On-Offer and Residual Forage in a Massai-\u3cem\u3eLeucaena\u3c/em\u3e Pasture at Different Leucaena Density

Mexican livestock producers in tropical areas are increasingly interested on the establishment of silvopastoral systems based on Leucaena (Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) de Wit) and different tropical grasses as the Massai grass (Panicum maximum cv Massai); among questions raised on this is the importance of Leucaena density in relation to forage available. Then the objective of the study was to determine total and by species on-offer and residual forage in a grazed MassaiLeucaena pasture with different Leucaena density

Phenolic Compounds in Maize Grains and Its Nixtamalized Products

Among the cereals most consumed by humans, maize grain is in the third position, surpassed only by rice and wheat. In several countries, maize grain is the main source of carbohydrates and proteins. Maize grain is ranked as one of the cereals with the highest content of phenolic compounds. The importance for human health of the consumption of phenolic compounds is due to their proved antioxidant activity. Diets with high amount of antioxidants have been associated with a reduced probability of suffering degenerative chronic diseases. In maize grain, the phenolic acids predominate, among which the main is ferulic acid, followed by p‐coumaric acid, which are highly abundant in their bound forms. However, other phenolics such as anthocyanins, flavonols, and flavanols have been identified in colored maize grains. Additionally, the processing of maize grain into different products for human consumption incorporates changes both in quantity and quality of some phenolic compounds. In the present chapter, we present the most recent information available regarding phenolic compounds in maize grain and their nixtamalized products

Winter Forage Yield of Signal Grass (\u3cem\u3eBrachiaria brizantha \u3c/em\u3e(Hochst. Ex. A. Rich) R.D. Webster) at Different Cutting Frequency and N Fertilization

Signal grass (Brachiaria brizantha (Hochst. Ex. A. Rich) R.D. Webster) is widely grown in sub-humid tropical environments. In winter, shorter photoperiod and lower rainfall and temperatures reduce grass forage yield. Cutting frequency and N fertilization might reduce this negative effect (Whitehead, 1995; Pereira et al., 2014). The objective of the study was to determine winter forage yield total and by components of Signal grass under different cutting frequency and N fertilization

Challenges and Opportunities in the Specialization of Maize Cultivation

Objective: To identify current scientific information on maize (Zea mays L.) in relation to the challenges and opportunities associated with the specialization of this crop. Design/methodology/approach: A bibliographic search was conducted in high-impact journals focusing on the difficulties and opportunities in maize cultivation. Results: Several key challenges in maize cultivation were identified, including the impact of climate change, limited access to technologies for small and medium producers, variability in grain price, and the availability of improved seed to increase yields in their reproductive zones. One potential solution involves access to improved short-cycle varieties with tolerance to adverse factors (both biotic and abiotic), combined with sustainable agricultural techniques such as conservation agriculture. Limitations on study/implications: Despite existing research on maize cultivation, its composition, nutritional contribution and economic importance, the profitability of this crop is affected by factors such as price variation, climate change, and the incidence of pests and diseases. Therefore, further research is needed to identify varieties with more competitive markets to enhance sustainability. Findings/conclusions: Maize is a globally important crop with industrial applications and uses for both human and livestock consumption. The increasing demand underscores the need to improve its performance and profitability. A strategy to increase production involves promoting diversification through the specialization of varieties with more competitive markets and the adoption of sustainable agricultural techniques

Iron deficiency anemia effect of nutrition on the content in bone, Ca, P and Fe

La anemia ferropénica nutricional provoca una alteración de gran importancia en el metabolismo fosfocálcico. Con este estudio pretendemos comprobar cómo la anemia ferropénica nutricional afecta el depósito de Ca y P en fémur y el contenido de Fe en esternón, para ello determinamos Fe y Ca por espectrofotometría de absorción atómica y de P por espectrofotometría ultravioleta visible en ratas macho raza Wistar albina ferrodeficientes. El depósito de Ca y P en el fémur es significativamente (P < 0.001) más bajo para el grupo anémico. Esto puede deberse al incremento de los niveles séricos de PTH y cortisol, inducidos por la ferrodeficiencia severa (Campos y col., 2007). Además se produce una drástica disminución (P < 0.001) en el contenido de Fe en esternón, hecho que incide de manera muy negativa en el proceso hematopoyético.Nutritional iron-deficiency anemia provokes a noteworthy alteration in the phosphorus and calcium metabolism. With the current study we tried to check how the nutritional iron deficiency anemia affects Ca and P deposit in femur and the Fe content in sternum. We determined Fe and Ca by atomic absorption spectrophotometry and P by ultraviolet /visibly spectrophotometry in Fe-deficient male wistar albino rats. Ca and P deposit in femur is significantly lower in the anaemic group. This can be due to the increase of the serum levels of PTH and cortisol, induced by the severe Fe-deficiency. In addition, a drastic decrease in the Fe content in sternum was recorded, fact that affects in a very negative way in the haematopoietic process

Monitoring of the Fall Armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda Walker) Moth for the Determination of Efficient Chemical Control in Zea mays L.

Objective: To determine the population dynamics of the fall armyworm (FAW), identify the critical period of highest infestation and to determine the number of agrochemicals applications for its control. Design/methodology/approach: A monitoring and capture of male FAW moths was conducted using plastic traps with sexual attraction pheromones. A daily count of captured moths was performed during the crop season, the data were plotted to determine the period of highest infestation and the optimal timing for chemical control. Additionally, the number of insecticide applications for FAW control was evaluated, with treatments including none (T0), one (T1), two (T2), three (T3), and four (T4) applications. A randomized complete block design with nine repetitions was used. Before each application, the number of plants with visible damage and its intensity were counted using the Davis visual scale. Statistical analysis of the measured variables was conducted. Results: The results showed that moths were evenly distributed across the planted surface, and two periods of higher infestation were identified: between 32 to 35 and 70 to 76 days after planting, respectively. The biological cycle of the FAW was between 38 to 41 days. The analysis of variance showed statistical differences (p ≤ 0.001) among the treatments. Findings/conclusions: Using plastic traps with sexual attraction pheromones is an efficient method for capturing, monitoring, reducing the population, estimate the length of the biological cycle, and identifying the highest infestation period of the FAW. Moreover, two insecticide applications during the periods of highest infestation resulted in optimal control of FAW

Mapping of quantitative trait loci for cholesterol, LDL, HDL and triglyceride serum concentrations in pigs

The fine mapping of polymorphisms influencing cholesterol (CT), triglyceride (TG), and lipoprotein serum levels in human and mouse has provided a wealth of knowledge about the complex genetic architecture of these traits. The extension of these genetic analyses to pigs would be of utmost importance since they constitute a valuable biological and clinical model for the study of coronary artery disease and myocardial infarction. In the present work, we performed a whole genome scan for serum lipid traits in a half-sib Duroc pig population of 350 individuals. Phenotypic registers included total CT, TG, and low (LDL)- and high (HDL)-density lipoprotein serum concentrations at 45 and 190 days of age. This approach allowed us to identify two genomewide significant quantitative trait loci (QTL) for HDL-to-LDL ratio at 45 days (SSC6, 84 cM) and for TG at 190 days (SSC4, 23 cM) as well as a number of chromosomewide significant QTL. The comparison of QTL locations at 45 and 190 days revealed a notable lack of concordance at these two time points, suggesting that the effects of these QTL are age specific. Moreover, we have observed a considerable level of correspondence among the locations of the most significant porcine lipid QTL and those identified in humans. This finding might suggest that, in mammals, diverse polymorphisms located in a common set of genes are involved in the genetic variation of serum lipid levels.The work was funded by Grants AGL2002-04271-C03 and AGL2007-66707-C02 (Ministerio de Educacion y Ciencia, Spain). D. Gallardo was funded with a fellowship from Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona. R. N. Pena received a contractual grant from Instituto Nacional de Investigacion Agropecuaria (Spain).Peer reviewe