Pulse electrodeposition of CuSbS2 thin films: Role of Cu/Sb precursor ratio on the phase formation and its performance as photocathode for hydrogen evolution§.

In this paper, we outline the development of stoichiometric chalcostibite, CuSbS2 thin films, from a single bath by pulse electrodeposition for its application as a photocathode in photoelectrochemical cells (PEC). The Cu/Sb precursor molar ratio of the deposition bath was varied to obtain stoichiometric CuSbS2 thin films. The optimized deposition and dissolution potentials were -0.72 V and -0.1 V vs saturated calomel electrode, respectively. The formation of CuSbS2 was analyzed using different characterization tools. X-ray diffraction and Raman results showed the formation of the pure chalcostibite phase from a precursor bath with molar ratio Cu/Sb = 0.41. The heterostructure CuSbS2/CdS/Pt was tested as a photocathode in the PEC. The energy positions of the conduction and valence bands were estimated from the Mott Schottky plots. The conduction band and valence band offset of CuSbS2/CdS heterojunction were 0.1 eV and 1.04 eV, respectively. The electric field created in the junction reduced the recombination of the electron/hole pairs and improved charge transfer in the interface. The heterostructure CuSbS2/CdS/Pt demonstrated an improved photocurrent density of 3.4 mA cm-2 at 0 V vs reversible hydrogen electrode. The PEC efficiency obtained from the CuSbS2/CdS heterojunction was 0.56 %. Therefore, we demonstrated the feasibility of an inexpensive technique like electrodeposition for the development of an efficient earth-abundant photocathode.

Precision technologies for predictive diagnosis and study of the allometric growth of broiler chickens with breast myopathies.

1. An experiment was carried out to validate techniques as predictive diagnostic tools for breast myopathies and to study the allometric growth of distinct parts of the body and meat quality of broilers.2. Infrared thermography was performed at 35 d of age. The surface temperatures of breasts of 300 birds were recorded, followed by ultrasound imaging.3. The birds were slaughtered and the cuts were made to weigh the body parts. Then, the breasts were evaluated as for the presence and severity of myopathies, from which nine treatments were established represented by the associated degrees of the myopathies white striping and wooden breast and breasts classified as normal.4. There was no difference in surface temperatures and echogenicity values between normal breasts and breasts affected by myopathies. At 35 d of age few fillets classified as normal were found.5. The breast showed late growth in relation to the body, regardless of characteristic lesions of myopathies. The most severe score of wooden breast affected meat quality variables.

Emulsifier in Diets with Different Alternative Lipid Sources: Effects on the Health of Japanese Quails

The present research aims to evaluate the inclusion of an emulsifying additive based on mono- and diglycerides of fatty acids in diets with different lipid sources, studying its effects on duodenum histology, biometry of the digestive and reproductive tract, and blood biochemical profile of Japanese quails. The study was carried out in the experimental aviary of the Federal University of Grande Dourados, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. The experimental design was completely randomized, with diets in a 3x2 factorial design with three different lipid sources (soybean oil, poultry fat, and beef tallow), either supplemented or not with an emulsifier. The birds that received a diet composed of poultry fat and an emulsifying additive had a larger gizzard. Animals that received a diet containing an emulsifier, regardless of the lipid source, had greater heart weight. The duodenum of animals that received bovine tallow in their diet showed a greater height and villus:crypt ratio. Biochemical parameters were not affected by either the lipid source or the inclusion of emulsifier in quail diets. The biochemical blood profile of birds in treatments did not show significant changes among all diets used. The use of soybean oil, bovine tallow, and poultry fat with or without the inclusion of an emulsifier does not show changes in the health and development of the quails' organs, which also indicates that the health of Japanese quails in the laying phase is kept in good standards.(AU)

Different litter compositions influence broiler chicken locomotion.

Background: Bedding material must absorb moisture, reduce impacts, and allow chicken to express their natural behavior reducing the occurrence of injuries in the footpad and joints, and improving carcass quality and performance. Aims: This study evaluated different bedding materials with different levels of inclusion of dried grass (Zoysia japonica) on the development of lesions in the locomotor system of broiler chickens. Methods: One thousand eight-day-old male chicks of the Cobb 500® were distributed in a completely randomized design with a 3 × 2 factorial scheme: three levels of grass inclusion and two bedding materials (100% wood shavings; 100% rice husks; 25% grass and 75% wood shavings; 25% grass and 75% rice husks; 50% grass and 50% wood shavings; 50% grass and 50% rice husks). The birds at 21, 28, 35, and 42 days of age were evaluated for pododermatitis. Ten birds from each repetition were identified and evaluated weekly from 21 to 42 days for Gait score, latency to lie and leg angle (valgus and varus). At 43 days of age, 60 birds of each treatment were slaughtered and evaluated for femoral degeneration and tibial dyschondroplasia. Results: Different litter compositions did not affect the incidence of lameness, tibial dyschondroplasia and spondylolisthesis. Pododermatitis scores increased after 28 days when including 50% of grass. Conclusion: Age contributes more to the development of locomotion injuries than does bedding material. It is recommended to use inclusions of dried grass only as bedding for young broilers.

Economic Feasibility in Commercial Egg Production in a Conventional and Cage-Free Systems with Different Stocking Densities

Adapting existing laying facilities to meet animal welfare certifications is not a simple task. It causes higher expenses to producers, who are often hesitant to accept the need for changes. Considerations of their financial situation make them insecure to make assertive decisions in this area, as they seek to maintain the economic efficiency of laying poultry. This study aims to analyze the economic viability of laying systems (conventional cages and Cage-Free) with different housing densities. The data source was a systematized literature review. Five articles were found containing reports on systems. Further data sources were the lineage handbook and a survey with companies specializing in poultry farming. An analysis of economic viability was performed in the multiple scenarios. Densities in each system were used to compose different scenarios: Conventional: 1,500 cm²/bird, 750 cm²/bird, and 398 cm²/bird; and Cage-Free:7 birds/m² and 13 birds/m². The scenarios were evaluated in terms of Net Present Value, Internal Rate of Return, Modified Internal Rate of Return, Discounted Payback Method, Profitability Index, Equivalent Uniform Annual Value, and Monte Carlo Simulation. The best scenario was the Conventional, with 398 cm²/bird, presenting a higher NPV. The Cage-Free system, with seven birds per square meter, had a lower NPV compared to conventional systems. All scenarios had satisfactory chances of success. The risks of negative or null financial return were low according to Monte Carlo simulations. Conventional and Cage-Free production are economically viable when using densities of 1,500 cm²/bird, 750 cm²/bird, or 398 cm²/bird (conventional), and 7 birds/m², or 13 birds/m² (Cage-Free).(AU)

Effect of In Ovo Ascorbic Acid Injection and Thermal Manipulation During Incubation on Intestine Morphology of Broilers Reared under Cold and Heat Stress

It was investigated if pre-incubation ascorbic acid (AA) injection in fertile eggs incubated at high temperature impacts the performance, the yield of carcass and parts, and the intestine morphology of broilers reared under heat stress. Three thousand Cobb® fertile broiler eggs were randomly distributed according to weight into three incubations treatments (eggs not injected with AA and incubated at 37.5°C; eggs not injected with AA and incubated at 39°C; and eggs injected with 6 µg AA/100 µL water prior to incubation and incubated at 39ºC). The hatched birds were reared at thermoneutral, cold, and hot house temperatures. Broilers reared under hot temperature presented lower feed intake and weight gain than the broilers of the different rearing temperatures. Egg incubation at 39.0 ºC and 39.0 ºC + AA reduced broiler viability. Carcass and cut yields were not influenced by incubation and rearing procedures. Duodenal goblet cell count was lower in broilers from eggs of the treatment 39ºC + AA than in broilers from the other incubation treatments and in broiler rearing in hot temperature. In the jejunum, the goblet cell counts were higher in broilers that were reared under hot than thermoneutral temperatures. The incubation treatment of 39 ºC+AA increased the goblet cell counts in the ileum of broilers reared under cold temperatures. Rearing temperature influenced the duodenal villi counts, which were lower under cold rearing conditions than in the two other rearing temperatures. The results showed that egg incubation at 39°C, independently of ascorbic acid injection, did not produce an effective epigenetic heat adaptation in broilers.(AU)

Moringa Oleifera: an alternative ingredient to improve the egg quality of Japanese quail / [Moringa oleifera: um ingrediente alternativo na melhora da qualidade de ovos de codornas japonesas]

This study aims to evaluate effects of inclusion of moringa in Japanese quail diets on laying performance, egg quality, blood parameters, serum biochemical profile, and behavior. One hundred and forty-four Japanese quails, approximately 35-d-old, were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments and six replications. Treatments were diet inclusion of 0, 2, 4 and 6% of dried and ground moringa leaves. The inclusion of moringa in diets reduces the quadratic feed intake up to the level of 1.20%, increases weight of eggs with a quadratic behavior up to 3.80%, and linearly increases yolk weight. Yolk color changes with higher levels of inclusion of moringa and resulted in more intense colors. The biochemical profile of quails changed slightly but remains within the normal range. The inclusion of 4% of moringa in diets increases alkaline phosphatase. Regarding cholesterol and triglycerides, diet with 6% moringa inclusion was lower when compared to the others. The behavior of laying quails does not change due to inclusion of moringa in diets. Up to 3.83% of Moringa oleifera can be included in Japanese quail diet to improve egg quality without compromising performance, biochemical profile, blood parameters and behavior.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a inclusão de Moringa oleifera na dieta de codornas japonesas sobre o desempenho, a qualidade de ovos, os parâmetros sanguíneos, o perfil bioquímico e o comportamento. Foram utilizadas 144 codornas japonesas, com aproximadamente 35 dias de idade, as quais foram distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e seis repetições cada. Foram fornecidas dietas com 0, 2, 4 e 6% de folhas desidratadas e moídas de moringa. A inclusão de moringa nas dietas reduziu quadraticamente o consumo até o nível de 1,2%, aumentou o peso dos ovos com comportamento quadrático até o nível de 3,8% e aumentou linearmente o peso da gema. A coloração da gema se intensificou com maiores inclusões de moringa. O perfil bioquímico sofreu alterações leves, mas não saiu dos padrões normais para codornas. A inclusão de 4% de moringa nas dietas aumentou os níveis de fosfatase alcalina. Já a inclusão de 6% reduziu níveis de colesterol e triglicérides. O comportamento das codornas não se alterou com a inclusão de moringa nas dietas. A inclusão de até 3,83% de Moringa oleifera na dieta de codornas japonesas aumenta a qualidade de ovos sem comprometer o desempenho, o perfil bioquímico, os parâmetros sanguíneos e o comportamento delas.(AU)

Carcass Washing as an Alternative to Trimming - Is It Possible to Use Carcass Washing as an Alternative to Trimming in Commercial Broiler Slaughterhouses in Brazil?

This study aimed to evaluate visual contamination rates of carcasses of broilers slaughtered in establishments supervised by the Federal Inspection Service (SIF) and efficiency of carcass washing in replacement of trimming. The work was divided into three parts: analysis of partial and total carcass condemnation by contamination in hot (October to March) and cold (April to September) periods; evaluation of microbiological contamination before and after washing 800 carcasses (400 that did not go through washing x 400 that went through washing); and carcass washing test. For the test, twenty carcasses were evaluated in five treatments: carcasses without contamination - before washing; carcasses without contamination - after washing; contaminated carcasses - before washing and before trimming; contaminated carcasses - after washing; contaminated carcasses - after trimming. Hot and cold periods obtained a similar number and weight of slaughtered chickens. There were no differences regarding condemnation by contamination. Periods of the year did not influence the average weight of the birds slaughtered in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Carcass washing in the slaughter line was effective in reducing total bacterial contamination, E. coli, and enterobacteria. There is a similarity in the reduction of condemnations by contamination, evidencing that the uniformity of production systems. Although it is not yet a reality in Brazilian slaughterhouses, the washing procedure can be considered a safe replacement for trimming.(AU)

Dried Cassava Residue in Laying Quail Feeding

This study evaluated the performance, egg quality, relative weight of the gastrointestinal organs, and the intestinal morphometry of laying quails fed diets containing levels of dried cassava residue (DCR). A total of 120 150-day-old Japanese quails were distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments (0.0; 2.5; 5.0; 7.5; and 10.0% of DCR), four replicates, and six birds per experimental unit. The dietary inclusion of DCR did not affect (p>0.05) performance, internal egg quality, yolk color, and the values of villus height, crypt depth, and villus height/crypt depth ratio for the segments of the small intestine. However, a linear increase (p 0.05) was found for eggshell thickness, relative weight of the gizzard, and small intestine with increased dietary levels of the residue. For the relative weight of the pancreas, a quadratic effect (p 0.05) was observed, with the lower relative weight estimated at 4.04% DCR inclusion. Comparing to the control group (0% of DRC inclusion) the quails fed 5% of DRC showed a lower relative weight of the pancreas. The inclusion of up to 10% of dried cassava residue in laying quails diets does not interfere with the performance. Among the organs of gastrointestinal tract, the inclusion of dried cassava residue increased the relative weight of gizzard and small intestine. In addition, it improves eggshell quality by increasing eggshell thickness.(AU)

Dried Cassava Residue in Laying Quail Feeding

This study evaluated the performance, egg quality, relative weight of the gastrointestinal organs, and the intestinal morphometry of laying quails fed diets containing levels of dried cassava residue (DCR). A total of 120 150-day-old Japanese quails were distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments (0.0; 2.5; 5.0; 7.5; and 10.0% of DCR), four replicates, and six birds per experimental unit. The dietary inclusion of DCR did not affect (p>0.05) performance, internal egg quality, yolk color, and the values of villus height, crypt depth, and villus height/crypt depth ratio for the segments of the small intestine. However, a linear increase (p 0.05) was found for eggshell thickness, relative weight of the gizzard, and small intestine with increased dietary levels of the residue. For the relative weight of the pancreas, a quadratic effect (p 0.05) was observed, with the lower relative weight estimated at 4.04% DCR inclusion. Comparing to the control group (0% of DRC inclusion) the quails fed 5% of DRC showed a lower relative weight of the pancreas. The inclusion of up to 10% of dried cassava residue in laying quails diets does not interfere with the performance. Among the organs of gastrointestinal tract, the inclusion of dried cassava residue increased the relative weight of gizzard and small intestine. In addition, it improves eggshell quality by increasing eggshell thickness.

Carcass Washing as an Alternative to Trimming - Is It Possible to Use Carcass Washing as an Alternative to Trimming in Commercial Broiler Slaughterhouses in Brazil?

This study aimed to evaluate visual contamination rates of carcasses of broilers slaughtered in establishments supervised by the Federal Inspection Service (SIF) and efficiency of carcass washing in replacement of trimming. The work was divided into three parts: analysis of partial and total carcass condemnation by contamination in hot (October to March) and cold (April to September) periods; evaluation of microbiological contamination before and after washing 800 carcasses (400 that did not go through washing x 400 that went through washing); and carcass washing test. For the test, twenty carcasses were evaluated in five treatments: carcasses without contamination - before washing; carcasses without contamination - after washing; contaminated carcasses - before washing and before trimming; contaminated carcasses - after washing; contaminated carcasses - after trimming. Hot and cold periods obtained a similar number and weight of slaughtered chickens. There were no differences regarding condemnation by contamination. Periods of the year did not influence the average weight of the birds slaughtered in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul. Carcass washing in the slaughter line was effective in reducing total bacterial contamination, E. coli, and enterobacteria. There is a similarity in the reduction of condemnations by contamination, evidencing that the uniformity of production systems. Although it is not yet a reality in Brazilian slaughterhouses, the washing procedure can be considered a safe replacement for trimming.

Evolução da produção e exportação de frangos de corte no estado do Mato Grosso do Sul / Brazilian State of Mato Grosso do Sul broilers production and exports evolution

O objetivo do trabalho foi realizar um panorama evolutivo da cadeia de produção e exportação de frangos de corte no estado do Mato Grosso do Sul considerando o período de 2007 à 2016. Posteriormente se fez uma comparação dos resultados com os encontrados no estado do Paraná e um levantamento das barreiras comercias impostas à importação da carne de frango do Mato Grosso do Sul. A pesquisa se trata de uma análise descritiva e foram utilizados dados do InfoAgro, Secretária do Estado de Meio Ambiente, Desenvolvimento Econômico, Produção e Agricultura Familiar, Estatística de Comércio Exterior do Agronegócio Brasileiro e Associação Brasileira de Proteína Animal. Os resultados apontam que o setor encontra-se em evolução dentro do Mato Grosso do Sul, com crescimentos significativos na produção e exportação. O Paraná possui um crescimento superior ao do Mato Grosso do Sul no período avaliado, o que evidencia o potencial de crescimento do estado. Verificou-se que as barreiras à importação da carne de frango comerciais impostas ao Mato Grosso do Sul não influem significantemente no crescimento da cadeia avícola no estado, e que atualmente o mesmo atende a todas as exigências. Conclui-se que o estado do Mato Grosso do Sul necessita de tempo para que ocorra a consolidação da avicultura, e que para tanto se faz necessário incentivo do governo para atração de novas empresas e fortalecimento da atividade junto aos produtores do estado.

The aim of this work was to bring out an evolutionary panorama of the broilers production and export in the Mato Grosso do Sul state, considering the period between 2007 and 2016. Subsequently a survey was made for the commercial barriers imposed on the importation of Mato Grosso do Sul broiler meat. The research is a descriptive analysis and data from InfoAgro, Famasul System and Agrostat and the Brazilian Association of Animal Proteins. The results indicate that the sector is in evolution within the Mato Grosso do Sul, with significant increases in production and exports. Paraná has a higher growth than Mato Grosso do Sul in this evaluated period, which shows the growth potential of the state. It has also been found that the barriers to the importation of commercial broiler meat, imposed on the MS do not influence significantly the growth of the poultry production chain in the state, that currently meets with all requirements imposed. It is concluded that the State of Mato Grosso do Sul needs time for the poultry industry consolidation, and that therefore, is necessary the encouragement and attraction of new companies to strengthen the activity of broilers production in Mato Grosso do Sul.

Evolução da produção e exportação de frangos de corte no estado do Mato Grosso do Sul / Brazilian State of Mato Grosso do Sul broilers production and exports evolution

O objetivo do trabalho foi realizar um panorama evolutivo da cadeia de produção e exportação de frangos de corte no estado do Mato Grosso do Sul considerando o período de 2007 à 2016. Posteriormente se fez uma comparação dos resultados com os encontrados no estado do Paraná e um levantamento das barreiras comercias impostas à importação da carne de frango do Mato Grosso do Sul. A pesquisa se trata de uma análise descritiva e foram utilizados dados do InfoAgro, Secretária do Estado de Meio Ambiente, Desenvolvimento Econômico, Produção e Agricultura Familiar, Estatística de Comércio Exterior do Agronegócio Brasileiro e Associação Brasileira de Proteína Animal. Os resultados apontam que o setor encontra-se em evolução dentro do Mato Grosso do Sul, com crescimentos significativos na produção e exportação. O Paraná possui um crescimento superior ao do Mato Grosso do Sul no período avaliado, o que evidencia o potencial de crescimento do estado. Verificou-se que as barreiras à importação da carne de frango comerciais impostas ao Mato Grosso do Sul não influem significantemente no crescimento da cadeia avícola no estado, e que atualmente o mesmo atende a todas as exigências. Conclui-se que o estado do Mato Grosso do Sul necessita de tempo para que ocorra a consolidação da avicultura, e que para tanto se faz necessário incentivo do governo para atração de novas empresas e fortalecimento da atividade junto aos produtores do estado.(AU)

The aim of this work was to bring out an evolutionary panorama of the broilers production and export in the Mato Grosso do Sul state, considering the period between 2007 and 2016. Subsequently a survey was made for the commercial barriers imposed on the importation of Mato Grosso do Sul broiler meat. The research is a descriptive analysis and data from InfoAgro, Famasul System and Agrostat and the Brazilian Association of Animal Proteins. The results indicate that the sector is in evolution within the Mato Grosso do Sul, with significant increases in production and exports. Paraná has a higher growth than Mato Grosso do Sul in this evaluated period, which shows the growth potential of the state. It has also been found that the barriers to the importation of commercial broiler meat, imposed on the MS do not influence significantly the growth of the poultry production chain in the state, that currently meets with all requirements imposed. It is concluded that the State of Mato Grosso do Sul needs time for the poultry industry consolidation, and that therefore, is necessary the encouragement and attraction of new companies to strengthen the activity of broilers production in Mato Grosso do Sul.(AU)

EVOLUÇÃO DA PRODUÇÃO E EXPORTAÇÃO DE FRANGOS DE CORTE NO ESTADO DO MATO GROSSO DO SUL

O objetivo do trabalho foi realizar um panorama evolutivo da cadeia de produção e exportação de frangos de corte no estado do Mato Grosso do Sul considerando o período de 2007 à 2016. Posteriormente se fez uma comparação dos resultados com os encontrados no estado do Paraná e um levantamento das barreiras comercias impostas à importação da carne de frango do Mato Grosso do Sul. A pesquisa se trata de uma análise descritiva e foram utilizados dados do InfoAgro, Secretária do Estado de Meio Ambiente, Desenvolvimento Econômico, Produção e Agricultura Familiar, Estatística de Comércio Exterior do Agronegócio Brasileiro e Associação Brasileira de Proteína Animal. Os resultados apontam que o setor encontra-se em evolução dentro do Mato Grosso do Sul, com crescimentos significativos na produção e exportação. O Paraná possui um crescimento superior ao do Mato Grosso do Sul no período avaliado, o que evidencia o potencial de crescimento do estado. Verificou-se que as barreiras à importação da carne de frango comerciais impostas ao Mato Grosso do Sul não influem significantemente no crescimento da cadeia avícola no estado, e que atualmente o mesmo atende a todas as exigências. Conclui-se que o estado do Mato Grosso do Sul necessita de tempo para que ocorra a consolidação da avicultura, e que para tanto se faz necessário incentivo do governo para atração de novas empresas e fortalecimento

Technical Cashew Nutshell Liquid in Diets of Growing Meat-Type Quails

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of technical cashew nutshell liquid (TCNSL) in European quails (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) diets from 1 to 35 days of age on the performance, carcass traits, and development of the digestive organs. 575 quails were distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments (0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, and 1.00% TCNSL), five replicates, and 23 birds per experimental unit. Live performance was evaluated by weight gain, average feed intake, and feed to conversion ratio. The relative weight of the digestive organs (proventriculus, gizzard, pancreas, liver, small intestine, and large intestine), length of the small and large intestine, and carcass and parts yield (breast, wing, and leg) were determined at the end of the experimental period (35 days). The supplementation of quail diets with TCNSL did not influence live performance or carcass and parts yields. The relative weights of the proventriculus, gizzard, pancreas, small intestine, and large intestine, and the length of the small intestine and large intestine were not affected by the dietary inclusion of TCNSL. However, TCNSL supplementation had a quadratic effect (p 0.05) on liver relative weight, with the lowest relative weight predicted at 0.33% TCNSL. Quails fed 1% TCNSL showed higher liver relative weight compared with those fed the TCNSL-free diets. The dietary inclusion of up to 1% TCNSL did not influence the performance, carcass traits, or development of the digestive organs of European quails.

Multi-Attribute Evaluation and Selection of Broiler House for the Low Prevalence of Footpad Lesion

Intensive broiler production requires large flock density, which compromises litter quality and increases the prevalence of footpad lesions. The present study aimed at comparing the incidence of footpad dermatitis of broilers reared in two different rearing environments. Data from two broiler houses were recorded during 42 d. Air temperature and relative humidity; litter moisture, pH, and temperature; footpad surface temperature; and the incidence of footpad lesions was investigated. Litter quality was analyzed in a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement, with two house types (dark house or open-sided house) and four rearing phases (21, 28, 35, and 42 d of growth), with four replicates per treatment using 12 replicates. Four replicates were used for analyzing the air environment data. For the footpad lesion identification, a randomly factorial scheme of recording the surface temperature was built (2 x 2) using two houses, and the broiler sex using 15 replicates in the grow-out stages. The measures of association (odds ratio and risk ratio) were calculated. The multi-criteria analysis (Analytic Hierarchy Process - AHP) was applied for estimating the house that provided less prevalence of lesions. The field data did not provide enough evidence for selection of a particular house with less incidence of footpad dermatitis. However, when applying the measures of association data, and corresponding literature data to the AHP, there was an indication that the dark-house provided broiler rearing condition that reduced the incidence of footpad lesions.

Beak trimming by infrared radiation of layers

This study aimed at evaluating beak-trimming methods and intensities on the performance, beak length and uniformity, and egg parameters of commercial layers. During the rearing period, birds were distributed in randomized blocks, with a 2x3 factorial design + two treatments, consisting of beak trimming with infrared (IR) radiation (moderate or severe); three IR intensities (low: 42 nm, intermediate: 46 nm, or high: 52 nm); and two control hot blade (HB) beak trimming treatments (moderate or severe) with eight treatments and five replicates of 21 chicks each, totaling 840 birds. During the growing phase (second experiment) the factorial design was modified to 2 x 3 x 2 + 4, comprising two IR beak-trimming intensities (moderate or severe); three IR radiation intensities (low, moderate and high), second beak trimming at 11 weeks of age or not, and four additional HB beak-trimming treatments (moderate or severe) beak-trimming intensities, and second beak trimming at 11 weeks of age or not. There were 16 treatments with six replicates of seven birds each, totaling 672 laying hens, out of which 576 were selected for evaluation during the production period, with the same number of treatments and replicates of the previous phase. Weight gain (g), body weight (g), body weight uniformity (%), beak length (mm) and uniformity (%), absence of cannibalism (%), livability (%), egg production (%), feed intake (g), feed conversion per eggmass, eggmass, specific gravity, eggshell strength, Haugh unit, % yolk were evaluated. Beak trimming by infra-red radiation may be employed in commercial laying hens.

Beak trimming by infrared radiation of layers

This study aimed at evaluating beak-trimming methods and intensities on the performance, beak length and uniformity, and egg parameters of commercial layers. During the rearing period, birds were distributed in randomized blocks, with a 2x3 factorial design + two treatments, consisting of beak trimming with infrared (IR) radiation (moderate or severe); three IR intensities (low: 42 nm, intermediate: 46 nm, or high: 52 nm); and two control hot blade (HB) beak trimming treatments (moderate or severe) with eight treatments and five replicates of 21 chicks each, totaling 840 birds. During the growing phase (second experiment) the factorial design was modified to 2 x 3 x 2 + 4, comprising two IR beak-trimming intensities (moderate or severe); three IR radiation intensities (low, moderate and high), second beak trimming at 11 weeks of age or not, and four additional HB beak-trimming treatments (moderate or severe) beak-trimming intensities, and second beak trimming at 11 weeks of age or not. There were 16 treatments with six replicates of seven birds each, totaling 672 laying hens, out of which 576 were selected for evaluation during the production period, with the same number of treatments and replicates of the previous phase. Weight gain (g), body weight (g), body weight uniformity (%), beak length (mm) and uniformity (%), absence of cannibalism (%), livability (%), egg production (%), feed intake (g), feed conversion per eggmass, eggmass, specific gravity, eggshell strength, Haugh unit, % yolk were evaluated. Beak trimming by infra-red radiation may be employed in commercial laying hens.(AU)

Technical Cashew Nutshell Liquid in Diets of Growing Meat-Type Quails

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of technical cashew nutshell liquid (TCNSL) in European quails (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) diets from 1 to 35 days of age on the performance, carcass traits, and development of the digestive organs. 575 quails were distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments (0%, 0.25%, 0.50%, 0.75%, and 1.00% TCNSL), five replicates, and 23 birds per experimental unit. Live performance was evaluated by weight gain, average feed intake, and feed to conversion ratio. The relative weight of the digestive organs (proventriculus, gizzard, pancreas, liver, small intestine, and large intestine), length of the small and large intestine, and carcass and parts yield (breast, wing, and leg) were determined at the end of the experimental period (35 days). The supplementation of quail diets with TCNSL did not influence live performance or carcass and parts yields. The relative weights of the proventriculus, gizzard, pancreas, small intestine, and large intestine, and the length of the small intestine and large intestine were not affected by the dietary inclusion of TCNSL. However, TCNSL supplementation had a quadratic effect (p 0.05) on liver relative weight, with the lowest relative weight predicted at 0.33% TCNSL. Quails fed 1% TCNSL showed higher liver relative weight compared with those fed the TCNSL-free diets. The dietary inclusion of up to 1% TCNSL did not influence the performance, carcass traits, or development of the digestive organs of European quails.(AU)

Multi-Attribute Evaluation and Selection of Broiler House for the Low Prevalence of Footpad Lesion

Intensive broiler production requires large flock density, which compromises litter quality and increases the prevalence of footpad lesions. The present study aimed at comparing the incidence of footpad dermatitis of broilers reared in two different rearing environments. Data from two broiler houses were recorded during 42 d. Air temperature and relative humidity; litter moisture, pH, and temperature; footpad surface temperature; and the incidence of footpad lesions was investigated. Litter quality was analyzed in a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement, with two house types (dark house or open-sided house) and four rearing phases (21, 28, 35, and 42 d of growth), with four replicates per treatment using 12 replicates. Four replicates were used for analyzing the air environment data. For the footpad lesion identification, a randomly factorial scheme of recording the surface temperature was built (2 x 2) using two houses, and the broiler sex using 15 replicates in the grow-out stages. The measures of association (odds ratio and risk ratio) were calculated. The multi-criteria analysis (Analytic Hierarchy Process - AHP) was applied for estimating the house that provided less prevalence of lesions. The field data did not provide enough evidence for selection of a particular house with less incidence of footpad dermatitis. However, when applying the measures of association data, and corresponding literature data to the AHP, there was an indication that the dark-house provided broiler rearing condition that reduced the incidence of footpad lesions.(AU)