The effect of feeding frequency on the performance of juvenile cobia (Rachycentron canadum) / Efeito da frequência alimentar no desempenho de juvenis do cobia (Rachycentron canadum)

Para ajustar a frequência alimentar de juvenis de cobia ou beijupirá (Rachycentron canadum), 540 juvenis, com peso médio de 2,0 g (± 0,4) e comprimento médio de 8,7cm (± 0,5), foram distribuídos em quatro tratamentos: T2, T4, T6 e T8 (alimentação realizada duas, quatro, seis e oito vezes ao dia, respectivamente). Cada tratamento teve três repetições. Os juvenis de beijupirá foram alimentados em regime ad libitum. Observou-se diferença significativa no peso final (P<0,05), tendo os peixes do tratamento que receberam ração duas vezes ao dia (T2) apresentado peso significativamente menor do que os peixes que receberam oito refeições ao dia (T8). Não houve diferença nas variáveis conversão alimentar, ganho de peso, comprimento e sobrevivência (P>0,05) entre os tratamentos. Assim, para juvenis de beijupirá, observou-se que a frequência de alimentação de oito refeições por dia, juntamente com um regime de alimentação ad libitum, é a mais adequada durante essa fase. Os dados obtidos no presente experimento permitem otimizar uma etapa da cadeia produtiva do beijupirá.

Energy values and metabolizability of lipid sources of plant and animal origin in the diet of Japanese quail

The objective of this study was to determine the energy values and metabolizability of different lipid sources in the diet of Japanese quail at the laying phase. The quail were distributed in a completely randomized design with ten replications of seven poultry per treatment, totaling six treatments: basal feed (control) and basal feed containing 10% soybean oil, corn oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, and poultry fat. The values of nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) and the metabolizability coefficient (MC%) were evaluated. No significant difference was found between the different lipid sources for AMEn (kcal/kg) and MC (%). The value of metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen for soybean oil was 8,790 kcal/kg; 8,773 kcal/kg for corn oil; 8,784 kcal/kg for canola oil; 8,788 kcal/kg for sunflower oil; and 8,681 kcal/kg for poultry fat in laying Japanese quail. The digestibility coefficients were 93.88% for soybean oil, 93.53% for corn oil, 93.32% for canola oil, 93.74% for sunflower oil, and 93.06% for poultry fat.

Effect of Turmeric (Curcuma Longa) on Duodenal Structure in Broiler Chickens

Supplementation of feed with turmeric (Curcuma longa) has been shown to be beneficial in poultry farming. The present study aimed at evaluating the effect of turmeric on the duodenal structure of broiler chickens during the first 42 days of life. A control and three treatment groups (turmeric powder added to feed at the following doses: E1 - 5; E2 - 10; E3 - 20 g/kg feed) were constituted (n = 8). Addition of turmeric powder in the feed resulted in an increase in intestinal villi height and a decrease in crypts depth in case of groups E1 and E2, while the villus height to crypt depth ratio generally did not differ significantly from the control. Turmeric also influenced the histological structure of the duodenum, as well as the presence of IL-6 and TNFα, as evidenced through staining. Addition of 0.5 and 1 % turmeric powder in the feed had evident results on body weight gain.(AU)

Effect of Housing Design and Location on Production and Economic Performance of Broiler Chickens during Summer in Botswana

Botswana experiences long, hot summer periods which negatively affect broiler productivity and results in economic losses. To determine these negative effects, two parallel broiler production studies were conducted in the North eastern (NE) and South eastern (SE) regions. In each region, three large scale commercial broiler farms were randomly selected based on similarities in bird management and housing systems. In each farm, one house type (Gable, Hoop and See-saw) was selected for long term flock monitoring (1 to 35 days) over three production cycles. Results showed that the production performance of the broilers in the SE region was superior to that in the NE region, with temperatures on being average higher in the NE than in the SE. The European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF) was significantly higher (p0.05) between the regions at 9.0% and 7.4% for the NE and SE, respectively. In the NE, the Gable structure had the highest profitability and economic efficiency and was thus superior in comparison to the other house structures.(AU)

Insect meal in poultry feed: a potential protein source

The present study aims to conduct a review on the potential use of insect meal as an alternative protein source in poultry feed, particularly to serve the rearing of free-range chickens. Insects are already part of the diet of birds in their natural habitat, and the availability of low-cost alternative foods with low environmental impact is essential for the development of the activity. The review comprehended studies that used meals consisting of silkworm (Bombyx mori) chrysalis, earthworm (Eisenia foetida), housefly (Musca domestica), black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) and mealworm beetle (Tenebrio molitor) to replace plant-based protein sources. In general, insect meals have a high content of crude protein and ether extract, as well as an essential amino acid profile suitable for poultry feeding. The addition of insect meal in poultry feed normally shows good results as to growth performance and egg production, without causing a negative effect on carcass characteristics, meat sensory quality and egg quality, presenting itself as an alternative protein source with good prospects for replacing plant-based sources in poultry feed.(AU)

Milk supplementation: effect on piglets performance, feeding behavior and sows physiological condition during the lactation period

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of milk liquid and powder supplements on piglets' performance, drinking behavior, and sow back-fat thickness change during the lactation period. There were four experimental groups (n = 24), and in the control group (n = 6), the piglets were suckled from the sow. For the supplemental groups (n = 18), milk powder (MP), milk liquid by feeding trough (MLFT), and milk liquid feeding by the bucket (MLFB). Data were collected with the weight of a total of 252 piglets measured at birth, at 14 days and at weaning (28 days), respectively. Sow back-fat thickness was measured 3 days before farrowing, 14 days after farrowing and at weaning. There were significant differences in average daily weight gain between day 14 and weaning age for the MP and MLFT (P < 0.05) but not in MLFB (P > 0.05). For approaches to the feeder, there were significantly higher in MP and MLFT groups (P < 0.05). Based on the examination of sow back-fat thickness, the back-fat loss was minimal (P < 0.05) in the MP and MLFT compared to the MLFB and the control. Giving the milk supplement as powder and liquid by feeding trough has increased the piglets' average daily gain and body weight on day 14th and the weaning day. Moreover, the back-fat thickness reduction of sows in the supplemental groups is lower compared to the control group.

Performance and Carcass of Broiler Quails Fed Distillers' Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS)

This study determined the metabolizable energy of DDGS for broiler quails (Experiment I) and evaluated the effect of different dietary levels of DDGS on performance, carcass, organ weight, meat quality, and economic viability (Experiment II). In Experiment I, 72 broiler quails were randomly distributed into two treatments (reference or test diets). The experimental period consisted of 5 days of adaptation, followed by 5 days of total excreta collection. Experimental diets consisted of a reference or a test diet containing 800 g/kg reference diet and 200 g/kg DDGS. In experiment II, 432 unsexed broiler quails were randomly distributed into groups fed six levels of DDGS (0, 50, 100, 150, 200, or 250 g/kg). At 43 days of age, birds were slaughtered and evaluated for carcass yield, organ weight, and meat quality. Apparent metabolizable energy values corrected for nitrogen retention of DDGS were 2,488 and 2,466 kcal/kg for males and females, respectively. In the growth phase and the overall period, feed intake increased linearly (p=0.015 and 0.040) and feed conversion ratio worsened (p=0.038 and 0.001) with the inclusion of DDGS in the diet, respectively. A linear increasing (p=0.001) of gizzard weight was observed with increasing dietary DDGS levels, while the economic variables were affect depending on seasonal feedstocks prices. It is concluded that dietary levels up to 250 g/kg DDGS do not affect growth, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of broiler quails. However, the prices of ingredients in the harvest and off-season period should be considered to determine the level of inclusion of DDGS.(AU)

Commercial Feed Diluted with Different Fiber Sources and Enzyme Product for Broilers: Growth Performance, Carcass and Gut Health

The dilution of commercial broiler feed with copra meal (CM), palm kernel meal (PKM) and cassava leaf meal (CLM) and enzyme supplementation was investigated. Two hundred and eighty 7-day old Cobb 500 broilers were fed commercial feed alone or diluted with the test ingredients with and without enzyme. There were no interaction effects (p>0.05) on feed intake (FI) and weight gain (WG). Poorer (p<0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed on the diet diluted diets from 22-42 d, but this was restored (p>0.05) by enzyme supplementation. There was no interaction effect on final body weight (FBW). Diet dilution depressed FBW (p<0.05) but enzyme supplementation restored (p>0.05) this weight depression. Abdominal fat was lighter (p<0.05) on CLM compared to CM. There were no interaction effects (p>0.05) on the weight of gut segments and E. coli count. Heavier (p<0.05) liver, gizzard and intestine were observed on the test diets. Commercial feed dilution with CM, CLM and PKM at 100 g/kg for starter and 200 g/kg for finisher would be a viable option for smallholder broiler production. More research is needed into dilution levels and enzyme concentrations.(AU)

The Effects of Yucca Schidigera Extract and Multi-carbohydrase in Different Crude Protein Diets on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, Carcass Parameters and Excreta Noxious Gas Contents in Broilers

The scarcity and increase in the price of animal feeds have attracted the attention of nutritionists to address this issue. The inclusion of plant extracts and enzymes to protein-reduced diet could be a feasible strategy to reducing the feed cost. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the impacts of Yucca schidigera extract and multi-carbohydrase in low crude protein (CP) diets of broiler on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass metrics, and noxious gas levels in the excreta. A total of 480, 1-d-old ROSS 308 were randomly allocated into 4 dietary treatments, six replication, and 20 birds/cage. Phase 1, T1(CP 21%, ME 2,969 kcal/kg); T2 (CP 19%, ME 2,863 kcal/kg + 0.02% Yucca); T3 (CP 17%, ME 2,865 kcal/kg + 0.02% Yucca); T4 (CP 17%, ME 2,861 kcal/kg + 0.02% Yucca + 0.1% multi-carbohydrase). Phase 2, T1 (CP 19%, ME 3,086 kcal/kg); T2 (CP 17%, ME 2,977 kcal/kg + 0.02% Yucca); T3 (CP 15%, ME 2,978 kcal/kg + 0.02% Yucca); T4 (CP 15%, ME 2,978 kcal/kg + 0.02% Yucca + 0.1% 0.1% multi-carbohydrase). Although the addition of YS and multi-carbohydrase to the low CP diets on the growth performance did not improve, it revealed the positive result on the nutrient digestibility, carcass parameters, and noxious gas emission. Overall, broilers supplemented with YS 0.02% and multi-carbohydrase (0.1%) demonstrated the best production performances compared to the other treatment groups. Thus, a combination of YS and multi-carbohydrase could be added to the diets with low CP to boost broiler production performance.(AU)

Carbohydrase inclusion in a corn-soybean diet improves broiler growth performance

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of diets with reduced energy level content, supplemented with carbohydrase, on broiler performance and the coefficient of metabolizability of nutrients. A total of 720 one-day-old male Cobb-500 chicks were distributed in a completely randomized design, with six treatments, eight repetitions of 15 birds each. The treatments were: (1) a positive control, basal diet to meet the requirements of broiler chickens (PC); (2) a negative control, basal diet with a reduction of 80 kcal kg-1 (NC); (3) NC + alphagalactosydase; (4) NC + xylanase; (5) NC + xylanase and alphagalactosydase, and (6) NC + enzymatic blend (alphagalactosydase, xylanase, pectinase and amylase). The nutrient digestibility was not improved by use of enzymes. At 7 days of age, the broilers which were fed diets supplemented with enzymes showed a lower feed intake (FI) and better feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the broilers fed on PC. Both the NC and enzymatic blend resulted in a worse performance of the broilers at 21, 35 and 42 days old. The use of alphagalactosydase and xylanase, isolated or in combination, in a corn-soybean meal-based diet is effective in improving the growth performance of broilers fed energy-reduced diets.(AU)

Efficacy of acidified phytase supplemented cottonseed meal based diets on growth performance and proximate composition of Labeo rohita fingerlings / Eficácia de dietas à base de algodão com fitase acidificada suplementada no desempenho do crescimento e na composição proximada de dedos de Labeo rohita

Abstract The growth of aquaculture sector is strongly dependent upon the continuous supply of inexpensive fish feed with balanced nutritional profile. However, fish meal (FM) is unable to satisfy this demand due to its scarce supply and high cost. In order to test the potential of cottonseed meal (CSM) as a fish meal replacer, a feeding trial of 12 weeks was conducted to check growth performance and proximate composition of Labeo rohita fingerlings. The protein ration of the test feed was satisfied by replacing FM with CSM at 0, 25, 50 and 75%. Sixteen test diets viz., TD1 (control), TD2, TD3, TD4, TD5, TD6, TD7, TD8, TD9, TD10, TD11, TD12, TD13, TD14, TD15 and TD16 were supplemented with citric acid (CA; 0 and 2.5%) and phytase (PHY; 0 and 750 FTU/kg) in a completely randomized design with 3×3 factorial arrangement. The highest weight gain (11.03g), weight gain% (249.21%), specific growth rate (1.39) and best feed conversion ratio (1.20) were recorded by fish fed with TD12. Furthermore, the same level increased the crude protein (59.26%) and fat (16.04%) being significantly different (p<0.05) than that of control. Conclusively, the addition of acidified phytase (CA; 2.5%, PHY; 750 FTU/kg) in TD12 (CSM=50%) led to the improved growth and proximate composition of L. rohita fingerlings.

Resumo O crescimento do setor de aquicultura é fortemente dependente do fornecimento contínuo de rações baratas para peixes com perfil nutricional equilibrado. Porém, a farinha de peixe (FM) não consegue atender a essa demanda devido à sua escassa oferta e alto custo. Com o objetivo de testar o potencial da farinha de semente de canola (MSC) como substituto da farinha de peixe, um ensaio alimentar de 12 semanas foi conduzido para verificar o desempenho de crescimento e a composição centesimal de alevinos de Labeo rohita. A ração de proteína da ração teste foi satisfeita substituindo FM por CSM em 0, 25, 50 e 75%. Dezesseis dietas de teste, viz., TD1 (controle), TD2, TD3, TD4, TD5, TD6, TD7, TD8, TD9, TD10, TD11, TD12, TD13, TD14, TD15 e TD16 foram suplementadas com ácido cítrico (CA; 0 e 2,5%) e fitase (PHY; 0 e 750 FTU / kg) em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com arranjo fatorial 3 × 3. O maior ganho de peso (11,03g), % de ganho de peso (249,21%), taxa de crescimento específico (1,39) e melhor taxa de conversão alimentar (1,20) foram registrados por peixes alimentados com TD12. Além disso, o mesmo nível aumentou a proteína bruta (59,26%) e a gordura (16,04%), sendo significativamente diferente (p <0,05) do controle. Conclusivamente, a adição de fitase acidificada (CA; 2,5%, PHY; 750 FTU / kg) em TD12 (CSM = 50%) levou a um melhor crescimento e composição próxima de alevinos de L. rohita.

Comparative Nutritional Analysis of Domestic and Imported Commercial Canary Egg Food and Mixed Seeds Based Diets

In this study, the aim was to determine the nutritional content of specially formulated commercial soft/egg foods for canaries, preferred by professional breeders in Türkiye, and the nutritional and raw material content of seed mixtures, thereby providing insights into the general diet compositions and essential feeding regimens for canaries. The study examined 17 different seed types, eight mixed seed feeds, and 11 egg food formulations. Two main groups, "domestic" and "imported," were formed from these mixed seed feed and egg food products. The nutritional content ratios of each feed material were determined through chemical analyses, and the predicted metabolizable energy values were calculated and compared between group averages. According to the results, there were no significant differences (p>0.05) between the data of domestic and imported mixed seed feed groups in terms of parameters other than crude fiber (CF). However, the CF value was found to be statistically significantly lower in the imported group (p<0.05), and a decreasing trend in the crude ash (CA) value was also observed in the same group. It was determined that almost all parameters resulted in similar values between the domestic and imported egg food groups. However, when each feed product was evaluated separately, significant data differences and wide variation ranges were found within the groups, especially in terms of crude fat and starch parameters. As a result, it is understood that domestically produced commercial egg food formulations with basic nutritional content comparable to European imported products are available for use by canary breeders in Türkiye. However, it is apparent that imported products, particularly in mixed seed formulations, had raw materials with lower CF and CA contents.(AU)

Exploration of Zingiber officinale effects on growth performance, immunity and gut morphology in broilers / Exploração dos efeitos do Zingiber officinale no desempenho de crescimento, imunidade e morfologia intestinal em frangos de corte

Abstract The current study aimed to determine the effects of different levels of Zingiber officinale as a herbal feed additive on growth performance, carcass characteristic, serum biochemistry, total bacterial count (TBC), gut morphology, and immunological parameters of broilers. A total of 1500, day-old broiler chicks (Hubbard) were equally accredited to five treatment groups, each with six replicates (50 birds/replicate). Five experimental diets were prepared using basal diet i.e. with antibiotics positive control (PC), 3 g/kg ginger (group A), 6 g/kg ginger (group B), 9 g/kg ginger (group C) and without antibiotics negative control (NC). Group A and C showed significantly (p<0.05) higher feed intake (FI) as compared to other groups. Group C showed significantly (p<0.05) lower Total bacterial count (TBC) followed by group B as compared to NC. Carcass characteristics showed non-significant effects among different treatments. Mean villi length and width were significantly (p <0.05) higher in all ginger supplemented groups as compared to the control groups. Blood serum parameters including cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) were significantly (p<0.05) lower in groups B and C in comparison with the control groups. Whereas high-density lipoproteins (HDL) was significantly higher in group B as compared to the others. In conclusion, ginger supplementation @0.6% in the basal diet significantly improved growth performance and gut morphometry of broilers. It also showed a positive impact on cholesterol, triglycerides and gut microbes. Therefore, ginger could be a better substitute for antibiotic growth promoters.

Resumo O presente estudo teve como objetivo determinar os efeitos de diferentes níveis de Zingiber officinale como aditivo à base de plantas medicinais sobre o desempenho de crescimento, características da carcaça, bioquímica sérica, contagem bacteriana total (CBT), morfologia intestinal e parâmetros imunológicos de frangos de corte. Um total de 1.500 pintos de corte de um dia de idade (Hubbard) foram igualmente credenciados em cinco grupos de tratamento, cada um com seis repetições (50 aves/repetição). Cinco dietas experimentais foram preparadas usando dieta basal, ou seja, com controle positivo de antibióticos (PC), 3 g/kg de gengibre (grupo A), 6 g/kg de gengibre (grupo B), 9 g/kg de gengibre (grupo C) e sem controle negativo de antibióticos (NC). Os grupos A e C apresentaram consumo de ração (FI) significativamente (p < 0,05) maior do que os outros grupos. O grupo C apresentou contagem bacteriana total (CBT) significativamente menor (p < 0,05) seguido pelo grupo B em comparação com o NC. As características da carcaça apresentaram efeitos não significativos entre os diferentes tratamentos. O comprimento e largura médios das vilosidades foram significativamente (p < 0,05) maiores em todos os grupos suplementados com gengibre em comparação com os grupos de controle. Os parâmetros séricos do sangue, incluindo colesterol, triglicerídeos e lipoproteínas de baixa densidade (LDL), foram significativamente (p < 0,05) menores nos grupos B e C em comparação com os grupos controle. Enquanto as lipoproteínas de alta densidade (HDL) foram significativamente maiores no grupo B em comparação com os outros. Em conclusão, a suplementação de gengibre a 0,6% na dieta basal melhorou significativamente o desempenho de crescimento e a morfometria intestinal de frangos de corte. Ele também mostrou um impacto positivo sobre o colesterol, triglicerídeos e micróbios intestinais. Portanto, o gengibre pode ser um substituto melhor para os promotores de crescimento com antibióticos.

Limiting amino acids supplementation in low crude protein diets and their impacts on growth performance and carcass composition in Labeo rohita (rohu) adult fish / Limitação da suplementação de aminoácidos em dietas com baixo teor de proteína bruta e seus impactos no desempenho de crescimento e composição da carcaça em peixes adultos Labeo rohita (rohu)

Abstract Ninety days study was conducted in hapas installed in earthen ponds. Fish of an average initial weight (220g) were evenly distributed in triplicate groups within fifteen hapas. Five experimental diets labeled as T1 (25% CP and NRC recommended amino acid level) as control diet, T2 (with 2% low protein and 5% amino acid supplementation), T3 (with 2% low protein and 10% amino acid supplementation), T4 (with 4% low protein and 10% amino acid supplementation) and T5 (with 4% low protein and 20% amino acid supplementation) were prepared. Fish were fed with @3% of their body weight twice a day at 10.00 & 16:00 hour. Significantly higher percent weight gain (420.18 ± 66.84a) and specific growth rate (13499.33±1273.54a) along with improved feed conversion ratio (1.29 ± 0.09b) and hundred percent survivals were recorded during the trial. Furthermore proximate analysis of meat showed significant improvement in the crude protein level (81.77 ± 0.19a) served with diet containing 20% limiting amino acids mixture. Therefore, limiting amino acids can be a source of cost effective feed and use safely in L. rohita diet.

Resumo O estudo de 90 dias foi realizado em hapas instalados em tanques de terra. Peixes com peso inicial médio (220 g) foram distribuídos uniformemente em grupos triplicados em 15 hapas. Cinco dietas experimentais rotuladas como T1 (25% de CP e NRC recomendado nível de aminoácidos) como dieta controle, T2 (com 2% de proteína baixa e 5% de suplementação de aminoácidos), T3 (com 2% de proteína baixa e 10% de suplementação de aminoácidos), T4 (com 4% de baixa proteína e 10% de suplementação de aminoácidos) e T5 (com 4% de baixa proteína e 20% de suplementação de aminoácidos) foram preparadas. Os peixes foram alimentados com 3% do seu peso corporal duas vezes por dia às 10h00 e 16h00. Ganho de peso significativamente maior (420,18 ± 66,84a) e taxa de crescimento específico (13499,33 ± 1273,54a) juntamente com taxa de conversão alimentar melhorada (1, 29 ± 0,09b) e sobrevivência de cem por cento foram registrados durante o ensaio. Além disso, a análise aproximada da carne mostrou melhora significativa no nível de proteína bruta (81,77 ± 0,19a) servida com dieta contendo 20% de mistura de aminoácidos limitantes. Portanto, a limitação de aminoácidos pode ser uma fonte de alimentação econômica e usada com segurança na dieta de L. rohita.

Blood concentrations of calcium, phosphorus and magnesium and dietary cation-anion difference in dairy cows / Concentrações sanguíneas de cálcio, fósforo e magnésio e diferença cátion-ânion da dieta de vacas leiteiras

The objective of this study was to identify the effect of pre and postpartum DCAD on serum levels of calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium in peripartum Holstein cows. Blood samples were collected from 56 cows (18 primiparous and 38 multiparous) on days -7, +7, +14 and +28 relative to parturition, to determine serum levels of total and ionized calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and albumin; diet samples for determination of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and DCAD were collected at the same moments and urine samples were collected at day -7 for measurement of urinary pH. Prepartum DCAD was positively correlated with total calcium (p = 0.02) and with corrected total calcium (p = 0.01) at day -7. There was a negative correlation between prepartum DCAD and magnesium levels at day -7 (p = 0.02). No influence of prepartum DCAD on phosphataemia was observed. Postpartum DCAD did not correlate with serum mineral levels at any time point. Our results demonstrate that prepartum DCAD can influence calcium and magnesium homeostasis, but not phosphorus. In addition, parity and time period should be considered when evaluating serum levels of these minerals in Holstein cows during transition period.

Objetivou-se identificar o efeito da DCAD pré e pós-parto nos níveis séricos de cálcio, fósforo e magnésio, em vacas Holandesas em periparto. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue de 56 vacas (18 primiparas e 38 multiparas) nos dias -7, +7, +14 e +28 em relação ao parto, para determinação dos níveis séricos de cálcio total e ionizado, fósforo, magnésio e albumina; amostras de alimento foram coletadas nos mesmos momentos para determinação dos níveis cálcio, fósforo, magnésio e DCAD dietético; e amostras de urina foram coletadas no dia -7, para mensuração do pH urinário. A DCAD pré-parto foi positivamente correlacionada com cálcio total (P = 0,02) e com cálcio total corrigido (P = 0,01) no dia -7. Houve correlação negativa entre a DCAD pré-parto e os níveis de magnésio no momento -7 (P = 0,02). Não houve influência da DCAD pré-parto na fosfatemia. A DCAD pós-parto não se correlacionou com os níveis séricos de minerais em nenhum momento. Os resultados demonstram que a DCAD pré-parto pode influenciar na homeostase do cálcio e do magnésio, mas não do fósforo. Além disso, as variáveis paridade e tempo devem ser consideradas ao se avaliarem os níveis séricos desses minerais em bovinos leiteiros da raça Holandesa em transição.

Performance and behavior of piglets fed diets with different metabolizable energy levels / Desempenho e comportamento de leitões alimentados com dietas com diferentes níveis de energia metabolizável

This study evaluated the effect of different metabolizable energy (ME) levels in diets on digestibility, performance, and feeding behavior of weaned piglets. A digestibility study to determine ME levels was performed using 12 male piglets with 11.5 ± 0.5 kg body weight (BW), in a cross-over design fed with different ME levels (treatments). In the performance study were used 64 female piglets with 7.5 ± 0.8 kg BW, in a randomized block design with four treatments (3.30, 3.40, 3.50, and 3.60 Mcal.kg-1 ME levels), and feeding program with three phases (pre-initial I, pre-initial II, and initial). For feeding behavior, four pens of each treatment were monitored with cameras. The crude-protein digestibility coefficient reduced as dietary ME level increased (P <0.05). In pre-initial I animal performance was not influenced (P <0.05) by ME diet levels, and in the pre-initial II and initial phases, increases in ME caused quadratic (r² 0.99) and linear (r² 0.99) effects on daily feed intake, respectively. When ME levels increased, feed conversion ratio decreased linearly in the pre-initial II phase (r² =0.98), and quadratically in the initial phase (r²= 0.99). The number and duration of feeder visits linearly decreased as the diet energy levels increased (P <0.05). Weaned piglets can regulate feed intake according to dietary ME levels. The performance of weaned piglets can be maintained using diets containing metabolizable energy levels between 3.30 at 3.60 Mcal.ME.kg-1 if the ratio of nutrients to energy is maintained constant.The feed intake behavior of weaned piglets is influenced by increases in dietary metabolizable energy levels evaluated, resulting in fewer and shorter visits to the feeder.

Este estudo avaliou o efeito de diferentes níveis de energia metabolizável (EM) em dietas sobre a digestibilidade, desempenho e comportamento alimentar de leitões desmamados. Um estudo de digestibilidade para determinação dos níveis de EM foi realizado com 12 leitões machos com 11,5 ± 0,5 kg de peso corporal, em delineamento cruzado, alimentados com diferentes níveis de EM (tratamentos). No estudo de desempenho foram utilizadas 64 leitões fêmeas com peso corporal de 7,5 ± 0,8 kg, em delineamento de blocos casualizados com quatro tratamentos (níveis de 3,30, 3,40, 3,50 e 3,60 Mcal.kg-1 ME), e programa de alimentação com três fases (pré- inicial I, pré-inicial II e inicial). Para o comportamento alimentar, quatro baias de cada tratamento foram monitorados com câmeras. O coeficiente de digestibilidade da proteína bruta diminuiu com o aumento do nível de EM da dieta (P <0,05). No pré-inicial I o desempenho dos animais não foi influenciado (P <0,05) pelos níveis da dieta de EM, e nas fases pré-inicial II e inicial, o aumento de EM causou efeitos quadráticos (r² 0,99) e lineares (r² 0,99) na alimentação diária ingestão, respectivamente. Quando os níveis de EM aumentaram, a conversão alimentar diminuiu linearmente na fase pré-inicial II (r² = 0,98), e quadraticamente na fase inicial (r² = 0,99). O número e a duração das visitas aos comedouros diminuíram linearmente à medida que os níveis de energia da dieta aumentaram (P <0,05). Leitões desmamados podem regular o consumo de ração de acordo com os níveis de EM da dieta, o desempenho de leitões desmamados pode ser mantido usando dietas contendo níveis de energia metabolizável entre 3.30 a 3.60 Mcal.EM.kg-1 se a proporção de nutrientes para energia for mantida constante. O comportamento de consumo de ração de leitões desmamados é influenciado pelo aumento nos níveis de energia metabolizável da dieta avaliados, resultando em menos e mais curtas visitas ao comedouro.

A simple dynamic to promote the improvement of good manufacturing practices at a school cafeteria of Belo Horizonte, Brazil / Uma simples dinâmica para melhorar as boas práticas em uma cantina escolar de Belo Horizonte, Brasil

A strategy to improve good manufacturing practices was applied at a school cafeteria (Belo Horizonte, Brazil). The Quality Signal in Food Services (SQUAN) consists of a strategy to evaluate the degree of compliance of food services to good practices, which includes classifying your sectors into different traffic-based colors. Inspections were performed in all cafeteria sectors for three months. Items evaluated were classified as "compliant" or "noncompliant" with the Resolution 216 from Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency. Sectors with 80-100% of compliance were assigned the "Green Signal"; 60-80% "Yellow Signal"; and less than 60% "Red Signal". The present study aimed at evaluating whether the SQUAN was a good strategy to improve school's cafeteria overall hygiene. Meat and side dish, salad, and dessert sectors displayed an improvement of 87%, 12%, and 35% regarding compliance to good practices, respectively. The salad sector reached the "Yellow Signal", but the remaining sectors reached the "Green Signal" and remained there until the end of the study. To our knowledge, until this time no study proposes the use of traffic-light-based colors as an educational means for implementing good manufacturing practices in food service. In conclusion, SQUAN was an effective strategy to improve hygienic/sanity conditions at a cafeteria.(AU)

Uma estratégia para melhorar as boas práticas de fabricação foi aplicada em uma cantina escolar (Belo Horizonte, Brasil). O Sinal de Qualidade em Unidades de Alimentação e Nutrição (SQUAN) consiste em uma estratégia para avaliar o nível de conformidade de serviços de alimentação às boas práticas, o que inclui classificar seus setores em diferentes cores baseadas no sinal de trânsito. Inspeções foram realizadas em todos os setores da cantina durante três meses. Os itens avaliados foram classificados como "conformes" ou "não conformes" de acordo com a Resolução 216 da Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária. Os setores com 80- 100% de conformidade receberam o "Sinal Verde"; 60-80% "Sinal Amarelo"; e menos de 60% "Sinal Vermelho". O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar se o SQUAN foi uma boa estratégia para melhorar a higiene geral da cantina escolar. Os setores de carnes e acompanhamentos, saladas e sobremesas apresentaram melhora de 87%, 12% e 35% quanto ao cumprimento das boas práticas, respectivamente. O setor de saladas atingiu o "Sinal Amarelo", mas os demais setores atingiram o "Sinal Verde" e permaneceram assim até o final do estudo. De nosso conhecimento, até o momento nenhum estudo propõe o uso de cores baseadas em semáforos como meio educacional para a implementação de boas práticas em serviços de alimentação. Diante do exposto, o SQUAN foi uma estratégia eficaz para melhorar as condições higiênico-sanitárias em um refeitório.(AU)

Veganism and animal welfare, scientific, ethical, and philosophical arguments

The justification for this review article is to understand the position of vegans and those individuals who consume food of animal origin from an unbiased perspective but with a grounding in scientific evidence. This will provide people who eat meat with scientific and ethical arguments to defend their alimentary autonomy in the context of the moral conflict that has emerged in societies regarding the consumption of meat and animal products, which is criticized ­sometimes even attacked­ by activists, ovolactovegetarians, or vegetarians with alimentary habits that stress ethical and moral respect for animals. These individuals refuse to eat meat and animal products but sometimes show disrespect for those who do. In recent decades, veganism and vegetarianism have reached an apogee in some western societies where they are often considered a healthy option for humans that simultaneously fosters animal and environmental welfare. While those diets may provide numerous benefits, they can also entail health risks by failing to provide balance and necessary dietary supplements. Various researchers concur that they are not appropriate for pregnant women, children, or carnivorous or omnivorous pets. Our review of scientific articles in favor and against dietary regimens that lack protein of animal origin leads to the conclusion that these dietary changes, on their own, do not reduce animal suffering or the contamination generated by the meat, dairy, and poultry industries. Finally, it is important to consider that, despite the popular opinion that vegetarianism and veganism are healthy diet alternatives, the diet must be individualized and well-balanced according to each stage of their life cycle.

Deoxynivalenol concentrations in feed ingredients and swine diets measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and high-performance liquid chromatography

The objective was to compare deoxynivalenol (DON) concentrations in feed ingredients and commercial swine diets measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Seventy feed ingredient samples consisted of corn, corn dried distillers grains with solubles, corn gluten feed, corn gluten meal, palm kernel expellers, rice bran, soy hulls, soybean meal, and wheat. Commercial swine diet samples (n = 92) were collected from 23 swine farms of varying regions in Korea and different growth stages of pigs. The DON concentration of all samples was determined in duplicate. Statistical comparisons were performed to compare the analytical methods (ELISA vs. HPLC), diet phases, and regions. The DON concentrations in most ingredients and all diets determined by ELISA method were greater than those determined by HPLC. The DON concentrations determined by the ELISA method were less than 1 mg/kg in all ingredients except corn dried distillers grains with solubles and corn gluten feed, and those determined by the HPLC were less than 0.5 mg/kg in all ingredients. The DON concentrations in complete diets did not vary by region or growth stages of pigs. The DON concentrations in most feed ingredients and commercial swine diets determined by ELISA method are greater than those determined by HPLC, but does not vary by regions in Republic of Korea or pig growth stages.

Ammonium dipropionate in the total mixed ration does not change the ingestive behavior but improves the productive performance of feedlot bulls / A adição do dipropionato de amônio na ração total misturada não altera o comportamento ingestivo, mas melhora o desempenho produtivo de novilhos confinados

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the productive performance, the ingestive behavior, the apparent digestibility of the diet, and the carcass characteristics of beef steers finished in confinement under the effect of ammonium dipropionate in the diet, and the fractionation or not in the supply of the diet. The experimental design was completely randomized, in a 2 x 2 factorial scheme, totaling four treatments, as follows: Diet without ammonium dipropionate provided twice a day; Diet without ammonium dipropionate given once daily; Diet with ammonium dipropionate provided twice daily; Ammonium dipropionate diet provided once daily. Thirty-two ½ Angus ½ Nellore bulls were used, with an average age of 11 months. The use of ammonium dipropionate in the overall average increased average daily gain, dry matter intake, and carcass gain. The diet provided twice a day provided, on average, greater weight gain, greater carcass gain, and better feed conversion. When evaluating the association between treatments, the use of dipropionate plus the diet supplied twice a day showed greater daily carcass gain during the experimental period and higher hot carcass weight (1.251 kg, 111.4 kg, and 308.6 kg respectively), as well as ensuring better apparent digestibility of dry matter (74.57%). With the data obtained in the present study, it is possible to state that it is advisable to use ammonium dipropionate while maintaining the fractionation of the diet for beef steers in the finishing phase.(AU)

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o desempenho produtivo, o comportamento ingestivo, a digestibilidade aparente da dieta e as características de carcaça de novilhos de corte terminados em confinamento sob efeito do dipropionato de amônio na dieta, e do fracionamento ou não no fornecimento da dieta. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, em um esquema fatorial 2 x 2, totalizando quatro tratamentos, sendo: Dieta sem dipropionato de amônio fornecida duas vezes ao dia; Dieta sem dipropionato de amônio fornecida uma vez ao dia; Dieta com dipropionato de amônio fornecida duas vezes ao dia; Dieta com dipropionato de amônio fornecida uma vez ao dia. Utilizou-se 32 novilhos ½ sangue Angus ½ sangue Nelore, com idade média de 11 meses. O uso do dipropionato de amônio na média geral aumentou o ganho médio diário, a ingestão de matéria seca, e o ganho de carcaça. A dieta fornecida duas vezes ao dia proporcionou na média geral, maior ganho de peso, maior ganho de carcaça e melhor conversão alimentar. Ao avaliar a associação entre os tratamentos, o uso de dipropionato mais a dieta fornecida duas vezes ao dia mostrou maior ganho de carcaça diário, durante o período experimental e maior peso de carcaça quente (1,251 kg, 111,4 kg e 308,6 kg respectivamente), assim como garantiu melhor digestibilidade aparente da matéria seca (74,57%). Com os dados obtidos no presente estudo é possível afirmar que é recomendável utilizar o dipropionato de amônio mantendo o fracionamento da dieta para novilhos de corte em fase de terminação.(AU)