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

Alterações químicas e microbiológicas de silagens de capim-marandu após a abertura dos silos

This trial had the objective of characterizing the microbial population and evaluating the aerobic stability of Marandu grass silages with pelleted citrus pulp (PCP). The collected forage was submitted to the following treatments: Silage of Marandu grass; silage of Marandu grass + 50 g/kg PCP and silage of Marandu grass + 100 g/kg PCP on natural matter basis. Metal cylindrical containers with 80 cm of height and 50 cm of diameter were used as silos during assays of microbiological dynamics and chemical changes of silages in anaerobiosis. Evaluations were performed on days 0, 2, 4 and 6 after silos were opened. The aerobic stability was evaluated by change in temperature, using approximately three kilograms of silage inside styrofoam boxes that were placed inside a climatic chamber. A completely randomized experimental design and split plot arrangement were used in the two assays, with five replications. Treatments were the plots and time was the subplots. Bacillus and enterobacteria were present on the Marandu grass silages with 0 g/kg PCP, which also showed pH increase throughout the feedout phase. Yeast was detected on the silages that were added with PCP. A trend of increasing temperature with extension of the aeration time was observed mainly in the silages containing 100 g/kg PCP. Isolated yeast strains showed lactate assimilation. Silages were found to be unstable due to the silo opening, both by bacterial or yeast development, which reduced the nutritional value.Esta pesquisa foi realizada com os objetivos de caracterizar a microbiologia e avaliar a estabilidade aeróbia de silagens de capim-marandu contendo polpa cítrica peletizada (PCP). A forragem colhida foi submetida aos seguintes tratamentos: silagem de capim-marandu; silagem de capim-marandu + 5% PCP e silagem do capim-marandu + 10% de PCP com base na matéria natural. As alterações químicas e microbiológicas foram feitas aos 0, 2, 4 e 6 dias após a abertura dos silos (tambores de metal com 80 cm de altura e 50 cm de diâmetro). Na avaliação da estabilidade aeróbia por meio da alteração da temperatura, 3 kg de silagem foram colocados em caixas de isopor, que foram armazenadas em câmara climática. Nos dois ensaios realizados, utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente ao acaso com cinco repetições, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, de modo que os níveis de PCP na silagem corresponderam às parcelas e o tempo, às subparcelas. As silagens sem polpa apresentaram desenvolvimento de bacilos e enterobactérias e aumento do pH no decorrer do desabastecimento dos silos. A presença de leveduras foi detectada nas silagens contendo o aditivo e aumentou do primeiro ao sexto dia de aeração. A digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS) reduziu com o aumento dos tempos de aeração. A temperatura nas silagens com 10% de PCP aumentou durante a aerobiose. Com a abertura dos silos, as silagens apresentaram-se instáveis, seja pelo desenvolvimento de bactérias seja pelo desenvolvimento de leveduras, o que reduziu seu valor nutritivo.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

CUSTOS DE PRODUÇÃO DA ATIVIDADE LEITEIRA NA REGIÃO SUL DE MINAS GERAIS

The production costs for dairy milk in the southern region of the state of Minas Gerais are presented in this study. This research identifies economic indexes of costs that most influence decisions made by milk producers. The research is based on the theory of costs and the study location was the southern region of the state of Minas Gerais, where data on the 12 milk production units were gathered from March of 2000 to February of 2001, characterizing a multicase study. The economic analysis proved that milk prices were below average total cost but exceeded average variable cost. Even though profits may be negative in this case, as long as variable cost gets covered, the profit-maximizing decision is to continue production. Thus, not all of the fixed costs are lost. The research shows that expenses on variable resources represent the greater portion of the final cost of milk, like costs with cattle feed and labor. The items with fixed costs which affected most on the cost of milk production in the south of Minas Gerais were machinery and equipment.production costs, milk, south of Minas Gerais.,

Efeito da altura e da frequência de corte sobre a produção, composição bromatológica e vigor de rebrota do capim-colonião

This work was carried out at Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias de Jaboticabal/ UNESP, São Paulo State, Brazil, in order to study the effect of two frequencies (35 and 42 days) and two cutting heights (15cm and 30cm from soil) on dry-matter production, chemical composition, and morphological and physiological characteristics of regrowth of guinea grass (Panicum maximum Jacq.) from January to April, 1984. Plants cut at intervals of 42 days showed higher percentage of decapitated tillers (53.70%), lower regrowth vigor (918.89kg DM/ha/21 days), and higher dry-matter production (12,652.67 kg/ha) than plants cut at 35 day Intervals. Regrowth vigor was better correlated with the percentage of decapitated tillers (r=- 0.60*) than with the levels of total nonstructural carbohydrates of stem basis (r = -0.04) and underground parts (r = -0.39). On the basis of dry-matter and crude protein productions, as well as chemical composition, guinea grass could be used from January to April at intervals of 42 days, independently of the cutting heights studies.O trabalho foi conduzido no Campus da Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias e Veterinárias de Jaboticabal/UNESP com o objetivo de estudar o efeito de duas frequências (35 e 42 dias) e duas alturas do corte (15 cm e 30 cm do solo) sobre as características morfo-fisiológicas de recuperação, a produção e a composição bromatológica do capim-colonião (Panicum maximum Jacq.). Os resultados revelaram que plantas cortadas a intervalos de 42 dias apresentaram maior percentagem de perfilhos decapitados (53,70%), menor vigor de rebrota (918,89 kg de MS/ha/21 dias), porém maior produção de matéria seca (12.652,67 kg/ha). O vigor de rebrota mostrou melhor correlação com a percentagem de perfilhos decapitados (r = -0,60*), do que com os teores de carboidratos totais não estruturais da base do colmo (r = -0,04) e da parte subterrânea (r = -0,39). Com base nas produções de matéria seca e de proteína bruta, bem como, na composição bromatológica, o capim-colonião poderia ser cortado, no período de janeiro a abril, a intervalos de 42 dias, independentemente das alturas adotadas (15 cm ou 30 cm de solo)

Radiological Consequences Modelling for a Land Based Operations Environment

Radiological Dispersive Devices (RDD) are often portrayed as weapons used by radical (asymmetric) forces, however they can also be used in a regular war. In this study, a hypothetical scenario where an asymmetric force contaminates the battlefield, by detonating an RDD prior to the soldier’s arrival without being detected, is simulated. The software HotSpot was used due to its speed and conservative results which can help inform the decisions made by the commanding officers. HotSpot performs a Gaussian simulation of the radioactive dispersion in the environment. The plumes that arise from the explosion are considered to be affected by the atmospheric conditions. In this study, those conditions are represented by the Pasquill-Gifford stability classes. The results of the simulation show that remaining stationary, if the contaminated area size is not affected by the PG class variation, may increase the radiological risk. It is better to move the soldiers around in order to avoid additional exposure, however that may also be a challenge for various reasons including changes in the shape of the contaminated area. Nevertheless, the variations in local PG classes gain importance as the distance from the release point increases

Aerobic stability of marandu grass silages submitted to different packing intensities during ensiling

Objetivou-se avaliar a estabilidade aeróbia das silagens de capim-marandu submetidas a diferentes pressões de compactação. A espécie forrageira foi colhida aos 60 dias de crescimento vegetativo. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado com quatro repetições, utilizando-se o modelo de medidas repetidas no tempo. Os tratamentos constituíram-se de quatro densidades (100, 120, 140 e 160 kg MS/m³). As alterações químicas das silagens foram determinadas com 0, 3 e 6 dias após a abertura. As leituras das temperaturas das silagens foram obtidas em intervalos de 12 horas, 156 horas após a acomodação dos baldes na câmara climática, utilizando-se o termômetro inserido a 10 cm no centro da massa de silagem. As silagens de maiores valores de densidade alcançaram máxima temperatura em maior tempo que as densidades inferiores, evidenciando a maior estabilidade decorrente de melhor compactação da massa ensilada. Com o avançar do tempo de exposição aeróbia, as silagens tiveram aumento nos valores de pH e decréscimos nos teores de nitrogênio amoniacal (N-NH3). Verificou-se queda nos teores de NIDN (nitrogênio insolúvel em detergente neutro) e da fração B3 com o aumento da densidade, o que caracterizou a participação dessa fração durante o processo de proteólise após a quebra da vedação. Os teores de fibras em detergente neutro e detergente ácido durante a exposição ao ar sofreram acréscimo, sendo os maiores valores obtidos nas silagens de menor densidade. As silagens mais densas apresentaram maiores coeficientes de digestibilidade verdadeira in vitro que os demais tratamentos.This trial aimed to evaluate the aerobic stability of marandu grass silages submitted to different packing intensities. The forage was harvested at 60 days of regrowth. The following packing densities were evaluated: 100, 120, 140, and 160 kg DM/m³. Silage chemical changes were determined 0, 3, and 6 days after air exposure and temperature recorded every 12 hours, during 156 hours after the buckets were placed in the climatic camera. Thermometers were inserted 10 cm into the silage mass. Data were analyzed following a repeated measures model in a complete randomized design with four replications. The silage with the highest density reached the maximum temperature value in a longer period, compared to the lowest density one, probably due to the highest stability. The pH values increased and ammoniacal nitrogen (N-NH3/TN) decreased during the air exposure phase. The NDIN (neutral detergent insoluble nitrogen) and B3 fractions decreased for the highest density silage, characterizing the participation of these fractions in the proteolysis process during the aerobic phase. The NDF (neutral detergent fiber) and ADF (acid detergent fiber) values increased during the aerobic exposure and the highest values were observed on the lowest density silages. The highest density silages showed higher true in vitro digestibility values compared to the other silages.Fundação de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo (FAPESP

Human and Environmental Bias Affecting Risk Perception in Military Radiological and Nuclear Operations

The urban military operating environment may offer favorable conditions for combat involving asymmetric actions or 4th generation warfare which includes the chemical, biological, radiological, or nuclear (CBRN) environment. The CBRN environment is characterized by threats and hazards capable of producing negative impacts to the operations. The detriment may be produced by intentional release of hazardous materials into the operational environment. This study deals with an environment deliberately contaminated by radioactive materials because of the activation of a radiological dispersive device (RDD). A computer simulation of the radioactive scenario was performed in order to produce useful information which in turn can be used to support decision-making. The main goal was to assess the risk of developing radio-induced solid cancer by studying the articulation between local environmental variables and a cognitive bias, the Dunning-Kruger effect. The findings highlight intuitive correlations between local atmospheric stability and cognitive bias affecting the threat level (radiation dose), the responsiveness and the perceived risk. The findings also allow us to infer that, especially in the military-operational context, the methodology proposed for the assessment of environment-human interactions may be decisive for correctly direct available resources, both human and material, reducing operational risk

Evaluation of the silage of high-moisture corn grain

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar os efeitos de diferentes porcentagens do sabugo (0, 5, 10 e 20%) na matéria verde (MV) e de quatro períodos de amostragem (zero, dois, quatro e seis dias após a abertura dos silos) sobre a qualidade da silagem de grãos úmidos de milho (Zea mays L.). O arranjo fatorial 5 x 4 foi estudado segundo delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com três repetições. Não houve efeito do período de amostragem sobre as variáveis estudadas. A capacidade-tampão e o pH não foram afetados pela presença do sabugo, e o teor de carboidratos solúveis e N amoniacal aumentaram em até 1,2 e 1,89 unidade percentual, respectivamente, em relação à silagem exclusiva de grãos de milho. O aumento na porcentagem de sabugo reduziu os teores de matéria seca (MS) (de 63,9% para 58,6%), proteína bruta (PB) (de 10,0% para 7,3%), extrato etéreo (EE) (de 4,87% para 3,92%) e os valores da digestibilidade in vitro de matéria seca (DIVMS) (de 90,5% para 79,1%) das silagens, e aumentou os teores da fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) (de 3,3% para 12,9%) e da fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) (de 15,16% para 26,1%). Os valores de energia bruta (EB) não foram afetados (P>0,01) pela presença do sabugo nas silagens.This work had the objective of evaluating the effects of different percentages of com (Zea mays L.) cob on the quality of the silage of high-moisture corn grains. The following treatments were studied: percentages of corn cob in the silage (0, 5, 10, 15 and 20%); period of sampling after opening the silos (zero, two, four and six days). The factorial arrangement 5 x 4 was studied according to a completely randomized block design with three replications. The variables studied were not affected by the sampling period. The buffering capacity and the pH were not affected by the cob, while the percent soluble carbohydrates and amoniacal nitrogen increasing until 1.2 and 1.89 unit percent, respectively. Increasing the amount of corn cobs reduced the contents of DM (from 63.9% to 58.6%), CP (from 10.0% to 7.3%), EE (from 4.87% to 3.92%) and the values of DMIVD (from 90.5% to 79.1%) in the silages and increasing the contents of acid detergente fiber (ADF) (from 3.3% to 12.9%) and neutral detergente fiber (NDF) (from 15.16% to 26.1%). The values of brute energy (BE) were not affected (P>0.01) by the cob corn in the silage

Scheduled fight affect mood states of MMA athletes

[EN] Among the combat sports, mixed martial arts (MMA) has stood out over the past two decades