Separate and combined effects of cyclic fasting and l‐carnitine supplementation in red porgy (Pagrus pagrus,L. 1758)

We examined the effects of cyclic fasting in red porgy (Pagrus pagrus) fed different dietary carnitine levels. Juvenile fish (23.58 ± 3.49 g) were divided into eight groups – four groups were fed every day to apparent satiation, while the other four were fasted for 7 days every 2 weeks. In each feeding regime, two replicates were fed an l ‐carnitine non‐supplemented diet (46 mg kg^?1) and the other two groups were fed an l ‐carnitine supplemented diet (630 mg kg^?1). Fish fed 630 mg l ‐carnitine accumulated two times more l ‐carnitine in muscle than fish fed 46 mg l ‐carnitine. Cyclic fasting reduced the growth performance and lipid content in the liver. Carnitine supplementation did not affect performance and body composition, but decreased the n‐6 PUFA content. Moreover, the combined effects of fasting and carnitine supplementation were observed on reducing the n‐3 fatty acid content. Areas of steatosis were found in the livers of red porgy, but the results revealed that supplementation of l ‐carnitine in cyclic fasted fish contributed towards a lower degree of vacuolization than in fish fed to apparent satiation. Regardless of the feeding regime applied, the spleen of fish fed the l ‐carnitine‐supplemented diet was haemorrhagic and hyper activation of melanomacrophage cells was observed.     

Histology, carbohydrate and protein histochemistry of the mandibular gland in suckling, prepuberal and puberal zebus (Bos indicus)

Histological, histometric and histochemical studies of the mandibular salivary glands of suckling, prepuberal and puberal zebu were carried out using 14 male animals. The developmental growth of this gland is characterized and correlated with histochemical development. These findings were correlated with other similar studies of Bovidae.     

Ovariectomy by left flank approach in prepubertal Nelore (Bos indicus) heifers

The main objective of this study was to evaluate a recumbent left flank approach to bilateral ovariectomy in prepubertal heifers and to develop an optimal surgical technique for this procedure. Both ovaries were removed from 6 Nelore heifers by left flank approach without any complications, except in 1 heifer, which was believed to have had only 1 ovary based on ultrasound and exploration during surgery, but was later found to have a remaining functional ovary. Ovariectomy via left flank approach in recumbent prepubertal heifers is feasible and technically easy. This procedure does not involve special instrumentation and, despite the invasive approach, it allows optimal visualization of the ovaries and uterus.     

Environmental risk assessment of a metal-contaminated area in the Tropics. Tier I: screening phase

Purpose  

The present study presents data on the screening phase (tier 1) of a site-specific ecological risk assessment in a former smelter area heavily contaminated with metals (Santo Amaro, Bahia, Brazil). Joining information from three lines of evidence (LoE), chemical, ecotoxicological, and ecological, integrated risk values were calculated to rank sites within the area and identify those that may need further investigation in tier 2.     

Ocurrence of <Emphasis Type="Italic">Philophthalmus gralli</Emphasis> (Trematoda: Philophthalmidae) in farmed ostriches in Brazil

This paper reports the occurrence of parasitism by the Oriental eye-fluke, Philophthalmus gralli in ostriches reared in a commercial flock from the State of Minas Gerais State, Southeastern Brazil. The two affected birds presented lacrimation, inflammatory reaction and loss of body condition. After physical examination the birds revealed, 17 and 15 trematodes each, only in the right eyes. The economic impact of this parasite on Brazilian ostrich industry is still undetermined, requiring further studies.     

In-soil potassium sensor system

A potentiometric sensor system based on potassium ion-selective electrodes was developed for agricultural purposes. Sensors were built using PVC ion-selective membranes over an inner solid contact prepared with graphite-epoxy composites. A copper plate was used as a reference electrode. A two-stage electronic circuit composed of current and voltage amplifiers was designed to interface the sensors to a distributed data acquisition system. Three ion-selective sensors and three off-the-shelf temperature sensors and their associated circuits were mounted in a PVC tube to set up a soil probe. The electronic controls were placed in an airtight box fixed at the upper part of the probe. The system was evaluated in the field, where the sensors presented sensibility within the range of 69-71 mV dec(-)(1). Extracts of soil samples were analyzed by a current flame photometry approach, and the results, compared with the probe measurements, showed a linear relationship (r (2) = 0.992 and 0.995, respectively, to 5 and 20 cm depths), which implies viability and instrumentation reliability for agricultural applications.     

Growth and nutritional disorders of coffee cultivated in nutrient solutions with suppressed macronutrients

The objective was to evaluate the effect of omitting macronutrients in the nutrients solution on growth characteristics and nutritional status of coffee. The treatments were complete nutrients solutions and solutions with nutrient omission: N (nitrogen), P (phosphorus), K (potassium), Ca (calcium), Mg (magnesium) and S (sulfur). The experiment was carried out under greenhouse conditions with 3 replicates in a completely random design. Plant height, number of leaves per plant, stem diameter, relative chlorophyll index, photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, transpiration, carbon dioxide (CO₂) concentration, dry matter, content levels of macronutrients in plant aerial part and root system, and nutritional disorders were evaluated. Macronutrients suppression affected nutrients concentration in many plant parts, inducing the appearance of symptoms characteristic of each nutrient. The most limiting nutrients for coffee plants development were nitrogen and calcium, reflected in the lower dry matter accumulation and nitrogen the most required.     

Macronutrient omission and the development and nutritional status of basil in nutritive solution

The correct nutrition of basil (Ocinum basilicum L.) is important to increase its production and quality; however, few papers have deal with this subject. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effects of omission of individual macronutrients on the growth and nutritional status of basil cultivated in nutritive solution. The treatments consisted of nutrient solutions with nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium or sulfur (N, P, K, Ca, Mg, or S) omissions and a complete solution treatment. The plants were cultivated in 8 L plant pots. Plant height, number of leaves per plant, leaf area, relative chlorophyll index, net photosynthesis rate, stomatal conductance, plant dry matter, concentration levels of macronutrients in the aerial part and root system, and nutritional disorders were all evaluated. Nutrient omission was a limiting factor for plant development, substantially reducing its growth. There was also a considerable decrease in nutrient accumulation when compared to the control treatment.     

Changes in luteinizing hormone secretion after estradiol treatment in prepubertal Nelore heifers

Changes in luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion after 17β-estradiol (E(2)) injection were evaluated during sexual maturation in 10 prepubertal Nelore heifers. Heifers were divided into 2 groups: intact (I) and ovariectomized (OVX). 17β-estradiol (2 μg/kg) was administered to both groups at 10, 13, and 17 mo of age. Only at 10 mo of age was there a greater mean LH concentration in OVX heifers (1.33 ± 0.29 ng/mL) compared with the I group (0.57 ± 0.15 ng/mL). At 13 and 17 mo of age there was no significant difference between the 2 groups in any of the evaluated variables (number of peaks, total peak area, greatest peak area, and time to greatest peak occurrence). This suggests a decrease in negative E(2) feedback associated with an increase in positive feedback to LH secretion during sexual maturation, and these were likely the key factors that determined the time of first ovulation in Nelore heifers.     

Soil and Weed Survey for Spatially Variable Herbicide Application on Railways

Weed control on railways is frequently done by herbicide application, using large amounts of chemicals and labour. Only a few hectares of surface area on a railway can be many kilometres long so high levels of spatial variability of soils and weeds are expected. Railway sprayers use similar technology to crop sprayers so it is possible to adopt concepts from precision agriculture for weed control. The objective of this study was to evaluate spatial variability of soils and weeds on railways in order to define weed control strategies and basic characteristics of a railway sprayer. This work is part of a research project aiming at the development of a system for spatially variable herbicide application on railways. Soil and weed data were collected from five different railway companies in Brazil. These data were used to simulate treatment maps based on weed control strategies and to estimate technical requirements for spatially variable herbicide application. The results showed that soil and weed survey gave important information for defining weed control strategies and spraying equipment. The sprayer must treat the three swaths (left, central and right parts of the railway surface) separately applying at least two different herbicides at the same time. On average, a variable dose rate application based on the treatment maps generated in this work could save up to 59% of herbicides.