Comunicata Scientiae

Molecular identification of actinomycetes with antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer properties

2019-09-18T13:09:36+00:00

The objectives of this study were to isolate and identify the actinomycetes strains from the soil and marine sediments and to evaluate the antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic activity of their bioactive secondary metabolites. Eight actinomycetes strains were isolated from soil and marine sediment samples collected from different areas in Egypt. Only three actinomycetes exhibited a wide spectrum of antimicrobial activities. They were active in vitro against microbial pathogen viz: Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Salmonella typhi, Aspergillus parasiticus, Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum. These promising isolates were selected and identified using molecular identification technique and identified as Streptomyces spp. The crude extracts from the three Streptomyces exhibited potent antimicrobial activities against a set of microbial pathogens as well as antioxidant and anticancer activity in human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line (HepG2). The crude extract of Streptomyces isolate D showed antitumor activity with lC50 0.85 µg/ mL. Forty compounds were identified from the two most promising ethyl acetate extracts of culture broth of Streptomyces sp. (D-EGY) by Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry analysis. It could be concluded that the streptomycetes isolated from the Egyptian environment are promising candidates as antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer.

Compared Cranial Osteology of Species of Leptoptilus (Lesson, 1831) (Aves, Ciconiidae)

2019-09-18T13:09:37+00:00

The species of the Ciconiidae family (Ciconiiformes), commonly known as storks, exhibit a cosmopolite distribution, being represented by swamp birds of medium and large size. The present work aimed to describe minutely and comparatively the cranial osteology of Leptoptilus species. The study was performed based on the description of cranial bones of the species Leptoptilus dubius, L. crumeniferus, and L. javanicus. The studied specimens were previously prepared (dry crania and mandibles). Among the studied characteristics, it was possible to observe some structures of systematic importance, such as the zygomatic process, the temporal fossa, the ectethmoid, the superior maxilla, the quadrate bone that interconnects the palate, the neurocranium, and the mandible, performing a key role in the work of cranial kinesis. Leptoptilus javanicus possesses, in the lateral portion of the cranium, an emargination of the rostrodorsal edge of the postorbital process, not observed in either Leptoptilus dubius or Leptoptilus crumeniferus. The fossa ventralis possesses a projection in the caudal extremities in L. dubius and L. crumeniferus, which is absent in L. javanicus. The transpalatine process is present in both L. dubius and L. crumeniferus and is absent in L. javanicus. The pterygoid process of the palatine is short in both L. dubius and L. crumeniferus, and long in L. javanicus. The ectethmoid is reduced in both L. dubius and L. javanicus, whereas in L. crumeniferus, besides being more developed, it presents a “U” shape. Based on the present study, L. dubius and L. crumeniferus are phylogenetically closer to each other than L. javanicus.

Mineral and heavy metals content in tilapia fish (Oreochromis niloticus) collected from the River Nile in Damietta governorate, Egypt and evaluation of health risk from tilapia consumption

2019-09-18T13:09:38+00:00

This study was conducted to determine heavy metals and trace elements content in tilapia fish collected from three sources in Damietta governorate, Egypt and to evaluate the human health risk due to tilapia consumption. Tilapia samples were collected from two locations in the River Nile stream, tow fish farms and two sluiceways. Health risk assessment was evaluated based on the consumption habits of adult human. The results revealed that all samples vary in elements concentrations. The calculation of human health risk revealed that the consumption of tilapia in the three tested area does not pose any health risk except for Selenium. It could be concluded that consumption of such fish may be a risk for consumers who eat fish more than one time per week. Consequently, precautions should be taken and warning against eating tilapia fish caught from these regions should be announced.

Feeding plans with the use of glycerin for broilers

2019-09-18T13:09:39+00:00

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of feeding plans with or without addition of glycerin, in different ages, on performance, carcass yield, litter moisture and footpad lesions of broiler chickens. 540 male Cobb broilers were utilized, distributed in a completely randomized design with six treatments (treatments consisted of the inclusion or not of glycerin in diets at all periods or only at different stages: 1 to 7, 8 to 21, 22 to 33 and 34 to 42 days), in six replicates of 15 birds each. Diets were provided ad libitum. At 42 days, the average weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, carcass yield, litter moisture and footpad lesions were evaluated. There was no effect (p> 0.05) of dietary plans on the performance variables. The feeding plans did not influence (p>0,05) the carcass and cuts parameters at 42 days. However, there was significant effect (p <0.05) of the dietary plans on litter moisture and plantar lesions. Effects were observed (p>0,001) for the feeding plans, were the highest and the lowest incidence of lesions were present in the birds that consume diets with and without addition of glycerin, in the period from 1 to 42 days of age, respectively.

Feeding behavior of goats, castrated and uncastrated, supplemented with Vitamin E

2019-09-18T13:09:40+00:00

The objective of this study was to evaluate the ethological and feeding behavior of male goats under the influence of climatic conditions, castration and supplementation with Vitamin E. The responses were analyzed by a behavior test factorial design with 2 x 2 (not spayed or neutered animal, the presence or absence of supplementation with Vitamin E), with 6 replicates. The time of feed intake, rumination, other activities, entertainment, salt intake frequency, water, urination and defecation were evaluated. The factors did not have any effect on the animal’s condition, or the vitamin supplementation (P>0.05) on rumination, other activities, defecation frequency and water consumption. Vitamin E intake had no effect on food and entertainment (P>0.05). There was a significant condition of the animal (P<0.05) on the salt intake and urination, for uncastrated animals without Vitamin E. Periods of the day (P<0.05) affected feed intake in all treatments. There was a significant difference (P<0.05) for rumination time. Vitamin E had little influence on ethological behavior, and castration is directly linked to the behavioral parameters of goats.

Linear correlations between feed intake and ingestive behavior of feedlot lambs

2019-09-18T13:09:42+00:00

The objective of this study was to evaluate linear correlations between feed intake and ingestive behavior of feedlot lambs. Were used ten castrated male Santa Inês sheep with a body weight of 20 ± 4.38 kg, at four months of age. The experiment lasted 50 days, with five 10-d periods, in which an evaluation of feed intake and ingestive behavior was undertaken per period, totaling 50 replicates. The diet was composed of concentrate ingredients only. The analyses were performed by Pearson’s linear correlations and the t test, and means were considered significant when P≤0.05. Intake showed positive correlations (P≤0.05) with the times spent feeding and ruminating and total chewing time, and a negative correlation (P≤0.05) with other activities. Positive correlations were found between the number of feeding periods, number of other activities and the time per rumination period with intake (P≤0.05). A negative correlation was found between the feed efficiency of dry matter and the intake, as well as the other nutrients (P≤0.05). The behavioral characteristics related to feed intake appear to be correlated, which allows for inferences through the study of these variables. The activities related to nutrient intake, with respect to time and efficiency, can be expressed directly through the animal behavior.

Performance and carcass traits of heifers Rubia Gallega x Nellore supplemented with chromium picolinate

2019-09-18T13:09:43+00:00

The objective was to evaluate the productive performance and the carcass traits of Nellore (NEL) and Rubia Gallega x Nellore F1 (NRG) heifers, subjected to energy-protein supplementation with chromium picolinate (CrP). Sixty heifers (30 NEL and 30 NRG) with a mean initial adjusted body weight (BW) of 214.50 kg and mean age of 201 days were distributed into a completely randomized design, in a 2 x 2 factorial (2 genetic groups x 2 supplementation groups). The experimental period lasted 320 days. There was no interaction (p>0.05) between the genetic groups and the supplements. The addition of CrP to the supplement did not alter the performance and carcass characteristics evaluated (p>0.05). However, the NRG genetic group was better than the NEL in the performance characteristics as final live weight, mean daily gain and carcass yield as carcass yield, Muscularity (p≤0.05).The use of the Rubia Gallega genotype in crossbreeding provides an increase in production of heavier carcasses with lower fat percentages and higher yields when compared to the use of Nellore heifers.

Sunflower nutrition irrigated with domestic sewage treated

2019-09-18T13:09:44+00:00

This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional status of the sunflower (Helianthus annus L.) irrigated with domestic effluents. The study was performed in a pilot sewage treatment plant, where the treatments were composed by the combination of two factors: types of water (A1 - effluent treated by UASB reactor; A2 – effluent treated with digester decant and anaerobic filtering; A3 – effluent treated with anaerobic filtering; and A4 – water supply) and irrigation depths (L1 - equal to the crop evapotranspiration (ETc) and L2 – 1.2 ETc. The experimental design was in randomized blocks, in a 4 x 2 factorial scheme, with four replications. At 96 days after sowing, the leaves, capitulum, and achenes were collected for the concentration evaluation of N, P, K, Ca, Mg and S. The analyses of variance were performed based on the concentration of the nutrients in the respective organs; when significant, they were analyzed by orthogonal contrasts. The sunflower nutritional status was influenced by the types of treatment for the domestic sewage, especially regarding N, Ca and S, and by the irrigation depths; the sunflower crop presented a better nutritional balance when irrigated with treated domestic effluents; with the application of the water supply only, the nutritional supply of the P and S, is necessary.

Bidens pilosa L. (Asteraceae) control in sunflower with residual herbicides

2019-09-18T13:09:45+00:00

One of the most damaging species in sunflower crops in Brazil is the hairy beggartick (Bidens pilosa L). The large number of seeds, the various vegetative cycles during the year, the staggered germination and the scarcity of selective and effective herbicides to control this weed in sunflower are some of attributes that hinder the control of hairy beggartick populations. Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the control of hairy beggarticks, as well as sunflower tolerance to herbicides. The treatments were as follows: S-metolachlor (1,200 and 2,400 g ai ha-1), flumioxazin (60 and 120 g ai ha-1), and sulfentrazone (150 and 300 g ai ha-1) and two controls (weedy and weed-free check). The selectivity of the herbicides was higher at low doses. Flumioxazin and sulfentrazone caused injury to sunflowers at the highest doses and mainly in sandy soils. Although S-metolachlor did not cause visual symptoms of injury, the higher dose reduced sunflower yield. The herbicides sulfentrazone and flumioxazin provided satisfactory control of hairy beggartick plants in both types of soils. S-metolachlor presented medium control of hairy beggarticks in clay soil; however, its efficiency was slightly higher when applied in sandy soil. The most efficient herbicide for controlling hairy beggartick plants was flumioxazin, followed by sulfentrazone.

Efficiency of application of Trichoderma on the physiological quality and health of cowpea seeds

2019-09-18T13:09:46+00:00

One of the main causes of low productivity of cowpea crops in Brazil is the use of low quality seeds. Low quality seeds have a high degree of infestation by phytopathogens, mainly fungi. Seed treatment with biological control agents, such as fungi of the genus Trichoderma, is a useful alternative to reduce or inhibit the transmission of diseases via seeds. In view of the above, this study aims to evaluate the physiological and sanitary quality of cowpea seeds treated with conidia of Trichoderma sp. (1.2, 2.4, 4.8 and 9.6 x 108 CFU g-1). We evaluated the germination and the sanity of seeds, length of seedling radicles, and production of indole acetic acid (IAA) by fungi. The experimental design was completely randomized in all experiments. In general, there was a predominance of Fusarium spp. and Rhizoctonia solani. The treatment of seeds with the conidia of Trichoderma sp. was positive for the parameters related to germination and radicle length of cowpea beans up to the concentration 4.8 x 108 CFU g-1. We conclude that the application of Trichoderma sp. was efficient in reducing the incidence of Fusarium spp., and promoted the germination and elongation of the radicle in cowpea.

Operational performance and losses in mechanized soybean harvesting as a function of field shape

2019-09-18T13:09:46+00:00

Information on the capacity, operational efficiency, and performance of the harvester is very important in the management of agricultural mechanized systems, influencing decisions made with the aim of optimization. This study aimed to evaluate times, movements, and quality of mechanical soybean harvest operations in different shapes of the plots. Operational performance parameters of the harvester and variables representative of the agronomic aspects of the crop were used as indicators through statistical process control tools. Mechanized harvesting was carried out at a farm located in Uberaba, Minas Gerais, and the experimental design was completely randomized, with 18, 28, and 24 repetitions in irregular, rectangular, and trapezoidal fields, respectively. The activities of the harvester (harvest, unloading, handling, and climate charts) were monitored. The indicators of quality for harvester performance were: forward speed, engine and cylinder rotation and concave opening. The losses were determined: on the platform, internal mechanisms, total and in relation to productivity. The managerial efficiency and shunt time presented better results for the trapezoidal and rectangular section, respectively. All quality indicators evaluated were within the limits of statistical control, characterizing quality and reliability of the soybean harvesting operation.

Chlorophyll fluorescence as a tool to select salinity-tolerant cowpea genotypes

2019-09-18T13:09:47+00:00

The use of saline water reduces the growth and productivity of crops, so the need for techniques that make possible the use of this resource such as the use of salinity tolerant genotypes and efficient selection methods are of great importance. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the tolerance of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. Walp.) genotypes to salt stress, through the chlorophyll fluorescence analysis. The experiment was conducted in a protected environment at the Federal University of Campina Grande, Paraíba, Brazil, using a completely randomized design in a 2 x 10 factorial arrangement, with three replications, consisting of two levels of irrigation water salinity (0.6 and 5.1 dS m-1) and ten cowpea genotypes: (G1: MNCO1-649F-2-1, G2: MNCO3-736F-2, G3: PINGO DE OURO-1-2, G4: BRS GURGUÉIA, G5: BRS MARATAOÃ, G6: MNCO2-676F-3, G7: MNCO2-683F-1, G8: MNCO3-737F-5-4, G9: MNCO3-737F-5-9, and G10: BRS TUMUCUMAQUE). The stem length, stem diameter, SPAD index, and chlorophyll fluorescence transients were evaluated. The G2 and G4 genotypes had the lowest reductions in the growth, stem diameter, initial fluorescence, and primary and maximum photochemical efficiency of PSII, proving to be tolerant to salinity. Chlorophyll fluorescence is a tool that can be used in the selection of salinity-tolerant cowpea genotypes.