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)

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 and meat quality traits of chickens fed diets concurrently supplemented with vitamins C and E under constant heat stress.

The objective of this study was to determine if a diet supplemented simultaneously with vitamins C and E would alleviate the negative effects of heat stress, applied between 28 and 42 days of age, on performance, carcass and meat quality traits of broiler chickens. A total of 384 male broiler chickens were assigned to a completely randomized design, with a 2×3 factorial arrangement (diet with or without vitamin supplementation and two ambient temperatures plus a pair-feeding group) and 16 replicates. Chickens were kept in thermoneutral conditions up to 28 days of age. They were then housed in groups of four per cage, in three environmentally controlled chambers: two thermoneutral (22.5 and 22.6°C) and one for heat stress (32°C). Half the chickens were fed a diet supplemented with vitamins C (257 to 288 mg/kg) and E (93 to 109 mg/kg). In the thermoneutral chambers, half of the chickens were pair-fed to heat stressed chickens, receiving each day the average feed intake recorded in the heat stress chamber in the previous day. Meat physical quality analyses were performed on the pectoralis major muscle. No ambient temperature×diet supplementation interaction effects were detected on performance, carcass, or meat quality traits. The supplemented diet resulted in lower growth performance, attributed either to a carry-over effect of the lower initial BW, or to a possible catabolic effect of vitamins C and E when supplemented simultaneously at high levels. Heat stress reduced slaughter and carcass weights, average daily gain and feed intake, and increased feed conversion. Growth performance of pair-fed chickens was similar to that of heat stressed chickens. Exposure to heat stress increased carcass and abdominal fat percentages, but reduced breast, liver and heart percentages. Pair-fed chickens showed the lowest fat percentage and their breast percentage was similar to controls. Heat stress increased meat pH and negatively affected meat color and cooking loss. In pair-fed chickens, meat color was similar to the heat stressed group. Shear force was not influenced by heat stress, but pair-fed chickens showed the tenderest meat. In conclusion, reduction in growth performance and negative changes in meat color in heat stressed chickens were attributed to depression in feed intake, whereas negative changes in body composition, higher meat pH and cooking loss were credited to high ambient temperature per se. Diet supplementation with vitamins C and E as antioxidants did not mitigate any of these negative effects.

Implications of the use of sorghum in broiler production

This study aimed at evaluating total or partial replacement of corn by sorghum in broiler diets and at estimating the effect of the pigment supplementation on broiler performance, carcass and cuts yield, and possible breast and leg pigmentation. We used 1680 one-d-old Ross® 308 broilers. Birds were sexed and distributed according to a completely randomized design (2 x 3 + 1). Treatments consisted of a control diet based on corn and diets with two levels corn replacement by sorghum (50 and 100%) and three pigments levels, with four replicates of 60 birds per treatment. There was no effect (p > 0.05) of the dietary replacement of corn by sorghum on performance, carcass and parts yield, and no changes in breast and leg meat pH (p >0.05). Meat redness (a*), yellowness (b*) and luminosity (L*) increased (p 0.05) as pigment inclusion levels increased. It was concluded that the use of sorghum instead of corn did not affect broiler performance or carcass and cuts yield. When adequate pigments were used, meat color significantly improved.(AU)

Implications of the use of sorghum in broiler production

This study aimed at evaluating total or partial replacement of corn by sorghum in broiler diets and at estimating the effect of the pigment supplementation on broiler performance, carcass and cuts yield, and possible breast and leg pigmentation. We used 1680 one-d-old Ross® 308 broilers. Birds were sexed and distributed according to a completely randomized design (2 x 3 + 1). Treatments consisted of a control diet based on corn and diets with two levels corn replacement by sorghum (50 and 100%) and three pigments levels, with four replicates of 60 birds per treatment. There was no effect (p > 0.05) of the dietary replacement of corn by sorghum on performance, carcass and parts yield, and no changes in breast and leg meat pH (p >0.05). Meat redness (a*), yellowness (b*) and luminosity (L*) increased (p 0.05) as pigment inclusion levels increased. It was concluded that the use of sorghum instead of corn did not affect broiler performance or carcass and cuts yield. When adequate pigments were used, meat color significantly improved.

Carcass and meat quality traits of rabbits under heat stress.

Rabbits are very sensitive to heat stress because they have difficulty eliminating excess body heat. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effects of heat stress on slaughter weight, dressing percentage and carcass and meat quality traits of rabbits from two genetic groups. Ninety-six weaned rabbits were used: half were from the Botucatu genetic group and half were crossbreds between New Zealand White sires and Botucatu does. They were assigned to a completely randomized design in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement (two genetic groups and three ambient temperatures: 18°C, 25°C and 30°C) and kept under controlled conditions in three environmental chambers from 5 to 10 weeks of age. Slaughter took place at 10 weeks, on 2 consecutive days. Meat quality measurements were made in the longissimus muscle. Actual average ambient temperature and relative humidity in the three chambers were 18.4°C and 63.9%, 24.4°C and 80.2% and 29.6°C and 75.9%, respectively. Purebred rabbits were heavier at slaughter and had heavier commercial and reference carcasses than crossbreds at 30°C; however, no differences between genetic groups for these traits were found at lower temperatures. No genetic group × ambient temperature interaction was detected for any other carcass or meat quality traits. The percentages of distal parts of legs, skin and carcass forepart were higher in crossbred rabbits, indicating a lower degree of maturity at slaughter in this group. The percentage of thoracic viscera was higher in the purebreds. Lightness of the longissimus muscle was higher in the purebreds, whereas redness was higher in the crossbreds. Slaughter, commercial and reference carcass weights and the percentages of thoracic viscera, liver and kidneys were negatively related with ambient temperature. Commercial and reference carcass yields, and the percentage of distal parts of legs, on the other hand, had a positive linear relationship with ambient temperature. Meat redness and yellowness diminished as ambient temperature increased, whereas cooking loss was linearly elevated with ambient temperature. Meat color traits revealed paler meat in the purebreds, but no differences in instrumental texture properties and water-holding capacity between genetic groups. Purebred rabbits were less susceptible to heat stress than the crossbreds. Heat stress resulted in lower slaughter and carcass weights and proportional reductions of organ weights, which contributed to a higher carcass yield. Moreover, it exerted a small, but negative, effect on meat quality traits.

Effects of pre-slaughter fasting on broiler welfare, meat quality, and intestinal integrity

The Brazilian Ministry of Agriculture (MAPA) regulations establish 12 hours as the maximum pre-slaughter fasting period for broilers; however, many processing plants have considered this time is not sufficient, and consequently return the birds to the farms, with consequent economic losses and welfare problems. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate the possible effects of longer pre-slaughter fasting times. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of pre-slaughter fasting times longer than those established by MAPA on broiler welfare, breast meat quality, and intestinal integrity. Forty 42-d-old broilers were submitted to different pre-slaughter fasting times: group I: 6 hours, group II 9h, group III 12h, and group IV 15h. Bird welfare was assessed before slaughter. After sacrifice, intestinal samples were collected to assess their morphology and morphometrics, and the Pectoralis major muscle was analyzed for pH and color. There was no influence (p>0.05) of treatments on breast muscle pH or color.There were no significant changes in intestinal morphometrics (p<0.05). Bird behavior was affected (p<0.05), suggesting that welfare was impaired as fasting time increased, but no differences in the analyzed parameters were detected between broilers fasted for 12 or 15 hours. It was concluded that the behavioral differences between birds fasted for 12 and 15 hours are not sufficient to assert that those fasted for 15 hours were in worse welfare conditions.(AU)

Follow-up of the development of femoral degeneration lesions in broilers / Seguimiento del desarrollo de lesiones por degeneración en pollos de engorde

A study was carried out in the experimental facilities of FMVZ/UNESP-Botucatu, with the aim of following-up the development and the incidence of femoral degeneration (FD). A total of 305 one-day-old male broilers were housed in six pens of 5m² each. Histological analyses of femur head collected when broilers were 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days of age were carried out. At 42 days of age, 30 birds were taken to the experimental processing plant of FMVZ for leg gross examination. Ten legs per FD score where selected, and histologically analyzed to determine the most probable age at the beginning of the lesions, and to standardize femoral degeneration lesion scores. The histological results showed that cell architecture started to disorganize at 21 days of age in the resting and proliferation zones, and that angiogenesis increased, invading the joint cartilage, The gross lesion indexes due to femoral degeneration were 22.5 percent, 42.5%, and 65% at 28, 35, and 42 days of age, respectively.

Se realizó un estudio en las instalaciones experimentales de FMVZ/UNESP-Botucatu, con el objetivo de seguir el desarrollo y la incidencia de degeneración femoral (DF) en pollos. Se utilizaron 305 polluelos de un día, machos, distribuidos en seis corrales de 5m² cada uno. Se analizaron cortes histológicos de cabezas de fémur recolectadas a los 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 y 42 días de edad. A los 40 días de edad, se llevaron 30 aves al Matadero Experimental de FMVZ, para análisis macroscópico de las piernas. Se escogieron 10 muslos por escore de DF, y se analizaron histológicamente para determinar la edad más probable del inicio de la lesión y estandarizar los escores de lesión por degeneración femoral. Los resultados histológicos indicaron que a los 21 días ocurre el inicio de la desorganización celular en la zona de reposo y de proliferación, además del aumento de la angiogénesis, invadiendo el cartílago articular. Microscópicamente, el índice de lesión por degeneración femoral fue del 22.5 por ciento, 42.5% y 65% a los 28, 35 y 42 días de edad, respectivamente.

Femur mineral density of broilers with femoral degeneration fed high nutritional density diets / Densidad mineral del fémur de pollos de engorde con degeneración femoral alimentados con dietas de alta densidad nutricional

A study was carried out in the experimental facilities of FMVZ/UNESP-Botucatu, with the aim of following-up the development and the incidence of femoral degeneration (FD). A total of 305 one-day-old male broilers were housed in six pens of 5m² each. A completely randomized experimental design, with 3 treatments (T1traditional nutritional density diet; T2high nutritional density diet) of 3 replicates each was applied. Femoral head of the broilers were submitted to gross examination at 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, and 42 days of aged. At 42 days of age, 60 birds (30 per treatment) were submitted to the Veterinary Hospital of FMVZ to determine bone mineral density by radiography. Birds were then sacrificed for gross examination of the legs, and FD scoring. Five legs per treatment within each FD score were submitted to computed tomography for femur head integrity and bone mineral density. Treatments did not influence FD incidence, and the first gross FD lesions appeared when birds were 28 days old. It was concluded that radiographic optical densitometry and computed tomography are efficient methods to evaluate femoral degeneration, and both techniques expressed the same profile. In addition, using radiographic optical densitometry and computed tomography, these results also allowed us to establish bone mineral density value ranges within each gross FD score. These finding may provide an excellent non-invasive tool to describe femoral degeneration.

Se realizó un estudio en las instalaciones experimentales de FMVZ/UNESP-Botucatu, con el objetivo de seguir el desarrollo y la incidencia de degeneración femoral en pollos. Se utilizaron 305 polluelos de un día, machos, distribuidos en seis corrales de 5m² cada uno. Se adoptó un delineamiento experimental totalmente al azar, con dos tratamientos de 3 repeticiones cada uno. Se alimentaron las aves del T1 con dietas con densidad nutricional convencional, mientras el T2 consistió de una dieta con alta densidad nutricional. Se realizaron análisis macroscópicos de la cabeza del fémur de aves de 0, 7, 14, 21, 28, 35 y 42 días de edad. A los 42 días de edad, se llevaron 60 aves (30 por tratamiento) al Hospital Veterinario de FMVZ, para hacer radiografías para el análisis de la densidad mineral ósea. Posteriormente, se sacrificaron los pollos para el análisis macroscópico de las piernas y se atribuyeron puntajes para DF. Se seleccionaron cinco muslos por tratamiento dentro de cada puntaje de DF, que fueron sometidas a tomografía para evaluación de la integridad y de la densidad ósea de la cabeza del fémur. Los tratamientos no tuvieron influencia en la incidencia de DF, y a partir de los 28 días de vida, las aves presentaron lesiones macroscópicas. Se estableció que la densitometría ósea y la tomografía son métodos eficaces para evaluar la DF, además que ambos expresan el mismo perfil. Por otra parte, se encontraron intervalos de valores para densidad mineral ósea obtenida por densitometría óptica radiográfica y por tomografía en función de los puntajes macroscópicos de DF. Esos hallazgos son una importante herramienta no invasiva para la caracterización de degeneración femoral.

Desempenho e qualidade da carne de frangos de corte alimentados com diferentes níveis de sorgo em substituicão ao milho / Effects on performance and meat quality of replacing corn with sorghum in a broiler diet

Avaliaram-se o desempenho e a qualidade da carne de frangos de corte alimentados com diferentes níveis de sorgo, do cultivar SAARA, com 0,49g/kg de tanino, em substituicão ao milho. Os 2600 pintos sexados de um dia de idade, da linhagem Ross 308, foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com esquema fatorial 5 2 (cinco níveis de sorgo - 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100 por cento e dois sexos), e quatro repeticões de 65 aves por unidade experimental. Não houve efeito (P>0,05) da substituicão do milho pelo sorgo sobre as características de desempenho, de rendimentos de carcaca, carne de peito e pernas, de composicão química e sensoriais. O pH observado nas carnes de peito e pernas foi maior para os machos (P<0,05), e houve diminuicão do pH à medida que se aumentaram os níveis de substituicão. Os machos apresentaram os maiores valores nas medidas de comprimento, largura e espessura do filé. Na carne do peito dos machos, ocorreu maior perda de peso por cozimento e forca de cisalhamento (P<0,05). Observou-se diminuicão (P<0,05) dos valores de a (vermelho) e b (amarelo) e aumento de L (luminosidade) à medida que aumentaram os níveis de substituicão.

Desempenho e qualidade da carne de frangos de corte alimentados com diferentes níveis de sorgo em substituicão ao milho / Effects on performance and meat quality of replacing corn with sorghum in a broiler diet

Avaliaram-se o desempenho e a qualidade da carne de frangos de corte alimentados com diferentes níveis de sorgo, do cultivar SAARA, com 0,49g/kg de tanino, em substituição ao milho. Os 2600 pintos sexados de um dia de idade, da linhagem Ross 308, foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com esquema fatorial 5x2 (cinco níveis de sorgo 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100% e dois sexos), e quatro repetições de 65 aves por unidade experimental. Não houve efeito (P>0,05) da substituição do milho pelo sorgo sobre as características de desempenho, de rendimentos de carcaça, carne de peito e pernas, de composição química e sensoriais. O pH observado nas carnes de peito e pernas foi maior para os machos (P<0,05), e houve diminuição do pH à medida que se aumentaram os níveis de substituição. Os machos apresentaram os maiores valores nas medidas de comprimento, largura e espessura do filé. Na carne do peito dos machos, ocorreu maior perda de peso por cozimento e força de cisalhamento (P<0,05). Observou-se diminuição (P<0,05) dos valores de a (vermelho) e b (amarelo) e aumento de L (luminosidade) à medida que aumentaram os níveis de substituição.(AU)

The effects of diets with graded levels of SAARA sorghum, a variety containing 0.49g/kg of tannin, on broiler performance and meat quality were evaluated. One-day-old, sexed Ross 308 chicks (n=2600) were randomly assigned within sex to one of five levels of sorghum (replacement of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of corn in the diet). There were 65 birds per experimental unit in 4 replicates of the 5 sorghum level x 2 sex factorial design. Level of corn replacement by sorghum did not affect performance characteristics, carcass characteristics, main cut yield, muscle tissue chemical composition or sensory characteristics of the meat (P>0.05). Muscle tissue from males had higher pH values than that from females, and muscle pH decreased as sorghum replaced corn in the diet (P<0.05). Loin length, width and thickness were larger for males. Breast meat from males had higher cooking loss and required greater shear force than breast meat from females (P<0.05). With increasing level of sorghum in the diet, the L value (level of light) of breast and leg muscle increased, whereas a value (redness) and b value (yellowness) decreased (P<0.05). In summary, replacing corn in the diet with increasing levels of sorghum did not affect live performance, carcass or main cut yields or meat quality, but muscle pH and color were affected.(AU)

DIGESTIBILIDADE DE RAÇÕES CONTENDO SORGO COM E SEM TANINO EM FRANGOS DE CORTE COLOSTOMIZADOS SUBMETIDOS A TRÊS TEMPERATURAS AMBIENTE.

O ensaio de digestibilidade foi realizado no Laboratório de Nutrição de Aves do Departamento de Nutrição e Melhoramento Animal da Faculdade de Medicina Veterinária e Zootecnia da UNESP, Campus de Botucatu. Foi utilizado ométodo tradicional de coleta total de fezes e urina, com frangos de corte colostomizados, machos, da linhagem Ross 308, dos 20 aos 31 dias para as aves colostomizadas. Foram utilizados 36 frangos de corte distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 3x3, ou seja, três temperaturas ambiente (fria, termoneutra e quente) e três dietas (100% milho, 100% sorgo com tanino e 100% sorgo sem tanino) com quatro repetições. A colostomia foi realizada no 28o dia de idade dos frangos, que foram anestesiados com Zoletilâ/VIRBAC (30 mg/kg I.M.) e a seqüência do procedimento cirúrgico foi uma adaptação do método descrito por Belay et al. (1993). A temperatura média na câmara fria foi de 14°C, na câmara termoneutra foi de 25°C e na câmara quente foi de 32°C. Foram determinados os coeficientes de digestibilidade da matéria seca, proteína bruta, fibra bruta, fibra detergente neutro, fibra detergente ácido, extrato etéreo, matéria mineral e extrativo não-nitrogenado. Pode-se observar que, de modo geral, todos os coeficientes de digestibilidade tenderam (p > 0,05) a ser maiores na câmara quente e menores na câmara fria, não sendo observadas di