Nutrição de peixes ornamentais / Fish nutrition ornamental

Já é de conhecimento que a piscicultura é o setor de produção animal que mais cresce no mundo (FAO, 2018), e a piscicultura ornamental merece destaque pelo grande crescimento que demonstrou nos últimos anos. Entre os anos de 2001 e 2016, as exportações internacionais de peixes ornamentais cresceram mais de 84% (International Trade Centre, 2018), e os principais importadores são Estados Unidos, China e Reino Unido (Trend Economy, 2020). Apesar do grande potencial da piscicultura ornamental, no Brasil essa atividade ainda é pouco expressiva e a produção não é capaz de abastecer o mercado interno, principalmente dos maiores mercados consumidores, localizados na região Sudeste (Anjos et al., 2009; Fernandes et al., 2016). Assim, a coleta extrativa de peixes ornamentais, principalmente na Bacia Amazônica, é a principal responsável pelas importações de peixes nativos ornamentais, tanto em quantidade quanto em variedade de espécies ( Junk et al., 2007). Como consequência, são poucos os estudos que abordam nutrição e desempenho, principalmente de larvas de peixes ornamentais (Degani, 1993), e grande parte dos estudos nutricionais para essas espécies são baseados nas metodologias convencionais para peixes de corte (Sales e Janssens, 2003). Esses estudos são importantes para definir as exigências nutricionais e dar suporte para formulações adequadas para as principais espécies de peixes ornamentais, visando não apenas à produção e à saúde dos peixes, mas também às qualidades estéticas de cada espécie e à qualidade da água.(AU)

Effects of maternal nutrition in the final third of gestation on performance and body composition of progeny at slaughter / Efeito da nutrição materna no terço final da gestação sobre a composição corporal da progênie ao abate

This study aimed to assess how maternal nutrition in the final third of gestation affects progeny weight performance and body composition. Forty-one steers were included, born to cows subjected to different nutritional levels during this period: 13 cows without supplementation and under nutritional restriction (RES), 16 cows supplemented to meet 100% of requirements (REQ), and 12 cows supplemented to meet 150% of requirements (HIGH). The study design was completely randomized. Progeny performance was not influenced by maternal nutrition during gestation (P > 0.05). However, RES animals excelled during challenging periods, while REQ and HIGH animals performed better in nutritionally favorable environments. Maternal nutrition in the final third of gestation did not impact the contribution of non-carcass components (16.42%) and internal organs (3.17%). RES and HIGH steers had a higher relative weight of the rumen (2.48%) compared to REQ steers (2.24%), resulting in a greater proportion of the gastrointestinal tract (8.25% vs. 7.63%). Carcass characteristics did not differ significantly between treatments (P > 0.05), with an average hot carcass weight and yield of 304.28 kg and 57.80%, respectively. The primary fore, side, and hind cuts represented 39.22%, 10.64%, and 50.67% of the carcass, respectively. Overall, maternal nutrition during gestation affects fetal development, leading to modifications in body composition and, consequently, the productive potential of the offspring.

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da nutrição materna no terço final da gestação sobre o desempenho ponderal e a composição corporal da progênie. Foram utilizados 41 novilhos de vacas submetidas a diferentes níveis nutricionais durante o terço final de gestação: 13 vacas sem suplementação sob restrição nutricional (RES); 16 vacas suplementadas para atender 100% das exigências (REQ); 12 vacas suplementadas para atender 150% das exigências (HIGH). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado. O desempenho da progênie não foi influenciado pela nutrição materna na gestação (P > 0,05), porém, animais RES se sobresaem em períodos desafiadores, enquanto que os REQ e HIGH desempenharam melhor em ambientes nutricionalmente favoráveis. A nutrição materna no terço final da gestação não influenciou a participação dos componentes não carcaça (16,42%) e órgãos internos (3,17%). O peso relativo do rúmen foi maior nos novilhos RES e HIGH (2,48%) em relação aos novilhos REQ (2,24%), resultando em maior participação do trato gastrointestinal (8,25 vs 7,63%, respectivamente). As características quantitativas da carcaça foram semelhantes entre os tratamentos (P > 0,05), com peso médio de carcaça quente e rendimento equivalente a 304,28 kg e 57,80%. A participação dos cortes primários dianteiro, lateral e traseiro foi de 39,22, 10,64 e 50,67%, respectivamente. Diante do exposto, concluímos que a nutrição materna na gestação afeta a formação fetal de modo a modificar a composição corporal e consequentemente o potencial produtivo dos descendentes.

Impacto da nutrição na reprodução de cães / Impact of nutrition on dog reproduction

A reprodução é altamente influenciada pela nutrição. A ação de minerais e vitaminas influenciam no processo da reprodução. Fatores nutricionais adequados associados e a saúde, ambiente, genética, manejo e bem-estar tem efeitos positivos em índices de reprodução. Deficiências nutricionais, excessos e desequilíbrios são capazes de alterar o desempenho reprodutivo. Estudos em nutrição visam melhorar a performance dos cães machos reprodutores, objetivando a manutenção e melhora da fertilidade.(AU)

Reproduction is highly influenced by nutrition. It is a proven fact that the action of minerals and vitamins influence the process of reproduction. Adequate nutritional factors associated with health, environment, genetics, management, and well-being have positive effects on reproduction rates. Nutritional deficiencies, excesses and imbalances can alter reproductive performance. Studies in nutrition aim to improve the performance of male breeding dogs, aiming at the maintenance and improvement of fertility.(AU)

Performance and carcass characteristics of Santa Inês lambs fed different protein sources

The objective of this study was to evaluate the productive performance and carcass characteristics of confined Santa Inêssheep, fed different diets, in a Semiarid environment. Twenty whole sheep with 5 ± 0.5 months of age and 27 ± 2.0 kg were used, receiving two different diets for 72 experimental days, one composed of defatted soybean meal and the other of protein-enrichedcactus meal. They were evaluated for different diets, consumption, production, carcass characteristics, morphometric measures and edible components. The experimental design was in randomized blocks with two treatments and 10 replications. Performance dataand carcass characteristics were evaluated by analysis of variance and means compared by t test at 5% probability level using Statistical Analysis System [SAS]®(1999). Thus, the use of emulsified palm forage protein in the feeding of Santa Inês male lambs proved to be an excellent protein source when compared to the use of defatted soybean meal, since the results of performance and carcass characteristics were similar, being the use of this alternative source advised as it presents the best benefit-cost ratio.(AU)

Nutritional, physiological, hematological, and biochemical responses of lambs fed increasing levels of Pornunça silage

Pornunça (Manihot sp.) is a potential forage to feed ruminants in drylands worldwide; however, evaluations of animal diets are necessary. This study assessed intake and digestibility of dry matter and nutrients, physiological responses, ingestive behavior, water intake, as well as hematological and biochemical responses of lambs fed diets containing increasing levels of Pornunça silage (PS) replacing Tifton-85 bermudagrass hay (Cynodon spp.). Treatments consisted of 0, 33, 66, and 100 % PS considering the roughage portion of the diet (% dry matter - DM). The experimental design was completely randomized with six replicates. Cyanide acid (HCN) levels in fresh Pornunça leaves were 207.7 mg kg-¹ DM and 76.78 mg kg-¹ DM in PS. Intake of DM and crude protein (CP), and neutral detergent fiber corrected for ash and protein (NDFap) increased linearly with increasing levels of PS in the diet. Digestibility of DM, NDF, and CP were higher with increasing levels of PS. Idle time decreased linearly, while water balance, water intake via food, and total water in feces increased with PS. Nitrogen balance, physiological, and hematological responses were not influenced by treatments, while the final alanine aminotransferase increased for lambs fed all diets evaluated. The PS up to 100 % of the roughage portion increased DM and nutrient intake and digestibility without altering physiological responses and the hematological and biochemical parameters, resulting in greater water intake via food.

Nitrogen nutrition index and morphogenesis in Alexandergrass of the Central Depression of Rio Grande do Sul / Índice de nutrição nitrogenada e morfogênese em papuã na Depressão Central do Rio Grande do Sul

This study assessed the nitrogen nutrition index, morphogenic characteristics and tiller structure of Alexandergrass (Urochloaplantaginea (LINK) Hitch) pasture submitted to different nitrogen (N) levels (zero, 150 or 300 kg ha-1 of N). The experimental design was entirely randomized with repeated measures arrangement. The experimental animals were Angus heifers under rotational stocking grazing method. The number of animals was variable to keep 30±5 cm post-grazing sward height. Nitrogen nutrition index increased linearly according N levels (Y = 59.8 + 0.1216N; P < 0.0001; r²=0.53). The leaf appearance rate adjusted to a positive linear regression model according the thermal sum (TS) with zero of N (Y0N = 0.0077 + 0.0000087TS; P = 0.0308; r² = 0.72) and 150 kg ha-1 of N (Y150N = 0.0020 + 0.000021 TS; P = 0.0022; r² = 0.92). The use of 300 kg ha-1 of N did not alter the leaf appearance rate (0.0124 leaf degree-days-1). The use of up to 300 kg ha-1 of N increases the Alexandergrass nitrogen content. The leaf appearance rate in Alexandergrass is modified using N while the morphogenic characteristics leaf expansion, stem expansion, phyllochron, leaf lifespan, leaf elongation duration and tiller structure are not altered by N utilization.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o índice de nutrição nitrogenada, as características morfogênicas e a estrutura dos perfilhos de papuã (Urochloa plantaginea (LINK) Hitch) submetidos a diferentes níveis de nitrogênio (N) (zero, 150 ou 300 kg ha-1 de N). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com medidas repetidas no tempo. Os animais experimentais foram novilhas Angus em regime de pastejo rotacionado. O número de animais foi variável para manter 30 ± 5 cm de altura do pasto pós-pastejo. O índice de nutrição com nitrogênio aumentou linearmente de acordo com os níveis de N (Y = 59,8 + 0,1216N; P < 0,0001; r² = 0,53). A taxa de aparecimento de folhas ajustou-se ao modelo de regressão linear positiva de acordo com a soma térmica (TS) com zero de N (Y0N = 0,0077 + 0,0000087TS; P = 0,0308; r² = 0,72) e 150 kg ha-1 de N (Y150N = 0,0020 +0,000021 TS; P = 0,0022; r² = 0,92). O uso de 300 kg ha-1 de N não alterou a taxa de aparecimento de folhas (0,0124 folha grau-dia-1). O uso de até 300 kg ha-1 de N aumenta o teor de nitrogênio do papuã. A taxa de aparecimento de folhas em papuã é modificada usando N, enquanto que as características morfogênicas expansão foliar, expansão de colmo, filocrono, duração de vida das folhas, duração da elongação foliar e a estrutura dos perfilhos não são alteradas pela utilização de N.

Replacing corn silage with extruded forage in sheep feeding

The objective was to evaluate levels of replacement of corn silage with extruded forage (Foragge®) in sheep feeding. Twenty adult Santa Inês ewes in maintenance, and 55.8 kg average weight were housed in metabolic cages, and the treatments consisted of 20, 40, 60 and 80% replacement of corn silage with Foragge®extruded forage with 60% Uruchloa brizanthain the diet. The design was completely randomized, with regression analysis and non-parametric analysis at 5% probability. The supply of up to 80% extruded roughage to replace corn silage increased dry matter intake and digestibility, and fecal output in dry matter (p < 0.05). Also, it increased the efficiency of ingestion, rumination and chewing activities of sheep, but did not alter urinary parameters and energy metabolites (p > 0.05). However, it reduced the concentration of uric acid (p < 0.05). Foragge®extruded roughage can replace corn silage by up to 80% with changes in intake, digestibility, fecal parameters, ingestive behavior and concentration of uric acid and urea, with no modifications in urinary parameters and energy metabolites.(AU)

Fontes de dieta líquida no aleitamento artificial e seu impacto no desenvolvimento ponderal de bezerras leiteiras: revisão de literatura / Sources of liquid diet in artificial feeding and its impact on the ponderal development of dairy calves: literature review

A criação de bezerras é uma das atividades mais complexas em uma propriedade leiteira. Desde o nascimento, o desempenho máximo deve ser priorizado, pois o sucesso no aleitamento leva ao aumento do peso vivo ao desmame e à futura produção de leite. Existem diferentes formas de fornecer leite aos bezerros, e uma delas é o aleitamento artificial, onde os animais recebem a dieta líquida em baldes, mamadeiras ou recipientes semelhantes. Neste tipo de aleitamento, diferentes fontes de dieta líquida podem ser utilizadas como o leite integral, os sucedâneos lácteos e o leite não comercializável ou leite de descarte. Independentemente do método de aleitamento, a quantidade de leite a ser oferecida deverá atender às exigências do animal para melhor desempenho futuro. A presente revisão de literatura avaliou as diferentes fontes de dieta líquida empregadas no aleitamento artificial de bezerras e o seu impacto no desenvolvimento ponderal desses animais na fase de cria.(AU)

Raising calves is one of the most complex activities on a dairy farm. From birth, maximum performance should be prioritized, since successful breastfeeding leads to an increase in live weight at weaning and the future milk production. There are different ways for providing milk to calves, one of them is artificial feeding, where animals are fed the liquid diet in buckets, bottles, or similar. In this type of breastfeeding, there are several sources of liquid diet that could be applied as whole milk, dairy substitutes, and non-marketable milk or waste milk. Regardless of the breastfeeding method, the amount of milk to be offered must meet the requirements of the animal, for the best future performance. This literature review evaluated different sources of liquid diet in artificial feeding and its impact on the weight development of dairy calves in this rearing phase.(AU)

Effects of mixed feeding strategies with different dietary energy: protein ratios on juvenile Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) / Efeitos de estratégias de alimentação mista com diferentes relações de energia: proteína para juvenis de tilápia-do-Nilo (Oreochromis niloticus)

The evaluation of feeding strategies is necessary to ensure the sustainability of aquaculture. This study assessed the effect of two diets with different E:P ratios (9.6 and 10.3 kcal of digestible energy per gram of crude protein) on Nile tilapia juveniles. The growth, feed and nutrient use, economic parameters, whole-body composition, and liver steatosis of fish were evaluated. There was no significant effect of treatments on the growth, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, uniformity, and survival of the fish. The lower feed cost (P>0.05) per biomass or 1000 units produced was registered in Nile tilapia juveniles fed with 10.3 kcal DE/g CP diet for seven days. The contribution of ether extract in fish weight gain was reduced (P=0.055) by the increased use of the 10.3 kcal DE/g CP diet in the feeding strategies. The same trend was observed in fish whole-body lipid levels. Body indexes were similar (P>0.05) among fish from the different treatments. Mixing diets with different E:P ratios in a weekly feeding protocol does not impair productive performance of Nile tilapia juveniles. However, considering the cost of feeding, the recommendation is to supply a diet with 33%CPand 3.4 kcal/DE for seven days per week.(AU)

A avaliação das estratégias de alimentação é necessária para garantir a sustentabilidade da aquicultura. Este estudo avaliou o efeito de duas dietas com diferentes proporções de E:P (9,6 e 10,3 kcal de energia digestível por grama de proteína bruta) para juvenis de tilápia do Nilo. Foram avaliados o crescimento, uso da dieta e nutrientes, parâmetros econômicos, composição corporal e esteatose hepática de peixes. Não houve efeito significativo dos tratamentos sobre o crescimento, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar, uniformidade e sobrevivência dos peixes. O menor custo de ração (P>0,05) por biomassa ou 1000 unidades produzidas foi registrado nos juvenis de tilápia do Nilo alimentados com a dieta 10,3 kcal DE/g PB por sete dias. A contribuição do extrato etéreo no ganho de peso dos peixes foi reduzida (P=0,055) pela maior utilização da dieta 10,3 kcal DE/g PB nas estratégias de alimentação utilizadas. A mesma tendência foi observada nos níveis de lipídios corporais em peixes. Os índices corporais foram semelhantes (P>0,05) entre os peixes dos diferentes tratamentos. A mistura de dietas com diferentes relações E:P em um protocolo de alimentação semanal não prejudica o desempenho produtivo de juvenis de tilápia do Nilo. No entanto, considerando os custos de alimentação, a recomendação é fornecer uma dieta com 33% PB e 3,4 kcal/DE por sete dias por semana.(AU)

Emulsifiers in diets with energy reduction for laying hens

Emulsifiers in animal diets are an interesting and effective strategy for nutritionists to improve the digestion of dietary lipids and, consequently, provide better performance. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the supplementation of diets with emulsifier based on mono-and diglycerides (120 g t-1of feed) associated with different energy levels (2,775; 2,725; 2,675 and 2,625 kcal of metabolizable energy kg-1of feed) on performance and egg quality of Hisex Brown laying hens. The laying hens weredistributed in 50 experimental plots with eight birds each. A completely randomized design with five treatments and ten replicates/treatments was used. The treatments in this study were: control diet (C) with 2,775 kcal of metabolizable energy (ME) kg-1of feed; C + E: diet C supplemented with an emulsifier (E) at 120 g t-1of feed; diet C with reduction of 50 kcal ME and supplemented with E (NC50 + E); diet C with reduction of 100 kcal ME and supplemented with E (NC100 + E); and diet C with reduction of 150 kcal ME and supplemented with E (NC150 + E). All diets had the same inclusion level of degummed soybean oil (2%). There was no influence of the treatments on the performance and quality of the eggs (p >0.05). The current study has shown that diets supplemented with emulsifiers based on mono-and diglycerides (120 g t-1) allows reducing the metabolizable energy level up to 150 kcal kg-1of feed, without impairment on performance and egg quality of Hisex Brown laying hens.(AU)

Heat stress effects on the lactation performance, reproduction, and alleviating nutritional strategies in dairy cattle, a review

Heat stress response in dairy cattle affects milk production, quality, body temperature, and other parameters. Dairy cows will most likely experience increased heat stress with unabated global warming. Elevated temperatures and humidity reduce feed intake, harm reproductive potential， and reduce milk production. Heat stress is more common in high-yielding cows than in low-yielding ones. In addition to reducing milk production, heat stress can also reduce milk quality. During lactation, internal metabolic heat production can further reduce cattle's substances to high temperatures, resulting in altered milk composition and decreased milk yield. Several studies proposed various nutritional strategies such as dietary fats, dietary fibers, microbial diets, mineral substances, vitamins, metal ion buffers, plant extracts, and other antistress additives. This review addresses the challenging study on the effects of heat stress on nutritional and fed intake perturbations, milk and components yield, immune system activation, and reproduction parameters. It proves that specific nutritional strategies effectively mitigate the harmful effects of heat stress in dairy cattle.(AU)

Effect of two diets on the fecundity of ablated and non-ablated female of Macrobrachium amazonicum

Macrobrachium amazonicum is a species of freshwater shrimp of great importance for aquaculture and to know its reproductive potential, through the study of its fertility is necessary. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effect of two different diets on the reproductive performance of the species, whether or not adopting the ablation procedure. The experiment was carried out in a completely randomized design in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement, with two types of feed (inert and fresh) and two conditions (ablated and non-ablated females), using six replicates per treatment. After 10 days of spawning, the eggs were removed and counted in their entirety. For each female, three spawns were obtained, totaling 72 samples. The fertility rate, the interval between spawning and the weight gain of the females were analyzed. There was no interaction between the studied factors, except for weight gain, in which ablated females that received fresh feed gained up to three times more weight than non-ablated females. Females that received fresh feed obtained higher fertility (1,373.9 eggs) than those that received only inert feed (1,084.1 eggs). The interval between spawns was 1.6 days shorter in ablated females.(AU)

Sensory evaluation of pacific white shrimp fed with different levels of soy protein concentrate in replacement of fish meal / Avaliação sensorial de camarões-branco-do-pacífico alimentados com diferentes níveis de concentrado protéico de soja em substituição da farinha de peixe

The aim of this study was to evaluate the sensory quality of Pacific white shrimp (L. vannamei) fed diets in which fish meal was replaced by soy protein concentrate. Four diets were evaluated, with different levels of replacement (33%, 66% and 100%) of fish meal by soy protein concentrate. In the sensory analysis, 50 tasters evaluated using the ordering preference test and 50 tasters evaluated the acceptability of the shrimp. The inclusion of vegetable protein source in the shrimp diet sho-wed no difference in the discriminatory and preference ordering test and did not change the evaluated sensory attributes, which makes the product attractive to the consumer, due to the fact of consuming a product without presenting alterations in the taste(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a qualidade sensorial do camarão-branco-do-pacífico (L. vannamei) alimentados com dietas em que houve substituição da farinha de peixe por concentrado proteico de soja. Quatro dietas foram avaliadas, com diferentes níveis de substituição (33%, 66% e 100%) da farinha de peixe pelo concentrado proteico de soja. Na análise sensorial, 30 provadores avaliaram por meio do teste de ordenação de preferência e 50 provadores avaliaram a aceitabilidade dos camarões. A inclusão da fonte proteica vegetal na dieta dos camarões não apresentou diferença no teste discriminatório e de ordenação de preferência e não alterou os atributos sensoriais avaliados, o que torna o produto atrativo para o consumidor, pelo fato de consumir um produto sem apresentar alterações no paladar.(AU)

The Effect of Moringa Oleifera Leaf and Canola Seed Powder on Fattening, Laying Performance, Blood Plasma Constituents, and Microbiota in Japanese Quails

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of feeding Japanese quail chicks with diets containing different levels of Moringa oleifera leaf and canola seed powder on growth performance, carcass yield, blood plasma constituents, and egg production. The trial lasted for a total of 7 weeks, with 5 weeks of fattening and two weeks of laying. The first group was the control group, while the second group was supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaves (4g/kg diet), the third group was supplemented with canola seed powder (4g/kg diet), the fourth group was supplemented with a mix of Moringa oleifera leaves and canola seed powder (8g/kg diet). The results showed that canola seed powder from 0-3 weeks of age increased body weight in comparison to the control group, but there were no significant differences (p<0.05) among groups in terms of the final body weight and feed conversion ratio. Average daily feed intake was significantly different (p<0.05). However, body weight, carcass weight, liver weight, gizzard weight, and abdominal fat weight increased significantly compared to the control group. Feeding Moringa oleifera leaves and canola seed powder significantly increased the total plasma protein, as compared to the control group. There were significant decreases in cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL levels among groups, with no significant differences in glucose, ALT and LDL among all treatments. The addition of Moringa oleifera leaf and canola seed powder showed significant effects on calcium and magnesium. Both Moringa oleifera leaf and Moringa-canola mixture significantly reduced the presence of some pathogenic bacteria in the digestive system, which was seen as an important contribution to the digestive and immune systems.(AU)

Effects of a monocomponent protease from Bacillus licheniformis on broiler performance, digestibility, and carcass yield

Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the effectsof protease addition to the diet of broilers at a higher level (1× or 2×) thanthe nutritional value proposed for the enzyme. The first experiment, 1280 day-old chicks (Cobb500®) were randomly allocated (randomized block design, 2×2+1 factorial arrangement),five treatments, eight replicates containing32 birds/replicate. Treatmentsconsisted: control diet without protease (CD); CD + 1× nutritional value of the enzyme (CDM1); CD + 2× nutritional value of the enzyme (CDM2); CDM1 + protease; and CDM2 + protease. The experimental period was 42 days. The mean weight (AFW), feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG), feed conversion, and carcass yield were evaluated. Significant differences were observed for AFW, WG, FI, abdominal fat yield, and feet percentage in the carcass. In the second experiment, 120 Cobb500®chicks at 14 days of age were allotted in a completely randomized design, 2×2+1 factorial arrangement, five treatments, six replicates withfour birds/replicate. The treatments were consistent with the first experiment. Significant improvements in the nitrogen balance wereobserved for the broilersthat received protease.The use of the enzyme tested is recommended with the recommended nutritional matrix, improving the zootechnical indices of broilers.(AU)

Adjusted Thr: Lys Ratio Improved the Performance and Efficiency of Japanese Quail

Two hundred and forty Japanese quail aged 125 days were randomly allocated to five treatment groups based on laying (%) and quail's weight (90.71 ± 1.8% egg/day × 100 and 178.05 ± 9.38 g, respectively), each of which included six replicates of eight quails. The diets were formulated based on corn, soybean meal, and industrial amino acids. An optimal diet achieves 100% of amino acids required by the quail requirements, except for threonine. Five treatments were made: 20% less amino acid; 10% less amino acid; optimal diet; 10% more amino acid; and 20% more amino acids than those in the optimal diet. The increase in amino acid levels in a fixed Lys: amino acid ratio led to histological alterations in the liver and uterine epithelium, reduction in blood lipid peroxidation, lower hepatic HSP70 gene expression, and the performance of laying Japanese quail. The optimal diet based on the NRC with an adjusted Thr: Lys 78 ratio (Lys 1.0%) improved the performance and efficiency of Japanese quail from 125 to 230 days of age.(AU)

Water-level fluctuations lead to changes in the diet of an omnivorous fish in a floodplain

The hydrological regime leads to fluctuations in the availability of food resources for fish, which may reflect in their diet variation. Our main goal was to analyze the relationship between water-level fluctuations and the diet and the body condition of Trachelyopterus galeatus in the Upper Paraná River floodplain. The fish used in the study were sampled quarterly along nine years, at nine sampling stations. Our results showed that diet of T. galeatus varied in response to oscillations in the hydrometric level, with the consumption of terrestrial invertebrates being positively related to hydrometric level, while the consumption of aquatic invertebrates was negatively related. The trophic niche breadth and feeding activity were not affected by hydrometric level, but the fish body condition was positively affected. The high food plasticity allows T. galeatus to consume the most available resources (e.g., terrestrial invertebrates in high water levels), which probably contributed to the increase in its body condition in higher hydrometric levels. In summary, the hydrological dynamic is fundamental for the diet variation of omnivorous fish, which can take advantage of the resource availability according to the hydrometric level, increasing its body condition when allochthonous resources as terrestrial invertebrates are supposed to be more available.(AU)

O regime hidrológico leva a flutuações na disponibilidade de recursos alimentares para os peixes, o que pode refletir na variação de sua dieta. O principal objetivo foi analisar a relação entre as oscilações do nível hidrométrico e a dieta e condição corporal de Trachelyopterus galeatus na planície de inundação do alto rio Paraná. Os peixes foram amostrados trimestralmente durante nove anos, em nove locais. Nossos resultados mostraram que a dieta de T. galeatus variou em resposta às oscilações do nível hidrométrico, com o consumo de invertebrados terrestres sendo positivamente relacionado com o nível hidrométrico, enquanto o consumo de invertebrados aquáticos foi negativamente relacionado. O nicho trófico e a atividade alimentar não foram afetados pelo nível hidrométrico, mas a condição corporal dos peixes foi positivamente afetada. A alta plasticidade alimentar permite que T. galeatus aproveite recursos mais disponíveis (por exemplo, invertebrados terrestres em níveis elevados), o que provavelmente contribui para o aumento da condição corporal em níveis hidrométricos elevados. Em resumo, a dinâmica hidrológica é fundamental para a variação da dieta de peixes onívoros, que podem aproveitar a disponibilidade de recursos de acordo com o nível hidrométrico, aumentando sua condição corporal quando recursos alóctones, como invertebrados terrestres, são supostamente mais disponíveis.(AU)

Performance, Gut Integrity, Enterobacteria Content in Ceca of Broiler Fed Different Eubiotic Additives

An experiment was carried out to study the effect of different eubiotics on productive characteristics, intestinal integrity, as well as the content of enterobacteria in the cecum of broiler chickens. A completely randomized design with five treatments and 8 replicates of 25 birds each was used. In total 1000 mixed broiler chickens from Ross308 strain, one day old were obtained from a commercial hatchery. The birds were housed on concrete floors in a conventional house. A sorghum+soybean meal control diet was used, to which the additives under study were added. The treatments were distributed as follows: T1 = Control diet without antibiotic or eubiotic; T2 = T1 + bacteriophages; T3 = T1 + antibiotic; T4 = T1 + probiotic; T5 = T1 + symbiotic. The results obtained at 49 days of age for weight gain and feed conversion rate improved (p<0.05) with the addition of the antibiotic and eubiotics. A lower (p<0.05) intestinal density was observed with the probiotic. The height, width, and area of villi in duodenum was higher (p<0.05) when antibiotic and eubiotics were included. In the histological score, in duodenum, the antibiotic and eubiotics resulted with a higher score (p<0.05), associated to a physiological and controlled inflammation response that allowed improving productivity. Finally, the relative expression of enterobacteria, such as Lactobacillus salivarius, allowed associating positive changes in the microbiome and better productive parameters when including the symbiotic, with comparable results to the antibiotic when including the eubiotics.(AU)

Effect of Sunflower Kernel Peptides Produced by Dual-Degradation on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Health Status of Broilers

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of sunflower kernel peptides produced by enzymatic digestion, fermentation, or both on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and health status of broilers. Four diets contained 20% of sunflower kernel meal as its raw form (CON) or degraded by protease (ESM), Bacillus pumilus (FSM), or both (DSM). A total of 480 yellow broilers at one day old were randomly distributed to 4 groups with 6 replicates of 20 chicks each. The feeding trial lasted for 63 d. Results showed that peptide content was increased (p<0.001) from 3.97% (CON) to 32.5% (ESM), 24.2% (FSM), and 39.1% (DSM). The three sunflower peptide groups improved (p≤0.001) feed intake and body weight gain. The peptide groups increased (p≤0.015) ileal apparent digestibility of dry matter, energy, crude protein, and amino acids (methionine, lysine, tryptophan, and threonine). Furthermore, the peptide groups improved (p≤0.029) the health status by increasing serum immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG) and glutathione peroxidase. Additionally, among the peptide groups, DSM showed more pronounced effects (p<0.05) on these parameters than ESM or FSM. It is concluded that dual-degradation by enzymolysis and fermentation has a better improvement in the nutrition and application of sunflower kernel meal in broilers.(AU)

Effects of a hepatoprotectant and different feed energy sources on milk composition and nutrient partitioning in lactating cows / Efeitos de um hepatoprotetor e diferentes fontes de energia na dieta sobre a composição do leite e a partição dos nutrientes em vacas lactantes

The present study aimed at assessing the effects of hepatoprotective agents in diets that contain sources of energy on milk production, milk composition, and nutrient partition in lactating cows. Sixteen Holstein x Gir crossbred mid-lactation cows with an average body weight of 553 ± 85 kg were used in this study. These animals were allocated in a 4x4 Latin square design. A 2x2 factorial arrangement was employed in this feeding experiment. In each treatment, cows received diets with or without a hepatoprotective agent and variable in ground corn grain or citrus pulp as energy sources. Evaluated parameters included nutrient intake and digestibility, milk production, milk composition, energy balance, and nitrogen balance. Performance and nutrient balance variables were assessed and no interaction was observed between the hepatoprotective compounds and the dietary sources of energy. Dry matter intake, milk production and net energy for lactation were higher in corn as an energy source whereas milk fat content was higher in citrus pulp diets. There was a reduction in protein and casein contents in the milk of cows that was supplemented with an hepatoprotective agent. In this study, the hepatoprotective agent improved nitrogen balance in dairy cows. The use of the hepatoprotective compounds in the diet of these lactating cows in confinement reduced the milk protein fraction and favored a higher nitrogen balance in these animals. Retention of nitrogen compounds in the metabolism of lactating cows under confinement is influenced by hepatoprotective agents.(AU)

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar os efeitos de fontes de energia associadas a um hepatoprotetor sobre a produção, composição do leite e a partição dos nutrientes em vacas lactantes confinadas. Foram utilizadas 16 vacas mestiças Holandês x Gir no terço médio da lactação, com peso corporal médio de 553 ± 85 kg, distribuídas em delineamento experimental quadrado latino 4x4 quádruplo em arranjo fatorial 2x2. Os tratamentos consistiram de dieta com ou sem a inclusão do hepatoprotetor, e variação de milho moído ou polpa cítrica como fontes de energia. Não houve interação (P>0.05) entre as fontes de energia e o hepatoprotetor para as variáveis de desempenho e balanço de nutrientes. O consumo de matéria seca, a produção de leite, o leite corrigido para 4% de gordura foram maiores (P<0.05) nas dietas com milho moído como fonte de energia. O teor de gordura do leite foi maior (P<0.05) nas dietas com a polpa cítrica. Houve redução (P<0.05) no teor de proteína bruta e caseína no leite das vacas que receberam o hepatoprotetor na dieta. O hepatoprotetor favoreceu maior (P<0.05) retenção e balanço de nitrogênio nas vacas. Portanto, o milho moído pode ser utilizado na dieta como fonte de energia para impulsionar a produção de leite. Enquanto, a fonte de energia proveniente da polpa cítrica afeta a composição do leite, através do incremento no teor de gordura. O uso de hepatoprotetores na dieta favoreceu maior retenção de nitrogênio em vacas lactantes confinadas.(AU)