Several biological abnormalities exist between the ruminant and nonruminant small intestine and influences carbohydrate assimilation. Two experiments were conducted to identify potential mechanisms to improve carbohydrate utilization in cattle. Experiment 1 evaluated the effects of duodenal starch infusions with casein or glutamic acid on post-ruminal carbohydrase activities. Experiment 2 evaluated the effects of dietary fructose on visceral organ development and expression of nutrient transporters and digestive enzymes involved in carbohydrate assimilation. In experiment 1, the results suggest that small intestinal starch digestion may be improved in cattle with increased small intestinal flow of casein through increases in post-ruminal carbohydrase activities. In experiment 2, dietary fructose supply influenced nutrient utilization, visceral organ growth, and digestive enzyme mRNA expression and activity in neonatal calves.

Thesis (MScAgric) -- Stellenbosch University, 2004. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The ruminant has the ability to utilize forages more efficiently than any other production animal. The utilization of forage fibre is an important aspect of ruminant production systems, as this is the main source of energy available to the animal. The availability of high-fibre forage nutrients is, however, restricted by cell wall degradability, and since low quality forages contribute a great deal to ruminant production systems worldwide, the improvement of this degradation process is of major economic importance. The use of exogenous fibre degrading enzymes has been proposed as a means of enhancing this process, with positive results being obtained from in vitro studies incorporating exogenous enzyme preparations. Positive in vivo results with regard to forage digestibility and other animal production parameters have consequently also been obtained following the addition of exogenous fibre-degrading enzyme preparations to the ruminant diet. Two initial screening experiments were undertaken in order to identify fungal enzyme preparations that may have a positive effect on in vitro fibre degradability. The initial screening employed an in vitro organic matter digestibility technique, and was successful in identifying at least six enzyme preparations displaying enhanced digestibility results that were statistically significant. A second in vitro gas production procedure was used to confirm results obtained from organic matter digestibility assays, as well as to increase screening capacity in order to evaluate new enzyme preparations more time-efficiently. Statistical analysis of results obtained from the secondary screening identified various enzyme candidates producing promising results. Only one of these, Abo 374, proved to be statistically superior to the control and other enzyme preparations. A growth trial was subsequently conducted to assess the performance of this enzyme in vivo. The trial involved individual feeding of 32 Dohne Merino ram lambs grouped according to weights into four groups consisting of 8 lambs each. Each group represented a specific application level of enzyme to the wheat straw component of a high fibre diet, amounting to 10, 5, or 1 ml enzyme supematant/kg straw. The enzyme was diluted with water at appropriate rates to obtain an application rate of 300ml/kg straw. The fourth (control) group was treated with water at the same application rate. The trial was conducted over a period of six weeks, during which feed intakes, weekly weight gains, as well as feed conversion efficiencies were recorded. Results suggested significant weight gains in the high (10ml/kg) and medium (5ml/kg) treatment groups, indicated by a P-value of 0.04. Similarly, feed conversion efficiencies were improved for above-mentioned groups (P=0.05), while feed intakes did not differ significantly between the four experimental groups. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die herkouer besit die vermoee om ruvoere beter as enige ander produksiedier te kan benut. Die gebruik van ruvoervesel is 'n belangrike aspek van herkouer produksiesisteme, aangesien ruvoere die hoof bron van energie aan die herkouer verskaf. Die beskikbaarheid van hoe-vesel ruvoer nutriente word egter beperk deur die degradeerbaarheid van die selwand, en aangesien lae kwaliteit ruvoere 'n groot bydrae tot wereldwye herkouer-produksiesisteme maak, is die moontlike verbetering van hierdie degraderingsproses van groot ekonomiese belang. In 'n poging om hierdie verteringsproses te help bevoordeel, is die gebruik van eksogene veselverterende ensieme ondersoek, en positiewe resultate is verkry wanneer hierdie ensieme in in vitro studies gebruik is. Goeie verbeterings ten opsigte van ruvoer verteerbaarheid en ander diereproduksie parameters is ook verkry deur middel van in vivo studies waar eksogene ensieme by die ruvoer van herkouers gevoeg IS. Twee eksperimente is ondemeem in 'n poging om ensiempreparate wat 'n moontlike positiewe effek op in vitro veselvertering mag he, te identifiseer. Die eerste, 'n in vitro organiese materiaal verteerbaarheid tegniek, was suksesvol in die identifisering van minstens ses ensiem preparate wat statisties betekenisvolle verbeterings ten opsigte van verteringsresultate geproduseer het. 'n Tweede in vitro gasproduksie prosedure is vervolgens gebruik om resultate verkry vanaf die eerste tegniek, te bevestig, asook om evalueringskapasiteit te vergroot en sodoende, nuwe ensiempreparate meer tydseffektief te evalueer. Statistiese evaluering van resultate verkry uit die tweede in vitro tegniek het 'n reeks ensieme met positiewe resultate opgelewer. Een van hierdie, Ab0374, het statisties betekenisvolle resultate ten opsigte van die kontrole, sowel as ander ensieme getoon. In 'n volgende eksperiment is 'n groeiproef gedoen om die effektiwiteit van hierdie ensiem in vivo te toets. In die proef is 32 Dohne Merino ramlammers op grond van hul gewig in vier groepe van agt skape elk verdeel, en individueel gevoer. Die groepe het verskillende toedieningsvlakke van die toetsensiem, toegedien tot die koringstrooi komponent van 'n hoe-vesel dieet, ontvang. Toedieningsvlakke was 10, 5, of lml ensiemkonsentraat/kg strooi. Elke groep se ensiemkonsentraat is verdun met die toepaslike hoeveelheid water om 'n toedieningsvlak van 300ml ensiemoplossing/kg koringstrooi te verkry. 'n Vierde groep is behandel slegs met water teen dieselfde toedieningsvlak, en het gedien as 'n kontrole. Die eksperiment is oor 'n periode van 6 weke uitgevoer. Tydens die proeftydperk is voerinnames, weeklikse gewigstoenames, sowel as voeromsetverhoudings, gedokumenteer. Resultate het betekenisvolle gewigstoenames in die hoe (lOml/kg) en medium (5ml/kg) groepe opgelewer, aangedui deur 'n P-waarde van 0.04. Voeromsetverhoudinge het ook verbeteringe getoon vir bogenoemde twee groepe (P=0.05), terwyl voerinnames nie merkbaar tussen die vier groepe verskil het nie.

Resumo: Neste trabalho foi avaliado o uso de enzimas exógenas: amilase com endo-β-glucanase (AG) e fitase (Fi) em dietas para cachara (Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum). Foram realizados ensaios de digestibilidade de nutrientes de dietas contendo quatro diferentes níveis destas enzimas, em esquema fatorial 4x4. Este estudo mostrou que a adição das enzimas alteraram os valores dos coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes e de absorção dos minerais. No entanto as alterações foram dependentes dos níveis utilizados, e houve interações entre os níveis das enzimas estudadas. Após, foi realizado um ensaio de desempenho com 70 dias de duração, no qual foi avaliado o efeito da ausência de enzimas ou adição de 150 mg de AG kg-1; 2.500 UF kg-1; 100 mg de AG kg-1 com 1.500 UF kg-1 em duas dietas (com 30 ou 60% da proteína de origem animal). Neste experimento, além do desempenho produtivo dos peixes, foram observadas alterações na produção endógena das enzimas digestivas; alterações histológicas do trato gastrintestinal, pâncreas e fígado; alterações na composição da carcaça; e na retenção de fósforo, cálcio e magnésio nos ossos. O sinergismo observado entre as enzimas estudadas sugere que o uso destas enzimas pode melhorar o aproveitamento das dietas para peixes carnívoros, aumentando a energia disponível, mas isto vai depender do balanceamento adequado da dieta em que são empregadas. As alterações das enzimas digestivas e histológicas observadas mostraram que as adições das enzimas exógenas avaliadas exerceram um papel importante na nutrição do cachara, no aumento do aproveitamento da proteína e dos carboidratos / Abstract: This work evaluated the exogenous enzymes amylase with endo-β-glucanase (AG) and phytase (Fi) in Barred sorubim (Pseudoplatystoma reticulatum) diets. Apparent nutrients digestibility assays were done with four different enzyme levels, in a 4x4 factorial scheme. This study showed that the enzymes addition changed the nutrients apparent digestibility coefficients and the minerals absorption. However, the alterations were dependents on the levels used, and there were interactions between the evaluated enzymes levels. After, a 70 days long performance assay was done, in which was evaluated the absence or presence of 150 mg of AG.kg-1; 2,500 UF.kg-1; 100 mg of AG.kg-1 + 1,500 UF.kg-1 enzymes in two diets (30 or 60% of animal-protein). In this experiment, fish performance and alterations in the endogenous production of the digestive enzymes; histologic changes in the gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, and liver; carcass composition changes; phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium retention in the bone were observed. The synergism observed among the enzymes evaluated suggests that its use can improve the diets profit to carnivore fishes, increasing the available energy, depending on the adequate balance in each diet though. The digestive and histologic enzymes alterations observed showed that the addition of the exogenous enzymes evaluated played an important role in the Barred sorubim nutrition, in the protein and carbohydrates profit improving / Orientador: Dalton José Carneiro / Coorientador: João Martins Pizauro Júnior / Banca: Wilson Massamitu Furuya / Banca: Antonio Carlos de Laurentiz / Banca: Elisabeth Criscuolo Urbinati / Banca: Marta Verardino De Stefani / Doutor

Submitted by Fabio Sobreira Campos da Costa (fabio.sobreira@ufpe.br) on 2016-03-16T15:01:11Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) CAROLINA KROPNICZKI GOUVEIA - DISSERTAÇÃO.pdf: 1168935 bytes, checksum: ec9fc0cb4665cb4641bd7162f5449c56 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-03-16T15:01:11Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) CAROLINA KROPNICZKI GOUVEIA - DISSERTAÇÃO.pdf: 1168935 bytes, checksum: ec9fc0cb4665cb4641bd7162f5449c56 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2012 / A produção de camarões marinhos na região Nordeste do Brasil vem crescendo principalmente pela introdução da espécie Litopenaeus vannamei. Adicionadas à dieta ou diretamente na água, as bactérias probióticas têm sido utilizadas para controle biológico e aumento da digestibilidade alimentar e do sistema imune dos animais, elevando a lucratividade dos empreendimentos dedicados à carcinicultura. A influência de enzimas exógenas de bactérias na digestão dos camarões não está bem elucidada e ainda existe uma grande lacuna no que diz respeito a aspectos nutricionais tanto dos microrganismos, quanto dos animais cultivados. Dessa forma, objetivou-se avaliar as atividades proteolítica e amilolítica de cepas bacterianas isoladas do hepatopâncreas e estômago do L. vannamei e identificar as bactérias produtoras destas enzimas pelo sequenciamento do gene 16S rRNA. Para estudo do ambiente em tanques heterotróficos experimentais utilizando dois probióticos comerciais (HP1 e HP2) e em tanques controles heterotrófico (Het) e autotrófico (Aut), amostras de água foram tomadas ao final do experimento para contagem de bactérias heterotróficas, autotróficas e víbrios por plaqueamento em meios específicos. As médias de população bacteriana foram submetidas à análise de variância (ANOVA) complementada pelo teste de Tukey (p<0,05). Dos órgãos das amostras de camarão (n=3) foram retirados os materiais internos para isolamento das cepas bacterianas e seleção in vitro pela capacidade de produção de enzimas digestivas. Uma cepa de Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633) foi utilizada como testemunha na identificação utilizando os inicializadores universais para o domínio bactéria fD1 (Forward) e rD1 (Reverse). A população de bactérias heterotróficas foi mais representativa quando comparada às de autotróficas e víbrios, e o experimento Het atingiu a maior média (1,91x107 UFC/mL). As menores cargas de víbrios foram encontradas nos tanques experimentais HP1 e HP2 com médias de 2,46x104 e 2,00x104 UFC/mL, respectivamente. De 64 cepas isoladas, 11 possuíram índices enzimáticos satisfatórios (IE ≥ 2,0) para a produção de protease e amilase. Os amplicons após sequenciamento do DNA apresentaram tamanho maior que 1,4Kb e homologia com o GenBank e RDP, identificando bactérias como Bacillus subtilis e Shewanella algae. O incremento da população heterotrófica está relacionado à adição de melaço como fonte de carbono no sistema de cultivo e nos experimentos com os probióticos comerciais, a carga vibrionácea foi reduzida. A técnica de sequenciamento do gene 16S rRNA utilizando os primers fD1 e rD1 foi eficiente na caracterização bacteriana a nível de espécie e até subespécie, revelando a presença de bactérias com potencial para utilização como probiótico. / The marine shrimps cash crop in the Northeast region of Brazil is raising due to the introduction of Litopenaus vannamei. The probiotics bacteria added in the diet or directly in the water have been used for biological control and augmentations in the alimental digestibility and in the immune system, increasing the profits of enterprises related to carciniculture. The influence of bacterial exogenic enzymes on shrimp digestion is not clear and still has a gap concerning the nutrition aspects of shrimps and microorganisms. Therefore, this study had as objective the evaluations of proteolytic and amylolytic activities of bacterial strains isolated from hepatopancreas and stomach of L. vannamei and identify the bacteria responsible for enzymes production by sequencing the 16S rRNA gene. For environmental study in heterotrophic tanks using two commercial probiotics (HP1 e HP2) and in heterotrophic (Het) and autotrophic (Aut) control tanks, water samples were collected at the end of the experiment in order to count the autotrophic and heterotrophic bacteria and vibrio by plating in specific media. The means of bacterial population were submitted to variance analysis (ANOVA) and complemented by Tukey’s test (p<0.05). Internal materials were extracted from shrimp organs samples (n=3) in order to isolate the bacterial strains and “in vitro” selection due to its capacity to produce digestive enzymes. One strain of Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633) was used as witness on the identification using the universal primers fD1 (Forward) e rD1 (Reverse). The population of heterotrophic bacteria was more representative compared with autotrophic and vibrio population and the Het experiment presented the greatest mean (1,91x107 CFU.mL-1). The minor loads of vibrio were found in the experimental tanks HP1 and HP2 with means 2,46x104 e 2,00x104 CFU.mL-1 respectively. From sixty four strains, only eleven showed satisfactory enzymatic index (EI ≥ 2.0) to protease and amylase production. The amplicons after the DNA sequencing showed sizes bigger than 1,4Kb and homology with GenBank e RDP, identifying bacteria as Bacillus subtilis and Shewanella algae. The increment of heterotrophic population is related with the addition of molasses as carbon source in the crop system and the vibrio load were reduced in the experiments with commercial probiotics. The sequencing technique of 16S rRNA gene using fD1 and rD1 were efficient in the characterization of bacteria at the level of species and even at the level of subspecies, revealing the presence of bacteria with potential use as probiotic.

Submitted by Irene Nascimento (irene.kessia@ufpe.br) on 2016-07-08T17:05:49Z No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Bernardo do Rego Belmonte_Mestrado.pdf: 1797925 bytes, checksum: 7816587bf6318d594398ab8d0d619d73 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2016-07-08T17:05:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 license_rdf: 1232 bytes, checksum: 66e71c371cc565284e70f40736c94386 (MD5) Bernardo do Rego Belmonte_Mestrado.pdf: 1797925 bytes, checksum: 7816587bf6318d594398ab8d0d619d73 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-07-30 / FACEPE / Lectinas são proteínas que apresentam atividade inseticida, sendo capazes de interferir na alimentação, desenvolvimento, reprodução e sobrevivência de insetos. Sitophilus zeamais, conhecido como gorgulho-do-milho, destaca-se como uma das principais pragas de grãos armazenados no Brasil e causa danos aos grãos de milho, trigo, sorgo e arroz. Myracrodruon urundeuva (aroeira-do-sertão) é uma árvore, madeira de lei, amplamente distribuída no Brasil. O presente trabalho avaliou os efeitos deletérios de extratos e lectinas isoladas da entrecasca (MuBL) e do cerne (MuHL) de M. urundeuva sobre o gorgulho-do-milho. Para determinação da atividade inseticida, a amostra foi incorporada a discos de farinha de trigo que serviram como dieta para os insetos durante 7 dias. As faixas de concentração testadas foram: 4 a 20 mg do extrato da entrecasca por g de farinha de trigo, 14 a 70 mg/g (extrato do cerne), 0,6 a 3,0 mg/g (MuBL) e 1,4 a 7,0 mg/g (MuHL). Após o término do bioensaio, foi avaliada a taxa de mortalidade e os seguintes parâmetros nutricionais: índice de deterrência alimentar (IDA), taxa de consumo relativo (TCR), taxa de ganho relativo de biomassa (TGB) e eficiência na conversão do alimento ingerido (ECAI). Em seguida, foram realizados ensaios com o extrato da entrecasca, extrato do cerne, MuBL e MuHL em concentrações de 20 mg/g, 70 mg/g, 3 mg/g e 7 mg/g, respectivamente, e após 7 dias, extratos de intestino dos insetos foram obtidos e avaliados quanto às atividades de protease, celulases (endoglucanase, exoglucanase, β-glicosidase), fosfatases (ácida e alcalina) e α-amilase. As dietas contendo os extratos de entrecasca e do cerne não induziram mortalidade dos insetos em um período de 7 dias de experimento, bem como não exerceram efeito deterrente sobre os insetos. Contudo, ambos os extratos interferiram nos parâmetros nutricionais dos insetos. Em todos os tratamentos com os extratos houve redução da biomassa corporal, uma vez que os valores de TGB foram negativos. Os valores de ECAI também foram negativos, variando de -3% a -70%. Com relação à TCR, os valores não foram significativamente diferentes (p > 0,05) que no controle, corroborando com a ausência de efeito deterrente. A comparação entre as concentrações testadas e os valores obtidos para os parâmetros nutricionais revela que o extrato da casca foi mais efetivo que o extrato do cerne. MuBL não induziu mortalidade em 7 dias, mas afetou a incorporação da dieta pelos insetos, como evidenciado pelos valores negativos de TGB e ECAI. Os valores de TCR foram maiores que no grupo controle, indicando a ausência de efeito deterrente. MuHL apresentou efeito deterrente variando de 44,82% (fraca) a 89,65% (forte) de acordo com a concentração e afetou fortemente a nutrição dos insetos, com valores de ECAI chegando a -360%. Uma vez que todas as amostras testadas apresentaram efeitos antinutricionais, as atividades de enzimas digestivas em insetos do grupo controle e que ingeriram os extratos e as lectinas foram avaliadas. A ingestão do extrato da entrecasca não resultou em alteração significativa (p > 0,05) das atividades de protease, fosfatase ácida, fosfatase alcalina e β-glicosidase. Já as atividades de endoglucanase, exoglucanase e α-amilase foram maiores em relação ao controle. Os insetos que ingeriram o extrato do cerne apresentaram atividades de protease, endoglucanase, exoglucanase e α-amilase menores em comparação ao controle enquanto a atividade de fosfatase ácida foi maior. No tratamento com MuBL, as atividades de fosfatase ácida e α-amilase foram menores em relação ao controle. Por outro lado, as atividades de protease, endoglucanase e exoglucanase foram maiores. No tratamento com MuHL, as atividades de fosfatase alcalina, fosfatase ácida e exoglucanase foram menores em relação ao controle. Em conclusão, extratos e lectinas de entrecasca e cerne de M. urundeuva exerceram efeitos antinutricionais sobre adultos de S. zeamais, apresentando potencial para uso no controle dos danos causados por esse inseto-praga. / Lectins are proteins with insecticidal activity able to interfere with the feeding, development, reproduction and survival of insects. Sitophilus zeamais, known as maize weevil, stands out as one of the main stored grain pests in Brazil and causes damage to maize, wheat, sorghum and rice. Myracrodruon urundeuva (aroeira-do-sertão) is a hardwood tree broadly distributed in Brazil. The present work evaluated the deleterious effects of extracts and lectins isolated from the bark (MuBL) and heartwood (MuHL) of M. urundeuva against the maize weevil. For determination of insecticidal activity, the sample was incorporated into wheat flour disks that served as diet for the insects during 7 days. The concentration ranges tested were: 4–20 mg of bark extract per gram of wheat flour, 14–70 mg/g (heartwood extract), 0.6-3.0 mg/g (MuBL) and 1.4-7.0 mg/g (MuHL). After the end of bioassay, it was evaluated the mortality rate and the following nutritional parameters: feeding deterrence index (FDI), relative consumption rate (RCR), relative biomass gain rate (BGR) and efficiency in conversion of ingested food (ECIF). Next, it was performed assays with the bark extract, heartwood extract, MuBL and MuHL at concentrations of 20 mg/g, 70 mg/g, 3 mg/g and 7 mg/g, respectively, and after 7 days, extracts from insects gut were obtained and evaluated for the activities of protease, cellulases (endoglucanase, exoglucanase, β-glucosidase), phosphatases (acid and alkaline) and α-amylase. The diets containing the bark and heartwood extracts did not induce mortality of the insects in a period of 7 days of assay as well as did not exert deterrent effect on the insects. However, both extracts interfered with the nutritional parameters of the insects. In all treatments with the extracts, there was a reduction of body biomass since the values of BGR were negative. The values of ECIF were also negative, ranging from -3% to -70%. Concerning RCR, the values were not significantly (p > 0.05) from control, corroborating the absence of deterrent effect. The comparison between the tested concentrations and the values obtained for the nutritional parameters reveal that the bark extract was more effective than the heartwood extract. MuBL did not induce mortality in 7 days but affected the incorporation of the diet by the insects, as evidenced by the negative values of BGR and ECIF. The RCR values were higher than in control group indicating the absence of deterrent effect. MuHL showed deterrent effect ranging from 44.82% (weak) to 89.65% (strong) according to the concentration and affected strongly the insect nutrition, with ECIF values reaching -360%. Since all the tested samples showed antinutritional effects, the activities of digestive enzymes from insects of control group and that ingested the extracts and lectins were evaluated. The ingestion of bark extract did not result in significant alteration (p > 0.05) of the activities of protease, acid and alkaline phosphatases and β-glucosidase. However, the activities of endoglucanase, exoglucanase and α-amylase were higher concerning control. The insects that ingested the heartwood extract showed protease, endoglucanase, exoglucanase and α-amylase activities lower than in control while the activity of acid phosphatase was higher. In treatment with MuBL, the acid phosphatase and α-amylase activities were lower than in control. On the other hand, the activities of protease, endoglucanase and exoglucanase were higher. In the treatment with MuHL, the activities of alkaline and acid phosphatases and of exoglucanase were lower than in control. In conclusion, the extracts and lectins from bark and heartwood of M. urundeuva exerted antinutritional effects on S. zeamais adults, showing potential for use in control of the damages caused by this insect pest.

Submitted by Erika Demachki (erikademachki@gmail.com) on 2014-10-21T18:53:24Z No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Evando Alves Filgueiras - 2013.pdf: 1115430 bytes, checksum: 62f6695a211d8461f75ac10013af7bed (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Approved for entry into archive by Jaqueline Silva (jtas29@gmail.com) on 2014-10-21T20:21:49Z (GMT) No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Evando Alves Filgueiras - 2013.pdf: 1115430 bytes, checksum: 62f6695a211d8461f75ac10013af7bed (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2014-10-21T20:21:49Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 2 Dissertação - Evando Alves Filgueiras - 2013.pdf: 1115430 bytes, checksum: 62f6695a211d8461f75ac10013af7bed (MD5) license_rdf: 23148 bytes, checksum: 9da0b6dfac957114c6a7714714b86306 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2013-11-07 / Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior - CAPES / Biological additives, such as probiotics, prebiotics and digestive enzymes, as well as the combination of these components - commonly called synbiotics - are an alternative to improve livestock performance. In order to evaluate the effects in dairy cattle of a synbiotic containing microencapsulated bacteria, a meta- analysis was conducted using results obtained on commercial farms. Variables included milk production and quality, and reproductive performance. Data were collected on 22 farms feeding a commercial synbiotic composed of microencapsulated probiotics, prebiotics and fibrolytic enzymes (Biofórmula Leite®). All herds followed the manufacturer's recommended dosage of 2 g / animal / day. Information was collected on bulk tank milk production and quality (Somatic Cell Count - SCC,and contents of milk fat, protein and total solids), as well as reproductive data, such as inseminations and calving dates. These data were pooled for meta-analysis, which was performed according to the mixed models procedures recommended by St. Pierre. An analysis of variance was performed, considering the farm as a random variable and treatment as a fixed effect, with time period nested within farm. For each analysis, we used the GLM procedure of Minitab (Minitab, Inc., State College, PA, USA). A probability level of 0.05% was used to determine the statistical significance of each effect. Treatment with the synbiotic produced significant reductions in bulk tank SCC(-41%) , and in calving interval (- 73 days). There was no significant effect on the contents of fat, protein, and total solids in milk. The synbiotic additive used in this study proved to be an effective tool in the reduction of somatic cells in milk, as well as improving the fertility of animals. / Os aditivos biológicos, como os probióticos, prebióticos e enzimas digestivas, ou mesmo, a combinação destes componentes, comumente denominada de simbióticos, têm se mostrado como uma alternativa para melhorar o desempenho dos animais. Com a finalidade de observar os benefícios advindos dos simbióticos com bactérias microencapsuladas em bovinos de leite, objetivou-se nessa pesquisa, realizar uma meta-análise dos resultados obtidos em nível de campo com a utilização de um produto simbiótico no desempenho produtivo, reprodutivo e na qualidade do leite de vacas leiteiras. Os dados foram coletados em 22 propriedades que utilizam o simbiótico comercial Biofórmula Leite®, composto por probióticos, prebióticos e enzimas fibrolíticas. A dosagem utilizada em todas as propriedades seguiu a indicação do fabricante de 2 g/animal/dia. Foram coletadas informações de qualidade do leite (Contagem de Células Somáticas - CCS, teores de Gordura, Proteína e Sólidos Totais), foram registradas também as médias de produção dos animais ou quantidades entregues no laticínio, bem como os dados reprodutivos, como datas das inseminações e dos partos. Esses dados foram agrupados para realização de uma meta-análise, que foi realizada de acordo com os procedimentos de modelos mistos preconizados por St. Pierre. Foi realizada uma análise de variância usando o modelo misto, considerando a fazenda como variável aleatória e o tratamento como efeito fixo, e o período aninhado na fazenda. Para cada análise, foi utilizado o procedimento GLM do Minitab (Minitab, Inc., State College, PA, EUA). O nível de probabilidade de 0,05% foi utilizado para determinar a significância estatística de cada efeito. Foi observada uma redução significativa na média de CCS dos tanques (-41%), além de uma redução de 73 dias no IP. Não foi constatado efeito significativo nos teores de gordura, proteína, e sólidos totais do leite. O aditivo simbiótico utilizado neste estudo demonstrou ser uma ferramenta eficaz na redução de células somáticas no leite, bem como na melhoria da fertilidade dos animais.

Résumé confidentiel / Not available

O cultivo do camarão-rosa Farfantepenaeus paulensis pode ser viabilizado com alimentos de boa digestibilidade proteica, por melhorar o rendimento e reduzir a liberação de resíduos no meio ambiente. Um método in vitro que utiliza o titulador pHstat e enzimas digestivas da espécie estudada para avaliar a digestibilidade proteica, obteve resultados comparáveis aos alcançados pelo cultivo de salmonídeos e camarões (Litopenaeus vannamei). No presente trabalho de suporte nutricional ao camarão autóctone F. paulensis, analisou-se a performance de cultivo dessa espécie em relação a três rações comerciais, verificou-se a previsibilidade do método in vitro de digestibilidade proteica e complementou-se os conhecimentos metodólogicos dessa técnica. Nos resultados, a performance de cultivo diferiu conforme a ração empregada e houve correlação (R2=0,55) entre os dados in vivo e in vitro de digestibilidade proteica para duas rações, sendo uma terceira ração excluída da análise devido às suas propriedades físicas, que possivelmente afetaram apenas a digestibilidade proteica in vivo. Os resultados obtidos com as enzimas empregadas no método in vitro diferiram pouco conforme a ontogênese, fonte alimentar e estado nutricional dos camarões. Os presentes resultados indicam que o método in vitro ainda não substitui o cultivo experimental, mas pode auxiliar na busca por alimentos adequados. / Culture of pink shrimp Farfantepenaeus paulensis can be achieved by digestible feeds that may result in higher yields and reduced residual nutrient release into the environment. An in vitro method to assess protein digestibility in a pH-stat reaction involving enzyme extracts of the target species was previously found to preview in vivo apparent protein digestibility in salmonids and shrimp Litopenaeus vannamei. The present survey explored culture performance of F. paulensis fed three commercial shrimp feeds and checked the potential of the pH-stat method to preview apparent protein digestibility. Moreover, the suitability of using hepatopancreas enzyme extracts was assessed in terms of shrimp ontogenesis, nutritional status (fed/unfed) and diet history. Culture performance differed among feeds and a correlation (R2=0.55) was found between in vivo and in vitro protein digestibility in two of the tested feeds. The remaining feed was excluded from analysis due to technical constraints that possibly affected apparent in vivo protein digestibility and culture performance. Shrimp hepatopancreas enzyme extracts employed for in vitro assays were not affected by ontogenesis, nutritional status and diet history. Though the in vitro method still cannot replace experimental rearing trials it can further assist in the search for adequate feedstuffs for shrimp rearing.

Aquaculture represents a sustainable alternative to natural fisheries for provision of high quality, animal protein. Crustaceans make a significant contribution to global aquaculture production, of which decapods are the most economically important group. Among freshwater crayfish, the genus Cherax includes several species that have emerged as important culture species. A suite of favourable biological attributes, including fast growth and an omnivorous feeding habit, have contributed to establishment of successful culture of Cherax quadricarinatus (redclaw) in many countries. Aspects of redclaw production, however, remain relatively undeveloped, in particular feed formulation. To better understand the digestive processes and nutritional requirements of redclaw, this study examined the relationship between diet composition and digestive enzyme activity, growth performance and diet digestibility coefficients. The extent to which redclaw can efficiently utilise complex polysaccharides, such as cellulose, has been speculated on by authors who reported endogenous cellulase activity in this species. I evaluated the use of insoluble α-cellulose by redclaw, demonstrated that high dietary levels (30%) can significantly reduce the specific activity of selected digestive enzymes (amylase and cellulase), while also lowering apparent digestibility coefficients. Inclusion of α-cellulose above 12% also significantly reduced survival rate, specific growth rate and feeding efficiency in this organism which corresponds with low tolerance for insoluble fibre by other decapods. Even though redclaw possess endogenous cellulases, they appear to have only a limited capacity to utilise insoluble fibre in their diets. Further, I assessed the impact of different nutrient profiles on digestive enzyme activity, growth and tail muscle composition in redclaw. Purified diets containing varying levels of dietary protein significantly affected activity of digestive enzymes (protease, amylase and cellulase) and the composition of the tail muscle tissue. Redclaw have a relatively low protein requirement, which was reflected here, as little significant difference was observed in growth rates and the feed conversion ratio was only significantly affected by the lowest protein diet. Manipulation of the non-protein energy component in purified diets (protein to lipid ratio) had no effect on growth performance indices in redclaw. Digestive enzyme activity (protease) was however, strongly influenced by both the amount of protein and lipid in the diet and a significant correlation was observed between protease activity and growth performance indices. The findings here, provide preliminary data for consideration of digestive enzymes such as proteases as potential growth indicators for freshwater crayfish. These enzymes are already recognised as reliable biological indicators for comparison of digestive efficiency and potential growth rate in fish. The relationship between diet composition and digestive enzyme expression observed here, stress the need for further empirical evaluation of specific ingredients in artificial diets for redclaw. A range of single cell, plant and animal-based, agricultural products were assessed for their potential use in diets formulated for redclaw. Analysis of dietary supplements revealed that apparent digestibility of crude protein was generally higher for diets containing plant-based ingredients. A similar outcome was observed for digestibility coefficients of test ingredients. Ingredient type also had a significant effect on digestive enzyme activity. Importantly, a significant correlation was observed for enzyme activity and apparent digestibility coefficients. It appears that redclaw have the capacity to utilise nutrients from a broad range of dietary ingredients successfully including animal, single cell and in particular, plant matter in their diet. Taken together, the results presented here demonstrate that digestive enzyme activities in redclaw are significantly influenced by diet composition. I show clearly that the ability of redclaw to utilise various nutrients (measured as digestibility coefficients) is highly correlated with digestive enzyme activity. Finally, protease activity demonstrated a potential for use as an indicator of redclaw growth performance. The data presented here will contribute to development of better and cheaper feed formulations for use in redclaw aquaculture and have broader applications to freshwater crustacean culture. In particular, the potential for use of plant-based ingredients in aqua-feeds for redclaw will contribute to a more economically and environmentally sustainable redclaw culture.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T19:31:54Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 3545.pdf: 1477829 bytes, checksum: 41a816cc6c2dc590cf686cfbdb63674f (MD5) Previous issue date: 2011-02-28 / Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos / The presence of a lignocellulolytic enzyme complex and/or symbiotic microorganisms in the invertebrate guts is an indicative of its ability of using wood as energy source. Despite the microbial involvement in the cellulose digestive processes of some species of aquatic insects, there is a lack of information regarding the importance of microorganisms in the digestive capacity of chironomid larvae. This research focuses on the analysis of the activity of enzymes responsible for cellulose and hemicelluloses digestion and the cultivable bacterial community capable of hydrolyzing wood compounds in the digestive tract of Stenochironomus larvae Kieffer (Diptera, Chironomidae). This is a cosmopolitan genus characterized by mining larvae of submerged decaying branches. Two larval morphotypes were studied. The results of enzymatic analysis in the larval digestive tract, performed by quantification of reducing sugars, showed limited ability of both morphotypes in the degradation of cellulose, but indicated capacity to hydrolyze xylan. There were isolated thirty-one types of colonies during the characterization of bacterial communities, of which nineteen strain responded positively into the ability to hydrolyze at least one of the four substrates used as the main carbon source in the culture media. Degradation capability was assessed using colorimetric tests. The bacteria were classified using 16S rRNA gene analysis. No bacteria capable of degrading lignin were isolated. Pseudomonas was highly richness, Bacillus showed the greatest capacity for degrading different substrates and Sphingobium was present in both Stenochironomus morphotypes. The results obtained in this research emphasize the participation of microorganisms in the degradation of the wood consumed by the Stenochironomus larvae. This is the first report of lignocellulolytic bacteria and lignocellulolytic enzymes in the gut of wood-mining chironomid. / A presença de complexo enzimático lignocelulolítico e/ou de microrganismos no trato digestivo de invertebrados é um indicativo da capacidade desses organismos utilizarem a madeira como fonte de energia. Apesar da participação microbiana em processos digestivos celulósicos em algumas espécies de insetos aquáticos, pouco se sabe sobre a importância dos microrganismos na capacidade digestiva de larvas de quironomídeos. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo analisar as atividades enzimáticas digestivas de celulose e de hemicelulose e de avaliar a comunidade bacteriana cultivável capaz de hidrolisar compostos de madeira do trato digestivo de larvas de Stenochironomus Kieffer (Diptera, Chironomidae). Este é um gênero cosmopolita caracterizado por larvas minadoras de galhos submersos em decomposição. Foram estudados dois morfotipos larvais. Os resultados da análise enzimática, realizado através da quantificação de açucares redutores, demonstraram limitada capacidade na degradação de celulose, porém indicaram capacidade de hidrólise de xilana. Na caracterização da comunidade bacteriana foram isolados trinta e um tipos de colônias nos dois morfotipos estudados. Dezenove responderam positivamente à capacidade de hidrólise de pelo menos um dos quatro substratos utilizados como principal fonte de carbono nos meios de cultura. A capacidade de degradação foi avaliada através de testes colorimétricos. As bactérias foram identificadas pela análise do gene 16S rRNA. Nenhuma das bactérias isoladas foi capaz de degradar lignina. Pseudomonas foi o gênero com maior riqueza, Bacillus teve a maior capacidade de degradar diferentes substratos e Sphingobium foi encontrado em ambos os morfotipos. Os resultados deste trabalho evidenciam a participação de microrganimos na degradação da madeira consumida pelas larvas de Stenochironomus. Ressalta-se que este é o primeiro registro de bactérias e enzimas lignocelulolíticas no trato digestivo de quironomídeos minadores.