Organic copper, iron, manganese and zinc: digestibility, production parameters and egg quality of layers / [Cobre, ferro, manganês e zinco orgânico: digestibilidade, parâmetros zootécnicos e qualidade dos ovos de poedeiras]

This study examined the replacement of the inorganic minerals (IM) Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn with their organic form (OM) in the diet of 67-week-old Dekalb White laying hens by comparing digestibility, production and egg quality. The experiment involved 240 birds, with 48 birds used per treatment and 12 per replicate. Isoenergetic and isonutrient diets were supplemented with 8mg Cu, 50mg Fe, 70mg Mn and 50mg Zn per kilogram of diet from an inorganic premix (IM100), from an organic premix (OM100), or the latter at the decreasing inclusion levels of 65% (OM65), 45% (OM45) and 35% (OM35). The following variables were evaluated: production, eggs per housed bird (EHB), viability, egg weight and mass, cracked and lost eggs, digestibility and egg physicochemical traits. Birds fed OM35 and OM45 showed lower production rates, and organic minerals provided the highest egg weights, regardless of their inclusion level. Accordingly, egg mass was similar between IM100, OM45 and OM35, and highest values were obtained with OM100 and OM65. Source or level had no influence on digestibility or egg quality. Supplementation with 2.8mg Cu, 17.5mg Fe, 24.5m g Mn and 17.5mg Zn per kilogram of diet (OM35) in the last third of the laying cycle provided relevant economic production indices (EHB, viability, egg weight or mass).(AU)

Estudou-se a substituição dos minerais inorgânicos (MI) Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn por minerais orgânicos (MO) na dieta de poedeiras Dekalb White com 67 semanas, comparando-se índices de produção, digestibilidade e qualidade dos ovos. Utilizaram-se 240 aves, 48 aves por tratamento e 12 por repetição. Dietas isoenergéticas e isonutrientes foram suplementadas com 8mg Cu, 50mg Fe, 70mg Mn e 50mg Zn por kg de ração MI100 e MO100 ou suplementações decrescentes MO65, MO45 e MO35. Avaliou-se produção, ovo por ave alojada (OAA), viabilidade, peso e massa dos ovos, trincados e perdidos, digestibilidade dos nutrientes e características físico-químicas dos ovos. Observaram-se menores índices de produção nas aves dos tratamentos MO35 e MO45 e maiores pesos dos ovos nos tratamentos com minerais orgânicos, independentemente da inclusão. Assim, massas de ovos foram semelhantes para os tratamentos MI100, MO45 e MO35 e maiores para MO100 e MO65. Fontes ou níveis de inclusões não influenciaram a digestibilidade e a qualidade dos ovos. Índices zootécnicos economicamente relevantes (OAA, viabilidade, peso e massa do ovo) foram obtidos com suplementação de 2,8mg Cu, 17,5mg Fe, 24,5mg Mn e 17,5mg Zn por kg de ração (MO35) em poedeiras brancas no último terço do ciclo de postura.(AU)

Substituição do milho pelo sorgo sobre o desempenho zootécnico e na digestibilidade em coelhos / Replacement of corn by sorghum on zootechnical performance and digestibility in rabbits

O milho é a principal fonte de energia nas dietas animais. Em algumas regiões brasileiras, sua disponibilidade, principalmente na entressafra, é insuficiente para atender à demanda, fazendo com que seu preço se eleve. Neste estudo, objetivou-se avaliar a substituição do milho pelo sorgo sobre o desempenho zootécnico e a digestibilidade em coelhos. Foram utilizados 60 animais machos da raça Nova Zelândia Branco, divididos em três tratamentos: ração base milho (TM); ração base sorgo (TS) e ração base 50% de milho + 50% de sorgo (TMS). No ensaio de desempenho, avaliou-se ganho de peso (GP), consumo de ração (CR), conversão alimentar (CA), coeficientes de digestibilidade da matéria seca (CDMS), proteína bruta (CDPB), fibra em detergente neutro (CDFDN) e fibra em detergente ácido (CDFDA). Observou-se que o CRM, a CA e o GPM não foram afetados pela substituição do milho pelo sorgo, nos níveis de 50% e 100%. Os resultados de digestibilidade demonstraram maiores CDPB e CDFDN na ração base milho, não havendo diferenças entre os demais parâmetros estudados. O sorgo com baixo teor de tanino pode ser usado nas rações de crescimento de coelhos em níveis de substituição de 50% ou 100% da participação do milho, sem prejuízos para o desempenho zootécnico e a digestibilidade.(AU)

Corn is the main source of energy in animal diets. In some Brazilian regions, its availability, especially in the off-season, may be insufficient to meet demand, which causes prices to increase. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the substitution of maize by sorghum on the performance and digestibility of rabbits. Sixty New Zealand White bucks were used, divided in three treatments, maize base ration (TM); based on grain sorghum ration (TS) and base ration 50% corn + 50% sorghum grain (TMS). In the performance test, weight gain (GP), feed intake (CR) and feed conversion ratio (CA) were evaluated. In the digestibility assay, 21 animals were used. The total dry matter (CDMS), crude protein (CDPB), gross energy (EB), neutral detergent fiber (CDFDN) and acid detergent fiber (CDFDA) coefficients were evaluated. There was no significant difference for any of the performance parameters studied (P > 0.05). The digestibility results showed higher CDPB and CDFDN in the corn diet (P <0.05), with no differences between the other parameters studied. Low tannin sorghum can be used in rabbit growth diets at substitution levels of 50% or 100% of maize participation without impairing zootechnical performance and digestibility.(AU)

Substituição do milho pelo sorgo sobre o desempenho zootécnico e na digestibilidade em coelhos / Replacement of corn by sorghum on zootechnical performance and digestibility in rabbits

O milho é a principal fonte de energia nas dietas animais. Em algumas regiões brasileiras, sua disponibilidade, principalmente na entressafra, é insuficiente para atender à demanda, fazendo com que seu preço se eleve. Neste estudo, objetivou-se avaliar a substituição do milho pelo sorgo sobre o desempenho zootécnico e a digestibilidade em coelhos. Foram utilizados 60 animais machos da raça Nova Zelândia Branco, divididos em três tratamentos: ração base milho (TM); ração base sorgo (TS) e ração base 50% de milho + 50% de sorgo (TMS). No ensaio de desempenho, avaliou-se ganho de peso (GP), consumo de ração (CR), conversão alimentar (CA), coeficientes de digestibilidade da matéria seca (CDMS), proteína bruta (CDPB), fibra em detergente neutro (CDFDN) e fibra em detergente ácido (CDFDA). Observou-se que o CRM, a CA e o GPM não foram afetados pela substituição do milho pelo sorgo, nos níveis de 50% e 100%. Os resultados de digestibilidade demonstraram maiores CDPB e CDFDN na ração base milho, não havendo diferenças entre os demais parâmetros estudados. O sorgo com baixo teor de tanino pode ser usado nas rações de crescimento de coelhos em níveis de substituição de 50% ou 100% da participação do milho, sem prejuízos para o desempenho zootécnico e a digestibilidade.(AU)

Corn is the main source of energy in animal diets. In some Brazilian regions, its availability, especially in the off-season, may be insufficient to meet demand, which causes prices to increase. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the substitution of maize by sorghum on the performance and digestibility of rabbits. Sixty New Zealand White bucks were used, divided in three treatments, maize base ration (TM); based on grain sorghum ration (TS) and base ration 50% corn + 50% sorghum grain (TMS). In the performance test, weight gain (GP), feed intake (CR) and feed conversion ratio (CA) were evaluated. In the digestibility assay, 21 animals were used. The total dry matter (CDMS), crude protein (CDPB), gross energy (EB), neutral detergent fiber (CDFDN) and acid detergent fiber (CDFDA) coefficients were evaluated. There was no significant difference for any of the performance parameters studied (P > 0.05). The digestibility results showed higher CDPB and CDFDN in the corn diet (P <0.05), with no differences between the other parameters studied. Low tannin sorghum can be used in rabbit growth diets at substitution levels of 50% or 100% of maize participation without impairing zootechnical performance and digestibility.(AU)

Parâmetros zootécnicos e desenvolvimento da moela de frangos de corte em dietas de sorgo grão e a inclusão de carotenoides / Zootechnical parameters and gizzard development of broilers fed with sorghum grain and carotenoid supplementation

Objetivou-se avaliar a substituição do milho pelo sorgo grão, moído ou inteiro, e a inclusão de carotenoides sintéticos em rações de frangos de corte, sobre parâmetros zootécnicos e desenvolvimento da moela. Utilizaram-se 960 frangos, machos e fêmeas, da linhagem Cobb 500, que foram submetidos a quatro dietas: à base de milho (M), à base de sorgo moído (SM) ou ainda acrescido de carotenoides sintéticos (SMC) e à base de sorgo inteiro (SI). Foram avaliados peso vivo, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar, rendimento de carcaça e cortes, peso de moela. A ração de SI proporcionou maior desenvolvimento de moela, embora, aos sete dias, não tenha havido diferenças no peso vivo e na conversão alimentar entre as dietas. SM e SMC proporcionaram maiores valores de peso vivo aos 28 dias do que SI. As conversões alimentares real e tradicional aos 40 dias foram semelhantes para as rações de sorgo, com um melhor rendimento de carcaça em SM e SMC. O sorgo moído pode substituir integralmente o milho nas rações para frangos de corte, sem comprometimento de desempenho e rendimento de carcaça, e, na forma grão inteiro, é zootecnicamente viável.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the replacement of corn with ground or whole grain sorghum and the inclusion of carotenoids in broiler feed on zootechnical parameters and gizzard development. A total of 960 Cobb 500 broilers, half of each sex, were submitted to four feeds: ground corn (M), ground sorghum (SM) ground sorghum with carotenoid supplementation (SMC) and whole grain sorghum (SI). Body weight, feed intake and feed conversion, carcass and cuts yield, gizzard weight were evaluated. SI feed provided a greater development of gizzard, however at 7 days there were no differences in body weight and feed conversions between diets. SM and SMC provided higher values of body weight at 28 days than SI feed. Feed conversion at 40 days were the same for the sorghum feeds with a better carcass yield in SM and SMC. Ground sorghum can completely replace corn in broiler diets without compromising performance and carcass yield, and whole grain sorghum is zootecnaly viable.(AU)

Parâmetros zootécnicos e desenvolvimento da moela de frangos de corte em dietas de sorgo grão e a inclusão de carotenoides / Zootechnical parameters and gizzard development of broilers fed with sorghum grain and carotenoid supplementation

Objetivou-se avaliar a substituição do milho pelo sorgo grão, moído ou inteiro, e a inclusão de carotenoides sintéticos em rações de frangos de corte, sobre parâmetros zootécnicos e desenvolvimento da moela. Utilizaram-se 960 frangos, machos e fêmeas, da linhagem Cobb 500, que foram submetidos a quatro dietas: à base de milho (M), à base de sorgo moído (SM) ou ainda acrescido de carotenoides sintéticos (SMC) e à base de sorgo inteiro (SI). Foram avaliados peso vivo, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar, rendimento de carcaça e cortes, peso de moela. A ração de SI proporcionou maior desenvolvimento de moela, embora, aos sete dias, não tenha havido diferenças no peso vivo e na conversão alimentar entre as dietas. SM e SMC proporcionaram maiores valores de peso vivo aos 28 dias do que SI. As conversões alimentares real e tradicional aos 40 dias foram semelhantes para as rações de sorgo, com um melhor rendimento de carcaça em SM e SMC. O sorgo moído pode substituir integralmente o milho nas rações para frangos de corte, sem comprometimento de desempenho e rendimento de carcaça, e, na forma grão inteiro, é zootecnicamente viável.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the replacement of corn with ground or whole grain sorghum and the inclusion of carotenoids in broiler feed on zootechnical parameters and gizzard development. A total of 960 Cobb 500 broilers, half of each sex, were submitted to four feeds: ground corn (M), ground sorghum (SM) ground sorghum with carotenoid supplementation (SMC) and whole grain sorghum (SI). Body weight, feed intake and feed conversion, carcass and cuts yield, gizzard weight were evaluated. SI feed provided a greater development of gizzard, however at 7 days there were no differences in body weight and feed conversions between diets. SM and SMC provided higher values of body weight at 28 days than SI feed. Feed conversion at 40 days were the same for the sorghum feeds with a better carcass yield in SM and SMC. Ground sorghum can completely replace corn in broiler diets without compromising performance and carcass yield, and whole grain sorghum is zootecnaly viable.(AU)

The effect of cyclic heat stress applied to different broiler chicken brooding stages on animal performance and carcass yield

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and carcass yield of broilers submitted to heat stress during different rearing stages. A total of 840 one-day-old CobbAvian48TM male broilers were housed in an experimental house equipped with conventional ventilation system and foggers. Birds were distributed according to a completely randomized design into four treatments, with six replicates of 35 birds each. The treatments consisted of: T1 (control) - birds reared under natural temperature and relative humidity conditions from 1 to 42 days of age; T2 - birds submitted to heat stress (HS) from 16 to 21 days of age; T3 - birds submitted to HS from 22 to 42 days of age; and T4 - birds submitted to HS from 16 to 42 days of age. Birds were submitted to heat stress daily for one hour (12:00-13:00h).On day 42, performance data were determined. Six birds per replicate were selected and sacrificed to obtain carcass, parts, and giblet weights and yields. Performance parameters were not influenced by the treatments. Broilers submitted to 1-h cyclic heat between 16 and 42 days of age presented lower deboned breast weight compared with those maintained in natural temperature and relative humidity conditions. It was concluded that the performance of broilers submitted to short cyclic heat periods is not impaired.(AU)

The effect of cyclic heat stress applied to different broiler chicken brooding stages on animal performance and carcass yield

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and carcass yield of broilers submitted to heat stress during different rearing stages. A total of 840 one-day-old CobbAvian48TM male broilers were housed in an experimental house equipped with conventional ventilation system and foggers. Birds were distributed according to a completely randomized design into four treatments, with six replicates of 35 birds each. The treatments consisted of: T1 (control) - birds reared under natural temperature and relative humidity conditions from 1 to 42 days of age; T2 - birds submitted to heat stress (HS) from 16 to 21 days of age; T3 - birds submitted to HS from 22 to 42 days of age; and T4 - birds submitted to HS from 16 to 42 days of age. Birds were submitted to heat stress daily for one hour (12:00-13:00h).On day 42, performance data were determined. Six birds per replicate were selected and sacrificed to obtain carcass, parts, and giblet weights and yields. Performance parameters were not influenced by the treatments. Broilers submitted to 1-h cyclic heat between 16 and 42 days of age presented lower deboned breast weight compared with those maintained in natural temperature and relative humidity conditions. It was concluded that the performance of broilers submitted to short cyclic heat periods is not impaired.

Performance of Chicks Submitted to Fasting Post-Hatching and with Maltodextrine Supplementing to Diet as Hydrating and Energetic Additive

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of maltodextrin on performance of chicks passed through four fasting periods. A completely randomized design was performed, consisting of three treatments (1 - control, 2 - 4% saccharose; 3-4% maltodextrin 20) and four fasting periods after hatching (0, 12, 24 and 36 hours) with four replications, totaling 1920 birds of both sexes. The studied variables were: water intake in the first 12 hours, average food intake, average body weight and real feed conversion. Data was submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared with each other by Dunnett test at 5% significance. The use of additives and imposing of different fasting periods did not influence the performance at 42 days old. Therefore, fasted chicks consumed significantly more water. At 7 days old, chicks fasted showed higher body weight and higher feed intake, however, the viability did not suffer any influence, the weight remained higher after 21days with the fast imposition and there was no influence on other variables. There was no effect of fasting on broiler chiken's performance at 42 days old. The inclusion of sucrose and maltodextrin to drinking water stimulated the chick´s water intake and provided higher viability after seven days old.(AU)

Effect of Sorghum Based Nutritional Programs on Performance, Carcass Yield and Composition of Breast in Broilers

An experiment was conducted to compare three nutritional programs, which were developed with tannin-free grain sorghum based diets, evaluating performance, carcass yield and bromatological composition of the pectoral muscle of broilers. A total 1360 chicks mixed (50:50), from one to 42 days old Hubbard Flex Broilers, were housed in a completely randomized design consisting of treatments and 10 replicates each, distributed as follows: three programs with whole sorghum grain based diets (nutritional program with daily adjustment, nutritional program with every three days adjustment and nutritional program with four stages and a program with ground and whole sorghum grain based feed (four stages). The cumulative performance was evaluated at, 21 and 42 days, determining feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion and viability. At 42 days, the yield of eviscerated carcass, breast (full and boneless), thighs/drumsticks and wings and breast composition were evaluated. Nutritional adjustments showed better feed conversion, did not affect the carcass, commercial cuts yield and had a good breast meat quality. It can be concluded that daily feed programs could be performed in poultry industry with the mixture of whole sorghum grains and concentrates directly on farms contributing to better logistics and feed transportation cost.(AU)

Digestibility, Determination of Metabolizable Energy and Bone Mineralization of Broilers Fed with Nutritionally Valued Phytase

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of using exoenzyme phytase in broiler's diets on digestibility of nutrients, feed energy and tibia bone mineralization. A completely randomized design was used, with the following treatments: sorghum with dicalcium phosphate (SDP), corn with dicalcium phosphate (CDP), sorghum with meat and bone meal (SMBM), sorghum with valued phytase (SVP) and sorghum with phytase without valued (SPWV). For digestibility analysis, eighty 15 day old broilers were used, a total of 1400 male Hubbard Flex chickens, which were submitted to total excreta collection to obtain the percentages of food digestibility, crude protein, ether extract, apparent metabolizable energy, calcium and phosphorus while for tibias mineralization. Six birds per treatment were used, where determination of mineral matter, calcium and phosphorus were performed. Metabolizable energy (ME) and apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) of the feed were also calculated. Data were subjected to variation analysis and the average compared by 5% Tukey test. There was no difference between treatments for the digestibility at 15-20 day old as well as for the feed energy values, but the diets with phytase had higher phosphorous percentage values for tibia bone mineralization, demonstrating that exogenous phytase enzyme is able to hydrolyze phytate origininated from plant and release the phosphorus for assimilation by animals, acting as a substitute for phosphorus plant sources.(AU)

Digestibility, Determination of Metabolizable Energy and Bone Mineralization of Broilers Fed with Nutritionally Valued Phytase

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of using exoenzyme phytase in broiler's diets on digestibility of nutrients, feed energy and tibia bone mineralization. A completely randomized design was used, with the following treatments: sorghum with dicalcium phosphate (SDP), corn with dicalcium phosphate (CDP), sorghum with meat and bone meal (SMBM), sorghum with valued phytase (SVP) and sorghum with phytase without valued (SPWV). For digestibility analysis, eighty 15 day old broilers were used, a total of 1400 male Hubbard Flex chickens, which were submitted to total excreta collection to obtain the percentages of food digestibility, crude protein, ether extract, apparent metabolizable energy, calcium and phosphorus while for tibias mineralization. Six birds per treatment were used, where determination of mineral matter, calcium and phosphorus were performed. Metabolizable energy (ME) and apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) of the feed were also calculated. Data were subjected to variation analysis and the average compared by 5% Tukey test. There was no difference between treatments for the digestibility at 15-20 day old as well as for the feed energy values, but the diets with phytase had higher phosphorous percentage values for tibia bone mineralization, demonstrating that exogenous phytase enzyme is able to hydrolyze phytate origininated from plant and release the phosphorus for assimilation by animals, acting as a substitute for phosphorus plant sources.

Effect of Sorghum Based Nutritional Programs on Performance, Carcass Yield and Composition of Breast in Broilers

An experiment was conducted to compare three nutritional programs, which were developed with tannin-free grain sorghum based diets, evaluating performance, carcass yield and bromatological composition of the pectoral muscle of broilers. A total 1360 chicks mixed (50:50), from one to 42 days old Hubbard Flex Broilers, were housed in a completely randomized design consisting of treatments and 10 replicates each, distributed as follows: three programs with whole sorghum grain based diets (nutritional program with daily adjustment, nutritional program with every three days adjustment and nutritional program with four stages and a program with ground and whole sorghum grain based feed (four stages). The cumulative performance was evaluated at, 21 and 42 days, determining feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion and viability. At 42 days, the yield of eviscerated carcass, breast (full and boneless), thighs/drumsticks and wings and breast composition were evaluated. Nutritional adjustments showed better feed conversion, did not affect the carcass, commercial cuts yield and had a good breast meat quality. It can be concluded that daily feed programs could be performed in poultry industry with the mixture of whole sorghum grains and concentrates directly on farms contributing to better logistics and feed transportation cost.

Performance of Chicks Submitted to Fasting Post-Hatching and with Maltodextrine Supplementing to Diet as Hydrating and Energetic Additive

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of maltodextrin on performance of chicks passed through four fasting periods. A completely randomized design was performed, consisting of three treatments (1 - control, 2 - 4% saccharose; 3-4% maltodextrin 20) and four fasting periods after hatching (0, 12, 24 and 36 hours) with four replications, totaling 1920 birds of both sexes. The studied variables were: water intake in the first 12 hours, average food intake, average body weight and real feed conversion. Data was submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared with each other by Dunnett test at 5% significance. The use of additives and imposing of different fasting periods did not influence the performance at 42 days old. Therefore, fasted chicks consumed significantly more water. At 7 days old, chicks fasted showed higher body weight and higher feed intake, however, the viability did not suffer any influence, the weight remained higher after 21days with the fast imposition and there was no influence on other variables. There was no effect of fasting on broiler chiken's performance at 42 days old. The inclusion of sucrose and maltodextrin to drinking water stimulated the chick´s water intake and provided higher viability after seven days old.

Productive and Economic Performance of Broiler Chickens Subjected to Different Nutritional Plans

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of nutritional plans on the productive and economic performance of Hubbard Flex broiler chickens. A completely randomized experimental design was applied, consisting of five treatments. Treatments consisted of five different nutritional plans: a basal diet containing the nutrient and energy levels recommended by literature and designated reference diet; two diets containing 1.5% and 3% lower levels than the reference diet; and two diets containing 1.5% and 3% higher levels than the reference diet (-3%, -1.5%, reference plan, +1.5% and +3%). Feed intake (FI), body weight (BW), feed conversion rate (FCR), livability (L) and productive efficient index (PEI) were determined when broilers were 42 days old. Broilers were processed, and carcass and parts (breast fillet, leg, and wings) yields were determined. The economic viablility of the nutitional plans was evaluated as a function of feed cost/kg live and carcass weights, economic efficiency index (EEI), and cost index (CI). Feed intake and the feed conversion rate decreased as dietary nutrient and energy levels increased. Feed cost/kg live weight, economic efficiency index, and cost index cost increased as dietary nutrient and energy levels increased. Feed intake, feed conversion ratio, production efficiency index, and breast yield improved with increasing nutritional and energy levels. However, worse economic results were obtained with higher nutritional and energy levels.(AU)

Productive and Economic Performance of Broiler Chickens Subjected to Different Nutritional Plans

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of nutritional plans on the productive and economic performance of Hubbard Flex broiler chickens. A completely randomized experimental design was applied, consisting of five treatments. Treatments consisted of five different nutritional plans: a basal diet containing the nutrient and energy levels recommended by literature and designated reference diet; two diets containing 1.5% and 3% lower levels than the reference diet; and two diets containing 1.5% and 3% higher levels than the reference diet (-3%, -1.5%, reference plan, +1.5% and +3%). Feed intake (FI), body weight (BW), feed conversion rate (FCR), livability (L) and productive efficient index (PEI) were determined when broilers were 42 days old. Broilers were processed, and carcass and parts (breast fillet, leg, and wings) yields were determined. The economic viablility of the nutitional plans was evaluated as a function of feed cost/kg live and carcass weights, economic efficiency index (EEI), and cost index (CI). Feed intake and the feed conversion rate decreased as dietary nutrient and energy levels increased. Feed cost/kg live weight, economic efficiency index, and cost index cost increased as dietary nutrient and energy levels increased. Feed intake, feed conversion ratio, production efficiency index, and breast yield improved with increasing nutritional and energy levels. However, worse economic results were obtained with higher nutritional and energy levels.

Effect of the Inclusion of Organic Copper, Manganese, And Zinc in The Diet of Layers on Mineral Excretion, Egg Production, and Eggshell Quality

This study aimed at evaluating the replacement of inorganic copper, manganese, and zinc sources by organic sources in the diet of laying hens during the second laying cycle in trace mineral excretion, egg production, and eggshell quality. Two hundred and fifty 100-week-old Dekalb hens were distributed according to a completely randomized design into five treatments with five replicates of ten birds each. The control treatment consisted of a basal diet with all trace minerals in the inorganic form. The other treatments consisted of a basal diet with a mixture of the minerals copper, manganese, and zinc in the organic form with concentrations of 100%, 90%, 80%, and 70% of the levels of inclusion of inorganic mineral sources in the control treatment. Trace mineral excretion was determined in five layers per treatment by the method of total excreta collection. Excreta trace mineral contents were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Egg production and eggshell quality were determined by the mass of the eggs and the egg specific gravity, respectively. For all trace minerals examined, the dietary supplementation with organic sources reduced trace mineral excretion compared with the control group, even at 70% inclusion level, without compromising egg production or eggshell quality. The replacement of the inorganic trace mineral sources by organics source effectively reduced the excretion of copper, manganese, and zinc by laying hens in the second laying cycle.(AU)

Effect of the Inclusion of Organic Copper, Manganese, And Zinc in The Diet of Layers on Mineral Excretion, Egg Production, and Eggshell Quality

This study aimed at evaluating the replacement of inorganic copper, manganese, and zinc sources by organic sources in the diet of laying hens during the second laying cycle in trace mineral excretion, egg production, and eggshell quality. Two hundred and fifty 100-week-old Dekalb hens were distributed according to a completely randomized design into five treatments with five replicates of ten birds each. The control treatment consisted of a basal diet with all trace minerals in the inorganic form. The other treatments consisted of a basal diet with a mixture of the minerals copper, manganese, and zinc in the organic form with concentrations of 100%, 90%, 80%, and 70% of the levels of inclusion of inorganic mineral sources in the control treatment. Trace mineral excretion was determined in five layers per treatment by the method of total excreta collection. Excreta trace mineral contents were determined by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Egg production and eggshell quality were determined by the mass of the eggs and the egg specific gravity, respectively. For all trace minerals examined, the dietary supplementation with organic sources reduced trace mineral excretion compared with the control group, even at 70% inclusion level, without compromising egg production or eggshell quality. The replacement of the inorganic trace mineral sources by organics source effectively reduced the excretion of copper, manganese, and zinc by laying hens in the second laying cycle.

Comparison of moulting methods for layers: high-zinc diet versus fasting.

The serum biochemical profiles, thyroid hormones, body weights and the production and quality of eggs subsequent to moulting, were compared in laying hens subjected to conventional forced moulting or forced moulting with a diet high in zinc. A total of 200 Dekalb White laying hens in their second production cycle were studied. Blood sampling was conducted in a factorial experimental design (2 × 3) with two methods of moulting (fasting or zinc) and three sampling periods (pre-moult, moult and subsequent peak). Total egg protein content, including globulins, was greater with the zinc diet, whereas egg weight and albumen percentage were greater after fasting. The zinc method resulted in an increased shell thickness and calcium percentage but lower percentage of phosphorus. During the moulting period, the hens in the zinc group had heavier mean body weights. It was concluded that moulting with a high-zinc diet could replace fasting, without negative effects on body weight, biochemical variables or subsequent egg quality and production. The zinc method was also better for the birds' welfare.

Effects of sorghum on broilers gastrointestinal tract

This study aimed at evaluating the effects of whole and ground sorghum, compared with ground corn, on the live weight, feed conversion ratio, organs weight and intestinal biometrics and histomorphometrics. In total, 960 Hubbard Flex broilers were reared until 42-day-old and distributed into 24 pens, according to the three treatments: ground corn, whole-grain sorghum, and ground sorghum. On day 42, five male birds per treatment were selected by similar body weight and sacrificed. Gizzard absolute weight, and proventriculus, liver, pancreas and heart relative weights, and duodenum, jejunum, ileum, ceca, and colon length and relative weight were determined. Villus characteristics and intestinal mucosa absorption surface area were evaluated. Broilers fed sorghum, independently of physical form, were heavier and had greater feed conversion ratio than those fed ground corn. Gizzard showed the highest relative weight in broilers fed whole sorghum compared to corn. Liver and jejunum relative weight was higher in broilers fed ground corn, compared to ground sorghum. Whole small intestine, cecum and colon relative lengths showed no difference among treatments. Deeper crypts were found in the duodenum of broilers fed whole grain sorghum, compared to ground sorghum, as well as in jejunum compared to ground corn; however, intestinal absorption surface area was not different among treatments. Whole or ground grain sorghum may replace corn in the feed of 1- to 42-d-old broilers, since they improve body weight and feed conversion ratio, and not adversely affect intestinal morphometry and organs weight.(AU)

Effects of sorghum on broilers gastrointestinal tract

This study aimed at evaluating the effects of whole and ground sorghum, compared with ground corn, on the live weight, feed conversion ratio, organs weight and intestinal biometrics and histomorphometrics. In total, 960 Hubbard Flex broilers were reared until 42-day-old and distributed into 24 pens, according to the three treatments: ground corn, whole-grain sorghum, and ground sorghum. On day 42, five male birds per treatment were selected by similar body weight and sacrificed. Gizzard absolute weight, and proventriculus, liver, pancreas and heart relative weights, and duodenum, jejunum, ileum, ceca, and colon length and relative weight were determined. Villus characteristics and intestinal mucosa absorption surface area were evaluated. Broilers fed sorghum, independently of physical form, were heavier and had greater feed conversion ratio than those fed ground corn. Gizzard showed the highest relative weight in broilers fed whole sorghum compared to corn. Liver and jejunum relative weight was higher in broilers fed ground corn, compared to ground sorghum. Whole small intestine, cecum and colon relative lengths showed no difference among treatments. Deeper crypts were found in the duodenum of broilers fed whole grain sorghum, compared to ground sorghum, as well as in jejunum compared to ground corn; however, intestinal absorption surface area was not different among treatments. Whole or ground grain sorghum may replace corn in the feed of 1- to 42-d-old broilers, since they improve body weight and feed conversion ratio, and not adversely affect intestinal morphometry and organs weight.