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The aim of this study was to assess how the different seasons of the year impact the botanical composition, availability, and quality of forage in the caatinga, as well as the frequency of ingestion and ingestive behavior of goats in a semi-arid region. The experiment used four crossbred castrated males, with an average weight of 30.2 ± 4.76 kg and an average age of 20 months. The experimental period lasted for 12 months, encompassing two rainy seasons and one dry season within this timeframe, with three replications (data collection) per season. All collected forage was categorized based on its stratum (herbaceous, woody, and litter), and a chemical composition analysis was conducted. The goats' behavior was assessed by observing variables such as feeding time, idleness, rumination, displacement, social interaction, and water intake. The findings revealed clear seasonality in both availability and quality of forage, consequently influencing the botanical composition of the goats' diet and their ingestive behavior. In addition, during the grazing period, the goats showed a shift grazing habit, in which idle and feeding peaks were alternated with increased displacement during the morning and rumination in the afternoon. The seasons of the year strongly impact the availability and nutritional quality of forage in the caatinga biome, consequently influencing the ingestive behavior and dietary composition of goats in this ecosystem.

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The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of different heat-stress-reducing systems, i.e., sprinkler + artificial shade, shower + artificial shade, and artificial shade, on serum mineral, hormonal, hematological, and metabolite profiles, on milk production, and milk composition in lactating cows and pubertal heifers of Holstein and Jersey breeds. For this purpose, 12 animals were used: 3 Holstein cows with an average (mean ± SD) body weight of 600 ± 30 kg, 53 ± 11 months of age, and milk yield of 27 ± 3.5 kg/day; 3 Jersey cows with an average body weight of 370 ± 11 kg, 40 ± 6 months of age, and milk production of 11 ± 1.5 kg/day; 3 Holstein heifers (325 ± 25 kg and 16 ± 0.6 months of age); and 3 Jersey heifers (250 ± 25 kg and 13 ± 0.6 months of age). Animals were used in a replicated 3 × 3 Latin square design with a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments that included three treatments (sprinkler + artificial shade, shower + artificial shade, and artificial shade), two breeds (Holstein, Jersey), and two physiological stages (lactating cows, heifers). The experimental treatments influenced (P < 0.05) the concentrations of triiodothyronine, with the shower and shade systems showing greater and similar concentrations (99.5 and 96.3 µg/dL, respectively) when compared with sprinkler treatment (89.2 µg/dL). There was an effect (P < 0.05) of breed on the concentrations of Na + , K + , hemoglobin, hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume levels with the Holsteins having lower levels of Na + , K + , hemoglobin, hematocrit and mean corpuscular volume (101.1, 4.0 ng/mL, 11.2 g/dL, 24.7%, and 42.3 µm3, respectively) than the Jerseys (106.5 and 4.3 ng/mL, 12.4 g/dL, 27.7%, and 46.3 µm3, respectively. Total cholesterol and high-density lipoproteins were influenced by physiological stage (P < 0.05). Concentrations of cholesterol and high-density lipoproteins were higher for cows (94.1, and 56.9 mg/dL, respectively) than for heifers (56.9 and 42,9 mf/dL, respectively). Milk production and fat content were affected (P < 0.05) by breed (P < 0.05), with Holstein cows producing more milk (23.9 kg/day) than Jersey cows (12.0 kg/day), but Jersey cows had higher fat concentration (4.6%) than Holstein cows (3.0%). Therefore, the three different thermal-stress-reducing-systems tested were able to maintain the serum biomarkers within normal physiological ranges. However, the most appropriate thermal-stress-reducing-systems would be a sprinkler systema because it uses less water compared with the shower system.

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Crude glycerin from the biodiesel industry is a alternative energy source used to replace part of the energy components of the diet, since the nutritional value of glycerol makes it suitable for use in ruminant diets. The objective was to analyze the effects including crude glycerin (CG) derived from the production of biodiesel from residual frying oil, in diets of lactating goats on the physicochemical and microbiological parameters of rumen fluid. Eight 2-year-old goats weighting approximately 42.06 ± 3.5 kg of body weight (BW) were kept in individual stalls, receiving diets containing 0, 7, 14 and 21% of CG (% DM). The experiment was carried out according to a double 4 × 4 Latin square and lasted for 80 days. Orthogonal contrasts were tested to determine linear and quadratic effects, as well as the effects of 0% CG in the diet in comparison to the other treatments. There was a linear decreasing effect on DM intake (P = 0.001) and neutral detergent fiber (P = 0.0001), as well as a quadratic effect (P = 0.0002) on ether extract (EE) intake with increasing level of CG in the diet. Including CG affected motility and density of the protozoa (P = 0.0001). Treatments had no effect on pH, N-NH3 concentration and percentage of protozoa in the rumen liquid. There was increasing linear effect on sedimentation and flotation time (P = 0.001). Therefore, including 14 and 21% CG in the diet as a source of glycerol decreased nutrient intake and altered the ruminal microbiota, but pH and N-NH3 were not affected. Thus, to avoid impairment to the physicochemical and microbiological parameters of the rumen liquid of goats, the inclusion of CG should not exceed 7% DM.

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Because the non-protein nitrogen sources can be an option for a ruminant diet to replace true-protein sources, we hypothesized that using extruded urea in increasing levels by reducing soybean meal in the diet can maintain or improve the productive performance of beef cattle in a feedlot. It was aimed to evaluate the effects of extruded urea levels on the productive performance and carcass and meat characteristics of Nellore steers in feedlot. Twenty-four Nellore steers, with an average age of 22 months and an average initial weight of 333.5 kg, were used. A completely randomized design was used with four treatments: 50, 60, 70, and 80 g/100 kg BW of extruded urea. There was no effect of extruded urea levels on nutrient intake. The final weight and average daily gain were adjusted by a quadratic equation, with maximum estimated values of 479.18 kg and 1.02 kg/day with the inclusion of 59.71, 54.14, and 54.16 g/100 kg BW of extruded urea, respectively. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of extruded urea levels on hot carcass weight (233.3 kg), carcass yield (53.2%), ribeye area (72.7 cm2), and subcutaneous fat thickness (5.3 mm). Likewise, there was no effect (P > 0.05) of extruded urea levels on meat chemical composition, shear force (8.9 KgF), cooking losses (28.2%), pH (5.6), and meat color parameters. We recommended the use of 70 g/100 kg BW of extruded urea in the diet for finishing Nellore steers in confinement.

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The objective of this study was to evaluate the dietary inclusion of crude glycerin (CG) derived from biodiesel production from residual frying oils, replacing corn, on intake, fermentation parameters, and rumen degradability of dry matter (DM) and crude protein (CP). Four rumen-cannulated sheep were fed diets containing 0, 25, 50, and 75 g CG kg-1 of the total diet DM. A 4×4 Latin square design was adopted. To determine degradability, concentrate samples were incubated in the rumen at 0, 3, 6, 12, 18, 24, 48, and 72 h. Orthogonal contrasts were tested for linear and quadratic effects, which were considered significant when P < 0.05 and a trend when P < 0.10. The inclusion of CG did not influence the intakes of DM (average = 991.5 g day-1) or CP (average = 114.65 g day-1); however, ether extract (EE) intake increased linearly (P < 0.05), ranging from 20.8 to 36.7 g day-1, respectively, for the CG levels of 0 and 75 g kg-1 diet DM. There was no interaction effect (P > 0.05) between collection time and CG level on rumen pH or N-NH3. The lowest pH values were observed at 2 h (5.83) and 4 h (5.87) after feeding. Ammoniacal nitrogen (N-NH3) showed a quadratic decrease (P = 0.02), with a minimum value of 8 mg dL-1 at the CG level of 41.5 g kg-1 DM. The "A" fraction of the concentrate DM decreased quadratically (P = 0.05), with the lowest value (19.7%) occurring at the CG level of 74.1 g kg-1 DM; the "B" fraction and effective degradability (ED; 8% h-1) decreased linearly (P < 0.05); and potential degradability (PD) tended to decrease (P < 0.10) with increasing CG levels. Crude glycerin did not affect the "c" fraction, lag time, or the ED (2% h-1) of concentrate DM. As regards CP, there was also no effect on fractions "A" (average = 41.5%), "B" (average = 51.0%), or PD (average = 92.4%); on the other hand, fraction "c" and ED increased linearly (P < 0.05), whereas lag time decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing CG. In conclusion, the CG used in this study can be added up to the level of 75 g kg-1 of the total DM of the sheep diet.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar a inclusão da glicerina bruta (GB) oriunda da produção de biodiesel, a partir de óleos residuais de frituras, em substituição ao milho, sobre o consumo, parâmetros de fermentação e da degradabilidade ruminal da matéria seca (MS) e da proteína bruta (PB). Utilizou-se quatro ovinos canulados no rúmen, recebendo dietas contendo 0, 25, 50 e 75 g GB kg-1 da MS total da dieta. O delineamento utilizado foi o quadrado latino 4×4. Para determinação da degradabilidade, amostras do concentrado foram incubadas no rúmen nos tempos 0h, 3h00, 6h00, 12h00, 18h00, 24h00, 48h00 e 72h00. Contrastes ortogonais foram testados para efeitos linear e quadrático, considerando estes significativos quando o P < 0,05 e tendência quando P < 0,10. A inclusão da GB não influenciou os consumos de MS (média = 991,5 g dia-1) e de PB (média = 114,65 g dia-1), no entanto, o consumo de extrato etéreo (EE) aumentou linearmente (P < 0,05), o qual variou de 20,8 a 36,7 g dia-1, respectivamente, para os níveis de 0 e 75 g GB kg-1 MS da dieta. Não houve efeito da interação (P > 0,05) entre o tempo de coleta e o nível de GB para o pH e o N-NH3 ruminal. Os menores valores de pH foram observados 2 h (5,83) e 4 h (5,87) após a alimentação. O N-NH3 sofreu redução quadrática (P = 0,02), com valor mínimo de 8 mg dL-1 ao nível de 41,5 g GB kg-1 MS. A fração "A" da MS do concentrado reduziu de forma quadrática (P = 0,05), com menor valor (19,7%) ao nível de 74,1 g GB kg-1 MS, a fração "B" e a degradabilidade efetiva (DE; 8%h-1) reduziram linearmente (P < 0,05) e a degradabilidade potencial (DP) tendeu a reduzir (P < 0,10) com o aumento do nível de GB. Não foi observado efeito da inclusão da GB sobre a fração "c", o lag time e a DE (2% h-1) da MS do concentrado. Para a PB, não foi observado efeito paras as frações "A" (média = 41,5%), "B" (média = 51,0%) e "DP" (média =92,4%), por outro lado, a fração "c" e a DE aumentaram linearmente (P < 0,05), ao passo que o lag time diminuiu linearmente (P < 0,05) com o aumento do nível de GB. Conclui-se que a GB usada nesta pesquisa pode ser adicionada até 75 g kg-1 da MS total da dieta de ovinos.(AU)

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Forage sorghum is a crop that can be planted in semiarid regions, due to its greater adaptability to dry climate environments, and can replace maize in these regions, which are often unsuitable for its production. Thus, the objective of the study was to evaluate the structural, morphological and nutritional characteristics of 23 sorghum hybrids forage cultivated in rainfed conditions, planted in different climate conditions, comparing the hybrids, in order to determine what produces the best in the climatic conditions of the explored region, and also to indicate whether this crop can be planted as a replacement for maize in environments not suitable for planting it. The research was conducted in climate BSh in the Municipality of Alvorada do Gurgueia, and climate Aw in the Municipality of Bom Jesus, both in the state of Piauí from 2014 to 2015. Each trial consisted of 20 experimental forage sorghum hybrids [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench], and three commercial hybrids. A randomized block design was used, with three replications in a factorial scheme (2 × 23). The growth characteristics determined were hybrid × climate interaction for the variables plant height, lodging and leaf/stem ratio. For the variable number of tillers, there was a significant difference only between hybrids. There was no difference between hybrids only for the lodging variable of climate Aw. The other variables showed a difference in all hybrids evaluated. There was an interaction for production of dead matter and total dry forage mass between the different environments and hybrids evaluated. For leaf production, there was an effect only for the different environments. For the chemical characteristics, there was an interaction for all variables analyzed between the different environments and hybrids evaluated. The semi-arid region of the State of Piauí, climate BSh which presents a high climatic risk for maize cultivation, proved to be favorable for forage sorghum production. The forage sorghum also presented agronomic characteristics similar to those found in semi humid climate Aw, a favorable region for maize cultivation. In addition, the tested hybrids showed good chemical characteristics, so the BSh climate has great exploratory potential for the cultivation of forage sorghum.(AU)

O sorgo forrageiro é uma cultura que pode ser plantada em regiões semiáridas, devido a sua maior adaptabilidade a ambientes de climas secos, podendo substituir a cultura do milho nessas regiões que são impróprias para sua produção. Com isso, o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar as características estruturais, morfológicas e nutricionais de 23 híbridos de sorgo forrageiro cultivados em regime de sequeiro, plantados em diferentes climas, comparando os híbridos com finalidade de determinar o que melhor produz nas condições climáticas da região explorada, e também para indicar se essa cultura pode ser plantada em substituição ao milho em ambientes não adequados para o plantio do mesmo. A pesquisa foi realizada em clima BSh no município Alvorada do Gurguéia, e clima Aw no município de Bom Jesus, ambos no estado do Piauí nos anos de 2014 a 2015. Cada ensaio consistiu de 20 híbridos experimentais de sorgo forrageiro [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] e três híbridos comerciais. O delineamento foi em blocos casualizados com três repetições, em esquema fatorial (2 × 23). Para as características de crescimento, houve interação híbrido × clima para as variáveis altura de planta, acamamento e relação folha/colmo. Para a variável número de perfilhos, houve diferença significativa apenas entre os híbridos. Não houve diferença entre os híbridos apenas para a variável acamamento clima Aw. As demais variáveis apresentaram diferença em todos os híbridos avaliados. Houve interação para produção de matéria morta e massa seca total de forragem entre os diferentes ambientes e híbridos avaliados. Para a produção de folhas, houve efeito apenas para os diferentes ambientes. Para as características químicas, houve interação para todas as variáveis analisadas entre os diferentes ambientes e híbridos avaliados. A região semiárida do Estado do Piauí, clima BSh que apresenta alto risco climático para o cultivo do milho, mostrou-se favorável à produção de sorgo forrageiro. O sorgo forrageiro também apresentou características agronômicas semelhantes às encontradas no clima semiúmido Aw, região favorável ao cultivo do milho. Além disso, os híbridos testados apresentaram boas características químicas, portanto o clima BSh possui grande potencial exploratório para o cultivo de sorgo forrageiro.(AU)

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This study aimed to evaluate the effects of the addition of Parkia platycephala pod meal (PP) and urea on the chemical composition, fermentation characteristics, and in situ ruminal degradability of elephant grass silage. A completely randomized design with a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement was adopted, with four levels of pod meal (0, 10, 20, and 30%) and two levels of urea (0 and 1.5%) on as fed basis. The produced silages were evaluated in terms of dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), mineral matter (MM), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), hemicellulose, ammonia nitrogen, pH, short chain fatty acids, and in situ ruminal degradability. For the study of degradation, four Santa Ines rumen fistulated sheep, with average weight of 45 ± 2.5 kg were used. The association of the additives increased (p < 0.05) DM, CP, DM degradability, fractions a, b, and effective degradability at all passage rates (2, 5, and 8%/h) and reduced NDF and ADF contents. DM disappearance increased (p < 0.05) during the incubation time, especially for the silages containing the two additives. The interaction in the rumen environment is essential for microbial multiplication. Thus, the use of additives such as PP and urea contributed to the availability of digestible fractions of the feed and greater use by ruminal microorganisms. The association of Parkia platycephala with urea improves the fermentation characteristics, chemical composition, and degradability of elephant grass silage.

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The cactus pear has demonstrated productive potential in arid and semi-arid regions due to its photosynthetic process of crassulacean acid metabolism. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate agronomic characteristics and chemical composition of three genotypes of cactus pear at different locations of a tropical semiarid region classified as non-suitable for cactus pear cultivation. A completely randomized design in a factorial arrangement (3 × 7) (three genotypes of cactus pear [Miúda, Baiana (Nopalea cochenillifera) and Orelha de Efefante Mexicana - OEM (Opuntia stricta)] and seven locations) was used. The climatic conditions characterized an environment that restricts the growth of cactus pear genotypes, mainly due to the air relative humidity values. All morphological characteristics of the cactus pear genotypes were influenced by the interaction genotype x location, with higher expression of the characteristics on the different genotypes under hot semi-arid climate and tropical wet and dry climate. An effect of the interaction genotype x location was observed (p < 0.05) on water use efficiency, water accumulation and carrying capacity, where the highest values were observed for genotype Baiana at location 1. Also, there was influence of the interaction genotype x location over the chemical composition of the cactus pear. The cultivation of cactus pear is recommended under restricted climatic conditions in semi-arid tropical regions, especially the genotype Baiana, based on growth factors, biomass production and chemical composition.

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The objective of this study is to characterize six forage grass cultivars used for hay production. The morphological and morphometric characteristics of these cultivars were determined using a completely randomized block design, and the rates of loss of dry matter and crude protein (CP) were evaluated using a completely randomized design with a 6 x 5 factorial scheme (six cultivars vs. five drying periods [0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours]) and three repetitions. Morphological and morphometric characteristics and the chemical composition of the cultivars were analyzed using the Scott-Knott test, and the drying time was assessed using linear regression analysis at a level of significance of 5%. There was a significant effect (p < 0.05) of morphological and morphometric characteristics, except for stem thickness (p=0.1) and the live-to-dead biomass ratio (p=0.27). The Massai cultivar presented a higher leaf to stem ratio (1.23 ± 0.60). There was an increased linear response (p < 0.05) for the rate of water loss in the six evaluated cultivars. The Massai cultivar had a safe storage moisture content (80% dry matter) after 3 hours and 11 minutes of sun exposure, and the drying rate was 10.34% per hour of sun exposure. The cultivars Paredão and Marandú showed a decreasing linear effect of CP content across the harvest period, corresponding to 22.07% and 21.38 ± 0.55% in fresh plants, respectively, and 20.13% and 18.11 ± 0.55% after 4 hours of sun exposure, respectively. The Massai cultivar had the most efficient rate of water loss, reaching a safe storage moisture content in 3 hours and 6 minutes, with a CP content of 18.63%.(AU)

Este trabalho objetiva a caracterização de seis cultivares de gramíneas forrageiras para a produção de feno. Na determinação dos componentes morfológicos e morfométricos dos seis cultivares de gramíneas forrageiras foi utilizado delineamento inteiramente casualizado, e para curva de desidratação da matéria seca e da perda de proteína bruta utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 6 x 5, onde os fatores corresponderam aos seis cultivares e cinco tempos de desidratação (0, 1, 2, 3 e 4 horas), ambos utilizaram três repetições. Para análise dos dados das características morfogênicas, morfométricas e composição química dos cultivares foi utilizado o teste de Scott Knott e para análise no tempo de desidratação foi utilizado análise de regressão linear, todos a 5% de probabilidade. Houve efeito significativo (P < 0,05) para as análises morfométricas e morfológicas, exceto para as variáveis espessura de colmo (EC) (P=0,1) e relação matéria verde/matéria morta (P=0,27). Para relação lâmina foliar/colmo o capim-massai apresentou maior valor de lâmina foliar em relação ao colmo de 1,23±0,60. É possível observar resposta linear crescente (p < 0,05) para curva de desidratação dos 6 cultivares estudados neste experimento. O capim-massai atingiu ponto de feno (80% matéria seca) após 3 horas e 11 minutos de exposição ao sol, e taxa de desidratação com aumento de 10,34% de matéria seca por hora. Em relação ao teor de proteína bruta (PB) na desidratação, os capins paredão e marandú apresentam efeito linear decrescente para os períodos de coleta, onde o material in natura apresentaram 22,07 e 21,38±0,55% e após 4 horas de exposição ao sol apresentaram 20,13 e 18,11±0,55% respectivamente. O capim-massai foi o mais eficiente para desidratação, atingindo o ponto de feno em 3 horas e 6 minutos, com teor de PB de 18,63%.(AU)

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RESUMO

The objective of this study is to characterize six forage grass cultivars used for hay production. The morphological and morphometric characteristics of these cultivars were determined using a completely randomized block design, and the rates of loss of dry matter and crude protein (CP) were evaluated using a completely randomized design with a 6 x 5 factorial scheme (six cultivars vs. five drying periods [0, 1, 2, 3 and 4 hours]) and three repetitions. Morphological and morphometric characteristics and the chemical composition of the cultivars were analyzed using the Scott-Knott test, and the drying time was assessed using linear regression analysis at a level of significance of 5%. There was a significant effect (p < 0.05) of morphological and morphometric characteristics, except for stem thickness (p=0.1) and the live-to-dead biomass ratio (p=0.27). The Massai cultivar presented a higher leaf to stem ratio (1.23 ± 0.60). There was an increased linear response (p < 0.05) for the rate of water loss in the six evaluated cultivars. The Massai cultivar had a safe storage moisture content (80% dry matter) after 3 hours and 11 minutes of sun exposure, and the drying rate was 10.34% per hour of sun exposure. The cultivars Paredão and Marandú showed a decreasing linear effect of CP content across the harvest period, corresponding to 22.07% and 21.38 ± 0.55% in fresh plants, respectively, and 20.13% and 18.11 ± 0.55% after 4 hours of sun exposure, respectively. The Massai cultivar had the most efficient rate of water loss, reaching a safe storage moisture content in 3 hours and 6 minutes, with a CP content of 18.63%.

Este trabalho objetiva a caracterização de seis cultivares de gramíneas forrageiras para a produção de feno. Na determinação dos componentes morfológicos e morfométricos dos seis cultivares de gramíneas forrageiras foi utilizado delineamento inteiramente casualizado, e para curva de desidratação da matéria seca e da perda de proteína bruta utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 6 x 5, onde os fatores corresponderam aos seis cultivares e cinco tempos de desidratação (0, 1, 2, 3 e 4 horas), ambos utilizaram três repetições. Para análise dos dados das características morfogênicas, morfométricas e composição química dos cultivares foi utilizado o teste de Scott Knott e para análise no tempo de desidratação foi utilizado análise de regressão linear, todos a 5% de probabilidade. Houve efeito significativo (P < 0,05) para as análises morfométricas e morfológicas, exceto para as variáveis espessura de colmo (EC) (P=0,1) e relação matéria verde/matéria morta (P=0,27). Para relação lâmina foliar/colmo o capim-massai apresentou maior valor de lâmina foliar em relação ao colmo de 1,23±0,60. É possível observar resposta linear crescente (p < 0,05) para curva de desidratação dos 6 cultivares estudados neste experimento. O capim-massai atingiu ponto de feno (80% matéria seca) após 3 horas e 11 minutos de exposição ao sol, e taxa de desidratação com aumento de 10,34% de matéria seca por hora. Em relação ao teor de proteína bruta (PB) na desidratação, os capins paredão e marandú apresentam efeito linear decrescente para os períodos de coleta, onde o material in natura apresentaram 22,07 e 21,38±0,55% e após 4 horas de exposição ao sol apresentaram 20,13 e 18,11±0,55% respectivamente. O capim-massai foi o mais eficiente para desidratação, atingindo o ponto de feno em 3 horas e 6 minutos, com teor de PB de 18,63%.

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