Babassu Research Articles

Degradation during processing of vegetable fiber compounds based on PBAT/PHB blends

The effect of the type of filler and concentration on the degradation rate of compounds based on a blend of poly (β-hydroxybutyrate) (PHB) and poly (butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT) were studied using a fast and simple procedure of monitoring polymer degradation under processing conditions using torque rheometry. It was found that both the presence and level of two types of filler, taken from two different layers of the babassu palm fruit (mesocarp and epicarp), greatly increase incipient degradation of the blend when processed in an internal laboratory mixer. The qualitative trends and quantitative estimates may be explained by the chemical and morphological characteristics of the two fillers, as observed by optical microscopy. Fracture surface morphology was investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and indicated better filler-matrix adhesion in PHB-rich blends in epicarp compounds.

Polycaprolactone/babassu compounds: Rheological, thermal, and morphological characteristics

This work deals with polycaprolactone/babassu compounds having two types of filler, derived from the fruit of the babassu palm. PCL compounds with 10%, 20%, and 30% of epicarp and mesocarp of babassu were prepared in an internal laboratory mixer and their morphology, rheological characteristics, and thermal properties, were determined as a function of the type and content of the load. Melt viscosity increases with filler incorporation and loading levels, and at the same loading level the viscosity of epicarp compounds is higher. Rheological analysis indicates that PCL melts behave as Newtonian liquids while subjected to shear rates in the range 10–100 s−1. DSC data shows babassu promotes PCL melt crystallization, shifting crystallization peak to higher temperatures and increasing crystallization rate. Crystallinity increases steadily with filler content and shows a weak dependence on filler type. Optical microscopy shows higher particle size and particle agglomeration at higher filler contents. SEM analysis shows poor adhesion polymer/filler interface. Small round particles, perceived as background in the images were attributed to the presence of starch granules. POLYM. COMPOS., 40:E540–E549, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers

Potential alternative aviation fuel from jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.), babassu (Orbignya phalerata) and palm kernel (Elaeis guineensis) as blends with Jet-A1 kerosene

Abstract The strong upward trend in air transport has promoted the development of renewable and clean fuels, making for a sustainable growth in the aviation sector. This paper describes alternative aviation fuel obtained from the transesterification and subsequent distillation of jatropha (Jatropha curcas L.), babassu (Orbignya phalerata) and palm kernel (Elaeis guineensis) oils. The methanolic transesterification reaction was performed using the homogeneous basic catalysis method. The yields were higher than 81.72%. The blends were prepared with the esters obtained from the synthesis and commercial aviation kerosene (Jet-A1) in proportions of 5, 10 and 20% (v/v). The same proportions were used with ester fractions at a boiling point lower than 190 °C. These fractions were obtained by fractional vacuum distillation. The quality standards of the blends were evaluated based on the procedures established by Brazilian Standard ABNT (Brazilian Technical Standards Association) and American Standard ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) for the properties: kinematic viscosity, calorific value, density and flash point. The preliminary results of methyl esters/Jet-A1 blends confirmed that the biofuel obtained using the 10% proportion has similar properties compared to the available commercial aviation fuels, hence the use of these new fuels is a viable alternative.

Implementation of Silvopastoral Systems under Nutrient Cycling in Secondary Vegetation in the Amazon

Silvopastoral systems can be implemented in idle secondary forests; however, they may affect nutrient cycling in these ecosystems. This farming practice using babassu palms (Attalea speciosa Mart.) and Mombasa grass (Panicum maximum Jacq.) has been little studied, and the nutrient cycling occurred during this practice is yet unknown. The goal of this paper was to detect the leaf litter accumulation, decomposition, and nutrient release occurring in silvopastoral systems in a babassu secondary forest, and compared the results with those of a native forest and of a pasture grown under full sunlight. The data relating to deposition, chemical composition, decomposition, and macronutrient release of leaf litter and pasture litter were evaluated by multivariate analyses. The results showed that forest thinning reduced leaf litter deposition and overall nutrient cycling but had no effect on decomposition rates. Conversely, the presence of grass in the understory promoted increased overall nutrient cycling rates. The cycling in integrated systems occurs more similar to that of forests than that of monocultures. The greater the thinning intensity the more similar the cycling will be relative to that occurring in pastures and in monocultures. The nutrients Ca, Mg, and N were the most affected by thinning. Moreover, the presence of grass in integrated systems provided an increased N and Mg cycling, whereas the thinning reduced Ca cycling. K showed the highest release and return ratio to the soil. Lastly, leaf litter from pasture areas showed higher contents of nutrients, decomposition rates, as well as an enhanced nutrient cycling capacity.

Combination of peracetic acid and ultrasound reduces Salmonella Typhimurium on fresh lettuce (Lactuca sativa L. var. crispa).

Salmonella outbreaks related to fruits and vegetables have been reported being lettuce one of the most contaminated. Peracetic acid (PA) at 50mg/L, sodium dichloroisocyanurate (SD) at 100mg/L, and the combination of SD at 100mg/L and babaçu coconut (Attalea speciosa) oil detergent at 100mg/L were applied to fresh lettuce. Natural contaminant microbiota, physicochemical characteristics, and sensory attributes were evaluated. PA and SD reduced mesophilic aerobic counts by 2.1 and 1.5 log cfu/g, respectively. The most efficient treatment in reducing natural microbiota (i.e., PA) was applied alone and in combination with ultrasound (US). It reduced Salmonella enterica Typhimurium counts to undetectable levels (<1 log cfu/g). US further reduced S. Typhimurium counts by 0.6 log cfu/g in relation to PA, treatment which lessened the pH but increased the titratable acidity of lettuce, but did not cause total color difference. Therefore, the combination of PA and US holds a potential industrial application for sanitization purposes.

Determination of in vitro antibacterial activity of plant oils containing medium-chain fatty acids against Gram-positive pathogenic and gut commensal bacteria

Increasing antibiotic resistance has led to a ban on antibiotic use in feed additives in the EU. Therefore, new non-antibiotic, pathogen-inhibiting agents are urgently needed. Inhibitory effects of eight plant oils containing medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) were evaluated against Gram-positive pathogenic and beneficial bacteria. The oils tested were palm, red palm, palm kernel (Elaeis guineensis), coconut (Cocos nucifera), babassu (Attalea speciosa), murumuru (Astrocaryum murumuru), tucuma (Astrocaryum vulgare), and Cuphea oil (Cuphea ignea); the method used was broth microdilution, and the findings were expressed as minimum inhibitory concentration (80%). Both hydrolyzed and unhydrolyzed forms of the oils were tested. MCFA hydrolysis was catalyzed by porcine pancreas lipase. The selective effect of the hydrolyzed forms of tested oils was highly evident. While the hydrolyzed oils were active against all tested bacteria (Clostridium perfringens, Enterococcus cecorum, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus aureus), at 0.14–4.5 mg/ml, the same oils did not show any effect on commensal bacteria (Bifidobacterium spp. and Lactobacillus spp.). Tucuma and Cuphea seed oils showed the strongest antibacterial activity. Unhydrolyzed forms of all tested oils exerted no antibacterial effect against any test bacteria. This study, thus, forms a basis for the development of selective inhibitors in animal husbandry.

Correction to: Satellite Images Combined with Field Data Reveal Negative Changes in the Distribution of Babassu Palms after Clearing off Amazonian Forests.

The original article has been corrected.

Development and characterization of microsatellite markers in Attalea speciosa and their transferability to six other Attalea species

Development and characterization of microsatellite markers in Attalea speciosa and their transferability to six other Attalea species

New records ofSaimiri collinsiOsgood, 1916 (Cebidae, Primates), with comments on habitat use and conservation

AbstractSaimiri collinsiis a primate that occurs in the Amazon biome and recently was elevated to species status. Despite being an abundant and widespread species,S. collinsidistributional limits are still unknown in the transitional region between Amazon and Cerrado biomes. Here we provide 25 new records for the species, obtained through field observation and analysis of museum specimens. Twenty-one records are from Maranhāo state, three from Tocantins where the species had not yet been registered and one in Pará state. These records expand its known distribution, which now includes the area of transition between the Amazon and Cerrado, as well as one record in the Cerrado biome. We registered the species in areas with intense forest fragmentation and within different habitat types, including primary and secondary forest, babassu palm forest and capoeira forest. This indicates thatS. collinsiis a species that can survive in locations with extreme anthropogenic alterations. Nevertheless, out of these new records only the ones in Maranhāo are within protected areas. Even these protected areas are undergoing pressures from deforestation, agriculture, livestock and mining, suggesting that these squirrel monkey populations might be threatened in this region.

Development and in vivo evaluation of the moisturising potential of cosmetic formulations containing Babassu (Orbignya phalerata Martius) oily extract

Development and in vivo evaluation of the moisturising potential of cosmetic formulations containing Babassu (Orbignya phalerata Martius) oily extract

Satellite Images Combined with Field Data Reveal Negative Changes in the Distribution of Babassu Palms after Clearing off Amazonian Forests.

When the Amazonian rain forest is cut to create pasture, some of the original vegetal species survive clearing, even expressing their ability to invade agro-systems. It is true of the babassu palm, which can be considered, paradoxically, a natural resource by the "Interstate Movement of Babassu Fruit Breaker Women" or as native weed by land owners-farmers. To manage potential conflict of land uses, we study here the current density of this palm tree in different habitats, based on a combination of field data and remote sensing data. Firstly, we checked that the field survey methodology (i.e., counting free-trunk palm trees over 20 cm in circumference) provides density values compatible with those stemming from satellite images interpretation. We can see then that, a PA-Benfica Brazilian territory revealed an average density of the babassu lower in pastures (2.86 ind/ha) than in the dense forest (4.72 ind/ha) from which they originate and than in fallow land (4.31 ind/ha). We analyze in detail density data repartition in three habitats and we discuss results from the literature on the density of this palm tree versus its resilience at different developmental stages after forest clearing, depending on anthropogenic-or not-factors, including solar radiation, fire, weeding, clear cutting, burying fruit, and competition with forage grass. All these results can be exploited for the design of future management plans for the babassu palm and we think that the linked methodology and interdisciplinary approach can be extended to others palms and trees species in similar problematic issues.

Enteric methane in grazing beef cattle under full sun, and in a silvopastoral system in the Amazon

Abstract: The objective of this work was to evaluate the quality of pasture and enteric methane (CH4) emission of Curraleiro Pé-duro x Nellore cattle in a pasture of Megathyrsus maximus 'Mombaça', both in full sun and in a consortium with babassu palms (Attalea spp.) in the Amazonian biome. The experimental design was completely randomized, with six steers per system, and the evaluations were done during the dry period (2015) and rainy period (2016). In comparison to forage in the full sun system, forage in the silvopastoral system showed, in the dry period, higher levels of crude protein, ether extract, total digestible nutrient, and in vitro digestible organic matter, and lower levels of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and total carbohydrate (TCHO). In the rainy period, forage in the silvopastoral system showed higher levels of crude protein and a reduction of nonfibrous carbohydrate and TCHO. The CH4 emissions were similar in both systems within the same period, and ranged from 44.0 to 74.2 kg per year per animal. During the dry period, the emission per kilogram of dry ingested matter and the loss of gross energy as methane were lower in the silvopastoral system. During the rainy period, the emissions were similar in both systems. The silvopastoral system yields forage with good quality in the dry period, and considering both periods, it is more efficient (emission of CH4 per daily weight gain) than the system in full sun.

Technological Characterization and Use of Babassu Residue (Orbygnia phalerata Mart.) in Particleboard

The wood-based panel industry is growing all over the world, and in many countries the raw material is becoming increasingly inadequate and increasingly expensive. Therefore, new inputs are needed to reduce production costs. The residue of babassu palm fruit after nut extraction process is an alternative, due to its fibrous characteristics, the high availability in the large agroindustrial complexes in the North of Brazil and the low cost. Thus the research was: (i) to determine the mechanical characteristics (tensile strength and elasticity), physicochemical characteristics (density, pH, extractives content and chemical composition) and micro-structural of the babassu residue, comparing it with the particles of Pinus sp., used in commercial panels; (ii) to evaluate the quality of panels manufactured with babassu residue by physical conditions (swelling in thickness and water absorption) and mechanical characterization (elasticity and rupture) based on Brazilian Technical Standards (NBR 14810-2: 2013), American (ANSI A208.1: 2009) and European (EN 312: 2003). Statistical analysis of the data was performed with the aid of Infostat software through analysis of variance using Tukey test at the 5% probability level. The babassu residue has technological characteristics that allow its use in particleboard production. However, there are particularities that may compromise its use, such as high silica content and high density. Particleboard made from babassu residue presented mechanical performance above that required by current normative documents. However, for the physical properties, especially for the porosity of the particleboard of babassu, the obtained values were lower than the required minimum.

A new species and new records of Oxysarcodexia Townsend (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) from Brazil

Oxysarcodexia cocaissp. nov. from Brazil is described and illustrated based on male specimens collected in a babassu palm forest in the state of Maranhão. The remarkable elongated surstylus (as long as cercus) and U-shaped male sternite 5 distinguishes the new species from other species in the genus. In addition, Oxysarcodexia nitidaSoares & Mello-Patiu, 2010 is recorded for the first time from Brazil, and Oxysarcodexia adunca Lopes, 1975 is a new record from the Brazilian Amazon.

689 Effect of increasing levels of babassu mesocarp flour on feed intake, nutrient digestibility, and rumen fermentation in sheep

In Northeastern Brazil, an important alternative food source is the babassu palm (Orbignya spp.). The babassu coconut is composed of 11% exocarp, 23% mesocarp, 59% endocarp, and 7% kernels. A low-cost flour can be extracted from the mesocarp. An important feature of babassu byproducts is their availability during the off-seasons of conventional grains, thus making it an important alternative for regional producers. Twenty crossbred lambs were used in a randomized complete block design (29.17 ± 2.23 kg BW) to evaluate the effect of increasing levels of babassu mesocarp flour (BMF; 0, 10, 20 and 30% [DM basis], corresponding to experimental diets 0BMF, 10BMF, 20BMF, and 30BMF, respectively) on feed intake, digestibility of nutrients, and ruminal fermentation. Lambs were individually confined and fed an isonitrogenous diet (16.5 ± 0.2 CP, DM basis) containing 70% of concentrate and 30% of Tifton 85 hay (DM basis) for 21 d, with 15 d for diet adaptation, 5 d for data collection of orts and feces, and 1 d for ruminal content collection ( 0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5 h after feeding). A representative sample of ruminal content from each animal was collected via esophageal tube. The first portion of rumen fluid was discarded, and the second portion, after being squeezed through 2 layers of cheesecloth, was used for determining pH, ammonia nitrogen, and short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). Orthogonal polynomials for diet responses were determined by linear and quadratic effects (P < 0.05). There was a quadratic effect (P < 0.05) on DMI (1,157.6, 1,397.6, 1,171.2, and 815.6 g/d for BMF0, BMF10, BMF20, and BMF30, respectively), nutrients intake, CP digestibility, and nonfiber carbohydrate digestibility. The digestibility of DM, OM, total carbohydrates, and NDF linearly decreased (P < 0.05) whereas ether extract digestibility linearly increased (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of BMF. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of increasing levels of BMF on pH, butyric acid, and total SCFA concentrations. There was a quadratic effect for propionic acid concentration (20.8, 21.5, 19.1, and 19.6 mol/100 mol for BMF0, BMF10, BMF20, and BMF30, respectively). The increasing levels of BMF linearly increased the acetic acid proportion (63.7, 63.8, 67.8, and 68.0 mol/100 mol for BMF0, BMF10, BMF20, and BMF30, respectively) and linearly decreased the A:P ratio, NH3–N, isobutyrate, and valerate concentrations. The BMF is an alternative for energy source in sheep feed and can be added at levels up to 10%.

690 Effects of supplementation of lambs' diets with babassu oil or buriti oil on nutrient digestibility and growth performance

Babassu (Orbignya phalerata Mart.) and Buriti (Mauritia flexuosa Mart.) are palm trees abundant in the northeast and north of Brazil, in the transition between Amazon rain forest and Cerrado biomes. The oil extracted from their fruits is locally available and therefore can be an alternative lipid source to increase energy density of growing lambs' diets. Twenty-one lambs (18.9 ± 3.8 kg initial BW and 120 d old) were used in a complete randomized block design to determine the effects of adding babassu oil or buriti oil on apparent digestibility and growth performance. Lambs were individually penned during 50 d and fed 1 of 3 diets: a control diet containing 70% concentrate and 30% Tifton 85 hay (CONT), the CONT plus 40 g/kg of babassu oil (BAO), and the CONT plus 40 g/kg of buriti oil (BUO). At the end of performance monitoring period, the intake was recorded and total feces collected for 4 d. Data were analyzed by 1-way ANOVA and when a significant diet effect (P < 0.05) was found, means were compared using Tukey's method. No significant differences were detected for DM (840 ± 176 g/d), CP (155 ± 38 g/d), NDF (290 ± 74 g/d), and ME (2.3 ± 0.5 Mcal/d) intake. Also, no significant differences were observed for DM (74.74 ± 5.0%), CP (75.9 ± 6.3%), and NDF (60.2 ± 7.8%) digestibility. The ether extract (EE) intake was higher (P < 0.05) with BUO (60.5 g/d) than with BAO (47.8 g/d) and both BUO and BAO were higher (P < 0.05) than CONT (23.3 g/d). However, the apparent digestibility of EE was higher (P < 0.05) with BAO (79.5%) than with BUO (68.7%) and both BAO and BUO were higher (P < 0.05) than CONT (55.4%).The ADG did not differ (P > 0.05) and averaged 187 ± 51 g/d across treatments. Moreover, the G:F did not differ (P > 0.05) and averaged 0.22 ± 0.09 across treatments. In conclusion, the addition of babassu oil or buriti oil did not affect the growth performance or nutrient apparent digestibility, except for EE.

Revisiting Amazonian Plants for Skin Care and Disease

This review concerns five species of trees and palm trees that occur as dominant plants in different rainforest areas of the Amazon region. Due to their abundance, these species can be exploited as sustainable sources of botanical materials and include Carapa guianensis Aubl., family Meliaceae; Eperua falcata Aubl., family Fabaceae; Quassia amara L., family Simaroubaceae; and Attalea speciosa Mart. and Oenocarpus bataua Mart., family Arecaceae. For each species, the general features, major constituents, overall medicinal properties, detailed dermatological and skin care applications, and possible harmful effects have been considered. The major products include seed oils from A. speciosa and C. guianensis, fruit oil from O. bataua, and active compounds such as limonoids from C. guianensis, flavonoids from E. falcata, and quassinoids from Q. amara. The dermatologic and cosmetic applications of these plants are growing rapidly but are still widely based on empiric knowledge. Applications include skin rehydration and soothing; anti-inflammatory, antiage, and antiparasite effects; hair care; burn and wound healing; and the amelioration of rosacea and psoriasis conditions. Despite a limited knowledge about their constituents and properties, these species appear as promising sources of bioactive compounds for skin care and health applications. An improvement of knowledge about their properties will provide added value to the exploitation of these forest resources.

Diets based on plants from Brazilian Caatinga altering ruminal parameters, microbial community and meat fatty acids of Santa Inês lambs

Strategies for the sustainable intensification of ruminant production suggest breeding animals adapted to the environment in which they live using local fodders to maximize efficient ruminal fermentation. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of using Orbignya phalerata (Babassu) and Combretum leprosum (Mofumbo) leaves in ruminal short chain fatty acids (SCFA) and microbial community, as well as finishing performance, carcass characteristics and meat fatty acid profile of Santa Inês hair lambs. The experimental treatments were diets with 50:50 forage:concentrate ratios, using the leaves of the experimental plants as a 33g/100g of dry matter (DM) replacement of Cynodon dactylon (Tifton-85) hay, with three groups: Control (no hay replacement), Babassu and Mofumbo. Twenty-four Santa Inês lambs (body weight=20.0±5.2kg) were used in a randomized experimental design with eight repetitions (5 males and 3 female) per treatment. Ruminal fluid samples of each animal were collected to determine SCFA and microbial community. The male animals were evaluated for finishing performance and carcass characteristics while longissimus lumborum muscle samples were used for determination of fatty acid profile. Interaction between treatment and sex was observed for total SCFA (P<0.05). Treatment affected (P<0.05) propionate, isobutyric, isovaleric and valeric fatty acids. Mofumbo showed a greater relative abundance of rumen fungi and Ruminococcus flavefaciens, and lower Archaea. There was no difference between treatments (P>0.05) for finishing performance and carcass characteristics but meat fatty acid characteristics were affected by treatments. A redundancy analysis based on microbial abundance profile demonstrated two clusters, one cluster with Babassu and Control treatments, and other cluster with Mofumbo, with some variables associated to dissimilarity between clusters. These results indicated that the inclusion of these plants in lamb diets affects ruminal short chain fatty acids and microbial population, without compromising the production potential, carcass characteristics and meat fatty acid profile.

Population structure and fruit availability of the babassu palm ( Attalea speciosa Mart. ex Spreng) in human-dominated landscapes of the Northeast Region of Brazil

We studied the population structure and fruit availability of the babassu palm, Attalea speciosa, in three human-dominated landscapes located near a rural community in the region of Araripe, in the Northeast Region of Brazil, that were under intense fruit harvest. Fifty 10 x 10 m plots were randomly established in each of the three landscapes, and all individuals of A. speciosa within the plots were classified as seedlings, juveniles or adults, with the height of all adult individuals being measured. An additional 20 individuals were marked in each landscape, and the number of total bunches, fruits per bunch and bunches per palm tree were recorded. The populations of A. speciosa in the three landscapes exhibited an inverted J-shape plot, but pasture and shifting cultivation possessed a significantly higher number of individuals, seedlings and adults than the seasonal semideciduous forest, plus they possessed a greater seedling/adult ratio. Shifting cultivation was found to be favorable for fructification. The present study found that shifting cultivation and pastures are landscape practices that can contribute to the rapid expansion and establishment of A. speciosa, which can become a dominant species in the region of Araripe.

Enzimas fúngicas em dietas com alimentos alternativos para frangos de crescimento lento

Objetivou-se nesta revisão abordar sobre enzimas fúngicas e seus efeitos em dietas com alimentos alternativos para frangos de crescimento lento. A alimentação representa maior parte do custo total de produção e para reduzir os gastos e aumentar o lucro do produtor têm sido pesquisados alimentos alternativos, como a torta de babaçu, a torta de dendê e o bagaço de mandioca, que demonstram potencial de utilização na alimentação de frangos caipira, no entanto, com limitação de uso, devido os diferentes teores de fibra. Os polissacarídeos não amiláceos dificultam o acesso das enzimas digestíveis sobre o alimento, diminuindo a digestibilidade dos nutrientes. Para minimizar esse efeito, têm sido suplementados enzimas exógenas nas dietas das aves. Várias fontes podem originar esses aditivos, sendo a maioria adquirida por meio dos processos fermentativos. A temperatura, o pH, a concentração do substrato e a composição dos ingredientes são fatores que influenciam a ação enzimática e, consequentemente, a disponibilidade dos nutrientes. O uso das enzimas fúngicas pode aumentar o valor nutricional do alimento e melhorar a digestibilidade dos nutrientes, refletindo na eficiência produtiva, representando economia no custo de produção e benefícios ao meio ambiente, todavia, torna-se necessário avaliar o uso em dietas com alimentos alternativos de expressão regional.