Thermal exchanges, physiological responses and productive performance of Guinea Fowl (Numidia meleagris) subjected to different air temperatures.

The objective of this research was to evaluate the thermal exchanges, physiological responses, productive performance and carcass yield of Guinea Fowl confined under thermoneutral conditions and under thermal stress. For the experiment, 96 animals were confined in 8 experimental boxes of 1 m2 of area, each, divided in equal numbers and placed inside two distinct climatic chambers, where the birds were distributed in a completely randomized design, with two treatments (air temperatures of 26 and 32 °C, respectively). For the collection of physiological responses and carcass yield 16 birds were evaluated and for the collection of data on feed and water consumption and productive responses, 48 birds per treatment were evaluated. The environmental variables (air temperature (AT), air relative humidity and wind speed), temperature and humidity index (THI), heat exchanges, physiological responses (respiratory rate, surface temperature, cloacal temperature and eyeball temperature), feed (FC) and water (WC) consumption and production responses (weight gain, feed conversion index and carcass yield) of the birds were evaluated. With the elevation of the AT, it could be noticed that the THI went from a thermal comfort condition to an emergency condition, where the birds lost part of their feathers, increased all physiological responses evaluated, and consequently, reduced by 53.5% the amount of heat dissipated in the sensible form and increased by 82.7% the heat losses in the latent form, increasing also the WC. ATs of up to 32 °C did not significantly affect the productive performance and carcass yield of the guinea fowl.

Oregano extract (Origanum vulgare) in female broiler chickens of free-range strain raised in the Western Amazon / Extrato de orégano (Origanum vulgare) em frangos de corte fêmeas de linhagem caipira criadas na Amazônia Ocidental

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of oregano extract added to commercial diets on zootechnical performance parameters, carcass yield, immunological conditions, morphometry, and intestinal pH for free-range broiler chickens raised under sanitary challenge conditions. Three hundred chicks of the strain 'Heavy red' were used and distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with five treatments and six replications, totaling 30 experimental units, each consisting of 10 birds. The treatments were: T1: Basal diet without oregano extract (OE); T2: Basal diet with OE (150 mg/kg); T3: Basal diet with OE (250 mg/kg); T4: Basal diet with OE (350 mg/kg); T5: and Basal diet with OE (450 mg/kg). There was a significant effect on feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion, feed efficiency, heterophil/lymphocyte ratio (H/L), and intestinal morphometry. No significant differences were observed in viability, carcass yield, intestinal pH, lymphoid organs, gizzard, heart, and intestine. Oregano extract influenced the liver yield and abdominal fat of broilers. Overall, the inclusion of oregano extract at the level of 350 mg/kg provided better results.(AU)

O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o efeito do extrato de orégano adicionado à ração comercial, considerando os parâmetros de desempenho zootécnico, rendimento de carcaça, condições imunológicas, morfometria e pH intestinal de frangos de corte de linhagem caipira, criados sob condição de desafio sanitário. Foram utilizados 300 pintos da linhagem vermelho pesadão, que foram distribuídos em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado - DIC, com cinco tratamentos e seis repetições, totalizando 30 unidades experimentais, constituídas por 10 aves cada. Os tratamentos foram: T1: Ração basal, sem Extrato de Orégano (EO); T2: Ração basal com EO (150 mg/Kg); T3: Ração basal com EO (250 mg/Kg); T4: Ração basal com EO(350 mg/Kg); T5: Ração basal com EO (450 mg/Kg). Houve efeito significativo no consumo de ração, ganho de peso, conversão alimentar, eficiência alimentar, relação heterofilo/linfócito (H/L) e morfometria intestinal. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas na viabilidade, no rendimento de carcaça, no pH intestinal, nos órgãos linfoides, moela, coração e intestino. Promoveu influência no rendimento de fígado e gordura abdominal dos frangos. A inclusão no nível de 350mg/kg proporciona melhores resultados.(AU)

Salmonella Pullorum em criação de galinhas caipiras no Oeste da Bahia, Brasil / Salmonella Pullorum in a free-range chicken farm in Western Bahia, Brazil

Background: Industrial poultry farming has developed progressively in Brazil, conferring the country a prominent position on the national and international scene. Likewise, alternative poultry farming is an important economic activity for small-scale family farmers. However, shortcomings related to sanitary management lead to increased occurrence of avian diseases, such as those caused by Salmonella spp. Despite salmonellosis has been described in industrial establishments, reports in alternative farms are less common, therefore the objective of this study was to describe the occurrence of salmonellosis in free-range chickens in the municipality of Barra, Western Bahia, Brazil. Cases: The poultry farmer reported the occurrence of diarrhoea in his chicken flock since the acquisition of the batch of chicks. Initially, carrying out the medicinal treatment of the birds, there was clinical improvement, however, successive recurrences of clinical signs occurred, such as diarrhoea, apathy, anorexia, and death of some birds. Upon learning about the case, an epidemiological investigation of the flock was carried out, and it was noted that some of the birds were retracted, apathetic, anorexic, and a lot of diarrheic faeces of a yellowish-white appearance were also observed. The entire flock had a history of vaccination against diseases: newcastle disease, infectious bronchitis, gumboro disease, and fowlpox. For better evaluation, five birds were necropsied, enabling the observation that the animals had a good body score. However, the necropsy revealed lesions such as splenomegaly, hepatomegaly, and enteritis in the three birds initially analysed (Animals 1, 2, and 3). The other birds (Animals 4 and 5) were submitted to evaluation for Eimeria sp. oocysts by means of scrapings from the intestinal mucosa, and there were no structures compatible with oocysts. Faecal samples were collected from another six birds in the flock for coproparasitological examination, and the presence of oocysts was not detected. Finally, sera from 20 birds in the flock were collected for the Rapid Serum Agglutination Test (SAR) for the detection anti-Salmonella Pullorum antibodies. Discussion: The diagnosis was based on clinical evaluation, post mortem pathological findings of the necropsied birds, epidemiological data and confirmed with SAR testing, whereby 11 birds were seropositive for Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica serovar Pullorum. The prevalence of S. Pullorum is poorly described in alternative farming. Based on the farmer's report, it is believed that the chicks were purchased already infected, because birds from the same batch, also purchased by neighbouring producers, showed the same clinical signs. The unsatisfactory sanitation in the flock was another factor that may have favoured the persistence of the bacteria, since, the lack of removal of organic matter is a source of nutrients for microorganisms, and this may have favoured the multiplication and maintenance of the bacteria in the down feathers, feed, and water. The elimination of S. Pullorum through the faeces, in addition to the density of the birds, may have led to transmission to the other healthy birds. However, the knowledge and adoption of prophylactic measures in free-range chicken farms is a crucial factor in minimizing the occurrence of outbreaks and thus avoiding a future public Health Problem.

Use of alternative tiles in the free-range broilers rearing: thermal environment, productive performance and physiological responses

The physiological parameters and the productive performance of free-range broilers submitted to installations with different materials of tile composition were evaluated. 320 male broilers of the Vermelho Pesadão lineage were used, with an initial age of 35 days, distributed among the following treatments: 1) Fiber cement tile painted white on the outside; 2) Cardboard tile coated with double-sided canvas - black for the interior and white for the exterior; 3) Tetra Pak® box tile; 4) Tile of Tetra Pak® boxes covered with PET bottles. A completely randomized design was used, with 4 replicates per treatment and 20 broilers per experimental unit. The climatic environment was evaluated daily at 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 hours. The productive and physiological parameters were evaluated every 7 days, the last ones being collected at 9 and 15 hours. In the afternoon, the highest values of air temperature and black globe temperature index and humidity were recorded, regardless of the materials evaluated. Fiber cement tiles and cardboard tiles coated with double-sided canvas showed the lowest values of climatic variables. There was no difference between the types of tile for the variables of productive performance and physiological parameters. It was concluded that the fiber-cement tiles painted white on the outside, and the cardboard coated with light canvas on the outside provided a better thermal environment inside the aviaries, which can be indicated for use in shelters for the creation of free-range broilers.

Use of alternative tiles in the free-range broilers rearing: thermal environment, productive performance and physiological responses

The physiological parameters and the productive performance of free-range broilers submitted to installations with different materials of tile composition were evaluated. 320 male broilers of the Vermelho Pesadão lineage were used, with an initial age of 35 days, distributed among the following treatments: 1) Fiber cement tile painted white on the outside; 2) Cardboard tile coated with double-sided canvas - black for the interior and white for the exterior; 3) Tetra Pak® box tile; 4) Tile of Tetra Pak® boxes covered with PET bottles. A completely randomized design was used, with 4 replicates per treatment and 20 broilers per experimental unit. The climatic environment was evaluated daily at 8, 10, 12, 14 and 16 hours. The productive and physiological parameters were evaluated every 7 days, the last ones being collected at 9 and 15 hours. In the afternoon, the highest values of air temperature and black globe temperature index and humidity were recorded, regardless of the materials evaluated. Fiber cement tiles and cardboard tiles coated with double-sided canvas showed the lowest values of climatic variables. There was no difference between the types of tile for the variables of productive performance and physiological parameters. It was concluded that the fiber-cement tiles painted white on the outside, and the cardboard coated with light canvas on the outside provided a better thermal environment inside the aviaries, which can be indicated for use in shelters for the creation of free-range broilers.(AU)

Macaúba meal levels in the diet of naked neck broilers / Níveis de farelo de macaúba na dieta de frangos de corte de pescoço pelado

A total of 375-day-old naked neck chicks were distributed in a completely randomized design in five diets with 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8% macaúba meal levels to evaluate colonial broiler chickens. The data were submitted to linear or quadratic regression analysis according to the best fit for each studied variable using the statistical program SAS 9.0. Macaúba meal levels increased feed intake without influencing weight gain, resulting in worsening feed conversion and leading to a linear reduction in slaughter weight at 85 days and reduction in carcass yields due to higher abdominal fat deposition. Linear effects were found on the contents of a*, pH, ethereal extract, and ash in the breast and b*, moisture, ethereal extract, and ash in the drumstick + thigh. Thus, macaúba meal inclusion in the diet of naked neck broilers impaired performance by increasing diet intake, impairing feed conversion and reducing carcass yields. However, it favors breast, drumstick, and thigh colors because it is rich in carotenoids.(AU)

Para avaliar níveis de farelo de macaúba na dieta de frangos de corte tipo colonial foram utilizados 375 pintos de um dia, da linhagem pescoço pelado, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. em 5 dietas com níveis de 0, 2; 4; 6; e 8% de farelo de macaúba. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos a análises de regressão linear ou quadrática, conforme o melhor ajustamento obtido para cada variável estudada, utilizando-se o programa estatístico SAS 9.0. Os níveis de farelo de macaúba aumentaram o consumo de ração sem influenciar no ganho de peso, resultando na piora da conversão alimentar. Causaram redução linear no peso de abate aos 85 dias e redução nos rendimentos de carcaça em função da maior deposição de gordura abdominal. Foram observados efeitos lineares nos teores de a*, pH, extrato etéreo e cinzas no peito e sobre os teores de b*, umidade, extrato etéreo e cinzas na coxa + sobrecoxa. Conclui-se que a inclusão do farelo de macaúba na dieta de frangos de pescoço pelado prejudica o desempenho por aumentar o consumo da dieta, prejudicando a conversão alimentar e reduzindo os rendimentos de carcaça. Entretanto, por ser rico em carotenoides favorece a coloração de peito, coxa e sobrecoxa.(AU)

Macaúba meal levels in the diet of naked neck broilers / Níveis de farelo de macaúba na dieta de frangos de corte de pescoço pelado

A total of 375-day-old naked neck chicks were distributed in a completely randomized design in five diets with 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8% macaúba meal levels to evaluate colonial broiler chickens. The data were submitted to linear or quadratic regression analysis according to the best fit for each studied variable using the statistical program SAS 9.0. Macaúba meal levels increased feed intake without influencing weight gain, resulting in worsening feed conversion and leading to a linear reduction in slaughter weight at 85 days and reduction in carcass yields due to higher abdominal fat deposition. Linear effects were found on the contents of a*, pH, ethereal extract, and ash in the breast and b*, moisture, ethereal extract, and ash in the drumstick + thigh. Thus, macaúba meal inclusion in the diet of naked neck broilers impaired performance by increasing diet intake, impairing feed conversion and reducing carcass yields. However, it favors breast, drumstick, and thigh colors because it is rich in carotenoids.

Para avaliar níveis de farelo de macaúba na dieta de frangos de corte tipo colonial foram utilizados 375 pintos de um dia, da linhagem pescoço pelado, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. em 5 dietas com níveis de 0, 2; 4; 6; e 8% de farelo de macaúba. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos a análises de regressão linear ou quadrática, conforme o melhor ajustamento obtido para cada variável estudada, utilizando-se o programa estatístico SAS 9.0. Os níveis de farelo de macaúba aumentaram o consumo de ração sem influenciar no ganho de peso, resultando na piora da conversão alimentar. Causaram redução linear no peso de abate aos 85 dias e redução nos rendimentos de carcaça em função da maior deposição de gordura abdominal. Foram observados efeitos lineares nos teores de a*, pH, extrato etéreo e cinzas no peito e sobre os teores de b*, umidade, extrato etéreo e cinzas na coxa + sobrecoxa. Conclui-se que a inclusão do farelo de macaúba na dieta de frangos de pescoço pelado prejudica o desempenho por aumentar o consumo da dieta, prejudicando a conversão alimentar e reduzindo os rendimentos de carcaça. Entretanto, por ser rico em carotenoides favorece a coloração de peito, coxa e sobrecoxa.

Nutritional evaluation of sorghums grown with different organic fertilizers for slow-growing broilers / Avaliação nutricional do sorgo cultivado com diferentes adubos orgânicos para frangos de crescimento lento

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sorghums grown with different organic fertilizers on the chemical composition, energy values, and nutrient metabolizability coefficients, as well as their use for feeding slow-growing broilers. Two trials were performed. In the first experiment, 200 21-day-old broilers were distributed in a completely randomized design (CRD), with five treatments and four replicates of 10 birds per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of a control diet and four test diets (sorghum fertilized with crotalaria, sorghum fertilized with millet, sorghum fertilized with humus, and sorghum without fertilization), including sorghum at 30% in the control diet. The apparent metabolizable energy (AME), apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn), metabolizability coefficients of dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy were evaluated. In trial 2, 200 1-day-old chicks were used in a CRD with five treatments (T1 control diet with commercial corn, T2 sorghum fertilized with crotalaria, T3 sorghum fertilized with millet, T4 sorghum fertilized with humus, and T5 sorghum without fertilization) and four replicates of 10 birds per experimental unit. Weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, and final weight at 28 days were evaluated. The values of AME and AMEn of sorghums fertilized with crotalaria, millet, humus, and sorghum without fertilization were 2894 Kcalkg-1 and 2881 Kcal kg-1; 2736 Kcal kg-1 and 2675 Kcal kg-1; 2727 Kcal kg-1 and 2694 Kcal kg-1; and 2994Kcal kg-1 and 2959 Kcal kg-1, respectively. The metabolizable coefficients of dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy were 76.04%, 42.01%, and 75.25% for sorghum fertilized with crotalaria; 77.50%, 50.77%, and 75.95% for sorghum fertilized with millet; 77.62%, 46.39%, and 75.54% for sorghumfertilized with humus; and 75.83%, 39.53%, and 74.71% for sorghum cultivated without fertilization,respectively. The dietary use of sorghum cultivated...(AU)

Objetivou-se no presente trabalho avaliar o sorgo cultivado com diferentes adubos orgânicos sobre a composição química, valores energéticos, coeficientes de metabolizabilidade dos nutrientes e sua utilização na alimentação de frangos de crescimento lento. Foram realizados dois experimentos, no primeiro foram utilizadas 200 aves de 21 dias de idade, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado (DIC), com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições de 10 aves por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos consistiram de uma dieta referência e quatro dietas testes (sorgo adubado com crotalária, sorgo adubado com milheto, sorgo adubado com húmus e sorgo sem adubação), na qual os sorgos substituíram 30% da dieta referência. Foram avaliados a energia metabolizável aparente (EMA), energia metabolizável aparente corrigida para o balanço de nitrogênio (EMAn), os coeficientes de metabolizabilidade da matéria seca, proteína bruta e energia bruta. No ensaio de desempenho, foram utilizados 200 pintos de 1 dia de idade, distribuídos em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos (T1 - ração referência com milho comercial, T2 ração com sorgo adubado com crotalária, T3 ração com sorgo adubado com milheto, T4 ração com sorgo adubado com húmus e T5 ração com sorgo sem adubação) e quatro repetições de 10 aves por unidade experimental. Foram avaliados o ganho de peso, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar e o peso finalaos 28 dias. Os valores determinados de EMA e EMAn dos sorgos adubados com crotalária, milheto,húmus e o sorgo sem adubação foram de 2894 Kcal kg-1 e 2881 Kcal kg-1; 2736 Kcal kg-1 e 2675 Kcalkg-1; 2727 Kcal kg-1 e 2694 Kcal kg-1; 2994 Kcal kg-1 e 2959 Kcal kg-1, respectivamente, e os coeficientesde metabolizabilidade da MS, PB e EB foram: 76,04%, 42,01% e 75,25% para o sorgo adubado comcrotalária; 77,50%, 50,77% e 75,95% para o sorgo adubado com milheto; 77,62%, 46,39% e 75,54%para o sorgo adubado com húmus e 75,83%, 39,53% e...(AU)

Nutritional evaluation of sorghums grown with different organic fertilizers for slow-growing broilers / Avaliação nutricional do sorgo cultivado com diferentes adubos orgânicos para frangos de crescimento lento

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of sorghums grown with different organic fertilizers on the chemical composition, energy values, and nutrient metabolizability coefficients, as well as their use for feeding slow-growing broilers. Two trials were performed. In the first experiment, 200 21-day-old broilers were distributed in a completely randomized design (CRD), with five treatments and four replicates of 10 birds per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of a control diet and four test diets (sorghum fertilized with crotalaria, sorghum fertilized with millet, sorghum fertilized with humus, and sorghum without fertilization), including sorghum at 30% in the control diet. The apparent metabolizable energy (AME), apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn), metabolizability coefficients of dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy were evaluated. In trial 2, 200 1-day-old chicks were used in a CRD with five treatments (T1 control diet with commercial corn, T2 sorghum fertilized with crotalaria, T3 sorghum fertilized with millet, T4 sorghum fertilized with humus, and T5 sorghum without fertilization) and four replicates of 10 birds per experimental unit. Weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, and final weight at 28 days were evaluated. The values of AME and AMEn of sorghums fertilized with crotalaria, millet, humus, and sorghum without fertilization were 2894 Kcalkg-1 and 2881 Kcal kg-1; 2736 Kcal kg-1 and 2675 Kcal kg-1; 2727 Kcal kg-1 and 2694 Kcal kg-1; and 2994Kcal kg-1 and 2959 Kcal kg-1, respectively. The metabolizable coefficients of dry matter, crude protein, and gross energy were 76.04%, 42.01%, and 75.25% for sorghum fertilized with crotalaria; 77.50%, 50.77%, and 75.95% for sorghum fertilized with millet; 77.62%, 46.39%, and 75.54% for sorghumfertilized with humus; and 75.83%, 39.53%, and 74.71% for sorghum cultivated without fertilization,respectively. The dietary use of sorghum cultivated...

Objetivou-se no presente trabalho avaliar o sorgo cultivado com diferentes adubos orgânicos sobre a composição química, valores energéticos, coeficientes de metabolizabilidade dos nutrientes e sua utilização na alimentação de frangos de crescimento lento. Foram realizados dois experimentos, no primeiro foram utilizadas 200 aves de 21 dias de idade, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado (DIC), com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições de 10 aves por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos consistiram de uma dieta referência e quatro dietas testes (sorgo adubado com crotalária, sorgo adubado com milheto, sorgo adubado com húmus e sorgo sem adubação), na qual os sorgos substituíram 30% da dieta referência. Foram avaliados a energia metabolizável aparente (EMA), energia metabolizável aparente corrigida para o balanço de nitrogênio (EMAn), os coeficientes de metabolizabilidade da matéria seca, proteína bruta e energia bruta. No ensaio de desempenho, foram utilizados 200 pintos de 1 dia de idade, distribuídos em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos (T1 - ração referência com milho comercial, T2 ração com sorgo adubado com crotalária, T3 ração com sorgo adubado com milheto, T4 ração com sorgo adubado com húmus e T5 ração com sorgo sem adubação) e quatro repetições de 10 aves por unidade experimental. Foram avaliados o ganho de peso, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar e o peso finalaos 28 dias. Os valores determinados de EMA e EMAn dos sorgos adubados com crotalária, milheto,húmus e o sorgo sem adubação foram de 2894 Kcal kg-1 e 2881 Kcal kg-1; 2736 Kcal kg-1 e 2675 Kcalkg-1; 2727 Kcal kg-1 e 2694 Kcal kg-1; 2994 Kcal kg-1 e 2959 Kcal kg-1, respectivamente, e os coeficientesde metabolizabilidade da MS, PB e EB foram: 76,04%, 42,01% e 75,25% para o sorgo adubado comcrotalária; 77,50%, 50,77% e 75,95% para o sorgo adubado com milheto; 77,62%, 46,39% e 75,54%para o sorgo adubado com húmus e 75,83%, 39,53% e...

Pequi peel meal in laying hen diet / Farelo da casca de pequi na alimentação de poedeiras

This study evaluated the effect of pequi peel meal in the diet for laying hens on performance and egg quality. Hy-Line® Brown hens (n=160) aged 55 weeks with 1642±63g body weight were distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments and four replications of eight birds each. The treatments consisted of isometric substitution of corn by pequi peel meal at 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10%. The performance and internal and external egg quality were evaluated. Egg production, egg mass and feed conversion worsened linearly with increasing replacement of corn with pequi peel meal, while the yolk color increased linearly. The other variables related to performance and internal and external egg quality were not significantly affected by the treatments. It can be concluded that the use of pequi peel meal replacing corn in laying hen diet does not change the internal and external egg quality, improves the pigmentation of egg yolk, and impairs performance of laying hens.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da inclusão do farelo da casca do pequi na ração de poedeiras sobre o desempenho e a qualidade dos ovos. Foram utilizadas 160 poedeiras comerciais da linhagem HyLine® Brown, com 55 semanas de idade e 1642±63g de peso corporal, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com cinco tratamentos com quatro repetições de oito aves cada. Os tratamentos consistiram na substituição isométrica do milho por farelo de casca de pequi nas doses de 0, 2,5, 5,0, 7,5 e 10%. Foram avaliados o desempenho e a qualidade interna e externa dos ovos. A produção de ovos, a massa de ovos e a conversão alimentar pioraram linearmente com substituição do milho por farelo de casca de pequi, enquanto a coloração da gema aumentou linearmente. As demais variáveis de desempenho e de qualidade interna e externa dos ovos não foram influenciadas significativamente pelos tratamentos experimentais. Conclui-se que a utilização do farelo da casca do pequi em substituição isométrica ao milho na alimentação de poedeiras não altera a qualidade interna e externa dos ovos, melhora a pigmentação da gema do ovo e prejudica o desempenho das poedeiras.(AU)

Pequi peel meal in laying hen diet / Farelo da casca de pequi na alimentação de poedeiras

This study evaluated the effect of pequi peel meal in the diet for laying hens on performance and egg quality. Hy-Line® Brown hens (n=160) aged 55 weeks with 1642±63g body weight were distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments and four replications of eight birds each. The treatments consisted of isometric substitution of corn by pequi peel meal at 0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10%. The performance and internal and external egg quality were evaluated. Egg production, egg mass and feed conversion worsened linearly with increasing replacement of corn with pequi peel meal, while the yolk color increased linearly. The other variables related to performance and internal and external egg quality were not significantly affected by the treatments. It can be concluded that the use of pequi peel meal replacing corn in laying hen diet does not change the internal and external egg quality, improves the pigmentation of egg yolk, and impairs performance of laying hens.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da inclusão do farelo da casca do pequi na ração de poedeiras sobre o desempenho e a qualidade dos ovos. Foram utilizadas 160 poedeiras comerciais da linhagem HyLine® Brown, com 55 semanas de idade e 1642±63g de peso corporal, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com cinco tratamentos com quatro repetições de oito aves cada. Os tratamentos consistiram na substituição isométrica do milho por farelo de casca de pequi nas doses de 0, 2,5, 5,0, 7,5 e 10%. Foram avaliados o desempenho e a qualidade interna e externa dos ovos. A produção de ovos, a massa de ovos e a conversão alimentar pioraram linearmente com substituição do milho por farelo de casca de pequi, enquanto a coloração da gema aumentou linearmente. As demais variáveis de desempenho e de qualidade interna e externa dos ovos não foram influenciadas significativamente pelos tratamentos experimentais. Conclui-se que a utilização do farelo da casca do pequi em substituição isométrica ao milho na alimentação de poedeiras não altera a qualidade interna e externa dos ovos, melhora a pigmentação da gema do ovo e prejudica o desempenho das poedeiras.