Tibiotarsus bone characteristics and tibial dyschondroplasia incidence of broilers fed diets supplemented with leucine and valine.

Two experiments were conducted to study the effect of standardized ileal digestible (SID) leucine and valine levels on tibiotarsus bone characteristics and the incidence of tibial dyschondroplasia of broilers from day 1 to 21 (Experiment I) and day 21 to 42 post-hatch (Experiment II). Each experimental phase was evaluated independently. In both experiments, a total of 1,500 one-day-old Cobb 500 male broiler chickens were distributed in a completely randomized design 5 × 5 factorial arrangement for a total of 25 treatments. The SID leucine and valine levels were ranged from 10.0 to 19.6 g/kg, and 6.0 to 12.0 g/kg from day 1 to 21 post-hatch, respectively, while day 21 to 42 post-hatch ranged from 10.0 to 18.0 g leucine/kg, and 5.2 to 11.2 g valine/kg. Serum calcium and phosphorus, bone concentrations of calcium, phosphorus and ash, diameter and Seedor index of the tibiotarsus were not affected (p > .05) by the treatments at 21 or 42 days of age. There was an interaction (p ≤.06) between the SID levels of leucine and valine on tibiotarsus breaking strength at 21 days, but not at 42 days of age (p > .05). Tibiotarsus breaking strength was maximized in broilers from day 1 to 21 with the dietary levels of leucine and valine at 14.2 and 9.0 g/kg respectively. Dietary leucine levels reduced linearly (p < .05) the hypertrophic zone of tibiotarsus cartilage at 21 days of age. Therefore, leucine and valine supplementation interact positively on bone strength of broilers from day 1 to 21 post-hatch. Leucine can be a useful amino acid for reducing the hypertrophic cartilage zone in broilers from day 1 to 21, but not from day 21 to 42 post-hatch.

Performance and serum biochemical profile of Japanese quail supplemented with silymarin and contaminated with aflatoxin B1.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of silymarin in diets contaminated or not with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on the productive performance and serum biochemical profile of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) in the laying phase. A total of 240 12-week-old Japanese quail was used in a completely randomized design in a 3 × 2 factorial scheme (additives x contaminated or not with AFB1 - 1,500 µg/kg), totaling 6 treatments and 5 replicates of 8 birds each. The additives used were silymarin (500 g/ton), adsorbent (1 kg/ton), and a control diet (without additive). Of the total aflatoxin content, 84.64% was AFB1; 4.28% was AFB2; 11.07% was AFG1; and AFG2 was not detected. The data were submitted to ANOVA, and means were compared by Tukey's test. There was no interaction (P > 0.05) between the additive and AFB1 on performance parameters. However, the inclusion of AF in diets reduced (P < 0.05) egg weight and feed intake, impairing feed conversion compared to the unchallenged groups. There was an increase (P < 0.05) in blood concentrations of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), and creatine kinase (CK) in birds challenged with AFB1, regardless of the additive used, characterizing a possible alteration in hepatic metabolism. Serum total protein and globulin levels were reduced (P < 0.05) in birds challenged with toxins. The consumption of diets contaminated with 1,500 µg AFB1/kg altered hepatic function in quail, impairing productive performance and egg weight. The concentrations of silymarin and adsorbent evaluated in this study were not able to mitigate the negative effect of toxins on the metabolism and performance of laying quail.

Leucine and valine supplementation of low-protein diets for broiler chickens from 21 to 42 days of age.

The objective of this study was to determine the requirements and interactions between the standardized ileal digestible (SID) Leu and Val levels in low-protein diets, and their effects on performance, serum characteristics, carcass yield and diameter of muscle fibers of broiler chickens from d 21 to 42 posthatch. A total of 1,500 21-day-old Cobb 500 male broiler chickens were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 5 × 5 factorial arrangement for a total of 25 treatments with 3 replicates of 20 birds each. Treatments consisted of 5 SID Leu levels (1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, or 1.8%) and 5 SID Val levels (0.52, 0.67, 0.82, 0.97, or 1.12%). At 42 d of age, there was interaction (P < 0.05) between the SID levels of Leu and Val on feed intake and weight gain. There was a quadratic effect (P < 0.05) of Leu and Val levels on feed conversion, with minimal point estimated at the levels of 1.19 and 0.86%, respectively. Dietary Leu supplementation reduced linearly (P < 0.05) serum concentrations of triglycerides and ß-hydroxybutyrate. Dietary Leu increased (P ≤ 0.05) the fiber diameters of the pectoralis major muscle and breast yield at the levels of 1.24 and 1.13%, respectively, while the thigh yield was improved with the level of 0.71% Val. Abdominal fat decreased linearly (P < 0.05) with increasing levels of dietary Leu and Val. The SID Leu and Val levels needed to optimize weight gain and feed conversion in low-CP diets for broiler chickens from d 21 to 42 posthatch were estimated at 1.15 and 0.86%, and 1.19 and 0.86%, respectively. The supplementation of Leu and Val can reduce the abdominal fat deposition in birds fed low-CP diets during the grower phase. Leu and Val interactions can influence the performance but not the serum characteristics, carcass yield and diameter of muscle fibers of broilers fed low-protein diets. Therefore, it is necessary to consider the dietary Leu content to estimate the ideal level of Val in low-CP diets for optimum broiler performance.

Feeding Programs for Broiler Breeders in the Start Phase

The fast-growing Brazilian aviculture requires studies to improve zootechnical performance indexes for broiler breeders. The purpose of this study was to assess different feeding programs for broiler breeders on performance and development of digestive organs. A total of 48,000, 1d-old, Cobb 500 broiler breeders were divided into two sheds with 24,000 birds each. The experiment was randomized in block design, considering each shed a block, with 4 treatments and 6 replications per treatment with 2,000 birds in each. Treatments consisted of: Shed 1) T1 = starter feed; T2 = T1 + probiotics; Shed 2) T3 = pre-starter feed; T4 = T3 + probiotics. The productive performance characteristics (bird weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion), the development of digestive organs (gizzard, proventriculus, spleen, bursa of Fabricius and small bowel) as well as the small bowel length were assessed weekly for all experimental groups, in samples of 10 birds per treatment. The best feed conversion and weight gain were observed with pre-starter feed in the first 7 days of age, with or without probiotic. Small bowel, gizzard and proventriculus development at 28 days was better for birds on pre-starter feed compared to those on starter feed alone. It is possible to conclude that broiler breeders on pre-starter feed during the first 7 days of age are likely to show better physical and productive performances in the adult phase.

Feeding Programs for Broiler Breeders in the Start Phase

The fast-growing Brazilian aviculture requires studies to improve zootechnical performance indexes for broiler breeders. The purpose of this study was to assess different feeding programs for broiler breeders on performance and development of digestive organs. A total of 48,000, 1d-old, Cobb 500 broiler breeders were divided into two sheds with 24,000 birds each. The experiment was randomized in block design, considering each shed a block, with 4 treatments and 6 replications per treatment with 2,000 birds in each. Treatments consisted of: Shed 1) T1 = starter feed; T2 = T1 + probiotics; Shed 2) T3 = pre-starter feed; T4 = T3 + probiotics. The productive performance characteristics (bird weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion), the development of digestive organs (gizzard, proventriculus, spleen, bursa of Fabricius and small bowel) as well as the small bowel length were assessed weekly for all experimental groups, in samples of 10 birds per treatment. The best feed conversion and weight gain were observed with pre-starter feed in the first 7 days of age, with or without probiotic. Small bowel, gizzard and proventriculus development at 28 days was better for birds on pre-starter feed compared to those on starter feed alone. It is possible to conclude that broiler breeders on pre-starter feed during the first 7 days of age are likely to show better physical and productive performances in the adult phase.(AU)

Sources of trophic action on performance and intestinal morphometry of broiler chickens vaccinated against coccidiosis

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of sources of trophic action (glutamine alone, glutamine associated with glutamic acid and yeast) associated with vaccination against coccidiosis on the performance and morphometry of the small intestine of broilers. In the trial, 1,200 broiler chicks were distributed according to a completely randomized design with a 3 x 2 + 2 (trophic action x vaccination or not + control - free trophic factor) factorial arrangement, with five replicates of 30 birds each. Vaccination negatively affected performance parameters and the morphometry of the intestinal mucosa, but at the end of the experimental period, among the broilers vaccinated against coccidiosis, the group fed glutamine presented better recovery from epithelial losses of the intestinal mucosa compared with the control groups. Therefore, the dietary supplementation with the evaluated sources of trophic action could be a strategy to enhance the development of broilers submitted to vaccine stress, also considering the economic viability of the productive segment.

Sources of trophic action on performance and intestinal morphometry of broiler chickens vaccinated against coccidiosis

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of sources of trophic action (glutamine alone, glutamine associated with glutamic acid and yeast) associated with vaccination against coccidiosis on the performance and morphometry of the small intestine of broilers. In the trial, 1,200 broiler chicks were distributed according to a completely randomized design with a 3 x 2 + 2 (trophic action x vaccination or not + control - free trophic factor) factorial arrangement, with five replicates of 30 birds each. Vaccination negatively affected performance parameters and the morphometry of the intestinal mucosa, but at the end of the experimental period, among the broilers vaccinated against coccidiosis, the group fed glutamine presented better recovery from epithelial losses of the intestinal mucosa compared with the control groups. Therefore, the dietary supplementation with the evaluated sources of trophic action could be a strategy to enhance the development of broilers submitted to vaccine stress, also considering the economic viability of the productive segment.(AU)

Performance and morphometry of the intestinal mucosa of laying hens fed diets containing xylanase

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary energy level reduction and xylanase inclusion on the performance and on intestinal mucosa morphometry of two- to six-week-old laying hens. In total, 400 Hy-line W36 laying hens were distributed according to a completely randomized design in 2 x 2 factorial arrangement (energy level x inclusion of xylanase), totaling four treatments with 10 replicates of 10 birds per experimental unit. The following treatments were evaluated: positive control (balanced diet); positive control + xylanase; negative control (diet with of 100 kcal ME reduction /kg); negative control + xylanase. Body weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, uniformity and livability were not influenced by diets with metabolizable energy reduction and xylanase inclusion; however, the addition of xylanase to the diets resulted in shallower crypts depth and greater villus:crypt ratio in the ileum. The energy reduction of the diet associated with the supplementation of xylanase did not influence performance, but increased the feed intake of 2- to 6-week-old laying hens and increased villus height in the ileum of 6-wk-old hens. Xylanase reduces crypt depth in the ileum of 6-week-old hens.(AU)

Performance and morphometry of the intestinal mucosa of laying hens fed diets containing xylanase

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of dietary energy level reduction and xylanase inclusion on the performance and on intestinal mucosa morphometry of two- to six-week-old laying hens. In total, 400 Hy-line W36 laying hens were distributed according to a completely randomized design in 2 x 2 factorial arrangement (energy level x inclusion of xylanase), totaling four treatments with 10 replicates of 10 birds per experimental unit. The following treatments were evaluated: positive control (balanced diet); positive control + xylanase; negative control (diet with of 100 kcal ME reduction /kg); negative control + xylanase. Body weight, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, uniformity and livability were not influenced by diets with metabolizable energy reduction and xylanase inclusion; however, the addition of xylanase to the diets resulted in shallower crypts depth and greater villus:crypt ratio in the ileum. The energy reduction of the diet associated with the supplementation of xylanase did not influence performance, but increased the feed intake of 2- to 6-week-old laying hens and increased villus height in the ileum of 6-wk-old hens. Xylanase reduces crypt depth in the ileum of 6-week-old hens.

Relação vitamina E: vitamina C sobre a qualidade da carne de frangos submetidos ao estresse pré-abate / Vitamin E: vitamin C relationship on meat quality of broiler chicken submitted to pre-slaughter stress

Determinou-se a melhor relação vitamina E:vitamina C em dietas para frangos de corte, visando ao melhor desempenho produtivo e à melhor qualidade da carne das aves submetidas ao estresse pré-abate. Utilizaram-se 800 pintos de corte, machos, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2x4, com dois níveis de suplementação de vitamina E - 0 e 250mg/kg - e quatro de vitamina C - 0, 150, 300 e 450mg/kg. Aos 42 dias de idade, 12 horas ante mortem, amostras de aves de cada tratamento foram submetidas ao estresse por calor e, em seguida, pelo transporte. Foram avaliadas características de desempenho - peso vivo, consumo de ração e conversão alimentar - , bem como rendimento de carcaça e qualidade da carne de peito e coxas - perda de água, cor e pH. Os níveis de vitaminas avaliadas não influenciaram nas características de desempenho avaliadas. Houve menor rendimento de peito (34,2 vs. 34,9%) e maior pH inicial (6,3 vs. 6,1) dos cortes, para aves que sofreram estresse em relação àquelas que não foram submetidas ao estresse pré-abate.

The best relationship for vitamin E:vitamin C in diets for broilers regarding growth performance and meat quality of birds submitted to pre-slaughter stress was determined. 800 male chicks at one day of age were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2x4 factorial scheme, with two levels of vitamin E supplementation - 0 and 250mg/kg - and four of vitamin C - 0, 150, 300 and 450mg/kg. At 42 days of age, 12 hours ante-mortem, samples of birds from each treatment were submitted to heat stress and then transportation. The performance characteristics evaluated were body weight, feed intake and feed:gain ratio, carcass yield and meat quality of breast and thighs, water loss, color and pH. The levels of vitamins evaluated did not influence the performance characteristics measured. There was a lower breast yield (34.2 vs 34.9%) and higher initial pH (6.3 vs 6.1) in the cuts for birds that suffered stress than for those who did not undergo pre-slaughter stress.

Relação vitamina E: vitamina C sobre a qualidade da carne de frangos submetidos ao estresse pré-abate / Vitamin E: vitamin C relationship on meat quality of broiler chicken submitted to pre-slaughter stress

Determinou-se a melhor relação vitamina E:vitamina C em dietas para frangos de corte, visando ao melhor desempenho produtivo e à melhor qualidade da carne das aves submetidas ao estresse pré-abate. Utilizaram-se 800 pintos de corte, machos, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2x4, com dois níveis de suplementação de vitamina E - 0 e 250mg/kg - e quatro de vitamina C - 0, 150, 300 e 450mg/kg. Aos 42 dias de idade, 12 horas ante mortem, amostras de aves de cada tratamento foram submetidas ao estresse por calor e, em seguida, pelo transporte. Foram avaliadas características de desempenho - peso vivo, consumo de ração e conversão alimentar - , bem como rendimento de carcaça e qualidade da carne de peito e coxas - perda de água, cor e pH. Os níveis de vitaminas avaliadas não influenciaram nas características de desempenho avaliadas. Houve menor rendimento de peito (34,2 vs. 34,9%) e maior pH inicial (6,3 vs. 6,1) dos cortes, para aves que sofreram estresse em relação àquelas que não foram submetidas ao estresse pré-abate.(AU)

The best relationship for vitamin E:vitamin C in diets for broilers regarding growth performance and meat quality of birds submitted to pre-slaughter stress was determined. 800 male chicks at one day of age were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2x4 factorial scheme, with two levels of vitamin E supplementation - 0 and 250mg/kg - and four of vitamin C - 0, 150, 300 and 450mg/kg. At 42 days of age, 12 hours ante-mortem, samples of birds from each treatment were submitted to heat stress and then transportation. The performance characteristics evaluated were body weight, feed intake and feed:gain ratio, carcass yield and meat quality of breast and thighs, water loss, color and pH. The levels of vitamins evaluated did not influence the performance characteristics measured. There was a lower breast yield (34.2 vs 34.9%) and higher initial pH (6.3 vs 6.1) in the cuts for birds that suffered stress than for those who did not undergo pre-slaughter stress.(AU)

Utilização da glutamina, associada ao ácido glutâmico, sobre o desenvolvimento e a atividade enzimática em frangos de corte / Utilization of glutamine, associated with glutamic acid, on development and enzymatic activity in broiler chickens

Avaliou-se o efeito da glutamina, associada ao ácido glutâmico, proveniente de um produto comercial, sobre o desenvolvimento e a atividade enzimática em frangos de corte. Foram utilizados 800 pintos de corte, machos, de um a 42 dias de idade, distribuídos em cinco tratamentos, sendo quatro níveis de suplementação do Aminogut®: 0,5; 1,5; 3,0 e 5,0 por cento + uma dieta-controle, isenta do produto. Observou-se melhor índice de eficiência produtiva para os frangos alimentados com dietas suplementadas com 2,8 por cento de Aminogut®. Independentemente dos tratamentos, verificou-se aumento das atividades da maltase, sacarase e fosfatase alcalina intestinais com o avanço da idade das aves. Para as enzimas pancreáticas, observou-se maior atividade da amilase e lipase aos 14 dias de idade, coincidindo com a maior taxa de crescimento alométrico do pâncreas.(AU)

Evaluation of the effect of glutamine associated with glutamic acid in a commercial product, on the growth and enzyme activities in broiler chickens. 800 day-old male broiler chicks were used during the 42 days of trial, and were allotted to five treatments, four levels of Aminogut® supplementation - 0.5, 1.5, 3.0 and 5.0 percent + control-diet, free product. The best index of productive efficiency in broiler chickens was observed in those fed diets supplemented with 2.8 percent Aminogut®. Regardless of the treatment, there was increase in maltase, sucrase and alkaline phosphatase activities as the age of the chickens increased. For pancreatic enzymes, more activity of amylase and lipase can be observed at 14 days of age, coinciding with the highest rate of allometric growth of pancreas.(AU)

Utilização da glutamina, associada ao ácido glutâmico, sobre o desenvolvimento e a atividade enzimática em frangos de corte / Utilization of glutamine, associated with glutamic acid, on development and enzymatic activity in broiler chickens

Avaliou-se o efeito da glutamina, associada ao ácido glutâmico, proveniente de um produto comercial, sobre o desenvolvimento e a atividade enzimática em frangos de corte. Foram utilizados 800 pintos de corte, machos, de um a 42 dias de idade, distribuídos em cinco tratamentos, sendo quatro níveis de suplementação do Aminogut®: 0,5; 1,5; 3,0 e 5,0 por cento + uma dieta-controle, isenta do produto. Observou-se melhor índice de eficiência produtiva para os frangos alimentados com dietas suplementadas com 2,8 por cento de Aminogut®. Independentemente dos tratamentos, verificou-se aumento das atividades da maltase, sacarase e fosfatase alcalina intestinais com o avanço da idade das aves. Para as enzimas pancreáticas, observou-se maior atividade da amilase e lipase aos 14 dias de idade, coincidindo com a maior taxa de crescimento alométrico do pâncreas.

Evaluation of the effect of glutamine associated with glutamic acid in a commercial product, on the growth and enzyme activities in broiler chickens. 800 day-old male broiler chicks were used during the 42 days of trial, and were allotted to five treatments, four levels of Aminogut® supplementation - 0.5, 1.5, 3.0 and 5.0 percent + control-diet, free product. The best index of productive efficiency in broiler chickens was observed in those fed diets supplemented with 2.8 percent Aminogut®. Regardless of the treatment, there was increase in maltase, sucrase and alkaline phosphatase activities as the age of the chickens increased. For pancreatic enzymes, more activity of amylase and lipase can be observed at 14 days of age, coinciding with the highest rate of allometric growth of pancreas.

Effect of arginine on the development of the pectoralis muscle and the diameter and the protein:deoxyribonucleic acid rate of its skeletal myofibers in broilers.

This work aimed at evaluating the effects of the supplementation of starter diet with Arg on breast muscle development in broilers and the activation of satellite cells and the aggregation of myofibrillar protein. Male Cobb chicks (n = 990) were randomly assigned to 1 of 5 treatments in a complete random design. Measurements of 33 chicks per treatment were made in 6 repetitions. The treatments consisted of a basal diet with 1.390% digestible Arg (without supplementation) and 4 dietary levels of Arg (1.490, 1.590, 1.690, and 1.790%) with Arg:Lys ratios of 1.103, 1.183, 1.262, 1.341, and 1.421, respectively. Arginine supplementation was used only in the starter phase (1 to 21 d). Dietary supplementation with Arg had a positive effect (P < 0.05) on breast and breast fillet weight on d 7 and 21 and on myofiber diameter on d 14 and 21. However, no effect was observed (P > 0.05) on the protein:DNA ratio, which demonstrates that Arg does not interfere with the mitotic activity of the satellite cells. Independently from mechanism, Arg affected muscle growth in the starter phase positively. Dietary supplementation with Arg in the starter phase had no effect (P > 0.05) on the carcass yield of broilers on d 42. Diet supplementation with Arg at levels above the ones recommended for the starter phase may be necessary for improved muscle development in broilers.

Supplementation of glutamine and vitamin E on the morphometry of the intestinal mucosa in broiler chickens.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the influence of Gln and vitamin E (VE) supplementation in the diet of broiler chickens (Cobb-Vantress) on the morphometry of the intestinal mucosa. The design was completely randomized in a 2 x 3 (VE x periods of administering Gln) factorial arrangement. The levels of VE used were 10 and 500 mg/kg of diet and 3 periods of administering (1%) Gln-supplemented starter diet (for the first 7 or 14 d of life or for no added Gln), totaling 6 treatments with 5 replicates of 50 birds per experimental unit. In the growth period (d 22 to 41 posthatch), the treatments consisted only in the respective levels of VE. On d 7, 14, 21, and 41 posthatch, 2 birds per replicate were killed, and samples of the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum were subsequently removed, fixed in Bouin solution, and later embedded in paraffin and stained with hematoxylin-eosin. The parameters analyzed were villus height and crypt depth. An ANOVA was applied to the obtained data, and the means were compared using Tukey's test (5% significance level). Greater development was observed in the duodenum, followed by the jejunum and ileum. On 41 d of life, diets with 10 mg of VE/kg supplemented with Gln (for the first 7 d of life) provided better development of the intestinal mucosa in broiler chickens.