Influence of targeted selective anthelmintic treatment on the productive performance of wool and hair lambs naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes in Brazil.

Targeted selective treatment (TST) is an alternative method to reduce the use of anthelmintics and delay the development of resistant nematode populations. However, there is limited information on the actual effects of this type of treatment on livestock productivity. The objective of this study was to evaluate the production performance of Santa Ines (hair) and Ile de France (wool) lambs naturally infected with gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) under TST based on packed cell volume (PCV) versus suppressive anthelmintic treatments. Thirty-eight lambs were divided into two treatment groups: Suppressive treatment, animals were drenched with monepantel every two weeks and TST, animals were treated with the same anthelmintic when they presented PCV ≤ 20%. Feces, blood, and weight were measured weekly to determine eggs per gram of feces, PCV, total plasma protein, and weight gain. After animals were slaughtered, carcasses were weighed to determine carcass yield. In the TST group, substantial productive losses of approximately 21.3% in the wool and 25.9% in the hair lambs were observed in body weight compared to their counterparts. Significant differences in hematological variables occurred over the experimental period, especially in the wool lambs under TST. Favorable environmental conditions enabled infective larvae to survive and thrive on pasture. Haemonchus contortus and intestinal nematodes were the most common parasites found in the Ile de France lambs and the Santa Ines lambs, respectively. Although TST prevented mortality, it did not prevent production losses. Both breeds showed a significant drop in production due to GIN parasitism.

The Effect of Supplementing Tea Polyphenols on Yolk Cholesterol and Production Performance of Laying Hens During the Egg-laying Period

This study aimed to investigate the effect of supplementing 300 mg/kg tea polyphenols (TP) on yolk cholesterol content and production performance of laying hens during the egg-laying period. A total of 600 Roman laying hens aged 24 weeks were randomly divided into two dietary treatment groups. The feeding experiment lasted for 48 weeks. Layers fed basal diet supplemented with 0 (control group) and 300mg/kg TP (TP group) diet, respectively. The yolk cholesterol content, laying performance, and egg quality were determined at 28, 38, 48, 58, and 68 weeks of age. The yolk cholesterol content in the TP group was significantly decreased at 28-68 weeks of age (p<0.01), compared to the control group. There was a significant increase in laying rate in the TP group at 38 weeks of age (p<0.05), compared to the control group, while no significant differences during the other laying periods were obtained (p>0.05). The FCR significantly decreased in the TP group at 38 weeks of age whereas AEW significantly increased in the TP group at 58 weeks of age (p<0.05). Similarly, the eggshell thickness and eggshell strength in the TP group significantly increased (p<0.05), compared with the control group at 38 weeks of age. The albumen height and Haugh unit significantly increased at 28 weeks of age (p<0.05). In conclusion, the results showed that the diet supplemented with 300 mg/kg TP had positive effects on production performance of layers during the egg-laying period, and could lessen yolk cholesterol content significantly at 28-68 weeks of age.(AU)

Organic copper, iron, manganese and zinc: digestibility, production parameters and egg quality of layers / [Cobre, ferro, manganês e zinco orgânico: digestibilidade, parâmetros zootécnicos e qualidade dos ovos de poedeiras]

This study examined the replacement of the inorganic minerals (IM) Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn with their organic form (OM) in the diet of 67-week-old Dekalb White laying hens by comparing digestibility, production and egg quality. The experiment involved 240 birds, with 48 birds used per treatment and 12 per replicate. Isoenergetic and isonutrient diets were supplemented with 8mg Cu, 50mg Fe, 70mg Mn and 50mg Zn per kilogram of diet from an inorganic premix (IM100), from an organic premix (OM100), or the latter at the decreasing inclusion levels of 65% (OM65), 45% (OM45) and 35% (OM35). The following variables were evaluated: production, eggs per housed bird (EHB), viability, egg weight and mass, cracked and lost eggs, digestibility and egg physicochemical traits. Birds fed OM35 and OM45 showed lower production rates, and organic minerals provided the highest egg weights, regardless of their inclusion level. Accordingly, egg mass was similar between IM100, OM45 and OM35, and highest values were obtained with OM100 and OM65. Source or level had no influence on digestibility or egg quality. Supplementation with 2.8mg Cu, 17.5mg Fe, 24.5m g Mn and 17.5mg Zn per kilogram of diet (OM35) in the last third of the laying cycle provided relevant economic production indices (EHB, viability, egg weight or mass).(AU)

Estudou-se a substituição dos minerais inorgânicos (MI) Cu, Fe, Mn e Zn por minerais orgânicos (MO) na dieta de poedeiras Dekalb White com 67 semanas, comparando-se índices de produção, digestibilidade e qualidade dos ovos. Utilizaram-se 240 aves, 48 aves por tratamento e 12 por repetição. Dietas isoenergéticas e isonutrientes foram suplementadas com 8mg Cu, 50mg Fe, 70mg Mn e 50mg Zn por kg de ração MI100 e MO100 ou suplementações decrescentes MO65, MO45 e MO35. Avaliou-se produção, ovo por ave alojada (OAA), viabilidade, peso e massa dos ovos, trincados e perdidos, digestibilidade dos nutrientes e características físico-químicas dos ovos. Observaram-se menores índices de produção nas aves dos tratamentos MO35 e MO45 e maiores pesos dos ovos nos tratamentos com minerais orgânicos, independentemente da inclusão. Assim, massas de ovos foram semelhantes para os tratamentos MI100, MO45 e MO35 e maiores para MO100 e MO65. Fontes ou níveis de inclusões não influenciaram a digestibilidade e a qualidade dos ovos. Índices zootécnicos economicamente relevantes (OAA, viabilidade, peso e massa do ovo) foram obtidos com suplementação de 2,8mg Cu, 17,5mg Fe, 24,5mg Mn e 17,5mg Zn por kg de ração (MO35) em poedeiras brancas no último terço do ciclo de postura.(AU)

Inclusion of broken rice in meat-quail diets at different ages

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of 50% broken rice (BR) in diets for meat quail from 1 to 35 days old, starting at different ages. A total of 875 mixed quail were allocated to five treatments in a completely randomized design with five replicates of 35 birds. The treatments consisted of a maize- and soybean meal-based control diet and four other similar diets in which the inclusion of 50% BR was started at different ages, namely, 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd days. Feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion and mortality rate were evaluated weekly. At 35 days, 10 quail per plot were weighed and selected to be slaughtered for evaluations of live weight, carcass yield and gizzard yield. Lastly, a study of economic viability was carried out. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was detected for the performance parameters, live weight or carcass yield, but a higher gizzard yield was found (p < 0.05) in the treatment without BR. The inclusion of BR from the first day of life provided better economic viability. Diets with a maximum inclusion of 50% BR can be formulated for meat quail at any age.

Inclusion of broken rice in meat-quail diets at different ages

The aim of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of 50% broken rice (BR) in diets for meat quail from 1 to 35 days old, starting at different ages. A total of 875 mixed quail were allocated to five treatments in a completely randomized design with five replicates of 35 birds. The treatments consisted of a maize- and soybean meal-based control diet and four other similar diets in which the inclusion of 50% BR was started at different ages, namely, 1st, 8th, 15th and 22nd days. Feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion and mortality rate were evaluated weekly. At 35 days, 10 quail per plot were weighed and selected to be slaughtered for evaluations of live weight, carcass yield and gizzard yield. Lastly, a study of economic viability was carried out. No significant difference (p > 0.05) was detected for the performance parameters, live weight or carcass yield, but a higher gizzard yield was found (p < 0.05) in the treatment without BR. The inclusion of BR from the first day of life provided better economic viability. Diets with a maximum inclusion of 50% BR can be formulated for meat quail at any age.(AU)

The Effect of Supplementing Tea Polyphenols in Diet of Laying Hens on Yolk Cholesterol Content and Production Performance

This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of supplementing tea polyphenols (TP) in diet of laying hens on yolk cholesterol content and production performance. A total of 1800 Lohmann laying hens aged 48 weeks were randomly allocated to 6 groups. Each group consisted of 6 replicates with 50 layers. The feeding experiment was 4 weeks including one-week acclimatization. Layers fed basal diet supplemented with 0, 150, 200, 250, 300 and 350 mg TP/kg diet, respectively. The results showed that average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), average egg weight (AEW), laying rate and the indicators of egg quality were not significantly affected by the diet supplemented with 300 mg/kg TP (p>0.05). However, yolk cholesterol content decreased by increasing TP concentration (p 0.01), with 18.06% reduction in layers fed diet supplemented with 300 mg TP/kg. Also, the diet supplemented with 300 mg/kg TP significantly decreased plasma triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level (p 0.05). The activity of serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) was enhanced by increasing TP concentration, while the content of serum methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA) was decreased by increasing TP concentration. The highest activity of GSH-Px and the lowest serum MDA content were both determined in 300 mg/kg TP group (p 0.01). In conclusion, this study suggests that the addition of 300 mg TP/kg basal diet had no negative effect on the production performance laying hens, yet decreased the egg yolk cholesterol content and enhanced the antioxidant capacity of laying hens at the same time.(AU)

The Effect of Supplementing Tea Polyphenols in Diet of Laying Hens on Yolk Cholesterol Content and Production Performance

This study was conducted to evaluate the influence of supplementing tea polyphenols (TP) in diet of laying hens on yolk cholesterol content and production performance. A total of 1800 Lohmann laying hens aged 48 weeks were randomly allocated to 6 groups. Each group consisted of 6 replicates with 50 layers. The feeding experiment was 4 weeks including one-week acclimatization. Layers fed basal diet supplemented with 0, 150, 200, 250, 300 and 350 mg TP/kg diet, respectively. The results showed that average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), average egg weight (AEW), laying rate and the indicators of egg quality were not significantly affected by the diet supplemented with 300 mg/kg TP (p>0.05). However, yolk cholesterol content decreased by increasing TP concentration (p 0.01), with 18.06% reduction in layers fed diet supplemented with 300 mg TP/kg. Also, the diet supplemented with 300 mg/kg TP significantly decreased plasma triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level (p 0.05). The activity of serum glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) was enhanced by increasing TP concentration, while the content of serum methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA) was decreased by increasing TP concentration. The highest activity of GSH-Px and the lowest serum MDA content were both determined in 300 mg/kg TP group (p 0.01). In conclusion, this study suggests that the addition of 300 mg TP/kg basal diet had no negative effect on the production performance laying hens, yet decreased the egg yolk cholesterol content and enhanced the antioxidant capacity of laying hens at the same time.

Effect of soybean expeller supplementation during the final phase of sow gestation on litter birth weight.

AIM: Nutrition plays a key role in the production of pigs, especially in pregnant sows, where modifications in nutritional requirements can affect their productive performance. The aim of this study was to evaluate nutritional supplementation with soybean expeller in sows during the last third of the gestation period and its effect on litter birth weight. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A quasi-experimental study was conducted on a farrow-to-finish farm, where 192 sows were equally assigned to treatment and control groups. Several variables were recorded at both the sow and piglet level. The treatment group consisted of piglets from 95 sows supplemented with soybean expeller during the final phase of gestation (20 days), and the comparison group consisted of piglets from 97 sows fed only with a commercial balanced ration (control group). RESULTS: Soybean expeller supplementation increased individual piglet weight by 190-270 g, and the increased number of live piglets could decrease the weight of each piglet. Moreover, the number of piglets weighing <900 g decreased by 10% as compared to the control group, indicating that supplementation could improve pre-weaning mortality. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that soybean expeller supplementation in sows during the last third of the gestation period could improve production performance, especially on organic farms.

Effect of dietary nutrition on tail fat deposition and evaluation of tail-related genes in fat-tailed sheep

BACKGROUND: The effects of dietary nutrition on tail fat deposition and the correlation between production performance and the Hh signaling pathway and OXCT1 were investigated in fat-tailed sheep. Tan sheep were fed different nutritional diets and the variances in tail length, width, thickness and tail weight as well as the mRNA expression of fat-related genes (C/EBPα, FAS, LPL, and HSL) were determined in the tail fat of sheep at three different growth stages based on their body weight. Furthermore, the correlations between tail phenotypes and the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway components (IHH, PTCH1, SMO, and GLI1) and OXCT1 were investigated. RESULTS: C/EBPα, FAS, LPL, and HSL were expressed with differences in tail fat of sheep fed different nutritional diets at three different growth stages. The results of the two-way ANOVA showed the significant effect of nutrition, stage, and interaction on gene expression, except the between C/EBPα and growth stage. C/EBPα, FAS, and LPL were considerably correlated with the tail phenotypes. Furthermore, the results of the correlation analysis demonstrated a close relationship between the tail phenotypes and Hh signaling pathway and OXCT1. CONCLUSIONS: The present study demonstrated the gene-level role of dietary nutrition in promoting tail fat deposition and related tail fat-related genes. It provides a molecular basis by which nutritional balance and tail fat formation can be investigated and additional genes can be identified. The findings of the present study may help improve the production efficiency of fat-tailed sheep and identify crucial genes associated with tail fat deposition.

Crude protein in diets for European quail (Coturnix coturnix) / Proteína bruta em dietas para codornas europeias (Coturnix coturnix)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of dietary crude protein (CP) levels on the production performance, carcass traits and dietary nutrient metabolizability of European quail from one to 35 days of age. A total of 250 quail were allotted to one of five treatments (21, 22, 23, 24 and 25% CP) in a completely randomized experimental design with five replicates of 10 birds per plot. The following variables were evaluated: feed intake; weight gain; feed conversion; energy and protein intakes; weight and yield of carcass, cuts and edible offal; metabolizability coefficients (MC) of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract and gross energy; and nitrogen intake, excretion, retention and metabolizability. Weight gain rose linearly (P < 0.05) from one to 14 days of age. From 15 to 35 days of age, weight gain decreased (P < 0.05) and feed conversion ratio worsened (P < 0.05). The CP levels did not influence (P > 0.05) feed intake, weight gain or feed conversion from one to 35 days of age. Protein intake increased linearly (P < 0.05) in all evaluated periods. The absolute and relative weights of legs responded quadratically (P < 0.05). At 35 days of age, the absolute and relative weights of liver had decreased linearly (P < 0.05). In the metabolism trial, a linear decrease was observed (P < 0.05) for the MC of dry matter, crude protein and nitrogen, whereas the MC of ether extract, nitrogen intake and nitrogen excretion increased linearly (P < 0.05). Diets with 21% CP are recommended for European quail from 1 to 35 days of age.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar níveis de proteína bruta (PB) sobre o desempenho produtivo, as características de carcaça de codornas europeias de um a 35 dias de idade e a metabolizabilidade dos nutrientes dietéticos. Utilizou-se 250 codornas distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em cinco tratamentos (21, 22, 23, 24 e 25% de PB) com cinco repetições de 10 aves por parcela. Foram avaliados o consumo de ração, ganho de peso, conversão alimentar, ingestão de energia e proteína; peso e rendimento de carcaça, cortes e vísceras comestíveis; coeficientes de metabolizabilidade (CM) da matéria seca, da proteína bruta, do extrato etéreo e da energia bruta; ingestão, excreção, retenção e metabolizabilidade de nitrogênio. O ganho de peso das aves aumentou linearmente (P < 0,05) na fase de um a 14 dias de idade. Constatou-se para a fase de 15 a 35 dias de idade redução linear (P < 0,05) no ganho de peso e piora (P 0,05) no índice de conversão alimentar das codornas. Os níveis de PB avaliados não influenciaram (P > 0,05) o consumo de ração, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar durante a fase de um a 35 dias de idade. Houve efeito linear crescente (P < 0,05) para a ingestão de proteína para todos os períodos avaliados. Foi observado efeito quadrático (P < 0,05) para o peso absoluto e relativo de pernas. Verificou-se redução linear (P < 0,05) para o peso absoluto e relativo de fígado das aves aos 35 dias de idade. No ensaio de metabolismo, constatou-se efeito linear decrescente (P < 0,05) para os coeficientes de metabolizabilidade da matéria seca, proteína bruta e do nitrogênio, enquanto, o CM do extrato etéreo, ingestão e excreção de nitrogênio foram influenciados de forma linear crescente (P < 0,05). Recomenda-se rações com 21% de PB para codornas europeias de um a 35 dias.(AU)

Effect of Plant Essential Oil on Growth Performance and Immune Function During Rearing Period in Laying Hens

The effects of plant essential oil (PEO) on the production performance and immune function of laying hens were evaluated to provide theoretical basis for promoting the natural plant extracts. Eight thousand 1-day-old healthy laying hens were randomly divided into a control group or PEO group, with four replicates per treatment and 1000 hens per replicate. The PEO diet was supplemented with 3g/kg plant extract. Diets were fed for 56 days. The tibia length and keel length were detected on an empty stomach at the end of the trial. Blood samples were collected on the 28th and 56th days to detect the level of C3, C4, IL-1, IL-2, IL-17 and immunoglobulin in the serum. The results showed that, compared with the control, PEO supplementation significantly increased the weight gain rate (WGR) at the 2nd, 4th, 5th and 7th week (p 0.05), and decreased the WGR at the 3rd and 6th week. The tibial length was significantly increased at the 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th week (p 0.01), and also the keel length at the 5th and 7th week in PEO group. The concentration of IgG and IgM also significantly influenced with PEO supplementation, but there was no significant difference in the complements, C3 and C4, and the IL levels between days 28 and 56. Moreover, no significant difference was observed in body weight and immune organ on day 56. Therefore, we conclude that the addition of PEO could improve the production performance and immune function in laying hens.(AU)

Effect of fermented soybean meal supplementation on some growth performance, blood chemical parameters, and fecal microflora of finishing pigs

This study evaluated the effect of fermented soybean meal (FSBM) supplementation on growth performance, meat quality, blood biochemical parameters, and fecal microflora of finishing pigs. Thirty-two crossbred pigs (Duroc × Landrance × Yorkshire) (66-day-old, 67.95±0.25 kg) were randomly allocated to two treatments and fed diets containing soybean meal and FSBM. The average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), feed conversion ratio (FCR), blood biochemical parameters, and meat quality index were measured. At the end of experiment, the fecal microflora of finishing pigs was analyzed with 16S rDNA techniques. Results revealed that pigs fed FSBM had a greater ADG and lower cooking loss relative to control group (basal diets). Compared with the control group, the triglyceride content in the serum of the group fed FSBM increased significantly, and the creatinine content in the serum decreased notably. Fermented soybean meal enhanced the abundance of Bacteroidetes, Prevotellaceae, Bcteroidales, Bacteroidia, but inhibited the growth of Firmicutes, Clostridia, Clostridiales, and Ruminococcaceae in the intestine of pigs. Therefore, we can speculate that FSBM may play an important role in animal production. Dietary FSBM supplementation may be beneficial to some aspects of growth performance and the diversity of fecal microflora in finishing pigs.(AU)

Crude protein in diets for European quail (Coturnix coturnix) / Proteína bruta em dietas para codornas europeias (Coturnix coturnix)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of dietary crude protein (CP) levels on the production performance, carcass traits and dietary nutrient metabolizability of European quail from one to 35 days of age. A total of 250 quail were allotted to one of five treatments (21, 22, 23, 24 and 25% CP) in a completely randomized experimental design with five replicates of 10 birds per plot. The following variables were evaluated: feed intake; weight gain; feed conversion; energy and protein intakes; weight and yield of carcass, cuts and edible offal; metabolizability coefficients (MC) of dry matter, crude protein, ether extract and gross energy; and nitrogen intake, excretion, retention and metabolizability. Weight gain rose linearly (P 0.05) feed intake, weight gain or feed conversion from one to 35 days of age. Protein intake increased linearly (P < 0.05) in all evaluated periods. The absolute and relative weights of legs responded quadratically (P < 0.05). At 35 days of age, the absolute and relative weights of liver had decreased linearly (P < 0.05). In the metabolism trial, a linear decrease was observed (P < 0.05) for the MC of dry matter, crude protein and nitrogen, whereas the MC of ether extract, nitrogen intake and nitrogen excretion increased linearly (P < 0.05). Diets with 21% CP are recommended for European quail from 1 to 35 days of age.

Objetivou-se avaliar níveis de proteína bruta (PB) sobre o desempenho produtivo, as características de carcaça de codornas europeias de um a 35 dias de idade e a metabolizabilidade dos nutrientes dietéticos. Utilizou-se 250 codornas distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em cinco tratamentos (21, 22, 23, 24 e 25% de PB) com cinco repetições de 10 aves por parcela. Foram avaliados o consumo de ração, ganho de peso, conversão alimentar, ingestão de energia e proteína; peso e rendimento de carcaça, cortes e vísceras comestíveis; coeficientes de metabolizabilidade (CM) da matéria seca, da proteína bruta, do extrato etéreo e da energia bruta; ingestão, excreção, retenção e metabolizabilidade de nitrogênio. O ganho de peso das aves aumentou linearmente (P 0,05) o consumo de ração, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar durante a fase de um a 35 dias de idade. Houve efeito linear crescente (P < 0,05) para a ingestão de proteína para todos os períodos avaliados. Foi observado efeito quadrático (P < 0,05) para o peso absoluto e relativo de pernas. Verificou-se redução linear (P < 0,05) para o peso absoluto e relativo de fígado das aves aos 35 dias de idade. No ensaio de metabolismo, constatou-se efeito linear decrescente (P < 0,05) para os coeficientes de metabolizabilidade da matéria seca, proteína bruta e do nitrogênio, enquanto, o CM do extrato etéreo, ingestão e excreção de nitrogênio foram influenciados de forma linear crescente (P < 0,05). Recomenda-se rações com 21% de PB para codornas europeias de um a 35 dias.

Coconut Cake in Diets for Quail in the Laying Phase

Currently, agro-industrial by-products have increasingly been used in animal feeding, as they constitute an alternative source of nutrients for the animal diet and a way to simultaneously reduce environmental pollution. The objective of this study was to examine increasing levels of inclusion of coconut cake in Japanese quail diets in the laying phase on their production performance and egg quality. A total of 360 Japanese quails were allotted to eight treatments with nine replicates and eight birds per experimental unit, in a randomized-block design. Five diets were formulated: a diet without inclusion of the by-product; and diets containing 3, 6, 9, and 12% coconut cake. The experiment lasted 63 days, with evaluations occurring at every 21 days. The following variables were analyzed: feed intake, laying rate, feed conversion, egg weight, specific gravity, Haugh unit, yolk, albumen and shell percentage, shell thickness, and shell weight. The treatments elicited a positive linear response from laying rate, whereas feed conversion per egg mass decreased linearly. In terms of egg-quality traits, shell percentage was influenced, increasing linearly. Coconut cake inclusion at 12% in the diet of Japanese quail in the laying improved feed conversion per egg mass and increased egg-laying rate and eggshell percentage.

Effect of Plant Essential Oil on Growth Performance and Immune Function During Rearing Period in Laying Hens

The effects of plant essential oil (PEO) on the production performance and immune function of laying hens were evaluated to provide theoretical basis for promoting the natural plant extracts. Eight thousand 1-day-old healthy laying hens were randomly divided into a control group or PEO group, with four replicates per treatment and 1000 hens per replicate. The PEO diet was supplemented with 3g/kg plant extract. Diets were fed for 56 days. The tibia length and keel length were detected on an empty stomach at the end of the trial. Blood samples were collected on the 28th and 56th days to detect the level of C3, C4, IL-1, IL-2, IL-17 and immunoglobulin in the serum. The results showed that, compared with the control, PEO supplementation significantly increased the weight gain rate (WGR) at the 2nd, 4th, 5th and 7th week (p 0.05), and decreased the WGR at the 3rd and 6th week. The tibial length was significantly increased at the 3rd, 5th, 6th and 7th week (p 0.01), and also the keel length at the 5th and 7th week in PEO group. The concentration of IgG and IgM also significantly influenced with PEO supplementation, but there was no significant difference in the complements, C3 and C4, and the IL levels between days 28 and 56. Moreover, no significant difference was observed in body weight and immune organ on day 56. Therefore, we conclude that the addition of PEO could improve the production performance and immune function in laying hens.

Coconut Cake in Diets for Quail in the Laying Phase

Currently, agro-industrial by-products have increasingly been used in animal feeding, as they constitute an alternative source of nutrients for the animal diet and a way to simultaneously reduce environmental pollution. The objective of this study was to examine increasing levels of inclusion of coconut cake in Japanese quail diets in the laying phase on their production performance and egg quality. A total of 360 Japanese quails were allotted to eight treatments with nine replicates and eight birds per experimental unit, in a randomized-block design. Five diets were formulated: a diet without inclusion of the by-product; and diets containing 3, 6, 9, and 12% coconut cake. The experiment lasted 63 days, with evaluations occurring at every 21 days. The following variables were analyzed: feed intake, laying rate, feed conversion, egg weight, specific gravity, Haugh unit, yolk, albumen and shell percentage, shell thickness, and shell weight. The treatments elicited a positive linear response from laying rate, whereas feed conversion per egg mass decreased linearly. In terms of egg-quality traits, shell percentage was influenced, increasing linearly. Coconut cake inclusion at 12% in the diet of Japanese quail in the laying improved feed conversion per egg mass and increased egg-laying rate and eggshell percentage.(AU)

Comparative biochemical profiles, production and reproduction status of the post-partum dairy cows with and without purulent vaginal discharge.

Purulent vaginal discharge (PVD) is a prevalent uterine disease of dairy cows during the puerperium that affects the milk production and affects the profitability of farms. The objectives of this study were to evaluate the biochemical profile, the body condition score, the milk production of cows with PVD and the effects PVD on reproductive performance. A total of 338 Holstein dairy cows aged from 3 to 5 years, from three commercial dairy farms, from Brazil, were used. Blood samples were collected within 25 ± 3 days post-partum from Holstein dairy cows without PVD (control cows, n = 242) and cows with PVD (n = 96), based on scoring of the vaginal discharge. The body condition score and milk production were recorded on the day of sampling. The biochemical profile encompassed albumin, urea, gamma-glutamyl transferase, calcium, fibrinogen and cholesterol concentrations. The number of services per pregnancy was lower (p < 0.01), and the number of days until first insemination and the median time to pregnancy were higher in cows with PVD (p < 0.01) when compared with control cows. Milk production and body condition score were lower (p < 0.01) in cows with PVD than in control group. Cows with PVD had lower (p < 0.05) serum albumin, urea, calcium and cholesterol concentrations, and higher serum gamma-glutamyl transferase activity and fibrinogen concentration than cows without PVD. Our results show that cows with PVD have changes in the biochemical profile and negative effects on production and reproduction performance.

Probiotic Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus plantarum in diet of Nile tilapia / Probiótico Bacillus subtilis e Lactobacillus plantarum na dieta de tilápia-do-nilo

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a probiotic, composed of Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus plantarum in Nile tilapia fry during the sex reversal phase under stress conditions caused by high stocking density. This experiment was conducted in the Fisheries Institute of São Paulo. The experiment design was completely randomized with four treatments: 1) probiotic added feed, 2) probiotic added to water, 3) probiotic added to feed and water and 4) control diet; with three replicates. The variables analyzed were: final weight, total length, specific growth rate, survival, intestinal microbiology and gene expression of TNF-α and HSP-70. The results of the zootechnical performance of growth and gene expression did not show significant differences between treatments in the parameters evaluated (P>0.05). In the intestinal tract of fry raised in water with added probiotic, log(10) CFU (7.72 ± 0.51) count of Bacillus spp. was higher than with other treatments which themselves did not differ significantly. It was concluded that the addition of a probiotic of Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus plantarum in the feed or water of Nile tilapia fry during the sex reversal phase did not affect the zootechnical performance of growth or expression the genes studied, but modified the intestinal microbiota.

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar os efeitos da administração do probiótico composto de Bacillus subtilis e Lactobacillus plantarum em pós-larvas de tilápia-do-nilo, durante a fase de reversão sexual, em condições de estresse pela alta densidade de estocagem. O experimento foi realizado no Instituto de Pesca de São Paulo, e foi inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições. Sendo: 1) probiótico na ração; 2) probiótico na água; 3) probiótico na ração e água; 4) controle. As variáveis analisadas foram: peso final, comprimento total, taxa de crescimento específico, sobrevivência, microbiologia do trato intestinal e expressão dos genes TNF-α e HSP-70. Os resultados de desempenho zootécnico de crescimento e expressão gênica não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos nos parâmetros avaliados (P>0,05). No trato intestinal dos alevinos do tratamento com adição de probiótico na água, foi observado log(10) (7,72±0,51) UFC, superior à contagem de Bacillus spp. em comparação aos demais tratamentos, e estes não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas entre si. Conclui-se que a adição dos probióticos Bacillus subtilis e Lactobacillus plantarum, na dieta ou na água de criação das pós-larvas de tilápia-do-nilo, durante fase de reversão sexual não causaram melhora no desempenho zootécnico de crescimento e expressão gênica, mas modificou a composição bacteriana intestinal.

Probiotic Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus plantarum in diet of Nile tilapia / Probiótico Bacillus subtilis e Lactobacillus plantarum na dieta de tilápia-do-nilo

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of a probiotic, composed of Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus plantarum in Nile tilapia fry during the sex reversal phase under stress conditions caused by high stocking density. This experiment was conducted in the Fisheries Institute of São Paulo. The experiment design was completely randomized with four treatments: 1) probiotic added feed, 2) probiotic added to water, 3) probiotic added to feed and water and 4) control diet; with three replicates. The variables analyzed were: final weight, total length, specific growth rate, survival, intestinal microbiology and gene expression of TNF-α and HSP-70. The results of the zootechnical performance of growth and gene expression did not show significant differences between treatments in the parameters evaluated (P>0.05). In the intestinal tract of fry raised in water with added probiotic, log(10) CFU (7.72 ± 0.51) count of Bacillus spp. was higher than with other treatments which themselves did not differ significantly. It was concluded that the addition of a probiotic of Bacillus subtilis and Lactobacillus plantarum in the feed or water of Nile tilapia fry during the sex reversal phase did not affect the zootechnical performance of growth or expression the genes studied, but modified the intestinal microbiota.(AU)

Objetivou-se com este trabalho avaliar os efeitos da administração do probiótico composto de Bacillus subtilis e Lactobacillus plantarum em pós-larvas de tilápia-do-nilo, durante a fase de reversão sexual, em condições de estresse pela alta densidade de estocagem. O experimento foi realizado no Instituto de Pesca de São Paulo, e foi inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições. Sendo: 1) probiótico na ração; 2) probiótico na água; 3) probiótico na ração e água; 4) controle. As variáveis analisadas foram: peso final, comprimento total, taxa de crescimento específico, sobrevivência, microbiologia do trato intestinal e expressão dos genes TNF-α e HSP-70. Os resultados de desempenho zootécnico de crescimento e expressão gênica não apresentaram diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos nos parâmetros avaliados (P>0,05). No trato intestinal dos alevinos do tratamento com adição de probiótico na água, foi observado log(10) (7,72±0,51) UFC, superior à contagem de Bacillus spp. em comparação aos demais tratamentos, e estes não apresentaram diferenças estatísticas entre si. Conclui-se que a adição dos probióticos Bacillus subtilis e Lactobacillus plantarum, na dieta ou na água de criação das pós-larvas de tilápia-do-nilo, durante fase de reversão sexual não causaram melhora no desempenho zootécnico de crescimento e expressão gênica, mas modificou a composição bacteriana intestinal.(AU)

The Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms of Myostatin Gene and Their Associations with Growth and Carcass Traits in Daheng Broiler

Myostatin (MSTN) is a negative regulator of skeletal muscle growth. In order to investigate whether there is a correlation between MSTN polymorphisms and chicken production performance, in this study, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in MSTN gene were examined across 180 Daheng broilers by direct sequencing of PCR product, and the correlations between the genotype and body weight at the age of 1-10 weeks and carcass traits at the age of 73 day were analyzed. Five SNPs (rs313622770, rs313744840, rs316247861, rs314431084, rs317126751) of MSTN gene were identified across Daheng broiler samples, and four haplotypes were reconstructed based on the five SNPs. Results of association analysis showed that four (rs313622770, rs313744840, rs316247861 and rs317126751) of these SNPs had significant association with some growth traits (p 0.05), but there were no significant effect on carcass traits and the four SNPs were strong linkage. For rs314431084, there was no significant correlation between different genotypes and growth or carcass traits. The AA genotype of rs313622770, GG genotype of rs313744840, CC genotype of rs316247861, TT genotype of rs317126751 were good for chicken growth. Diplotypes were significantly associated with chest muscle and leg muscle weight (p 0.05). Overall, these results provide evidence that polymorphisms in MSTN gene are associated with growth traits in chicken. The SNPs in MSTN gene could be utilized as potential markers for marker-assisted selection (MAS) during chicken breeding.(AU)