Valdo Soares Martins Júnior’s research while affiliated with Federal University of Minas Gerais and other places

It is well established in the scientific literature that tropical forages are characterized by low soluble carbohydrates and a high proportion of cell walls containing lignin, negatively impacting animal productivity. Using live microorganisms in diets, such as fungi and yeasts, can benefit animal nutrition and health. This study assessed the effects of using rehydrated ground corn silage as a vehicle for providing an inoculant composed of fungus and yeast (Rhodotorula mucilaginosa + Trichoderma longibrachiatum) isolated from the gastrointestinal contents of sheep on the productive performance of confined lambs. Twenty-two entire male lambs of the Dorper × Santa Inês breed (14.20 ± 1.74 kg body weight) were randomly assigned to two treatments: 1) control diet containing rehydrated corn silage without inoculant (CTL); 2) diet containing rehydrated ground corn silage with inoculant of indigenous microorganisms (INO). Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Trichoderma longibrachiatum were observed only in samples of rehydrated corn with inoculant (P<0.0001). The inoculated silage had lower neutral detergent fiber (NDF) content (89.9g/kg dry matter - DM) than the control silage (134.8g/kg DM). CTL treatment showed higher other mycelial fungi count than treatment INO (P=0.04). However, the total count of mycelial fungi did not differ between treatments. Treatments did not affect silage pH; however, pH was reduced in samples taken 56 days after ensiling (P<0.001). No differences were observed between treatments for DM digestibility and nutrient and nitrogen balance (P<0.05). Although the combination of microorganisms reduced dry matter intake (DMI) (P<0.05), no treatment effect was observed on growth performance over the 63-day experimental period. These results indicate that Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Trichoderma longibrachiatum inoculated in rehydrated corn silage can improve feed quality by lowering fiber content without compromising animal growth. In conclusion, feeding lamb with rehydrated corn silage inoculated with Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Trichoderma longibrachiatum reduces dry matter intake of tropical hay-based diets without affecting body weight gain.

Plant-derived compound emerges as alternatives to integrated control of Aedes aegypti, the main transmitter of Chikungunya, Dengue, Zika virus. The effects of Magonia pubescens A. St.-Hill extracts on Ae. aegypti larval development were assessed. Four in vitro assays analysed the insecticidal potential (% larval mortality) of aqueous and ethanolic (EE) extracts of leaves and seeds. The extracts were analysed using UHPLC-MS/MS. By comparing to data from three databases, 12 compounds from different classes were identified in the EE, including coumarins, phenolic acids, polyphenols, and flavonoids. The EE from the leaves was the most effective, with an LC90 of 0.262 mg/mL. Morphological alterations were observed in larvae exposed to the extracts, showing epithelial walls with extravasation of intestinal contents. These findings highlight the effectiveness of M. pubescens extract as a bioinsecticidal agent against Ae. aegypti larvae.

O controle do carrapato bovino com acaricidas convencionais tem favorecido a resistência a acaricidas, o que tem fomentado a busca por métodos alternativos eficazes e seguros de controle desse ectoparasito. Fungos têm sido utilizados para o controle biológico, contudo pouco se conhece sobre a eficácia de fungos do trato digestório bovino no controle do carrapato bovino. Neste estudo, os objetivos foram selecionar fungos com metabólitos ativos para o controle de Rhipicephalus microplus. Foram avaliados os extratos de Trichoderma longibrachiatum e Aspergillus terreus e das leveduras Rhodotorula mucilaginosa e Pichia kudriavzevii. Os extratos foram obtidos a partir dos fungos em caldo Sabouraud Dextrose. Foram realizados biocarrapaticidograma e teste de pacote de larvas (TPL) para duas cepas do carrapato. Para a cepa Xangrilá foram avaliados extratos T. longibrachiatum (VN20) e A. terreus (VN15) que apresentaram baixa eficácia sobre o controle da atividade reprodutiva das teleóginas e sobre a mortalidade de larvas. Para a cepa do carrapato ICAMG foram avaliados os extratos de R. mucilaginosa (isolados V10S e V16S) e P. kudriavzevii (isolados V61 e V62). O filtrado do cultivo da levedura V16S (R. mucilaginosa) em uma baixa concentração (0,21 mg/mL) demonstrou 35% de eficiência para redução da atividade reprodutiva das teleóginas, o que fomenta futuros estudos para avaliar eficácia em maiores concentrações e diferentes formulações para o controle do carrapato bovino.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cellulase and xylanase activity of fungi isolated from the digestive tract of sheep and the effects of supplementation with two selected fungi on intake, digestibility, microbial protein (MP) synthesis and nitrogen balance in lambs. The first experiment evaluated the carboxymethylcellulase (CMCase) and xylanase activities from two filamentous fungi and two yeasts, which were grown in a culture medium containing Urochloa decumbens hay. The second experiment was performed with twenty-one male Santa Inês x Dorper crossbred lambs, with initial body weight of 18.80 ± 0.55 kg, distributed in a completely randomized design lasting 78 days. The diets consisted of 30% U. decumbens hay and 70% concentrate, supplemented or not with Trichoderma longibrachiatum fungus (TL B13M2; 30 ml) or Rhodotorula mucilaginosa yeast (RM O166; 30 ml) isolates. In the first experiment, the CMCase and xylanase from Aspergillus terreus and T. longibrachiatum were more active and efficient (P < 0.05) than from yeasts. In the second experiment, the nutrient intake, digestibility, MP synthesis and body nitrogen retention were not influenced (P > 0.05) by fungal supplementation. Microbial efficiency was lower (P < 0.05) with the use of RM O166. The inclusion of TL B13M2 showed increased activity of CMCase and xylanase.

Larvicidas derivados de plantas têm sido indicados como estratégias biodegradáveis e de baixo custo para o controle do mosquito Aedes aegypti, transmissor da dengue, zika, chikungunya e febre amarela. O presente trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito dos extratos aquosos, etanólicos e hidroalcóolicos produzidos a partir do barbatimão (Stryphnodendron polyphyllum Mart.) como método alternativo no controle de larvas de Aedes aegypti bem como o potencial citotóxico e genotóxico. O material vegetal foi coletado em diferentes plantas na cidade de Bocaiúva-MG e os extratos a serem avaliados foram produzidos nas concentrações de 100, 75, 50, 25, 12,5% para extratos aquosos e 7200, 3600, 1800, 900, 700, 600, 400 e 200 ppm para extratos etanólicos e hidroalcóolicos. A toxicidade em organismos não-alvo foi avaliada por meio de ensaios com Artemia salina e Allium cepa. Testes fitoquímicos preliminares foram realizados para a caracterização dos metabólitos secundários foliares. Nos ensaios com A. salina, o extrato aquoso foliar (EAF) causou 100% de mortalidade das larvas nas primeiras 24 h em 3 das 4 doses testadas, já o extrato etanólico foliar (EEF), as concentrações letais foram CL50 ≥3094 ppm e CL90 ≥45156 ppm, enquanto para o extrato hidroalcoólico foliar (EHF), CL50≥1992 ppm e CL90≥37067 ppm. Os testes fitoquímicos preliminares indicaram forte presença de flavonoides, saponinas, taninos e moderada de alcaloides nas folhas. O EAF demonstrou 100% de mortalidade das larvas de Aedes aegypti em 48 h, enquanto os ensaios com Allium cepa evidenciaram citotoxicidade, mas sem genotoxicidade. Os extratos de S. polyphyllum apresentam-se como promissores larvicidas, embora sejam necessários mais estudos sobre sua toxicidade para organismos não-alvo. Palavras-chave: Extratos Vegetais. Cerrado. Índice Mitótico. Artemia salina. Fitoquímica. Abstract Plant-derived larvicides have been indicated as biodegradable and low-cost strategies for controlling the mosquito Aedes aegypti, the vector of dengue, Zika, chikungunya, and yellow fever. The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of aqueous, ethanolic, and hydroalcoholic extracts produced from barbatimão (Stryphnodendron polyphyllum Mart.) as an alternative method for controlling Aedes aegypti larvae, as well as their cytotoxic and genotoxic potential. Plant material was collected from various plants in the city of Bocaiúva, MG, and the extracts to be evaluated were produced at concentrations of 100, 75, 50, 25, and 12.5% for aqueous extracts, and 7200, 3600, 1800, 900, 700, 600, 400, and 200 ppm for ethanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts. Toxicity in non-target organisms was assessed using Artemia salina and Allium cepa assays. Preliminary phytochemical tests were conducted to characterize the secondary metabolites in the leaves. In the A. salina assays, the aqueous leaf extract (ALE) caused 100% mortality of the larvae within the first 24 hours at 3 of the 4 doses tested. The lethal concentrations for the ethanolic leaf extract (ELE) were CL50 ≥3094 ppm and CL90 ≥45156 ppm, while for the hydroalcoholic leaf extract (HLE), CL50 ≥1992 ppm and CL90 ≥37067 ppm. Preliminary phytochemical tests indicated a strong presence of flavonoids, saponins, tannins, and moderate amounts of alkaloids in the leaves. The ALE demonstrated 100% mortality of Aedes aegypti larvae within 48 hours, while the Allium cepa assays showed cytotoxicity but no genotoxicity. Thus, S. polyphyllum extracts show promise as larvicides, although further studies are needed to evaluate their toxicity to non-target organisms. Keywords: Vegetable Extracts. Scrubland. Mitotic index. Artemia salina. Phytochemical.

Bioactive compounds from plants are promising alternatives for controlling resistant nematode populations. However, these metabolites must be obtained from plants that are widely available. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of Mangifera indica L. leaves for the control of Haemonchus contortus. Larval development inhibition (LDI) in quantitative fecal culture (FC) as well as egg hatching inhibition (EHI) were evaluated. Two in vivo tests were performed to reduce fecal egg counts (FEC) in infected lambs. The concentration of condensed tannin (proanthocyanidin) was 3.79% ± 0.01 for aqueous extract (AE). Further, reverse phase high-performance liquid chromatography revealed the presence of tannins, flavonoids, and flavones in this extract. The leaf powder at 30 mg·g-1 displayed 100% efficacy in the LDI test and 20.7% FEC reduction after 14 days of oral treatment with 4.978 g (dm)/kg (bw). In addition, 30 mg·mL-1 of the AE displayed 81.65% efficacy in the EHI test and had an LC90 of 29.88 mg·g-1 in the LDI test. The FEC reduction test revealed an efficacy of 42.8% after 21 days of treatment with AE at 0.601 g·kg-1/bw. Lambs treated with AE had better ocular mucosa score and higher erythrocyte, hemoglobin, hematocrit, and β-globulin concentrations than untreated lambs. Overall, the AE of M. indica leaves promotes high and moderate anthelmintic efficacy in in vitro and in vivo tests, respectively, and increased erythrocyte count. Such findings suggest that the AE of M. indica leaves is an alternative or complementary treatment for hemonchosis.

The objective was to evaluate the inoculation with Aspergillus terreus and/or Trichoderma longibrachiatum on fermentation, chemical and microbiological composition of elephant grass ‘Cameroon’ silage (Cenchrus purpureus). Treatments were A. terreus at 10⁵ colony forming units (CFU)/g (AT15), T. longibrachiatum at 10⁵ CFU/g (TL20), a mixture of both at 10⁵ CFU/g (MIX), and a control group without inoculation (CONTR). The design was completely randomized with seven replicates. The MIX silage was most stable, while CONTR, AT15, and TL20, had lower dry matter losses. There was no effect of inoculation in the chemical composition of silages. Only MIX silage (4.40) had pH above the minimum of 4.2 for humid grass silage and above the control (4.05). Bacteria from Diplococcus genus was identified at the opening of TL20 and CONTR silages. After air exposure, the population of rods, Lactobacillus, and total lactic acid bacteria was higher in theTL20 and MIX. The inclusion of a T. longibrachiatum and A. terreus mixture increases dry mater loss and silage pH. T. longibrachiatum was more efficient in maintaining populations of total lactic acid bacteria after opening; therefore, this strain has potential as an additive for elephant grass ‘Cameroon’ silage. keywords: Aspergillus terreus; Cenchrus purpureus ‘Cameroon’; dry matter loss; silage quality; Trichoderma longibrachiatum

O ambiente ruminal é composto por inúmeros microrganismos, onde cada um deles possui um papel fundamental no aproveitamento das dietas ingeridas pelos ruminantes, os fungos são seres unicelurares que atuam degradando as porções fibrosas dessa dieta. Objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar a atividade celulolítica (AC) de fungos micelianos aeróbios provenientes do trato digestório de ovinos. Foram identificados e avaliados 38 isolados de fungos micelianos provenientes de borregos e ovelhas, após o reisolamento, amostras desses microrganismos foram inoculadas em meio C, contendo celulose microcristalina a 1% como única fonte de carbono e incubadas em estufa a 37 °C, em triplicata, por um período de três dias. As leituras da AC foram realizadas após 24, 48 e 72 horas de incubação. Foi adicionado solução contendo vermelho congo e após 15 minutos, as placas foram lavadas com 15 mL de solução 1M de NaCl. Os índices de AC foram calculados pela razão entre o halo de degradação de celulose e o halo da colônia. Dois isolados do gênero Aspergillus e um Trichoderma sp. apresentaram índice AC maior que um, apresentando bom crescimento ao utilizarem esse polissacarídeo com única fonte de carbono. Futuros estudos devem avaliar o potencial desses fungos como probióticos na alimentação de ruminantes ou para microbiologia industrial. Palavras-chave: Ovinos. Celulose. Trato digestório. Norte de Minas Gerais. Abstract The ruminal environment is composed of numerous microorganisms, each of which plays a fundamental role in the use of the diets ingested by ruminants, fungi are unicellular beings that act by degrading the fibrous portions of this diet. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cellulolytic activity (CA) of aerobic mycelial fungi from the digestive tract of sheep. Thirty-eight isolates of mycelial fungi from lambs and sheep were identified and evaluated, after re-isolation, samples of these microorganisms were inoculated in medium C, containing 1% microcrystalline cellulose as the only carbon source, and incubated in an oven at 37 °C, in triplicate, for a period of three days. AC readings were performed after 24, 48 and 72 hours of incubation. Solution containing congo red was added and after 15 minutes, the plates were washed with 15 mL of 1M NaCl solution. CA indices were calculated by the ratio between the cellulose degradation halo and the colony halo. Two isolates of the genus Aspergillus and one Trichoderma sp. showed CA index greater than one, showing good growth when using this polysaccharide as a single carbon source. Future studies should assess the potential of these fungi as probiotics in ruminant feed or for industrial microbiology. Keywords: Sheep. Cellulose. Digestive tract. North of Minas Gerais.

This study evaluates the effects of cellulolytic fungi from rumen on the nutrient intake and blood profile of Nellore calves. A diet was formulated with 56.79% lignified hay of Urochloa brizantha and 43.21% of concentrate. Sixteen Nellore calves were evaluated in completely randomized blocks using two calf groups: four males and four females. The first group was supplemented with a culture medium containing a mixture of Aspergillus terreus (VN 15 isolate) and Trichoderma longibrachiatum (VN 20 isolate). The second group received the sterile culture medium only. Ether extract ingestion was higher in the control calves; however, the supplemented calves showed a tendency to improve feed efficiency. No significant differences were detected in the blood profiles or serum biochemistry between the calf groups. Further research analyzing different dosages, adjusting the diet protein levels, and increasing the proportion of roughage could better elucidate the interference of these fungi on the performance and blood parameters of weaned Nellore calves. HighlightsNelore calves supplemented with cellulolytic fungi showed tendency of improved feed efficiency Non-supplemented calves improved ether extract ingestion. The control group did not present differences for blood and serum biochemistry profile.