Dietary crude protein levels during growth phase affects reproductive characteristics but not reproductive efficiency of adult male Japanese quails.

OBJECTIVE: The objective was to evaluate the influence of different dietary crude protein (CP) levels during the growth phase on reproductive characteristics and reproductive efficiency as well as the body development of adult male Japanese quail. METHODS: Three hundred one-day-old male quails were distributed into five treatments with diets containing different CP levels (18%, 20%, 22%, 24%, and 26%) in a completely randomized design, with six replicates of ten birds each. The CP diets were applied only during the growth phase (1 to 35 days). At 36 days of age, the birds were transferred to 30 laying cages with three males and nine females each, and all birds received the same diet formulated to meet production-phase requirements until 96 days of age. RESULTS: The growth rate of the birds increased linearly (p<0.01) with increasing dietary CP, but the age of maximum growth decreased (p<0.05). At growth maturity, all birds had the same body weight (p>0.05). At 35 days of age, higher weight gain was obtained (p<0.05) with diets containing 22% CP or higher. No effects on feed conversion were observed in this phase. The increase in dietary CP enhanced (p<0.01) nitrogen intake and nitrogen excretion but did not affect (p>0.05) nitrogen retention. Testis size, seminiferous tubular area, number of spermatogonia, and germinal epithelial height at 35 days of age increased linearly (p<0.05) with dietary CP, while the number of Leydig cells decreased (p<0.01). The Sertoli cell number at 60 days of age increased linearly (p<0.01) with dietary CP. Dietary CP levels did not affect cloacal gland size, foam weight, foam protein concentration, semen volume, or flock fertility at 90 days of age. CONCLUSION: Dietary CP concentration affected body and testicular development in male Japanese quails but did not affect reproductive efficiency.

Reproductive aspects of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) hatched from eggs incubated under different light colors.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of exposure to different colors of light during egg incubation on the reproductive parameters of male and female Japanese quails. A total of 1776 eggs were incubated under four lighting conditions for 24 h a day during the entire incubation period: white LEDs, green LEDs, red LEDs and darkness (control). The experimental design was a randomized block (incubation time) with four treatments of six replicates of two cages each. After hatching, the birds were housed in brood cages with 18 birds each to 35 days of age, when they were sexed and transferred to production cages for evaluation of reproductive parameters. After the onset of laying, the number of eggs in each cage was recorded daily, and the values were used to obtain the age of the females at first egg and at 80% laying. At 35 and 60 days of age, several birds from each cage were euthanized for anatomical and histological evaluation of the gonads. Two females from each cage were weighed every three days until 60 days of age to determine the growth curve. After 60 days, eggs from each cage were collected and assessed for external and internal quality. At 70, 74 and 78 days of age, semen collection was performed and seminal quality was evaluated. Then, the males were transferred to cages containing 9 females for the fertility test. Hatchability was higher (P < 0.05) in eggs incubated in the dark and under the red LED. The age of maximum growth was higher (P < 0.05) in birds from eggs incubated in the dark and under the white LED. There was no difference (P > 0.05) in the anatomical and histological characteristics of the testicles between the groups incubated under different light colors, except for the diameter of the seminiferous tubules, which was greater (P = 0.05) in the dark and in the white LED groups. There was no effect (P > 0.05) of light color during incubation on the productive index or egg quality of adult birds. There was also no effect (P > 0.05) on sperm quality, except for sperm motility, the values of which were higher (P < 0.05) in birds from eggs incubated in different colors of light. However, this difference was not sufficient to significantly (P > 0.05) influence bird fertility. It is concluded that under the studied conditions, the incubation of quail eggs under white, red, and green LED lamps does not influence the reproductive characteristics of the quails.

In ovo injection with glycerol and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I): hatchability, intestinal morphometry, performance, and carcass characteristics of broilers.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of in ovo injection with glycerol (GLY) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF-I) on hatchability, biochemical parameters, intestinal morphometry, performance, and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. A total of 400 fertilised eggs were distributed into five experimental groups. The treatments were arranged as non-injected (control), saline solution injected (0.9% NaCl solution), GLY solution injected (10 nmol/ml), IGF-I solution injected (100 ng/ml), and GLY + IGF-I solution injected. At 17.5 d of incubation, 0.5 ml of each solution was injected into the amniotic fluid of each egg of the injected groups. The injection of different solutions did not influence the hatchability and incubation time of the eggs. Compared to intact eggs, IGF-I and IGF-I+ GLY increased (p < 0.01) the blood IGF-I at hatching. Higher hepatic glycogen was observed (p < 0.05) with GLY or IGF-I. The tested substances decreased (p = 0.02) the fructose 1,6-biphosfate phosphatase activity but did not affect glycaemia. No difference in performance was observed in the first week. Higher feed intake and weight gain with lower feed conversion ratio was obtained ( p  < 0.05) with IGF-I at 14 d. At 21 d, higher weight gain was obtained (p = 0.05) with IGF-I, GLY, IGF-I, and GLY + IGF-I, resulting (p < 0.01) in birds with greater weight gain at 35 and 42 d of age. GLY provided higher villus height in the ileum at hatching and at 7 d of age. The tested solutions increased the relative weight of the liver at hatching. At 42 d of age, no carcass characteristics were influenced. It is concluded that GLY and IGF-I, together or separately, can be used in the in ovo feeding to improve the post-hatch performance of broilers, without affecting hatchability and carcass composition.

Reproductive Characteristics of Cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) Maintained in Captivityand Receiving Madagascar Cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) Meal.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of a Madagascar cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) meal in the feed of cockatiels (Nymphicus hollandicus) in captivity and its influence on the reproductive characteristics of these birds. Twelve pairs of birds were used during two subsequent reproductive cycles of 130 days each, with time divided into four phases: laying, incubation, rearing of chicks until 30 days of age, and return to the new laying phase. The pairs were divided into two groups: a control group, which received a commercial diet for psittacines + a mixture of seeds, and a test group, which received the same diet as the control group except for the addition of a Madagascar cockroach meal in a ratio of 14 g of commercial food to 1 g of cockroach meal (6.6%). After hatching, chicks remained with their parents until 30 days of age. Subsequently, the chicks were transferred to another room and monitored until the 90th day of life. The inclusion of cockroach meal did not influence (p > 0.05) the intake of commercial food and mixture of seeds during the reproductive phases evaluated, except for feed intake, which was increased relative to control values (p = 0.02) in the return-to-laying phase. Yolk cholesterol content, egg width and egg shape index were increased with the inclusion of the cockroach meal, whereas the number of days to return to the new laying phase was reduced compared to the control (p = 0.02). The number of eggs laid decreased (p < 0.05) with the inclusion of the cockroach meal; however, the percentage of hatching was higher in the test group than in the control group (p < 0.05). No significant effect (p > 0.05) of dietary treatment was observed on the number of viable chicks at 1, 30 and 90 days of age or on the contents of most fatty acids present in the yolk. The findings of this study indicate that a Madagascar cockroach meal can be used as an alternative feedstuff in the diets for cockatiels and can lead to minor improvements in reproductive characteristics when replacing 6.6% of the commercial pelleted diet.

Metabolic effects of glycerol supplementation and aerobic physical training on Wistar rats.

We evaluated the effects of oral glycerol supplementation on trained rats fed a normal diet. Wistar rats were distributed among 6 groups in a completely randomized 2 × 3 factorial design. The animals were subjected to 6 weeks of aerobic training. In the last 4 weeks, the animals' diet was supplemented with saline, glucose, or glycerol. Data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) followed by a Student-Newmann-Keuls test, with values for P < 0.05 considered statistically significant. The change in body mass was lower in the trained groups, and their food and water consumption were higher. Glycerol supplementation resulted in an increase in the levels of triacylglycerol (TAG) and total cholesterol, as well as in the area and diameter of adipocytes. When associated with training, these parameters were similar to those of other trained groups. Levels of low-density lipoprotein + very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol decreased in the trained animals that received glycerol compared with the non-trained ones. Glycerol consumption caused a reduction in food intake and increased the villous:crypt (V:C) ratio. No changes in glycemia, high density lipoproteins, or density of adipocytes were observed. Supplementation with glycerol together with aerobic physical training promoted beneficial metabolic effects. However, in non-trained rats glycerol increased the diameter and area of adipocytes, as well as the levels of TAG and total cholesterol.

Increasing levels of phytase in diets formulated with reduced available phosphorus content supplied to male and female broilers / Níveis crescentes de fitase em dietas formuladas com reduzido teor de fósforo disponível, fornecidas a frangos de corte machos e fêmeas

The reduction of the available phosphorus (avP) content in the broiler diet must be followed by the supplementation of adequate phytase. One experiment was conducted with broilers from 15 to 28 days of age to determine the level of necessary phytase when the mashed diet is formulated with 0.213% of avP to enable the results of performance, tibia ash content, and calcium (Ca) utilization similar to those determined for birds fed with diet formulated to meet their nutritional requirements. Thus, 120 broilers were distributed in (4+1) x2 factorial arrangement corresponding to four deficient diets in avP (0.213%) supplemented with phytase (0; 750; 1,500 or 2,250FTU kg-1) plus one positive control diet without phytase (0.426% of avP), supplied to male and female broilers. Males showed better performance and higher totalP retention. Decrease in the avP content of the diet without phytase use worsened the performance, tibia ash content, and Ca retention; however, these parameters were improved gradually with the increase of the phytase level in the diet. Regardless of sex, using 2,250FTU kg-1, it is possible to reduce the avP to 0.213% without impairing performance, tibia ash content, and Ca retention; in addition to reducing the totalP excretion in 56.75% and improving its utilization in 38.58%.

A redução do teor de fósforo disponível (Pdisp) na dieta de frangos deve ser acompanhada de adequada suplementação da fitase. Um experimento foi conduzido com frangos de corte, no período de 15 a 28 dias de idade, para determinar o nível de fitase necessário quando a ração farelada é formulada com 0,213% de Pdisp para permitir resultados de desempenho, teor de cinzas na tíbia e aproveitamento do cálcio (Ca) semelhantes ao determinado para aves alimentadas com uma dieta formulada para atender suas exigências nutricionais. Desse modo, 120 frangos foram distribuídos em esquema fatorial (4+1) x2, correspondendo a quatro rações deficientes em Pdisp (0,213%) suplementadas com fitase (0; 750; 1.500 ou 2.250FTU kg-1) mais uma ração controle positivo sem fitase (0,426% de Pdisp), fornecidas a frangos machos e fêmeas. Os machos apresentaram melhor desempenho e maior retenção de Ptotal. A redução do teor de Pdisp da dieta sem o uso de fitase piorou o desempenho, o teor de cinzas ósseas e a retenção do Ca, todavia, esses parâmetros foram gradativamente melhorados com o aumento do nível de fitase na ração. Independente do sexo, ao utilizar 2.250FTU kg-1, é possível reduzir o teor de Pdisp para 0,213% sem prejudicar o desempenho, teor de cinzas na tíbia e a retenção do Ca, além de reduzir a excreção do Ptotal em 56,75% e melhorar seu aproveitamento em 38,58%.

Equações de predição de valores energéticos de alimentos obtidas utilizando meta-análise e componentes principais / Prediction equations of energetic values of feedstuffs obtained using meta-analysis and principal components

Neste estudo, foi proposta a utilização da análise de componentes principais, na formação de grupos homogêneos de artigos científicos, a serem considerados em uma meta-análise. Nessa meta-análise, foram utilizados resultados referentes à composição química e energia metabolizável aparente corrigida pelo balanço de nitrogênio (EMAn) de alimentos para aves, na obtenção de equações de predição da EMAn. Foram considerados 293 experimentos com resultados já publicados. Dados provenientes de ensaios metabólicos foram utilizados na validação das equações de predição obtidas, sendo que estas apresentaram resultados semelhantes às disponíveis na literatura. No procedimento de meta-análise, a formação de grupos homogêneos de resultados experimentais, que é uma das maiores dificuldades, foi facilitada com a utilização de componentes principais, uma vez que não houve a necessidade de determinar variáveis ou fatores a serem considerados nessa classificação. Assim, tem-se uma forma rápida e eficiente de definir tais grupos.

The purpose of this study was to develop a meta-analysis study by using the principal components analysis to obtain homogeneous groups of experimental results. In the process of the meta-analysis, it was considered data from 293 experiments carried out in Brazil. Prediction equations were obtained to estimate the nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) of poultry feedstuffs. Data from metabolic trials were used to validate the prediction equations obtained, which were similar than other available equations in the literature. One of the problems in meta-analysis is the determination of the homogeneous groups of experiments and, this problem was eliminated by using principal components, since there was no need to establish variables or factors to be considered in this classification.

Carcass characteristics of broilers at 42 days receiving diets with phytase in different energy and crude protein levels / Características de carcaça de frangos aos 42 dias recebendo rações com fitase em diferentes níveis energéticos e de proteína bruta

The aim of this study was to evaluate carcass characteristics and quality of breast meat after the inclusion of phytase in broiler diets with different levels of apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) corrected for nitrogen and reduced crude protein (CP) supplemented with essential amino acids following the concept of ideal protein. A total of 1,500 Cobb broilers from 22 to 42 days (initial weight of 833 ± 7 g and final weight of 2741 ± 48 g) were distributed in completely randomized design in a factorial 3x3+1 experiment (three levels of AMEn - 2,950; 3,100 and 3,250 kcal/kg - and three levels of CP - 14, 16 and 18 percent - and an additional treatment - control without phytase, with 3,100 kcal/kg EMAn, 19.2 percent PB and 0.4 percent available phosphorus), in six replications of 25 birds each. At the end of the trial, two birds of each experimental unit were slaughtered in order to measure carcass yield and yields of parts and to determine the chemical composition of the breast meat. The levels of AMEn and CP of diets with phytase influenced (P<0.05) the carcass, breast and abdominal fat yield and humidity, protein and fat percentage in the pectoralis major muscle of the birds. The levels of 3,100 kcal AMEn/kg and 18 percent CP showed higher carcass and breast yield and lower abdominal fat deposition, although with higher fat percentage in the breast meat. It was concluded that the manipulation of the energy levels of diets with reduced crude protein supplemented with amino acids and phytase influenced the yields of parts of carcass and the breast meat quality of the broilers at 42 days.

Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, estudar as características de carcaça e qualidade da carne do peito depois da inclusão de fitase em dietas para frangos de corte, com diferentes níveis de energia metabolizável aparente corrigida para nitrogênio (EMAn) e proteína bruta (PB) reduzida, suplementadas com aminoácidos essenciais seguindo o conceito de proteína ideal. Foram utilizados 1.500 frangos machos Cobb dos 22 aos 42 dias de idade com peso inicial de 833 ± 7 g e final de 2741 ± 48 g distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 3x3+1 (três níveis de EMAn - 2950, 3100 e 3250 kcal/kg - e três de PB - 14, 16 e 18 por cento - e um tratamento adicional - controle, sem fitase, com 3100 kcal/kg EMAn, 19,2 por cento de PB e 0,4 por cento de fósforo disponível) em seis repetições com 25 aves cada. Ao final do experimento, duas aves de cada parcela foram sacrificadas para a mensuração do rendimento de carcaça e de cortes e determinação da composição química da carne do peito. Os níveis de energia e proteína em rações com fitase influenciaram (P<0,05) os rendimentos de carcaça, peito e gordura abdominal a porcentagem de umidade, proteína e lipídios no músculo pectoralis major das aves, sendo os níveis de 3100 kcal EMAn/kg e 18 por cento de PB os que proporcionaram maiores rendimentos de carcaça e de peito e menor deposição de gordura abdominal, mas em maior teor de lipídios na carne do peito. Conclui-se que a manipulação da energia em rações com reduzido teor de proteína e suplementadas com aminoácidos e fitase influencia o rendimento de cortes e a qualidade da carne do peito de frangos aos 42 dias.

Nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balance of broilers fed diets with phytase and crystalline amino acids / Balanço de nitrogênio, cálcio e fósforo em frangos de corte recebendo dietas com fitase e aminoácidos cristalinos

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of reduced-crude protein (CP) and available phosphorus (aP) diets, added with phytase and amino acids for broilers in the growing (14 to 21 days old) and retirement (35 to 42 days) phases on nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus balance. Ninety Cobb broilers were distributed in a completely randomized design with three treatments and six replications with five and three birds per experimental unit in the growing and retirement phases, respectively. Diets were elaborated to contain reduced CP and aP levels (19 and 17 percent CP in the growing phase, with 0.34 percent aP; and 18 and 16 percent CP in the retirement phase, with 0.30 percent aP), supplemented with crystalline amino acids and 500 FTU of phytase/kg diet. These were compared to a control diet (21 percent CP and 0.46 percent aP for growing phase and 19 percent CP and 0.40 percent aP for retirement phase). The reduction of CP in four percentual units reduced the N excretion and increased the retention of this element, showing that the phytase had no influence on N balance when used the crystalline amino acids in the diets. The phytase reduced the P excretion and increased the retention ones. The potassium excretion decreased in reduced-CP diets, but this excessive reduction decreased the retention of this element, except in the retirement phase. It was concluded that the reduced-CP and aP diets, supplemented with phytase and amino acids, are efficient in reducing the pollutant power of the broilers excrements in the growing and retirement phases of production.

Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, avaliar o efeito de rações com reduzidos teores de proteína bruta (PB) e fósforo disponível (Pd), suplementadas com fitase e aminoácidos, para frangos de corte na fase de crescimento (14 a 21 dias) e terminação (35 a 42 dias de idade) sobre o balanço de nitrogênio, potássio e fósforo. Foram utilizados 90 pintos Cobb, distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com três tratamentos e seis repetições, com cinco e três aves por unidade experimental nas fases inicial e de crescimento, respectivamente. As rações foram formuladas para conterem níveis reduzidos de PB e Pd (19 e 17 por cento de PB na fase de crescimento, com 0,34 por cento de Pd e 18 e 16 por cento de PB na fase de terminação, com 0,30 por cento de Pd) e suplementadas com aminoácidos e 500 FTU de fitase/kg de ração Essas rações foram, então, que foram comparadas a uma ração controle (21 por cento de PB e 0,46 por cento de Pd para fase de crescimento e 19 por cento de PB e 0,40 por cento de Pd para fase de terminação). A redução da PB em quatro unidades percentuais reduziu a excreção, e aumentou a retenção de nitrogênio, mostrando que a fitase não interferiu no balanço de nitrogênio ao serem incluídos aminoácidos cristalinos nas rações. A excreção de potássio diminuiu em dietas com PB reduzida, mas esta redução em excesso diminuiu a retenção deste elemento, exceto na fase de retirada. Conclui-se que rações contendo níveis reduzidos de PB, cálcio e fósforo, suplementadas com fitase e aminoácidos, são eficientes em diminuir o poder poluente das excretas de frangos de corte.

Efeito do processamento, suplementação enzimática e nível nutricional da ração para frangos de corte no período de 22 a 42 dias de idade / Effect of processing, enzymatic supplementation and nutritional levels of the diet for broilers in the period from the 22nd to the 42nd day of age

Objetivando-se avaliar a forma física da ração, o uso de enzimas e níveis nutricionais em dietas à base de milho e farelo de soja, foram conduzidos dois experimentos utilizando um total de 1.344 frangos de corte machos de 22 a 42 dias de idade, distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 2 x 2 x 2, sendo duas formas físicas de ração (farelada ou triturada); com ou sem complexo enzimático (amilase, celulase e protease) e dois níveis nutricionais, 95 ou 100 por cento das recomendações de Rostagno et al. (2005). No experimento 1, 1200 aves foram distribuídas nos oito tratamentos com cinco repetições de 30 aves cada para avaliação de consumo de ração (CR), ganho de peso (GP), conversão alimentar (CA) e características de carcaça. Simultaneamente, foi realizado o experimento 2 (ensaio de metabolismo), em que 144 aves foram distribuídas em gaiolas metálicas, recebendo os oito tratamentos experimentais com seis repetições de três aves cada. Aos 38 dias de idade iniciou-se a coleta total de excretas, realizada uma vez ao dia, por três dias consecutivos para determinação da energia metabolizável aparente corrigida (EMAn) e dos coeficientes de metabolizabilidade da matéria seca (CMMS) e proteína bruta (CMPB) das rações experimentais. De uma maneira geral, pelos resultados obtidos, pode-se concluir que a suplementação enzimática não resulta em melhora no desempenho das aves e na digestibilidade dos nutrientes das rações, independentemente da forma física, devendo estas serem formuladas com 100 por cento das recomendações nutricionais.

In order to evaluate the physical form of diet and the use of enzymes and nutritional levels in diets based on corn and soybean meal, two experiments were carried out using a total of 1344 male broilers from 22 to 42 days of age, distributed in a randomized design in a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial scheme with two physical forms of diet (meal or crushed), with and without enzymatic complex (amylase, cellulase and protease) and two nutritional levels (95 or 100 percent of the recommendations). In experiment 1, 1200 birds were distributed to the eight treatments with five replicates of 30 chickens each, to evaluate the feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG) and feed conversion (FC) and carcass traits of birds. Simultaneously, in the experiment 2 (assay metabolism), 144 birds were distributed in metal cages and received the eight experimental treatments in six replicates of three birds each. At 38 days of age the total excreta collection were started, and the collect for three consecutive days to determine the apparent metabolizable energy corrected (AMEn) and the metabolizability coefficients of dry matter (MCDM) and crude protein (MCCP) of experimental diets. In general, the results can conclude that enzyme supplementation results in no improvement in bird performance and nutrient digestibility of diets, regardless of physical form, which should be made with 100 percent nutritional recommendations.

Efeito de níveis de lisina digestível verdadeira e proteína bruta na dieta sobre parâmetros morfo-fisiológicos e utilização do nitrogênio em suínos na fase inicial / Effect of levels of digestible lysine and crude protein in diets on the organs weight, physiologic parameters, jejune morfometry and nitrogen utilization of the diets for piglets

Foi conduzido um experimento no Departamento de Zootecnia da Universidade Federal de Lavras para verificar a influência de diferentes níveis de proteína bruta (PB) e lisina digestível verdadeira (LISD) na dieta sobre peso de órgãos, parâmetros fisiológicos e utilização do nitrogênio (N) de rações por leitões na fase inicial. Foram utilizados 80 suínos machos castrados e fêmeas (peso inicial = 9,1 ± 1,2 kg e final = 21,5 ± 4,8 kg), mestiços (Landrace x Large White), desmamados aos 28 dias, alojados em grupos de dois na creche em um delineamento em blocos casualizados (DBC) no tempo, em um fatorial 2 x 4 (PB x LISD) com cinco repetições, durante 35 dias. As rações foram formuladas com dois níveis de PB (16 e 18 por cento) e quatro níveis de LISD (0,7; 0,9; 1,1 e 1,3 por cento) com correção dos valores de metionina e treonina seguindo o conceito de proteína ideal. Ao final do experimento, um animal (unidade experimental) de cada tratamento foi sacrificado para mensuração do pH do conteúdo estomacal e cecal, peso relativo do fígado, pâncreas e rins e altura das vilosidades e profundidade das criptas do jejuno. No Experimento II, 32 suínos machos castrados (peso inicial = 25 ± 1,3 kg), provenientes do experimento anterior, foram alojados individualmente em gaiolas de metabolismo (unidade experimental), em um DBC no tempo em fatorial 2 x 4(PB x LISD), com quatro repetições, para avaliar o N ingerido (NI), N absorvido (NA), N retido (NR), e relação NR/NA ( por cento). Não houve diferenças (P>0,05) para as variáveis de abate. No balanço de N, houve efeito linear crescente (P<0,01) dos níveis de lisina para NI e efeito quadrático (P<0,01) para NR e NR/NA, que aumentaram até os níveis de 1,05 e 1,06 por cento LISD, respectivamente independente do nível de PB. Não houve diferenças (P>0,05) para NA. Conclui-se que os níveis de LISD e PB não afetam o peso dos órgãos, parâmetros fisiológicos e morfometria do jejuno, porém melhoram a assimilação do...

It was conducted an experiment in the Department of Animal Science at Lavras Federal University in order to verify the influence of different crude protein levels (CP) and digestible lysine (DLys) in the diet on the organs weight, physiologic parameters and utilization of nitrogen in the diet for piglets. It was utilized a total of 83 barrows and females (initial weight = 9.1 kg ± 1.2 kg and final weight = 21.5 ± 4.8 kg), crossbred (Landrace x Large White), weaned at 28 days old, allotted in groups of two in nursery in a randomized block design (RBD) in time, in 2x4 factorial scheme (CP x DLys), with five repetitions, during 35 days. The diets were formulated with two levels of CP (16 and 18 percent) and four levels of true digestible lysine (0.7; 0.9; 1.1 and 1.3 percent) with correction of the values for methionine and threonine following the ideal protein concept. At the final of experiment, one animal (experimental unit) of each treatment was slaughtered and the pH of estomacal and cecal contents, weight relative of the liver, pancreas and kidney and height of villous and crypts depth of jejune were taken. In the Experiment II, 32 barrows (initial weight = 25 ± 1.3 kg) proceeding from previous experiment, were allotted individually in metabolism cages (experimental unit) in RBD in time, in 2x4 factorial scheme (CP x LYSD) with four repetitions in order to evaluate the nitrogen intake (NI), absorbed nitrogen (AN), retained nitrogen (RN) and NR/NA relations ( percent). There were no differences for the slaughtered variables analyzed. In the NR there was linear increasing effect (P<0.01) of the DLys levels in NI and quadratic effect (P<0.01) for RN and RN/AN, that showed increase until 1.05 and 1.06 percent DLys levels, respectively, independent of the CP levels. There were no differences (P>0.05) for AN for any treatments studied. It was conclude that the DLys and CP levels had any effect on organs weight, physiologic parameters and...