Influence of homeopathy on the quality of quail eggs stored for different periods of time

The purpose of this trial was to assess the influence of homeopathy products on the diet of quails based on egg quality when submitted to different storage periods. Methodology: Two hundred, 45 day old Japanese quails and 80% of production were used, in a completely randomized design comprised of a 4x3 factorial, and 4 diets (basal feed, inert vehicle and 2 homeopathic products: Fertsigo® (Sulphur10 CH, Sepia 15CH ) and Ovosigo® (Belladonna 12CH,Silicea 12 CH, Natrum mur. 30CH, Calcarea phos. 30CH, Sulphur 12CH) and 3 storage periods (0 days, 7 days and 14 days) with ten repetitions of three eggs per treatment. The weight, percentages of yoke, albumen and shell, albumen height and yolk color, specific gravity, Haugh unit, yolk index and shell thickness were evaluated. The data were submitted to variance analysis to verify whether there was a interaction effect between homeopathy factors and storage time, and when absent, the isolated effects. Results: An interaction between the homeopathic products and time was found for the parameters of albumen height and yolk, Haugh unit and yolk index, which reduced over time. For egg weight, yolk, albumen and shell, a significant effect (p<0.05) was found only in the case of homeopathy for the percentages of albumen and shell. For egg and albumen weights, yolk and albumen percentages, specific gravity and colorimetry there was an effect for time, however these parameters reduced over the storage time in days. The addition of the homeopathic based products Ovosigo® and FertSigo® are indicated for the diets of Japanese quail during the laying phase since it resulted in better weights for the egg and its components. Conclusion: The different homeopathic products did not have an influence on conserving the quality of the Japanese quail eggs during the periods evaluated.

Estrategia de cruzamientos para el mejoramiento de pollos Camperos. Un proyecto colaborativo INTA-universidad / Crossing strategy for breeding Campero chickens. An INTA-university collaborative project

RESUMEN El pollo campero es un ave destinado a sistemas productivos alternativos al industrial. Campero INTA es un cruzamiento simple entre poblaciones sintéticas generadas por INTA en Pergamino. Estas poblaciones se han mantenido cerradas y con bajo tamaño efectivo con el consiguiente efecto detrimental asociado a fenómenos de depresión endogámica. Con el objetivo de disponer de una población doble propósito con adecuados niveles productivos de carne y huevos y de rusticidad para ser utilizada en sistemas semi-intensivos que preservan el bienestar animal, se implementó un programa de relevamiento del recurso genético disponible y se diseñó un plan de cruzamientos dirigido a la producción de un híbrido terminal de tres vías. La secuencia incluyó la evaluación de cinco poblaciones sintéticas maternas (A, E, DE, ES y CE), la selección de dos de ellas (ES y A), su caracterización en cruzamientos simples recíprocos [(ESxA) y (AxES)], la elección de la alternativa (ESxA) como progenitor femenino y su cruzamiento por gallos de la estirpe paterna mejorada AH' para la obtención como producto final del pollo Campero Casilda. La evaluación de su patrón de crecimiento, conformación corporal, relación de conversión y caracteres productivos a la faena indican que tanto los machos como las hembras cumplen, como aves destinadas a la producción de carne, con las exigencias establecidas en el protocolo respectivo. La evaluación de los caracteres productivos a la madurez sexual, el patrón dinámico de aumento de peso del huevo y las curvas de postura califican a las hembras para su utilización como ponedoras.

ABSTRACT Campero chicken is a bird destined to production systems alternative to the industrial one. Campero INTA is a two-way cross between synthetic populations generated by INTA in Pergamino. These populations have remained closed and with a low effective size with the consequent detrimental effect associated with inbreeding depression. To have a dual-purpose population with adequate meat and egg production levels and rusticity to be used in semi-intensive systems that preserve animal welfare, a survey program of the available genetic resource was implemented and a crossbreeding plan to produce a terminal three-way hybrid was designed. The sequence included the evaluation of five maternal synthetic populations (A, E, DE, ES and CE), the selection of two of them (ES and A), their characterization in two-way reciprocal crosses [(ESxA) and (AxES)], the choice of the alternative (ESxA) as female parent and its crossing by roosters of the improved paternal line AH' to obtain the Campero Casilda chicken as the final product. The evaluation of their growth pattern, body conformation, conversion ratio and productive characters at slaughter indicate that both males and females satisfied the requirements as birds destined for meat production established in the respective protocol. The evaluation of productive characters at sexual maturity, dynamic pattern of egg weight gain and laying curves allowed to qualify the females as layers.

The effect of dried white mulberry (Morus alba) pulp supplementation in diets of laying quail / El efecto de suplemento de pulpa de mora blanca seca (Morus alba) en la dieta de codorniz ponedora

ABSTRACT Objective. This study was conducted to research the effects of different levels of dried white mulberry (Morus alba) pulp supplementation in diets of laying quail on yield performances, egg quality, blood parameters, yolk fatty acid profiles and cholesterol concentrations. Materials and Methods. A completely randomized experimental design, with four treatments and four replicates, was applied. The experimental treatments were M0: control diet; M4: dietary inclusion of 4% mulberry pulp; M8: dietary inclusion of 8% mulberry pulp; M12: dietary inclusion of 12% mulberry pulp. This experiment was carried out for 4 weeks, and 128 7-week-old female quail were used. Results. Addition of dried mulberry pulp to the diet significantly affected weekly feed intake, egg yield, albumin index, yolk weight, triglyceride, LDL, serum cholesterol and yolk cholesterol levels (p<0.05, p<0.01). The feed conversion ratio, egg weight, and egg yolk fatty acid profile were not significantly affected by the dried mulberry pulp in the diet. Conclusions. As a result, it may be stated that adding dried mulberry pulp up to 8% of the diets of laying quail does not cause any adverse effects and may be used without any problems.

RESUMEN Objetivo. El presente estudio tiene por objetivo investigar los efectos de los diferentes niveles de suplemento de la pulpa de mora blanca seca (Morus alba) en las dietas de la codorniz ponedora, el rendimiento, la calidad del huevo, los parámetros sanguíneos, perfiles de los ácidos grasos de la yema y las concentraciones de colesterol. Materiales y Métodos. Fue aplicado un diseño experimental totalmente aleatorio, con cuatro tratamientos y cuatro réplicas. Los tratamientos experimentales fueron M0: dieta de control; M4: introducción de 4% de pulpa de mora en la dieta; M8: introducción de 8% de pulpa de mora en la dieta; M12: introducción de 12% de pulpa de mora en la dieta. Este experimento se llevó a cabo durante 4 semanas, y se utilizaron 128 codornices hembras de 7 semanas de edad. Resultados. La agregación de pulpa de morera seca a la dieta influyó notablemente en la ingesta semanal de piensos, la producción de huevos, el índice de albúmina, el peso de la yema, el triglicérido, LDL, los niveles de colesterol en el suero y el colesterol en la yema (p<0.05, p<0.01). La tasa de proporción de conversión del pienso, el peso del huevo y el perfil de ácidos grasos de la yema de huevo no se vieron afectados significativamente por la pulpa de mora seca en la dieta. Conclusiones. Como resultado, se puede señalar que la agregación de pulpa de more seca hasta el 8% de las dietas de codorniz ponedora no causa ningún efecto adverso y se puede utilizar sin ningún problema.

Inclusion of kaolin in the diet of brown egg layers at the end of the production cycle / Caulim na alimentação de poedeiras semipesadas ao final do ciclo produtivo

ABSTRACT: This study investigated the inclusion of kaolin levels in the diet of brown egg layers at the end of the production cycle. A completely randomized design involved the distribution of 288 brown egg layers into six treatments of eight replications, with six birds per replication. When the birds reached the age of 63 weeks, the feeding of the experimental diets began. Diets differed by the inclusion of increasing levels of kaolin: Control (no additive), and the inclusion of 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, and 5% kaolin. The performance, egg quality, intestinal morphometry, and excreta moisture were evaluated. The inclusion of kaolin promoted improvement in the jejunum villus height, enabling less feed intake; however, there were no significant differences in egg quality. The excreta moisture decreased linearly as the kaolin level in the diet increased. The inclusion of 5% kaolin in the diet of brown egg layers at the end of the production cycle improved intestinal morphometry and the quality of excreta through a reduction of moisture.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar a inclusão de níveis de caulim na dieta de poedeiras semipesadas ao final do ciclo de produção. Foram utilizadas 288 galinhas semipesadas distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com seis tratamentos de oito repetições, contendo seis aves por repetição. Quando as aves atingiram a idade de 63 semanas, foi iniciada a alimentação com as dietas experimentais. As dietas diferiam entre si pela inclusão de níveis crescentes de caulim: controle (sem aditivo); e a inclusão de 1, 2, 3, 4 e 5% de caulim na dieta. Foram avaliados o desempenho, a qualidade dos ovos, a morfologia intestinal e a umidade das excretas. A inclusão de caulim promoveu melhora na altura das vilosidades do jejuno, possibilitando menor consumo de ração. Não houve diferenças significativas para a qualidade dos ovos. A umidade das excretas diminuiu com o aumento do nível de caulim na dieta, respondendo de forma linear. A inclusão de caulim ao nível de 5% nas rações de poedeiras semipesadas ao final do ciclo de produção melhorou a morfometria intestinal e a qualidade dos excrementos por meio da redução de sua umidade.

Observational study on the breeding performance of emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) in Brazil / [Estudo observacional sobre o desempenho reprodutivo de emus (Dromaius novaehollandiae) no Brasil]

The objective of this study was to describe emus' breeding performance in Brazil at different ages, grouped in couples or colonies. The duration of the breeding season and the production of eggs per female housed were recorded, and the productivity and breeding variables were associated with the variation of the photoperiod. The total production of the flock was 180 eggs, and the breeding season lasted 167 days (April-September), a period with an average of 11 h and 11min of daylight. The breeding season lasted 113, 133 and 82 days, the numbers of eggs produced per female were 7.29, 25.67 and 17.3, and productivity values were 31.6, 38.6, and 45.4% in the groups of birds with ages of two, four and seven years, respectively. The breeding season in 2016 occurred between April and August in Brazil. Older birds tended to start breeding later. The production rate observations indicated that earlier peak production was associated with lower egg production potential. Finally, there was a tendency for better breeding performance of birds housed in couples than in groups with more birds.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi descrever o desempenho reprodutivo de emus de diferentes idades, agrupados em casais ou em colônias, no Brasil. A duração da estação reprodutiva e a produção de ovos por fêmea alojada foram registradas, a produtividade e as variáveis reprodutivas foram associadas às variações no fotoperíodo. A produção total do lote de aves foi de 180 ovos, e a estação reprodutiva durou 167 dias (abril-setembro), período que apresentou fotoperíodo médio de 11 horas e 11 minutos. Nos grupos de aves de dois, quatro e sete anos de idade, a estação reprodutiva durou 113,, 133 e 82 dias, o número de ovos por fêmea foi de 7,29, 25,67 e 17,3 e a produtividade foi de 31,6, 38,6 e 45,4%, respectivamente. A estação reprodutiva em 2016 ocorreu entre abril e agosto no Brasil. Aves mais velhas tenderam a iniciar o período reprodutivo mais tarde. As observações na taxa de produção podem indicar que quanto mais precoce o pico produtivo, menor o potencial de produção de ovos em emus. Houve a tendência ao melhor desempenho reprodutivo das aves alojadas em casais em comparação com as alojadas em colônias.(AU)

Phenotypic Time Trend in Performance Evaluation of Dahlem Red Chicken under Intensive Management in Himachal Pradesh

A study was conducted to evaluate the production performance of Dahlem Red chicken over three consecutive generations maintained in intensive system. Dahlem Red birds were initially procured from CPDO Chandigarh and further produced through selective breeding. Performance traits evaluated were growth (day old chick weight, 4th week body weight (BW), 8th week BW, 12th week BW, 20th week BW and 40th week BW), age at sexual maturity, hen housed egg production (HHEP), hen day egg production (HDEP) and survivor egg production (SEP) at 40, 52 and 72 weeks of age and egg weight at 28, 40 and 52 weeks of age. Analysis revealed positive phenotypic trend in 4 week (17.58 g), 8 week (56.35 g), 12 week body weight (133.5 g), age at first egg (5.5 days) and age at 25% HHEP (2.0 days). The hen housed and hen day egg production at 40, 52 and 72 weeks revealed positive phenotypic trend of 4.79 and 1.93, 15.83 and 8.31, 31.6 and 13.98 eggs respectively. Further, survivor egg production also showed positive trend estimates at 40 and 52 weeks. Declining trends were observed in SEP at 72 week, day old chick weight (-0.89 g), 20 week BW (-37.99 g), 40 week BW (-141.2 g) and egg weight at 28 week (-1.7 g), 40 week (-3.3 g) and 52 week (-2.3 g). The results indicated the effectiveness of the selection along with improved management for bringing improvement in production traits in successive generations

Effect of Cage or Deep Litter Housing on Production Performance of White Leghorn Chickens

The effect of cage or deep litter housing on production performance of White Leghorn was investigated in this experiment. A total 144 pullets of White Leghorn were randomly assigned to two treatments as; Cage housing and Deep litter housing. Results revealed that body weight at sexual maturity was significantly (P<0.05) lower in birds reared in cage than the deep litter housing. Moreover, lower feed intake was observed in birds kept in cages than that of deep litter housing. Feed conversion ratio in terms of feed intake/dozen eggs or feed intake/kg egg mass was better in birds reared in cages than the deep litter housing. The average hen day and hen house egg production were not affected due to different housing systems. Egg quality traits like albumen index, yolk index and Haugh unit score were significantly (P<0.05) higher for eggs produced by birds reared in cage housing than the deep litter housing. The profit of about 20% was observed in cage housing over deep litter housing. It was concluded that the lower feed consumption and body weight at sexual maturity, better feed conversion, egg quality and economic returns were achieved in cages compared to deep litter housing. However, cage or deep litter housing had no effect on egg production

Effect of Supplementation of Ginger Root Powder and Black Cumin Seed Powder on Performance of White Leghorn Layers

This study was conducted to investigate the effects of different levels of ginger root powder and black cumin seed powder alone or in combination on performance and egg production in laying hens. A total of 270 Leghorn laying hens of 28 weeks old were randomly distributed among nine groups with 30 layers in each treatment with three replications following the factorial design (32). Experimental diets consisted of 0.00%, 0.50% and 1.00% levels of ginger root powder and black cumin seed powder alone or in combination. The experimental period lasted for a total of 84 days and laying hens’ performance was measured. Non-significant effect was observed on feed intake due to supplementation of black cumin seed powder whereas, significant (P<0.05) effect was observed due to ginger root powder supplementation. T5 treatment group which was supplemented with 0.00% ginger root powder and 1.00% black cumin seed powder had significantly (P<0.01) highest egg weight, egg production and egg mass along with best feed conversion ratio. It can be concluded that supplementation of 1.00% level of black cumin seed powder was recommended for best layer performance.

Zika infection decreases Aedes aegypti locomotor activity but does not influence egg production or viability

BACKGROUND Zika has emerged as a new public health threat after the explosive epidemic in Brazil in 2015. It is an arbovirus transmitted mainly by Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. The knowledge of physiological, behavioural and biological features in virus-infected vectors may help the understanding of arbovirus transmission dynamics and elucidate their influence in vector capacity. OBJECTIVES We aimed to investigate the effects of Zika virus (ZIKV) infection in the behaviour of Ae. aegypti females by analysing the locomotor activity, egg production and viability. METHODOLOGY Ae. aegypti females were orally infected with ZIKV through an artificial feeder to access egg production, egg viability and locomotor activity. For egg production and viability assays, females were kept in cages containing an artificial site for oviposition and eggs were counted. Locomotor activity assays were performed in activity monitors and an average of 5th, 6th and 7th days after infective feeding was calculated. FINDINGS No significant difference in the number of eggs laid per females neither in their viability were found between ZIKV infected and non-infected females, regardless the tested pair of mosquito population and virus strain and the gonotrophic cycles. Locomotor activity assays were performed regardless of the locomotor activity in ZIKV infected females was observed, in both LD and DD conditions. MAIN CONCLUSIONS The lower locomotor activity may reduce the mobility of the mosquitoes and may explain case clustering within households reported during Zika outbreaks such as in Rio de Janeiro 2015. Nevertheless, the mosquitoes infected with ZIKV are still able to disseminate and to transmit the disease, especially in places where there are many oviposition sites.

Niveles de calcio para codornices en postura / Calcium levels in layers quail / Níveis de cálcio para codornas em postura

Resumen Con el objetivo de evaluar el efecto de los niveles de calcio en la dieta sobre los parámetros productivos de codornices, fue realizado este trabajo en la Unidad de codornices de la Universidad de los Llanos, con 240 codornices de 75 días de edad y 151,9 ± 8,5 g de peso, durante 26 semanas, distribuidas en un diseño experimental completamente al azar, con cuatro tratamientos, seis repeticiones y 10 aves por repetición, para un total de 24 unidades experimentales. Las aves fueron alojadas en jaulas de alambre, en módulos de cinco pisos con tres divisiones por piso, dotadas de comederos lineales y bebederos automáticos. Los tratamientos fueron elaborados con inclusiones de carbonato de calcio (4,9; 5,28; 5,67 y 6,06) para constituir dietas con niveles de 2,30; 2,45; 2,60 y 2,75% de calcio. Los niveles de calcio influyeron (p<0,05) la producción de huevos (80,19; 81,76; 71,67 y 79,15%), el consumo diario de ración (24,26; 24,76; 24,50 y 24,53 g/ave/ día), la conversión alimenticia por docenas de huevo (0,333; 0,340; 0,389 y 0,347) y la conversión por masa de huevo (2,77, 2,84, 3,24 y 2,89). Sobre el peso del huevo (10,91; 10,69; 10,55 y 10,74 g) no hubo efectos (P>0,05). En conclusión, el nivel de calcio que permite obtener mejores parámetros productivos se estima en 2,48%.

Abstract In order to evaluate the effect of calcium levels in the diet on performance of quails it was performed this work in quail Unit of the University of the Llanos, with 240 quails 75 days old and 151.9 ± 8.5 g weight for 26 weeks, distributed in a completely randomized experimental design, with four treatments, six replications and 10 birds per repetition, for a total of 24 experimental units. The birds were housed in wire cages, five-storey modules with three divisions per floor, equipped with linear feeders and automatic drinkers. Treatments were made by inclusions of limestone (4.9; 5.28; 5.67 and 6.06) for diets 2.30; 2.45; 2.60 and 2.75% calcium. Calcium levels influenced egg production (80.19, 81.76, 71.67 and 79.15%), daily feed intake (24.26; 24.76; 24.50 and 24.53 g / bird / day), feed conversion per dozen eggs (0.333, 0.340, 0.389 and 0.347) and mass conversion Egg (2.77, 2.84, 3.24 and 2.89) on egg weight (10.91; 10.69; 10.55 and 10.74 g) there was no effect (P> 0 05). In conclusion, the level of calcium that leads to better production parameters is 2.48%.

Resumo Para avaliar o efeito dos níveis de cálcio na dieta sobre os parâmetros produtivos de codornas, este trabalho foi realizado na Unidade de Codornas da Universidade dos Llanos, com 240 codornas de 75 dias de idade e 151,9 ± 8,5 g de peso, durante 26 semanas, distribuídos em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos, seis repetições e 10 aves por repetição, para um total de 24 unidades experimentais. As aves foram alojadas em gaiolas de arame, em módulos de cinco andares com três divisões por andar, equipadas com comedouros lineares e bebedouros automáticos. Os tratamentos foram elaborados com inclusões de carbonato de cálcio (4.9, 5.28, 5.67 e 6.06) para formar dietas com níveis de 2,30; 2,45; 2,60 e 2,75% de cálcio. Os níveis de cálcio influenciaram (p <0,05) a produção de ovos (80,19, 81,76, 71,67 e 79,15%), consumo diário de ração (24,26, 24,76, 24,50 e 24,53 g / ave / dia), a conversão alimentar por dúzia de ovos (0,333, 0,340, 0,389 e 0,347) e a conversão por massa de ovo (2,77, 2,84, 3,24 e 2,89). No peso do ovo (10,91, 10,69, 10,55 e 10,74 g), não houve efeitos (P> 0,05). Em conclusão, o nível de cálcio que permite obter melhores parâmetros produtivos é estimado em 2,48%.

Canonical correlation analysis applied to production and reproduction traits of meat type quails / Análise de correlações canônicas aplicada em características de produção e reprodução em codorna de corte

ABSTRACT: Data from 629 meat type quails were used to study association between two different sets of traits: egg production and reproduction. Traits related to reproduction were: body weight at 42 days (W42), average egg weight (AEW), age at sexual maturity (ASM); and production traits: number of eggs produced from 42 until 182th day considering intervals of 35 days each period (P1, P2, P3 and P4). Canonical correlations were used to describe the association between these two sets of traits. The canonical coefficients indicated that egg production and reproductive traits were moderately related (0.3475). The first partial period of production (P1) and age at sexual maturity were the most relevant traits among the analyzed variables. Results show that selecting animals with lower age at sexual maturity might lead to an increase on number of eggs produced until 77 days, although it might also lead to a decrease on egg weight. Breeding programs aiming to improve quails production should consider selection strategies to decrease age at sexual maturity and then, as correlated response, increased egg production might be observed.

RESUMO: Dados de 629 matrizes de codornas de corte foram utilizados para estudar a associação entre características de reprodução e produção de ovos. As características analisadas foram: peso corporal aos 42 dias (W42), peso médio de ovos (AEW) e idade à maturidade sexual (ASM), que compôs as características reprodutivas; e números de ovos produzidos a partir do 42o dia, divididos em intervalos de 35 dias cada (P1, P2, P3 e P4), que integrou o grupo de características de produção. Para análise de associação, foi utilizada a análise de correlação canônica entre os dois conjuntos de características. Os coeficientes canônicos indicaram que os conjuntos de características de produção de ovos e reprodutivas são dependentes, correlacionando-se moderadamente (0,3475). Entre as variáveis avaliadas, o primeiro período parcial de produção de ovos e a idade à maturidade sexual foram as mais importantes. Os resultados indicam que a seleção para menor idade à maturidade sexual resultaria em aumento no número de ovos produzidos até 77 dias de idade, embora essa seleção possa resultar em diminuição do peso de ovo. Conclui-se que a seleção de aves deve ser efetuada para menor maturidade sexual, pois, assim, estará selecionando também aves para maior produção de ovos.

RECOMENDACIÓN DE NIVELES DE LISINA DIGESTIBLE PARA CODORNICES JAPONESAS EN PERIODO DE POSTURA / DIGESTIBLE LYS INE LEVELS FOR JAPANESE QUAIL IN LAYING PHASE

Este trabajo fue realizado en la Universidad de los Llanos, con el objetivo de estimar el nivel de lisina digestible para máxima producción de huevos. Se utilizaron 240 codornices japónicas comerciales de 70 días de edad y 159 ± 9 g de peso corporal, distribuidas en un diseño experimental completamente al azar, con cuatro tratamientos, seis repeticiones y 10 aves por repetición, durante 26 semanas. Las aves fueron alojadas en jaulas de alambre galvanizado proporcionando 0,016 m²/codorniz, cada jaula estaba dotada de comedero lineal, bebedero automático y bandejas para recolección de heces. Las dietas experimentales fueron granuladas, isoprotéicas e isoenergéticas con cuatro niveles de suplementación (0,00% tratamiento testigo, 0,153%, 0,306% y 0,459%) de L-lisina-HCl (78,5%) que resultó en dietas con 0,916%; 1,036%; 1,156% y 1,276% de lisina digestible. Los resultados fueron sometidos a análisis de varianza y de regresión polinomial. Hubo efecto cuadrático (p < 0,01) sobre la producción de huevos (81,44%; 84,43%; 83,01%; 80,72%) y lineal (p < 0,01) sobre el consumo diario de lisina (229,2; 257,2; 285,1; 313,5 mg) de los niveles de lisina digestible. Para las variables peso del huevo (10,81; 10,46; 10,41 y 10,55 g), consumo diario de ración (25,01; 24,83; 24,71; 24,57 g), conversión alimenticia kg de ración/docenas de huevos (0,368; 0,353; 0,357; 0,365) y conversión alimenticia de kg de ración/kg de huevo (2,84; 2,81; 2,86; 2,89) no hubo efectos (p > 0,05) de los niveles de lisina. En conclusión, el requerimiento de lisina digestible que maximiza la producción de huevos en codornices japonesas se estimó en 1,079%, con raciones conteniendo 19,18% de proteína bruta.

This research was conducted at University of the Llanos, in order to estimate the level of digestible lysine for maximum egg production. 240 quail japonica commercial line of 70 days of age and 159 ± 9 g body weight, distributed in a completely randomized experimental design, with four treatments, six replicates and 10 birds per experimental unit, during 26 weeks were used. The birds were housed in cages of galvanized wire providing 0.016 m2 / quail; each cage was equipped with linear feeder, automatic drinking and trays to collect feces. The experimental diets were pelleted, isoproteic and isocaloric with four levels of supplementation (control treatment 0.00%, 0.153%, 0.306% and 0.459%) of L-lysine-HCl (78.5%) resulting in diets with 0.916%; 1.036%; 1.156% and 1.276% of digestible lysine. The results were subjected to analysis of variance and polynomial regression. There was quadratic effect (p < 0.01) of digestible lysine levels on egg production (81.44%, 84.43%, 83.01%; 80.72%) and linear (p < 0.01) on lysine daily intake (229.2; 257.2; 285.1; and 313.5 mg). For variables egg weight (10.81; 10.46; 10.41; and 10.55 g), daily intake (25.01; 24.83; 24.71 and 24.57 g), feed conversion kg of food/dozen eggs (0.368; 0.353; 0.357; 0.365) and feed conversion food kg/kg of egg mass (2.84; 2.81; 2.86 and 2.89) there was no significant effect (p > 0.05) of digestible lysine levels in the diet. In conclusion, the requirement of digestible lysine to maximize egg production in Japanese quail is estimated at 1.079%, with diets containing 19.18% crude protein.

Exigência de lisina digestível para poedeiras semipesadas de 50 a 66 semanas de idade / Digestible lysine requirement for laying hens from 50 to 66 weeks of age

Com o objetivo de determinar a exigência de lisina digestível para poedeiras semipesadas no período de 50 a 66 semanas de idade, foi realizado experimento utilizando-se 150 poedeiras Shaver Brown, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos (níveis de lisina digestível: 0,79; 0,82; 0,85; 0,88 e 0,91%), seis repetições e cinco aves por unidade experimental. Foram avaliados a produção de ovos, peso médio e a massa de ovos, consumo de ração e de lisina, conversão alimentar por massa e por dúzia de ovos, gravidade específica, unidade Haugh, o índice de gema e albúmen, porcentagem de albúmen, gema e casca. O consumo de ração, a conversão alimentar por massa e dúzia de ovos, a produção, o peso e a massa de ovos não foram influenciados (P>0,05) pelos níveis de lisina digestível. Houve aumento linear no consumo de lisina (P<0,01) com o incremento dos níveis desse aminoácido nas rações. As porcentagens de albúmen, gema e casca não foram influenciadas (P>0,05) pelos níveis de lisina digestível estudados. Os níveis de lisina influenciaram de forma quadrática (P>0,05) a unidade Haugh e o índice de albúmen, sendo estimados os níveis de 0,884 e 0,868% de lisina digestível, respectivamente. Para o índice de gema, a associação do modelo quadrático ao Linear Response Plateau (LRP) estimou o nível de 0,903% de lisina digestível. Quando o objetivo é maximizar a qualidade interna dos ovos, recomenda-se o nível dietético de 0,884%, 0,868% e 0,903% de lisina digestível para unidade Haugh, índice de albúmen e índice de gema, respectivamente.

With the objective of determining the requirement of digestible lysine for brown-egg laying hens in the period from 50 to 66 weeks of age, an experiment was carried out using 150 Shaver Brown laying hens, distributed in a completely randomized design, with five treatments (digestible lysine levels: 0.79, 0.82, 0.85, 0.88 and 0.91%), six replications and five birds per experimental unit. The production of eggs, weight and the egg mass, feed intake and lysine, feed mass and dozen eggs, specific gravity, Haugh unit, yolk and albumen index, percentage of albumen, yolk and bark were analyzed. Feed intake, feed conversion per dozen of eggs s and per egg mass, egg production, egg weight and egg mass were not influenced (P>0.05) by digestible lysine levels. There was a linear increase in lysine intake (P<0.01) with increasing levels of this amino acid in the diets. The albumen, yolk and shell percentages were not influenced (P>0.05) by studied digestible lysine levels. Lysine levels had a quadratic effect (P>0.05) Haugh unit and albumen index being estimated as 0.884 and 0.868% digestible lysine levels, respectively. For yolk index, the association of the quadratic model to Linear Response Plateau (LRP) estimated the level of 0.903% digestible lysine. When the aim is to maximize the internal egg quality, a dietary level of 0.884%, 0.868% and 0.903% digestible lysine for Haugh unit, albumen index and yolk index, respectively is recommended.

Inclusion of canthaxanthin and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in the diet of broiler breeders on performance and incubation parameters / Inclusão de cantaxantina e 25-hidroxicolecalciferol na dieta de matrizes de corte sobre desempenho e parâmetros de incubação

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of a diet containing canthaxanthin and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) on the production and reproductive performances of Cobb 500 broiler breeders aged 53 to 61 weeks. The study included 36,000 Cobb 500 female and 3,600 male broiler breeders aging 51 weeks. The birds were housed in three poultry houses divided into four plots, totaling 12 experimental units each containing 3,000 females and 300 males. The birds received the following treatments: control diet (without the studied additives) or the control diet with the addition of 60mg kg-1feed of 25-(OH)-D3 and canthaxanthin feed (6mg of canthaxanthin and 2,760,000IU of 25-(OH)-D3 per kg of feed) per the supplier's recommendations. The experimental design used was a randomized complete block design with two treatments and six replicates. The results were subjected to analysis of variance followed by the F-test. The treatments had no effect on egg production, usability of eggs and number of incubatable eggs per bird housed. The inclusion of canthaxanthin and 25-(OH)-D3 in the diet reduced embryonic mortality while increasing egg yolk pigmentation, hatching percentage, and number of viable chicks produced per bird. Therefore, the use of 60mg kg-1of 25-(OH)-D3 plus canthaxanthin is recommended in the diet of Cobb 500 broiler breeders aging 53 to 61 weeks to improve important reproductive traits that have great economic impacts on poultry farms.

O objetivo deste experimento foi avaliar dietas contendo Cantaxantina e 25-hidroxicolecalciferol (25-OH-D3) sobre o desempenho produtivo e reprodutivo de matrizes de corte da linhagem Cobb 500, de 53 até 61 semanas de idade. Foram utilizadas 36.000 fêmeas e 3.600 machos com 51 semanas de idade, reprodutores de corte Cobb 500. As aves foram alojadas em três aviários divididos em 4 parcelas, totalizando 12 unidades experimentais, cada uma contendo 3.000 fêmeas e 300 machos. As aves foram submetidas aos seguintes tratamentos: dieta controle (sem os aditivos em estudo) ou dieta com adição de 60mg kg-1de ração de 25-(OH)-D3 e Cantaxantina (6mg de cantaxantina e 2.760.000UI de 25-(OH)-D3 por kg de ração), conforme recomendações do fornecedor. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, com dois tratamentos e seis repetições. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância e posteriormente aplicou-se o teste F. Não houve efeito dos tratamentos sobre as variáveis produção de ovos, aproveitamento de ovos e número de ovos incubáveis por ave alojada. A inclusão de Cantaxantina e de 25-(OH)-D3 na dieta reduziu a mortalidade embrionária e aumentou a pigmentação da gema dos ovos, o percentual de eclosão e o número de pintos viáveis produzidos por ave. Portanto, recomenda-se a utilização de 60mg kg-1de 25-(OH)-D3 mais Cantaxantina na dieta de matrizes de corte da linhagem Cobb 500, de 53 a 61 semanas de idade, para melhorar importantes características reprodutivas que têm grande impacto econômico para as empresas avícolas.

Efeito dos níveis de energia para poedeiras comerciais no período final de produção sobre o desempenho, a conversão alimentar e energética e a qualidade de ovos / Effect of energy levels for old layers on performance, feed and energy conversion ratios and egg quality

Foram utilizadas 1200 poedeiras comerciais da linhagem Lohmann LSL, com 64 semanas, em gaiolas convencionais. Estas foram divididas em cinco grupos, de acordo com o nível de energia metabolizável aparente corrigida pelo nitrogênio (EMAn) presente em sua dieta: 2700kcal/kg; 2775kcal/kg; 2850kcal/kg; 2925kcal/kg; e 3000kcal/kg, com seis repetições. As aves receberam as rações, á base de milho e farelo de soja, por 16 semanas. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, e as médias foram submetidas à regressão polinomial e ao teste de Kruskal-Wallis. O aumento de EMAn não exerceu efeito sobre a produção, a massa e o peso de ovos, bem como sobre o peso das aves e a viabilidade. O consumo de ração diminuiu de acordo com o aumento na energia da dieta, porém a conversão energética foi pior com esse aumento. Em contrapartida, a conversão alimentar melhorou o aumento dos níveis de EMAn. O consumo de EMAn é constante independentemente do seu nível dietético. Não há diferença nas unidades Haugh, nos sólidos da gema e na porcentagem dos componentes do ovo. O peso específico melhora com o aumento dos níveis de EMAn. Os níveis nutricionais para poedeiras velhas podem estar sendo superestimados.

A total of 1200 Lohmann LSL laying hens, with 64 weeks of age in conventional cages was used. These were divided into five groups according to the level of apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen retention (AMEn) present in the diet: 2700kcal/kg; 2775kcal/kg; 2850kcal/kg; 2925kcal/kg and 3000kcal/kg, with six replicates. The birds received the diets based on corn and soybean meal for 16 weeks. The experimental design was completely randomized and the means were submitted to polynomial regression and the Kruskal-Wallis test. The increased level of AMEn had no effect on production, egg mass and weight. There was no influence of AMEn on bird weight, egg weight and viability. Feed intake decreased with increasing levels, however, and the conversion of AMEn was worse with its increase, and in return feed conversion worsened with increasing consumption. AMEn is constant regardless of the level of the feed. There is no difference in Haugh units, yolk solids and percentage of egg components. The specific gravity improves with increasing levels of AMEn. The nutritional levels for older laying hens may be overestimated.

Impact of Training on Rural Chicken Production Reared By Women in Islamabad/ Rawalpindi Pakistan.

Aim: To study the impact of training given to female farmers under the poultry extension women worker on the status of rural chicken production in Islamabad/Rawalpindi area. Study Design: The data were analyzed using General Linear Model procedures. The statistical model was constructed to ascertain the effect of breeds, season, health coverage program and training received by female farmers on egg production and mortality in chicks. Place and Duration of Study: Poultry Research Institute, Murree Road, Shamsabad, Rawalpindi, Pakistan, between July 2011 and June 2012 Methodology: The study contained data collection (prior to and after getting training in rural chicken production over a one year period) from 100 female farmers who were willing to join female farmers groups and get training from extension workers. These one hundred female farmers were primarily selected from 150 farmers at random, keeping in view their zeal for joining female farmer groups. The training included skill development, production, and breeding of highly productive stock, care of the newly hatched chicks, housing, feeding, disease prevention, and hygienic measures, control of external and internal parasites, egg selection and storage, hatchability of eggs, and its requirements, selection and culling of birds, vaccination schedule. Results: Significantly lower flock size was maintained by female farmers before getting training (12.4 numbers) than after training (23.44 numbers). Egg production, per bird, was significantly lower prior to training (37.7 eggs) than after training (75.2 eggs). A significantly higher number of eggs per capita per year were available for farmers after training (140 eggs) than before training (87 eggs). However, per capita egg consumption was not improved by training. Mean overall mortality per flock were significantly higher before training (45.5%) than after training (13.5%). Eggs were stored for a longer duration in summer (6.80) and winter (15 days) for hatching prior to training than after training (4.09 and 7.75 days, respectively). A significantly higher number of eggs (18.0 eggs) were set under a broody hen before training than after training (12.6 eggs). Hatchability per number of eggs set was significantly lower before training (59.0%) than after training (75.5%). Ninety percent female farmers were adopted vaccination practice, whereas, 21.0 percent female farmers were already vaccinating their birds prior to training. Conclusion: Training significantly improved rural chicken production by female farmers. Overall training improved the poultry production practices through better adaptation of new techniques by female farmers. Most of female farmers adopted vaccination schedule after training.

Avaliação de probiótico na alimentação de poedeiras comerciais no segundo ciclo de postura / Evaluation of probiotics in feed for laying hens in the second cycle stance

Avaliou-se o efeito da inclusão de probiótico sobre o desempenho e a qualidade dos ovos de poedeiras semipesadas no segundo ciclo de postura. Foram utilizadas 450 aves com 69 semanas de idade, distribuídas aleatoriamente em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em cinco tratamentos, seis repetições e 15 aves por unidade experimental. A ração experimental foi à base de milho e farelo de soja e suplementada com probiótico composto por Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus faecium e Bifidobacterium bifidum. O experimento teve a duração de 16 semanas e foi dividido em quatro períodos de 28 dias cada, nos quais as aves receberam cinco rações experimentais contendo diferentes porcentagens de inclusão de probiótico, 0; 0,05; 0,10; 0,15 e 0,20%. Não foi observado efeito (P>0,05) da inclusão de probiótico sobre o desempenho e a qualidade dos ovos de galinhas poedeiras no segundo ciclo de postura. A inclusão de 0,10% de probiótico influenciou negativamente a gravidade específica dos ovos. A utilização de probiótico para galinhas no segundo ciclo de postura não interfere na produção e na qualidade dos ovos.

Evaluating the effect of the inclusion of probiotic on the performance and egg quality of laying hens in the second laying cycle, 450 birds were used at 69 weeks of age, distributed in a completely randomized design, in five treatments, six replicates and 15 poultries per experimental unit. The experimental diets were based on corn and soybean meal and supplemented with increasing levels of probiotic consisting of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Streptococcus faecium, and Bifidobacterium bifidum. The experiment lasted 16 weeks, divided into four periods of 28 days each, in which the birds were fed five experimental diets containing different percentages of probiotic inclusion, 0; 0.05; 0.10; 0.15 and 0.20%, in the period from 69 to 85 weeks of age. There was no effect (P> 0.05) of the inclusion of probiotic on performance and egg quality of laying hens in the second laying cycle. The inclusion of 0.10% of probiotic negatively influenced the specific gravity of eggs. The probiotic used for laying hens in the second cycle does not interfere in production and egg quality.

Níveis de treonina digestível para codorna japonesa na fase de produção / Digestible threonine levels for laying japanese quail

Avaliou-se a exigência de treonina digestível para a codorna japonesa em postura. Foram utilizadas 400 codornas, durante 63 dias. Utilizou-se delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos, oito repetições e 10 aves por unidade experimental. A dieta basal foi deficiente em treonina, contendo 17,8% de proteína bruta, 2.900kcal de EM/kg, sendo suplementada com quatro níveis de L- treonina 98% (0,000; 0,052; 0,104; 0,156 e 0,208%), correspondendo à relação treonina digestível:lisina digestível de 0,55; 0,60; 0,65; 0,70 e 0,75, respectivamente. Os parâmetros estudados foram: consumo de ração, consumo de treonina, produção de ovo, peso do ovo, massa de ovos, conversão alimentar por massa de ovos, conversão alimentar por dúzia de ovos, componentes dos ovos (gema, albúmen e casca) e gravidade específica. Observou-se aumento linear (P<0,01) somente para o consumo de treonina. Conclui-se que, para proporcionar os melhores resultados de desempenho e qualidade de ovos, a codorna japonesa exige 0,55% de treonina digestível, para um consumo diário de 144,61mg de treonina digestível/ave, correspondendo à relação treonina digestível: lisina digestível de 0,55.

This experiment was conducted to determine the digestible threonine requirement for laying Japanese quail. Four hundred quails were used during 63 days. A completely randomized experimental design was used with five treatments, eight replicates and ten quails per experimental unit. The basal diet was deficient in threonine, containing 17.8% crude protein, 2.900kcal of ME/kg and supplied with four levels of L-threonine 98% (0.000; 0.052; 0.104; 0.156 and 0.208%), corresponding digestible threonine: digestible lysine ratio 0.55; 0.60; 0.65; 0.70 and 0.75, respectively. The following parameters were evaluated: feed intake, threonine intake, egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion per egg mass, feed conversion per egg dozen, egg quality (yolk, albumen and shell) and specific gravity. Linear increase (P<0.01) was only observed in the threonine intake. The conclusion is that the Japanese quail demand 0.55% of digestible threonine to provide the best productive performance and quality of eggs, a daily consumption of 144.61 mg of digestible threonine/quail, corresponding to the digestible threonine: digestible lysine ratio of 0.55.

Aplicação estratégica do balanço eletrolítico em dietas para matrizes pesadas / Strategic application of electrolytic balance in diets for broiler breeders

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi de avaliar o efeito da utilização do conceito de equilíbrio eletrolítico das dietas sobre o desempenho de matrizes de corte. Foram utilizadas 57.000 matrizes pesadas, da linhagem Cobb 500, entre 55 e 62 semanas de idade distribuídas em dois grupos de três galpões que receberam de forma alternada (dois ciclos de quatro semanas) rações que seguiam ou não o conceito de equilíbrio eletrolítico. Foram avaliados o consumo de ração, produtividade, aproveitamento de ovos, mortalidade, produção semanal de ovos/ave e conversão alimentar. O mesmo conceito foi extrapolado para quatro galpões comerciais, de 6.300 aves cada (linhagem Ross), desde a fase de pré-postura, sendo aplicado em dois destes galpões o conceito de equilíbrio eletrolítico. Observou-se, no período de utilização da ração que seguia o conceito de equilíbrio eletrolítico, menor mortalidade (0,285 por cento vs. 0,525 por cento; P<0,05), maior produtividade (56,63 por cento vs. 55,69 por cento; P<0,05) e maior produção semanal de ovos (3,96 vs. 3,88ovos; P<0,05) com melhor conversão alimentar (267 vs. 273g ovo-1; P<0,05). Nos galpões comerciais, foi possível observar diferença na curva de produção, mortalidade e eclosão, resultando em uma produção de 13,87 pintinhos vendáveis a mais no galpão com conceito de equilíbrio eletrolítico. A adoção do conceito de equilíbrio eletrolítico com 180mEq kg-1 para matrizes pesadas melhora a produção de ovos e conversão alimentar e reduz a mortalidade de matrizes de corte.

The aim of this trial was to evaluate the effect of the use of the electrolytic balance concept on broiler breeder's performance. A total of 57.000 Cobb 500 breeders between 55 and 62 weeks of age were used to verify the influence of eletrolitic balance on flock productive parameters . The birds were distributed in two groups of three houses each that received at an alternated way (two cycles of four weeks) feeds formulated with or without the eletrolitic balance concept. It was evaluated feed consumption, productivity, hatched eggs, mortality, egg production/bird and feed conversion. The same concept was used in four commercial houses of 6300 birds each (Ross line), since the pre laying, applied to two of this commercial houses,the concept of electrolyte balance. It was observed during the use of feed that followed the eletrolitic balance concept, lower mortality (0.285 percent vs 0.525 percent; P<0.05), higher productivity (56.63 percent vs 55.69 percent; P<0.05), higher weekly egg production (3.96 vs 3.88eggs; P<0.05) and lower feed conversion (267 vs 273g egg-1; P<0.05). At the commercial houses it was possible to observe a difference in the yield curve mortality and hatching resulting in a higher production of 13.87 more salable eggs in commercial houses with the eletrolitic balance concept. The adoption of the eletrolitic balance concept of 180mEq kg-1 for broiler breeders improve the egg production and feed conversion and reduced mortality of broiler breeders.

Comparative reproductive biology of the social parasite Acromyrmex ameliae de Souza, Soares & Della Lucia and of its host Acromyrmex subterraneus subterraneus Forel (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)

Social parasites exhibit several characteristics that allow them to exploit their host species efficiently. The smaller size of parasite species is a trait commonly found in ants. In this work, we investigated several aspects of the reproductive biology of Acromyrmex ameliae De Souza, Soares & Della Lucia, a recently discovered parasite of Acromyrmex subterraneus subterraneus Forel. Sexuals of A. ameliae are substantially smaller than those from host species. Parasite queens laid significantly less worker eggs than host queens and inhibit sexual production of the host. The sex ratio of parasite species is highly female biased. Interestingly, we have observed parasite coupling on the laboratory, inside the nests and in the ground, opening the possibility to use controlled mating to study genetic approaches of parasitism in the ants.