Rafael Assis Torres de Almeida

Mx. Rafael Assis Torres de Almeida

orcid

Research Focus & Metrics

Academic Career Length

3Years (2024-Present)

(Calculated once Scilit publication data is synced: current year − year of first publication + 1)

Representative Publications

View All Publications
12 February 2024 in Ruminants
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
RTRodrigo Torres
Rodrigo Torres
David Attuy Vey da SilvaDavid Attuy Vey da Silva
David Attuy Vey da Silva
LCLuis Arthur Loyola Chardulo
Luis Arthur Loyola Chardulo
Welder Angelo BaldassiniWelder Angelo Baldassini
Welder Angelo Baldassini
RARafael Assis Torres de Almeida
Rafael Assis Torres de Almeida
Otávio R. Machado NetoOtávio R. Machado Neto
Otávio R. Machado Neto
The use of high-grain diets in feedlots is associated with the development of acidosis and ruminitis, which can lead to the occurrence of liver abscesses (LAs). However, the effect of LA on carcass traits is not well known. This study assessed the effects of LA on the performance and carcass traits of beef cattle. Nine peer-reviewed publications with forty-seven treatment means were included in the data set. The effects of the LA were evaluated by examining the weighted mean difference (WMD) between LA (animal with LA) and control treatment (animal without LA). Heterogeneity was explored by meta-regression, followed by a subgroup analysis of the scores and percentages of liver abscess and concentrate level in the feedlot diet. Animals affected by LA showed a reduction in dry matter intake (−1.03%) and feed efficiency (−1.82%). Animals with an LA score of “A” (one or two small abscesses) exhibited a decrease in carcass weight (WMD = 3.41 kg; p = 0.034) and ribeye area (WMD = −1.37 cm2; p = 0.019). When assessing the impact of LA on carcass traits, the most reliable finding indicates a 1.21% reduction in the ribeye area, with no adverse effects observed on subcutaneous fat thickness or the marbling score in the carcass.

25 April 2026 in Animals
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
MAMarco Túlio Costa Costa Almeida
Marco Túlio Costa Costa Almeida
TFThainara Tintori Falcão
Thainara Tintori Falcão
NBNicoly Leon Brun
Nicoly Leon Brun
RARafael Assis Torres de Almeida
Rafael Assis Torres de Almeida
RVRoberta de Lima Valença
Roberta de Lima Valença
RTRodrigo Torres
Rodrigo Torres
Crude glycerin (CG) is an energy-dense ingredient capable of partially or fully replacing corn in high-concentrate diets for ruminants. Its rapid ruminal absorption, favorable fermentative profile, and absence of lactic acid production may support safer adaptation to intensive feeding systems. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of replacing corn with CG (300 g/kg DM) on growth performance, feeding behavior, rumen morphometry, and proteomic responses of ruminal papillae in feedlot lambs. Sixty-five Santa Inês × Dorper lambs were assigned to either a control diet or a diet containing CG and were evaluated during pre-adaptation, adaptation, and finishing phases. Replacing corn with CG slightly reduced average daily gain (p = 0.02), without affecting final body weight, dry matter intake, or carcass yield (p > 0.05). Lambs fed CG exhibited lower subcutaneous fat thickness (p = 0.04) and reduced neutral detergent fiber intake during feeding behavior assessments (p < 0.05). Rumen papillae showed higher mitotic index and greater epithelial activity throughout the feedlot period, regardless of treatment. Proteomic analysis revealed upregulation of proteins involved in epithelial integrity (Claudin-1, Occludin) and mitochondrial energy metabolism (ATP synthase β, glycerol kinase) in CG-fed lambs, alongside downregulation of proteins related to oxidative stress and inflammation (HSP70, Annexin A1, SOD1, Peroxiredoxin-6). These findings demonstrate that CG promotes beneficial molecular adaptations in the ruminal epithelium without compromising carcass traits, supporting its use as a safe, functional, and sustainable alternative to corn in lamb finishing systems.

1 January 2024 in Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
PDF file
RARafael Assis Torres de Almeida
Rafael Assis Torres de Almeida
YSY. S. Schunk
Y. S. Schunk
TMT. M. A. Moraes
T. M. A. Moraes
CJC. A. Moreira Júnior
C. A. Moreira Júnior
SAS. R. Alves
S. R. Alves
RRR.O. Rego
R.O. Rego
The aim was to report two cases of accidental Brodifacum poisoning in calves on a dairy farm. The animals presented a variable clinical picture of bleeding disorders with melena, epistaxis, orthopneic position, severe dyspnea, productive cough, coarse lung crackles, and expiratory groans. The male died, the female was euthanized, and both were sent for necropsy. The anatomopathological findings revealed a predominantly bleeding diathesis in the animals. During the investigation, blood serum, liver and kidney samples were collected for toxicologic measurement, which revealed concentrations of coumarin derivatives < 0.100µg/kg in all samples. The combination of history, clinical-pathologic findings, and toxicologic results confirmed the diagnosis.

1 January 2025 in Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
RARafael Assis Torres de Almeida
Rafael Assis Torres de Almeida
YSY.S. Schunk
Y.S. Schunk
YGY.B. Guerson
Y.B. Guerson
RTRodrigo Torres
Rodrigo Torres
RVRoberta de Lima Valença
Roberta de Lima Valença
MAMarco Túlio Costa Costa Almeida
Marco Túlio Costa Costa Almeida
This study aimed to identify the factors influencing milk production in Alegre, a municipality in the Caparaó region of Espírito Santo, from May 2023 and May 2024. Data from 30 farms were collected through questionnaires addressing demographic characteristics, management practices, and milk production specifics. Descriptive statistics and principal component analysis (PCA) identified key determinants of productivity. The findings revealed that most farms were small-scale (86.66%) and primarily relied on family labor (76.67%), with only 43% receiving technical assistance. The average herd size was 49.6 ± 35.5 animals, 32% of which were lactating cows, producing an average 6.9 ± 6.1 liters of milk per day. Productivity showed significant variability, influenced by management practices such as feed utilization and rotational grazing systems. The study concluded that dairy farming in Alegre, ES, exhibits considerable productivity differences due to diverse management approaches and the predominance of family labor. Strategies such as improved forage management, the adoption of rotational grazing systems, and targeted feed supplementation hold potential to enhance productivity. Nonetheless, challenges like dependence on family labor and limited disease management continue to restrict productivity, highlighting the need for expanded technical assistance and modernization efforts.

1 January 2025 in Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia
Verified
Journal Article
Open access
YSY.S. Schunk
Y.S. Schunk
CMC.F.M. Mendes
C.F.M. Mendes
RARafael Assis Torres de Almeida
Rafael Assis Torres de Almeida
IRI.P. Raimundo
I.P. Raimundo
ITI.Q. Takahashi
I.Q. Takahashi
MAMarco Túlio Costa Costa Almeida
Marco Túlio Costa Costa Almeida
The aim was to evaluate the effects of increasing levels of Tribulus terrestris (TT) in diets of sheep in confinement on rumen parameters and blood metabolites. The experiment was conducted in two stages, in vitro, with inclusions ranging from 0 to 15.0 g/kg of TT in dry matter of the diet and the in vitro digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, pH, measurement of ammoniacal nitrogen and greenhouse gases were determined. And in situ, with inclusions of 0 to 5.0g/kg, in which five cannulated sheep were distributed in a 5 × 5 Latin square design to evaluate fermentation parameters, protozoan populations and blood metabolic profile. The inclusion of TT, regardless of dosage, resulted in decrease on in vitro digestibility, with quadratic effect on dry matter and nutrients, and reduction in ammoniacal nitrogen and methane. In terms of fermentation parameters, the safest dosages in vitro were 1.25 and 2.5g/kg. Inclusion of up to 5.0g/kg did not affect fermentation parameters in situ, did not harm the blood metabolic profile and reduced the population of small protozoa. Studies with inclusions greater than 5.0g/kg should be carried out to confirm the effect on protozoa, with subsequent analysis of production performance.