Reproductive parameters and weight gain of roosters fed with waste oil from olive culture

Waste oil from olive oil extraction industry was used, instead of soybean oil, in heavy roosters diet in order to evaluate birds reproductive parameters. Atotal of forty roosters were housed individually in boxes with 1.2 m². Two experimental diets were used: control diet, based on corn, soybean meal, and soybean oil; and test diet, where soybean oil was totally replaced by waste oil. In order to verify weight gain and feed intake, animals were individually weighed weekly. Seven semen collections were performed with fifteen-day interval. Reproductive variables analyzed sperm volume, motility, concentration, and morphology. No statistical difference (p >0.05) was observed between treatments at the different collection periods for the variables sperm volume, motility, and concentration. There was a statistically significant difference between treatments for body weight in periods three (p =0.04), and seven (p=0.04). Statistical differences (p =0.01) were also observed between treatments for abnormal sperm morphology. Among collection periods, statistical difference was observed for motility (p =0.00), and sperm concentration (p =0.01). Total replacement of soybean oil by waste oil from olive oil extraction in young heavy roosters diets does not affect sperm volume, motility, and concentration; reduces defects in sperm tail, and promotes better weight gain control.(AU)

Reproductive parameters and weight gain of roosters fed with waste oil from olive culture

Waste oil from olive oil extraction industry was used, instead of soybean oil, in heavy roosters' diet in order to evaluate birds' reproductive parameters. A total of forty roosters were housed individually in boxes with 1.2 m². Two experimental diets were used: control diet, based on corn, soybean meal, and soybean oil; and test diet, where soybean oil was totally replaced by waste oil. In order to verify weight gain and feed intake, animals were individually weighed weekly. Seven semen collections were performed with fifteen-day interval. Reproductive variables analyzed sperm volume, motility, concentration, and morphology. No statistical difference (p > 0.05) was observed between treatments at the different collection periods for the variables sperm volume, motility, and concentration. There was a statistically significant difference between treatments for body weight in periods three (p = 0.04), and seven (p = 0.04). Statistical differences (p = 0.01) were also observed between treatments for abnormal sperm morphology. Among collection periods, statistical difference was observed for motility (p = 0.00), and sperm concentration (p = 0.01). Total replacement of soybean oil by waste oil from olive oil extraction in young heavy roosters' diets does not affect sperm volume, motility, and concentration; reduces defects in sperm tail, and promotes better weight gain control.(AU)

Principal Lesions and Patterns of Mortality Observed in a Broiler Breeder Flock During the Laying Period

ABSTRACT In any broiler breeder flock, there is always some mortality that is considered to be normal during the life of the flock. The aim of this study is to summarize the prevalence and patterns of mortality during the production period. To evaluate the mortality, each dead hen was systematically and completely examined via necropsy. In addition to post mortem evaluation, weights (whole body, liver, spleen and heart) were recorded to correlate the birds physical condition with the mortality category or lesion. In general, the variation in mortality was not associated with the specific weight of the organs. However, for specific diseases like fatty liver, septicemia and ascites, there was a correlation with the organ weight of the liver, spleen and heart respectively. Ovaritis was observed to be the most prevalent lesion found in dead hens during the production period followed by ovarian regression (atrophy), peritonitis, internal lay and vent pecking. The two periods with the higher total percentage of morality were onset of lay (25-30 weeks) and end-stage of the production period (56-61 weeks). During the laying period, we mainly observed metabolic disorders followed by infectious lesions. Infectious lesions, including ovaritis and septicemia, were the predominant cause for mortality at the onset production. Vent and feather pecking were also primarily concentrated during the first weeks of the production period. Metabolic diseases were observed in higher prevalence during the latter half of the production period.

Effects of Phytase Inclusion in Broiler Breeder Diets During Early Lay on their Fecal and Egg Characteristics

This study investigated the effects of phytase inclusion in broiler breeder diets on fecal and egg characteristics. A total of 48 female broiler breeders were evaluated in this study from 21 to 31 weeks of age. The dietary treatments were fed from 30 to 31 wks of age, and included a Positive Control (PosCon) diet, containing 3.0% calcium and 0.50% available phosphorus (AvP); a Negative Control (NegCon) diet, with 3.0% calcium and 0.25% AvP; Negative Control diet + 275 FTU/kg phytase (NegCon+275), and Negative control diet + 550 FTU/kg phytase (NegCon+550). Egg, yolk, albumin, and eggshell weight, albumin height, and eggshell thickness were measured. Fecal parameters included fecal moisture, liquid portion, and mineral content. After 14 d on the experimental diets during the onset of lay, the NegCon+550 diet increased (p 0.01) fecal moisture content. In general, hens fed the highest enzyme level (NegCon+550) excreted fewer (p 0.05) divalent and trivalent cations, which included Al, Fe, Mg, Mn, and Zn. Fecal Na and K levels were not affected by dietary treatments. The NegCon+550 diet increased fecal P when compared with the NegCon and the NegCon+275 diets. The NegCon+550 and PosCon diets exhibited similar fecal P. No significant effects on egg characteristics were observed. It was concluded that during early lay, various signs of fecal changes would probably be observed at phytase dosages above approximately 500 FTU/kg characterized by increased fecal moisture content and excretion of P in broiler breeders.(AU)

Suplementation of Antibiotic Growth Promoters versus Supplementation of Functional Oils in Broiler Breeders: Performance and Offspring Effects

The effects of either functional oil or antibiotic growth promoter supplementation on broiler breeders and their offspring were assessed in 2 experiments. In Experiment I, 16,400 broiler breeders (22 weeks old) were distributed into 2 experimental groups, one supplemented with 1,500 ppm of a commercial blend of functional oils (active ingredients: cashew nutshell liquid and castor oil) and the other with 500 ppm of bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD). Laying rates, fertility, embryonic mortality, and egg characteristics were measured from weeks 25 to 46. In Experiment II, 720 one day old male chicks, born from 42 week old breeders, from each one of the two treatments in Experiment I, were supplemented with either 10 ppm of enramycin or 1,500 ppm of the same functional oils as in Experiment I to study whether there were any maternal diet carry-over effects. Functional oils decreased embryonic mortality from 11.01% to 9.64% (P 0.03) when compared to BMD. However, a functional oil link increase in egg weight did not result in either heavier chicks or statistically significant better offspring performance. Nonetheless, a possible benefit of the functional oil supplementation on the offspring weight at 42 d cannot be excluded. The type of additive supplemented during Experiment II did not affect any performance parameters. In conclusion, functional oils could successfully replace antibiotic growth promoters in broiler breeders as embryonic mortality decreased. Finally, when functional oils were supplemented to the offspring, the performance was similar to that of a commonly used antibiotic growth promoter.(AU)

Effects of Phytase Inclusion in Broiler Breeder Diets During Early Lay on their Fecal and Egg Characteristics

This study investigated the effects of phytase inclusion in broiler breeder diets on fecal and egg characteristics. A total of 48 female broiler breeders were evaluated in this study from 21 to 31 weeks of age. The dietary treatments were fed from 30 to 31 wks of age, and included a Positive Control (PosCon) diet, containing 3.0% calcium and 0.50% available phosphorus (AvP); a Negative Control (NegCon) diet, with 3.0% calcium and 0.25% AvP; Negative Control diet + 275 FTU/kg phytase (NegCon+275), and Negative control diet + 550 FTU/kg phytase (NegCon+550). Egg, yolk, albumin, and eggshell weight, albumin height, and eggshell thickness were measured. Fecal parameters included fecal moisture, liquid portion, and mineral content. After 14 d on the experimental diets during the onset of lay, the NegCon+550 diet increased (p 0.01) fecal moisture content. In general, hens fed the highest enzyme level (NegCon+550) excreted fewer (p 0.05) divalent and trivalent cations, which included Al, Fe, Mg, Mn, and Zn. Fecal Na and K levels were not affected by dietary treatments. The NegCon+550 diet increased fecal P when compared with the NegCon and the NegCon+275 diets. The NegCon+550 and PosCon diets exhibited similar fecal P. No significant effects on egg characteristics were observed. It was concluded that during early lay, various signs of fecal changes would probably be observed at phytase dosages above approximately 500 FTU/kg characterized by increased fecal moisture content and excretion of P in broiler breeders.

Suplementation of Antibiotic Growth Promoters versus Supplementation of Functional Oils in Broiler Breeders: Performance and Offspring Effects

The effects of either functional oil or antibiotic growth promoter supplementation on broiler breeders and their offspring were assessed in 2 experiments. In Experiment I, 16,400 broiler breeders (22 weeks old) were distributed into 2 experimental groups, one supplemented with 1,500 ppm of a commercial blend of functional oils (active ingredients: cashew nutshell liquid and castor oil) and the other with 500 ppm of bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD). Laying rates, fertility, embryonic mortality, and egg characteristics were measured from weeks 25 to 46. In Experiment II, 720 one day old male chicks, born from 42 week old breeders, from each one of the two treatments in Experiment I, were supplemented with either 10 ppm of enramycin or 1,500 ppm of the same functional oils as in Experiment I to study whether there were any maternal diet carry-over effects. Functional oils decreased embryonic mortality from 11.01% to 9.64% (P 0.03) when compared to BMD. However, a functional oil link increase in egg weight did not result in either heavier chicks or statistically significant better offspring performance. Nonetheless, a possible benefit of the functional oil supplementation on the offspring weight at 42 d cannot be excluded. The type of additive supplemented during Experiment II did not affect any performance parameters. In conclusion, functional oils could successfully replace antibiotic growth promoters in broiler breeders as embryonic mortality decreased. Finally, when functional oils were supplemented to the offspring, the performance was similar to that of a commonly used antibiotic growth promoter.

Variações fisiológicas, influência da idade e sexo no perfil bioquímico sanguíneo de aves da linhagem pesada de frango de corte na fase de recria / Physiological variations and influence of age and gender on poultry of heavy lineage of chicken´s biochemical profile during the rearing stage

Este estudo teve o objetivo de comparar o perfil bioquímico sérico de machos e fêmeas da linhagem pesada de frango de corte, nas idades de quatro, 12 e 20 semanas, em uma unidade de produção industrial, no município de Uberlândia-MG. Após a pesagem das aves, foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 15 aves de cada sexo de cada faixa etária. Os soros obtidos foram avaliados em analisador automático para os seguintes parâmetros bioquímicos: proteína total, albumina, globulinas, ácido úrico, colesterol, triglicérides, gamaglutamiltransferase, aspartato aminotransferase, alanina aminotransferase, creatina quinase, fosfatase alcalina, cálcio e fósforo. Imediatamente após a coleta de cada amostra, avaliou-se a glicemia no sangue total, utilizando-se um glicosímetro. As alterações fisiológicas e metabólicas que as aves apresentaram na fase de recria refletiram na variação dos níveis bioquímicos séricos na maioria dos constituintes avaliados, os quais exibiram diferenças significativas (P<0,05), comparando-se sexo e idade.(AU)

This study aimed to compare the levels of glucose in the blood and serum´s metabolites enzymes and minerals of poultry of heavy lineage of chicken at the age of four, twelve and twenty weeks in an industrial production unit in the city of Uberlândia-MG. After weighing the birds, blood samples were collected from 15 birds of each gender in the three ages. The serum obtained was evaluated in an automatic biochemical analyzer for the following parameters: total protein, albumin, globulin, uric acid, cholesterol, triglycerides, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatine kinase, calcium and phosphorus. Immediately after the collection of each sample, we evaluated glucose levels by means of a glycosimeter. The physiological and metabolic changes that birds present in the rearing age reflected in the variation of serum biochemical levels in most constituents evaluated, showing significant differences (P< 0.05) comparing age and gender.(AU)

Variações fisiológicas, influência da idade e sexo no perfil bioquímico sanguíneo de aves da linhagem pesada de frango de corte na fase de recria / Physiological variations and influence of age and gender on poultry of heavy lineage of chicken´s biochemical profile during the rearing stage

Este estudo teve o objetivo de comparar o perfil bioquímico sérico de machos e fêmeas da linhagem pesada de frango de corte, nas idades de quatro, 12 e 20 semanas, em uma unidade de produção industrial, no município de Uberlândia-MG. Após a pesagem das aves, foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 15 aves de cada sexo de cada faixa etária. Os soros obtidos foram avaliados em analisador automático para os seguintes parâmetros bioquímicos: proteína total, albumina, globulinas, ácido úrico, colesterol, triglicérides, gamaglutamiltransferase, aspartato aminotransferase, alanina aminotransferase, creatina quinase, fosfatase alcalina, cálcio e fósforo. Imediatamente após a coleta de cada amostra, avaliou-se a glicemia no sangue total, utilizando-se um glicosímetro. As alterações fisiológicas e metabólicas que as aves apresentaram na fase de recria refletiram na variação dos níveis bioquímicos séricos na maioria dos constituintes avaliados, os quais exibiram diferenças significativas (P<0,05), comparando-se sexo e idade.(AU)

This study aimed to compare the levels of glucose in the blood and serum´s metabolites enzymes and minerals of poultry of heavy lineage of chicken at the age of four, twelve and twenty weeks in an industrial production unit in the city of Uberlândia-MG. After weighing the birds, blood samples were collected from 15 birds of each gender in the three ages. The serum obtained was evaluated in an automatic biochemical analyzer for the following parameters: total protein, albumin, globulin, uric acid, cholesterol, triglycerides, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, creatine kinase, calcium and phosphorus. Immediately after the collection of each sample, we evaluated glucose levels by means of a glycosimeter. The physiological and metabolic changes that birds present in the rearing age reflected in the variation of serum biochemical levels in most constituents evaluated, showing significant differences (P< 0.05) comparing age and gender.(AU)

Glycemic response of poultries in different feeding systems

The management of poultry feed is an important welfare promoter and the glycemic index a noninvasive evaluation. The aim was to evaluate the glycemic response of broiler breeders in restricted feeding system, and broilers receiving ad libitum feeding. Two experiments were carried out: I) 39-weekoldbroiler breeders, fed with three sources of fiber, in a completely randomized design in factorial scheme (3 fiber diets x 7 collection periods); and II) broilers, 42 days old, housed in different light systems, in a completely randomized design in factorial design (2 sexes x 2 lighting conditions x 13 collection periods). Blood glucose levels were measured at random collecting one blood drop from foot, with three replicates in each condition and treatment. In broiler breeder different fiber sources had no effect on glycemia, but the period affected circulating glucose levels, presenting a minimum of 184.3 mg dL-1 before feed and, a maximum of 242.5 mg dL-1 four hours after feeding. In broilers, there was a significant effect in glycemia for collection period and for sex, and interaction between lighting conditions and collection period. Further studies are needed to establish reference values to compare blood glucose levels in poultry.(AU)

Glycemic response of poultries in different feeding systems

The management of poultry feed is an important welfare promoter and the glycemic index a noninvasive evaluation. The aim was to evaluate the glycemic response of broiler breeders in restricted feeding system, and broilers receiving ad libitum feeding. Two experiments were carried out: I) 39-weekoldbroiler breeders, fed with three sources of fiber, in a completely randomized design in factorial scheme (3 fiber diets x 7 collection periods); and II) broilers, 42 days old, housed in different light systems, in a completely randomized design in factorial design (2 sexes x 2 lighting conditions x 13 collection periods). Blood glucose levels were measured at random collecting one blood drop from foot, with three replicates in each condition and treatment. In broiler breeder different fiber sources had no effect on glycemia, but the period affected circulating glucose levels, presenting a minimum of 184.3 mg dL-1 before feed and, a maximum of 242.5 mg dL-1 four hours after feeding. In broilers, there was a significant effect in glycemia for collection period and for sex, and interaction between lighting conditions and collection period. Further studies are needed to establish reference values to compare blood glucose levels in poultry.

Is the eggshell quality influenced by the egg weight or the breeder age?

For a long time, it has been said that eggshell quality decreases as eggs increase in size, but this increase is seen as the breeder age advances. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the age and egg weight effect on Cobb 500 broiler breeders on eggshell quality. The quality measures tested were eggshell and mineral matter percentage, eggshell surface, shape and eggshell index, eggshell and membrane thickness and specific gravity. Eggs from 27, 31, 36, 40, 46, 48, 53, 58 and 63 week-old breeders were classified as eggs with a constant weight ranging from 63.8 ± 0.2; and eggs with increasing weight, according to age, being: 55.8g; 60g; 62.2g; 64.2g; 65.2g, 66.6g, 68.1g, 69.9g and 72.5g, respectively. The eggs weight did not influence the eggshell percentage and the specific gravity in seven of the nine tested ages, while for mineral matter in six of the nine studied ages. The shape and shell index, shell and membrane thickness are characteristics independent of egg weight. As the Cobb 500 broiler breeder age advanced, the mineral matter concentration and specific gravity maintained constant, the membrane thickness (R2>70) reduced, and other studied variables were influenced in the same way for both treatments. Thus, the eggshell quality decrease with the advancing age cannot be attributed solely to the increase of egg weight with consequent increase in the eggshell volume and the surface, but there are also age-related factors.

Is the eggshell quality influenced by the egg weight or the breeder age?

For a long time, it has been said that eggshell quality decreases as eggs increase in size, but this increase is seen as the breeder age advances. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the age and egg weight effect on Cobb 500 broiler breeders on eggshell quality. The quality measures tested were eggshell and mineral matter percentage, eggshell surface, shape and eggshell index, eggshell and membrane thickness and specific gravity. Eggs from 27, 31, 36, 40, 46, 48, 53, 58 and 63 week-old breeders were classified as eggs with a constant weight ranging from 63.8 ± 0.2; and eggs with increasing weight, according to age, being: 55.8g; 60g; 62.2g; 64.2g; 65.2g, 66.6g, 68.1g, 69.9g and 72.5g, respectively. The eggs weight did not influence the eggshell percentage and the specific gravity in seven of the nine tested ages, while for mineral matter in six of the nine studied ages. The shape and shell index, shell and membrane thickness are characteristics independent of egg weight. As the Cobb 500 broiler breeder age advanced, the mineral matter concentration and specific gravity maintained constant, the membrane thickness (R2>70) reduced, and other studied variables were influenced in the same way for both treatments. Thus, the eggshell quality decrease with the advancing age cannot be attributed solely to the increase of egg weight with consequent increase in the eggshell volume and the surface, but there are also age-related factors.(AU)

Inclusion of canthaxanthin and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in the diet of broiler breeders on performance and incubation parameters / Inclusão de cantaxantina e 25-hidroxicolecalciferol na dieta de matrizes de corte sobre desempenho e parâmetros de incubação

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of a diet containing canthaxanthin and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) on the production and reproductive performances of Cobb 500 broiler breeders aged 53 to 61 weeks. The study included 36,000 Cobb 500 female and 3,600 male broiler breeders aging 51 weeks. The birds were housed in three poultry houses divided into four plots, totaling 12 experimental units each containing 3,000 females and 300 males. The birds received the following treatments: control diet (without the studied additives) or the control diet with the addition of 60mg kg-1feed of 25-(OH)-D3 and canthaxanthin feed (6mg of canthaxanthin and 2,760,000IU of 25-(OH)-D3 per kg of feed) per the supplier's recommendations. The experimental design used was a randomized complete block design with two treatments and six replicates. The results were subjected to analysis of variance followed by the F-test. The treatments had no effect on egg production, usability of eggs and number of incubatable eggs per bird housed. The inclusion of canthaxanthin and 25-(OH)-D3 in the diet reduced embryonic mortality while increasing egg yolk pigmentation, hatching percentage, and number of viable chicks produced per bird. Therefore, the use of 60mg kg-1of 25-(OH)-D3 plus canthaxanthin is recommended in the diet of Cobb 500 broiler breeders aging 53 to 61 weeks to improve important reproductive traits that have great economic impacts on poultry farms.

O objetivo deste experimento foi avaliar dietas contendo Cantaxantina e 25-hidroxicolecalciferol (25-OH-D3) sobre o desempenho produtivo e reprodutivo de matrizes de corte da linhagem Cobb 500, de 53 até 61 semanas de idade. Foram utilizadas 36.000 fêmeas e 3.600 machos com 51 semanas de idade, reprodutores de corte Cobb 500. As aves foram alojadas em três aviários divididos em 4 parcelas, totalizando 12 unidades experimentais, cada uma contendo 3.000 fêmeas e 300 machos. As aves foram submetidas aos seguintes tratamentos: dieta controle (sem os aditivos em estudo) ou dieta com adição de 60mg kg-1de ração de 25-(OH)-D3 e Cantaxantina (6mg de cantaxantina e 2.760.000UI de 25-(OH)-D3 por kg de ração), conforme recomendações do fornecedor. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, com dois tratamentos e seis repetições. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância e posteriormente aplicou-se o teste F. Não houve efeito dos tratamentos sobre as variáveis produção de ovos, aproveitamento de ovos e número de ovos incubáveis por ave alojada. A inclusão de Cantaxantina e de 25-(OH)-D3 na dieta reduziu a mortalidade embrionária e aumentou a pigmentação da gema dos ovos, o percentual de eclosão e o número de pintos viáveis produzidos por ave. Portanto, recomenda-se a utilização de 60mg kg-1de 25-(OH)-D3 mais Cantaxantina na dieta de matrizes de corte da linhagem Cobb 500, de 53 a 61 semanas de idade, para melhorar importantes características reprodutivas que têm grande impacto econômico para as empresas avícolas.

Inclusion of canthaxanthin and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol in the diet of broiler breeders on performance and incubation parameters / Inclusão de cantaxantina e 25-hidroxicolecalciferol na dieta de matrizes de corte sobre desempenho e parâmetros de incubação

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of a diet containing canthaxanthin and 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) on the production and reproductive performances of Cobb 500 broiler breeders aged 53 to 61 weeks. The study included 36,000 Cobb 500 female and 3,600 male broiler breeders aging 51 weeks. The birds were housed in three poultry houses divided into four plots, totaling 12 experimental units each containing 3,000 females and 300 males. The birds received the following treatments: control diet (without the studied additives) or the control diet with the addition of 60mg kg-1feed of 25-(OH)-D3 and canthaxanthin feed (6mg of canthaxanthin and 2,760,000IU of 25-(OH)-D3 per kg of feed) per the supplier's recommendations. The experimental design used was a randomized complete block design with two treatments and six replicates. The results were subjected to analysis of variance followed by the F-test. The treatments had no effect on egg production, usability of eggs and number of incubatable eggs per bird housed. The inclusion of canthaxanthin and 25-(OH)-D3 in the diet reduced embryonic mortality while increasing egg yolk pigmentation, hatching percentage, and number of viable chicks produced per bird. Therefore, the use of 60mg kg-1of 25-(OH)-D3 plus canthaxanthin is recommended in the diet of Cobb 500 broiler breeders aging 53 to 61 weeks to improve important reproductive traits that have great economic impacts on poultry farms.(AU)

O objetivo deste experimento foi avaliar dietas contendo Cantaxantina e 25-hidroxicolecalciferol (25-OH-D3) sobre o desempenho produtivo e reprodutivo de matrizes de corte da linhagem Cobb 500, de 53 até 61 semanas de idade. Foram utilizadas 36.000 fêmeas e 3.600 machos com 51 semanas de idade, reprodutores de corte Cobb 500. As aves foram alojadas em três aviários divididos em 4 parcelas, totalizando 12 unidades experimentais, cada uma contendo 3.000 fêmeas e 300 machos. As aves foram submetidas aos seguintes tratamentos: dieta controle (sem os aditivos em estudo) ou dieta com adição de 60mg kg-1de ração de 25-(OH)-D3 e Cantaxantina (6mg de cantaxantina e 2.760.000UI de 25-(OH)-D3 por kg de ração), conforme recomendações do fornecedor. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos casualizados, com dois tratamentos e seis repetições. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância e posteriormente aplicou-se o teste F. Não houve efeito dos tratamentos sobre as variáveis produção de ovos, aproveitamento de ovos e número de ovos incubáveis por ave alojada. A inclusão de Cantaxantina e de 25-(OH)-D3 na dieta reduziu a mortalidade embrionária e aumentou a pigmentação da gema dos ovos, o percentual de eclosão e o número de pintos viáveis produzidos por ave. Portanto, recomenda-se a utilização de 60mg kg-1de 25-(OH)-D3 mais Cantaxantina na dieta de matrizes de corte da linhagem Cobb 500, de 53 a 61 semanas de idade, para melhorar importantes características reprodutivas que têm grande impacto econômico para as empresas avícolas.(AU)

Development and Performance of a Mechanical Egg Collection System Versus the Hand-Operated Dutch Nest

The aim of this study was to design a new mechanical nesting system based on scientific works on the behavior of laying hens, and to compare its performance with that of a hand-operated Dutch nest. The equipment was assessed in two poultry houses; in the first one, the eggs were collected manually, whereas in the second one, the newly designed mechanical nest was used for the collection. A total of 7,800 hens and 800 males were housed in each poultry house, and the percentages of eggs produced, nest dirty eggs, floor eggs, and cracked and discarded eggs were determined between weeks 25 and 52. The percentage of eggs with microcracks, infertility, embryo mortality, bacterial contamination, fungal contamination, chicks with stunting syndrome and hatching from both types of nest was assessed in the hatchery on a fortnightly basis. The mechanical nest designed herein proved to be a good alternative to the hand-operated Dutch nest, but it still has to be improved in order to have the same performance, especially with regard to reduction in the incidence of floor eggs.(AU)

Development and Performance of a Mechanical Egg Collection System Versus the Hand-Operated Dutch Nest

The aim of this study was to design a new mechanical nesting system based on scientific works on the behavior of laying hens, and to compare its performance with that of a hand-operated Dutch nest. The equipment was assessed in two poultry houses; in the first one, the eggs were collected manually, whereas in the second one, the newly designed mechanical nest was used for the collection. A total of 7,800 hens and 800 males were housed in each poultry house, and the percentages of eggs produced, nest dirty eggs, floor eggs, and cracked and discarded eggs were determined between weeks 25 and 52. The percentage of eggs with microcracks, infertility, embryo mortality, bacterial contamination, fungal contamination, chicks with stunting syndrome and hatching from both types of nest was assessed in the hatchery on a fortnightly basis. The mechanical nest designed herein proved to be a good alternative to the hand-operated Dutch nest, but it still has to be improved in order to have the same performance, especially with regard to reduction in the incidence of floor eggs.

Reprodução nas aves: desafios do manejo e da nutrição / Reproduction in poultry: challenges of management and nutrition

A reprodução de matrizes pesadas é um grande desafio em função dos problemas causados pela pressão de seleção para maior ganho de peso e eficiência alimentar de sua progênie. Estes problemas são agravados em função de falhas no manejo, na biosseguridade, na ambiência e na nutrição destas aves. Esta revisão visa discutir alguns pontos importantes do manejo e da nutrição de matrizes pesadas com o objetivo de minimizar perdas produtivas e reprodutivas.

Reproduction of broiler breeders is a major challenge in terms of the problems caused by selection pressure for increased weight gain and feed efficiency of their progeny. These problems are compounded by failures in the management, in biossecurity, in the ambience and nutrition of these birds. This review aims to discuss some important points of management and nutrition of broiler breeders in order to minimize production and reproduction losses.