Substituição do grão de sorgo por casca de soja na dieta de novilhos terminados em confinamento

Foi avaliado o efeito, no desempenho animal, da adição da casca do grão de soja em substituição ao grão de sorgo na fração concentrada da dieta de novilhos confinados na fase de terminação dos 19 aos 23 meses de idade. Os tratamentos foram correspondentes aos diferentes níveis de substituição do grão de sorgo por casca de soja: 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100%. A dieta com relação volumoso:concentrado de 60:40 continha 12% de proteína bruta. Analisando os dados por regressão, verificou-se comportamento quártico para ganho de peso diário e conversão alimentar, com valores de 1,040; 1,242; 1,167; 1,264 e 1,208 kg para ganho e de 8,490; 7,340; 7,611; 7,029 e 7,201 para conversão alimentar, respectivamente, nos níveis 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100% de substituição do sorgo pela casca de soja. Comportamento linear decrescente foi observado para consumo diário de matéria seca por 100 kg de peso vivo, com valores de 2,43; 2,46; 2,40; 2,37 e 2,32%, e por unidade de tamanho metabólico, de 106,5; 107,6; 105,4; 104,4 e 102,2 g, respectivamente. Verificou-se, por intermédio da análise de contrastes, que os animais alimentados com as dietas contendo casca de soja apresentaram melhores ganho de peso e conversão alimentar em relação aos alimentados com a dieta que continha somente sorgo.

Avaliação da silagem de diferentes híbridos de milho (Zea mays, L.) por meio do desempenho de bezerros confinados em fase de crescimento

Objetivou-se avaliar, por meio do desempenho animal, silagens de três híbridos de milho (Zea mays, L.): Agroceres AG-5011, Braskalb XL-344 e Cargill C-806. Foram utilizados 27 machos, não-castrados, mestiços Nelore x Charolês, com idade média de 10 meses e peso médio inicial de 252 kg, confinados durante 84 dias, subdivididos em quatro períodos de 21 dias. As silagens dos híbridos testados corresponderam a 70% da matéria seca ofertada. Não houve interação do híbrido de milho testado com o período de avaliação em confinamento, para os parâmetros estudados. A dieta que incluiu a silagem do híbrido AG-5011 resultou em maior consumo voluntário médio diário de matéria seca, expresso por 100 kg de peso vivo e tamanho metabólico, e maior consumo médio diário de fibra em detergente ácido, expresso nas diferentes formas, em relação aos híbridos XL-344 e C-806, que, por sua vez, foram semelhantes entre si. As dietas que incluíram silagens dos híbridos AG-5011, XL-344 e C-806 apresentaram semelhanças quanto ao consumo voluntário de matéria seca, expresso em kg/animal/dia (6,73; 6,05; e 6,19), consumo médio diário de FDN, em kg/dia (3,054; 2,837; e 2,836), e energia digestível, expressa nas diferentes formas, ganho de peso médio diário, em kg/dia (1,283; 1,219; e 1,249), ganho em estado corporal, conversão alimentar (5,26; 4,98; e 4,97) e eficiência energética (14,02; 13,68; e 13,21). Os três híbridos são indicados como materiais genéticos de muito boa qualidade para produção de silagem, promovendo ganhos de peso diário superior a 1,2 kg/animal/dia, quando utilizados em dietas com relação volumoso:concentrado de 70:30.

Efeitos de diferentes fontes de concentrado sobre o consumo e a produção de cordeiros na fase de terminação

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos dos grãos de milho e sorgo, secos ou ensilados úmidos, sobre o consumo de nutrientes e o desempenho de cordeiros em confinamento. O confinamento teve duração de 77 dias e foi dividido em dois períodos: no primeiro (35 dias), utilizou-se como volumoso capim-elefante (Pennisetum purpureum Schum.), na proporção de 50:50 e, no segundo (42 dias), feno de capim-braquiária (Brachiaria brizantha), na proporção de 30:70. Os animais foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em blocos, de acordo com o peso, conforme os tratamentos, que consistiram de diferentes fontes de alimento concentrado energético: silagem de grão úmido de milho; silagem de grão úmido de sorgo; grão seco de milho; e grão seco de sorgo. Os consumos de MS, em g/dia, em %PV e em PV0,75, não diferiram entre os animais alimentados com grãos de milho e sorgo, secos ou úmidos, e capim-elefante cv. Napier, com média de 920,79 g/dia; 3,59% e 81,01 g/kg PV0,75. Os grãos de milho e de sorgo ensilados úmidos, quando comparados aos grãos secos, proporcionaram melhor ganho de peso (0,17 vs 0,13 e 0,19 vs 0,13 kg/dia), conversão (5,57 vs 6,37 e 5,05 vs 6,86) e eficiência alimentar (17,95 vs 15,69 e 19,79 vs 14,74). O uso de grãos de sorgo, secos e úmidos, em dietas à base de feno de capim-braquiária, resultou em maior ganho de peso, ao passo que o de grãos secos de sorgo promoveu melhor conversão alimentar. Na proporção volumoso:concentrado 50:50, os grãos de milho e sorgo ensilados proporcionaram melhores ganhos de peso, conversão e eficiência alimentar que os grãos secos. em dietas com maior participação de concentrado (proporção 30:70), fontes de maior degradabilidade (milho) influenciaram negativamente o ambiente ruminal, resultando em desempenho inferior.

Consumo, digestibilidade dos nutrientes e desempenho de bovinos de corte recebendo silagem de sorgo (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) e diferentes proporções de concentrado

Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq)

Test post-weaning duration for performance, feed intake and feed efficiency in Nellore cattle

O objetivo neste estudo foi determinar o melhor período de avaliação para medidas de desempenho, consumo e eficiência alimentar. Durante 112 dias, 60 machos da raça Nelore, recém-desmamados, submetidos à prova de ganho de peso, foram alimentados em baias individuais para determinação do consumo alimentar e do desempenho. O peso corporal dos animais foi determinado a cada 28 dias, depois de jejum de 16 horas de líquidos e sólidos. As alterações na variância, variância relativa e correlações de Pearson e Spearman entre os dados dos períodos de avaliação reduzidos (28, 56 e 84 dias) e período total (112 dias) foram usados para determinar a melhor duração do período de avaliação. A duração do período de avaliação para ganho médio diário, consumo de matéria seca, conversão alimentar e consumo alimentar residual pode ser reduzida para 84, 28, 84 e 84 dias, respectivamente, pois tal redução não diminui significativamente a confiabilidade das avaliações em animais alimentados em baias individuais.

Growth, carcass and meat quality traits of straightbred and crossbred Botucatu rabbits

The objective was to evaluate the effects of genetic group and age on growth, carcass, and meat traits of rabbits. A total of 144 straightbred Botucatu and White German Giant x Botucatu crossbred rabbits were involved. Rabbits were weaned at 35 d and sequentially, slaughtered, four per genetic group x sex combination, at: 42, 49, 56, 63, 70, 77, 84 and 91 d. A 2x2 factorial arrangement was employed in a completely randomized design with repeated measures for growth traits, and a split-plot for carcass and meat traits. Crossbred rabbits were heavier (2032 vs. 1962 g; P < 0.01), consumed more feed (143.5 vs. 131.0 g/d; P < 0.01), and presented higher slaughter weight (2169 vs. 2093 g, P=0.02) and dressing percentage (59.0 vs. 58.2%; P=0.07) than straightbreds throughout the experiment. No difference between genetic groups was detected for feed conversion and empty gastrointestinal weight corrected for slaughter weight (SW). Crossbreds showed higher skin weight (308.2 vs. 299.7 g, P = 0.06) and distal parts of leg weight (75.7 vs. 71.4 g; P < 0.01), both corrected for SW. No genetic group effect was detected on dissectible fat and hind part weights. Chilled commercial carcass (1284 vs. 1229 g: P=0.02), chilled reference carcass (1036 vs. 1000 g, P=0.06), fore part (297.9 vs. 283.3 g; P=0.01) and loin (308.7 vs. 295.5 g; P=0.05) were heavier in crossbreds than in straightbreds, but these differences were attributed to differences in SW. Uncorrected weights of head, kidneys, liver and thoracic viscera were higher in the crossbred group, but only head (116.6 vs. 113.6 g; P=0.06) and thoracic viscera (30.4 vs. 28.6 g; P=0.01) were, in fact, proportionately heavier in crossbreds than in straightbreds. No effect of genetic group was detected on meat to bone ratio, muscle ultimate pH and chemical composition of the Longissimus dorsi muscle. All traits, except for ash and fat contents of the Longissimus muscle, showed age effects (P < 0.01). Crossbreeding may be recommended for the production of whole commercial carcasses, but it is not clearly advantageous for the production of retail cuts. Slaughter should take place between 63 and 70 d of age for both genetic groups.

Dietary vitamin or mineral mix removal during the finisher period on broiler chicken performance

The effect of dietary vitamin (VS) and mineral (MS) mix withdrawal between 42 and 49 d of age on broiler chicken performance was evaluated. The diets were formulated based on corn and soybean meal, and the experiments were conducted in floor pens using wood shavings as litter. Trial I evaluated withdrawal of VS and MS mix at 42, 45, and 49 d. The results of this trial showed that VS and MS mix withdrawal at 42 d of age did not impair feed intake (FI) or weight gain (WG), but feed conversion (FC) was improved (P = 0.043) when both mixes were maintained in the diets until 49 d of age. Trial 2 assessed the withdrawal of VS or MS mix at 42 d of age. FI and WG were not affected by withdrawal, but FC was poorer (P = 0.035) for the broilers fed the diet without VS. The relative liver weight was reduced by VS or MS mix withdrawal (P = 0.014 and P = 0.001, respectively). Carcass, breast, and leg yields were not affected by VS or MS mix withdrawals in either trial. The findings of the study suggested that VS mix withdrawal during the final period of broiler chicken growth was more deleterious than the withdrawal of MS mix, because it affected FC ratio. VS or MS withdrawal during this period did not affect carcass yield.

Anticoccidial effects of coumestans from Eclipta alba for sustainable control of Eimeria tenella parasitosis in poultry production

The aim of this study was to evaluate the anticoccidial efficacy of a product containing coumestans from Eclipta alba. Experimental conditions were set up as to reproduce the environment conditions for husbandry adopted in commercial broiler farms. Broilers were raised in broiler chicken shed provided with feeders, drinkers, illumination and temperature control systems and floor covering to afford an adequate nourishing environment. Male Cobb broilers (240) were assigned to four experimental groups being each experimental group set apart in rice straw-covered shed isolated with wire mesh. One-day-old broilers were reared in a coccidian-free environment with ad libitum supply of filtered water and freely available standard feed, from the 1st to the 35th day of life. The T1 group received standard feed (negative control); T2 was treated with standard feed supplemented with 66 ppm of salinomycin (positive control); groups T3 and T4 had standard feed supplemented with the ethyl acetate fraction from methanolic extract of E. alba aerial parts, which contains the coumestans WL and DWL (120 and 180 ppm, respectively). The chicken broilers were individually infected with 2 x 104 oocysts of Eimeria tenella when they were 14 days old and were monitored weekly to evaluate zootechnical parameters such as weight gain and food conversion ratio. Counting of coccidial oocyst in chiken feces was assessed from random samples, from the 21st to 28th days of life, which corresponded to 7-14 days after the infection. Five chickens selected at random from each experimental group were subsequently euthanized at 21, 28 or 35 days of life to determine the lesion score in the cecal region and to excise a cecum portion for histopathological evaluation. The group treated with coumestans from E. alba presented an average weight gain and food conversion ratio higher than the negative control group and similar to the mean value of the positive control group. Coumestan-treated groups showed a significant decrease in the oocyst counting since the 21th day of life and displayed a reduced number of macroscopic lesions. Histopathological evaluations of cecum fragments showed that both treatments induced the migration of defense cells at the site of infection. A severe destruction of the cecal lining was found in the intestinal tract of broilers fed with a coumestans dose of 180 ppm. Overall, our results validate the use of a phytotherapy containing E. alba coumestans at a dose of 120 ppm as a therapeutic or prophylactic agent against avian coccidiosis. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

Effects of processing on physical characteristics of diets with distinct levels of carbohydrates and lipids: the outcomes on the growth of pacu (Piaractus mesopotamicus)

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior (CAPES)

Relação lisina digestível: proteína digestível em rações para tilápias-do-nilo

This study was carried out to determine the best digestible protein/digestible lysine ratio that should be present in feed fed to Nile tilapias. Two hundred and sixteen tilapias (11.0 +/- 0.43g) were distributed in 36 fish tanks (205 L) at a density of 6 fish/tank. Twelve feeds were formulated with three different digestible protein (DP) levels 22.0; 26.0 and 30.0% (based on digestible amino acids) and four different lysine percentages of 4.5; 6.0; 7.5 or 9.0% in relation to digestible protein. The fish were fed ad libtum during a 60-day period. There was significant effect of the digestible protein and digestible lysine ratio on weight gain, because the increase in lysine levels in feeds with 26 and 30% DP promoted linear increase in this parameter. The best values for feed conversion were obtained at the levels 26 and 30% DP that increased the daily consumption of digestible protein. The lysine level caused a linear reduction in feed conversion and linear increase in the protein efficiency rate. The results suggested that the 26% DP level might be used in ration to feed Nile tilapia juveniles; however, these should contain digestible amino acids and the digestible lysine/digestible protein ratio should be 6.0%. However, for levels higher than 26% DP, a maximum digestible lysine level of 7.5% DP improved weight gain for the species.

Metabolic Disturbances in Male Broilers of Different Strains. 1. Performance, Mortality, and Right Ventricular Hypertrophy

Two trials were carried out to test the susceptibility for metabolic disturbances of different strains of male broilers. In Trial 1, 1,890 male chickens were allotted in a randomized block design with seven treatments (Arbor Acres, Avian Farms, Cobb-500, Hubbard-Peterson, ISA, Naked Neck, and Ross) and six blocks of 45 chickens. Trial 2 involved 2,184 male chickens of six strains (Arbor Acres, Avian Farms, Cobb 500, Hubbard-Peterson, ISA Naked Neck, and Ross) allotted in seven complete blocks of 52 birds. The same management system was adopted for all birds, reared up to 42 d in an open house during late winter (Trial 1) or late autumn (Trial 2). The most marked differences observed among the strains tested was the lower BW and higher feed conversion of Naked Neck broilers. Total percentage mortalities were high among the most productive broilers, being more than 50% due to sudden death (SDS) and ascites syndrome (AS). No Naked Neck birds died as a consequence of these disturbances and the total mortalities were significantly lower (P ≤ 0.05) than the other strains. The ratio of right ventricle weight to total ventricle weight of the dead birds was over 0.25, except for Naked Neck birds, which presented a nonhypertrophic ratio. The two trials confirmed the relationship between high productivity and high incidence of SDS and AS and indicated that Naked Neck male broilers are resistant to these metabolic disturbances.

Metabolic disturbances in male broilers of different strains. 2. Relationship between the thyroid and somatotropic axes with growth rate and mortality

Seven male broiler strains (Arbor Acres, Avian Farms, Cobb-500, Hubbard-Peterson, ISA, Naked Neck, and Ross) were compared for their growth rate, feed efficiency, and mortality due to sudden death and ascites. In addition, weekly plasma levels of thyroid hormones [3,3′,5-triiodothyronine (T3) thyroxine (T4), T3: T4 ratio, growth hormone (GH), and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I)] were determined. The highly productive, commercial strains were very similar in their endocrine profiles but differed markedly from the Naked Neck chickens. Naked Neck chickens were characterized by higher plasma T3 and lower T4 levels at similar ages as well as when compared on the same body weight basis. The present findings support the hypothesis that the slightly hypothyroid state of high productive broilers renders them more sensitive to metabolic disorders. Naked Neck chickens also had higher plasma GH levels than those of their age-matched commercial broilers. The coefficient of variation for GH was highest for Naked Neck chickens, which is indicative for an amplified GH burst amplitude. It may be stated that changes in plasma thyroid hormone concentration in indirect response to selection for low feed conversion and fast growth may be causatively linked to susceptibility for metabolic disturbances such as sudden death syndrome and ascites.

Performance and physiological parameters of broiler chickens subjected to fasting on the neonatal period

Broiler chicks aged 12 h after hatching were allotted according to a block design in a 7 x 2 factorial schedule of 14 treatments and four replications of 50 chicks each one. The main experimental factors were fasting for 0, 6, 12, 18, 24, 30, and 36 h after chick placement and sex. Independent of sex, fasting had a negative linear effect on weight and productivity of broilers at market age (42 d) without affecting feed conversion or mortality index. Groups subjected to 18 and 36 h of fasting after placement, corresponding to 30 and 48 h posthatching fasting, had lower biometrical values for small intestine (length, weight, and size; villus height; and crypt depth) than chicks fed immediately after placement. According to the Pearson test, BW of birds at 21 and 42 d were significantly correlated to BW at 7 d (r = 0.77) and 21 d (r = 0.45), respectively. Males performed better than females but had higher mortality rates. Fasting did not influence serum concentrations of corticosterone or sexual steroid hormones. Nevertheless, early signs of sexual dimorphism arose from the high estradiol (E2) concentration on female serum. Heterophil:lymphocyte ratio was not different among treatments, indicating that early fasting did not seem to be a stress factor 21 or 42 d after fasting. The results suggested a maximum fasting of 24 h after hatching in order to preserve broiler productivity at market age.

Efeito dos níveis de triptofano digestível em dietas para codornas japonesas em postura

The adequate level (0.12, 0.16, 0.20, 0.24, and 0.28%) of the dietary digestible tryptophan was evaluated in 400 laying Japanese quail from 21 to 30 weeks old. The animals were housed in laying cages, with initial weight of 158.50 g and egg production average of 84.50%. A completely randomized blocks design, with eight blocks, five diets, eight replicates of ten birds per replicate and three experimental periods of 21 days each was used. Feed intake (g/bird/day), digestible tryptophan intake (mg/bird/day), egg production (%/bird/day), egg weight (g), egg mass (kg/bird/day) and feed conversion (kg feed intake per kg eggs and dozen eggs) were the characteristics evaluated. Only the characteristics digestible tryptophan intake and egg production rate show significant effects of digestible tryptophan levels in the diets. Performance response of the Japanese quails in posture, regarding the adjustment obtained through models of linear regression and broken-line regression model, and the biological interpretation, allow to conclude that to obtain the best productive performance, the Japanese quails diets should contain the level of 0.21% digestible tryptophan, that results in a daily intake of 45.0 mg/ bird of digestible tryptophan, corresponding to the digestible tryptophan: digestible lysine ratio of 21%. © 2008 Sociedade Brasileira de Zootecnia.

Simbiótico e extratos naturais na dieta de codornas Japonesas na fase de postura

The objective of this study was to assess the performance, tonic immobility time (TIT), intensity of injuries (II) and heterophil to lymphocyte ratio (H:L) by the addition of the symbiotic and plant extract (Aloe vera and Symphytum officinale) to the diet of Japanese quails. Ninety quails were used, distributed in randomized blocks with 3 treatments (0-control; 250 and 750 mg symbiotic and plant extract/kg of diet), five repetitions and six birds per cage. Feed intake, feed conversion, production and weight of eggs, viability, TIT, II and H:L were evaluated. Results showed that the addition of the product to the diet did not affect the performance, however, it decreased the TIT, II and the H:L of quails which received the highest level of the product in the diet. Thus, the use of symbiotic and plant extract in the diet has been promising regarding the behavioral and physiological parameters, decreasing the stress of the animals, mainly for the level of 750 mg/kg diet.