Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Background: Street foods (SF) contribute significantly to the nutritional intake of adults and children in developing countries. They are inexpensive and a major source of income for a vast multitude. A major concern is the so-called ‘nutrition transition’, which has led to an increase in foods high in saturated fats, trans fats, sugar and salt, along with processed food items sold on urban community streets in developing countries. These foods contribute to nutritional disorders in the communities where consumed. South Africa’s stable unemployment rate, estimated at 25%, has further influenced business growth in the informal sector, particularly SF vending. As such, a well-developed SF-vending model (SFVM) could potentially address the challenges of unemployment and improve the nutritional status of poorer South Africans. Aim: To develop a sustainable SFVM for selling healthy and safe SF in the City of Cape Town enabling street vendors to make a decent living, and consumers to make healthy choices regarding food purchasing. Methods: This cross-sectional study employed mixed methodology (collecting qualitative and quantitative data). The study was conducted in three phases. Phase 1a: Situation Analysis. This a SF-vendor survey which collected a) socio-demographic factors, b) vendors’ business operational models, c) food items sold, d) available facilities, e) challenges faced, f) certification, and g) nutrition knowledge using a validated questionnaire. An observational checklist capturing data on the appearance of vendors, their stalls, available equipment and type of food sold, supplemented this survey. Phase 1b: A consumer survey included collecting, a) socio-demographic factors, b) purchasing habits, c) consumption preferences, and d) nutrition knowledge using a validated questionnaire. Phase 2a: Semi-structured-interviews and focus group discussions with Environmental Health Officials and Economic Development Officials from the City of Cape Town were conducted to explore the existing -vending regulations and/or policies in the City of Cape Town and gain insight into the SF-vending operations from a regulatory perspective. Phase 2b: A document review was conducted to identify existing regulations and policies on SF vending. Phase 3: conducted in three steps: Step 1, data integration of the previous phases. Step 2, a participatory action research component checking the relevance, acceptability and practicability of identified themes and resulting components from Step 1. Step 3, development of the proposed SFVM using the findings of the previous two steps. Data Analysis: Quantitative data were analysed using IBM SPSS, 2010 Statistics version 23. Descriptive statistics and cross-tabulations were used to analyse data. Qualitative data were thematically analysed using the qualitative data software package Atlas ti 7.5.7.Results: Phase 1a: vendors in the Cape Town and surrounding areas work long hours up to seven days a week making a minimal income. Types of food items sold by vendors, their nutrition knowledge and hygiene practices were not ideal. A major lack in basic facilities existed. Phase 2a: SF consumers indicated spending a significant amount of their income on SF, and are open to buying healthier options should these be available. Phase 2a: government officials thought the SF-vending business should be guided by national legislature and provincial bylaws, and felt strongly about nutrition and health education for vendors and consumers. Phase 2b: thirteen regulations and bylaws applicable to SF vending were sourced. Phase 3: Data from the previous phases were integrated within a socio-ecological framework to develop the proposed SFVM. The components of this model are divided into four areas, i.e. a business component, food and nutrition component, hygiene component, and a vending cart. Conclusion: The four components in the proposed SFVM take into account various elements of the socio-ecological framework, i.e. intrapersonal/individual, interpersonal, the physical environment/community and the policy environment. This SFVM should be piloted, evaluated, adapted and before rolling it out on a large scale to test its effectiveness.

Les estuaires, situés à l’interface entre les domaines continental et marin, constituent des zones essentielles dans les échanges de matières. Ils jouent dès lors un rôle capital pour les cycles biogéochimiques et biologiques et subissent, par ailleurs, des pressions climatiques et anthropiques croissantes depuis plusieurs décennies. Le présent travail a été focalisé sur les peuplements benthiques et pélagiques présents dans la partie fluviale (Garonne et Dordogne) de l’estuaire de la Gironde, zone àtrès faible salinité où ces peuplements n’avaient encore jamais été étudiés. Alors que la méiofaune, composée principalement de Nématodes, s’est avérée relativement abondante dans les domaines intertidal et subtidal, le macrobenthos est apparu composé essentiellement d’Oligochètes en intertidal et complètement absent en subtidal. La grande plasticité du copépode dominant Eurytemora affinis a été confirmée, celui-ci occupant une niche écologique différente dans la partie fluviale de l’estuaire par rapport à la zone haline. L’importance de la température plutôt que la qualité du pool nutritif sur la productivité d’E. affinis a été démontrée, mettant en évidence une fois de plus la grande adaptabilité de cette espèce dans un habitat très fluctuant. L’étude de l’habitat benthique et pélagique, notamment en terme de qualité du pool nutritif disponible pour les organismes, a démontré que la contribution de la matière organique réfractaire d’origine terrestre est dominante. La contribution du micro phytobenthos à la composition de la matière organique sédimentaire et pélagique a aussi été mise en évidence. Enfin,l’étude des communautés planctoniques dans la partie fluviale de l’estuaire de la Gironde a montré que l’espèce E. affinis y occupe une position clef. / Being at the interface between continental and marine systems, estuaries are essential areas for matter exchanges. Therefore, they play a crucial role in biological and biogeochemical cycles. In addition to natural fluctuations, these systems have also undergone increasing climate and anthropogenic pressures for several decades. The present work focused on the benthic and pelagic assemblages in the fluvial section (Garonne and Dordogne rivers) of the Gironde estuary, a low salinity area where these communities had never been studied. Meiofauna, mainly composed ofnematodes, was found in relatively high abundance in both intertidal and subtidal zones.Macrozoobenthos was essentially composed of oligochaetes in the intertidal, while it was totally absent in the subtidal areas. The high plasticity of the dominant copepod Eurytemora affinis was confirmed, with a different ecological niche in the freshwater section of the estuary compared to the haline area downstream. The importance of temperature rather than the quality of the nutrient pool on the productivity of E. affinis was demonstrated, thereby confirming the great adaptability of thisspecies to a highly fluctuating habitat. Study of benthic and pelagic habitat, especially in terms of quality of the nutrient pool available to the organisms, showed that the contribution of refractoryorganic matter with a terrestrial origin is dominant. A significant contribution of microphytobenthos to the composition of sedimentary and pelagic organic matter was also highlighted. Finally, the study of planktonic communities in the fluvial part of the Gironde estuary showed that the species E. affinis occupies a key position in this part of the estuary.

As pastagens são o principal recurso alimentar para pecuária brasileira, sendo fundamentais na viabilização dos sistemas produtivos. Fatores climáticos como temperatura e fotoperíodo têm grande importância no crescimento das plantas forrageiras, influenciando o acúmulo de forragem a distribuição estacional da produção e do valor nutritivo, fatores de grande impacto no sistema produtivo como um todo. Dessa forma, o desenvolvimento de ferramentas que racionalizem o processo produtivo das plantas possibilitando a sua predição em função dos parâmetros ambientais que o condicionam são importantes para o planejamento desses sistemas. O presente estudo foi desenvolvido no Departamento de Zootecnia da ESALQ/USP em Piracicaba, SP, de Dezembro de 2000 a Março de 2002, com o objetivo de gerar um banco de dados sobre as características produtivas e qualitativas de gramíneas forrageiras do gênero Cynodon e, a partir desse banco de dados, avaliar modelos matemáticos propostos na literatura para estimar o acúmulo de massa seca e as alterações no valor nutritivo [teores de proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), e a digestibilidade in vitro da matéria orgânica (DIVMO)] dessas forragens. Foram estudadas duas variáveis climáticas, uma gerada em função da soma térmica diária (graus-dia, GD), e outra incorporando os efeitos das alterações no fotoperíodo à soma térmica (a unidade fototérmica, UF). Os tratamentos constituiram de todas as combinações possíveis entre dois intervalos entre cortes (4 e 6 semanas) e cinco cultivares de Cynodon spp. (Tifton 85, Coastcross, Florico, Florona e Estrela) mecanicamente colhidos a 7 cm. As parcelas eram irrigadas para garantir ausência de déficit hídrico e adubadas com o equivalente a 400 kg N ha-1 ano-1. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o de blocos completos casualizados com quatro repetições. Nas três estações de crescimento determinadas, "estação completa", "verão" e "inverno" foram avaliados o acúmulo de forragem (AF), a taxa média diária de acúmulo de forragem (TMDAF), a distribuição estacional da produção e os teores de PB e de FDN, além da DIVMO. O intervalo de seis semanas proporcionou maior AF, maior TMDAF, menor teor de PB, menor DIVMO e maior teor de FDN do que o intervalo de quatro semanas nas três "estações" consideradas. A distribuição estacional da produção foi igual para os dois intervalos, com 73% da produção no "verão" e 27% no "inverno". O AF e a TMDAF para a "estação completa" não foram diferentes entre os cultivares, mas no "verão" Tifton 85 foi superior a Coastcross e Florona. No "inverno", os cultivares não se diferenciaram nessas características, o que resultou em maior estacionalidade de produção de Tifton 85 do que de Coastcross, Florico e Florona. Coastcross apresentou os menores teores de PB e juntamente com Tifton 85 os maiores teores de FDN nas três"estações". A digestibilidade só foi diferente entre os cultivares na "estação completa", onde Florona superou Coastcross. Os modelos gerados para a resposta quantitativa (AF) foram altamente significativos, apresentando melhores resultados nos menores níveis de agregação. As duas variáveis climáticas foram eficientes, mas os modelos de UF apresentaram capacidade preditória superior. Os modelos para as respostas qualitativas também apresentaram alta significância, com melhores resultados nos maiores níveis de agregação. No entanto, em função da alta variabilidade tiveram sua capacidade preditória comprometida. Os cultivares estudados demonstraram significativas diferenças produtivas e qualitativas, que devem ser consideradas quando de sua adoção em sistemas produtivos. Nos intervalos entre cortes a produção e o valor nutritivo estiveram inversamente associados. A utilização de variáveis climáticas para a predição de parâmetros produtivos se mostrou efetiva em condições de ausência de déficit hídrico. Para a modelagem qualitativa o conceito se mostrou válido, mas novos modelos incluindo maior amplitude de maturidades da forragem devem ser gerados e avaliados. / Pastures are the main feed resource in the Brazilian livestock industry and they are key in making forage-livestock systems feasible. Climatic variables such as temperature and daylength are important to forage growth as they affect herbage accumulation as well as the seasonal distribution of both yield and nutritive value, two major characteristics that impact the systems as a whole. Thus, the development of manegerial tools that allow for the rationalization of the production process and for the prediction of forage responses to environmental variables may be valuable for planning and managing whole systems. The present study was carried out at the Departamento de Zootecnia of ESALQ-USP in Piracicaba, SP, from December 2000 through March 2002. The objective was to generate a comprehensive dataset on the productive and qualitative characteristics of Cynodon grasses and to use this dataset to evaluate prediction models reported in the literature, using them to estimate forage accumulation and changes in forage nutritive value [measured as concentrations of crude protein (CP) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), as well as the in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD)]. Two climatic variables were studied, one generated as a function of daily caloric sum (degree-days, DD) and the other combining the effect of daylength with DD and known as the photothermal unit (PU). Treatments included all possible combinations between two intervals between clippings (every four or six weeks) and five Cynodon spp. cultivars (Tifton 85, Coastcross, Florico, Florona e Stargrass) harvested mechanically at a 7-cm height. Plots were irrigated to ensure that soil moisture was not limiting at any point during the experiment and fertilized at the rate of 400 kg N ha-1 yr-1. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with four replications. For the three "seasons" established ("whole season", "summer", and "winter"), total herbage accumulation (HA), the mean daily HA rate (MDHAR), the seasonal yield distribution and the concentrations of CP and NDF plus the IVOMD of the forage produced were characterized. The 6-wk harvest interval resulted in higher HA and MDHAR, lower CP and IVOMD, and higher NDF than the 4-wk interval, for all three "seasons". Seasonal yield distribution was similar between intervals, with 73% of the total forage accumulating during the "summer" and 27% in the "winter". HA and MDHAR for the "whole season" was the same across cultivars but during the "summer", these responses were higher in Tifton 85 than on Coastcross and Stargrass. In the "winter", no differences were found across cultivars for these quantitative responses and this resulted in more pronounced seasonality for Tifton 85 than for Coastcross, Florico and Florona. Coastcross forage had the lowest CP concentration and, together with Tifton 85 forage, the highest NDF concentrations in all three "seasons". Forage IVOMD was the same across treatments except among cultivars in the "whole season", where Florona showed higher IVOMD than Coastcross. The prediction models generated for the quantitative response HA were highly significant and seem to be better predictors at lower aggregation levels. Both climatic variables were efficient, although the PU models had a better prediction ability than the DD models. For the qualitative characteristics were also significant, but with better results for the higher aggregation levels. Because of the high variability involved, however, their predictive ability may have been somewhat compromised. The grass cultivars used in this study have contrasting productive and qualitative characteristics, which must be taken into account when one considers their inclusion into the system. Within harvest intervals yield and nutritive value were inversely related. The use of climatic variables to predict forage quantitative responses appears to be promising in the absence of water deficit. For qualitative characteristics, the concept seems to hold although more modeling is needed using a wider range of forage maturities.

O capim-braquiária (Brachiaria decumbens Stapf. cv. Basilisk) tem grande importância para sistemas de produção pecuários no Brasil, notadamente em regiões com baixa fertilidade natural do solo. O objetivo do presente trabalho foi estudar efeitos de duas intensidades (5 e 10 cm de altura pós-pastejo) e duas frequências de desfolhação (descanso até 95 e 100% de interceptação luminosa, IL, para início do pastejo) como definidores da estrutura do dossel, da morfogênese e do valor nutritivo da B.decumbens cv. Basilisk sob lotação intermitente. O estudo foi conduzido em Brotas - SP. O período experimental foi de Jan 2007 a Ago 2008, compreendendo sete épocas (Verão/2007, Outono/2007, Inverno/2007, Final de primavera/2007, Verão/2008, Outono/2008 e Inverno/2008) para as variáveis: produção de forragem, composição morfológica, índice de área foliar (IAF), altura de dossel, IL e valor nutritivo de folhas. Para características morfogênicas, densidade e demografia de perfilhos, o período foi de Ago 2007 a Ago 2008 e para valor nutritivo da forragem de Jan 2008 a Ago 2008. Os tratamentos foram quatro combinações possíveis entre as duas intensidades e frequências de desfolhação, em arranjo fatorial, com quatro repetições num delineamento inteiramente casualizado.O manejo com 100% IL resultou em produção total de 17,1 Mg MS ha-1, enquanto que para 95% IL a produção foi de 14,2 Mg MS ha-1. Pastos sob a estratégia 100% IL resultaram em maior produção de colmos e material morto, e maior IAF-pré pastejo. A intensidade de 10 cm promoveu maior produção de forragem e colmos (16,6 e 4,4 Mg MS ha-1), e maior IL e IAF no pós-pastejo. As maiores taxas de aparecimento de folhas (TAPF) e menores taxas de senescência foliar (TSF), alongamento (TALC) e acúmulo de colmo (TAFCM), na primavera de 2007 até outono de 2008 foram obtidas para 95% IL.As maiores taxas de acúmulo de folhas (TAFLM)no final da primavera ocorreram em pastos submetidos a 95% de IL e no verão e outono para o tratamento 10/95 (24,3, 26,8 e 23,3 kg MS ha-1 dia-1). De forma geral, o tratamento 10/95 resultou em altas taxas de aparecimento e de sobrevivência de perfilhos basais nas épocas com maior disponibilidade nos fatores de crescimento, épocas em que também foram encontrados os maiores teoresem proteína bruta (PB) de folhas para 95% IL, enquanto adigestibilidade in vitro da matéria orgânica (DIVMO)de folhas foi maior para a intensidade de 10 cm. As menores DIVMOs da forragem foram encontradas nos pastos que receberam a combinação 5/100, indicando que períodos longos de descanso e intensidades altasde pastejo resultam na produção de forragem de baixo valor nutritivo. A altura de dossel no pré-pastejo para o manejo com 95% IL ficou próximo a 16 cm e para 100% IL em 22 cm. A desfolhação do capim-braquiária deve ser realizada até10 cm uma vez que isto resulta em rebrotações rápidas e, quando associado à frequência de 95% IL, permite que animais em pastejo tenham acesso a forragem com maior participação de folhas e menor de material morto e colmo. / Signalgrass (Brachiaria decumbens Stapf. cv. Basilisk) is an important forage resource in Brazilian livestock systems, mainly where soil natural fertility is low. The objective in this study was to investigate the effects of two intensities (5 and 10 cm stubble) and two frequencies of defoliation (rest periods determined by 95 or 100% light interception LI by the canopy) as determinants of sward structure, morphogenesis, and forage nutritive value of B.decumbens cv. Basilisk under intermittent grazing. The work was carried out in Brotas, SP. The experimental period was from Jan 2007 through Aug 2008, divided in seven seasons (Summer/2007, Autumn/2007, Winter/2007, Late Spring/2007, Summer/2008, Autumn/2008 and Winter/2008) for the response variables: forage production, plant-part composition, leaf area index (LAI), sward height, LI, and leaf nutritive value. For the morphogenetic characteristics, tiller density, and tiller demography, the experimental period was from Aug 2007 through Aug 2008. For forage nutritive value, it was from Jan 2008 through Aug 2008. Treatments included all possible combinations among two grazing frequencies and two intensities, in a factorial arrangement of a completely randomized design. The 100% LI management resulted in total yield of 17.1 Mg DM ha-1, whereas for the 95% LI treatments total production was 14.2 Mg DM ha-1. Pastures under the 100% LI strategy produced more stem and dead material, as well as higher pregraze LAI. The 10-cm stubble resulted in higher forage and stem yield (16.6 and 4.4 Mg DM ha-1, respectively), as well as higher postgraze LI and LAI.The highest leaf appearance rates and lowest rates of leaf senescence, leaf elongation, and stem accumulation from Spring 2007 through Autumn 2008 were recorded for 95%LI. The highest rates of leaf accumulation in late spring were found in pastures under 95% LI, and in the summer and autumn for the 10/95 treatment (24.3, 26.8 and 23.3 kg DM ha-1 d-1, respectively). In general, the 10/95 treatment resulted in high rates of basal tiller appearance and survival, when the environmental conditions were favorable, which was also when crude protein concentration in leaves was highest under 95% LI, whereas in vitroorganic matter digestibility (IVOMD) of leaves was higher for the 10 cm stubble. The lowest IVOMDs were found in pastures receiving the 5/100 treatment combination, indicating that long rest periods combined with high grazing intensities result in forage of low nutritive value. Pregraze sward height for the 95%-LI managements was around 16 cm and for the 100%-LI, around 22 cm. Defoliation of signalgrass should not be lower than 10 cm height, since this results in rapid regrowth and, when associated with the 95%-LI frequency, allows animals to harvest forage with high proportion of leaves and low proportion of stem and dead material.

O presente estudo teve como objetivos avaliar o uso de aditivos químicos e microbiano na ensilagem da cana-de-açúcar (Saccharum officinarum L.), com vistas à composição químico-bromatológica, perdas fermentativas e estabilidade aeróbia das silagens, bem como os efeitos sobre o desempenho de bovinos de corte. No primeiro experimento a cana-de-açúcar ensilada foi comparada com a cana-de-açúcar in natura na alimentação de bovinos, além dessas fontes de volumosos serem avaliadas quanto à composição químico-bromatológica e estabilidade aeróbia. Foram utilizados 63 tourinhos Nelore, alimentados com ração contendo 40% de volumoso, em delineamento em blocos completos, com três tratamentos e seis repetições. Os tratamentos testados foram: cana-de-açúcar in natura (FR), silagem controle (CT) e silagem inoculada com Lactobacillus buchneri (LB). Os animais que receberam rações contendo silagem de cana-de-açúcar apresentaram desempenhos similares aos que receberam rações com cana-de-açúcar in natura. Mesmo apresentando melhora na estabilidade aeróbia, tanto comparativamente à silagem controle, quanto em relação à cana-de-açúcar fresca, a inoculação com L. buchneri não apresentou efeito em melhorar o desempenho dos animais recebendo silagem de cana-de-açúcar. O NRC (1996) subestimou os ganhos e o valor nutritivo dos volumosos, além de superestimar a IMS. Num segundo experimento foram testados aditivos químicos, microbiano e suas associações na ensilagem da cana-de-açúcar com uso de silos experimentais. O delineamento adotado neste caso constituiu-se como inteiramente casualizado, sendo oito tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os tratamentos testados foram: controle (CT), L. buchneri na dose de 5x104 ufc/g MV (LB), 1% da MV da cana-de-açúcar de CaO sem diluição em água (CLs), 1% da MV da cana-de-açúcar de CaO diluído em água (CLa), 1% da MV da cana-de-açúcar de CaCO3 sem diluição em água (CCs), 1% da MV da cana-de-açúcar de CaCO3 diluído em água (CCa), associação dos tratamentos LB e CLs (CLsLB) e dos tratamentos LB e CLa (CLaLB). A cal virgem (CaO) apresentou-se como opção de aditivo na ensilagem da cana-de-açúcar, melhorando a composição químicobromatológica, o valor nutritivo e a estabilidade aeróbia das silagens, entretanto, este aditivo elevou as perdas decorrentes do processo fermentativo. Em um terceiro ensaio avaliarou-se quatro dos tratamentos do ensaio anterior para a alimentação de ruminantes e as fontes de volumosos também foram avaliadas quanto à composição químico-bromatológica e estabilidade aeróbia. Foram utilizados 59 tourinhos threecross, alimentados com ração contendo 40% de volumoso, num delineamento em blocos completos, com três tratamentos e seis repetições. Os tratamentos avaliados foram: silagem controle (CT) e silagem inoculada com Lactobacillus buchneri (LB) e as silagens com os aditivos químicos CaO (CL) e CaCO3 (CC), ambos aplicados a seco na dose de 1% da MV. Os aditivos químicos incorporados à cana-de-açúcar na ensilagem levaram ao menor desempenho dos animais se comparados ao tratamento controle e 16 LB, contudo, o tratamento químico contendo cal virgem apresentou os melhores resultados em termos de composição química e estabilidade aeróbia das silagens neste experimento. Da mesma forma, como observado no primeiro experimento, o NRC (1996) subestimou os ganhos e o valor nutritivo dos volumosos, além de superestimar a ingestão de MS pelos animais / The objectives of these studies were to evaluate chemical and microbial additives in sugar cane silages and their effects on chemical composition, fermentative losses and aerobic stability, as well as the effects on the animal performance. In the first trial sugar cane silages were compared to green-chopped sugar cane as part of total mixed rations used to feed ruminants. The forage sources also were tested for chemical composition and aerobic stability. Sixty-three Nellore beef bulls fed with 40% of forage in TMR, in a completely randomized block design, with three treatments and six replications each. The treatments used were: green chopped sugar cane (FR), sugar cane silage without additive (CT) and sugar cane silage with Lactobacillus buchneri (LB). The silage groups (CT and LB) revealed similar performance as green chopped sugar cane group. Eventough, they have showed better results in the aerobic stability test, the LB group did not show better results than the control group. NRC (1996) underestimated daily gains and overestimated DM intake in all treatments. In the second experiment chemical, microbial additives as well as their association were tested in lab-scale sugar cane silages. It was analyzed as a completely randomized design, with eight treatments and four replications each. The treatments were: no additive (CT), L. buchneri applied at 5x104 cfu/g of forage (LB), 1% of CaO in powder form (CLs), 1% of CaO diluted in water (CLa), 1% of CaCO3 in powder form (CCs), 1% of CaCO3 diluted in water (CCa), association of LB and CLs (CLsLB) and association of LB and CLa (CLaLB). The calcium oxide treatment turned out to be a good option in sugar cane silages by enhancing the chemical composition, the nutritive value and the aerobic stability. In the third experiment, four of those eight treatments previously tested were evaluated in animal performance level. The forage sources have been also tested for chemical composition and aerobic stability. For this trial 59 three-cross breed beef bulls were fed TMR with 40% of forage, in a completely randomized block design, with four treatments and five replications each. The treatments were: sugar cane silage without additive (CT) and sugar cane silage with Lactobacillus buchneri (LB) and chemical treatments, 1% of calcium oxide (CL) and 1% of calcium carbonate (CC), both applied in a powder form. The chemical additives led to lower ADG than CT and LB animals. However, the CL treatment showed the best results in terms of chemical composition and aerobic stability among all four treatments. As observed previously NRC (1996) underestimated daily gains and overestimated DM intake.

Objetivou-se com este estudo comparar diferentes métodos de determinação de carboidratos solúveis (CS) em cana-de-açúcar com o intuito de predizer valor nutritivo da forragem: conteúdo de sólidos solúveis (BRIX), conteúdo aparente de sacarose (POL), carboidratos não fibrosos (CNF), carboidratos solúveis em extrato aquoso (CSA) e carboidratos solúveis em extrato alcoólico (CSOH). Foram conduzidos dois experimentos envolvendo amostras da fração colmo e planta inteira. O primeiro avaliou o valor nutritivo da variedade IAC 86-2480 (terceiro corte) em resposta a dois métodos de colheita: colheita manual (MAN) e colheita mecânica (MEC) durante as fases de cultivo: 150, 180, 210, 240, 270, 300, 330 e 360 dias após colheita (DAC). As estimativas do CS, composição bromatológica (MS, CP, FDN, FDA, DIVMS e DIVMO), assim como da relação FDN/CS foram similares (P>0,05) entre os tratamentos, exceto para CSOH e FDN/CSOH para a fração colmo, e FDN/POL (P<0,05) para a planta inteira. O conteúdo de CS da planta inteira representou aproximadamente 80% do teor observado na fração colmo. Foram identificados três padrões de acúmulo de CS: a) POL e CSOH, b) BRIX, c) CNF. O modelo logístico não ajustou na predição de CSA. Até os 240 e 270 DAC, as relações entre FDN/BRIX e FDN/POL seguiram a mesma tendência para os métodos MAN e MEC respectivamente. Relações entre FDN/CS foram altamente correlacionadas com a digestibilidade da forragem, especialmente a relação FDN/CNF (r>0,8). A análise de componentes principais provou ser ferramenta útil para selecionar variáveis com o intuito de caracterizar valor alimentar em cana-de-açúcar. De acordo com o primeiro componente principal, o valor nutritivo é uma resposta de variáveis bromatológicas da fração fibrosa (ex. FDN, FDA), correspondendo a 54,4 e 64% da variância total da fração colmo e planta inteira respectivamente. No segundo experimento, foram avaliadas possíveis relações entre medidas morfológicas e químicas da planta visando explicar o acúmulo de CS e o valor nutricional da cana-de-açúcar (variedade IAC 93-3046), estabelecida sob dois níveis de adubação no plantio (NPK e NPK associada com esterco 120 kg N ha-1) ao longo da fase de maturação da planta em cana de primeiro corte. As amostras foram colhidas manualmente durante os períodos de 300, 360, 420 e 540 dias após plantio (DAP). Não houve efeito (P>0,05) da adubação na concentração de CS, a exceção das folhas secas (FS), CSA e minerais, na fração colmo. Três padrões de acúmulo de CS foram identificados nas duas frações morfológicas da planta: a) BRIX e CSOH; b) CNF E c) CSA. Embora POL não fosse considerada nesse experimento, as análises das curvas de CS (BRIX e CSOH) confirmaram que a cana atingiu a maturidade no mês de setembro como reportado na literatura. Regressões simples e múltiplas foram consideradas para predizer o acúmulo de CS, MS e o valor nutricional (digestibilidade). O modelo univariado apenas considerou variáveis químicas na predição, exceto para o teor de BRIX. Equações do tipo stepwise melhoraram o ajuste dos modelos (R2 e RQMR) ao considerar variáveis morfológicas, sendo a mais importante nas predições, o número de nós da fração colmo (NN). As equações para MS e CSA tiveram o menor poder de predição tanto nas regressões simples quanto nas múltiplas. A fração FDA foi a principal variável que explicou o valor nutritivo em amostras de cana-deaçúcar. / The objective of this research was to compare some potentialities of soluble carbohydrate (SC) methods currently used in sugarcane for animal feeding purposes: soluble solid content (BRIX), apparent sucrose content (POL), non fibrous carbohydrates (NFC), water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and ethanol soluble carbohydrates (EtOH). Two trials involving stalk and whole plant sugarcane samples were conducted. The first trial evaluated the nutritive value of IAC 86-2480 variety (second growth) in response to two harvesting methods: manual (MAN) and mechanical (MEC) along of crop growing phase: 150, 180, 210, 240, 270, 300, 330 and 360 days after harvesting (DAH). The SC estimative, chemical composition (DM, CP, NDF, ADF, IVDDM and IVOMD) and NDF/SC relationships were similar (P>0.05) across treatments, except for EtOH and NDF/EtOH relationship at stalk and NDF/POL (P<0.05) at whole plant being MAN and MEC of those cases, respectively more advantageous for each. The whole plant SC content reached represents closer to 80% of total content observed in the stalk fraction. Were identified three typical SC accumulation patterns: a) POL and EtOH, b) BRIX, c) NFC. Until 240 (MAN) and 270 (MEC) DAH, the standardized NDF/BRIX and NDF/POL stalk relationships followed the same trend. NDF/SC relationships were highly correlated with forage digestibility, especially NDF/NFC (r > 0.8). Principal Component Analysis proved to be an useful tool to select variables in order to explain sugarcane feeding value. Therefore as described at the first principal component, the sugarcane feed value is in function of forage fibrous fraction (ex. NDF, ADF), corresponding to 54.4% (stalk) and 64.0% (whole plant) of total variance respectively. The second trial studied possible relationships established between both morphological as chemical plant measurements that could explain SC accumulation and feeding value of IAC 93- 3046 variety, under two levels of fertilisation at planting (NPK and NPK associated with cattle manure 120 kg N ha-1) along of ripening phase under plant crop conditions. Forage samples were collected manually at 300, 360, 420 and 540 days after planting (DAP). There was no effect (P>0.05) of fertilisation on SC dynamics, chemical composition and morphological crop variables, with the exception to dry leaves (DLEAF), water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and minerals (ASH), in stalk fraction (P<0.05). The age of plant was the main factor responsible of the observed variability. Three SC patterns in sugarcane during this phase were identified: a) BRIX and EtOH, b) NFC e c) WSC. Although POL was not considered in this trial, the analysis of SC curves showed that BRIX and EtOH also reached to maturity in September conforming literature. Simple and multiple (stepwise) regressions were considered to predict SC, DM accumulation and feeding value (digestibility). The univariate models only considered chemical variables to prediction, except to BRIX. Stepwise equations have account also morphological crop variables to improve statistical prediction (R2, RMSE), being the most important: number of nodes (NN). Predictions of DM and WSC had the lowest power performed through simple and multiple equations. ADF fraction best fitted to feeding value prediction (IVDMD, IVOMD) in sugarcane samples.

No Instituto de Zootecnia, Nova Odessa, SP, em uma pastagem de capim-aruana (Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Aruana) utilizada com ovinos em sistema intensivo de produção (irrigação, adubação e lotação rotacionada), foram sobre-semeadas as espécies forrageiras de inverno: aveia preta (Avena strigosa Schreb cv. Comum), azevém anual (Lolium multiflorum Lam. cv. Comum) e trevo branco (Trifolium repens L. cv. Zapicán) com o objetivo de suprir o déficit e melhorar o valor nutritivo da forragem no período crítico do ano. A sobre-semeadura foi efetuada em 14/04/00 e 07/06/01 no primeiro e segundo anos do experimento, respectivamente. Nos dois anos (14/04/00 a 18/01/01 e 07/06/01 a 22/02/02) foram avaliados, em seis períodos de pastejo: massa total de forragem pré-pastejo, sua composição botânica e porcentagem de lâminas foliares, massa de forragem pós-pastejo, acúmulo de forragem (AF) e taxa média diária de acúmulo de forragem (TMDAF) em cada período de rebrotação, altura do dossel forrageiro pré e pós-pastejo, características químicas: proteína bruta (PB), fibra em detergente neutro (FDN), fibra em detergente ácido (FDA), lignina e digestibilidade “in vitro” da matéria seca (DIVMS), nas amostras da massa total de forragem e nas dos componentes botânicos (aruana, aveia preta e azevém) pré-pastejo. O delineamento experimental foi o de blocos completos casualizados (quatro), com duas repetições dentro do bloco e dois tratamentos: 1) capim-aruana exclusivo (AE) e 2) sobre-semeadura da mistura das três espécies forrageiras de inverno (MFI). Os blocos eram pastejados pelo mesmo lote de animais, em sequência, por dois a três dias, até atingir 10 a 15 cm. O trevo-branco não se estabeleceu em ambos os anos. No primeiro ano, a pastagem MFI apresentou maior massa total de forragem do que a pastagem AE no segundo período e na média dos seis períodos. A aveia apresentou a maior contribuição no segundo período e o azevém no terceiro. As pastagens com a MFI apresentaram maiores AF e TMDAF que as pastagens de AE no segundo, quinto e na média dos seis períodos. A PB da forragem na pastagem de capim-aruana exclusivo foi maior em relação à sobre-semeada no terceiro período de pastejo e semelhante nos demais. A PB dos componentes aveia e azevém, no terceiro período, foi menor em relação aos do primeiro e segundo. FDN, FDA e lignina da forragem no tratamento exclusivo foram mais elevados em relação aos do tratamento sobre-semeado, na média dos seis períodos. Aveia e azevém apresentaram FDN mais baixos nos períodos iniciais de crescimento, com aumento no último. A digestibilidade da forragem foi semelhante nos dois tratamentos, em todos os períodos de avaliação. No segundo ano, a massa total de forragem apresentou quantidades semelhantes entre as duas pastagens ao longo dos seis períodos e na sua média. A aveia esteve mais presente no primeiro período e o azevém no terceiro. Não houve diferença entre tipos de pastagem para AF e TMDAF em nenhum dos seis períodos, nem na sua média. Para o componente aruana a porcentagem de lâminas foi semelhante entre os dois tipos de pastagem e para a aveia e azevém, as menores porcentagens ocorreram no período final dos seus ciclos vegetativos, em ambos os anos. O teor de PB da massa total de forragem da pastagem de capim-aruana exclusivo foi maior que o da pastagem sobre-semeada, no quarto período mas semelhante nos demais e na média dos períodos. Os teores de PB da aveia e do azevém decresceram ao longo dos períodos de pastejo. Os teores de FDN, FDA, lignina e DIVMS da forragem foram semelhantes entre as duas pastagens na média e ao longo dos seis períodos, exceto para FDN no segundo período. A aveia e o azevém apresentaram os maiores teores de FDN, FDA e lignina no último período de pastejo. A DIVMS do azevém manteve-se constante nos dois primeiros períodos de pastejo diminuindo no último. Pastos de capim-aruana convenientemente adubados e irrigados, que recebam sobre-semeadura com espécies forrageiras de inverno, produzem mais forragem no período crítico mas com valor nutritivo semelhante em relação a pastos não sobre-semeados, nas condições do Estado de São Paulo. Pastos deste capim, não sobre-semeados, mas que recebam adubação e irrigação também apresentam boa produção e valor nutritivo nesta época. / At Instituto de Zootecnia, Nova Odessa, SP, in a pasture of aruanagrass (Panicum maximum Jacq. cv. Aruana), grazed by sheep in an intensive production system (irrigation, fertilization and rotational stocking), it was introduced a three winter forage species: black oat (Avena strigosa Schreb. cv. Common), italian ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam. cv. Common) and white clover (Trifolium repens L. cv. Zapican) with the objective of increasing the forage supply and its nutritive value during the dry winter period. The mixture was broadcasted sown over the grass on 04-14-00 and 06-07-01 in two years of experiment. From 04-14-00 to 01-18-01 and 06-07-01 to 02-22-02 it was evaluated, in six annual grazing periods, the forage mass, its botanical composition and leaf blades percentage pre grazing, residual mass post grazing, forage accumulation (FA) and mean forage accumulation daily rate (MFADR) in each regrowth period and sward heigth pre and post grazing, the chemical characteristics: crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), lignin and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) in the forage on offer and in its botanical components. The experimental design was a completely randomized block (four) with two replications within the block. The treatments were: 1) grass alone and 2) the grass oversown with the mixture of the winter forages. The blocks were grazed by the same group of sheep in sequence for two or three days until the sward height reached to 10-15 cm. The white clover did not establish. In the first year the oversown treatment presented higher total forage mass than the control in the second periods and in the mean of the six periods. The black oat presented higher contribution in the second period and italian ryegrass in the third. The oversown pastures presented higher FA and MFADR than the single aruanagrass pastures, in the second, fifth and in the mean of the six periods. The CP in the forage from the grass pasture alone was greater than the one of the oversown pasture in the third period, and similar in the others. Oat and ryegrass CP was lower in the third period than the ones of the first and second ones. NDF, ADF and lignin in the forage from the grass pasture alone were greater than the ones of the oversown pasture. Oat and ryegrass NDF was lowest in the initial growth periods, increasing in the final. Forage IVDMD from the two treatments were similar in all evaluation periods. In the second year, the total forage mass was similar in the two pasture treatments in all grazing periods and in their means. The black oat contribution was higher in the first period and the one of italian ryegrass in the third. The FA and the MFADR were similar in the two pasture systems. The leaf blades percentage of aruanagrass was similar in the two pastures in all periods and the ones of black oat and italian ryegrass were lower in the final period compared to the preceeding ones, in the two years. The CP in the forage from the grass pasture alone was greater than the one of the oversown pasture in the fourth period, and similar in the others. Oat and ryegrass CP decreased along the grazing periods. NDF, ADF, lignin and IVDMD of the forage from the two treatments were similar in all evaluation periods. Oat and ryegrass NDF, ADF and lignin were greater in the last grazing period. Ryegrass IVDMD from the first two periods were similar and decreased in the final. For the São Paulo State conditions, adequately fertilized and irrigated aruanagrass pastures, when oversown with winter annual forages, yield more than single aruanagrass ones during the dry winter period but with similar nutritive value. Single aruanagrass pastures when fertilized and irrigated present also good forage yields with good nutritive value during this time.

<p>U okviru doktorske disertacije ispitana je mogućnost proizvodnje<br />fermentisanog mlečnog napitka uz primenu različitih vrsta i koncentracija<br />nekonvencionalnog startera čajne gljive: a) nativnog inokuluma-I<br />(10% i 15%) b) koncentrovanog mikrofiltracijom - MFI (10% i 15%) i c)<br />koncentrovanog uparavanjem - UPI (1,5%, 3,0%, 10% i 15%). Varijante<br />fermentisanog mlečnog napitka dobijene su kori&scaron;ćenjem mleka sa 0,9%<br />i 2,2% mlečne masti. Za pobolj&scaron;anje fizičko-hemijskih i teksturalnih<br />karakteristika proizvoda u mleko pre inokulacije dodato je 0,02% enzima<br />transglutaminaze (aktiviran na 40&deg;C, a posle 2 sata je inaktiviran na<br />80&deg;C, 1 minut). Fermentacija mleka (pri temperaturi 42&deg;C) uz kori&scaron;ćenje<br />inokuluma čajne gljive praćena je do postizanja pH vrednosti 4,5.<br />Nakon proizvodnje analizirana je nutritivna vrednost fermentisanih<br />mlečnih napitaka: sadržaj masti, proteina, laktoze, galaktoze, glukoze,<br />fruktoze, mlečne i sirćetne kiseline, etanola, vitamina (B1, B2, B6 i<br />C), minerala (Ca, Mg, K, Na, Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn) i masnih kiselina. Sadržaj<br />odabranih komponenata u napicima praćen je tokom 10 dana skladi&scaron;tenja.<br />Fizičko-hemijske osobine (kiselost, sinerezis i sposobnost vezivanja<br />vode), teksturalne karakteristike (čvrstoća, konzistencija, kohezivnost i<br />indeks viskoziteta) i viskozitet uzoraka praćeni su nakon proizvodnje i<br />posle 10 dana skladi&scaron;tenja. Ukupan broj bakterija sirćetne kiseline (BSK)<br />i kvasaca u fermentisanim napicima analiziran je nakon proizvodnje i<br />tokom skladi&scaron;tenja. Varijante fermentisanih mlečnih napitaka senzorno<br />su ocenjene nakon proizvodnje.<br />Na osnovu rezultata ispitivanja utvrđeno je da fermentacija mleka<br />uz primenu nekonvencionalnog startera čajne gljive predstavlja složen<br />biohemijski proces pri čemu fermentacija traje od 9 do 12 sati i prosečno<br />je dva puta duža od fermentacije mleka u proizvodnji probiotskog i<br />tradicionalnog jogurta. Sadržaj laktoze tokom fermentacije mleka manji<br />je prosečno za 19,6% u odnosu na sadržaj laktoze u mleku. Uzorci<br />proizvedeni sa nativnim inokulumom uz primenu transglutaminaze i<br />koncentrata proteina surutke imaju za 15% niži sadržaj laktoze, a uzorak<br />15% I za 2% niži sadržaj u odnosu na uzorak 10% I. Uzorci proizvedeni<br />sa 10% MFI i 15% MFI imaju za 11%, odnosno 21% niži sadržaj laktoze<br />nakon proizvodnje u poređenju sa odgovarajućim uzorcima proizvedenim<br />uz primenu nativnog inokuluma. Sniženje sadržaja laktoze je<br />praćeno povećanjem sadržaja galaktoze i L-mlečne kiseline u svim uzorcima.<br />D-mlečna kiselina, sirćetna kiselina i etanol zastupljeni su u veoma<br />malim koncentracijama.<br />Imajući u vidu značaj vitamina C u ishrani i količinu detektovanu<br />u fermentisanom mlečnom napitku, konzumiranjem 500 g napitka<br />dobijenog primenom čajne gljive mogu da se zadovolje dnevne potrebe<br />za vitaminom C.<br />Tokom proizvodnje fermentisanih napitaka sadržaj vitamina B1<br />poraste za 5,09%, vitamina B2 za 2,65% i B6 za 2,03% u odnosu na<br />mleko. U fermentisanom mlečnom napitku iz mleka sa 2,2% masti<br />sadržaj vitamina B6 je povećan 24,76% u odnosu na sadržaj u polaznom<br />mleku. Fermentisani mlečni napici proizvedeni primenom čajne<br />gljive iz mleka sa 0,9% i 2,2% masti sa dodatkom 10% inokuluma<br />čajne gljive sadrže najvi&scaron;e vitamina B2 koji iznosi 108 (&mu;g/100g), odnosno<br />136 (&mu;g/100g). Mikrobiolo&scaron;ki sastav napitaka se razlikuje u zavisnosti<br />od vrste i sastava kori&scaron;ćenog inokuluma. Najveći broj BSK<br />(4,5 &middot; 104ćelija/mL) i kvasaca (9 &middot; 104 ćelija/mL) je u uzorku 10% MFI,<br />dok je manji u napitku 10% I (BSK: kvasci= 4,05 &middot; 104: 4,5 &middot; 104).<br />Dodatkom transglutaminaze u minimalnoj koncentraciji od<br />0,02% postižu se znatno bolje fizičko-hemijske i reolo&scaron;ke karakteristike<br />fermentisanih mlečnih napitaka dobijenih iz mleka sa 0,9% masti.<br />Generalno posmatrano, kori&scaron;ćenjem 10% nativnog inokuluma za<br />proizvodnju napitaka iz mleka sa 0,9% i 2,2% masti dobijaju se proizvodi<br />optimalnih hemijskih, mikrobiolo&scaron;kih i senzornih karakteristika.<br />Funkcionalni fermentisani mlečni napici proizvedeni uz primenu različitih<br />vrsta i koncentracija čajne gljive su proizvodi visoke nutritivne<br />vrednosti namenjeni različitim kategorijama potro&scaron;ača.</p> / <p> The possibility of fermented milk beverages manufacture<br /> by applying non-convenctional starter culture - tea fungus<br /> inoculum: a) natural inoculum (10% and 15%); b) concentrated<br /> by microfiltration (10% i 15%); c) concentrated by evaporation<br /> (1.5% and 3.0%) have been investigated. All fermented milk samples<br /> were produced from milk of 0.9% and 2.2 % fat content.<br /> Improvement of rheological properties of low fat fermented milk<br /> products by addition of enzyme transglutaminase (TG) was<br /> achieved. Transglutaminase (Activa MP, Ajinomoto Co. Inc.,<br /> Hamburg, Germany) was activated in milk at 40&deg;C for 2 hours,<br /> then it was inactivated by high temperature (80&deg;C for 1 minute)<br /> prior to fermentation. After cooling to optimal temperature<br /> (42&deg;C), chosen starter culture was added in milk. In all cases<br /> fermentation stopped when the pH=4.5 was reached.<br /> Nutritive characteristics of samples: content of proteins,<br /> lactose, galactose, glucose, fructose, lactic and acetic acid, ethanol,<br /> vitamins (B1, B2, B6 and C), minerals (Ca, Mg, K, Na, Pb,<br /> Cd, Cu, Zn) and total fatty acids content were analysed after<br /> production. Selected components were determined after 10 days<br /> of storage. Physico-chemical characteristics (acidity, syneresis,<br /> water-holding capacity), textural characteristics (firmness,<br /> consistency, cohessivnes, and index of viscosity) and viscosity<br /> were measured at 5&deg;C after production and during 10 days of<br /> storage.<br /> On the basis of the obtained results it can be concluded<br /> that milk fermentation lasted from 9 to 12 hours and is two times<br /> longer compared to fermentation during probiotic and traditional<br /> yoghurt production. Lactose content decreased during fermentation<br /> for 19.6% compared to milk. Higher transformation of lactose<br /> was determined in samples produced by using microfiltration<br /> inoculum. Decreasing of lactose content affected the increased<br /> galactose and L-lactic acid content. Content of D-lactic acid,<br /> acetic acid and ethanol were detected in low concentrations. High<br /> concentration of ascorbic acid in beverage contributed that 500 g<br /> fermented milk beverage could fullfill recommended daily intake<br /> for vitamin C. Sample produced from milk of 2.2% fat content<br /> using 10% natural inoculum contained the highest concentration<br /> of vitamin B2 &ndash; 136 (&mu;g/100g).<br /> The highest total cell count of acetic acid bacteria was<br /> 4.5 &middot; 104 cfu/ml and yeasts 9 &middot; 104 cfu/ml in samples produced by<br /> using 10% microfiltrated inoculum. Sample produced from milk<br /> of 0.9% fat content by applying 10% natural inoculum had also<br /> high number of acetic acid bacteria and yeasts in ratio 4.05 &middot; 104 :<br /> 4.5 &middot; 104.<br /> The sample having tea fungus concentrated inoculum<br /> and transglutaminase had the best textural characteristics. Fermented<br /> dairy beverages produced by 0.02% TG application had<br /> much better textural characteristics than those without TG.<br /> Generaly, fermented dairy drinks produced from milk of<br /> 0.9 and 2.2% fat content with addition of natural inoculum in<br /> concentration of 10% showed optimal sensory, nutritive and rheological<br /> characteristics.<br /> Therefore, fermented dairy drinks produced with tea<br /> fungus inoculum could be classified as high valuable functional<br /> food intended for all consumer categories.</p>

Dans l'objectif d'anticiper et de réduire la prolifération de l'amibe pathogène Naegleria fowleri dans les circuits de refroidissement de certaines centrales électriques, notre travail vise à mieux comprendre l'écologie de cette amibe dans des environnements complexes tels que les biofilms d'eau douce récemment reconnus comme niche écologique préférentielle des amibes libres. Des essais de laboratoire ont été réalisés pour déterminer l'impact des facteurs environnementaux naturels et anthropiques: température, nature du matériau support de la formation du biofilm, charge nutritionnelle et monochloramination sur le comportement et le devenir de Naegleria fowleri dans le biofilm. Ces travaux ont permis de démontrer que la survie, l'implantation, la croissance, le maintien et le déclin de Naegleria fowleri dans les biofilms sont principalement gouvernés par la concomitance des facteurs température et ressource nutritive. Les autres facteurs: nature du matériau, désinfection à la monochloramine et compétition amibienne, se présentent plutôt comme des paramètres de perturbation ou d'inhibition de cette dynamique. Par ailleurs, les résultats obtenus sur la colonisation du biofilm par les amibes confortent le rôle prépondérant de cet habitat comme réservoir naturel des amibes libres et Naegleria fowleri / This study is aiming at preventing and reducing the proliferation of the pathogenic free-living amoeba Naegleria fowleri in several power plant cooling circuits. This work contributes to provide a better understanding of the ecology of this amoeba in complex environments such as freshwater biofilms, which recently has been recognized as privileged ecological niche for free-living amoebae. Laboratory tests were conducted to determine the impact of environmental factors such as temperature, type of support material for the biofilm formation, nutritional resources and monochloramination treatment on the behavior and the fate of Naegleria fowleri in the biofilm. This work has demonstrated that the survival, implantation, maintain, growth and decline of Naegleria fowleri in biofilms are mainly governed by a combination of the temperature and nutritional resource factors. The other factors: type of support material, monochloramination treatment, and amoebic competition, appeared rather as disruptive or inhibitory parameters of this dynamic. Moreover, the obtained results for the amoebic colonization of the biofilm matrix confirm the crucial role of this habitat as natural reservoir for free-living amoebae and Naegleria fowleri

Les environnements alimentaires au Canada incitent et promeuvent actuellement l'achat et la consommation d'aliments posant un risque accru pour le développement de maladies non transmissibles. Afin de créer des environnements alimentaires sains, plusieurs solutions ont été proposées, qui nécessiteront des efforts de divers acteurs, dont l'industrie alimentaire. Toutefois, les intérêts financiers des entreprises alimentaires, en particulier celles qui sont impliquées dans la production et la vente d'aliments moins sains, peuvent faire obstacle à la mise en œuvre de politiques et d'actions favorables aux environnements alimentaires sains. Ce mémoire visait à évaluer la structure, les politiques et les engagements de l'industrie alimentaire, particulièrement des fabricants d'aliments et de boissons, et des détaillants alimentaires, pour créer des environnements alimentaires favorables à la santé au Canada. La première étude de ce mémoire visait à identifier les plus puissantes entreprises des secteurs des fabricants d'aliments emballés et de boissons non-alcoolisées et des détaillants alimentaires, et évaluer la structure des secteurs et marchés dans lesquels ces entreprises opèrent au Canada. La seconde cherchait à évaluer la spécificité, l'exhaustivité et la transparence des politiques et des engagements en matière d'environnements alimentaires des entreprises identifiées dans la première étude, en faisant usage de méthodes internationalement développées et implémentées. Les résultats de ces études ont démontré qu'un relativement petit nombre d'entreprises, particulièrement au niveau du secteur des détaillants alimentaires, détiennent énormément de pouvoir au niveau des environnements alimentaires au Canada. La majorité des entreprises évaluées ont également présenté d'importantes lacunes au niveau de la spécificité, de l'exhaustivité et de la transparence de leurs politiques et de leurs engagements, s'alignant peu souvent avec les meilleures pratiques recommandées par des instances de santé publique reconnues, telle que l'Organisation mondiale de la santé. Dans l'ensemble, ces études ont mis de l'avant d'importantes limites aux approches autoréglementaires de l'industrie alimentaires au Canada. Davantage de politiques gouvernementales visant à lutter contre le pouvoir concentré des entreprises, en particulier au niveau du secteur des détaillants alimentaires, ainsi que davantage de politiques visant à créer des environnements alimentaires favorables à la santé pourraient contribuer à améliorer le bien-être des Canadien.ne.s. / Existing Canadian food environments incentivize and promote the purchase and consumption of foods that pose a risk for the development of diet-related non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Various solutions have been proposed in order to create healthy food environments, requiring efforts from a multitude of actors, including the food and beverage industry. However, the financial interests of companies, particularly those involved in the production and sales of less healthy foods, may stand in the way of companies choosing to implement voluntary or company-own policies and actions favorable to healthy food environments, and/or lead to companies opposing government-led mandatory interventions. The aim of this master's thesis was to understand how food and beverage companies are shaping the healthfulness of food environments in Canada. The first study aimed to identify the largest companies in the packaged food and non-alcoholic beverage manufacturing and grocery retailing sectors, and to assess the structure of the sectors and markets in which these companies operate in Canada. The second study sought to assess the specificity, comprehensiveness and transparency of the health-related food environment policies and commitments of the companies identified in the first study using a set of internationally-developed and implemented methods. These studies showed that a relatively small number of companies, particularly within the grocery retailing sector, hold a great deal of power within Canadian food environments. The majority of these companies were also found to have considerable shortcomings in terms of the specificity, comprehensiveness and transparency of their food environment-related policies, which were rarely aligned with best practice recommended by public health bodies such as the World Health Organization (WHO). All in all, these studies pointed to important limits of food industry self-regulatory approaches. Additional government policies aimed at combating concentrated corporate power, particularly in the grocery retailing sector, as well as policies aimed at improving the healthfulness of food environments may contribute to improving the well-being of Canadians.