278 research outputs found
Spatial distribution of bed variables, animal welfare indicators, and milk production in a closed compost-bedded pack barn with a negative tunnel ventilation system
This research aimed to characterize, evaluate and compare the spatial distribution of the leading bed variables,
animal welfare indicators, and milk production in a closed compost-bedded pack barn (CBP) with a negative
tunnel ventilation system, for summer and winter periods. The study was carried out in a CBP located in the Zona
da Mata region, Minas Gerais, Brazil. The geostatistical modeling technique evaluated the variables of temper ature, moisture content, and pH (on the surface and depth of 0.20m) across the length of the bed. Bed samples
were characterized for carbon (C), nitrogen (N), and C:N ratio. Cows housed in the CBP were assessed for
locomotion and hygiene scores and average milk production. To evaluate the thermoregulation of the cows, the
respiratory rate (RR) and surface temperature (ST) were measured. Geostatistical analysis showed spatial
dependence and the non-uniformity of the spatial distribution of bed variables. The worst levels of bed tem perature and moisture were found in the regions close to the evaporative cooling plate, surrounding the feeding
alley, and in the region with the highest cow stocking. The C:N ratio, obtained in both climatic seasons of the
year, remained outside the recommended range for ideal composting. During the summer and winter, the bed
variables’ values suggest that the material was below levels for optimal composting; however, the aerated inner
layer was biologically active. The high animal density significantly impacted the worsening of the bed moisture
content and internal temperature. In general, dairy cows showed adequate hygiene (score of 1 and 2) and
locomotion (score of 0 and 1) scores for the two climatic seasons evaluated, indicating good welfare conditions.
In relation to RR and ST, the summer period presented less favorable environmental conditions. During winter,
the average milk production was 28.1 ± 7.2 kg day-1, and during summer, it was 26.9 ± 6.7 kg day-1
Evidence that oxidative stress is increased in patients with X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy
AbstractX-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD) is a hereditary disorder of peroxisomal metabolism biochemically characterized by the accumulation of very long chain fatty acids (VLCFA), particularly hexacosanoic acid (C26:0) and tetracosanoic acid (C24:0) in different tissues and in biological fluids. The disease is clinically characterized by central and peripheral demyelination and adrenal insufficiency, which is closely related to the increased concentrations of these fatty acids. However, the mechanisms underlying the brain damage in X-ALD are poorly known. Considering that free radical generation is involved in various neurodegererative disorders, like Parkinson disease, multiple sclerosis and Alzheimer's disease, in the present study we evaluated various oxidative stress parameters, namely chemiluminescence, thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBA-RS), total radical-trapping antioxidant potential (TRAP), and total antioxidant reactivity (TAR) in plasma of X-ALD patients, as well as the activities of the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) in erythrocytes and fibroblasts from these patients. It was verified a significant increase of plasma chemiluminescence and TBA-RS, reflecting induction of lipid peroxidation, as well as a decrease of plasma TAR, indicating a deficient capacity to rapidly handle an increase of reactive species. We also observed a significant increase of erythrocytes GPx activity and of catalase and SOD activities in fibroblasts from the patients studied. It is therefore proposed that oxidative stress may be involved in pathophysiology of X-ALD
Influence of dietary Chlorella vulgaris and carbohydrate-active enzymes on growth performance, meat quality and lipid composition of broiler chickens
Article in pressHerein, we investigated the effect of
Chlorella vulgaris as ingredient (10% of incorporation) in
broiler diets, supplemented or not with 2 formulations of
Carbohydrate-Active enZymes (CAZymes; Rovabio
Excel AP and a mixture of recombinant CAZymes,
composed by an exo-b-glucosaminidase, an alginate
lyase, a peptidoglycan N-acetylmuramic acid deacetylase
and a lysozyme), on growth performance, meat quality,
fatty acid composition, oxidative stability, and sensory
traits. One hundred twenty 1-day-old Ross 308 male birds
were randomly assigned to one of the 4 experimental diets
(n 5 30): corn-soybean meal–basal diet (control), basal
diet with 10% C. vulgaris (CV), CV supplemented with
0.005% of a commercialCAZymecocktail (Rovabio Excel
AP), (CV1R), and CV supplemented with 0.01% of a 4-
CAZyme mixture previously selected (CV 1 M) during
the experimental period lasted from day 21 to day 35.
Body weight gain and feed conversion rate of broilers were
not affected by C. vulgaris but digesta viscosity increased more than 2-fold (P , 0.001) relative to the control. In
addition, neither cooking loss, shear force, juiciness, flavor
nor off-flavor was impaired by dietary treatments
(P.0.05). By contrast, the dietary C. vulgaris increased
tenderness, yellowness (b*) and total carotenoids in
breast and thigh meats. However, no additional protective
effect against lipid oxidation was observed in meat
with the inclusion of microalga. Chlorella vulgaris, independently
of CAZymes, had a minor impact on meat fatty
acid composition but improved the proportion of some
beneficial fatty acids. In summary, our data indicate a
slight improvement of broiler meat quality and lipid
nutritional value, without impairment of broilers’ growth
performance, thus supporting the usefulness of this
microalga in poultry diets, up to this high level of incorporation.
By contrast, the selected CAZyme mixtures
used do not significantly improve the release of microalga
nutrients in poultry diets, through the disruption of
microalga cell wall, which warrants further researchinfo:eu-repo/semantics/acceptedVersio
Vascular Flora Of The Legado Das Águas, Reserva Votorantim, Municipalities Of Tapiraí, Miracatú And Juquiá, São Paulo, Brazil
Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)We present a list of vascular plants found in Legado das Águas, Reserva Votorantim, a private reserve having an area of approximately 35,000 ha that spans the municipalities of Tapiraí, Miracatú, and Juquiá, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The reserve is part of a complex of state-protected areas including Alto Ribeira Touristic State Park, Intervales State Park, Carlos Botelho State Park, Jurupará State Park, and Serra do Mar State Park. Together, these form an important and large area of continuous and well-preserved forest. Our study, which involved two main floristic surveys in March/April 2013 and April 2014, recorded 768 species, representing 131 families and 432 genera. The majority of species were angiosperms (619) representing 106 families and 370 genera. There were also two species of gymnosperms belonging to two genera in separate families; 147 species of ferns and lycophytes belonging to 23 families and 60 genera. In demonstrating the presence of almost 800 species of plants, of which 16 are threatened, our study highlights the importance of floristic surveys and the critical role of private protected areas in managing and preserving native flora. © 2016 Check List and Authors.1262011/22923-8, FAPESP, Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo2015/9444-4, FAPESP, Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São PauloFundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP)Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP
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