Characterization of internal transcribed spacer-1 and apical membrane antigen-1 sequences provides insights into the genetic diversity of Eimeria tenella strains

@#Coccidiosis is a major recurring problem in the poultry industry and is caused by infection of one or more of the seven Eimeria species known to infect chickens, with Eimeria tenella among the best studied and economically important. Studies on the genetic diversity of E. tenella strains is essential for the development of universally acceptable diagnostic markers and vaccines against the disease. Eimeria tenella internal transcribed spacer-1 (ITS-1) and apical membrane antigen-1 (AMA-1) sequences from different parts of the world are available in the public domain and therefore provide suitable comparative markers for genetic diversity study. In this study, the ITS-1 and AMA-1 sequence diversity of two local E. tenella strains, namely EtNSN6 and EtSGR6 were characterized. Both ITS-1 and AMA-1 sequences for EtNSN6 and EtSGR6 were retrieved by mapping to their respective genome sequences generated using next generation sequencing. Multiple sequence alignment of the ITS-1 and AMA-1 sequences with selected homologous sequences revealed the presence of a total of five and 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) respectively. All SNPs appeared to occur at random and did not show any unique pattern based on geographical regions while no insertions and deletions (indels) was found to occur in the aligned sequences. However, unique bases that defined certain strains were detected. Phylogenetics analyses performed with Maximum Parsimony (MP) and Maximum Likelihood (ML) methods revealed similar topology for the internal groups with all the E. tenella ITS-1 and AMA-1 sequences grouped in the same clade supported by high bootstrap confidence. This confirmed that both EtNSN6 and EtSGR6 samples are E. tenella strains. Sequence comparison and phylogenetics analyses further suggest the possibility of low genetic diversity among E. tenella strains.

Improvement in broiler performance by feeding a nutrient-dense diet after a mild feed restriction / Mejora del rendimiento en pollos de engorde mediante una dieta rica en nutrientes tras una ligera restricción alimenticia / Melhoria dos rendimentos de frangos de corte de uma dieta rica em nutrientes após uma restrição ligeira

Abstract Background: The use of early nutrient-restriction programs in broilers can prevent complications such as increased body fat deposition and its consequences. However, feed restriction not always gives the expected results. Objective: To assess the effect of two levels of feed restriction followed by a re-alimentation period with five increasing nutrient levels on growth performance and immune response of broiler chickens. Methods: A total of 330 animals were used. The treatments were: 25 (T25) and 35% (T35) quantitative feed restriction during the starting period, and 0, 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, and 15% increased energy and protein contents during the growing and finishing periods. Results: For all the T25 treatments, except for T25-0, feed intake (FI) and body weight gain (BWG) were higher, and feed conversion rate (FCR) was lower (p<0.05) compared to the control treatment. In that group, the response of FI and BWG to the increased nutrient density was mostly quadratic (p<0.001), whereas that of FCR was linear (p<0.001). The FI and BWG results were less homogeneous in the T35 treatments, but FCR was lower compared to the control treatment (p<0.05) in all of them. The FCR showed no differences (p>0.05) between treatments during the finishing period. Conclusion: Feeding a nutrient-dense diet after a period of mild feed restriction gives the best results, while increasing nutrient density after a more severe feed restriction does not improve productive results compared to a standard diet. Carcass traits and immune function were not affected by restriction level or nutrient density.

Resumen Antecedentes: El uso de programas de restricción alimenticia temprana en pollos de engorde puede prevenir el incremento de la deposición de grasa corporal y sus consecuencias. Sin embargo, la restricción alimenticia no proporciona siempre los resultados esperados. Objetivo: Investigar los efectos de dos niveles de restricción alimenticia seguida por un período de realimentación con cinco niveles crecientes de nutrientes sobre el rendimiento productivo y la respuesta inmune de pollos de engorde. Métodos: Se utilizaron 330 animales. Los tratamientos fueron: restricción cuantitativa del 25 (T25) y del 35% (T35) durante el periodo de iniciación y aumento de la energía y contenido proteico de la dieta del 0, 2,5, 5, 7,5, 10 y 15% durante los periodos de crecimiento y finalización. Resultados: Para casi todos los T25 el consumo de alimento (FI) y el aumento de peso corporal (BWG) fueron mayores y el índice de conversión (FCR) menor (p<0,05) en comparación con el control. La respuesta del FI y el BWG al aumento de la densidad de nutrientes en este grupo fue mayoritariamente cuadrática (p<0,001), mientras que en el caso del FCR fue lineal (p<0,001). Los resultados del FI y el BWG fueron menos homogéneos en los T35, pero el FCR fue menor que en el control (p<0,05). El FCR no mostró diferencias (p>0,05) entre tratamientos durante el periodo de acabado. Conclusión: La alimentación con una dieta rica en nutrientes después una restricción ligera proporciona los mejores resultados, mientras que el incremento de la densidad de la dieta después de una restricción severa no mejora los resultados productivos en comparación con una dieta estándar. Las características de la canal y la respuesta inmune no se vieron afectadas por el nivel de restricción o la densidad de nutrientes de la dieta.

Resumo Antecedentes: O uso de programas de restrição precoce de nutrientes em frangos de corte tem o potencial de prevenir complicações como o aumento da deposição de gordura corporal e suas consequências. No entanto, a restrição alimentar nem sempre dá os resultados esperados. Objetivo: Investigar os efeitos de dois níveis de restrição alimentar seguidos de um período de re-alimentação com cinco níveis crescentes de nutrientes no rendimento produtivo e na resposta imune de frangos de corte. Métodos: Foram utilizados 330 animais. Os tratamentos foram: restrição quantitativa de 25 (T25) e 35% (T35) durante o período inicial e aumento do conteúdo energético e proteico da dieta de 0, 2,5, 5, 7,5, 10 e 15% durante os períodos de crescimento e finalização. Resultados: Para todos os tratamentos T25, menos para T25-0, consumo de ração (FI) e ganho de peso corporal (BWG) foram maiores e a taxa de conversão (FCR) foi menor (p<0,05) o controle. A resposta do FI e do BWG ao aumento da densidade de nutrientes nesse grupo foi principalmente quadrática (p<0,001), enquanto no caso da FCR foi linear (p<0,001). Os resultados do FI e do BWG foram menos homogêneos nos tratamentos T35, mas o FCR foi menor que no tratamento controle (p<0,05). O FCR não apresentou diferenças (p>0,05) entre os tratamentos durante o período de terminação. Nenhuma tendência clara foi observada no peso relativo dos órgãos linfóides ou na resposta imune devido aos tratamentos testados. Conclusão: A alimentação de uma dieta rica em nutrientes após um período de restrição leve proporcionou os melhores resultados, enquanto o aumento da densidade de nutrientes na dieta após uma restrição severa não melhorou os resultados produtivos em comparação com uma dieta padrão.

Optimization of energy consumption per kg of pure meat by electrical and thermal systems in broiler chicken farms / [Otimização do consumo de energia por kg de carne pura por meio de sistemas térmicos em granjas de frangos de corte]

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of electrical and thermal systems optimization on energy consumption in broiler farms. Experiments were conducted in 4 different climates (cold, hot, dry, and temperate) with four treatments (4 broiler farms in each region) and 5 iterations (5 rearing periods per farm) on the Ross 308 strain of broiler chicken in a completely randomized basic design. The results showed that the solutions applied in cold and dry climates had a significant effect on reducing energy consumption (P<0.05). In the hot climate, although the reduction in energy consumption was observed after the application of the solutions, the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05). Also, the application of solutions in temperate climates created a significant difference in the specific amount of thermal energy consumption per kilo of meat and total energy (P<0.05). Overall, the results of the present experiment showed that optimizing the electrical and thermal systems of broiler houses could reduce energy consumption in all climates.(AU)

O presente estudo foi realizado para investigar o efeito da otimização de sistemas elétricos e térmicos no consumo de energia em fazendas de frangos de corte. Foram realizadas experiências em 4 climas diferentes (frio, quente, seco e temperado) com quatro tratamentos (4 granjas de frangos de corte em cada região) e 5 iterações (5 períodos de criação por granja) na cepa Ross 308 de frangos de corte em um projeto básico completamente aleatório. Os resultados mostraram que as soluções aplicadas em climas frios e secos tiveram um efeito significativo na redução do consumo de energia (P<0,05). No clima quente, embora a redução no consumo de energia tenha sido observada após a aplicação das soluções, a diferença não foi estatisticamente significativa (P>0,05). Além disso, a aplicação de soluções em climas temperados criou uma diferença significativa na quantidade específica de consumo de energia térmica por quilo de carne e energia total (P<0,05). Em geral, os resultados do presente experimento mostraram que a otimização dos sistemas elétricos e térmicos das casas de frangos de corte poderia reduzir o consumo de energia em todos os climas.(AU)

Characteristics of virulence, resistance and genetic diversity of strains of Salmonella Infantis isolated from broiler chicken in Brazil / Características de virulência, resistência e diversidade genética de estirpes de Salmonella Infantis isoladas de frangos de corte no Brasil

Salmonella Infantis is frequently associated with human infections worldwide and is transmitted by consumption of contaminated foods, particularly those of animal origin, especially the chicken meat. We aimed to evaluate virulence characteristics, antimicrobial resistance and the genetic similarity of 51 strains of S. Infantis isolated from samples of poultry origin. The strains were isolated from 2009 to 2010 in a company with full cycle of broiler's production in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed and, by PCR, we evaluated the presence of the genes lpfA (hem-adhesion), agfA (hem-biofilm) and sefA (hem-adhesion) and resistance genes to beta-lactams (blaTEM, blaSHV, bla CTX-M and blaAmpC ). The phylogenetic relationship was determined by RAPD-PCR method. Among the drugs tested, the highest percentages of resistance were to amoxicillin (35.3%) and to sulfonamide (15.7%). Eleven antimicrobial resistance patterns were identified (A1 to A11), none of them presented a multiresistance profile (> 3 antimicrobials classes). There was 100% of positivity for the agfA gene, 92.2% for the lpfA gene, and no strain presented the sefA gene. Most of the isolates showed similarities in virulence potential, since they were simultaneously positive for two studied genes, agfA and lpfA (92.2%, 47/51). Of the 18 (35.3%) strains resistant to antimicrobials of the β-lactam class, 10 (55.5%) were positive to blaAmpC gene, five (27.8%) for blaCTX-M , two (11.1%) to blaSHV and no strain presented the blaTEM gene. The phylogenetic evaluation has shown the presence of five clusters (A, B, C, D and E) with similarity greatSalmonella Infantis is frequently associated with human infections worldwide and is transmitted by consumption of contaminated foods, particularly those of animal origin, especially the chicken meat. We aimed to evaluate virulence characteristics, antimicrobial resistance and the genetic similarity of 51 strains of S. Infantis isolated from samples of poultry origin. The strains were isolated from 2009 to 2010 in a company with full cycle of broiler's production in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. The antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed and, by PCR, we evaluated the presence of the genes lpfA (hem-adhesion), agfA (hem-biofilm) and sefA (hem-adhesion) and resistance genes to beta-lactams (blaTEM, blaSHV, bla CTX-M and blaAmpC ). The phylogenetic relationship was determined by RAPD-PCR method. Among the drugs tested, the highest percentages of resistance were to amoxicillin (35.3%) and to sulfonamide (15.7%). Eleven antimicrobial resistance patterns were identified (A1 to A11), none of them presented a multiresistance profile (> 3 antimicrobials classes). There was 100% of positivity for the agfA gene, 92.2% for the lpfA gene, and no strain presented the sefA gene. Most of the isolates showed similarities in virulence potential, since they were simultaneously positive for two studied genes, agfA and lpfA (92.2%, 47/51). Of the 18 (35.3%) strains resistant to antimicrobials of the ß-lactam class, 10 (55.5%) were positive to blaAmpC gene, five (27.8%) for blaCTX-M , two (11.1%) to blaSHV and no strain presented the blaTEM gene. The phylogenetic evaluation has shown the presence of five clusters (A, B, C, D and E) with similarity greater than 80%, and three distinct strains which were not grouped in any cluster. Cluster B grouped 33 strains, all positive for lpfA and agfA genes, from both, the broiler farming facility and the slaughterhouse, persistent throughout all the study period. This cluster also grouped 18 strains clones with genetic similarity greater than 99%, all isolated in the slaughterhouse. The presence of virulence genes associated with persistent strains clones for a long period, warns to the possibility of S. Infantis to form biofilm, and should be constantly monitored in broilers' production chain, in order to know the profile of the strains that may contaminate the final product and evaluate the hazards that represents to public health.er than 80%, and three distinct strains which were not grouped in any cluster. Cluster B grouped 33 strains, all positive for lpfA and agfA genes, from both, the broiler farming facility and the slaughterhouse, persistent throughout all the study period. This cluster also grouped 18 strains clones with genetic similarity greater than 99%, all isolated in the slaughterhouse. The presence of virulence genes associated with persistent strains clones for a long period, warns to the possibility of S. Infantis to form biofilm, and should be constantly monitored in broilers' production chain, in order to know the profile of the strains that may contaminate the final product and evaluate the hazards that represents to public health.(AU)

Salmonella Infantis é frequentemente associada a infecções humanas no mundo todo sendo transmitida pelo consumo de alimentos contaminados, principalmente aqueles de origem animal, com destaque para a carne de frango. Objetivou-se avaliar características de virulência, resistência antimicrobiana e a similaridade genética de 51 estirpes de S. Infantis isoladas em amostras de origem avícola. As estirpes foram isoladas no período de 2009 a 2010 em uma empresa com ciclo completo de produção de frango de corte, localizada no estado de São Paulo, Brasil. Foi realizado o teste de susceptibilidade antimicrobiana e pela técnica de PCR, foi avaliada a presença dos genes lpfA (fímbria-adesão), agfA (fímbria-biofilme) e sefA (fímbria-adesão) e os genes de resistência aos beta-lactâmicos (bla TEM, blaSHV, blaCTX-M e blaAmpC ). A relação filogenética foi determinada pelo método de RAPD-PCR. Dentre as drogas testadas, os maiores percentuais de resistência foram para amoxacilina com 35,3% e sulfonamida com 15,7%. Onze perfis de resistência aos antimicrobianos foram identificados (A1 a A11), sendo que nenhum deles apresentou perfil de multirresistência (>3 classes de antimicrobianos). Houve 100% de positividade para o gene agfA, 92,2% para o gene lpfA e nenhuma estirpe apresentou o gene sefA. A maioria dos isolados apresentaram semelhanças no potencial de virulência, pois foram positivos simultaneamente para dois genes estudados, agfA e lpfA (92,2% - 47/51). Das 18 (35,3%) estirpes resistentes aos antimicrobianos da classe dos ß-lactâmicos, 10 (55,5%) foram positivas para o gene blaAmpC , cinco (27,8%) para blaCTX-M , duas (11,1%) para blaSHV e nenhuma estirpe apresentou o gene bla TEM . A avaliação filogenética demonstrou a presença de cinco clusters (A, B, C, D e E) com similaridade superior a 80%, e três estirpes distintas que não foram agrupadas em nenhum dos clusters. O cluster B agrupou 33 estirpes, todas positivas para os genes lpfA e agfA, provenientes tanto do aviário quanto do matadouro frigorífico, persistentes durante todo o período do estudo. Este cluster ainda agrupou 18 estirpes clones com similaridade genética superior a 99%, todas isoladas no matadouro frigorífico. A presença dos genes de virulência, associada à persistência das estirpes clones durante um longo período do estudo, alertam para a possibilidade de S. Infantis em formar biofilme, devendo ser constantemente monitorada na cadeia de produção avícola, especialmente no ambiente de abate, de forma a conhecer o perfil das estirpes que podem contaminar o produto final e assim avaliar os perigos que representam para a saúde pública.(AU)

Disposition kinetics, in vitro plasma protein binding and tissue residues of tilmicosin in healthy and experimentally (CRD) infected broiler chickens

Background: Several studies assayed the pharmacokinetics of tilmicosin in broilers at a dosage of (25mg/kg.b.wt.). The aim of this study was to investigate the pharmacokinetics and tissue residues of tilmicosin following single and repeated oral administrations (25mg/kg.b.wt.) once daily for 5 consecutive days in healthy and experimentally Mycoplasma gallisepticum and E. coli infected broilers.Methods: After oral administrations of tilmicosin (25 mg/kg.b.wt.) one ml blood was collected from the right wing vein and tissues samples for determination of tilmicosin concentrations and the disposition kinetics of it by the microbiological assay method using Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633) as a test organism.Results: In this study, the plasma concentration time graph was characteristic of a two-compartments open model. Following a single oral administration, tilmicosin was rapidly absorbed in both healthy and experimentally infected broilers with an absorption half-life of (t0.5(ab)) 0.45 and 0.52h, maximum serum concentration (Cmax) was 1.06 and 0.69?g/ml at (tmax) about 2.56 and 2.81h, (t0.5(el)) was 21.86 and 22.91h and (MRT) was 32.15 and 33.71h, respectively; indicating the slow elimination of tilmicosin in chickens. The in-vitro protein binding was 9.72±0.83%. Serum concentrations of tilmicosin following repeated oral administration once daily for five consecutive days, almost peaked 2h after each dose with lower significant values recorded in experimentally infected broiler chickens than in healthy ones.Conclusions: This study showed that tilmicosin was cleared rapidly from tissues. The highest residue values were recorded in the lung followed by liver and kidneys while the lowest values were recorded in spleen, fat and thigh muscles. Five days for withdrawal period of tilmicosin suggested in broilers.

Níveis de inclusão da torta da semente de cupuaçu na dieta de frangos caipiras criados na amazônia ocidental / Levels of cupuaçu seed by-product in feedstuff for free-range broilers reared in the western amazon / Niveles de inclusión del subproducto de semilla de cupuaçu en la dieta de pollos campesinos creados en la amazónia ocidental

O experimento foi realizado com o intuito de avaliar os efeitos da inclusão da torta da semente de cupuaçu (TSC) nas dietas de frangos de linhagem caipira. O delineamento foi o inteiramente casualizado e foram utilizados 300 pintainhos de corte, sendo que os níveis de inclusão foram de 0, 5, 10, 15 e 20%, de TSC nas rações. Cada tratamento possuía seis repetições com 10 aves. Foram analisados os níveis de inclusões da TSC nos períodos de 1-14, 1-28, 1-42, 1-56 e 1-70 dias de criação, em relação ao desempenho zootécnico (consumo de ração, peso vivo, conversão alimentar, eficiência alimentar e viabilidade dos frangos). Foi analisado também o rendimento de carcaça e a margem bruta relativa (MBR). A utilização da TSC na dieta dos frangos reduziu o consumo de ração e, consequentemente, o peso vivo, piorando a conversão alimentar, reduzindo a eficiência alimentar da ração e a viabilidade dos frangos. Não houve influência da inclusão da TSC sobre o rendimento de carcaça de machos, porém houve aumento no rendimento de moela vazia, intestinos e redução da gordura abdominal. Houve também redução na MBR, conforme os níveis crescentes de inclusão da TSC.(AU)

The experiment aimed to evaluate the effects of including the by-product of cupuacu seeds (BCS) in dietary feed of free-range broilers. A completely randomized design was used with 300 broiler chickens, and the inclusion levels ranged from 0, 5, 10, 15 to 20% of BCS in the feeds. Each treatment had six replicates with 10 birds. The BCS inclusion levels were analyzed in the total period from 1-14, 1-28, 1-42, 1-56, and 1-70 days old, in relation to the production performance (feed intake, live weight, feed conversion, feed efficiency and viability of broilers). The carcass yield and gross margin ratio (GMR) were also analyzed. The use of BCS in the feed of broiler chickens reduced the feed intake and consequently the live weight, worsening the feed conversion, and also reduced feed efficiency and the viability of broiler chickens. There was no influence of the inclusion levels of BCS on the carcass yield of males; nevertheless, there was an increase in the yield of intestines and gizzard, and a reduction of abdominal fat. There was also a reduction in the GMR as the BCS levels increased.(AU)

El experimento fue realizado con el objetivo de evaluar los efectos de la inclusión del subproducto de semilla de cupuaçu (SSC) en las dietas de pollos de linaje campesino. El delineamiento fue enteramente casual y fueron utilizados 300 pollitos, siendo que los niveles de inclusión fueron de 0,5, 10, 15 y 20% de SSC en las raciones. Cada tratamiento poseía seis repeticiones con 10 aves. Se analizó los niveles de inclusiones del SSC en los períodos de 1-14, 1-28, 1-42, 1-56 y 1-70 días de creación, en relación al desempeño zootécnico (consumo de ración, peso vivo, conversión alimentar, eficiencia alimentar y viabilidad de los pollos). Se ha analizado también el rendimiento del esqueleto y la margen bruta relativa (MBR). La utilización del SSC en la dieta de los pollos acortó el consumo de ración y consecuentemente el peso vivo, afectando de forma negativa la conversión alimentar, reduciendo la eficiencia alimentar de la ración y la viabilidad de los pollos. No hubo influencia de la inclusión del SSC sobre el rendimiento del esqueleto de machos, pero hubo aumento en el rendimiento de molleja vacía, intestinos y reducción de grasa abdominal. Hubo también reducción en la MBR, conforme los niveles crecientes de inclusión del SSC.(AU)

Efeitos da granulometria e da forma física da ração sobre o desempenho de frangos de corte / Effects of particle size and physical form of diets on broiler performance

Foram utilizados 936 pintos de corte machos e 1008 fêmeas da linhagem Cobb(r) criados no período de um a 45 dias. Os tratamentos foram compostos por duas formas físicas da ração (farelada e peletizada) e duas granulometrias do milho (3,8mm e 7,0mm). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, em arranjo fatorial 2 x 2 (duas granulometrias x duas formas físicas), com seis repetições de 39 aves cada para os machos e seis repetições de 42 aves cada para as fêmeas. A ração peletizada produzida com moagem 3,8mm apresentou melhor PDI (P≤0,05). Aves fêmeas alimentadas com ração peletizada apresentaram maior consumo de ração, ganho de peso e melhor conversão alimentar que aquelas que receberam ração farelada. Não foi observada diferença significativa (P>0,05) entre os tratamentos para as variáveis ganho de peso, conversão alimentar e consumo de ração dos machos. Não houve influência da forma física e da granulometria sobre a viabilidade das aves em nenhuma fase de criação (P>0,05).

A total of 936 male chickens and 1008 female Cobb(r) were used from 1 to 45 days old. Treatments consisted of two physical forms (mash and pelleted diets) and two particle sizes ( corn ground through 3.8mm and 7.0mm sieves). The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2 x 2 factorial design (two particle sizes x two physical forms), with six replicates of 39 birds each for males and six replicates of 42 birds each for females. PDI from the pelleted physical form that was produced with 3.8mm grinding showed better results (P≤0.05). Female birds fed pelleted diets had greater feed intake, weight gain and better feed conversion than those fed mash diet. No significant difference (P>0.05) was observed between the treatments for male feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion from 1 to 45 days of age. There was no influence of the physical form and particle size on the feasibility of birds in any phase (P>0.05).

Effect of a mixture of Galla rhois and Cinnamomum cassia extracts on susceptibility to the colonization of Campylobacter jejuni in broiler chickens

The present study evaluated the effects of a mixture of Galla rhois and Cinnamomum cassia extracts (GCE) (1 : 1, w/w) on susceptibility to the colonization of Campylobacter (C.) jejuni in broilers. Eighty two-week-old broilers (n = 20 per group) were used to estimate the efficacy of GCE against C. jejuni infection via drinking water. Antibacterial activity testing revealed that the minimum bactericidal concentration of GCE against C. jejuni was 2.5 mg/mL. Broilers challenged with C. jejuni were administered 0.0 (Non-GCE), 2.5 (GCE-2.5), 5.0 (GCE-5.0) and 10.0 g/L (GCE-10) GCE for 7 days, and the cecal contents were collected from five broilers per group on the 1st, 3rd, 5th, and 7th day post-treatment. On day 3 post-administration, the number of C. jejuni in GCE-5.0 (p < 0.05) and GCE-10 (p < 0.01) was significantly decreased relative to Non-GCE, while on day 7 those in all GCE-treated groups were significantly decreased compared to the Non-GCE group (p < 0.001). Hematological and blood biochemical analysis revealed no significant differences in parameters between the Non-GCE and GCE-treated groups. Based on the results of the present study, GCE was identified as a safe and alternative candidate to suppress C. jejuni colonization in broilers.

Effect of different levels of L-carnitine and lysine-methionine on broiler blood parameters / Efecto de suplementación con L-carnitina y lisina-metionina sobre parámetros de sangre de pollos de engorde

Objective. In the present study a completely randomized 3x3 factorial design was used to analyze the effects of different levels of L-Carnitine, lysine(Lys) and methionine (Met) on the blood concentrations of energy, protein and lipid metabolites of male broiler chickens. Materials and methods. A total of 270 newly hatched male broiler chickens (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to 9 groups (ten broilers per replicate and three replicates per treatment). The control group was fed a basal diet, whereas the treatment groups were fed basal diets supplemented with L-Carnitine (0 mg/kg, 75 mg/kg and 150 mg/kg) and lysine-methionine (0, 15 and 30%) for 42 days. On day 42, one bird was randomly chosen per replication, a blood sample was taken and the blood concentrations of glucose (GLU), uric acid (UAc), triglyceride (TG), VLDL, HDL, LDL, total protein (TP), albumin (Alb) and total cholesterol (TC) were analyzed. Results. Dietary L-carnitine supplementation had a significant effect (p<0.05) on uric acid (UAc), HDL, LDL, and total cholesterol (TC). The birds feed L-carnitine plus Lys and Met presented the highest plasmatic UAc level and the lowest plasmatic TC and LDL level. Moreover, L-carnitine significantly reduced total cholesterol (TC) when compared with both the control group and the birds feed Lys and Met without L-carnitine. Conclusions. A diet with 150 mg/kg L-carnitine plus 15% Lys and Met seems to be enough to sustain low plasmatic TC, LDL and HDL concentrations on male broiler.

Objetivo. Se realizó un estudio para determinar el efecto de la suplementación deL-carnitina, lisina (Lys) y metionina (Met) sobre los metabolitos sanguíneos de pollos de engorde. Materiales y métodos. Se utilizaran 270 pollos de la línea Ross 308 de un día de edad y se dividieron en 9 tratamientos en un diseño al azar con arreglo factorial 3x3: tres niveles de L-carnitina (0 mg/kg, 75 mg/kg y 150 mg/kg) y tres de lisina-metionina (0, 15 y 30%) durante 42 días. Cada tratamiento constó de 3 repeticiones con 10 pollos por repetición. El día 42 de edad, se tomaron muestras de sangre de tres aves por tratamiento para cuantificar niveles séricos de glucosa (GLU), ácido úrico (UAc), triglicéridos (TG), VLDL, HDL, LDL, proteínas totales (PT), albúmina (Alb) y colesterol total (TC). Resultados. La suplementación de L-carnitina en la dieta tuvo un efecto significativo (p<0.05) en los niveles de ácido úrico en suero (UAC), HDL, LDL y colesterol total (CT). Las aves alimentadas con L-carnitina más Lys y Met mostraron niveles séricos más altos de UAc y menor TCy LDL. Por otra parte, la L-carnitina redujó significativamente el colesterol total (CT), cuando se comparó con el grupo control y con los pollos alimentados con Lys y Met, sin L-carnitina. Conclusiones. Una dieta con 150 mg/kg de L-carnitina y 15% Lys y Met parece ser suficiente para mantener bajas concentraciones plasmáticas de TC, LDL y HDL en pollos de engorde.

Ajuste preciso do nível de energia na dieta de frangos de corte para controle do desempenho e da composição lipídica da carne / Accurate adjustment of energy level in broiler chickens diet for controlling the performance and the lipid composition of meat

O objetivo deste experimento foi avaliar a influência da variação do nível de energia metabolizável na dieta de frangos de corte, associada a uma variação proporcional da densidade nutricional da ração, sobre o desempenho das aves e sobre a composição da fração lipídica da carne. Foram avaliados separadamente machos e fêmeas da linhagem Cobb 500. Para análise de desempenho, foi utilizado um delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 6x3, sendo seis níveis de energia metabolizável na ração (2.800, 2.900, 3.000, 3.100, 3.200 e 3.300kcal kg-1) e três idades ao abate (42, 49 e 56 dias). Foi utilizada a metodologia de superfície de resposta para estabelecer um modelo matemático, explicando o comportamento do peso vivo, do consumo de ração e da conversão alimentar. Para a avaliação da composição da fração lipídica da carne, determinou-se o teor de lipídeos totais e de colesterol na carne do peito, na coxa com pele e na coxa sem pele, seguindo um delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 3x3x2, sendo três níveis de energia metabolizável na ração (2.800, 3.000 e 3.300kcal kg-1 de ração), três idades ao abate (42, 49 e 56 dias) e dois sexos. A redução da energia metabolizável da ração até valores próximos de 3.000kcal kg-1 não afetou o peso vivo, mas, reduzindo a energia da ração abaixo desse valor, o peso vivo diminui. O consumo de ração foi menor quando o nível energético da ração foi mais alto. A conversão alimentar melhorou de forma proporcional ao aumento do nível energético da ração. O desempenho de todas as aves ficou dentro da faixa considerada adequada para a linhagem. A carne de peito apresentou ...

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the influence of changes in dietary metabolizable energy level, associated with a proportional nutrient density variation, on broiler chickens performance and on the lipid composition of meat. Males and females Cobb 500 broilers were evaluated separately. Performance evaluation followed a completely randomized design with factorial 6x3 arrangement - six energy levels (2,800, 2,900, 3,000, 3,100, 3,200 and 3,300kcal kg-1) and three slaughter ages (42, 49 and 56 days). Response surface methodology was used to establish a mathematical model to explain live weight, feed intake and feed conversion behavior. Total lipids and cholesterol were determined in breast meat and in thigh meat, with and without skin. For lipid composition analysis, a 3x3x2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design - three ration's metabolizable energy levels (2,800, 3,000 and 3,300kcal kg-1), three slaughter ages (42, 49 and 56 days) and two sexes - was used. The reduction in the diet metabolizable energy close to 3,000kcal kg-1 did not affect live weight, but below this value, live weight decreased. Feed intake was lower when the dietary energy level was higher. Feed conversion was favored in a direct proportion to the increase of the energy level of the diet. The performance of all birds was within the range considered appropriate for the lineage. Breast meat had less total lipids and cholesterol than thigh meat. Thigh with skin had more than the double of the amount of total lipids than skinless thigh, but the cholesterol content did not differ with the removal of the skin. Intramuscular fat content was lower in the meat from birds fed with lower energy level ration. This information may help to define the most appropriate nutritional management. Despite the decrease in bird's productive performance, the restriction of energy in broiler chickens feed may be a viable alternative, if the consumers are ...

Blood biochemical parameters of broilers fed differently thermal processed soybean meal / Parámetros bioquímicos en sangre de pollos alimentados con harina de soja procesada bajo distintos procesos térmicos

Objective. A 42-days feeding trial was carried out to evaluate the influences of differently thermal processed soybean meal on the broilers blood biochemical parameters. Materials and methods. A total of 200 male birds of Ross strain were allocated into five different diets formulated using differently heat-treated soybean meals, with ten birds per treatment and per replicate. Diets contained: raw soybean (controls), autoclaved for a short (121°C, 20 min; Aut1 group) or medium length period (121°C, 30 min; Aut2 group) soybean meal, micro-waved soybean meal (46°C, 540 Watt, 7 min; McW group) and browned soybean meal (120°C, 20 min; Brn group). Results. Blood serum metabolites showed that all treated diets presented lower lipid metabolism makers and higher protein metabolism markers. Broilers showed increased final body weight when fed heat-treated meals compared with control. Results suggested that thermal treatments altered the lipid metabolism in broilers that might originate a decrease in abdominal fat deposition. Conclusions. Comparison of the results for all the treated groups showed the Aut2 treatment is the most suitable method for soybean thermal treatment processing; in contrast, the Aut1 treatment had the closest results to the control group.

Objetivo. Se llevó a cabo un estudio de 42 días para determinar la influencia de la introducción de harina de soja sometida a diferentes procesos térmicos sobre los parámetros sanguíneos bioquímicos de pollos de engorde. Materiales y métodos. Un total de 200 pollos machos, de raza Ross, fueron asignados a cinco dietas equivalentes conteniendo harina de soja sometida a diferentes tratamientos térmicos, creando grupos de10 aves por cada tratamiento y por replicado. Los tratamientos térmicos fueron: harina de soja en bruto (Grupo control), harina de soja en autoclave durante un período de tiempo corto (121°C, 20 min; Grupo Aut1) o medio (121°C, 30 minutos; Grupo Aut2), harina de soja irradiado en el microondas (46°C, 540 Watts, 7 min; Grupo McW) y harina tostada de soja (120°C, 20 min; Grupo Brn). Resultados. Todos los grupos de tratamiento mostraron una disminución delos niveles de los marcadores de metabolismo de los lípidos y un aumento del metabolismo de la proteína circulante, en comparación con el grupo control. Los pollos alimentados con dietas conteniendo soja tratada mostraron además un aumento en su peso corporal final, en comparación con los del control. Los resultados sugieren que los tratamientos térmicos interfieren con el metabolismo de los lípidos, lo que puede originar una menor deposición de grasa abdominal en los pollos. Conclusiones. La comparación de los datos obtenidos para los diferentes tratamientos térmicos identifica el tratamiento en autoclave (Aut2) como el método más adecuado para el procesamiento de la soja. En contraste, el tratamiento en autoclave (Aut1) demostró ser el método con resultados más semejantes a los del control.

Effects of Chitosan on the Secretion of Cytokines and Expression of Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase mRNA in Peritoneal Macrophages of Broiler Chicken

An in vitro experiment was conducted to study the effects of chitosan on the secretion of cytokines and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA in peritoneal macrophages of broiler chicken. In the experiment, peritoneal macrophages were incubated for 24 h in culture medium supplemented with 0 (control), 40, 80, 160 and 320 µg/mL chitosan. The results showed that chitosan tended to increase quadratically the levels of interleukin-1 (P = 0.093) and interleukin-2 (P = 0.106) in the culture fluid of peritoneal macrophage. Chitosan also significantly enhanced inducible nitric oxide synthase mRNA expression of peritoneal macrophage in a quadratic dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05) and tended to promote quadratically the secretion of nitric oxide (P = 0.053) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (P = 0.157) in peritoneal macrophages. This result implied that one of the mechanisms by which chitosan modulated immune functions in chickens might be chitosan activating expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and then improving the secretion of nitric oxide.

Occurrence of Aviadenovirus in chickens from the poultry industry of Minas Gerais / Ocorrência de Aviadenovirus em aves da industria avícola de Minas Gerais

The occurrence of Aviadenovirus (FAdV) was investigated in chickens from the poultry industry of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The investigation was conducted due to the scarcity of recent data in the country and its description in neighboring countries. For this purpose, livers were collected from layer chicks (n=25), older layers (n=25), broilers (n=300), and livers (n=25) and stool (n=25) samples from broiler breeders, representing the major poultry regions of the state. FAdV DNA was demonstrated using a previously described PCR protocol for amplifying part of the hexon gene encoding sequence. FAdV was found in layer chicks (36 percent), widespread (100 percent) in older layers, and with regional differences in broilers (24-86 percent). Although all broiler breeder stools were negative, FAdV DNA was detected in livers (16 percent, 4/25) of stool-negative birds. In order to obtain additional information on the circulation of the infection, livers of subsistence chickens collected from one poultry intensive region, were evaluated (n = 12), with FAdV being detected in all samples. FAdV was found in young and old layers, broilers, broiler breeders and free-range chickens, and results suggest the circulation of FAdV among different types of chickens. The detection in older layer chickens may indicate an extended risk of horizontal transmission in regions of Minas Gerais with mixed activity of egg and meat type chickens and poor biosecurity strategies. The infection in breeders may indicate vertical transmission and the continuous production of infected progenies. The hexon-gene-targeted PCR amplicon sequences aligned with FAdV of species D of Aviadenovirus. Results indicate the necessity for biosecurity, especially for breeders, separating flocks according to origin, age and health status, which will be an advantage regarding any pathogen...

Descreve-se a ocorrência de Aviadenovirus (FAdV) na avicultura mineira. Foram amostrados fígados de poedeiras jovens (n=25) e velhas (n=25) e de frangos de corte (n=300). Em matrizes pesadas foram amostrados fígados (n=25) e fezes (n=25). O estudo envolveu as principais regiões avícolas do Estado de Minas Gerais. O DNA de FAdV foi pesquisado por PCR universal, descrito para a amplificação do gene que codifica o hexon de Aviadenovirus, usando FAdV Phelps como referência. Foi demonstrada a presença do DNA de FAdV em 100 por cento (25/25) das poedeiras velhas (78 semanas de idade) e em 36 por cento (9/25) das jovens (18 dias). Em frangos de corte, a detecção variou entre 24 e 86 por cento. Embora as fezes das matrizes tenham sido negativas, foi obtido o amplicon específico em 4/25 dos fígados dessas mesmas aves, indicando menor sensibilidade para detecção nas fezes. Em amostras da avicultura familiar (fígado), colhidas de uma das regiões de avicultura intensificada, foi detectado o genoma de FAdV em 100 por cento das galinhas (n=12). A constatação de alta disseminação de FAdV em aves da avicultura industrial e familiar de Minas Gerais contribui para o entendimento da epidemiologia de Aviadenovirus. As sequências nucleotídicas dos produtos de PCR alinharam com FAdV da espécie D de Aviadenovirus. A demonstração de FAdV em reprodutores indica risco de transmissão vertical e reforça a necessidade de biosseguridade estrita nesses plantéis. A presença de FAdV em diversos setores avícolas, incluindo poedeiras comerciais, frangos de corte, reprodutores e galinhas da avicultura familiar, recomenda a biosseguridade estrita entre as criações de mesmo tipo e de tipos diferentes de aves. A detecção em matrizes pode indicar a continuada geração de progênies infectadas...

Adição da parede celular de levedura (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) na dieta para frangos de corte / Addition of the yeast cell wall (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in the diet for broilers chickens

Os efeitos da parede celular de Saccharomyces cerevisiae (PCSc) na dieta para frangos foram avaliados com base nos tratamentos: dieta referência com avilamicina (AV); dieta referência (DR); DR com 0,1% de PCSc (PCSc0,1); DR com 0,2% de PCSc (PCSc0,2); DR com 0,3% de PCSc (PCSc0,3). O delineamento foi o de blocos ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos e seis repetições de 10 aves, totalizando 300 frangos, machos. No período de nove a 21 dias de idade, o tratamento PCSc0,3 influenciou negativamente no ganho de peso (631g), e no período de 34 a 39 dias, o tratamento PCSc0,1 proporcionou melhor ganho de peso (461g) em relação ao tratamento com o antimicrobiano. O maior peso vivo ao abate, 2571g, foi obtido no tratamento PCSc0,1. Os pesos absolutos de sobrecoxa e coxa+sobrecoxa foram maiores nos tratamentos PCSc0,1 (290g e 560g) e PCSc0,2 (292g e 561g) e menores no tratamento PCSc0,3 (263g e 515g). Não houve influência na metabolizabilidade da ração e na contagem total de coliformes totais no íleo. Dietas com inclusão de até 0,2% de PCSc resultaram em índices produtivos adequados, podendo ser utilizadas como aditivo em dietas livres de antimicrobiano melhorador de desempenho sem o comprometimento do desempenho, características de carcaça, metabolizabilidade da ração e da contagem total de coliformes totais do íleo.

The effects of the yeast cell wall (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) (CWSc) in the diet of broiler chickens were evaluated through the following treatments: reference diet with avilamicin (AV); reference diet (RD); RD with 0.1% CWSc (CWSc0,1); RD with 0.2% CWSc (CWSc0,2); RD with 0.3% CWSc (CWSc0,3). The study design was randomized blocks, with five treatments and six replicates of 10 birds, totaling 300 male broilers. In the period from 9 to 21 days treatment CWSc0.3 had a negative influence on weight gain (631g) and from 34 to 39 days CWSc0.1 provided better weight gain (461g) compared to the treatment with the antimicrobial. The highest live weight value at slaughter, 2,571 grams, was obtained in treatment CWSc0.1. The absolute weights of drumstick and thigh+drumstick were higher in treatments CWSc0.1 (290g and 560g) and CWSc0.2 (292g and 561g) and were lower for CWSc0.3 (263g and 515g). There was no influence of the treatments on both the metabolizability and the total count of coliforms in the ileum. Diets until 0.2% of PCSc inclusion resulted in correct productive rates and they can be used as a ration growth promoter additive in antimicrobial free diets without damage on performance, carcass characteristics, organ weight, metabolizability of the diets and total coliform count in the ileum.

Efeitos do espaço de alojamento e da idade sobre desenvolvimento, integridade e proteção da mucosa intestinal de frangos de corte / Effects of enclosure size and age on development, integrity and protection of the intestinal mucosa in broiler chickens

Foi avaliado se o espaço de alojamento influencia o desenvolvimento da mucosa do intestino delgado de frangos, sendo usado um esquema fatorial 4 x 2 (14, 28, 42, 55 dias de idade e alojamento pequeno: 0,11m²/ave e grande: 0,525m²/ave). Foram analisadas: altura, perímetro e número dos vilos, profundidade das criptas, número de células caliciformes e número de vilos sem e com perda de epitélio e exposição do conjuntivo. Em ambos os espaços de alojamento, o número de vilos diminuiu e a profundidade das criptas aumentou com a idade nas três regiões intestinais. A altura e o perímetro dos vilos aumentaram de 14 para 28 dias no jejuno e íleo, e o número de células caliciformes foi maior no duodeno e íleo a partir dos 42 dias. A perda de epitélio pelos vilos do íleo aumentou com a idade. Nas aves do alojamento grande, ocorreu aumento na altura e no perímetro dos vilos duodenais com a idade, possibilitado pelo aumento na profundidade das criptas, que resultou em vilos maiores nessas aves do que nas do alojamento pequeno aos 55 dias de idade. O número de células caliciformes diminuiu nas aves do alojamento pequeno aos 42 dias de idade. Os dados mostram que o tamanho do alojamento interferiu no modelo de desenvolvimento temporal da mucosa intestinal e que frangos apresentaram maior tamanho de vilo duodenal quando alojados em espaço maior.

This study evaluated if enclosure size and age influence the intestinal mucosa development of broiler chickens, using an experimental design in an 4x2 factorial arrangement (14, 18, 42 and 55 days of age and two enclosure spaces: small= 0.11m² /bird and large= 0.525m²/bird). Villous height, perimeter and number, and crypt depth, goblet cells number, and number of villous without and with epithelium loss and conjunctive tissue exposition were analyzed in duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Regardless of enclosure size, the villous number diminished and the crypt depth increased with the age in the three intestinal regions. From 14 to 28 days of age, villous height and perimeter increased in the jejunum and ileum. The number of goblet cells was greater from 42 days in duodenum and ileum, and epithelium loss increased until 42 days in the ileum. Broilers housed in small and large enclosures differed in the intestinal characteristics from 42 days. In broilers housed in large enclosure, duodenal villous height and perimeter increased with the age, with an increase in the crypt depth, reaching greater size at 55 days of age than duodenal villous of the broilers housed in a small enclosure. These later presented at 42 days a smaller number of goblet cells than the former. According these results, enclosure size influenced the temporal pattern of the intestinal mucosa development, and broilers presented major duodenal villous growth when housed in large enclosures.

Effects of supplementation with oregano essential oil on ileal digestibility, intestinal histomorphology, and performance of broiler chickens¤ / Efectos de la suplementación con aceites esenciales de orégano sobre la digestibilidad ileal, histomorfometría intestinal y comportamiento productivo de pollos de engorde / Efeito da suplementação com óleos essenciais de orégano sobre a digestibilidade ileal, morfometria intestinal e desempenho produtivo de frangos de corte

Objective: evaluate the effects of different chemiotypes of oregano essential oil (OEO) on protein, fat, and energy ileal digestibility of broiler chickens at 21 days of age. Methods: six treatments were evaluated: 200 ppm of OEO from three varieties produced and ground in Sabana de Bogotá-Colombia: O. vulgare L ssp hirtum (OH); O. vulgare L. (OL) y O. majorana (OM); 500 ppm Chlortetracycline (AB) and a control without additives (C). Between 14 and 21 days of age the chickens were fed with starter diets supplemented with 0.5 g/kg chromium oxide (Cr2O3) as a inert marker. The ileal digesta was collected, and protein, fat, energy, and chromium were analyzed in both feed and ileal content, and ID was calculated. Results: AB group showed a higher protein ID compared to control group, 83.7 and 75.3%, respectively (p<0.05). Both OM and AB experimental groups presented higher values of ID for energy and fat compared to control group, 92.3, 91.7 and 84.2%, respectively (p<0.05). These groups also presented a higher body weight at day 21 (p<0.05). However, the difference disappeared at 42 d of age. A negative correlation was estimated between body weight and carvacrol intake (r: -0.55), but it was positive with thymol intake (r:0.46, p<0.05). Conclusions: the results showed different responses of chickens depending on the composition of OEO.

Objetivo: evaluar los efectos de diferentes quimiotipos de aceites esenciales de orégano (AEO) sobre la digestibilidad ileal (DI) de proteína, grasa y energía en dietas para pollos de engorde a los 21 días de edad. Métodos: se evaluaron seis tratamientos: 200 ppm de AEO procedente de tres variedades producidas y cultivadas en la Sabana de Bogotá, Colombia: O. vulgare L ssp hirtum (OH); O. vulgare L. (OL) y O. majorana (OM); 50 ppm de aceite esencial de O. vulgare L ssp hirtum cultivado en Grecia (OG); 500 ppm de clortetraceclina (AB) y el control sin ningún aditivo (C). Entre los 14 y 21 días, los pollos recibieron una dieta de iniciación con 0.5 g/kg de óxido de cromo (Cr2O3) como marcador inerte. Se colectó la digesta ileal y se determinó la energía y cromo en alimento y contenido ileal para calcular la DI. Resultados: el grupo AB presentó la mejor DI de la proteína comparado con el grupo control, 83.7 y 75.3%, respectivamente (p<0.05). La más alta DI de energía y grasa fue para OM y AB respecto al grupo control, 92.3, 91.7 y 84.2%, respectivamente (p<0.05). Estos grupos también presentaron el mayor peso corporal a los 21días de edad (p<0.05), sin presentar diferencias a los 42 días de edad. Se observó una correlación negativa entre el consumo de carvacrol y el peso corporal (r = -0.55) y una correlación positiva con el consumo de timol (r = 0.46, p<0.05). Conclusión: se comprobó una respuesta diferencial de pollos de engorde a los AEO de acuerdo a su composición.

Objetivo: deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos de diferentes quimiotipos de óleos essenciais de orégano (AEO) sobre a digestibilidade ileal (DI) da proteína, gordura e energia da dieta para frangos de corte aos 21 dias de idade. Métodos: Seis tratamentos foram avaliados: 200 ppm de AEO a partir de três variedades produzidas e cultivadas na Sabana de Bogotá, Colômbia: O. vulgare L ssp hirtum (OH); O. vulgare L. (OL) y O. majorana (OM); 50 ppm de óleo essencial de O. vulgare L spp hirtum produzido e cultivado na Grécia (OG); 500 ppm de clortetraceclina (AB) e controle sem aditivo (C). Entre os dias 14 e 21, as aves receberam uma dieta inicial com 0.5 g/kg de óxido de cromo (Cr2O3) como marcador inerte. A digesta ileal foi coletada, foi analisado o contido de matéria seca, proteína, energia, gordura e cromo nas rações e na digesta e a DI foi calculada. Resultados: O grupo AB apresentou maior DI da proteína, em comparação com o grupo controle, 83.7 e 75.3%, respectivamente (p<0.05). A maior DI de energia e gordura foi para OM e AB em relação ao C, 92.3, 91.7 e 84.2%, respectivamente (p<0.05). Estes grupos também tiveram o maior peso aos 21 dias (p<0.05), sem diferenças aos 42 dias de idade. Foi observada uma correlação negativa entre o consumo de carvacrol e o peso corporal (r: -0.55) e uma correlação positiva com o consumo de timol (r: 0.46, p<0.05). Conclusões: Resposta diferencial de grangos de corte foi observado para a composição do OEO.

Effects of pitamin on growth performance, carcass characteristics and cecal microflora of broiler chicken.

The treated groups were as follows: 1) the control, 2) the antibiotics (8 mg of avilamycin kg-1 of diet) and 3) the pitamin (70 mg of pitamin kg-1 of diet) groups. Body weight gain, feed intake, and feed efficiency were significantly higher in the pitamin group than in the antibiotics and control groups (p<0.05). Carcass weight, dressing percentage, and the weight of breast and thigh muscle recorded significantly higher levels in the pitamin group as compared to the other groups (p< 0.05). The addition of pitamin to the diets for broilers reduced abdominal fat by 23.35% and stimulated the growth of the thymus, the spleen, and the bursa of Fabricius. TAG levels of the pitamin group declined by 12.03 and 10.45% as compared to the control and antibiotics groups, and their TC levels were reduced by 15.17 and 14.39%, and LDL.C levels were reduced by 10.56 and 11.24%, respectively. Serum IgG was increased significantly by 137.43 and 36.80% in the pitamin group as compared to the control and antibiotics groups, respectively (p< 0.05). The numbers of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus on the cecum digesta were significantly higher in the pitamin group than in the antibiotics and control groups and the numbers of Escherichia coli and Salmonella tended to be reduced (p<0.05). In conclusion, when Korean red pine bark extract, pitamin, was added to the broiler diets at a concentration of 70 mg of pitamin kg-1 of diet, it resulted in better growth performance as compared to the antibiotics by improving immunity and the cecal beneficial microfloral population.

Determinação da energia metabolizável e balanço de nitrogênio de dietas com diferentes teores de proteína bruta para frangos de corte / Nitrogen balance and metabolizable energy determination of diets with different crude protein levels for broiler chickens

Realizou-se um ensaio de metabolismo para avaliar os efeitos de diferentes níveis de proteína bruta (PB) sobre a digestibilidade de nutrientes e energia de dietas para frangos de corte. Foram utilizados 160 frangos de corte de linhagem comercial, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos - teor de PB - e quatro repetições com 10 aves por unidade experimental. As aves foram alojadas em gaiolas metálicas. A coleta de excretas foi feita nas aves dos 25 aos 29 dias de idade. Os teores de PB utilizados foram 21, 19, 17 e 15 por cento. A redução do teor de PB melhorou linearmente a digestibilidade da MS e da energia metabolizável (EB). A digestibilidade da PB foi influenciada quadraticamente pelos níveis de PB da dieta, sendo o nível de 15,3 por cento de PB o que proporcionou melhor digestibilidade da PB. Houve diminuição linear do consumo e excreção de nitrogênio com a redução proteica. O nitrogênio retido e a eficiência de utilização do nitrogênio apresentaram melhor resultado nos teores de 18,3 e 15,3 por cento, respectivamente. Não houve efeito do teor de PB sobre a energia metabolizável aparente e sobre a energia metabolizável aparente corrigida para balanço de nitrogênio.

A metabolism trial was carried out in metabolic cages in a completely randomized experimental design to evaluate the effect of CP reduction on nutrients and energy digestibility in the diets of broiler chickens. A hundred sixty male broiler chickens were randomly allotted to four treatments (CP levels) and four replicates of 10 birds each. The crude protein levels used in the diets were 21, 19, 17 and 15. The total excreta was colleted and recorded from 25 to 29 days of age. The CP reduction improved dry matter and energy digestibility linearly. A quadratic effect of the CP level on CP digestibility was observed. The maximum digestibility was estimated for broilers fed 15.3 percent CP diets. The nitrogen intake and excretion decreased linearly with the CP reduction. The maximum retained nitrogen and nitrogen efficiency utilization were estimated for broilers fed 18.3 and 15.3 percent CP diets, respectively. No effect of CP levels on ME was observed.

Eficiência de um novo inseticida comercial para o controle do cascudinho dos aviários (Alphitobius diaperinus) (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) / Effectiveness of a new commercial insecticide for the control of the lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus) (Panzer) (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae)

O presente estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar em condições de laboratório e campo, a eficiência de um inseticida Teste (à base de cipermetrina, clorpirifós e citronela), no controle do cascudinho dos aviários (Alphitobius diaperinus). Em laboratório, o produto foi testado sobre insetos adultos, por meio de pulverização sobre os insetos (contato direto) e caminhamento sobre superfície tratada (contato indireto). Posteriormente, foi avaliado em condições de campo, em um aviário de frangos de corte. O produto foi eficiente, sendo comparável ao produto padrão, causando 100% de mortalidade em laboratório e reduzindo a população do aviário em 76%. Assim, o produto constitui-se em uma alternativa para o controle do cascudinho.

The present study was carried out with the objective to evaluate, under laboratory and field conditions, the effectiveness of the insecticide Test (based on cypermethrin, chlorpyrifos and citronellal), for the control of lesser mealworm (Alphitobius diaperinus). In the laboratory, the product was tested on adult insects, by spraying on the insects (direct contact) and by their walking on a treated surface (indirect contact). After this, it was evaluated in field conditions, in a poultry house. The product was effective, being comparable to the standard product, causing 100% of mortality in the laboratory and reducing the population in the poultry house by 76%. Thus, the product presents an alternative for the control of this pest.

Broiler transportation conditions in a Brazilian commercial line and the occurrence of breast PSE (Pale, Soft, Exudative) meat and DFD-like (Dark, Firm, Dry) meat

The objective of this work was to investigate the effect of road transportation conditions on the occurrence of broiler PSE-(Pale, Soft, Exudative) and DFD-like (Dark, Firm, Dry) meats in the Brazilian commercial slaughterhouse plant. Samples of Pectoralis major m from 47-day-old broilers of commercial lineage were analyzed. The results indicated that water-bathing birds just before journey over 3.0km promoted the occurrence of 46.0 percent of PSE and 4.0 percent of DFD-like meat, while birds under non-water bathing conditions presented 14.7 and 2.0 percent, respectively. For a distance of 68.0km, the occurrences of PSE-and DFD-like meat were 44.0 and 0.0 percent under water bathing conditions, and 52.0 and 0.0 percent without water bathing, respectively. Water bathing at the farm was a critical manoeuvre for increasing the unfavourable truck microenvironment for short journey, whereas conversely for longer journey it was less stressful influencing the broiler breast meat quality.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi investigar o efeito das condições do transporte na ocorrência das carnes PSE (Pale, Soft, Exudative) e a-DFD (Dark, Firm, Dry) de frangos nas condições brasileiras em uma planta de um frigorífico comercial. Foram analisadas amostras de peito de frango (Pectoralis major m.) da ave de 47 dias de linhagem comercial. Os resultados indicaram que o banho dos frangos imediatamente antes da viagem de 3,0km promoveu a ocorrência de 46,0 por cento de PSE e 4,0 por cento de a-DFD enquanto que frangos sem banho apresentaram 14,7 e 2,0 por cento, respectivamente. Para uma distância de 68,0km, a ocorrência de carnes PSE e a-DFD foram 44,0 e 0,0 por cento, respectivamente, de aves que sofreram banho e 52,0 e 0,0 por cento sem banho, respectivamente. O banho ainda na granja foi uma atividade crítica aumentando as condições desfavoráveis no microambiente do caminhão para curtas distâncias e contrariamente para distâncias longas foi menos estressante influenciando na qualidade do peito do frango.