Beneficial Impact of Hypercapnic Conditions During Early Incubation on Broiler Hatchability. Embryo Mortality and Postnatal Performance

We assessed the extent to which CO2 levels altered different hatching and chick parameters. In Experiments 1 and 2, a total of 16,184 eggs from Cobb 500 breeders were incubated in single stage incubators under three different conditions: (a) standard ventilated incubator (CON, Exp.1 and 2); (b) increasing CO2 levels during the first 10 days of incubation until 0.7% (V7000, Exp. 1) and (c) until 0.8% (V8000, Exp. 2). High levels of CO2 improved hatchability, possibly due to lower embryo mortality from ED18 to ED21. Internal and external pipping in experiment V8000 started later than in CON; nevertheless, the hatch still occurred before in V8000 as a result of the shorter durations of external pipping and hatch. In Experiment 3, a total of 12,138 eggs from Cobb 500 were incubated in single stage incubators under three different conditions: (a) standard ventilated incubator (CON); (b) increasing CO2 levels until 1.0% with ventilation (V10000); and (c) increasing CO2 levels until 1.0% without ventilation (NV10000). Hypercapnic conditions led to better hatchability and lower embryo mortality from ED18 to ED21. Internal pipping started earlier in NV10000, but only V10000 differed from CON in terms of the average time for hatch. Hypercapnic groups also showed shorter durations of external pipping and hatch when compared to CON. Post-hatch analysis revealed no differences among incubation conditions in terms of body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, mortality by sudden death syndrome, and production factor. Nevertheless, V10000 showed a lower mortality by ascites and a better viability when compared to CON, while NV10000 presented a higher mortality by other causes. Altogether, our findings indicate that in addition to not being detrimental to embryo survival, high CO2 levels reduce embryonic mortality at 18-21 days of incubation and increase hatchability.(AU)

Effect of Egg Weight and Patio Strategies on Hatching Traits and Subsequent Performance of the Broilers

Objectives of the present study were to assess the hatchery based interventions and their impact on hatching traits and subsequent performance of broilers. In total, 3000 eggs of Hubbard broiler breeders were equally divided into Small (50-55 g), Medium (56-61 g) and Large (62-70 g) eggs. The eggs from each category were distributed into 20 trays each containing 50 eggs. Each tray was considered as a replicate. At the end of the 18th day of incubation, the eggs of each weight category were divided into four different patio strategies i.e. P0, P3, P5 and P7 where feed and water were provided to the chicks for 0, 3, 5 and 7 days in the hatcher followed by conventional rearing. Data were collected for hatch window, hatching traits, growth, physical asymmetry, welfare and blood profile in broilers. Statistical analysis showed that the smaller eggs had significantly (P 0.05) shorter hatch window compared to larger and medium eggs. Hatching traits were significantly (p 0.05) better in medium eggs but the embryonic mortalities did not differ (p>0.05). The post-hatch performance was significantly (p 0.05) better in P3 birds from medium eggs. Physical asymmetry and scores of feather and gait were not affected by both treatments (p>0.05). Blood profile was also significantly (p 0.05) better in P3 birds from medium-size eggs. It was recommended that the eggs of 56-61g should be selected for better hatchability and the chicks should be provided with feed and water within the hatcher for at-least three days for optimum performance on rearing facility.(AU)

Effect of Egg Weight and Patio Strategies on Hatching Traits and Subsequent Performance of the Broilers

Objectives of the present study were to assess the hatchery based interventions and their impact on hatching traits and subsequent performance of broilers. In total, 3000 eggs of Hubbard broiler breeders were equally divided into Small (50-55 g), Medium (56-61 g) and Large (62-70 g) eggs. The eggs from each category were distributed into 20 trays each containing 50 eggs. Each tray was considered as a replicate. At the end of the 18th day of incubation, the eggs of each weight category were divided into four different patio strategies i.e. P0, P3, P5 and P7 where feed and water were provided to the chicks for 0, 3, 5 and 7 days in the hatcher followed by conventional rearing. Data were collected for hatch window, hatching traits, growth, physical asymmetry, welfare and blood profile in broilers. Statistical analysis showed that the smaller eggs had significantly (P 0.05) shorter hatch window compared to larger and medium eggs. Hatching traits were significantly (p 0.05) better in medium eggs but the embryonic mortalities did not differ (p>0.05). The post-hatch performance was significantly (p 0.05) better in P3 birds from medium eggs. Physical asymmetry and scores of feather and gait were not affected by both treatments (p>0.05). Blood profile was also significantly (p 0.05) better in P3 birds from medium-size eggs. It was recommended that the eggs of 56-61g should be selected for better hatchability and the chicks should be provided with feed and water within the hatcher for at-least three days for optimum performance on rearing facility.

Egg Storage Time Affects Incubation Yield and Hatch Window in Pekin Ducks (Anas Boschas)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of storage time on albumen quality, incubation yield, and hatch window in Pekin ducks (Anas boschas). A total of 1302 eggs were randomly distributed to seven treatments according to the storage time with durations ranging from 1 to 14 days. Each treatment consisted of 186 eggs with a two-day storage interval between treatments. The pH and Haugh unit (HU) of the albumen, egg weight loss during incubation (WL), hatchability (HTCH), incubation duration (ID), hatch window, asymmetry (ASS), percentile kurtosis (PK), and embryonic mortality were analyzed. A linear effect was observed forthe WL, ID, and PK and a quadratic effect forpH, HU, and HTCH over time. No significant effect of storage time was observed on ASS. Post-pipping embryonic mortality was linearly affected by storage time. Prolonging the storage period above 10 days reduces albumen quality and hatchability, delays the hatch of Pekins, and results in a higher percentage of post-pipping mortality.(AU)

Egg Storage Time Affects Incubation Yield and Hatch Window in Pekin Ducks (Anas Boschas)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of storage time on albumen quality, incubation yield, and hatch window in Pekin ducks (Anas boschas). A total of 1302 eggs were randomly distributed to seven treatments according to the storage time with durations ranging from 1 to 14 days. Each treatment consisted of 186 eggs with a two-day storage interval between treatments. The pH and Haugh unit (HU) of the albumen, egg weight loss during incubation (WL), hatchability (HTCH), incubation duration (ID), hatch window, asymmetry (ASS), percentile kurtosis (PK), and embryonic mortality were analyzed. A linear effect was observed forthe WL, ID, and PK and a quadratic effect forpH, HU, and HTCH over time. No significant effect of storage time was observed on ASS. Post-pipping embryonic mortality was linearly affected by storage time. Prolonging the storage period above 10 days reduces albumen quality and hatchability, delays the hatch of Pekins, and results in a higher percentage of post-pipping mortality.

Embryonic mortality and broiler chick quality (Gallus gallus) from glass-shelled eggs / Mortalidade embrionária e qualidade do pinto ao nascer oriundo de ovo de casca vítrea de matriz pesada (Gallus gallus)

The glass-shelled egg has various points on the surface with light gray coloration, which becomes more visible with the passage of egg storage period. The objective of this work was to evaluate the stage of embryonic mortality, egg weight during the incubation period, hatch window, and quality of chicks at hatch from glass-shelled egg. The research was divided into two parts. In the first part, 80 eggs from 45 weeks old hens were incubated, being half normal eggs and half glass-shelled eggs, while in the second part, 80 eggs from 70 weeks old hens from the same flock as the previous one were incubated. Again, half were normal shelled and half were glass-shelled eggs. No differences were observed for embryonic mortality, egg weight, hatch quality (hatch weight, uniformity, and navel quality), and hatch window between normal and glass-shelled eggs from hens of 45 and 70 weeks of age. However, there was higher contamination in glass-shelled egg from 70-week-old breeder hens. The results show that the presence of glass-shelled egg does not seem to interfere with the quality of the chick at hatch in the breed, ages, and studied conditions, but causes higher contamination in glass-shelled egg from 70-week-old breeder hens.

Ovos de casca vítrea apresentam em suas superfícies pontos com coloração cinza claro de vários diâmetros, que ficam mais visíveis com o decorrer do período de armazenagem. Objetivou-se no trabalho, avaliar a fase de mortalidade embrionária, peso do ovo durante o período de incubação, intervalo de tempo de nascimento e a qualidade dos pintos ao nascerem oriundos de ovos de casca vítrea. A pesquisa foi dividida em duas partes. Na primeira parte, ocorreu a incubação de 80 ovos provenientes de matrizes com 45 semanas de idade sendo metade ovos normais e metade ovos vítreos e na segunda parte, foram incubados 80 ovos provenientes de matrizes com 70 semanas de idade do mesmo lote do anterior. Desses, metade eram normais e metade eram vítreos. Não houve diferença para mortalidade embrionária, peso do ovo, qualidade dos pintos ao nascerem (peso do pinto ao nascer, qualidade do umbigo e uniformidade) e intervalo de tempo de nascimento entre os ovos vítreos e normais oriundos de matrizes de 45 e 70 semanas de idade. Porém ovos de casca vítrea oriundos de matrizes de 70 semanas de idade apresentaram maior índice de contaminação.

Embryonic mortality and broiler chick quality (Gallus gallus) from glass-shelled eggs / Mortalidade embrionária e qualidade do pinto ao nascer oriundo de ovo de casca vítrea de matriz pesada (Gallus gallus)

The glass-shelled egg has various points on the surface with light gray coloration, which becomes more visible with the passage of egg storage period. The objective of this work was to evaluate the stage of embryonic mortality, egg weight during the incubation period, hatch window, and quality of chicks at hatch from glass-shelled egg. The research was divided into two parts. In the first part, 80 eggs from 45 weeks old hens were incubated, being half normal eggs and half glass-shelled eggs, while in the second part, 80 eggs from 70 weeks old hens from the same flock as the previous one were incubated. Again, half were normal shelled and half were glass-shelled eggs. No differences were observed for embryonic mortality, egg weight, hatch quality (hatch weight, uniformity, and navel quality), and hatch window between normal and glass-shelled eggs from hens of 45 and 70 weeks of age. However, there was higher contamination in glass-shelled egg from 70-week-old breeder hens. The results show that the presence of glass-shelled egg does not seem to interfere with the quality of the chick at hatch in the breed, ages, and studied conditions, but causes higher contamination in glass-shelled egg from 70-week-old breeder hens.(AU)

Ovos de casca vítrea apresentam em suas superfícies pontos com coloração cinza claro de vários diâmetros, que ficam mais visíveis com o decorrer do período de armazenagem. Objetivou-se no trabalho, avaliar a fase de mortalidade embrionária, peso do ovo durante o período de incubação, intervalo de tempo de nascimento e a qualidade dos pintos ao nascerem oriundos de ovos de casca vítrea. A pesquisa foi dividida em duas partes. Na primeira parte, ocorreu a incubação de 80 ovos provenientes de matrizes com 45 semanas de idade sendo metade ovos normais e metade ovos vítreos e na segunda parte, foram incubados 80 ovos provenientes de matrizes com 70 semanas de idade do mesmo lote do anterior. Desses, metade eram normais e metade eram vítreos. Não houve diferença para mortalidade embrionária, peso do ovo, qualidade dos pintos ao nascerem (peso do pinto ao nascer, qualidade do umbigo e uniformidade) e intervalo de tempo de nascimento entre os ovos vítreos e normais oriundos de matrizes de 45 e 70 semanas de idade. Porém ovos de casca vítrea oriundos de matrizes de 70 semanas de idade apresentaram maior índice de contaminação.(AU)

Development of digestive organs of female broilers under varying post-hatch fasting times / Desenvolvimento dos órgãos digestórios de frangos de corte fêmea submetidos a diferentes períodos de jejum pós-eclosão

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of post-hatch fasting time on the weights of body and digestive organs of chicks. Fertile eggs from 62-week-old broiler breeders (Cobb Fast lineage) were incubated and, after hatching, female chicks were randomly divided into six treatments, which corresponded to fasting periods (0, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours), with 40 chicks per treatment. At 01, 03, 06, and 10 days after hatching, measurements of body weight; residual yolk weight; relative weights of proventriculus + gizzard, intestine + pancreas and liver; and intestine total length were made. At 6 days of age, the chicks submitted to post-hatch fasting, for up to 12 hours, demonstrated greater development, with body weights higher than the other birds. Yet, when fed, no compensatory gain was observed and, at 10 days of age, the birds submitted to 48- and 72-h fasting remained with a lower body development. Intestine growth was also compromised by post-hatch fasting, being reduced in both weight and length. A post-hatching fasting of up to 24 hours did not interfere with the weights of body and digestive organs of 10-day-old female broiler chickens. However, 48- and 72-h post-hatch fastings affected adversely the weight and growth of digestive organs in the birds.

O efeito dos períodos de jejum pós-eclosão foi avaliado sobre o peso inicial das aves e de seus órgãosdigestórios. Ovos férteis de matrizes de frango de corte (linhagem Cobb Fast) de 62 semanas de idadeforam incubados e após a eclosão os pintinhos (fêmeas) foram divididos em seis tratamentos de 40aves cada, correspondentes a tempos diferentes de jejum (0, 6, 12, 24, 48 e 72 horas). Com 1, 3, 6e 10 dias de idade, o peso corporal das aves e do vitelo residual, pesos relativos do proventrículo +moela, intestino + pâncreas, fígado, e o comprimento total do intestino foram analisados. Aos 6 dias deidade, os animais que foram submetidos ao jejum pós-eclosão de até 12 horas demonstraram melhordesenvolvimento com maior peso corporal em relação aos demais. Essas aves não apresentaram ganhocompensatório quando alimentadas; no entanto, aos 10 dias de idade, os animais submetidos a 48 e72 horas de jejum, permaneceram com menor desenvolvimento corporal. O crescimento do intestinotambém foi comprometido em função do jejum pós-eclosão, com redução de comprimento e peso. Ojejum pós-eclosão de até 24 horas não afetou o peso corporal e o peso de órgãos digestórios em fêmeas de frango de corte criadas até 10 dias. Já jejum de 48 e 72 horas afeta de forma negativa o peso corporal e o crescimento dos órgãos digestórios.

Development of digestive organs of female broilers under varying post-hatch fasting times / Desenvolvimento dos órgãos digestórios de frangos de corte fêmea submetidos a diferentes períodos de jejum pós-eclosão

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of post-hatch fasting time on the weights of body and digestive organs of chicks. Fertile eggs from 62-week-old broiler breeders (Cobb Fast lineage) were incubated and, after hatching, female chicks were randomly divided into six treatments, which corresponded to fasting periods (0, 6, 12, 24, 48, and 72 hours), with 40 chicks per treatment. At 01, 03, 06, and 10 days after hatching, measurements of body weight; residual yolk weight; relative weights of proventriculus + gizzard, intestine + pancreas and liver; and intestine total length were made. At 6 days of age, the chicks submitted to post-hatch fasting, for up to 12 hours, demonstrated greater development, with body weights higher than the other birds. Yet, when fed, no compensatory gain was observed and, at 10 days of age, the birds submitted to 48- and 72-h fasting remained with a lower body development. Intestine growth was also compromised by post-hatch fasting, being reduced in both weight and length. A post-hatching fasting of up to 24 hours did not interfere with the weights of body and digestive organs of 10-day-old female broiler chickens. However, 48- and 72-h post-hatch fastings affected adversely the weight and growth of digestive organs in the birds.(AU)

O efeito dos períodos de jejum pós-eclosão foi avaliado sobre o peso inicial das aves e de seus órgãosdigestórios. Ovos férteis de matrizes de frango de corte (linhagem Cobb Fast) de 62 semanas de idadeforam incubados e após a eclosão os pintinhos (fêmeas) foram divididos em seis tratamentos de 40aves cada, correspondentes a tempos diferentes de jejum (0, 6, 12, 24, 48 e 72 horas). Com 1, 3, 6e 10 dias de idade, o peso corporal das aves e do vitelo residual, pesos relativos do proventrículo +moela, intestino + pâncreas, fígado, e o comprimento total do intestino foram analisados. Aos 6 dias deidade, os animais que foram submetidos ao jejum pós-eclosão de até 12 horas demonstraram melhordesenvolvimento com maior peso corporal em relação aos demais. Essas aves não apresentaram ganhocompensatório quando alimentadas; no entanto, aos 10 dias de idade, os animais submetidos a 48 e72 horas de jejum, permaneceram com menor desenvolvimento corporal. O crescimento do intestinotambém foi comprometido em função do jejum pós-eclosão, com redução de comprimento e peso. Ojejum pós-eclosão de até 24 horas não afetou o peso corporal e o peso de órgãos digestórios em fêmeas de frango de corte criadas até 10 dias. Já jejum de 48 e 72 horas afeta de forma negativa o peso corporal e o crescimento dos órgãos digestórios.(AU)

INFLUÊNCIA DA FOTOESTIMULAÇÃO NA DINÂMICA DE NASCIMENTOS E CARACTERÍSTICAS INTESTINAIS DE PINTOS DE CORTE

O presente trabalho está organizado em 4 Capítulos. O Capítulo 1 apresenta a Introdução e as Considerações Gerais sobre o tema estudado. No Capítulo 2, foi analisado se fotoestimulação intermitente (1 min de luz seguido de 4 minutos de escuro, durante 12 h, das 6:30 às 18:30h, 1200 Lux fornecido por sistema em série de lâmpadas LED) no nascedouro, a partir do 18º dia de incubação, influencia a eclodibilidade, a frequência de nascimentos e a qualidade dos pintos de corte. Os resultados mostram que fotoestimulação intermitente a partir do 18º dia de incubação não alterou a duração média da incubação, eclodibilidade e a qualidade física dos pintos, mas reduziu a janela de eclosão em 8h. Além disso, pintos de ovos mantidos sob fotoestimulação intermitente apresentaram menor TIT que os pintos de ovos incubados sem fotoestimulação. Isso indicou que fotoestimulação intermitente no nascedouro aumenta o sincronismo na eclosão e torna os pintos mais ativos. No Capítulo 3, foram analisadas a dinâmica de nascimentos diurnas e noturnas e a qualidade dos pintos de ovos expostos ou não a fotoestimulação intermitente (1 min de luz seguido de 4 minutos de escuro, durante 12 h, das 6 às 18h, 1200 Lux fornecido por sistema em série de lâmpadas LED) a partir do 18º dia de incubação (no nascedouro). Não ocorreram diferenças na taxa de eclosão total, peso corporal, qualidade, peso corporal, comprimentos bico-cauda, bico-dedo médio e de perna, e envergadura de asas entre os pintos com nascimento diurno e noturno e nem entre tratamentos (com e sem fotoestimulação). Os resultados revelam, pela primeira vez na literatura, descontinuidade de eclosão, diferenças entre os padrões de eclosão diurna e noturna de pintos de corte e menor janela de eclosão com maior sincronismo de eclosão noturna do que diurna em pintos corte, evidenciando possibilidade futura de manejo pratico de retirada diurna e noturna de pintos dos nascedouros. No Capítulo 4, por sua vez, foi analisado se fotoestimulação diurna ou noturna contínua (250 Lux ao nível da superfície dos ovos, durante 12 h, das 6 às 18h e das 18 às 6h) influencia o desenvolvimento da mucosa intestinal de pintos de corte. Os resultados evidenciam que o fornecimento do fotoestimulação durante a incubação reduz temperatura de superfície dos ovos quando expostos a fotoestimulação durante a noite. Os pintos nascidos de ovos incubados sob fotoestimulação apresentaram vilosidades intestinais menores do que os pintos oriundos de ovos incubados sem fotoestimulação. Isso indica que fotoestimulação diurna ou noturna durante a incubação não favoreceu o desenvolvimento das vilosidades intestinais e que incubação sob ausência de luz parece mais adequado para que os pintos nasçam com vilosidade intestinal de maior tamanho.

This work is organized into 4 Chapters. Chapter 1 presents the Introduction and General Considerations on the topic studied. In Chapter 2, we analyzed whether intermittent photostimulation (1 min of light followed by 4 minutes of dark, for 12 h, from 6:30 to 18:30 h, 1200 Lux provided by LED lamp series system) in the hatch, from the 18th day of incubation, influences hatchability, birth frequency and quality of broiler chicks. The results show that intermittent photostimulation from the 18th day of incubation did not change the mean duration of incubation, hatchability and physical quality of the chicks, but reduced the hatch window by 8h. Furthermore, chicks from eggs kept under intermittent photostimulation showed lower TIT than chicks from eggs incubated without photostimulation. This indicated that intermittent photostimulation at the hatcher increases hatch timing and makes the chicks more active. In Chapter 3, the dynamics of diurnal and nocturnal births and the quality of chicks from eggs exposed or not to intermittent photostimulation (1 min of light followed by 4 minutes of dark, for 12 h, from 6 am to 6 pm, 1200 Lux provided by a series system of LED lamps) from the 18th day of incubation (in the hatcher). There were no differences in total hatch rate, body weight, quality, body weight, beak-tail, beak-middle finger and leg lengths, and wing span between day and night chicks, nor between treatments (with and without photostimulation). The results reveal, for the first time in the literature, hatch discontinuity, differences between the diurnal and nocturnal hatching patterns of broiler chicks and a shorter hatch window with greater synchronism of nocturnal hatching than diurnal hatching in broiler chicks, evidencing the possibility of future management. practice of day and night withdrawal of chicks from hatchers. In Chapter 4, in turn, it was analyzed whether continuous diurnal or nocturnal photostimulation (250 Lux at the egg surface level, for 12 h, from 6 am to 6 pm and from 6 pm to 6 am) influences the development of the intestinal mucosa of broiler chicks. The results show that providing photostimulation during incubation reduces the surface temperature of eggs when exposed to photostimulation overnight. Chicks hatched from eggs hatched under photostimulation had smaller intestinal villi than chicks hatched from eggs hatched without photostimulation. This indicates that diurnal or nocturnal photostimulation during incubation did not favor the development of intestinal villi and that incubation in the absence of light seems more suitable for chicks to be born with larger intestinal villi.

Effect of incubator type and broiler breeder age on hatchability and chick quality

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of broiler breeder age and incubator type on hatching parameters, hatch window, embryo diagnosis results, and hatchling physical quality. The treatments consisted of a combination of three broiler breeder ages (29, 35 and 59 weeks of age) and two incubator types (single stage, SS; or and multiple stage, MS). A completely randomized design in a 3x2 factorial arrangement was applied. In Experiment I, 1,896 eggs were used and 360 eggs in Experiment II. There was an interaction between breeder age and incubator type only for hatchling physical quality score. Independently of incubator type, hatchability rate, late embryo mortality, and egg contamination were higher in the eggs laid by older breeders (59-wk-old). Early mortality (0-4 days) was higher in the embryos from young breeders (29-wk-old). A shorter hatch window birth was obtained in the SS incubator, resulting in higher hatchling body weight relative to egg weight, and better hatchling physical quality score. Both types of incubators provide good conditions for embryo development; however, the physical quality of chicks derived from eggs from intermediate-aged breeders (35-wk-old) is better when eggs are incubated in SS incubators.

Effect of incubator type and broiler breeder age on hatchability and chick quality

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of broiler breeder age and incubator type on hatching parameters, hatch window, embryo diagnosis results, and hatchling physical quality. The treatments consisted of a combination of three broiler breeder ages (29, 35 and 59 weeks of age) and two incubator types (single stage, SS; or and multiple stage, MS). A completely randomized design in a 3x2 factorial arrangement was applied. In Experiment I, 1,896 eggs were used and 360 eggs in Experiment II. There was an interaction between breeder age and incubator type only for hatchling physical quality score. Independently of incubator type, hatchability rate, late embryo mortality, and egg contamination were higher in the eggs laid by older breeders (59-wk-old). Early mortality (0-4 days) was higher in the embryos from young breeders (29-wk-old). A shorter hatch window birth was obtained in the SS incubator, resulting in higher hatchling body weight relative to egg weight, and better hatchling physical quality score. Both types of incubators provide good conditions for embryo development; however, the physical quality of chicks derived from eggs from intermediate-aged breeders (35-wk-old) is better when eggs are incubated in SS incubators.(AU)

Características morfofisiológicas de frangos provenientes de matrizes de diferentes idades

Foram conduzidos dois experimentos, com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da idade da matriz pesada sobre a qualidade dos ovos incubáveis e características morfofisiológicas dos embriões e pintos neonatos de frangos. No primeiro experimento foram utilizados 870 ovos férteis provenientes de três lotes de matrizes pesadas da linhagem Cobb 500®, com 39, 51 e 69 semanas de idade. Os tratamentos consistiram das idades das matrizes. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado (DIC), com três tratamentos, nove repetições de 30 ovos/repetição. Foram utilizadas três incubadoras de estágio único com capacidade para 270 ovos cada e com três bandejas de incubação cada uma. O período experimental foi de 21 dias. No segundo experimento foram utilizados 180 pintos Cobb 500® com um dia de idade e peso inicial de 45,82±2,21 g. As aves foram distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, três tratamentos, com seis repetições e 10 animais por repetição. Os tratamentos consistiram das idades das matrizes dos quais os animais eram provenientes (39, 51 e 69 semanas). O período experimental foi de 25 dias subdivididos em duas fases, pré-inicial (1 a 7 dias), inicial (8 a 21 dias) e ensaio de metabolizabilidade (21 a 25 dias). Matrizes mais velhas produzem ovos maiores, pintos maiores e mais pesados ao nascimento, e com menor índice de desidratação durante a janela de nascimento. Produzem ainda ovos com maior conteúdo de gema e albúmen, e pior qualidade de casca. O desenvolvimento embrionário inicial é mais lento se comparado aos embriões provenientes de matrizes jovens (39 semanas). Pintainhas recém-eclodidas provenientes de matrizes mais velhas (51 e 69 semanas) nascem com um número maior de fibras musculares no peito (Pectoralis major). Pintos provenientes de matrizes mais velhas apresentaram melhor desempenho, com relação à metabolizabilidade as aves provenientes das matrizes jovens foram superiores. Quando analisado a histomorfometria do TGI, com um e 21 dias de idade as aves oriundas das matrizes com 69 semanas apresentaram melhores índices, porém com sete dias de idade houve superioridade das aves de matrizes com 39 semanas. A idade da matriz afeta a qualidade do pintinho neonato, bem como a qualidade dos ovos, metabolismo embrionário e o desenvolvimento do trato gastrointestinal.

Two experiments were carried out in the Poultry Facilities of Department of Animal Science of Federal University of Goiás, Goiânia, Goiás, Brazil. The research was approved by the Animal Use Ethics Committee (AUEC) of the Federal University of Goiás (protocol No. 076/18). In the first experiment, 870 fertile eggs from three lots of heavy broiler breeders, Cobb 500® lineage, with 39, 51 and 69 weeks of age were used. The treatments consisted of the ages of the breeders. The experimental design used was completely randomized, with three treatments, nine replicates of 30 eggs/repetition. Three single-stage incubators with capacity for 270 eggs each and with three setter trays each were used. The trial period lasted 21 days. In the second experiment, 180 Cobb 500® chicks with one day of age and initial weight of 45.82±2.21 g were used. The birds were distributed in a completely randomized design, three treatments, with six replicates and 10 animals per repetition. The treatments consisted of the ages of the breeders (39, 51 and 69 weeks). The experimental period was 25 days divided into two phases, pre-initial (1 to 7 days), initial (8 to 21 days) and digestibility trial (21 to 25 days). Older breeders produced larger eggs, larger and heavier chicks at hatch, and with a lower rate of dehydration during the hatch window. Older breeders produced larger eggs with higher yolk and albumen content, with worse eggshell quality. Early embryo development is slower compared to embryos from younger breeders. Newly hatched chicks from older breeders (51 and 69 weeks) were born with a greater number of muscle fibers in their Pectoralis major muscle. Chicks from older breeders showed better performance, with respect to digestibility, birds from younger breeders were superior. When analyzing the TGI histomorphometry, at one and 21 days of age, birds from breeders with 69 weeks showed better rates, but at seven days of age there was a superiority of birds from breeders with 39 weeks. The breeder´s age affects the quality of the newborn chick, as well as the quality of eggs, embryonic metabolism and the development of the gastrointestinal tract

UMIDADE RELATIVA NO NASCEDOURO SOBRE A JANELA DE ECLOSÃO E QUALIDADE DOS PINTOS DE CORTE

Embora aumento da umidade relativa no nascedouro seja um manejo de incubatório sugerido para facilitar o rompimento da casca do ovo na eclosão, faltam dados na literatura sobre seus efeitos. O presente trabalho analisou se aumento da umidade relativa no nascedouro a partir da bicagem interna ou externa influencia a duração da incubação, a eclodibilidade, a mortalidade in ovo, as propriedades mecânicas da casca dos ovos, e a qualidade dos pintos na eclosão e sua sobrevivência e desempenho na primeira semana de vida. Para isso, ovos de matrizes de corte (Cobb 500®) foram incubados à temperatura usual e 60% de UR até a bicagem interna ou externa. A partir das bicagens, os ovos foram distribuídos entre três tratamentos no nascedouro (BI-60%: 60% de UR a partir da bicagem interna, controle; BI-65%: 65% de UR a partir da bicagem interna, BE-65%: 65% de UR a partir da bicagem externa), mantendo a temperatura de incubação usual. Os tratamentos não influenciaram a eclodibilidade, mas o aumento da umidade relativa no nascedouro a partir das bicagens interna e externa reduziu a janela de eclosão em 28,7% e 26,5% (para incubação até 504h), respectivamente. Contudo, os tratamentos aumentaram a eclosão dos pintos no período intermediário, sem alterar a duração média da incubação. BI-65% reduziu a incidência geral de problemas de perna, umbigo e saco de vitelo, enquanto que BE-65% reduziu a ocorrência de problemas de perna e de umbigo e aumentou a de problemas de saco de vitelo. BI-65% e BE-65% influenciaram a ocorrência de problemas de empenamento, de umbigo e de perna ao longo da janela de eclosão, que diminuíram no período intermediário. O tratamento BI-65% não influenciou a força de ruptura da casca dos ovos, porém ele diminuiu a deformação de ruptura. Os resultados revelam que aumento da umidade relativa a partir da bicagem interna ou externa reduz a janela de eclosão, concentra os nascimentos e reduz a incidência de problemas físicos no período intermediário. Do ponto de vista prático, nossos dados indicam que aumento da umidade relativa a partir da bicagem interna ou externa pode ser um manejo da incubação.

Although increasing relative humidity in the hatcher is a hatchery management suggested tofacilitate the breaking of the eggshell for chick hatching, lacking in the literature data on its effects. The present study examined whether higher relative humidity in the hatcher from the internal or external pipping influences incubation time, hatchability and mortality, mechanical properties of the eggshell, and the quality of the newly-hatched chicks and their survival and performance in the first week of life. For this purpose, broiler breeder eggs (Cobb 500®) were incubated at the usual temperature and 60% RH until internal or external pipping. From the pippings, the eggs were distributed among three treatments in the hatcher (IP-60%: 60% RH from the internal pipping, control, IP-65%: 65% RH from the internal pipping, EP-65%: 65% RH from the external pipping), maintaining the usual incubation temperature. Higher relative humidity in the hatcher from internal or external picking did not influence hatchability, but it reduced the hatchi window by 28.7% and 26.5%, respectively. Both treatments increased the hatchability in the intermediate period of the hatch window, without changing the average duration of incubation. BI- 65% reduced the overall incidence of leg, navel and yolk sac problems, while BE-65% reduced the occurrence of leg problems and increased the navel and yolk sac problems. IP-65% and EP-65% decreased the occurrence of feathering, navel and leg problems in the period of highest hatchability of the hatching window (intermediate period). Increase of relative humidity in the hatcher did not influence the breaking strength of the eggshell, but it decreased the rupture deformation. The results showed that increased relative humidity from the internal or external pipping reduced the hatch window by concentrating the births of the chicks in its intermediate period, and reduced the incidence of physical problems in the same period of the window of hatching. From a practical point of view, our data indicate that increasing the relative humidity from the internal or external pipping may be a management of the egg incubation.

CARACTERÍSTICAS FÍSICAS DOS OVOS E DOS PINTOS DE CORTE SOBRE O PERÍODO DE NASCIMENTO E QUALIDADE DENTRO DA JANELA DE ECLOSÃO

Eclodibilidade e qualidade dos pintos e duração da incubação são importantes no processo de incubação de ovos, e podem ser influenciados pelas características físicas dos ovos. No Capítulo 1 é apresentada uma abordagem teórica sobre o tema. No Capítulo 2 foi analisado a qualidade incubatória de ovos leves e pesados de matrizes de corte, dentro do intervalo de peso de ovo comercialmente incubável, considerando a dinâmica de nascimentos, a eclodibilidade e a qualidade geral dos pintos e ao longo da janela de eclosão, considerando incubação dos ovos até 504h (padrão dos incubatórios) e 529h (real). Para isso, ovos férteis com 56-61g (leves) e com 65-71g (pesados) de matrizes de corte Cobb foram incubados a 37,5ºC e 60% de UR, com giro a cada hora. Pintos e ovos foram analisados de acordo com o período de nascimento (precoce, intermediário e tardio: 472-485h, 485-512h e 512,5-529h de incubação, respectivamente), em ambos os pesos de ovos. Os resultados mostraram eclodibilidade similar para ovos leves e pesados até 504h e até 529h (65,8% e 86,7%; 70,7% e 87,9%; respectivamente), e aumentou de 17% e 20%, respectivamente, de 504h para 529h. Ovos pesados apresentaram janela de eclosão mais curta (2,5h para 504h de incubação e 6,6h para 529h de incubação) e maior concentração de nascimentos de pintos intermediários que os ovos leves. Pintos de ovos leves apresentaram melhor qualidade devido à menor incidência de problemas de alantoide e atividade. Pintos precoces de ovos leves apresentaram a melhor qualidade comparada aos demais pintos do mesmo peso de ovo e aos pintos dos ovos pesados. De acordo com os resultados, ovos leves apresentam maior qualidade incubatória no que se refere à qualidade dos pintos, enquanto os ovos pesados apresentam maior qualidade incubatória quando se considera janela de eclosão e sincronismo na eclosão. Tais resultados mostram que aumento da produção de pintos precoces deve ser meta a ser alcançada pelos incubatórios. No Capítulo 3, foi estudado se características físicas dos pintos e dos ovos (leves e pesados) determinam o período de nascimento de pintos dentro da janela natural de eclosão. Para isso foi adotado o mesmo protocolo de incubação e delineamento experimental utilizado no Capítulo 2. Os resultados mostraram que pintos precoces apresentam maior tamanho de bico e são provenientes de ovos com maior tamanho de câmara de ar. Tais resultados mostram, pela primeira vez na literatura, relação do período de nascimento dos pintos dentro da janela de eclosão com o tamanho da câmara de ar e do bico. Eles sugerem a possibilidade do tamanho do bico ser levado em consideração em futuros estudos de seleção genética para aumentar a produção de pintos precoces, o que parece interessante uma vez que há a possibilidade de aves com maior tamanho de bico apresentarem maior ingestão de alimentos e, consequentemente, menor período de crescimento.

Hatchability and chick quality, and incubation duration are important for the egg incubation process, and they may to be influenced by physical characteristics of the eggs. Chapter 1 presents a theorical approach on this theme. Chapter 2 compared the quality for incubation of light and heavy eggs from broiler breeders, within the egg weight interval recommended for incubation based on birth dynamics, hatchability, and general quality of the chicks and chick quality throughout hatch window until 504h and 529h. For this, fertile light (56-61g) and heavy (65-71g) eggs from broiler breeders were incubated at usual conditions (37.5ºC, 60% RH, egg turning each hour until 18º day). Physical characteristics of eggs and chicks were analyzed according to birth period (early, intermediate and later: 472-485h, 485-512h e 512.5-529h of incubation, respectively). The results showed similar hatchability for light and heavy eggs until 504h and 529h (65.8% and 86.7%; 70.7% and 87.9%; respectively), as well as a 17% and 20% increase in the hatchability, respectively, from 504h to 529h. Heavy eggs presented a shorter hatch window and a higher rate of intermediate chicks compared to light eggs. Chicks from light eggs had better quality compared to other chicks due to low occurrence of alantoic cord and low activity. Thus, light eggs presented better quality for incubation resulting of better chick quality, whereas heavy eggs had good quality for incubation because their short hatch window and simultaneous higher hatch synchronism. These results show higher production of early chicks should be preconized by hatcheries. In Chapter 3, the relation of the physical characteristics of the eggs and newly hatched chicks with the birth period within the hatch window was analyzed. The egg incubation was realized following the same procedure used in Chapter 2. Early chicks had longer beak and hatched from eggs containing larger air chamber than intermediate and later chicks. These results show, by the first time in the literature, a relation between incubation duration and beak and air chamber size. They suggest beak length should be considered in genetic selection studies to increase the production of earlier chicks, and this is very interesting once broilers presenting greater beak size may have higher feed intake and, consequently, shorter growth period before slaughter.

RENDIMENTO DE INCUBAÇÃO DE OVOS DE MATRIZES DE FRANGOS DE CRESCIMENTO LENTO

xv RESUMO Foram realizados dois experimentos com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da idade da matriz de crescimento lento sobre a qualidade do ovo incubável, rendimento de incubação, escore de qualidade do pinto, histomorfometria de órgãos, qualidade imunológica dos pintos e desempenho na fase inicial. Os tratamentos foram duas idades de matrizes, 38 e 51 semanas, da linhagem Isa Label Pescoço Pelado. Em ambos os experimentos foram utilizados um total de 630 ovos, distribuídos em três incubadoras (bloco), sendo 210 ovos em cada uma. No estudo da qualidade do ovo incubável utilizou-se 45 ovos por tratamento. Ovos oriundos de matrizes de 51 semanas de idade tiveram maior peso e percentagem de gema apresentando ainda, maior perda de peso até a transferência. Pintos provenientes de matrizes de 38 semanas tiveram menor janela de nascimento. Matrizes de 51 semanas de idade resultaram em uma progênie de melhor qualidade, com pintos mais pesados à eclosão e de melhor qualidade intestinal. No segundo experimento os tratamentos consistiram de duas idades de matrizes de crescimento lento Isa Label Pescoço Pelado, 38 e 51 semanas de idade, e dois tempos de eclosão, precoce: pintos que eclodiram entre 479 a 485 horas de incubação; e tardio: entre 491 e 497 horas. O delineamento adotado foi em blocos casualizados, em arranjo fatorial 2x2, sendo os fatores a idade da matriz e o tempo de eclosão. Um total de 384 pintos de um dia de idade, com peso médio inicial de 38,87 g ±3,88 g oriundos do ensaio de incubação foram alojados em gaiolas para avaliação do desempenho. Ocorreu interação significativa para o peso do neonato, sendo que aqueles oriundos de matrizes jovens eclodidos em tempo precoce apresentaram menor peso quando comparados aos demais tratamentos. A idade da matriz influenciou no ganho de peso da progênie até os 21 dias de idade. Pintos que eclodiram em tempo tardio, tiveram maior absorção de resíduo vitelino e maior desenvolvimento intestinal aos sete dias de idade. Pintos de matrizes mais jovens que eclodem em tempo precoce (479-485 h) são de pior qualidade com relação ao peso vivo.

xvi ABSTRACT Two experiments were conducted to evaluate effects of slow growing breeder age on hatching egg quality, incubation yield, chick quality score, organ histomorphometry, immunological quality of chicks and performance in the initial phase. The treatments were two breeders age, 38 and 51 weeks, of Isa Label Naked Neck strain. In both experiments a total of 630 eggs were used, distributed in three incubators (block), being 210 eggs in each. In the egg quality study, 45 eggs per treatment were used. Eggs from breeders of 51 wk-old had greater weight and percentage of yolk, presenting even greater weight loss until transfer. Chicks from breeders at 38 wk-old had a smaller hatch window. Breeders of 51 wk-old resulted in a better progeny, with heavier hatching chicks and better intestinal quality. In the second experiment the treatments consisted of two ages of slow growing matts Isa Label Naked Neck, 38 and 51 wk-old, and two hatching times, early: chicks that hatched between 479 to 485 hours of incubation; and late: between 491 and 497 hours. The experimente was conducted in a randomized block design in factorial scheme 2x2, being the factors the breeder age and hatching time. A total of 384 one-day-old chicks with an initial mean weight of 38.87 g ± 3.88 g from the incubation trial were placed in cages for performance evaluation. Significant interaction were observed for neonate chicken body weight, and those from young mothers hatched in early time showed lighter weight compared to the other treatments. Broiler breeders age influenced the body weight gain up to 21 days of age. Chicks that has hatched in the late time, had a more eficiente use of residual yolk and greater intestinal development at 7 days of age. Chicks from younger breeders has hatched early (479-485 h) showed the worst body weight.

EXTRATO DE RESÍDUO DE GOIABA COMO ANTIOXIDANTE ZOOTÉCNICO NA RAÇÃO DE CODORNAS (Coturnix japonica)

Objetivou-se avaliar o uso do extrato de resíduo de goiaba como um antioxidante zootécnico nas dietas de matrizes de codornas Japonesas sobre os parâmetros de desempenho produtivo das matrizes em fase de postura, qualidade de ovos, incubação e parâmetros de qualidade e desenvolvimento intestinal das codornas neonatas oriundas de ovos dessas matrizes. Foram realizados três experimentos no aviário experimental da Escola de Veterinária e Zootecnia da Universidade Federal de Goiás (EVZ/UFG) e em todos adotou-se delineamento inteiramente casualizado (DIC). No experimento 1, foram utilizadas 384 matrizes de codornas Japonesas, sendo 288 fêmeas e 96 machos, distribuídos em 4 tratamento, de acordo com o nível de inclusão do extrato de goiaba na dieta das matrizes, com 6 repetições cada tratamento, num total de 12 fêmeas e 4 machos em cada repetição. Os níveis de inclusão do extrato de goiaba foram: 0,0%, 0,3%, 0,6% e 0,9%. No experimento 2, 162 ovos por tratamento foram coletados durante três dias e incubados ao final do terceiro dia, num total de 648 ovos. No experimento 3, 432 ovos foram coletados e incubados em esquema fatorial que considerava dois períodos de armazenamento pré incubação 216 ovos com nove dias e 216 ovos com três dias e os quatros níveis de inclusão do extrato de goiaba na dieta das matrizes. Os resultados dos dados de desempenho foram submetidos à análise de variância e os dados de qualidade de ovos foram submetidos à análise de regressão. Os parâmetros de qualidade das codornas neonatas foram submetidos à análise de regressão. As janelas de eclosão foram submetidas ao teste de Tukey, as análises de embriodiagnóstico e percentagem de escore foram avaliadas pelo teste exato de Fisher, as análises de altura de vilosidades e profundidade de criptas intestinais foram submetidas à análise de variância. Em todas as análises adotou-se 5% de probabilidade. A utilização do extrato de goiaba não influenciou o desempenho das aves nem a qualidade físico-química dos ovos. No experimento 2 não houve diferença estatística para percentagem de eclosão total e percentagem de eclosão/férteis, janela de eclosão e escore de qualidade das codornas neonatas entre os quatro níveis de inclusão do extrato. A dispersão dos nascimentos no tratamento com 0,0% de inclusão de extrato de goiaba foi menor do que as demais dispersões. Ao nível 0,3% de inclusão, o extrato de goiaba promoveu melhorias no desenvolvimento intestinal das codornas neonatas. No experimento 3, a inclusão do extrato de goiaba foi capaz de padronizar a dispersão dos nascimentos em ambos os períodos de armazenamento e promover a manutenção do desenvolvimento intestinal das codornas neonatas oriundas de ovos armazenados por nove dias. Conclui-se que o uso do extrato de goiaba não afetou o desempenho produtivo das matrizes e auxiliou na padronização das janelas de eclosão bem como no desenvolvimento intestinal das codornas neonatas.

The objective of this essay was to evaluate the use of guava extract processing as an antioxidant additive on the diet of Japanese quail matrices about the parameters on the matrices fertile performance on posture phase and the newborn quail parameters in the quality and internal health resulted from the eggs of these matrices. Three experiments were done in the School of Veterinary and Animal Science in the Federal University of Goiás (EVZ/UFG) and in all three of them, it was adopted the completely randomized design (CRD). In the first experiment, 384 Japanese quail matrices were used, 288 being females and 96 males, distributed in 4 groups, following the level of guava extract inclusion on the diet of the matrices, with a recurrence of 6 times each group, in a total of 12 females and 4 males in each recurrence. The levels of guava extract inclusion were 0,0%, 0,3%, 0,6% and 0,9%. In the second experiment, it were collected 162 eggs from each group during three days and at the end of the third day they were put in the incubator, in a total of 648 eggs. In the third experiment, 432 eggs were collected and put in the incubator in a factorial arrangement that considered two periods of preincubation storage 216 eggs with nine days and 216 eggs with 3 days and the four levels of guava extract inclusion on the diet of the matrices. The performance data results were submitted to the variance analysis and the quality data of the eggs were submitted to the regression analysis. The newborn quails quality parameters were submitted to the regression analysis. The hatch window were submitted to the Tukeys test, the embryo diagnosis and the score percentage were assessed by Fishers exact test, the villus height analysis and intestinal crypt depth were submitted to the variance analysis. It was adopted in all the analysis 5% of probability. The use of guava extract has not influenced neither the birds performance nor the physicochemical quality of the eggs. In the second experiment, there was no statistical difference to the percentage of total hatch and the percentage of hatch/fertile, hatch window and the quality score of the newborn quails among the four levels of extract inclusion. The birth dispersal in the group with 0,0% of guava extract inclusion was lower than the other dispersions. 0,3% level of inclusion, the guava extract promoted improvements in the newborn quails intestinal health. In the third experiment, the guava extract inclusion was able to standardize the birth dispersal in both storage periods and promote the maintenance of the newborn quails resulted from the eggs stored for nine days. This study concludes that the use of the guava extract has not affected the matrices fertile performance and helped to standardize the hatch window as well as promoting intestinal health of the newborn quails.