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The aim of this study was to evaluate whether the use of subcutaneous mineral supplementation would affect metabolic parameters, immunological response, milk quality and composition of dairy cows in the postpartum period. Twelve pregnant primiparous Holstein cows, were divided into two groups: six animals supplemented with the mineral complex (magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, selenium and copper), and six animals used as controls. Milk samples were collected every two other weeks postpartum up to sixty days of lactation to analyze composition and quality. Blood samples were collected, and the levels of ketone bodies, total proteins, glucose, albumin, and globulin were measured. The catalase and superoxide enzymes, reactive oxygen species, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukins were determined. Animals supplemented with minerals showed lower levels of ketone bodies and somatic cell counts on days 30, 45 and 60 of the experiment, without changes in milk composition compared to the control group. Supplemented cows had lower levels reactive oxygen species and increased superoxide enzymes activity. Total protein, globulin and cytokine levels were higher in cows supplemented with mineral complexes. Therefore, we can conclude that subcutaneous mineral supplementation improved the immune response and minimized the oxidative stress in dairy cows during lactation.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of pure and nanostructured cinnamon oil to control the infestation and reproductive efficiency of Rhipicephalus microplus on dairy cows. In vitro (stage I)-engorged female ticks were immersed in concentrations of 1.0, 5.0 and 10% of cinnamon oil on its pure form, and 0.5, 1.0, and 5.0% of the nanostructured form. 10% cinnamon oil (pure form) showed 100% efficacy, whereas concentrations of 1 and 5% were 62 and 97% efficacious, respectively. Nanocapsules and nanoemulsions containing cinnamon oil at 5% showed 95 and 97% efficacy, respectively. In vivo (stage II)-16 naturally tick-infested cows were divided into four groups of four animals each: Group A was composed of dairy cows sprayed with Triton (control); Group B was composed of dairy cows sprayed with cinnamon oil in its pure form (5%), whereas groups C and D were composed of dairy cows sprayed with nanocapsules and nanoemulsions, respectively, containing cinnamon oil at 0.5%. The ticks on each animal were counted on days 0, 1, 4 and 20 after spraying. Animals sprayed with pure and nanoencapsulated cinnamon oil carried significantly fewer ticks on days 1 and 4 post-treatment and were free of ticks on day 20 post-treatment. Ticks collected from these dairy cows (24 h after application) had impaired oviposition and larval inhibition, resulting in 90.5 and 100% efficacy when using pure and nanocapsules, respectively. In conclusion, the pure and nanostructured forms of cinnamon oil interfered with tick reproduction, whereas a significant acaricidal effect was found when applied onto cattle.

RESUMO:Alphitobius diaperinus, popularmente conhecido como cascudinho, é um inseto que se destaca na avicultura por ser vetor de patógenos e de difícil controle. Esta dificuldade está relacionada à contraindicação na utilização de produtos químicos, já que enquanto as aves estão no aviário, grandes prejuízos podem ocorrer em consequência de elevadas infestações. Portanto, produtos naturais com potencial inseticida e larvicida poderiam ser usados, sem prejudicar as aves e sem deixar resíduo na carne do frango. Em virtude disso, neste estudo objetivou-se verificar o efeito dos óleos essenciais de Capim limão (Cymbopogon citratus), Cedro (Cedrus atlantica), Gengibre (Zingiber officinale), Gerânio (Pelargonium graveolens), Junípero (Juniperus communis), Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii), Tomilho (Thymus vulgaris) e Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) sobre a suscetibilidade de A. diaperinus. Os testes foram realizados em triplicata com os óleos essenciais nas concentrações de 1, 5 e 10%. A fim de validar os testes, foram utilizados dois controles: sem tratamento e com diluente (Triton). Os efeitos larvicida e inseticida do óleo de Capim limão não foi satisfatório, pois a taxa de mortalidade superior a 50% foi atingida apenas 14 e 16 dias após o início do teste, respectivamente. O óleo de Cedro não demostrou efeito significativo sobre adultos e larvas, pois os valores de mortalidade foram inferiores a 50% em todas as concentrações avaliadas. Os efeitos inseticidas e larvicidas não foram observados nos demais óleos nas concentrações testadas neste experimento (P>0,05). Portanto, com base nos resultados de baixa ação inseticida e larvicida dos óleos testados sobre A. diaperinus in vitro, concluímos que os mesmos são inadequados para o controle alternativo desta praga Palavras-chave: controle alternativo; óleos essenciais; inseticida; avicultura ABSTRACT: Alphitobius diaperinus, the aviary mealworm, is an insect that stands out in poultry to be vector of pathogens and difficult to control. The difficulty in control is related to the contraindication in the use of chemicals while the birds are in the aviary, and large losses can occur as a result of high infestations. Therefore, natural products with potential insecticide and larvicide could be used without harming the birds, as well as without leaving residue in chicken meat. As a result, this study aimed to verify the effect of Lemon Grass oil (Cymbopogon citratus), Cedar (Cedrus atlantica), Ginger (Zingiber officinale), Geranium (Pelargonium graveolens), Junipero (Juniperus communis), Palmarosa (Cymbopogon martinii), Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) and Vetiver (Vetiveria zizanioides) on the susceptibility of

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