Effects of In-Ovo Rutin Injection to Fertile Japanese Quail (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica) Egg on Hatchability, Embryonic Death, Hatchling Weight, and Hatchling Liver Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress

This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effects of the antioxidant rutin injected in fertilized quail eggs on incubation parameters and some hatchling liver biochemical parameters. The study was carried out with 6 groups including a control group and 5 different doses of rutin, and it involved 720 fresh Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) eggs. It was observed that rutin dose did not affect the early embryo mortality, whereas intermediate and late embryo mortality rates were higher in all groups given rutin in comparison to the control group. The mean hatchability of fertile eggs and total eggs for the control, 0.25 mg, 0.50 mg, 0.75 mg, 1 mg and 1.5 mg groups were calculated as 82.06, 82.23, 64.43, 68.84, 44.08, 22.95 % and 48.10, 55.49, 34.33, 33.00, 18.03, 8.45% respectively. Compared with the control group, hatchling mortality rate was higher only in the 0.25 rutin group, and lower in all other groups receiving rutin in-ovo. The highest hatchling weight was found in the 0.25 mg rutin group, and hatchling weight decreased as rutin dose increased. Consequently, considering the mortality rates, hatchling weights, and liver antioxidant/oxidant capacities of the hatchlings, it is believed that the in-ovo injection of 0.25 mg rutin may be useful for Japanese quail production.(AU)

Effects of In-Ovo Rutin Injection to Fertile Japanese Quail (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica) Egg on Hatchability, Embryonic Death, Hatchling Weight, and Hatchling Liver Oxidative and Nitrosative Stress

This study was conducted with the aim of investigating the effects of the antioxidant rutin injected in fertilized quail eggs on incubation parameters and some hatchling liver biochemical parameters. The study was carried out with 6 groups including a control group and 5 different doses of rutin, and it involved 720 fresh Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica) eggs. It was observed that rutin dose did not affect the early embryo mortality, whereas intermediate and late embryo mortality rates were higher in all groups given rutin in comparison to the control group. The mean hatchability of fertile eggs and total eggs for the control, 0.25 mg, 0.50 mg, 0.75 mg, 1 mg and 1.5 mg groups were calculated as 82.06, 82.23, 64.43, 68.84, 44.08, 22.95 % and 48.10, 55.49, 34.33, 33.00, 18.03, 8.45% respectively. Compared with the control group, hatchling mortality rate was higher only in the 0.25 rutin group, and lower in all other groups receiving rutin in-ovo. The highest hatchling weight was found in the 0.25 mg rutin group, and hatchling weight decreased as rutin dose increased. Consequently, considering the mortality rates, hatchling weights, and liver antioxidant/oxidant capacities of the hatchlings, it is believed that the in-ovo injection of 0.25 mg rutin may be useful for Japanese quail production.

Comparison of Several Turning Frequencies During the Storage Period of Red-Legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa) Hatching Eggs

The effects of three egg-turning regimes during the pre-incubation storage period on egg weight loss, hatchability, embryonic mortality, chick weight at hatching and incubation length of red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) compared with unturned eggs were investigated. Two hundred eggs were allocated to four 50-egg batches stored at 15ºC and 80% RH that being turned one, four and 24 times a day or remaining unturned, respectively. Eggs were incubated at 37.8ºC and 55% RH during the first 21 days and at 37.5ºC and 75% RH until hatching. Fertility was 70.5% and a good hatchability performance was obtained, characterised by 81.6% hatchability of fertile eggs, and weight losses of 0.78% during storage and of 10.04% during the first 21 days of incubation, 13.6 ±0.1 g hatchling weight, and incubation length of 23.45 ± 0.07 days (mean ± SEM). Hatchability, embryonic mortality developmental stage, egg weight loss during storage and incubation, hatchling weight and length of the incubation period were not affected by the turning frequency or the absence of turning during storage. Higher hatching synchrony was observed for eggs turned four times a day compared with unturned eggs and eggs turned once a day. In conclusion, turning red-legged partridge eggs during medium-term storage periods does not improve egg viability compared with unturned eggs.(AU)

Comparison of Several Turning Frequencies During the Storage Period of Red-Legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa) Hatching Eggs

The effects of three egg-turning regimes during the pre-incubation storage period on egg weight loss, hatchability, embryonic mortality, chick weight at hatching and incubation length of red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) compared with unturned eggs were investigated. Two hundred eggs were allocated to four 50-egg batches stored at 15ºC and 80% RH that being turned one, four and 24 times a day or remaining unturned, respectively. Eggs were incubated at 37.8ºC and 55% RH during the first 21 days and at 37.5ºC and 75% RH until hatching. Fertility was 70.5% and a good hatchability performance was obtained, characterised by 81.6% hatchability of fertile eggs, and weight losses of 0.78% during storage and of 10.04% during the first 21 days of incubation, 13.6 ±0.1 g hatchling weight, and incubation length of 23.45 ± 0.07 days (mean ± SEM). Hatchability, embryonic mortality developmental stage, egg weight loss during storage and incubation, hatchling weight and length of the incubation period were not affected by the turning frequency or the absence of turning during storage. Higher hatching synchrony was observed for eggs turned four times a day compared with unturned eggs and eggs turned once a day. In conclusion, turning red-legged partridge eggs during medium-term storage periods does not improve egg viability compared with unturned eggs.

Effect of Egg Weight on External and Internal Qualities, Physiological and Hatching Success of Japanese Quail Eggs (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of egg weight and egg physical characteristics on embryonic development, hatchability, and hatchling weight of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). In total, 689 eggs were classified in two categories: small ( 13.5 g) or large (13.5 g), and different external eggshell and internal quality traits were measured. On days 6 and 14 of incubation, tissue triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) were extracted from embryos in both egg sizes and analyzed. Relative to internal egg-quality traits, large eggs had significantly higher yolk height, yolk diameter, yolk weight, albumen height, and albumen weight than small eggs (p0.01). However, Haugh unit score (p=0.27) was not significantly different between the two egg sizes. Relative to eggshell quality parameters, large eggs had significantly higher total pore count, surface area, eggshell volume, and eggshell weight than small eggs (p0.05), with consequent higher hatchability rate and hatchling weight. Pearsons correlation coefficients revealed significant correlations (p0.05) between egg weight and different external and internal egg quality parameters. Thyroid hormone levels were not significantly different between egg groups on d 6 day, while on d 14, a significant difference was recorded (p0.05). In conclusion, larger egg sizes are recommended to obtain better hatchability, lower embryonic death rates, and heavier hatchlings compared with smaller eggs of Japanese quails.(AU)

Effect of Egg Weight on External and Internal Qualities, Physiological and Hatching Success of Japanese Quail Eggs (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of egg weight and egg physical characteristics on embryonic development, hatchability, and hatchling weight of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). In total, 689 eggs were classified in two categories: small ( 13.5 g) or large (13.5 g), and different external eggshell and internal quality traits were measured. On days 6 and 14 of incubation, tissue triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) were extracted from embryos in both egg sizes and analyzed. Relative to internal egg-quality traits, large eggs had significantly higher yolk height, yolk diameter, yolk weight, albumen height, and albumen weight than small eggs (p0.01). However, Haugh unit score (p=0.27) was not significantly different between the two egg sizes. Relative to eggshell quality parameters, large eggs had significantly higher total pore count, surface area, eggshell volume, and eggshell weight than small eggs (p0.05), with consequent higher hatchability rate and hatchling weight. Pearsons correlation coefficients revealed significant correlations (p0.05) between egg weight and different external and internal egg quality parameters. Thyroid hormone levels were not significantly different between egg groups on d 6 day, while on d 14, a significant difference was recorded (p0.05). In conclusion, larger egg sizes are recommended to obtain better hatchability, lower embryonic death rates, and heavier hatchlings compared with smaller eggs of Japanese quails.

Influência dos níveis de CO2 e do tipo de incubadora sobre o desempenho zootécnico e morfometria cardíaca de frangos de corte / Influence of CO2 levels and type of incubator on the performance of broilers

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar incubadoras de estágio múltiplo e único e diferentes níveis de CO2 sobre o desempenho, número e diâmetro das fibras musculares, morfometria cardíaca e rendimento de carcaça de frangos de corte. Foram incubados 2.520 ovos férteis em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, distribuídos em quatro níveis de CO2 (4.000, 6.000, 8.000 e 10.000ppm) em incubadoras de estágio único durante os primeiros dez dias de incubação e um tratamento controle utilizando uma incubadora de estágio múltiplo, totalizando cinco tratamentos com 504 ovos em cada um. Após a eclosão, 1.050 pintos machos foram alojados de acordo com o delineamento utilizado no incubatório. A hipercapnia aplicada nos primeiros 10 dias de incubação afetou o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar dos pintos na primeira semana de vida, no entanto, esses efeitos não foram mantidos até o final do período de criação. Não houve efeito de incubadoras ou da hipercapnia sobre a morfometria muscular e cardíaca. Houve maior rendimento de coxas das aves na idade de abate oriundas de incubadoras em estágio único com até 6.000 ppm de CO2, quando comparadas à incubação em máquinas de estágio múltiplo. Esse efeito pode ser atribuído à maior vascularização induzida pela hipercapnia precoce.

The aim of this work was to assess single and multiple-stage incubators and different CO2 levels over performance, number and diameter of muscle fibers, cardiac morphometry and carcass yield of broilers. Two thousand five hundred and twenty fertile eggs were randomly allocated and distributed into four different CO2 levels (4,000, 6,000, 8,000 and 10,000ppm) during the first ten days of incubation. After hatchling, 1,050 male chicks were placed into an experimental barn following the design used in the hatchery. Induced hypercapnia during the first ten days affected weight gain and feed conversion ratio of one-week-old chicks. However, these aspects did not last until the end of the rearing period. There was no effect of either hatchers or hypercapnia on number and diameter of muscle fibers and cardiac morphometry. Higher thigh yield was noted in the birds from single-stage incubators up to 6,000ppm of CO2. This fact is explained through higher vascularization caused by premature hypercapnia.

Influência dos níveis de CO2 e do tipo de incubadora sobre o desempenho zootécnico e morfometria cardíaca de frangos de corte / Influence of CO2 levels and type of incubator on the performance of broilers

O objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar incubadoras de estágio múltiplo e único e diferentes níveis de CO2 sobre o desempenho, número e diâmetro das fibras musculares, morfometria cardíaca e rendimento de carcaça de frangos de corte. Foram incubados 2.520 ovos férteis em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, distribuídos em quatro níveis de CO2 (4.000, 6.000, 8.000 e 10.000ppm) em incubadoras de estágio único durante os primeiros dez dias de incubação e um tratamento controle utilizando uma incubadora de estágio múltiplo, totalizando cinco tratamentos com 504 ovos em cada um. Após a eclosão, 1.050 pintos machos foram alojados de acordo com o delineamento utilizado no incubatório. A hipercapnia aplicada nos primeiros 10 dias de incubação afetou o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar dos pintos na primeira semana de vida, no entanto, esses efeitos não foram mantidos até o final do período de criação. Não houve efeito de incubadoras ou da hipercapnia sobre a morfometria muscular e cardíaca. Houve maior rendimento de coxas das aves na idade de abate oriundas de incubadoras em estágio único com até 6.000 ppm de CO2, quando comparadas à incubação em máquinas de estágio múltiplo. Esse efeito pode ser atribuído à maior vascularização induzida pela hipercapnia precoce.(AU)

The aim of this work was to assess single and multiple-stage incubators and different CO2 levels over performance, number and diameter of muscle fibers, cardiac morphometry and carcass yield of broilers. Two thousand five hundred and twenty fertile eggs were randomly allocated and distributed into four different CO2 levels (4,000, 6,000, 8,000 and 10,000ppm) during the first ten days of incubation. After hatchling, 1,050 male chicks were placed into an experimental barn following the design used in the hatchery. Induced hypercapnia during the first ten days affected weight gain and feed conversion ratio of one-week-old chicks. However, these aspects did not last until the end of the rearing period. There was no effect of either hatchers or hypercapnia on number and diameter of muscle fibers and cardiac morphometry. Higher thigh yield was noted in the birds from single-stage incubators up to 6,000ppm of CO2. This fact is explained through higher vascularization caused by premature hypercapnia.(AU)

Effects of Hen Age and Egg Weight Class on the Hatchability of Free Range Indigenous Chicken Eggs

In total, 806 eggs of free-range Hassawi indigenous chickens were collected from local farm in Saudi Arabia. Eggs were weekly collected for 11 weeks. Initial egg weight (IEW) was recorded, and eggs were graded into four classes (A: 35-40 g, B: 40-45 g, C: 45-50 g, and D: 50-55 g). Eggs were stored for seven days at 75-80% relative humidity and 14-16 C, after which egg weight losses (WL0) were calculated. During incubation, eggs were weighed on days 7 (W7) and 14 (W14), and egg weight losses on days 7 (WL7) and 14 (WL14), and total loss (WL0-14) were calculated. Hatchling weight (CW) was measured. The proportion of CW relative to egg weight loss (WL) on days0, 7 and 14 days of incubation (CW:WL0; CW:WL7 and CW:WL14, respectively), and break out analyses, fertility (F),total hatchability (HC) and hatchability of fertile eggs (HF) were also calculated. IEW decreased (p 0.05) with hen age. Stored egg weight (SEW) were decreased as hen age increased (p 0.05). WL7, WL14 and WL0-14 showed significant differences (p 0.001) and increased up to first six-week of egg collection time. Hen age affected CW:WL before incubation, and on days 7 and 14 of incubation. Fertility (F) was affected (p 0.05) in unpredicted way of increasing and decreasing by hen age. Egg weight class affected SEW, W7and W14 (p 0.001). Class D eggs were the highest weight. Class C eggs had highest HC. In summary, hatching eggs of Hassawi hens were affected by hen age and egg weight in randomly increase and decrease(AU)

Effects of Hen Age and Egg Weight Class on the Hatchability of Free Range Indigenous Chicken Eggs

In total, 806 eggs of free-range Hassawi indigenous chickens were collected from local farm in Saudi Arabia. Eggs were weekly collected for 11 weeks. Initial egg weight (IEW) was recorded, and eggs were graded into four classes (A: 35-40 g, B: 40-45 g, C: 45-50 g, and D: 50-55 g). Eggs were stored for seven days at 75-80% relative humidity and 14-16 C, after which egg weight losses (WL0) were calculated. During incubation, eggs were weighed on days 7 (W7) and 14 (W14), and egg weight losses on days 7 (WL7) and 14 (WL14), and total loss (WL0-14) were calculated. Hatchling weight (CW) was measured. The proportion of CW relative to egg weight loss (WL) on days0, 7 and 14 days of incubation (CW:WL0; CW:WL7 and CW:WL14, respectively), and break out analyses, fertility (F),total hatchability (HC) and hatchability of fertile eggs (HF) were also calculated. IEW decreased (p 0.05) with hen age. Stored egg weight (SEW) were decreased as hen age increased (p 0.05). WL7, WL14 and WL0-14 showed significant differences (p 0.001) and increased up to first six-week of egg collection time. Hen age affected CW:WL before incubation, and on days 7 and 14 of incubation. Fertility (F) was affected (p 0.05) in unpredicted way of increasing and decreasing by hen age. Egg weight class affected SEW, W7and W14 (p 0.001). Class D eggs were the highest weight. Class C eggs had highest HC. In summary, hatching eggs of Hassawi hens were affected by hen age and egg weight in randomly increase and decrease

EFFECT OF TEMPERATURE AND DIET (STARCH AND FIBER) ON EMBRYONIC DEVELOPMENT, ENERGY METABOLISM AND GROWTH OF RED-FOOTED TORTOISE (Chelonoidis carbonaria).

Existe pouca informação sobre as condições de incubação dos ovos, necessidades nutricionais e de manejo em cativeiro de jabutis piranga (Chelonoidis carbonaria) para a conservação. No primeiro estudo desta dissertação considerou-se que embriões de répteis respondem às mudanças da temperatura com ajustes metabólicos e fisiológicos que influenciam o sucesso de eclosão, fenótipo, e taxa de crescimento. As mudanças climáticas e o aquecimento global podem afetar as populações de répteis e a incubação artificial tem sido proposta como uma estratégia potencial para estudar e mitigar esses efeitos. Foram coletados ovos de jabuti piranga e incubados artificialmente às temperaturas constantes de 27,5°C e 29,5°C para determinar o efeito da temperatura no desenvolvimento embrionário mediante ovoscopia; a morfologia e a taxa de crescimento inicial do filhote. Os efeitos diretos da temperatura no período de incubação, massa perdida de ovos, índice de eclosão, tamanho e peso do filhote foram avaliados na eclosão e aos três meses de idade. Filhotes produzidos à 29,5°C apresentaram períodos de incubação mais curtos (141 dias) do que os de 27,5°C (201 dias; p <0,05). A perda de massa de ovo, o peso e tamanho do filhote na eclosão não foram diferentes entre as temperaturas de incubação (P> 0,05). No entanto, o índice de incubação (taxa de sobrevivência) foi menor (64,5% versus 100%) em ovos incubados a 29,5°C, mas o peso e a largura do plastrão dos filhotes foram maiores aos 3 meses de idade do que para os filhotes dos ovos incubados a 27,5°C (p <0,05). Esses resultados indicam claramente que a temperatura de incubação tem uma influência importante no sucesso eclosão e no tamanho e peso dos filhotes nos primeiros meses, influenciando a taxa de crescimento inicial. O segundo objeto de estudo considerou que alterações da carapaça são um problema importante, observado em muitos zoológicos e criatórios ao redor do mundo. O objetivo do estudo foi determinar o efeito de dois alimentos, um com elevado teor de fibra e outro com elevado teor de amido, sobre o metabolismo energético, digestibilidade dos nutrientes e crescimento do jabuti piranga. Seguindo um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com 20 filhotes recém eclodidos, aleatoriamente divididos em duas rações experimentais (10 filhotes por ração). O estudo teve uma duração de 18 meses, período no qual os filhotes receberam apenas sua respectiva dieta experimental, e água ad libitum. As avaliações realizadas nos animais incluíram: determinação dos coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente dos nutrientes e tempo de trânsito gastrointestinal aos 5 e 11 meses; determinação da taxa metabólica em repouso e pós-prandial, com cálculo do incremento calórico em câmaras de respirometría por calorimetria indireta aos 6 e 12 meses; avaliação do crescimento e características da carapaça, com especial atenção à formação de piramidismo; e determinação da composição corporal por absorciometria de raio-X de dupla energia (DXA) quando os animais atingiram 250 g de peso vivo. Valores de P<0,05 foram considerados significativos. As análises foram conduzidas pelo R Studio Software (versão 3.2.3, AT). Os animais alimentados com a dieta alto amido apresentaram maiores consumos massa-específicos de matéria seca (12,75±3,11mg) em comparação aos animais da dieta alta fibra (10,20±3,37mg) (P<0,05). Apresentaram, ainda, menores tempos de trânsito e retenção gastrointestinal dos alimentos, de 2,95±1,01 e 8,09±2,05 dias, respectivamente (P<0,05), em comparação aos animais alimentados com dieta alta fibra (4,23±1,40 e 10,05±2,41 dias, respectivamente). Maiores eficiências digestivas dos nutrientes avaliados foram observadas em animais alimentados com a dieta com alto amido, com coeficiente de digestibilidade aparente da energia de 75,73±2,68% em comparação a 68,10±2,35% para a dieta alta fibra (P<0,05). A digestibilidade aparente da proteína bruta, no entanto, foi maior na dieta com alta fibra (P<0,05). Em relação à produção de calor em repouso e pós prandial na temperatura de preferência, estas não foram afetadas pela dieta (P>0,05). Foram observados incrementos calóricos de 43,85±14,92 e 41,33±14,66 kJ/kg/dia para as dietas alto amido e alta fibra, respectivamente (P>0,05). Os animais alimentados com a dieta de alto amido apresentaram aos 13 meses maiores larguras do plastrão e da carapaça, resultando em maiores taxas de crescimento da largura da carapaça do que os filhotes alimentados com a ração alta fibra (P<0,05). Sob as duas dietas animais desenvolveram carapaças com aparência piramidal, mas os alimentados com alto amido desenvolveram alterações de piramidismo com maior intensidade (P<0,05). Adicionalmente, os filhotes alimentados com alto amido apresentaram menor conteúdo mineral (1,88±0,15% versus 2,15±0,19%) e menor densidade óssea (0,13±0,01g/mm2 versus 0,15±0,02g/mm2) do que os alimentados com alta fibra (P<0,05), reforçando a piora na formação da carapaça. No terceiro estudo, filhotes alimentados com a dieta alta em fibra foram mantidos à duas temperaturas (18°C e 28°C), para avaliar o efeito da temperatura no consumo de energia bruta e digestível, taxa metabólica em repouso e pós-prandial aos 6 e 12 meses, e a temperatura corporal superficial. Maior consumo massa específico de energia bruta e ganho de peso foram obtidos na primavera e verão. A maior e menor taxa metabólica em repouso à 28°C foram obtidas na primavera e inverno, respectivamente. À 28°C, os animais apresentaram maior consumo diário de energia bruta e digestível, consumo de oxigênio, produção de CO2, e taxa metabólica em repouso e pós-prandial, sendo a produção de calor em repouso de 30,56±4,07kJ/kg/dia à 28°C e de apenas 7,71±1,26kJ/kg/dia à 18°C (P<0,05). Coeficiente do incremento calórico específico foi também afetado pela temperatura, sendo a digestão menos dispendiosa energeticamente à 28°C do que a 18°C (P<0,05). Coeficientes respiratórios atípicos foram observados à 18°C (0,30-0,50). Adicionalmente uma forte influência da massa corporal foi descrita na taxa metabólica em repouso com exponente alométrico de 0,62 e 0,92 à 28°C e 18°C, respectivamente. E observou-se a prioridade de termorregular a temperatura superficial da cabeça sob temperatura baixa, e os animais apresentaram temperaturas corporais superficiais maiores pós alimentação. Como conclusão, o presente trabalho indica a importância de se considerar o efeito da temperatura e da composição da dieta no metabolismo energético e crescimento de jabuti piranga. Alimentos com maior energia digestível, como elevado amido pode induzir crescimento mais acelerado da carapaça com menor mineralização. Adicionalmente a importância de considerar a diferencia dos requerimentos de energia em diferentes regimes térmicos.

There is very little information about egg incubation conditions, nutrient requirements, and captive management of the red-footed tortoise (Chelonoidis carbonaria) for conservation purposes. In the first study of this thesis, it was considered that reptile embryos respond to temperature changes with metabolic and physiological adjustments that influence hatchling success, phenotype, behaviour, and growth rate. Climate change and global warming can affect the reptile population by altering the frequencies of hatchling survival and phenotypes. Therefore, previous studies proposed artificial incubation as a potential strategy for mitigating these effects. Red footed tortoise eggs were collected and incubated at constant temperatures of 27.5°C and 29.5°C to investigate the physiological effects of temperature on embryo development, hatchling morphology and early growth rate. The direct effects of temperature on the incubation period, lost egg mass, hatching index, hatchling size, and mass were evaluated at hatching and at three months of age. Hatchlings from 29.5°C presented shorter incubation times (141 says) than those from 27.5°C (201 days; P<0.05). Egg mass loss, hatchling mass, and size at hatching were not different between the incubation temperatures (P>0.05). However, the hatching index (survival rate) was lower (64.5% versus 100%) in eggs incubated at 29.5°C, but the hatchling mass and straight plastron width were higher at 3 months of age than those for eggs incubated at 27.5°C (P<0.05). These results clearly indicate that incubation temperature has an important influence on hatchling success and hatchling size and mass in the first months by influencing the early growth rate. The second objective of the thesis considered that changes in the carapace are an important problem, observed in many zoos around the world. The objective was to determine the effect of two diets, one with a high fiber content and the other with a high starch content, on energy metabolism, nutrient digestibility, and growth of the red footed tortoise. Following a completely randomized design, with 20 hatchlings, randomly divided into two experimental diets (10 hatchlings per feed). The study lasted 18 months, during which the animals received only their respective experimental diet, and water ad libitum. The evaluations performed on the animals included: determination of the apparent digestibility coefficients of the nutrients and gastrointestinal transit time at 5 and 11 months; determination of the metabolic rate at rest and postprandial, with calculation of the heat increment in respirometry chambers by indirect calorimetry at 6 and 12 months; evaluation of the growth and characteristics of the carapace, with special attention to the formation of pyramiding; and determination of body composition by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) when the animals reached 250 g of body mass. Values of P <0.05 were considered significant. The analyzes were conducted by R Studio Software (version 3.2.3, AT). Animals fed with the high starch diet showed higher mass-specific dry matter intake (12.75±3.11mg) compared to animals fed with the high fiber diet (10.20±3.37mg) (P<0.05). They also presented shorter transit times and gastrointestinal retention of food, of 2.95±1.01 and 8.09±2.05 days, respectively (P<0.05), compared to animals fed a high fiber diet. (4.23±1.40 and 10.05±2.41 days, respectively). Higher digestive efficiencies of the evaluated nutrients were observed in animals fed with the high starch diet, with an apparent energy digestibility coefficient of 75.73±2.68% compared to 68.10±2.35% for the high fiber diet. (P<0.05). The apparent digestibility of crude protein, however, was higher in the high fiber diet (P<0.05). Regarding the production of heat production at rest and post-prandial at the preferred temperature, these were not affected by the diet (P>0.05). Heat increments of 43.85 ± 14.92 and 41.33 ± 14.66 kJ/kg/day were observed for the high starch and high fiber diet, respectively (P>0.05). The animals fed with the high starch diet presented, at 13 months, wider plastrons and carapaces, resulting in higher growth rates of the carapace width than the hatchlings fed with the high fiber diet (P<0.05). Under the two animal diets, they developed pyramiding growth, but those fed with the high starch diet developed this doming with greater intensity (P<0.05). Additionally, hatchlings fed with the high starch diet had lower mineral content (1.88±0.15% versus 2.15±0.19%) and lower bone density (0.13±0.01g/mm2 versus 0.15±0.02g/mm2) than those fed with the high fiber diet (P<0.05). In the third study, hatchlings fed with the high fiber diet were kept at two temperatures (18 ° C and 28 ° C), to assess the effect of temperature on the consumption of gross and digestible energy, resting and post-prandial metabolic rate at 6 and 12 months old, and surface body temperature. Higher mass-specific consumption of gross energy and body mass gain were obtained in the spring and summer. The highest and lowest resting metabolic rate at 28°C were obtained in spring and winter, respectively. At 28°C, the animals showed higher daily consumption of gross and digestible energy, oxygen consumption, CO2 production, and rest and post prandial metabolic rate, with a heat production at rest of 30.56±4.07kJ/kg/day at 28 °C and only 7.71±1.26 kJ/kg/day at 18°C (P<0.05). Specific heat increment coefficient was also affected by temperature, with digestion being less energy-intensive at 28°C than at 18°C (P<0.05). Atypical respiratory coefficients were observed at 18°C (0.30- 0.50). In addition, a strong influence of body mass has been described on the resting metabolic rate with an allometric exponent of 0.62 and 0.92 at 28°C and 18°C, respectively. In addition, it was observed the priority of thermoregulating the surface temperature of the head under low temperature, and animals presented higher surface body temperatures after feeding. In conclusion, the present work indicates the importance of considering the effect of temperature and the composition of the diet on energy metabolism and growth of red-footed tortoise. Feeds with higher digestible energy, such as high starch, can induce accelerated carapace growth with less mineralization. In addition, the importance of considering the difference in energy requirements in different thermal regimes.

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)

Influence of a commercial hatchery thermal environmental on the heat loss of fertile broiler eggs

The objectives of this study were to monitor the thermal environment of different hatchery locations during the transfer of fertile eggs from the setter and to the hatcher, to measure egg heat loss, and to determine its effects on hatchery results. In total, 1,728 fertile eggs of Cobb broiler breeders were divided into two treatments. In treatment 1 (T1), after 19 days of incubation, eggs were removed from the incubator and transferred to the hatcher in aninsulated box, and in treatment 0 (T0), eggs were transferred with no thermal insulation (T0). The duration of egg transfer was 10 minutes. Eggs were photographed using a thermographic camera at the exit of the setter, arrival at and exit from the candling room, and arrival at the hatcher. Based on the thermographic images, egg heat loss between these locations was calculated. At hatch, total hatchability, hatchability of fertile eggs, and hatchling weight were recorded and compared between T0 and T1. The temperature and relative humidity of the corridor between the setter and the candling room, of the candling room, of the corridor between candling roomand the hatcher were monitored using data loggers. The results indicated that T1 eggs lost 0.15 kJ less heat than T0 eggs during transfer. However, hatchability and hatchling weight were not affected by transfer treatment during the studies period.

Influence of a commercial hatchery thermal environmental on the heat loss of fertile broiler eggs

The objectives of this study were to monitor the thermal environment of different hatchery locations during the transfer of fertile eggs from the setter and to the hatcher, to measure egg heat loss, and to determine its effects on hatchery results. In total, 1,728 fertile eggs of Cobb broiler breeders were divided into two treatments. In treatment 1 (T1), after 19 days of incubation, eggs were removed from the incubator and transferred to the hatcher in aninsulated box, and in treatment 0 (T0), eggs were transferred with no thermal insulation (T0). The duration of egg transfer was 10 minutes. Eggs were photographed using a thermographic camera at the exit of the setter, arrival at and exit from the candling room, and arrival at the hatcher. Based on the thermographic images, egg heat loss between these locations was calculated. At hatch, total hatchability, hatchability of fertile eggs, and hatchling weight were recorded and compared between T0 and T1. The temperature and relative humidity of the corridor between the setter and the candling room, of the candling room, of the corridor between candling roomand the hatcher were monitored using data loggers. The results indicated that T1 eggs lost 0.15 kJ less heat than T0 eggs during transfer. However, hatchability and hatchling weight were not affected by transfer treatment during the studies period.(AU)

Comparison of Three Temperatures for the Hatching Phase in the Artificial Incubation of Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa) Eggs

This study aimed at investigating the effects of three incubation temperatures during the hatching period on egg weight loss, hatchability, chick weight at hatching and length of the incubation period of red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) under artificial incubation. One hundred and fifty eggs obtained from a red-legged partridge game farm were randomly allocated to three batches of 50 eggs each. Eggs were incubated at 37.8ºC during the first 20 days, and subsequently at 37.0, 37.4 or 37.8ºC until hatching. Fertility was 74.7% and a good hatching performance was obtained, characterized by 85.7% hatchability, 9.1% egg weight loss after 20 days of incubation, 13.8±0.1 g chick weight at hatching, and 23.2±0.1 days incubation length. Hatchability, egg weight loss after 20 days of incubation, and length of the incubation period were not affected by incubation temperature during the hatching period. However, hatching synchrony improved when the incubation temperature was increased from 37.0 to 37.8°C (p 0.05). Thus, hatching distribution became very leptokurtic and very positively skewed with the increase in incubation temperature during the hatching phase. In conclusion, higher hatching synchrony can be achieved in A. rufa when setting temperatures within the range 37.0 to 37.8ºC to incubate eggs during the hatching period. Consequently, incubation temperature management during the hatching phase may have a direct impact on hatching synchrony and hatchling management.

Comparison of Three Temperatures for the Hatching Phase in the Artificial Incubation of Red-legged Partridge (Alectoris rufa) Eggs

This study aimed at investigating the effects of three incubation temperatures during the hatching period on egg weight loss, hatchability, chick weight at hatching and length of the incubation period of red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa) under artificial incubation. One hundred and fifty eggs obtained from a red-legged partridge game farm were randomly allocated to three batches of 50 eggs each. Eggs were incubated at 37.8ºC during the first 20 days, and subsequently at 37.0, 37.4 or 37.8ºC until hatching. Fertility was 74.7% and a good hatching performance was obtained, characterized by 85.7% hatchability, 9.1% egg weight loss after 20 days of incubation, 13.8±0.1 g chick weight at hatching, and 23.2±0.1 days incubation length. Hatchability, egg weight loss after 20 days of incubation, and length of the incubation period were not affected by incubation temperature during the hatching period. However, hatching synchrony improved when the incubation temperature was increased from 37.0 to 37.8°C (p 0.05). Thus, hatching distribution became very leptokurtic and very positively skewed with the increase in incubation temperature during the hatching phase. In conclusion, higher hatching synchrony can be achieved in A. rufa when setting temperatures within the range 37.0 to 37.8ºC to incubate eggs during the hatching period. Consequently, incubation temperature management during the hatching phase may have a direct impact on hatching synchrony and hatchling management.(AU)

Effects of Ascorbic Acid Injection in Incubated Eggs Submitted to Heat Stress on Incubation Parameters and Chick Quality

Dose-dependent positive effects on hatchability and hatchling weight have been attributed to ascorbic acid (AA) when eggs were submitted or not to intermittent heat stress during incubation. Fertile breeder (Cobb(r)) eggs were used to determine if the pre-incubation injection of AA in ovo affects the incubation and hatchling quality of egg incubated under thermoneutral or intermittent heat stress conditions. Eggs were not injected or injected with 0, 2,4, or 6% AA/100µL water and incubated at continuous thermoneutral (37.5ºC) or hot (39.0ºC) temperature. Eggshell temperature (EST) increased in the second half of the incubation period in all experimental groups. The EST of non-injected eggs and of those injected with water was higher when incubated at 39°C than at 37.5°C, but EST was not different among eggs injected with AA. Egg mass loss and eggshell conductance were higher in the eggs incubated at 39°C than at 37.5°C.Hatchability was lower in the eggs injected with AA. Liver and yolk sac weights were higher, whereas heart and liver weights were lower in hatchlings from eggs incubated at 39°C; however, hatchling weight was not affected by incubation temperature. The results showed that AA doses affected egg conductive heat loss and hatchability, and that they did not minimize the effects of high incubation temperature on liver and heart development.(AU)

Effects of Ascorbic Acid Injection in Incubated Eggs Submitted to Heat Stress on Incubation Parameters and Chick Quality

Dose-dependent positive effects on hatchability and hatchling weight have been attributed to ascorbic acid (AA) when eggs were submitted or not to intermittent heat stress during incubation. Fertile breeder (Cobb(r)) eggs were used to determine if the pre-incubation injection of AA in ovo affects the incubation and hatchling quality of egg incubated under thermoneutral or intermittent heat stress conditions. Eggs were not injected or injected with 0, 2,4, or 6% AA/100µL water and incubated at continuous thermoneutral (37.5ºC) or hot (39.0ºC) temperature. Eggshell temperature (EST) increased in the second half of the incubation period in all experimental groups. The EST of non-injected eggs and of those injected with water was higher when incubated at 39°C than at 37.5°C, but EST was not different among eggs injected with AA. Egg mass loss and eggshell conductance were higher in the eggs incubated at 39°C than at 37.5°C.Hatchability was lower in the eggs injected with AA. Liver and yolk sac weights were higher, whereas heart and liver weights were lower in hatchlings from eggs incubated at 39°C; however, hatchling weight was not affected by incubation temperature. The results showed that AA doses affected egg conductive heat loss and hatchability, and that they did not minimize the effects of high incubation temperature on liver and heart development.

Efeitos da umidade relativa do ar na incubação e da idade da matriz leve sobre a eclodibilidade, qualidade dos pintos recém-eclodidos e desempenho da progênie / Effects of relative air humidity in the incubator and breeder hen age on hatchability, hatchling quality and progeny performance

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da umidade relativa do ar nas incubadoras (URI) e da idade da matriz leve sobre a eclodibilidade, qualidade dos pintos recém-eclodidos e o desempenho da progênie. Foram incubados 10.840 ovos, sendo os tratamentos definidos pela idade das matrizes Lohmann LSL(r) (26, 41 e 56 semanas) e pelos níveis de URI (48, 56 e 64%). Após a incubação, 1.620 pintos fêmeas foram alojados em galpão experimental convencional, de acordo com os tratamentos, até as 12 semanas de idade. Para a avaliação de eclodibilidade sobre ovos férteis e fêmeas refugos, o delineamento experimental foi em blocos ao acaso no arranjo em parcelas subdivididas. A parcela foi a URI (três níveis) e a subparcela foi a idade da matriz (três idades). Os blocos foram constituídos pelos andares dos carrinhos de incubação, em que cada andar continha uma repetição de cada idade da matriz. Os nove tratamentos foram constituídos por 14 repetições cada. As repetições foram bandejas de incubação, constituindo 1.204 ovos por tratamento. Para a avaliação do desempenho das frangas, o delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, constituído por um esquema fatorial 3x3 (três níveis de URI e três idades), com seis repetições de 30 aves em cada tratamento. A eclodibilidade sobre ovos férteis foi maior (P<0,05) com a utilização de 56% de umidade relativa do ar durante a incubação, independentemente da idade da matriz; e ovos de matrizes mais velhas (56 semanas) apresentaram eclodibilidade menor (P<0,05), independentemente do nível de umidade relativa do ar no interior das incubadoras. Não foram constatados efeitos da idade da matriz e URI sobre o percentual de pintos refugos. A URI ou a idade da matriz leve não afetam o desempenho da progênie(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of relative humidity in incubators (RHI) and breeder hen age on hatchability, hatchling quality and performance of progeny. 10,840 eggs were incubated, and the treatments were defined by the Lohmann LSL(r) breeder age (26, 41 and 56 weeks) and the levels of RHI (48, 56 and 64%). After incubation, 1,620 female chicks were raised in a conventional experimental shed, according to the treatments, until 12 weeks of age. To assess the hatchability of fertile eggs and unviable female chicks, the experimental design was randomized blocks in split plots design. The plot factor was the RHI and the subplot was the age of the breeder hens. The blocks were made by the floors of the incubation carriages, where each floor contained a repetition of each breeder age. The nine treatments consisted of 14 repetitions each. The repetitions were trays of incubation, with 1,204 eggs per treatment. To evaluate the performance of the progeny, the experimental design was completely randomized, consisting of a 3x3 factorial scheme with six replicates of 30 birds in each treatment. Hatchability of fertile eggs was higher (P<0.05) with the use of 56% relative humidity during incubation, regardless of breeder age, and the eggs from the oldest breeder hens (56 weeks) had lower hatchability (P<0.05), regardless of the level of relative humidity inside the incubator. No effects of breeder age and RHI on the percentage of unviable chicks were observed. The RHI or the age of the breeder hen does not affect the performance of progeny(AU)