Effects of particle size of corn and stocking densities on the performance, carcass traits and gastrointestinal tract development of Muscovy ducks in housing

The current investigation was conducted to investigate the effects of different particle sizes of corn and stocking densities on performance, carcass traits and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) development of Muscovy ducks in housing. 200 Muscovy ducks were distributed in a factorial scheme (2 × 2) where the treatments were constituted by two stocking densities (2 or 3 birds/m2) and two particle sizes of corn (6 or 8 mm), with five replicates of 10 birds each. At 1, 35, 70, and 90 days old, Muscovy ducks were slaughtered to evaluate the development of heart and GIT. Muscovy ducks managed in the density of 3 birds/m2 presented higher (P < 0.05) GIT development, performance and carcass traits regardless of age evaluated. In the same way, Muscovy ducks fed diets using a particle size of corn of 6 mm (Mean Geometric Diameter (MGD) = 781 μm) presented higher (P < 0.05) GIT development, performance and carcass traits regardless of age evaluated. Conclusively, the stocking density of 3 birds/m2 and the particle size of corn of 6 mm (MGD = 781 μm) were considered ideal recommendations for Muscovy ducks, providing higher GIT development, which resulted in better performance and carcass traits.

Effect of in ovo injection of DL-methionine on hatchability, embryo mortality, hatching weight, blood biochemical parameters and gastrointestinal tract development of breeder chicks

The current investigation was conducted to test the potential effects of in ovo feeding of DL-methionine (MET) on hatchability, embryonic mortality, hatching weight, blood biochemical parameters and development of heart and gastrointestinal (GIT) of breeder chick embryos. 224 Rhode Island Red fertile eggs were randomly distributed into seven experimental treatments: untreated egg (control), buffered saline (0.5% NaCl), and five solutions containing increased levels of MET (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5%) + 0.5% NaCl, being separated into four groups/replicates (each one with 8 eggs), totaling 32 eggs/treatment. All embryos submitted to in ovo injection with MET presented a decrease in the hatchability results and an increase in the results of intermediary embryonic mortality. Chicks hatched from eggs injected with until to 1.0% MET were heavier and presented better development of the heart and GIT, especially important organs and regions for digestion and nutrient absorption. Conclusively, the in ovo feeding using MET showed positive impacts on hatching weight and GIT development of breeder chicks. However, caused negative impacts on hatchability when used at high levels.

In ovo feeding of creatine monohydrate increases performances of hatching and development in breeder chicks

The current investigation was conducted to test the potential effects of in ovo feeding of creatine monohydrate (CMH) on hatchability, embryonic mortality, hatching weight, and development of heart and gastrointestinal tract (main organs and regions) of breeder chick embryos. Rhode Island Red fertile eggs were randomly distributed into seven experimental treatments: untreated egg (control), a sterile buffered solution (0.50% NaCl), and five solutions containing increased levels of CMH (0.50, 1.00, 1.50, and 2.00%) + 0.50% NaCl, being separated in four groups/replicates (three with 15 eggs and one with 16 eggs), totaling 61 eggs/treatment and a total of 427 fertile eggs used. All-in ovo injected groups with CMH decreased the hatchability and increased the intermediary embryonic mortality. At hatching, all-in ovo injected groups with CMH also increased the hatching weight and stimulated the development of the heart and the total length of the gastrointestinal tract, especially important organs for digestion of nutrients (yolk sac, pro-ventricle and gizzard) and regions for nutrient absorption (jejunum + ileum and colon + rectum). Conclusively, the in ovo feeding using CMH showed positive impacts on hatching weight and the development of gastrointestinal tract of chicks. However, caused negative impacts on hatchability.

Effects of dietary fiber on performance and egg quality of laying hens at pre-laying and laying peak

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different levels of dietary fiber on the performance and egg quality of laying hens at pre-laying and laying peak periods. The experimental period was divided into three periods: pre-laying (16 to 19 weeks of age), the start of laying (20 to 22 weeks of age) and laying peak (23 to 28 weeks of age). The experimental design was completely randomized with treatments constituted by five levels of fiber (2.00, 2.50, 3.00, 3.50, and 4.00%) in the diets, with five replicates (pens) of six birds each, totalling 180 hens. Performance and egg quality results were evaluated by polynomial regression at 5%. Fiber levels were not influenced (p >0.05) the first laying of the hens. However, levels above 2.50% of fiber provided worst (p <0.05) performance results, regardless of the period evaluated. Shortly after the start of laying, higher levels of fiber also caused a linear reduction (p <0.05) on egg weight and percentages of yolk and albumen, and an increase (p <0.05) on eggshells. Higher fiber levels caused a linear reduction (p <0.05) in the quality of the eggs, regardless of the period evaluated. It was concluded that the fiber levels did not influence the start period of the laying. Both pre-laying and start of the laying, levels above 2.5% of fiber caused a gradual worsening in performance. From the start of laying up to laying peak, levels above 2.5% of fiber also caused a gradual worsening in egg quality.

Soybean hulls inclusion on silage of wet brewery waste

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of soybean hulls inclusion in the silage of wet brewery waste. The experimental design was randomized in block, where the treatments were constituted by four levels of soybean hulls on the silage (0, 15, 25, and 35%), with three (silos) replicates per treatment. All data collected were subjected to ANOVA and subsequent polynomial regression at 5%. Soybean hulls inclusion caused a linear increase (p < 0.05) in the pH, dry matter, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber and total carbohydrates content of the silage. This inclusion also caused a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the effluent losses and percentages of crude protein, fats, hemicellulose, non-fibrous carbohydrates and total digestible nutrients. Thus, it was concluded that soybean hulls can be used as an additive in the silage of wet brewery waste. Up to 35% of inclusion, there was a significant reduction in the effluent losses, a little increase on pH and enrichment of nutritional content, especially in the dry matter.

Apparent digestibility of juveniles of matrinxã Brycon amazonicus fed diets with different protein levels

The objective of the present study was to determine the apparent digestibility of juveniles of matrinxã Brycon amazonicus fed diets with different levels of protein. The experimental design was completely randomized, where the treatments consisted of four levels of protein in the diets (28, 32, 36 and 40%) and five replicates (water boxes) with 10 juveniles of matrinxã each. Diets were offered four times a day, and feces were collected twice a week, along 28 days, for digestibility analysis. Data collected were subjected to polynomial regression at 5% significance. Differences (p<0.05) were observed in dry matter digestibility, with higher digestibility according to increasing levels of protein in the diets. This behavior was directly expressed in the digestibility of nutrients by juveniles of matrinxã, such as % ash, % crude protein, apparent digestible energy, % digestibility of apparent digestible energy and energy: protein ratio. However, this was not observed (p > 0.05) in the digestibility of % ether extract. Digestibility of N, P, Ca, Mg, Cu and Zn presented linear positive (p < 0.05) behavior, in which the use of these minerals increased with the increase in the level of protein in the diets. However, the digestibility of K, Fe and Mn reduced (p < 0.05) with increasing protein levels in the diets. Thus, it can be concluded that the rise in protein level in diets for juveniles of matrinxã improves nutrient digestibility. The results of this study indicated that 40% crude protein in the diets provided better results.

Relationship between the level and the action period of fiber in diets to laying hens

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the level of fiber and its action period in diets to laying hens on performance and egg quality. 180 Hisex white hens (65 weeks-old) were randomly allocated to 3 groups of 60 birds each, comprising 10 replicates of six birds per treatment. The experimental design was factorial scheme considering three levels of fiber (2.50, 4.87 and 7.24%) in birds’ diets, and three action periods of this fiber (short - 21 days, medium - 56 days, and long - 105 days) in the feed. The estimates of treatments were firstly subjected to ANOVA and a subsequent Tukey test at 5%. Birds fed diets with moderate levels of fiber (4.87%) presented better (p < 0.05) performance. High levels of fiber caused a significant reduction in performance. Birds fed diets with low and moderate levels of fiber produced eggs with better (p < 0.05) quality. High levels of fiber caused a significant reduction in egg quality. The exposure of birds to diets with fiber for long-term caused a negative effect (p < 0.05) on performance, egg weight and percentage of its main structures, albumen height, yolk height, eggshell thickness, and the specific gravity.

Effect of different protocols for estrus synchronization on reproductive performance of Santa Inês ewes under Amazon environmental conditions

 The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different hormonal protocols on the reproductive performance of Santa Inês ewes in Amazon environmental conditions. Twenty-two Santa Inês ewes between 3 and 4 years-old were distributed in a randomized block experimental design, where the treatments consisted of two protocols for estrus synchronization (short and long) with eleven animals each. Data on the occurrence of estrus were described for each protocol. Data of estrus, pregnancy, and prolificity were firstly subjected to ANOVA and a subsequent Tukey’s test. Results were considered significant at p ≤ 0.05. The short-term protocol presented an interesting successful rate, where above 70% ewes tested had estrus. The long-term protocol also achieved a high successful rate, where above 80% ewes tested had estrus. However, comparing the protocols, the long-term protocol presented better results of positive estrus and pregnancy rates in ewes. Thus, it can be concluded that both protocols presented satisfactory results regarding estrus manifestation, and prolificity (lambs produced per ewe). However, under Amazon environmental conditions, the long-term protocol presented better results regarding positive manifestation of estrus and pregnancy rate.

Effect of using inoculant on elephant grass silage with additives

This study aimed to evaluate the use of inoculant on silage of elephant grass, wet brewery waste and buriti meal at different silo opening times. The experimental silage tested was composed of 50% elephant grass, 30% wet brewery waste, and 20% buriti meal. The experimental design was randomized block in a factorial arrangement (2 x 4), where the treatments consisted of the use or not of inoculant during silage processing, and four silo opening times (7, 14, 21, and 28 days). Data collected were firstly subjected to ANOVA and subsequent Tukey’s test. Results were considered significant at p ≤ 0.05. The use of inoculant in silage production provided more acidic pH (p < 0.05) and higher (p < 0.05) effluent losses. Longer silo opening times resulted in more alkaline pH (p < 0.05) and higher (p < 0.05) effluent losses. The use of inoculant in silage production and longer silo opening times provided higher (p < 0.05) content of ash, crude protein, and fats, and lower (p < 0.05) content of dry matter and fiber (neutral and acid detergent). However, there was no interaction between the factors evaluated in this study. It was concluded that the inoculant may be used in the production of elephant grass silages, wet brewery waste, and buriti meal, providing a more acidic pH, higher effluent losses, lower contents of dry matter and fiber, and higher nutritional content. As the opening time was extended up to 28 days, there was more alkaline pH, higher effluent losses, lower dry matter and fiber content, and higher nutritional content.

Açaí meal on diet digestibility for commercial laying hens

This study aimed to evaluate açaí meal in diets for commercial laying hens on apparent nutrient digestibility and apparent metabolizable energy. A total of 72 Hissex White laying hens (52-wks-old) were distributed in a completely randomized design, where treatments consisted of a control diet and an experimental diet (25% açaí meal) with six replicates of six birds each. Data collected were subjected to polynomial regression at 5%. Differences (p < 0.05) were detected in digestibility of all evaluated nutrients. Hens fed diets with 25% açaí meal presented worse (p < 0.05) metabolization and use of energy content. It can be concluded that hens fed diets containing açaí meal presented better use of crude protein, non-fiber carbohydrates and mineral matter. However, there was worse use of dry matter, fiber carbohydrates and ether extract. This result directly affected the energy metabolism of the birds. The inclusion of açaí meal reduced the energy use.

TURNOS DE COLETA E PERÍODOS DE TRANSFERÊNCIA DE OVOS DE MATRIZES SEMIPESADAS SOBRE PROCESSOS DE INCUBAÇÃO ARTIFICIAL

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de diferentes turnos de coleta e diferentes períodos de transferência dos ovos de matrizes semipesadas sobre a relação pinto sobre ovo, os rendimentos de incubação, mortalidade embrionária, análise termodinâmica, rendimentos de carcaça e desempenho dos pintos. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial (3 x 2) constituído de dois fatores: turnos de coleta (ovos coletados pelo turno da manhã- 8:00hs às 12:00hs, pelo turno da tarde- 12:01hs às 18:00hs, e pelo turno da noite 18:01hs às 7:59hs) e diferentes períodos de transferência dos ovos (aos 16 e 19 dias) totalizando seis tratamentos com 35 ovos por tratamento, 210 ao todo, sendo cada ovo considerado uma repetição. Os dados coletados foram submetidos à análise de variância e para medida de comparação das médias estimadas foi aplicado o teste de Tukey à 5% de significância. Foram encontradas diferenças significativas (P<0,05) para peso do ovo e peso do pinto entre turnos de coleta; na perda de peso do ovo entre períodos de transferência e nos rendimentos de incubação, na mortalidade tardia e temperatura da cloaca para ambos os fatores. Concluiu-se, portanto que turnos de coleta e períodos de transferência dos ovos podem influenciar diretamente processos de incubação de ovos de matrizes semipesadas. Os turnos de coleta matutino e vespertino apresentaram melhores resultados de rendimentos de incubação e mortalidade embrionária, com ovos e pintos menores. Ovos transferidos com 16 dias apresentaram melhores resultados de perda de peso do ovo, peso do pinto e rendimentos de incubação.

Powdered coconut water as preservant of semi-heavy cocks semen

SUMMARY This study aimed to evaluate the effect of powered coconut water as preservant of cocks semen in different times. The experimental method was completely randomized, with treatments constituted by different times (1, 5, 10 and 15 minutes) of powered coconut water as preservant of cocks semen (Rhode Island Red lineage with 30-weeks). After collect and use of powered coconut water as preservant, the semen samples were used for inseminated of breeders of same lineage and age (16 per treatment). 280 eggs were collected for evaluation of effects on chicks (70 eggs per treatment). Were evaluated the incubation yields, chick/egg relation and gastrointestinal tract development of chicks. The data collected were submitted for variance analysis and evaluated by Tukey test at 5% of significance. Differences (p<0.05) were observed in incubation yields, chick/egg relation and gastrointestinal tract development, with the exception (p>0.05) of oropharynx + oesophagus length and yolk sac weight. From these results, it was concluded that the powered coconut water can be used as preservation of cocks semen up to 15 minutes. Cells exposed more time to nutrients provided by the powdered coconut water showed eggs and chicks most heavier, and better results in the incubation yields and embryo development.

<b>Brazil nut oil in diets for breeder cocks

 This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion of Brazil nut oil in diets for breeder cocks on performance, semen analyses, biochemical serum profile and testicular morphology. Forty-two Rhode Island Red breeder cocks with 40 weeks of age were used. The experimental design was completely randomized consisting of seven levels of Brazil nut oil (0; 0.30; 0.60; 0.90; 1.20; 1.50 and 1.80%) in the diets. Data collected were evaluated by polynomial regression. Differences (p < 0.05) were detected in feed conversion, semen volume, motility, vigor, pH, swirling and concentration, in which the inclusion of Brazil nut oil in the diets improved the reproductive performance. Differences (p < 0.05) were also detected in the biochemical serum profile (triglycerides, cholesterol and blood pH); the inclusion of Brazil nut oil caused a large increase in blood triglycerides and cholesterol levels, consequently, changing the blood pH. The Brazil nut oil can be used as an energetic additive in diets given to breeder cocks, promoting better reproductive performance, without changing semen and testicular morphology, but altering the biochemical serum profile of the birds.   

<b>Digestibility and physico-chemical characteristics of acid silage meal made of pirarucu waste in diets for commercial laying hens

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of acid silage meal made of pirarucu waste in diets for commercial laying hens on apparent digestibility and energy metabolism. Seventy-two Hisex White hens with 71 weeks of age were assigned to a completely randomized with two treatments (control diet and diet with 3% pirarucu waste acid silage) with six replicates of six birds each. The ensiled biomass was light brown in color, showing acidified aroma; creamy consistency; 4.38±0.11 pH; 84.16% dry matter; 40.06% crude protein; 26.82% ether extract; 9.31% mineral matter, 65.16 g kg-1 calcium and 22.90 g kg-1 phosphorus. Differences (p > 0.05) were detected in digestibility of crude protein, non-fiber carbohydrates (soluble carbohydrates), etherextract, mineral matter, metabolizable energy and metabolizable energy coefficient. Our results indicate that the acid silage mealmade of pirarucu waste can be included up to 3% in diets for laying hens, showing satisfactory nutrient digestibility and potential to be used as an energy source. 

<b>Fish by-product meal in diets for commercial laying hens

 This study aimed to evaluate the increasing levels (0, 1, 2, 3 e 4%) of fish by-product meal in diets for laying hens on performance, egg quality and economic analysis. A total of 160 Dekalb White hens with 52-wk old were distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments and four replicates of eight birds each. The experiment lasted 84 days divided into four periods of 21 days. Estimates of fish by-product meal levels were determined by polynomial regression. Differences (p < 0.05) were detected for all variables of performance, in egg weight, yolk and albumen percentage, yolk and albumen height, feed cost and production cost, in which the inclusion of fish by-product meal in the diets showed better results. It can be concluded that fish by-product meal can be used in diets for hens as alternative feed, with better results in egg production, feed conversion, egg weight, yolk-albumen ratio and a reduction in feed cost and production cost. 

AVALIAÇÃO REPRODUTIVA E DESEMPENHO DA PROGÊNIE NA FASE INICIAL DE GALOS SEMIPESADOS COM DIFERENTES PESOS CORPORAIS

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a capacidade reprodutiva e o desempenho da progênie (durante a fase inicial) de galos de duas linhagens semipesadas com diferentes faixas de peso. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualisado em esquema fatorial (3 x 2) constituído de dois fatores: três pesos corporais (2,5 kg, 2,75 kg e 3 kg) e duas linhagens semipesadas (Rhode Island Red e Plymouth Rock Barred), totalizando 6 tratamentos onde cada um possuía 5 galos analisados em três períodos de quatorze dias cada.  Os dados coletados foram submetidos a análise de variância pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de significância. Galos mais pesados apresentaram melhores índices reprodutivos após a análise seminal, tendo a linhagem Rhode Island Red se sobressaído neste aspecto. Pintos oriundos de galos mais pesados apresentam maior peso ao nascer, sobressaindo novamente as aves da linhagem Rhode Island Red. Reprodutores machos mais pesados apresentam melhores índices reprodutivos seminais e de desempenho na sua progênie do que aves mais leves desde a análise da qualidade do sêmen, na relação entre o peso do ovo/peso do pinto e no desempenho da progênie na fase inicial do manejo. A linhagem Rhode Island Red apresentou melhores resultados para qualidade do sêmen do reprodutor e na relação peso do ovo de origem/peso do pinto, enquanto os pintos oriundos de galos da linhagem Plymouth Rock Barred apresentaram melhor desempenho durante a fase inicial.

Processos de incubação artificial associados à aplicação de diferentes métodos reprodutivos em matrizes semipesadas

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar diferentes métodos reprodutivos em aves de duas linhagens semipesadas e avaliar seus efeitos sobre os processos de incubação artificial dos ovos e do rendimento de carcaça dos pintainhos. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualisado em esquema fatorial (2 x 2) com os fatores: métodos reprodutivos (inseminação artificial e monta natural) e duas linhagens semipesadas (Plymouth Rock Barrada e Rhode Island Red). Foram utilizadas 26 matrizes (23 fêmeas e 3 machos) para cada fator que originaram 62 ovos cada, totalizando 248 ovos, sendo cada ovo uma repetição. Os ovos foram pesados antes e após o período de incubação para determinação da perda de peso e realização de análise comparativa entre o peso do ovo e o peso do pinto. Durante o período de incubação foi avaliado o desempenho reprodutivo das matrizes, e após o nascimento, foram abatidos 8 pintos de cada fator para análise do rendimento de carcaça dos mesmos. Não foram encontradas diferenças significativas (P>0,05) entre o desempenho reprodutivo e a relação entre o peso do pinto e o peso do ovo. O peso do saco vitelino e peso do fígado foram afetados (P<0,05) pelos tratamentos tendo a linhagem Plymouth Rock Barrada apresentado melhores resultados.