Use of Cactus Pear Meal in the Feeding of Laying Hens in Semi-Intensive System.

Little information is available in the literature on the use of cactus pear meal (CPM) in poultry diets; therefore, it is important to evaluate diets that provide excellent performance and lower production costs. Our objective was to study the use of Miúda CPM in the diets of laying hens. In the first study, two diets for male and female chicks were used-1: 80% reference diet + 20% Miúda cactus pear meal (CPM) and 2: 80% reference diet + 20% Gigante cactus pear meal (CPM). The variety Miúda provided a better use of metabolizable energy, as well as a greater digestibility coefficient of dry matter, protein, and mineral matter. In the second study, a control diet was compared to three diets with different levels of Miúda CPM for laying hens in the proportions of 3%, 6%, and 9%. No significant differences were found in productive performance. However, there were significant differences in the some parameters egg quality, texture and color profile of the cooked yolk, egg composition, fatty acids and cholesterol in the yolk. It is possible to use 9% Miúda CPM in the diet of laying hens in a semi-intensive system that does not compromise performance and egg quality, and using 3% Miúda CPM provides a higher economic return.

Selenium Injection in Dam Rabbits During Gestation Has Important Effects on Progeny Productive Performance.

Micromineral elements have a fundamental participation in the processes of organogenesis and fetal development. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of selenium (Se) injection in pregnant female rabbits, during organogenesis or rapid fetal growth, on the productive performance of their progeny. An experiment was carried out with 30 New Zealand female rabbits, with an average age of 6 months. At the end of mating (day 0), using a randomized complete design, the female rabbits were distributed into three experimental groups, which were assigned to the following treatments: Control, female rabbits were injected intramuscularly (IM) with 0.5 ml of saline on days 13 and 23 of gestation; Early administration, female rabbits that were injected IM with Se (0.10 mg/kg BW) on day 13 of gestation (organogenesis) and 0.5 ml of saline on day 23 of gestation; and Late administration, female rabbits that were injected IM with 0.5 ml of saline on day 13 of gestation and Se (0.10 mg/kg BW) on day 23 of gestation (rapid fetal growth). No differences were found on kindling performance of dams and pre-weaning growth of rabbit offspring. However, an injection of Se to pregnant rabbits affected the growth and development of their progeny, with the treatment leading to changes in the yield of some carcass traits (forelimb weight and forelimb muscle weight) and weights of some organs (liver, lungs, and spleen). The Se treatment (both early and late) also resulted in lower concentrations of glucose, triglycerides, and cholesterol when compared to the control group. These effects were different when Se injection was performed during organogenesis or rapid fetal development. The results from this study suggest that there are beneficial effects of gestational Se injection of rabbit dams on important productive traits of their progeny.

Sequential use of nutritional additives in diets for finishing Nellore steers in confinement.

The objective was to evaluate the effect of using prebiotics (Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii) or Monensin in the confinement initial phase and replacing monensin with probiotics (Bacillus toyonensis) in the final phase. Forty-eight Nellore steers were used, with an initial mean body weight of 356.2 ± 17.98 kg, distributed in a completely randomized design. Two animals per pen were confined in 80 m2 pens. The experiment was divided into two stages. The first phase lasted from day 1 to the 30th day, during which the animals were divided into two groups of 24 animals each. The treatments were the nutritional additives added to the diet: monensin or prebiotics (Saccharomyces cerevisiae boulardii). In the second phase, each group was subdivided into 12 animals by treatment, which received monensin or probiotics (Bacillus toyonensis). Dry matter intake (DMI), animal performance, and economic evaluation of the use of additives were evaluated. There was no additive effect on DMI, average daily gain, and total weight gain of the animals in the first experimental stage (0-30th day). Likewise, in the second stage (31st-100th day), there was no treatment effect for the variables of intake and performance. There was no effect of the use of different nutritional additives on carcass characteristics. The use of prebiotics sequentially to probiotics promoted gross and net yield that was superior to that of the animals that consumed monensin. Yeasts and bacteria respectively in the first and second phases of confinement can replace monensin in confinement diets.

Effect of propionate, monensin, and saccharomyces cerevisiae or their combination on production and rumen fermentation of holstein steers.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of calcium propionate (PrCa), PrCa + monensin sodium (PrCa + Mon), and PrCa + Saccharomyces cerevisiae (PrCa + Sc) on the productive performance of Holstein steers. Twenty-four Holstein steers (270.0 ± 25.85 kg) were distributed individually into four treatments of six replicates. The treatments were control (no additives), PrCa (10 g/kg), PrCa + Mon (10 g/kg + 30 mg/kg), and PrCa + Sc (10 g/kg + 12.8 × 109 cfu). The steers were fed for 43 days, and afterwards, nutrient intake and digestibility as well as volatile fatty acids were determined, while the weight gained, feed efficiency, and CH4 production were calculated. Diet of PrCa + Sc had the highest (P < 0.0001) acid detergent fiber intake and propionate acid as well as the nutrient digestibility, with lowest (P < 0.0001) rumen acetic acid, methane, and protozoa concentration versus other diets. In conclusion, dietary inclusion of PrCa + Sc (10 g/kg + 12.8 × 109 cfu) improved nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, and reduced methane emission, thereby enhancing the possibility of ecofriendly ruminant farming.

How to use recombinant bovine somatotropin in crossbred Holstein × Gyr (3/4 and 7/8) cows?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dose, start time, and application interval of recombinant bovine somatotropin (rbST) on performance, health, and reproduction parameters of crossbred Holstein × Gyr dairy cows (3/4 and 7/8). A 2 × 2 × 2 factorial study was designed to test the effects of application dose (250 mg rbST or 500 mg rbST), start of application (40 or 63 days in milk (DIM)), and application interval (12 or 14 days); 180 crossbred Holstein × Gyr cows were enrolled. Treatments with 500 mg rbST resulted in increased milk production, 3.5% fat-corrected milk (FCM), and energy-corrected milk (ECM). In the factorial design analysis, greater FCM, ECM, and milk solid production (kg/day) were observed when 500 mg rbST was started at 63 DIM, while 250 mg rbST resulted in greater milk production (kg/day), FCM, ECM, and milk solids (kg/day) when administered at 12-day intervals. Administration of 500 mg rbST resulted in an increase of days open and number of services per pregnancy (P = 0.01). Holstein × Gyr cows (3/4 and 7/8) presented a superior productive response to rbST when treated with 500 mg starting at 63 DIM and at 14-day intervals.

Effect of feeding frequency and water salinization on early development of Pyrrhulina brevis, an Amazonian ornamental fish / Efeito da frequência alimentar e da salinização da água sobre o desenvolvimento inicial de Pyrrhulina brevis, um peixe ornamental da Amazônia

Pyrrhulina brevis is an endemic fish from the Amazon basin that is valued in the ornamental fish market. In larviculture, fish are very sensitive to stressors and have a high mortality rate. Salinized water may provide more energy to overcome stress and feeding frequency is an important strategy to improve productive performance. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the best feeding frequency and the best level of water salinization for larval development of P. brevis. A total of 360 post-larvae of P. brevis (5.26 ± 1.65 mg, 5.57 ± 0.68 mm) were randomly distributed in 36 aquariums (1 L) in a 3x4 factorial scheme, to evaluate three concentrations of salt in water (0, 1 and 2 g L-1) and four feeding frequencies (once, twice, three and four times a day). We offered 150 Artemia nauplii per day and per post-larvae during 15 days. The fish kept at 1 g L-1 salinized water, and those fed 3 and 4 times a day presented significantly greater final length and weight, weight gain, and specific growth rate for length and weight. An interaction between salinized water and feeding frequency was observed for survival rate. We conclude that, during the initial rearing phase of P. brevis, feeding frequency of three times a day and salinized water at 1 g L-1 is recommended.(AU)

Pyrrhulina brevis é um peixe endêmico da bacia amazônica que apresenta bons valores no mercado de peixes ornamentais. Na larvicultura, os peixes são muito sensíveis aos estressores e apresentam alta taxa de mortalidade. A água salinizada pode fornecer mais energia para superar o estresse e a frequência alimentar é uma estratégia importante para melhorar o desempenho produtivo. Portanto, o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a melhor frequência alimentar e o melhor nível de salinização da água para o desenvolvimento larval de P. brevis. Um total de 360 pós-larvas de P. brevis (5,26 ± 1,65 mg, 5,57 ± 0,68 mm) foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em 36 aquários (1 L) em esquema fatorial 3x4, para avaliar três concentrações de sal na água (0, 1 e 2 g L-1) e quatro frequências de alimentação (uma, duas, três e quatro vezes ao dia). Foram oferecidas 150 náuplios de Artemia por dia e por pós-larva, durante 15 dias. Os peixes mantidos com 1 g L-1 de água salinizada e os alimentados 3 e 4 vezes ao dia apresentaram comprimento e peso finais, ganho de peso e taxa de crescimento específico para comprimento e peso significativamente maiores. Uma interação entre água salinizada e frequência alimentar foi observada para a taxa de sobrevivência. Concluímos que, durante a fase inicial de criação de P. brevis, recomenda-se uma frequência alimentar de três vezes ao dia e água salinizada a 1 g L-1.(AU)

Effects of mixed feeding strategies with different dietary energy: protein ratios on juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) / Efeitos de estratégias de alimentação mista com diferentes relações de energia: proteína para juvenis de tilápia-do-Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus)

The evaluation of feeding strategies is necessary to ensure the sustainability of aquaculture. This study assessed the effect of two diets with different E:P ratios (9.6 and 10.3 kcal of digestible energy per gram of crude protein) on Nile tilapia juveniles. The growth, feed and nutrient use, economic parameters, whole-body composition, and liver steatosis of fish were evaluated. There was no significant effect of treatments on the growth, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, uniformity, and survival of the fish. The lower feed cost (P>0.05) per biomass or 1000 units produced was registered in Nile tilapia juveniles fed with 10.3 kcal DE/g CP diet for seven days. The contribution of ether extract in fish weight gain was reduced (P=0.055) by the increased use of the 10.3 kcal DE/g CP diet in the feeding strategies. The same trend was observed in fish whole-body lipid levels. Body indexes were similar (P>0.05) among fish from the different treatments. Mixing diets with different E:P ratios in a weekly feeding protocol does not impair productive performance of Nile tilapia juveniles. However, considering the cost of feeding, the recommendation is to supply a diet with 33%CPand 3.4 kcal/DE for seven days per week.(AU)

A avaliação das estratégias de alimentação é necessária para garantir a sustentabilidade da aquicultura. Este estudo avaliou o efeito de duas dietas com diferentes proporções de E:P (9,6 e 10,3 kcal de energia digestível por grama de proteína bruta) para juvenis de tilápia do Nilo. Foram avaliados o crescimento, uso da dieta e nutrientes, parâmetros econômicos, composição corporal e esteatose hepática de peixes. Não houve efeito significativo dos tratamentos sobre o crescimento, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar, uniformidade e sobrevivência dos peixes. O menor custo de ração (P>0,05) por biomassa ou 1000 unidades produzidas foi registrado nos juvenis de tilápia do Nilo alimentados com a dieta 10,3 kcal DE/g PB por sete dias. A contribuição do extrato etéreo no ganho de peso dos peixes foi reduzida (P=0,055) pela maior utilização da dieta 10,3 kcal DE/g PB nas estratégias de alimentação utilizadas. A mesma tendência foi observada nos níveis de lipídios corporais em peixes. Os índices corporais foram semelhantes (P>0,05) entre os peixes dos diferentes tratamentos. A mistura de dietas com diferentes relações E:P em um protocolo de alimentação semanal não prejudica o desempenho produtivo de juvenis de tilápia do Nilo. No entanto, considerando os custos de alimentação, a recomendação é fornecer uma dieta com 33% PB e 3,4 kcal/DE por sete dias por semana.(AU)

Effects of Music Therapy on Neuroplasticity, Welfare, and Performance of Piglets Exposed to Music Therapy in the Intra- and Extra-Uterine Phases.

The rearing environment of pigs can cause a high level of stress due to the lack of stimuli and the impossibility of carrying out natural behaviors. Music therapy is a way to enrich the environment and promote stress relief. Few studies in swine using environmental enrichers focus on functional benefits, such as stress resilience, improved biological functions, or mental status. The effect of environmental enrichment on neurobiological processes is particularly poorly understood in farm animals. Thus, our study sought to elucidate the influence of music in piglets exposed to music therapy in the intrauterine and extrauterine phase on neuroplasticity, evaluating the levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Behavioural responses were also evaluated using fear tests related to stress resilience. The productive performance of these piglets was analysed to relate the possible reduction in stress levels to greater productivity gains. Forty-eight sows were used at 90 days of gestation until the weaning of their piglets. In the gestation phase, the sows were divided into two treatments: control (without music therapy) and music (with music therapy). In the farrowing/lactation phase, the sows were separated into four treatments: control-control (no music in any phase); control-music (music only in farrowing/lactation); music-control (music only during pregnancy); and music-music (music in both reproductive phases). Music therapy did not cause a difference in the BDNF levels of piglets at birth. However, piglets born from sows of the music-music treatment did not show a reduction in BDNF between birth and weaning, unlike the other treatments. Exposure to music in the last 1/3 of pregnancy and farrowing/lactation improved the weight of piglets at birth and at weaning. Musical enrichment during pregnancy and lactation was able to cause changes in the piglets' neuroplasticity and improve their productive performances.

Male Layer Chicken's Response to Dietary Moringa oleifera Meal in a Tropical Climate.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of different dietary amounts of Moringa oleifera meal (MOM), consisting of leaves and small edible green stems, on growth performance, carcass traits, and blood parameters of finisher male layer-type slow-growing chickens raised with outdoor access. A total of 198 Dominant Blue D 107, 72-day-old male chickens were randomly assigned to tree dietary treatments containing 0, 30, and 60 g/kg MOM that corresponded to T1 or control, T2, and T3, separately. Each treatment was divided into 6 replicates of 11 birds apiece, and all birds had access to the outdoors. After 7 weeks of experimental rearing, live weight was 2218.1, 2164.4, and 2176.6 g for birds raised in T1, T2 and T3, respectively, without statistical differences (p ≥ 0.05). Live weight gain and daily live weight gain increased (p ≤ 0.05) in favor of the control group during the first 4 weeks but decreased (p ≤ 0.05) in the last 3 weeks of the trial. Overall feed intake was not influenced by the treatments (p ≥ 0.05). Birds raised with MOM in their diets had higher feed conversion (p ≤ 0.05). T2 diet considerably increased (p ≤ 0.05) birds' breast and gizzard weight and yield while decreasing feet weight and yield, in comparison to T1. Dietary MOM inclusion did not impair or improve (p ≥ 0.05) blood parameters. The results of this study suggest that up to 60 g/kg MOM could be included in the diets of slow-growing Dominant Blue D 107 male chickens grown with access to outdoors without compromising their productive performance (except for feed conversion), slaughter characteristics, and health status.

Retracted: Economic viability in free-range chicken production.

Despite the lack of large-scale farming of free-range chickens in Brazil, their production generates income in the countryside and prevents exodus of rural families in agricultural regions. The objective of this study is to evaluate the economic viability of free-range broiler production in different facilities. The experiment was conducted in two different sheds (masonry shed-SM and wooden shed-SW) located in the Plural Space of the Universidade Federal do Vale São Francisco, municipality of Juazeiro, BA. Here, 200 heavy red French free-range chickens were distributed in the two sheds and were raised from the 1st to the 88th day (slaughter). Assuming that the minimum age for slaughter is 85 days, the results indicated that at least 205 birds in SM and 217 birds in SW were necessary for the producer to earn the minimum per capita monthly wage in Brazil (2020); at least 411 birds in CG and 600 birds in GM were found to be necessary to achieve maximum productivity at the end of the production cycle. The maximum profitability in the slaughter of the chickens was achieved at an age of 60 days.

Genetic-quantitative uni- and bi-trait analysis for growth traits in the Colombian creole breed Blanco Orejinegro (BON).

The Blanco Orejinegro (BON) is a Colombian creole cattle breed that is not genetically well characterized for growth traits. The aim of this work was to estimate genetic parameters for birth weight (BW), weaning weight (WW), yearling weight (YW), daily weight gain between birth and weaning (DWG), time to reach 120 kg of live weight (T120), and time to reach 60% of adult weight (T60%), and establish the selection criteria for growth traits in the BON population of Colombia. Genealogical and phenotypic information for BW, WW, YW, DWG, T120, and T60% traits of BON animals from 14 Colombian herds were used. These traits were analyzed with the AIREML method in a uni- and bi-trait animal model including the maternal effect for BW, WW, DWG, and T120. The direct heritability estimates values were 0.22 ± 0.059 (BW), 0.20 ± 0.057 (WW), 0.20 ± 0.153 (YW), 0.17 ± 0.07 (DWG), 0.26 (T120), and 0.44 ± 0.03 (T60%). The maternal heritability estimates values were 0.14 ± 0.040 (BW), 0.15 ± 0.039 (WW), 0.25 ± 0.06 (DWG), and 0.16 (T120). The direct genetic correlations were high ( >|0.60|) among all the traits, except between T60% with BW, WW, YW, and DWG (ranged from - 0.02 to - 0.51), all in a favorable direction. The results showed that there is genetic variation in the growth traits associated with the additive genetic effect, and they might respond to selection processes. Furthermore, genetic gains would improve through selection, especially for YW and T60% when WW is used as criterion.

The Effects of Saccharomyces Cerevisiae and Citric Acid on Productive Performance, Egg Quality Parameters, Small Intestinal Morphology, and Immune-Related Gene Expression in Laying Japanese Quails

This experiment evaluated the effects of Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae) and citric acid on production performance, egg quality, intestine histomorphology, and avian ß-defensin 1 and 2 (AvBD 1 and 2) gene expressions in laying Japanese quails. A total of 400 48-day-old quails were randomly assigned to a 2×2×2 factorial arrangement of treatments with 5 replicates (each containing 10 quails) for 7 weeks. Variable factors consisted of S. cerevisiae (0 and 100 mg/kg diet), citric acid (0 and 5 g/kg diet), and Virginiamycin (0 and 50 mg/kg diet). At the completion of the trial, one bird per replicate was randomly killed, and jejunal tissue samples were removed to evaluate intestinal morphometric characteristics. Samples were taken from the midpoint of the jejunum to measure the gene expression of AvBD 1 and 2. Dietary inclusion of both S. cerevisiae and citric acid resulted in increased egg weight, egg mass, reduced feed intake, and improved FCR (p<0.05). The addition of S. cerevisiae to diets containing citric acid reduced feed intake, increased egg weight, and improved FCR (p<0.05). Shell weight and shell thickness were increased in birds fed each of S. cerevisiae and citric acid supplements (p<0.05). Dietary S. cerevisiae and citric acid similarly increased intestinal villus height, width, surface area, and the villus height to crypt depth ratio (p<0.0001). Results showed that AvBD 1 and 2 genes expression were up-regulated on quails fed S. cerevisiae-supplemented diets (p<0.0001). In conclusion, these results suggest that supplementation of S. cerevisiae and citric acid as functional feed additives either alone or in combination could be a potential alternative to antibiotics in the diet of Japanese laying quails.(AU)

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)

Productive performance of Mexican Creole chickens from hatching to 12 weeks of age fed diets with different concentrations of metabolizable energy and crude protein.

OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to evaluate the productive performance, carcass yield, size of digestive organs and nutrient utilization in Mexican Creole chickens, using four diets with different concentrations of metabolizable energy (ME, kcal/kg) and crude protein (CP, %). METHODS: Two hundred thirty-six chickens, coming from eight incubation batches, were randomly distributed to four experimental diets with the following ME/CP ratios: 3,000/20, 2,850/19, 2,700/18 and 2,550/17. Each diet was evaluated with 59 birds from hatching to 12 weeks of age. The variables feed intake (FI), body weight gain (BWG), feed conversion (FC), mortality, carcass yield, size of digestive organs, retention of nutrients, retention efficiency of gross energy (GE) and CP, and excretion of N were recorded. Data were analyzed as a randomized block design with repeated measures using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS, with covariance AR (1) and adjustment of degrees of freedom (KendwardRoger), the adjusted means were compared with the least significant difference method at a significance level of 5%. RESULTS: The productive performance variables BWG, mortality, carcass yield, fat and GE retention and excretion of N were not different (p>0.05) due to the diet effect. In the 3,000/20 diet, the chickens had lower values of FI, FC, crop weight, gizzard weight, retention, and retention efficiency of CP (p<0.05) than the chickens of the 2,550/17 diet. CONCLUSION: The Mexican Creole chickens from hatching to 12 weeks of age can be feed with a diet with 2,550 kcal ME and 17% CP, without compromising productive parameters (BWG, mortality, carcass yield) but improving retention and retention efficiency of CP.

Performance and meat quality of broilers fed different levels of alpha-tocopherol / Desempenho e qualidade de carne de frangos de corte alimentados com diferentes níveis de alfa-tocoferol

This study aimed to evaluate the performance and meat quality of broilers fed different levels of alpha tocopherol. A total of 240 one-day-old Cobb 500® male broiler chicks were reared until day 7 of life, as recommended by the commercial line, and were fed at only 50% of the alpha-tocopherol requirement. At day 8, the chicks were weighed, homogenized, and allotted in a completely randomized design with four treatments (50, 100, 150, and 200% alpha-tocopherol requirement) and six replicates of ten chickens per experimental unit. Several variables were evaluated: weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, carcass yield and prime cuts (drumstick, thigh, and breast), edible viscera (heart, liver, gizzard), immune organs (cloacal bursa and spleen), intestine weight and length, abdominal fat, breast meat color (lightness, redness, and yellowness), pH, cooking loss, and shear force of the breast meat. Dietary alpha-tocopherol levels did not influence broiler performance, carcass yield, and prime cuts at 42 days of age. The edible viscera, immune organs, the length of the small intestine, and the abdominal fat, as well as the meat color (lightness, redness, and yellowness), pH, cooking loss, and shear force of the breast meat, were not influenced. However, the small intestine yield increased linearly with increasing levels of alpha-tocopherol. The dietary levels of alpha tocopherol did not influence the performance and meat quality of broilers from 8 to 42 days of age.

Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho e a qualidade de carne de frangos de corte alimentados com diferentes níveis de alfa-tocoferol. Foram utilizados 240 pintos de corte, machos, da linhagem Cobb 500®, de um dia de idade, criadas até o sétimo dia de vida, de acordo com a recomendação da linhagem e recebendo ração com apenas 50% da exigência de alfa-tocoferol. Aos oito dias, as aves foram pesadas, homogeneizadas e os tratamentos distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos (50, 100, 150 e 200% das exigências de alfa-tocoferol) e seis repetições de dez aves por unidade experimental. As variáveis avaliadas foram o ganho de peso, o consumo de ração, a conversão alimentar, os rendimentos de carcaça e cortes nobres (coxa, sobrecoxa e peito), as vísceras comestíveis (coração, fígado, moela), os órgãos imunes (Bolsa cloacal e Baço), peso e comprimento do intestino delgado, a gordura abdominal, a coloração (luminosidade, vermelho e amarelo), o pH, a perda de peso por cocção e a força de cisalhamento do músculo do peito. Observou-se que os níveis de alfa-tocoferol, não influenciaram as variáveis de desempenho das aves aos 42 dias de idade. Da mesma forma, não influenciaram o rendimento de carcaça e cortes nobres. As vísceras comestíveis, os órgãos imunes, o comprimento do intestino delgado e a gordura abdominal, também não foram influenciadas, assim como, a coloração (luminosidade, vermelho e amarelo), o pH, a perda de peso por cocção e a força de cisalhamento do músculo do peito. Porém, houve efeito linear crescente para o rendimento do intestino delgado. Os níveis de alfa-tocoferol nas dietas, não influenciaram o desempenho e a qualidade de carne de frangos de corte dos 8 aos 42 dias de idade.

Substituting corn grain for passion fruit peels in feed for confined sheep / Substituição do grão de milho pela casca de maracujá na alimentação de ovinos confinados

The aim of this study was to evaluate diets substituting corn grain with passion fruit peels on the consumption, ingestive behavior, digestibility of diets and sheep performance. A total of 20 sheep were used, confined in individual pens, fed twice a day, with diets which included passion fruit peels in the proportions of 0; 25; 50; 75 and 100% replacing corn grain. The corn grain represented 70% of the dry matter of the diet and the passion fruit peels were supplied in dehydrated form. The experimental design was completely randomized with five treatments and four replicates. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and regression analysis at the significance level of 5%. There was a linear increase in dry matter consumption with an increase of 3.89 g for each inclusion level of passion fruit peel. The apparent digestibility of dry matter decreased and neutral detergent fiber increased linearly with the substitution of corn grain with passion fruit peels. The feeding, rumination, leisure and water intake times presented averages of 3.74; 2.92; 16.92 and 0.42 hours, and were not influenced by the diets (P>0.05). The average daily weight gain was similar for the animals in the different diets and consequently the final weight presented average values of 0.226 kg day-1 and 32.1 kg, respectively. The inclusion of passion fruit peels in the sheep diet is an interesting alternative because even with the reduced dry matter digestibility, it increased the consumption and promoted similar weight gains.(AU)

Objetivou-se avaliar dietas com substituição do grão de milho pela casca de maracujá sobre o consumo, comportamento ingestivo, digestibilidade das dietas e desempenho de ovinos. Foram utilizados 20 ovinos, confinados em baias individuais, alimentados duas vezes ao dia, com dietas que receberam a inclusão da casca de maracujá nas proporções de 0; 25; 50; 75 e 100% em substituição ao grão de milho. O grão de milho representou 70% da matéria seca da dieta e a casca de maracujá foi fornecida na forma desidratada. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e análise de regressão, ao nível de 5%. Observou-se um aumento linear do consumo de matéria seca, com acréscimo de 3,89 g para cada nível de inclusão de casca de maracujá. A digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca reduziu e a fibra detergente neutro aumentou linearmente com a substituição ao grão de milho pela casca de maracujá. O tempo de alimentação, ruminação, ócio e ingestão de água, com médias de 3,74; 2,92; 16,92 e 0,42 horas, não foram influenciados pelas dietas (P>0,05). O ganho de peso médio diário foi semelhante para os animais nas diferentes dietas e por consequência o peso final, apresentando valores médios de 0,226 kg dia-1 e 32,1 kg, respectivamente. A inclusão de casca de maracujá na dieta de ovinos é uma alternativa interessante, pois mesmo com a redução da digestibilidade da matéria seca, aumentou o consumo e promoveu semelhante ganho de peso.(AU)

Produção de pós-larvas de tilápia do Nilo em sistemade recirculação de água com tanques retangulares e diferentes designs de entrada de água / Nile tilapia post-larvae production in a recirculating aquaculture system with rectangular tanks and different water inlet designs

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes formas de entrada de água em tanques retangulares na produção de pós-larvas de tilápia do Nilo em sistema de recirculação. 720 animais com peso de 0,02 g e comprimento de 12.52 mm foram distribuídos em 12 tanques retangulares, com relação de comprimento/largura de 1,20 e vazão de entrada de água de 3,2 vezes o volume útil dos tanques. Os tratamentos consistiram em três designs de entrada de água: superior, única vertical submersa e dupla vertical submersa, com quatro repetições cada. Foram avaliados o desempenho produtivo (peso e comprimento final, taxa de crescimento específico, fator de condição e sobrevivência) e a qualidade de água (pH, oxigênio dissolvido, temperatura, sólidos dissolvidose condutividade elétrica). O oxigênio dissolvido foi avaliado nas quatro extremidades e ao centro de cada tanque para verificar a existência de zonas mortas. Além disso, foi verificado a concentração de sólidos suspensos, 30 minutos após o arraçoamento aos 21 dias de estudo. O design de entrada de água não influenciou no desempenho produtivo e nos parâmetros gerais de qualidade de água (p>0,05). Não houve diferença na concentração de oxigênio dissolvido dentro do tanque do mesmo tratamento, indicando que não houve formação de zonas mortas (p>0,05). Houve diferença na concentração de oxigênio dissolvido nas extremidades e no centro dos tanques, devido aos tratamentos, onde os menores valores foram verificados para os tanques com entrada de água única vertical submersa (p<0,05). Os tanques com dupla entrada vertical submersa apresentaram menor concentração de sólidos suspensos, em comparação aos demais tratamentos (p<0,05). Dessa forma, não é indicado a utilização de entrada única vertical submersa e como nãohouve influência negativa no desempenho produtivo e qualidade de água, é possível produzir pós-larvas de tilápia do Nilo com entrada de água superior.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of the water inlet design in rectangular tanks, on the water quality and productive performance of Nile tilapia post-larvae. 720 animals weighing 0.02 g and 12.52 mm in length were distributed in 12 rectangular tanks, with a length/width ratio of 1.20 and a water inlet flow of 3.2 times the useful volume of the tanks. The treatments consisted of three water inlet designs: upper, single vertical submerged, and double vertical submerged, distributed in four replicates each. Productive performance (weight and final length, specific growth rate, condition factor and survival) and water quality (pH, dissolved oxygen, temperature, dissolved solids and electrical conductivity) parameter were evaluated. Dissolved oxygen was evaluated at the four ends and center of each tank to check for dead zones. In addition, the suspended solids concentration was evaluated 30 minutes after feeding at 21 days of study. The water inlet design did not influence theproductive performance and the general parameter of water quality (p>0.05). There was no difference in the concentration of dissolved oxygen within the tank for each treatment, which indicates that there was no formation of dead zones (p>0.05). There wasa difference in the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the extremities and the center of the tanks due to the treatments, where the lowest values were verifies for the tanks with submerged vertical water inlet (p<0.05). The tanks with submerged verticaldouble inlets showed a lower concentration of suspended solids, compared to the other treatments (p<0.05). Thus, the use of a single vertical submerged inlet is not indicated and there was no negative influence on production performance and water quality,it is possible to produce Nile tilapia post-larvae with upper water inlet.

Influence of energy supplementation on associative effects in Nellore bulls on a tropical pasture during the rainy season / Influência da suplementação energética nos efeitos associativos em touros Nelore em pastagem tropical durante o período das águas

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of energy supplementation on associative effects between forage and concentrate supplements and on the performance of beef cattle on a tropical pasture during the rainy season. Twenty-eight Nellore bulls averaging 19 months of age and 325.2 ± 4.1 kg were allotted to a completely randomized design and distributed into four paddocks of two hectares each with a tropical pasture for 84 d. The treatments consisted of bulls on Urochloa brizantha cv. Xaraés pasture without concentrate supplementation or bulls on Urochloa brizantha cv. Xaraés pasture receiving concentrate supplementation at 15 (S15), 30 (S30) or 45% (S45) of the total digestible nutrients (TDN) requirement. All bulls had ad libitum access to mineral supplementation. The amount and chemical composition of the supplement were adjusted every 28 d. Forage and supplement intakes were evaluated in all animals using fecal markers. Crude protein: digestible organic matter ratio decreased with supplementation; consequently, the imbalance between dietary protein and energy increased. Forage intake decreased with increasing supplementation. The substitution rates of pasture for supplementary feed were 0.14, 0.33, and 0.46 for bulls from S15, S30, and S45 treatments, respectively. However, the apparent DM digestibility increased linearly with supplementation level. Supplementation improved the assimilation of ammonia-N in the rumen. Energy supplementation for Nellore bulls on tropical pastures during the rainy season provides excess energy relative to protein, resulting in a substitution effect of supplement intake on forage intake. Moreover, energy supplementation does not improve body weight gain. Protein sources should be added to supplements for balancing protein and energy levels, thereby reducing a likely substitution effect.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a influência da suplementação energética nos efeitos associativos entre a forragem e suplemento concentrado e no desempenho de bovinos de corte em pasto tropical durante o período chuvoso. Vinte e oito touros da raça Nelore com idade média de 19 meses e 325,2 ± 4,1 kg foram alocados em delineamento inteiramente casualizado e distribuídos em quatro piquetes de dois hectares cada, com pasto tropical por 84 dias. Os tratamentos consistiram de touros em pastagem com Urochloa brizantha cv. Xaraés sem suplementação concentrada e touros em pastagem de Urochloa brizantha cv. Xaraés recebendo suplementação concentrada com 15 (S15), 30 (S30) ou 45% (S45) da necessidade de nutrientes digestíveis totais (NDT). Todos os touros tiveram acesso ad libitum à suplementação mineral. A quantidade e a composição química do suplemento foram ajustadas a cada 28 dias. A ingestão de forragem e suplemento foi avaliada em todos os animais por meio de marcadores fecais. A relação proteína bruta: matéria orgânica digestível diminuiu com a suplementação, consequentemente, o desequilíbrio entre proteína e energia da dieta aumentou. O consumo de forragem diminuiu, com efeito substitutivo do consumo de pasto pelo suplemento de 0,14, 0,33 e 0,46 para touros dos tratamentos S15, S30 e S45, respectivamente. No entanto, a digestibilidade aparente da MS aumentou linearmente com o nível de suplementação. A suplementação melhorou a assimilação do nitrogênio amoniacal no rúmen. A suplementação energética para touros Nelore em pastagens com pasto tropical durante a estação chuvosa fornece excesso de energia em relação à proteína, resultando em um efeito de substituição do consumo de forragem por suplemento. Além disso, a suplementação energética não melhora o ganho de peso corporal. Fontes de proteína devem ser adicionadas aos suplementos para equilibrar os níveis de proteína e energia, diminuindo um provável efeito de substituição.(AU)

Substituting corn grain for passion fruit peels in feed for confined sheep

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate diets substituting corn grain with passion fruit peels on the consumption, ingestive behavior, digestibility of diets and sheep performance. A total of 20 sheep were used, confined in individual pens, fed twice a day, with diets which included passion fruit peels in the proportions of 0; 25; 50; 75 and 100% replacing corn grain. The corn grain represented 70% of the dry matter of the diet and the passion fruit peels were supplied in dehydrated form. The experimental design was completely randomized with five treatments and four replicates. The data were submitted to analysis of variance and regression analysis at the significance level of 5%. There was a linear increase in dry matter consumption with an increase of 3.89 g for each inclusion level of passion fruit peel. The apparent digestibility of dry matter decreased and neutral detergent fiber increased linearly with the substitution of corn grain with passion fruit peels. The feeding, rumination, leisure and water intake times presented averages of 3.74; 2.92; 16.92 and 0.42 hours, and were not influenced by the diets (P>0.05). The average daily weight gain was similar for the animals in the different diets and consequently the final weight presented average values of 0.226 kg day-1 and 32.1 kg, respectively. The inclusion of passion fruit peels in the sheep diet is an interesting alternative because even with the reduced dry matter digestibility, it increased the consumption and promoted similar weight gains.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar dietas com substituição do grão de milho pela casca de maracujá sobre o consumo, comportamento ingestivo, digestibilidade das dietas e desempenho de ovinos. Foram utilizados 20 ovinos, confinados em baias individuais, alimentados duas vezes ao dia, com dietas que receberam a inclusão da casca de maracujá nas proporções de 0; 25; 50; 75 e 100% em substituição ao grão de milho. O grão de milho representou 70% da matéria seca da dieta e a casca de maracujá foi fornecida na forma desidratada. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos e quatro repetições. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e análise de regressão, ao nível de 5%. Observou-se um aumento linear do consumo de matéria seca, com acréscimo de 3,89 g para cada nível de inclusão de casca de maracujá. A digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca reduziu e a fibra detergente neutro aumentou linearmente com a substituição ao grão de milho pela casca de maracujá. O tempo de alimentação, ruminação, ócio e ingestão de água, com médias de 3,74; 2,92; 16,92 e 0,42 horas, não foram influenciados pelas dietas (P>0,05). O ganho de peso médio diário foi semelhante para os animais nas diferentes dietas e por consequência o peso final, apresentando valores médios de 0,226 kg dia-1 e 32,1 kg, respectivamente. A inclusão de casca de maracujá na dieta de ovinos é uma alternativa interessante, pois mesmo com a redução da digestibilidade da matéria seca, aumentou o consumo e promoveu semelhante ganho de peso.