protein (NDIP), acid detergent insoluble protein (ADIP), and total carbohydrates. There was an increase in DM content with inclusion of the additive and CP was reduced from 11.23% (no additive) to 9.46% (30% additive) in sweet potato vine silage. NDIP and ADIP content was lower in sweet potato vine silage containing 30% additive (1.15% and 0.70%, respectively). No significant differences in organic matter, ashes, ether extract, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, or total digestible nutrients were observed between the different levels of additive. Regarding fermentative parameters, a quadratic effect of sweet potato vine silage containing different additive levels was observed on pH, ammoniacal nitrogen as a percentage of total nitrogen [N-NH3 (%NT)], and losses from gases and effluent. A lower pH was observed at a level of the additive of 15% (3.31) and higher values at levels of 20%, 25% and 30% (3.88, 3.89 and 3.88, respectively). The N-NH3 values (%NT) ranged from 2.84% (no additive) to 3.59% (15% additive), and the lowest loss from gases and effluents was 2.38% DM and 199 kg/t in sweet potato vine silages containing 30% and 10% additive, respectively. Sweet potato vine is a good-quality roughage alternative that can be stored as silage, as along as a water-absorbing additive such as corn meal is used at a level no less than 20%.Objetivou-se investigar as características fermentativas e nutricionais da rama da batata doce (Ipomoea batatas) na forma de silagem utilizando níveis de fubá de milho como aditivo. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado com sete níveis de aditivo (fubá de milho) (0; 5; 10; 15; 20; 25 e 30%) e quatro repetições, totalizando 28 mini silos laboratoriais (unidades experimentais). Efeito quadrático foi observado nos teores de matéria seca (MS), proteína bruta (PB), proteína insolúvel em detergente neutro (PIDN), proteína insolúvel em detergente ácido (PIDA) e carboidratos totais das silagens da rama da batata doce com diferentes níveis de aditivo. Houve aumento no teor de MS com adição do aditivo, e a PB reduziu de 11,23% (zero aditivo) para 9,46% (30% aditivo) nas silagens da rama da batata doce. Os teores da PIDN e PIDA foram menores das silagens da rama da batata com 30% de aditivo (1,15% e 0,70%, respectivamente). Não foi observada diferença significativa nos teores de matéria orgânica, cinzas, extrato etéreo, fibra em detergente ácido, fibra em detergente neutro e nutrientes digestíveis totais nas silagens da rama da batata doce em relação aos níveis de aditivos. Na avaliação dos parâmetros fermentativos, foi observado efeito quadrático no pH, nitrogênio amoniacal, em porcentagem do nitrogênio total [N-NH3 (%NT)], perda por gases e perda por efluentes das silagens da rama da batata doce com diferentes níveis de aditivo. Menor valor de pH foi observado no nível de 15% de aditivo (3,31) e maiores nos níveis 20%, 25% e 30% de aditivo (3,88; 3,89 e 3,88, respectivamente). Os valores de N-NH3 (%NT) variaram de 2,84% (zero aditivo) a 3,59% (15% aditivo), e a menor perda por gases e efluentes foi de 2,38% MS e 199 kg/t nas silagens da rama da batata doce com 30% e 10%de aditivo, respectivamente. A rama da batata doce representa um volumoso alternativo de boa qualidade que pode ser armazenado na forma de silagem, desde que se utilize aditivo absorvente de umidade, como o fubá de milho, em nível não inferior a 20%.Nova Odessa, S

Biomass of the forage in Tifton 85 pastures fertilized with nitrogen and managed under continuous stocking

The present study, carried out at the Division for Research and Development of Adamantina, SP/Brazil, at Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios (APTA) – Polo da Alta Paulista, aimed to evaluate the effect of nitrogen fertilization on the morphological composition, tiller density, leaf area index, light interception and forage accumulation of Tifton 85 pastures subjected to continuous grazing. Treatments corresponded to three nitrogen and control doses (0, 100, 200 and 400 kg N/ha/year), arranged in a randomized block design with four replications. No effect of time of evaluation was verified on the vegetative, dead and total tiller densities of Tifton 85 under continuous grazing with variable stocking rate. The pastures of Cynodon cv. Tifton 85 were affected by the time of evaluation and nitrogen doses, with marked effect on the pasture morphological composition, leaf area index and light interception, which are determinant to forage accumulation. Tifton 85 grass reached the necessary conditions to achieve the maximum growth rate of the culture when managed under continuous grazing keeping the pasture at a height of 15 cm.O presente ensaio foi realizado na Unidade de Pesquisa e Desenvolvimento de Adamantina, SP, da Agência Paulista de Tecnologia dos Agronegócios (APTA) – Polo da Alta Paulista, com objetivo de avaliar o efeito da adubação nitrogenada na composição morfológica, densidade populacional de perfilhos, índice de área foliar, interceptação luminosa e acúmulo de forragem em pastos de Tifton 85 submetidos ao regime de lotação contínua. Os tratamentos corresponderam a três doses de nitrogênio e o controle (0, 100, 200 e 400 kg/ha/ano de N), dispostos em delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados com quatro repetições. Não foi constatado efeito da época de avaliação na densidade populacional de perfilhos vegetativo, morto e total de Tifton 85 em lotação continua com carga variável. Os parâmetros avaliados nos pastos de Cynodon cv. Tifton 85 sofrem influência da época de avaliação e das doses de nitrogênio com efeito marcante na composição morfológica do pasto, índice de área foliar e interceptação luminosa que são determinantes no acúmulo de forragem. O capim Tifton 85 alcançou as condições necessárias para atingir a taxa de crescimento da cultura máxima quando manejado sob lotação continua mantendo-se o pasto a 15 cm de altura.Londrina, P

COVID-19 infodemic and impacts on the mental health of older people : cross-sectional multicenter survey study

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic received widespread media coverage due to its novelty, an early lack of data, and the rapid rise in deaths and cases. This excessive coverage created a secondary “infodemic” that was considered to be a serious public and mental health problem by the World Health Organization and the international scientific community. The infodemic particularly affected older individuals, specifically those who are vulnerable to misinformation due to political positions, low interpretive and critical analysis capacity, and limited technical-scientific knowledge. Thus, it is important to understand older people’s reaction to COVID-19 information disseminated by the media and the effect on their lives and mental health. Objective: We aimed to describe the profile of exposure to COVID-19 information among older Brazilian individuals and the impact on their mental health, perceived stress, and the presence of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Methods: This cross-sectional, exploratory study surveyed 3307 older Brazilians via the web, social networks, and email between July 2020 and March 2021. Descriptive analysis and bivariate analysis were performed to estimate associations of interest. Results: Major proportions of the 3307 participants were aged 60 to 64 years (n=1285, 38.9%), female (n=2250, 68.4%), and married (n=1835, 55.5%) and self-identified as White (n=2364, 71.5%). Only 295 (8.9%) had never started or completed a basic education. COVID-19 information was mainly accessed on television (n=2680, 81.1%) and social networks (n=1943, 58.8%). Television exposure was ≥3 hours in 1301 (39.3%) participants, social network use was 2 to 5 hours in 1084 (32.8%) participants, and radio exposure was ≥1 hour in 1223 (37%) participants. Frequency of exposure to social networks was significantly associated with perceived stress (P=.04) and GAD (P=.01). A Bonferroni post hoc test revealed significantly different perceived stress in participants who were exposed to social networks for 1 hour (P=.04) and those who had no exposure (P=.04). A crude linear regression showed that “some” social media use (P=.02) and 1 hour of exposure to social media (P<.001) were associated with perceived stress. Adjusting for sociodemographic variables revealed no associations with this outcome variable. In a crude logistic regression, some social media use (P<.001) and 2 to 5 hours of exposure to social media (P=.03) were associated with GAD. Adjusting for the indicated variables showed that some social network use (P<.001) and 1 hour (P=.04) and 2 to 5 hours (P=.03) of exposure to social media were associated with GAD. Conclusions: Older people, especially women, were often exposed to COVID-19–related information through television and social networks; this affected their mental health, specifically GAD and stress. Thus, the impact of the infodemic should be considered during anamnesis for older people, so that they can share their feelings about it and receive appropriate psychosocial care

Nutritive value of diets with corn silage and alfalfa and coastcross grass hays

Conduziram-se dois experimentos no Departamento de Zootecnia da Universidade Federal de Viçosa, com o objetivo de avaliar o valor nutritivo de rações contendo silagem de milho (SM) e fenos de alfafa (FA) e de capim- coastcross (FCC), como fontes de volumosos. No primeiro experimento, avaliaram-se a produção e composição do leite, o consumo e a digestibilidade aparente de matéria seca (MS), matéria orgânica (MO), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), proteína bruta (PB), nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT), carboidratos totais (CT) e extrato etéreo (EE), o pH e a concentração de amônia ruminal e o custo das rações. Usaram-se dez vacas lactantes, HPC e mestiças, com peso médio de 540 kg, distribuídas em um delineamento em switch-back. Os animais foram alimentados ad libitum com cinco rações contendo FA (R1); FCC (R2); SM (R3); FA e SM (R4); e FCC e SM (R5), na proporção de 60% para o volumoso (base de matéria seca). Os consumos de MS, MO, FDN, PB, NDT, CT e EE não foram influenciados pelas rações. As digestibilidades aparentes de MS, PB e FDN foram maiores para as rações contendo silagem de milho. O pH e a concentração de amônia do líquido ruminal não foram influenciados pelas rações, porém observou-se resposta quadrática para o tempo de coletas. Os valores médios de pH e amônia foram de 7,13 e 13,17 mgN-NH3/100 mL, respectivamente. Registrou-se maior produção de leite para os animais que receberam silagem de milho e esta associada ao feno de alfafa. Por sua vez, a produção de leite corrigida foi menor para a última ração. Os teores de proteína bruta e gordura do leite não foram influenciados pelas rações, registrando-se valores médios de 3,45 e 3,95%, respectivamente. As rações contendo FCC e SM revelaram os mesmos custos por kg de leite produzido, e aquela com SM, maior margem bruta. No segundo experimento, avaliou-se o valor nutritivo do FA e FCC e da SM, fornecidos como alimentos exclusivos para ovinos. Usaram-se 15 animais, distribuídos em um delineamento em blocos casualizados. Os consumos de MS, MO e CT, em g/dia, não foram influenciados pelos volumosos usados. Os consumos de FDN e EE foram menores para os animais que receberam silagem de milho. Já os consumos de PB e NDT foram maiores para os animais alimentados com feno de alfafa. As digestibilidades aparentes da MS e PB foram maiores para os animais que receberam feno de alfafa. Por sua vez, o balanço de nitrogênio foi positivo apenas para os animais alimentados com fenos.Two experiments were carried out at the Animal Science Department to evaluate the nutritive value of diets with corn silage (CS) and alfalfa and coastcross grass (CCG) hays, as roughage sources. In the first experiment, the milk composition and yield, the intake and apparent digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), crude protein (CP), total digestible nutrients (TDN), total carbohydrates (TC) and ether extract (EE), the pH and ruminal ammonia concentration and the diets cost were evaluated. Ten HPC and crossbred dairy cows, with average weight of 540 kg, were assigned to a switch-back design. The animals were ad libitum fed diets with AH (R1), CCH (R2), CS (R3); AH and CS (R4), and CCH and CS (R5) in 60% basis for the roughage (dry matter basis). Diets did not affect DM, OM, NDF, CP, TDN, TC and EE contents. The DM, CP and NDF apparent digestibilities were higher for diets with corn silage. Diets did not affect pH and the ruminal ammonia concentration, however quadratic answer was observed for collection time. The average pH and ruminal ammonia values were 7.13 and 13.17 mgN- NH3/100mL, respectively. Higher milk production for the animals that received corn silage based diet was recorded, and this roughage was associated to alfalfa hay. However, corrected milk production was lower for the last diet. The diets did not affect the crude protein and fat milk contents. The diets with CCH and CS showed the same cost per kg produced milk and that with CS shoed the higher gross margin. In the second experiment, the AH, CCH and CS nutritive values fed exclusively as feeds for sheep were evaluated. Fifteen animals were assigned to a randomized blocks design. The DM, OM and TC intakes, in g/day, were not affected by the used roughages. The NDF and EE intakes were lower for the animals fed corn silage based diets. The CP and TDN intakes were higher for the animals fed alfalfa hay based diets. The apparent DM and CP digestibilities were higher for the animals fed alfalfa hay based diet. The nitrogen balance was positive for the animal fed exclusively hays based diets.Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológic