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The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of exposure to different colors of light during egg incubation on the reproductive parameters of male and female Japanese quails. A total of 1776 eggs were incubated under four lighting conditions for 24 h a day during the entire incubation period: white LEDs, green LEDs, red LEDs and darkness (control). The experimental design was a randomized block (incubation time) with four treatments of six replicates of two cages each. After hatching, the birds were housed in brood cages with 18 birds each to 35 days of age, when they were sexed and transferred to production cages for evaluation of reproductive parameters. After the onset of laying, the number of eggs in each cage was recorded daily, and the values were used to obtain the age of the females at first egg and at 80% laying. At 35 and 60 days of age, several birds from each cage were euthanized for anatomical and histological evaluation of the gonads. Two females from each cage were weighed every three days until 60 days of age to determine the growth curve. After 60 days, eggs from each cage were collected and assessed for external and internal quality. At 70, 74 and 78 days of age, semen collection was performed and seminal quality was evaluated. Then, the males were transferred to cages containing 9 females for the fertility test. Hatchability was higher (P 0.05) in eggs incubated in the dark and under the red LED. The age of maximum growth was higher (P 0.05) in birds from eggs incubated in the dark and under the white LED. There was no difference (P 0.05) in the anatomical and histological characteristics of the testicles between the groups incubated under different light colors, except for the diameter of the seminiferous tubules, which was greater (P = 0.05) in the dark and in the white LED groups. There was no effect (P 0.05) of light color during incubation on the productive index or egg quality of adult birds. There was also no effect (P 0.05) on sperm quality, except for sperm motility, the values of which were higher (P 0.05) in birds from eggs incubated in different colors of light. However, this difference was not sufficient to significantly (P 0.05) influence bird fertility. It is concluded that under the studied conditions, the incubation of quail eggs under white, red, and green LED lamps does not influence the reproductive characteristics of the quails.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of in ovo injection with glycerol (GLY) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) on hatchability, biochemical parameters, intestinal morphometr...

Objective: The objective was to evaluate the influence of different dietary crude protein (CP) levels during the growth phase on reproductive characteristics and reproductive efficiency as well as the body development of adult male Japanese quail.Methods: Three hundred one-day-old male quails were distributed into five treatments with diets containing different CP levels (18%, 20%, 22%, 24%, and 26%) in a completely randomized design, with six replicates of ten birds each. The CP diets were applied only during the growth phase (1 to 35 days). At 36 days of age, the birds were transferred to 30 laying cages with three males and nine females each, and all birds received the same diet formulated to meet production-phase requirements until 96 days of age.Results: The growth rate of the birds increased linearly (p0.05). At 35 days of age, higher weight gain was obtained (p0.05) nitrogen retention. Testis size, seminiferous tubular area, number of spermatogonia, and germinal epithelial height at 35 days of age increased linearly (p

The objective of this work was to compare the committee neural network (CNN) and weighted multiple linear regression (WMLR) models, in order to estimate the nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) of poultry feedstuffs. The prediction equation was adjusted by using a WMLR model and the meta-analysis principle. The models were compared by considering the correct prediction percentages, based on the classic prediction intervals and on the highest-probability density intervals, and by using a comparison test for proportions. The accuracy of the models was evaluated based on the values of the mean squared error, coefficient of determination, mean absolute deviation, mean absolute percentage error, and bias. Data from metabolic trials were used to compare the selected models. The committee neural network is the model that showed the highest accuracy of prediction, being recommended as the most accurate model to predict AMEn values for energetic concentrate feedstuffs used by the poultry feed industry. Resumo: O objetivo deste trabalho foi comparar o modelo comitê de redes neurais e o modelo de regressão linear múltipla ponderada (RLMP), para estimar a energia metabolizável aparente corrigida por nitrogênio (EMAn) de alimentos para aves. A equação de predição foi ajustada por RLMP e pelo princípio da meta-análise. Os modelos foram comparados tendo-se considerando as percentagens de acerto de predição, com base em intervalos de predição clássicos e intervalos de credibilidade da máxima densidade de probabilidade, e utilizado um teste para comparação de proporções. A acurácia dos modelos foi avaliada com base nos valores de erro médio quadrático, coeficiente de determinação, desvio médio absoluto, erro percentual absoluto médio e viés. Dados provenientes de ensaios metabólicos foram utilizados na comparação dos modelos selecionados. O comitê de redes neurais é o modelo que forneceu predições mais acuradas, sendo recomendado como o de maior acurácia, para prever os valores de EMAn de alimentos concentrados utilizados na indústria alimentícia para aves.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of probiotic inoculation in fertilized eggs on hatching and posthatching characteristics of broilers. The search for scientific articles was conducted in December 2020 in eight databases (Embase, Google Scholar, SciELO, Science Direct, Scopus, Periodicos Capes, PubMed, and Web of Science) using the following combination of keywords: ((probiotic OR synbiotic) AND "in ovo"). Only articles that evaluated the effect of in ovo inoculation of probiotics, combined or not with other compounds, on hatching parameters (number of hatched eggs and hatching weight) and/or posthatching parameters (performance and carcass yield) in broilers were included. The meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model to calculate the confidence interval (CI) of the differences between the group inoculated with probiotics and the control (vehicle inoculation). The degree of heterogeneity was assessed by meta-regression, and publication bias was assessed by funnel plots. Wide heterogeneity was observed (P 0.05) number of hatched eggs, hatching weight, or feed intake after hatching but increased (P

The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate the evidence that the injection of carbohydrate-based solutions into embryonated eggs improves broiler performance. A literature search was conducted in April 2017 using the keywords broiler, carbohydrate, in ovo, nutrition and poultry. Only papers that involved in ovo carbohydrate injections in poultry were used in this study. After specific selection criteria, 17 papers were selected. The quality scoring system of the selected studies was based on the injection methodology, use of control groups, type of solution injected, period of injection, egg and hens characteristics, number of variables analysed and the statistical design. Among papers, there was no standardised procedure in to inoculate the solutions. Nevertheless, in general, in ovo feeding of carbohydrates decreases the hatch rate, improves the hatch weight, but it does not seem to influence the post-hatch performance of broilers. The inoculation of 75 mg of glucose in the albumen seems to bring better results. Further studies are needed to improve the technical methodology of in ovo injections for commercial use.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a Madagascar cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) meal in the feed of cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) in captivity and its influence on the reproductive characteristics of these birds. Twelve pairs of birds were used during two subsequent reproductive cycles of 130 days each, with time divided into four phases: laying, incubation, rearing of chicks until 30 days of age, and return to the new laying phase. The pairs were divided into two groups: a control group, which received a commercial diet for psittacines + a mixture of seeds, and a test group, which received the same diet as the control group except for the addition of a Madagascar cockroach meal in a ratio of 14 g of commercial food to 1 g of cockroach meal (6.6%). After hatching, chicks remained with their parents until 30 days of age. Subsequently, the chicks were transferred to another room and monitored until the 90th day of life. The inclusion of cockroach meal did not influence (p &gt, 0.05) the intake of commercial food and mixture of seeds during the reproductive phases evaluated, except for feed intake, which was increased relative to control values (p = 0.02) in the return-to-laying phase. Yolk cholesterol content, egg width and egg shape index were increased with the inclusion of the cockroach meal, whereas the number of days to return to the new laying phase was reduced compared to the control (p = 0.02). The number of eggs laid decreased (p &lt, 0.05) with the inclusion of the cockroach meal, however, the percentage of hatching was higher in the test group than in the control group (p &lt, 0.05). No significant effect (p &gt, 0.05) of dietary treatment was observed on the number of viable chicks at 1, 30 and 90 days of age or on the contents of most fatty acids present in the yolk. The findings of this study indicate that a Madagascar cockroach meal can be used as an alternative feedstuff in the diets for cockatiels and can lead to minor improvements in reproductive characteristics when replacing 6.6% of the commercial pelleted diet.

The use of unconventional food for animals is becoming more common. The objective was to evaluate the inclusion of Madagascar cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) meal in the diet of cockatiel (Nymphicus hollandicus) chicks in captivity. Twenty-eight cockatiel chicks were used during 90 days of experiment. The animals were divided into two groups: a control group (receiving commercial feed + seed mixture) and a test group (receiving a control diet supplemented with Madagascar cockroach meal). The cockroach meal was mixed into commercial feed at a ratio of 14:1 (commercial feed: cockroach meal; 6.6% inclusion). Parents of the chicks were fed the experimental diets 30 days before egg laying to evaluate the influence of the cockroach meal on offspring development in the nest (1 to 30 days of age). Body development of the birds was evaluated every three days from the first to the 30th day of age and then every 15 days from the 31st to the 90th day of age. The cockroach meal did not influence (P > .05) the growth characteristics, body weight, total length or length of the animal's beaks, wings or tails, but increased seed consumption from the 31st to the 90th day of age. It is concluded that the cockroach meal can be used in the diet of growing cockatiels at an addition level of 6.6%.

Summary The objective was to evaluate the effect of in ovo feeding with glycerol on post-hatch development in broiler chicks. A total of 408 fertile eggs were divided into six experimental groups consisting of five 0.9% saline solutions containing various concentrations of glycerol (12.5, 25.0, 37.5 and 50.0 nmol/ml), and a placebo group (inoculation with saline only) and a control group (without inoculation). Inoculations were performed at 17 days of incubation for the evaluation of hatchability, embryo mortality, body and viscera weights, intestinal epithelium morphometry, blood glucose and liver glycerol kinase activity of chicks at hatching. Inoculation of solutions containing glycerol did not influence body weight at hatching and relative weights of liver, pancreas, intestine and breast. There was a quadratic effect of glycerol levels on the weights of yolk residue and gizzard and on blood glucose, and an increasing linear effect on spleen and heart weights. Higher duodenum and ileum villous height and deeper jejunum and ileum crypts were obtained with 50.0 nmol/ml of glycerol. A linear increasing effect was also observed in liver glycerol kinase activity; however, lower blood glucose was observed with 37.5 and 50 nmol/ml of glycerol. It is therefore concluded that glycerol may be used at doses of 25 nmol/ml as a substrate in in ovo feeding of broiler chickens. However, further studies must be conducted not only to establish an optimal dose but also to evaluate the combination of this substrate with other nutrients used in the in ovo feeding.

Artificial lights are essential for controlling the reproductive tract development of birds during puberty and therefore influence reproductive quality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of different light sources on reproductive anatomic and physiological characteristics of female Japanese quail ( Coturnix coturnix japonica ). A total of 270 birds from one day of age were housed in a masonry shed divided into six rooms with light isolation. Each room was equipped with a different type of light bulb and contained seven cages with five birds in each. The light bulbs tested were: incandescent; compact fluorescent; and light-emitting diode (LED) in the colors white, blue, red and green. The experimental design was completely randomized with six treatments and seven replications of individual birds each. The anatomic and physiological condition of the birds was evaluated at four, eight and 12 weeks of age. The white LED bulb advanced (P the sexual maturity by one week, resulted (P in higher live weights and greater weight and relative percentage of ovarian stroma, oviduct and ovarian tissue at eight weeks of age. Higher plasma concentrations of estradiol and lipids were also observed (P at eight weeks under the white LED bulb. At 12 weeks of age, the magnum and isthmus folding characteristics were better (P with the red LED bulb. In conclusion, the photostimulation with the white LED bulb was more efficient at activating the reproductive cycle, hastening the onset of sexual maturity and increasing the development of reproductive organs after puberty.

Behavioural studies with cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) in captivity are scarce. Due to the need for appropriate management of these animals, this study was performed to examine the behaviour of cockatiels kept in captivity at two temperatures. Sixteen cockatiels were individually housed in cages (62cm high x 43cm long x 27cm wide) and fed with a commercial ration and seed mixture for psittacids. Water was provided ad libitum. The eight-day experiment was divided into two stages of four days each. In the first stage, the birds were kept at room temperature (25°C) with 70% relative humidity during 24 hours. In the next stage, they were kept at 35°C from 06:00 to 18:00h and 25°C from 18:00 to 06:00h, also at 70% relative humidity. The behaviour of the birds was assessed by the analysis of video recordings taken from 6:00 to 18:00h. Lateral displacement on the perch, walking on the wire net, resting on the abdomen, stopping on the wire net, standing on the drinker or feeder, seed intake, cleaning the wings and shaking the plumage were not influenced (P>0.08) by temperature. Undesirable activities such as gnawing the perch or the wire net also showed no influence of temperature (P>0.15). At 35°C, the birds remained on the cage floor less often (P

A set of prediction equations to estimate the nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) of individual ingredients and diets used in the poultry feed industry was evaluated. The AMEn values of three energy ingredients (maize, sorghum and defatted maize germ meal), four protein ingredients (soybean meal, maize gluten meal 60% crude protein, integral micronized soy and roasted whole soybean) and four diets (three containing four feedstuffs, complex diets, and one containing only corn-soybean meal, basal diet) were determined using a metabolism assay with male broilers from 1 to 7, 8 to 21, 22 to 35, and 36 to 42 days old. These values were compared to the AMEn values presented in the tables of energy composition or estimated by equation predictions based on chemical composition data of feedstuffs. In general, the equation predictions more precisely estimated the AMEn of feedstuffs when compared to the tables of energy composition. The equation AMEn (dry matter [DM] basis) = 4,164.187+51.006 ether extract (% in DM basis)-197.663 ash-35.689 crude fiber (% in DM basis)-20.593 neutral detergent fiber (% in DM basis) (R(2) = 0.75) was the most applicable for the prediction of the energy values of feedstuffs and diets used in the poultry feed industry.

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência dos diferentes intervalos de coleta total de excretas sobre a digestibilidade e o valor energético de rações para frangos de corte. O ensaio metabólico foi conduzido no Setor de Avicultura do Departamento de Zootecnia da Universidade Federal de Lavras, em Lavras, MG, utilizando 72 pintos dos 30 aos 37 dias de idade, machos, da linhagem Cobb-500, distribuídos aleatoriamente em gaiolas metabólicas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 2x2 (dois alimentos – farelo de soja e farinha de carne e ossos – e duas metodologias de coleta – uma ou duas diárias) totalizando quatro tratamentos com quatro repetições de três aves cada. Os coeficientes de metabolizabilidade da matéria seca (CMMS), da proteína (CMPB) e da energia (CME) e os valores de energia metabolizável aparente (EMA) e aparente corrigida (EMAn) de cada alimento foram determinados utilizando a metodologia de substituição. As formas de coleta influenciaram o CMMS e os valores de EMA e EMAn apenas da farinha de carne e ossos. Conclui-se que a metodologia de coleta total de excretas em frangos de corte deve ser realizada em duas coletas diárias com a farinha de carne e ossos e, para o farelo de soja, apenas uma coleta diária é suficiente.

Summary The use of glycerol in the diets for animals is of interest because it is a residue of biodiesel production and rich in energy. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate metabolic and physiological parameters of rats receiving supplemental pure glycerol by gavage. We used 30 Wistar rats (initial weight 202.7 ± 29.98 g) receiving 0 (control/saline), 200, 400, 800 and 1600 mg glycerol/kg of body weight (bidistilled glycerine, 99.85% glycerol) beside food and water ad libitum for 28 days. We used a completely randomised design with five treatments and six replicates. At the end of the experiment, the animals were killed, and the results showed that there was no change (p > 0.05) in the intake and excretion of water, the average daily weight gain, dry matter, ash and crude protein in the carcass or plasma triacylglycerols. There was a beneficial effect (p

An experiment was conducted with broilers from 22 to 33 days of age to evaluate the efficiency of six microbial phytases supplemented in diets (1500 FTU/kg) that were formulated with three different calcium:available phosphorus (Ca:P(avail)) ratios (4.5:1.0, 6.0:1.0 and 7.5:1.0). A positive control diet without phytase was formulated with a Ca:P(avail) ratio of 7.5:3.4 to meet the nutritional requirements of the broilers. The P and ash contents of the tibia, magnesium in the plasma, performance, balance and retention of phytate phosphorus (P(phyt)), intake of total P and nitrogen (N), nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy and apparent digestibility of dry matter of the diets were not influenced (p > 0.05) by the type of phytase or the dietary Ca:P(avail) ratio. However, there was an interaction (p < 0.05) between the phytase type and the Ca:P(avail) ratio for the retention coefficients of total P, Ca and N. Phytase B resulted in the highest Ca deposition in the tibia (p < 0.01). Phytases D, E and F reduced the Ca concentrations in the tibia (p < 0.01) and plasma (p < 0.05). Phytase D increased the P level in the plasma and decreased the total P excretion (p < 0.01). Phytases E and F increased Ca excretion, while phytase A reduced it (p < 0.01). Regardless of the phytase type, increasing the dietary Ca:P(avail) ratio reduced (p < 0.05) the plasma P concentration and the excretion of total P and N and, conversely, increased (p < 0.05) the plasma concentration, intake and excretion of Ca. For the rearing period evaluated, it is possible to reduce the P(avail) of the diet to 1.0 g/kg when Ca is maintained at 7.5 g/kg, and the diet is supplemented with 1500 FTU of phytase A, C, D or E/kg. This diet allows the maintenance of performance and adequate bone mineralization, and it improves the Ca, total P and P(phyt) utilization in addition to reducing the excretion of N and P into the environment.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the behavior and performance of sows and piglets kept in different types of farrowing rooms: conventional farrowing room with jugglers and cages (CFR), CFR with a heated floor for the piglets alongside the sows (CFR+HF) and semi-outdoor farrowing room without a cage or heating floor but with access to a fenced field (SFR) during the tropical winter. Twenty-seven multiparous sows were allocated in three treatments and nine repetitions during 21 days. The relative humidity was higher at CFR and CFR+HF. The temperature of thigh and chest in contact with the floor and the neck were higher (P 0.09) the sows' and piglets' performances. SFR decreased the backfat thickness (P=0.03) and lactation efficiency, but did not affect milk production (P>0.12) or piglet performance (P>0.09). It is concluded that during tropical winter, conventional farrowing systems ensure better piglet performance compared to SFR but this last seems to improve the behavior of sows. The heating floor favors nursing and does not affect the welfare of sows.

The reduction of the available phosphorus (avP) content in the broiler diet must be followed by the supplementation of adequate phytase. One experiment was conducted with broilers from 15 to 28 days of age to determine the level of necessary phytase when the mashed diet is formulated with 0.213% of avP to enable the results of performance, tibia ash content, and calcium (Ca) utilization similar to those determined for birds fed with diet formulated to meet their nutritional requirements. Thus, 120 broilers were distributed in (4+1) x2 factorial arrangement corresponding to four deficient diets in avP (0.213%) supplemented with phytase (0; 750; 1,500 or 2,250FTU kg-1) plus one positive control diet without phytase (0.426% of avP), supplied to male and female broilers. Males showed better performance and higher totalP retention. Decrease in the avP content of the diet without phytase use worsened the performance, tibia ash content, and Ca retention; however, these parameters were improved gradually with the increase of the phytase level in the diet. Regardless of sex, using 2,250FTU kg-1, it is possible to reduce the avP to 0.213% without impairing performance, tibia ash content, and Ca retention; in addition to reducing the totalP excretion in 56.75% and improving its utilization in 38.58%. A redução do teor de fósforo disponível (Pdisp) na dieta de frangos deve ser acompanhada de adequada suplementação da fitase. Um experimento foi conduzido com frangos de corte, no período de 15 a 28 dias de idade, para determinar o nível de fitase necessário quando a ração farelada é formulada com 0,213% de Pdisp para permitir resultados de desempenho, teor de cinzas na tíbia e aproveitamento do cálcio (Ca) semelhantes ao determinado para aves alimentadas com uma dieta formulada para atender suas exigências nutricionais. Desse modo, 120 frangos foram distribuídos em esquema fatorial (4+1) x2, correspondendo a quatro rações deficientes em Pdisp (0,213%) suplementadas com fitase (0; 750; 1.500 ou 2.250FTU kg-1) mais uma ração controle positivo sem fitase (0,426% de Pdisp), fornecidas a frangos machos e fêmeas. Os machos apresentaram melhor desempenho e maior retenção de Ptotal. A redução do teor de Pdisp da dieta sem o uso de fitase piorou o desempenho, o teor de cinzas ósseas e a retenção do Ca, todavia, esses parâmetros foram gradativamente melhorados com o aumento do nível de fitase na ração. Independente do sexo, ao utilizar 2.250FTU kg-1, é possível reduzir o teor de Pdisp para 0,213% sem prejudicar o desempenho, teor de cinzas na tíbia e a retenção do Ca, além de reduzir a excreção do Ptotal em 56,75% e melhorar seu aproveitamento em 38,58%.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of different light sources on organ characteristics, bone development, chemical body composition and hepatic function of female Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) in different reproductive ages. In total, 210 female 1-day-old birds were housed in a brick shed, which was divided into six rooms during 12 weeks. Each room was equipped with a different type of light bulb (incandescent; compact fluorescent; and white, blue, red and green light-emitting diodes (LEDs)) and contained seven cages with five birds in each. The light intensity was 15 lx and the photoperiod was 23 h light and 1 h dark (23L:1D) during the first week, 10 L:14D from the second to the fifth week, and 17L:7D until the end of the experiment. The experimental design was completely randomised, with six treatments and seven replicates of each bird. The morphophysiological conditions of the birds were evaluated at the beginning (8 weeks) and during peak production (12 weeks). At 8 weeks, a higher intestine weight and length and liver weight were observed in birds maintained in white LED (P < 0.05). Lower breast weight (P < 0.01) was also observed with this type of lamp. White and red LEDs decreased (P < 0.05) the percentage of ash in the tibia, but this reduction did not affect (P > 0.05) bone resistance. At 12 weeks, higher bone resistance was obtained (P < 0.01) with white LED and higher eye diameter was observed (P < 0.05) with incandescent and white LED lamps. There was no influence (P > 0.05) of light sources on the circulating levels of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase. Fluorescent bulbs resulted in the highest (P < 0.05) level of γ-glutamyltransferase, while blue LED resulted in the lowest level. There was no influence (P > 0.05) of light sources on chemical body composition in any of the evaluated ages. It was concluded that the photostimulation of Japanese quail with white LED is more efficient to stimulate their organ development, especially the intestine, until 8 weeks of life, resulting in birds with better bone development during peak production.

According to scientific literature, glycerol in the diet can spare glucogenic amino acids by inhibiting the activity of enzymes, such as glutamate dehydrogenase, thereby promoting protein deposition in muscle tissues. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three sources of glycerine (crude glycerine from soybean oil--CGSO, mixed crude glycerine from frying oil and lard--MCG and a semipurified glycerine from soybean oil--SPGSO) in four concentrations in the diet (17.5, 35.0, 52.5 and 70.0 g of each type of glycerine/kg of feed) on the activity of hepatic glutamate dehydrogenase, performance and protein content in the breast of broilers, during 22-35 days of age (experiment I) and 33-43 days of age (experiment II). In both experiments, an increase in MCG induced a linear decline in glutamate dehydrogenase activity (p0.05). In contrast, increasing the concentration of SPGSO in the diet caused a linear increase in enzyme activity (p0.05). There was no (p0.05) isolated effect of glycerine on the enzyme activity in either evaluated phase; however, during 33-42 days of age, MCG inhibited (p0.05) the glutamate dehydrogenase activity by up to 34.43%. During 22-35 days of age, the diet containing SPGSO induced a higher protein content (p0.05) in the breast, and regardless of the source utilized, the maximum protein deposition was estimated (p0.05) when broilers were fed with 55.08 g glycerine/kg of diet. There was no (p0.05) interaction or isolated effects of the sources and levels of glycerine on the protein content in the breast of broilers at 33-42 days of age, and moreover, all diets containing glycerine promoted a similar protein deposition in the breast compared with birds that received the diet without glycerine. The bird age also showed to influence the feed intake and weight gain of broilers fed diet containing glycerine. It is concluded that for both rearing phases, an increase in glycerine in the diet did not necessarily reduce the glutamate dehydrogenase activity, and the protein deposition in the breast of broilers may not be strictly correlated with the activity of this enzyme.

Summary The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of three sources of glycerine (crude glycerine from soya bean oil – CGSO, mixed crude glycerine from frying oil and lard – MCG, and a semipurified glycerine from soya bean oil – SPGSO) in four concentrations in the diet (17.5, 35.0, 52.5 and 70.0 g of each type of glycerine per kg of feed) on the levels of plasmatic glycerol and the activity of the hepatic enzyme glycerol kinase in broilers of 22–35 days old (experiment I) and 33–42 days old (experiment II). The highest (p

The search for more precise information about the energy values of diets is an important factor in the preparation of feed for poultry. There are several factors that can influence these values, such as the chemical composition of foods, processing ingredients or the age and sex of birds. Such variations are constantly leading to incorrect formulations that directly reflect on performance and carcass quality. In this sense, the use of prediction equations based on the chemical composition of foods has been of great value and have been replacing the use of tables of food energy composition, especially when considering the principle of meta-analysis in the development of these equations. Meta-analysis consists of a statistical methodology where different experimental conditions are taken into consideration, such as genetic, density of creation, age, among other. In the literature, different prediction equations can be found, however, further studies consisting new databases to fit these equations and studies of performance with poultry comparing different equations and tables to estimate the energy value of feedstuffs are important to check the efficacy of these equations. New lines of research should be directed to draft the most appropriate equations to meet the needs of birds in various conditions, like different phases of growth, genetic, processing of foods and others.

Several researchers have developed prediction equations to estimate the metabolisable energy (ME) of energetic and protein concentrate feedstuffs used in diets for broilers. The ME is estimated by considering CP, ether extract, ash and fibre contents. However, the results obtained using traditional regression analysis methods have been inconsistent and new techniques can be used to obtain better estimate of the feedstuffs’ energy value. The objective of this paper was to implement a multilayer perceptron network to estimate the nitrogen-corrected metabolisable energy (AMEn) values of the energetic and protein concentrate feeds, generally used by the poultry feed industry. The concentrate feeds were from plant origin. The dataset contains 568 experimental results, all from Brazil. This dataset was separated into two parts: one part with 454 data, which was used to train, and the other one with 114 data, which was used to evaluate the accuracy of each implemented network. The accuracy of the models was evaluated on the basis of their values of mean squared error, R2, mean absolute deviation, mean absolute percentage error and bias. The 7-5-3-1 model presented the highest accuracy of prediction. It was developed an Excel® AMEn calculator by using the best model, which provides a rapid and efficient way to predict the AMEn values of concentrate feedstuffs for broilers.

Continuous advances in the poultry industry have stimulated the use of alternative feeds in poultry diets, and in particular glycerine, given its availability via the increase in world production o...

Reproductive tract development during puberty is critical to reproductive performance, and the light is crucial in this process in birds. However, in male quail, there is little information on the effects of types of lamps, more specifically the wavelength emitted. Thus, the objective was to evaluate the effects of types of lamps on the reproductive performance of male Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). Two hundred and forty male quail were exposed to six different types of lamp (incandescent, white fluorescent, or blue, white, red or green LED). The experimental design was completely randomized with six treatments and five replicates of one quail. Quail were slaughtered on days 35, 47, 57, 71 and 123 to evaluate the development of testes. On day 117, semen samples were analyzed and fertilized eggs were incubated. Body weight of the quails was influenced (P 0.01) by lamps only until the 47 days of age. Higher body weight until this age were observed with incandescent, blue and green LED bulbs. Fluorescent and red LED bulbs propitiated (P 0.05) early testicular development of quails but, at 57 days of age, higher testicular development was obtained (P 0.01) whit white LED bulbs. Lower testicular development was observed (P 0.01) at 123 days of age with the red LED. No influence of different types of lamps was observed (P 0.05) on the quality of semen nor on the fertility rates of quail. It is concluded that lamps can influence the histological reproductive characteristics of male quails, but without influencing the semen quality. Fluorescent bulbs and red LED seem to anticipate the sexual maturity, but the white LED results in higher testicular development at 57 days of age.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of different levels of soybean oil (SO) and crude protein (CP) on performance and physiological and hormonal parameters of pigs in high-temperature environment. Eighty-four growing pigs with initial weight of 36.9±3.0kg were assigned to treatments in 2×3 factorial arrangement of dietary treatments plus 1 [two levels of CP, 18% and 15.5%, and three levels of SO, 1.5%, 3.0%, and 4.5% with all pigs kept at room temperature of 32°C, and an additional treatment (control) with 18% CP and 1.5% SO with pigs kept at 22°C], in a randomized block design with the block being the initial weight. In animals maintained in the high-temperature environment, there was no interaction between CP and SO levels in any of the variables evaluated. The addition of SO improved (P

Neste estudo, foi proposta a utilização da análise de componentes principais, na formação de grupos homogêneos de artigos científicos, a serem considerados em uma meta-análise. Nessa meta-análise, foram utilizados resultados referentes à composição química e energia metabolizável aparente corrigida pelo balanço de nitrogênio (EMAn) de alimentos para aves, na obtenção de equações de predição da EMAn. Foram considerados 293 experimentos com resultados já publicados. Dados provenientes de ensaios metabólicos foram utilizados na validação das equações de predição obtidas, sendo que estas apresentaram resultados semelhantes às disponíveis na literatura. No procedimento de meta-análise, a formação de grupos homogêneos de resultados experimentais, que é uma das maiores dificuldades, foi facilitada com a utilização de componentes principais, uma vez que não houve a necessidade de determinar variáveis ou fatores a serem considerados nessa classificação. Assim, tem-se uma forma rápida e eficiente de definir tais grupos.

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the influence of nutritional correction on the partial diet replacement or pure-food methodology to determine the energy values (apparent metabolizable energy - AME and nitrogen-correct apparent metabolizable energy - AMEn) and coefficient of metabolizability of nutrients of maize. The method of total excreta collection was used, with 120 female Cobb 500® broilers weighing 1,339±3 g and at 28 days of age distributed in a completely randomized design with five replicates and four birds per experimental unit. The treatments were pure maize with three levels of nutritional correction (0, 50 and 100%) and a maize-replaced basal diet (400 g/kg) with two levels of correction (0 and 100%). The corrections were made in order to meet the nutritional requirements of calcium, available phosphorus and sodium yonder trace minerals, vitamins, choline, lysine, methionine + cystine, threonine and tryptophan. The AME and AMEn of maize and coefficient of metabolizability of dry matter were higher when correction at 100% was made, regardless of the methodology used (pure feed or replaced basal diet). The correction at 50% of nutrients increased the coefficient of metabolizability of crude protein in pure maize when compared with 0 or 100% of correction. The values determined with pure maize were lower than those determined with the method of partial replacement. The absence of nutritional correction underestimates the energy values and metabolizability of nutrients from maize.

Avaliou-se o efeito da inclusão de fitase em dietas com proteína bruta (PB) e fósforo disponível (Pd) reduzidos sobre o desempenho, rendimento de carcaça e cortes e quantidade de poluentes na cama de frangos dos 22 aos 42 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 1200 pintos aos 21 dias, média de peso inicial de 646±8g, distribuídos em blocos ao acaso em esquema fatorial 3x3+1 (três porcentagens de Pd - 0,2, 0,3 e 0,4% - e três de PB - 14, 16 e 18% - e um tratamento adicional, padrão) em seis repetições de 20 aves cada. A fitase (500FTU/kg) foi adicionada nas dietas com fósforo reduzido (0,2 e 0,3%). Aos 42 dias as aves foram abatidas e amostras das camas foram encaminhadas para análise. Em dietas com reduzido teor de PB, melhor desempenho e rendimento de carcaça e menor quantidade de fósforo, cálcio, potássio e zinco nas camas foram obtidos com 0,3% Pd+fitase. Menor quantidade de nitrogênio e potássio, porém com maior deposição de gordura abdominal e maior excreção de cobre, foram obtido com 14% de PB. Comparadas ao controle, dietas com 14% de PB e 0,3% de Pd reduziram a excreção de fósforo em 34%. Conclui-se que dietas com 14% de PB e 0,3% de Pd, suplementadas com fitase e aminoácidos cristalinos, podem ser utilizadas para frangos de corte dos 22 aos 42 dias. The effect of the inclusion of phytase in reduced crude protein (CP) and available phosphorus (aP) diets on performance, carcass and cut yields and the amount of pollutant elements in the litter of broilers from 22 to 42 days of age was evaluated. One thousand and two hundred male broilers at 21 days of age, initial weight of 646±8g, were distributed in randomized block design in factorial scheme 3x3+1 (three levels of aP - 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4% - and three of CP - 14, 16 and 18% - and an additional treatment, standard) in six repetitions of 20 birds each. Phytase (500 FTU/kg) was added in reduced phosphorus (0.2 and 0.3%) diets. At 42 days of age, the birds were sacrificed and samples of the litters were sent to the laboratory for analysis. In reduced-CP diets, the best performance and carcass yield and lesser quantity of phosphorus, calcium, potassium and zinc in the litter was obtained with 0.3% aP + phytase diets. The minor quantity of nitrogen and potassium in the litter, with higher abdominal fat deposition and excretion of cupper were obtained with 14% CP diets. Compared to control, diets with 14% CP and 0.3% aP reduced the excretion of phosphorus in 34%. It was concluded that diets with 14% CP and 0.3% aP, supplemented with phytase and crystalline amino acids, can be used in broilers from 22 to 42 days old.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and the pollutant excretion of broilers from 1 to 21 days of age fed diets with different levels of metabolizable energy (MEn), crude protein (CP) and available phosphorus (aP), supplemented with amino acids and phytase. To evaluate the performance, 1,350 Cobb broilers at one day of age (weight of 45.5 ± 0.9g) were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 4x2+1 factorial arrangement (four levels of MEn – 2,850; 2,950; 3,050 and 3,150 kcal/kg – and two of CP and aP – 17 with 0.34% and 19 with 0.25%, respectively, all with phytase, and an additional treatment – control, without phytase, with 21% PB, 3,000 kcal/kg MEn and 0.46% aP), in six replications with 25 birds. To evaluate the excretion of pollutants, 270 broilers at 14 days of age were allotted in metabolic cages in groups of five during seven days, using the same statistical design. Although the use of phytase reduced phosphorus and copper excretion, it decreased weight gain and increased feed conversion ratio in all studied nutritional plans. In phytase-diets, the energetic levels linearly reduced feed intake and improved feed conversion ratio and calcium and potassium excretion. Energy reduced the nitrogen, phosphorus and zinc excretion only in 17% CP and 0.34% aP diets. Crude protein reduction in phytase-diets improved feed conversion ratio and reduced nitrogen and potassium excretion. It was concluded that phytase decreases broiler performance until the third week of age when combined with reduced levels of CP and aP in diets. KEYWORDS: additive; enzyme; excrement quality; ideal protein; nutrition.

Understanding the metabolism of lipoproteins in birds is important to enable nutritionists to design diets aimed at obtaining better meat characteristics and egg quality, and can furnish useful information for future studies. In comparison to mammals, there are a number of expressive differences in the metabolism of lipids in birds, such as the transport of dietary lipids to the liver, hepatic lipogenesis and the presence of unique lipoproteins in the blood (portomicrons). Greater differences are found in egg-laying hens during the production phase, in which lipoproteins produced in the liver, under the action of oestrogen, are used for the formation of the egg yolk. The regulation of the lipid metabolism by hormones and the participation of key enzymes associated to advances in molecular biology techniques could assist in the genetic selection of more productive birds and better quality products for consumers.