We report the first record of Utricularia breviscapa from the state of Maranhão, northeastern Brazil. We collected this species in the municipality of Chapadinha, eastern Maranhão, within the Cerrado domain. This work adds new information on the flora of Maranhão and on the distribution of U. breviscapa. Illustrations and descriptions are also provided.

We report the first records of Bacopa egensis (Poepp.) Pennell from the Brazilian Northeast and the Cerrado domain. This species was collected in the municipality of Chapadinha, in eastern Maranhão state. Photographs, a map of occurrences in Brazil, a description, and comments on the morphology and taxonomy of B. egensis are provided, as well as an identification key to the Bacopa species of Maranhão. These new records are important due to the scarcity of collections of B. egensis from Brazil. The new data expand the longitudinal distribution of this species in the country and are an especially important contribution to the flora of Maranhão.

This study evaluated the impact of transporting Nile tilapia at stocking densities of 250 kg/m³ and 500 kg/m³ for 1 h, with post-transport resting periods of 0, 2, 4, and 6 h, on biochemical parameters and fillet quality. A 2 × 4 factorial design was employed for the experiment, with 15 repetitions per treatment. The density of 500 kg/m³ resulted in a longer time to rigor mortis after 4 h of rest, while shorter rigor times were observed at 0 and 2 h. Fillets taken from fish transported at 250 kg/m³ for 4 h exhibited greater intensities of red and yellow color. The highest weight loss during cooking occurred in fish transported at 500 kg/m³ without rest. High-density stocking increased the pH of the fillets, reduced color intensity, and increased weight loss and drip loss. Resting periods of 4 and 6 h resulted in firmer fillets with improved water retention. Fish rested for 6 h at 250 kg/m³ recovered glycogen and glucose levels, indicating restored homeostasis. In contrast, fish subjected to high-density transport showed impaired metabolic recovery and compromised fillet quality. These results support the use of resting periods to improve fish welfare and product quality in aquaculture systems.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of three levels of lipids in the diet on growth, metabolism, and intestinal and hepatic histopathology in discus fish (Symphysodon aequifasciatus). Fish were stocked in quadruplicate in aquarium (50L) and were fed experimental diets containing three levels (3%, 10%, and 14%) of dietary lipids (LP). At the end of the trial, no significant differences in growth performance were observed. Fish fed diets with 3% and 10% LP exhibited significantly higher protein efficiency rates compared to those fed the 14% LP diet. A significant increase in lipase and alkaline phosphatase activity was observed in fish fed 14% LP diets. The inclusion of 14% lipids in the diet led to a decrease in albumin activity and an increase in the height of the intestinal villi. Although no significant differences were observed in aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase activities, and size of hepatocytes. The histopathology of the liver indicated reduced hepatocyte size, lipid vacuoles, and sinusoidal space in the group fed the 3% LP diet. In conclusion, the use of 10% LP diet was found to be more favorable for liver health and growth performance.

Fish diets should not only be formulated to meet nutritional needs (e.g., protein and energy), but also to prevent disease and promote health. In this regard, essential oils addition to diets of fish of commercial interest has been intensifying in recent years. This 45-day study assessed the efficacy of dietary supplementation with the essential oil of Melaleuca alternifolia (EOMA) in improving growth and survival of tambatinga (Colossoma macropomum x Piaractus brachypomus) naturally infected with Saprolegnia sp. The juveniles (10.60 ± 2.18 g; 8.46 ± 0.61 cm) were distributed into 20 150-L polyethylene tanks operated as a recirculating system under constant aeration (n=160; 8 fish/tank). The fish received diets containing one of the following EOMA concentrations: 0.0, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mL/kg feed. At the end of the trial, no statistical difference was seen between treatments regarding weight gain, specific growth rate, and condition factor. On the other hand, dietary inclusion of EOMA showed a positive linear relationship with survival rate. EOMA demonstrated antifungal efficacy, since fish mortality decreased as its concentration was raised. Incorporation of EOMA into the diet of tambatinga juveniles enhanced resistance to the pathogenic oomycete Saprolegnia sp., resulting in increased final survival rates at concentrations exceeding 1.5 mL/kg feed.

This study characterized Maracaju sausages and evaluated their physicochemical changes during storage for six months under freezing conditions, with a focus on lipid stability. The sausages were purchased immediately after production from three producers affiliated with the Association of Producers of Traditional Maracaju Sausage (APTRALMAR, Mato Grosso do Sul), in the municipality of Maracaju, Mato Grosso do Sul (MS). The centesimal composition and texture profile were consistent across brands, indicating standardization. All the brands exhibited viable aerobic mesophilic microorganism counts above those permitted by law. In terms of color, the a*, b*, and saturation chromas increased up to 90 days, with a subsequent reduction. pH and shear force remained unchanged throughout storage. The highest cooking loss occurred at 120 days. Water retention capacity was lower at 30 and 90 days. The peroxide index was only detected in the first month, while the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance values increased with extended storage. Fatty acid composition remained stable for up to 90 days, with significant reductions in all fatty acids after 120 days. These findings suggest that oxidation processes remain stable over a period of up to 90 days of freezing storage.