Evaluation of the Ingestive Behavior of Foreign Fragments and the Integrity of Gastrointestinal Tract of Broiler Chickens

Fragments with vibrant colors and attractive textures in poultry house litter may be consumed considering that the confinement environment does not offer many opportunities for the development of the birdss natural behavior. Control and quality programs aiming to reduce and to eliminate the consumption of materials from the construction of sheds have been implanted. However, it is necessary to develop studies for a better understanding of the birds ingestive behavior and the consequences for their health, welfare and productivity. The goal of this study was to evaluate the ingestive behavior of broilers exposed to metal, wood, glass and plastic fragments at different concentrations and sizes added to the poultry house litter and the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract of broilers. A total of 360 birds were distributed in a completely randomized design over a 2x3 factorial scheme (2 fragment sizes: 2 to 7 mm and 5 to 8 mm and 3 concentrations: 0.1, 0.5 and 1%), totaling 6 treatments and 5 replicates. The fragments used were glass, wood, metal and plastic, in respective concentrations and sizes, distributed in the poultry house litter. The supply of fragments or the accidental occurrence of similar fragments to which were analyzed in this study concerning the poultry house litter, with different sizes, colors and textures does not compromise the integrity of the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract and the welfare of the birds.(AU)

Evaluation of the Ingestive Behavior of Foreign Fragments and the Integrity of Gastrointestinal Tract of Broiler Chickens

Fragments with vibrant colors and attractive textures in poultry house litter may be consumed considering that the confinement environment does not offer many opportunities for the development of the birds’s natural behavior. Control and quality programs aiming to reduce and to eliminate the consumption of materials from the construction of sheds have been implanted. However, it is necessary to develop studies for a better understanding of the bird’s ingestive behavior and the consequences for their health, welfare and productivity. The goal of this study was to evaluate the ingestive behavior of broilers exposed to metal, wood, glass and plastic fragments at different concentrations and sizes added to the poultry house litter and the integrity of the gastrointestinal tract of broilers. A total of 360 birds were distributed in a completely randomized design over a 2x3 factorial scheme (2 fragment sizes: 2 to 7 mm and 5 to 8 mm and 3 concentrations: 0.1, 0.5 and 1%), totaling 6 treatments and 5 replicates. The fragments used were glass, wood, metal and plastic, in respective concentrations and sizes, distributed in the poultry house litter. The supply of fragments or the accidental occurrence of similar fragments to which were analyzed in this study concerning the poultry house litter, with different sizes, colors and textures does not compromise the integrity of the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract and the welfare of the birds.

Suplementation of Antibiotic Growth Promoters versus Supplementation of Functional Oils in Broiler Breeders: Performance and Offspring Effects

The effects of either functional oil or antibiotic growth promoter supplementation on broiler breeders and their offspring were assessed in 2 experiments. In Experiment I, 16,400 broiler breeders (22 weeks old) were distributed into 2 experimental groups, one supplemented with 1,500 ppm of a commercial blend of functional oils (active ingredients: cashew nutshell liquid and castor oil) and the other with 500 ppm of bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD). Laying rates, fertility, embryonic mortality, and egg characteristics were measured from weeks 25 to 46. In Experiment II, 720 one day old male chicks, born from 42 week old breeders, from each one of the two treatments in Experiment I, were supplemented with either 10 ppm of enramycin or 1,500 ppm of the same functional oils as in Experiment I to study whether there were any maternal diet carry-over effects. Functional oils decreased embryonic mortality from 11.01% to 9.64% (P 0.03) when compared to BMD. However, a functional oil link increase in egg weight did not result in either heavier chicks or statistically significant better offspring performance. Nonetheless, a possible benefit of the functional oil supplementation on the offspring weight at 42 d cannot be excluded. The type of additive supplemented during Experiment II did not affect any performance parameters. In conclusion, functional oils could successfully replace antibiotic growth promoters in broiler breeders as embryonic mortality decreased. Finally, when functional oils were supplemented to the offspring, the performance was similar to that of a commonly used antibiotic growth promoter.(AU)

Suplementation of Antibiotic Growth Promoters versus Supplementation of Functional Oils in Broiler Breeders: Performance and Offspring Effects

The effects of either functional oil or antibiotic growth promoter supplementation on broiler breeders and their offspring were assessed in 2 experiments. In Experiment I, 16,400 broiler breeders (22 weeks old) were distributed into 2 experimental groups, one supplemented with 1,500 ppm of a commercial blend of functional oils (active ingredients: cashew nutshell liquid and castor oil) and the other with 500 ppm of bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD). Laying rates, fertility, embryonic mortality, and egg characteristics were measured from weeks 25 to 46. In Experiment II, 720 one day old male chicks, born from 42 week old breeders, from each one of the two treatments in Experiment I, were supplemented with either 10 ppm of enramycin or 1,500 ppm of the same functional oils as in Experiment I to study whether there were any maternal diet carry-over effects. Functional oils decreased embryonic mortality from 11.01% to 9.64% (P 0.03) when compared to BMD. However, a functional oil link increase in egg weight did not result in either heavier chicks or statistically significant better offspring performance. Nonetheless, a possible benefit of the functional oil supplementation on the offspring weight at 42 d cannot be excluded. The type of additive supplemented during Experiment II did not affect any performance parameters. In conclusion, functional oils could successfully replace antibiotic growth promoters in broiler breeders as embryonic mortality decreased. Finally, when functional oils were supplemented to the offspring, the performance was similar to that of a commonly used antibiotic growth promoter.

Mineral Source and Vitamin Level in Broiler Diets: Effects on Performance, Yield, and Meat Quality

The purpose of this trial was to supplement commercial broiler diets with optimum vitamin programs and higher availability of mineral sources, and to evaluate the effect on performance, yield and meat quality of broilers. The study used 1800 male broiler chicks randomly distributed in a 2 x 2 factorial design (vitamin programs - optimum and commercial vs. mineral sources - inorganic (sulfates) and carbo-amino-phospho-chelate (CAPC)). Supplementation associating optimum vitamin levels and mineral source CAPC resulted in better feed conversion and higher carcass weight at 42 days of age (p 0.05). Supplementation of diets with optimum vitamin levels resulted in higher absolute and relative breast weight, lower abdominal fat deposition, and reduction (p 0.05) of broiler breast water loss by dripping. Supplementation with CAPC minerals resulted in higher breast weight, lower abdominal fat deposition, less elastic muscle tissue, that is, a higher level of tenderness resulting in less resistance of muscle fibers and skin with higher tear strength than the skin of birds fed inorganic sources. Associating optimum vitamin programs and CAPC mineral source resulted in lower (p 0.05) lipid peroxidation levels in thighs and drumsticks after 10 and 40 days freezing. No difference (p>0.05) was found in the association of vitamin programs and mineral sources on the occurrence of white striping and dorsal myopathy. Supplementing the diets with optimized vitamin programs associated with a more bioavailable mineral source resulted in a positive contribution to the meat quality of broilers.(AU)

Mineral Source and Vitamin Level in Broiler Diets: Effects on Performance, Yield, and Meat Quality

The purpose of this trial was to supplement commercial broiler diets with optimum vitamin programs and higher availability of mineral sources, and to evaluate the effect on performance, yield and meat quality of broilers. The study used 1800 male broiler chicks randomly distributed in a 2 x 2 factorial design (vitamin programs - optimum and commercial vs. mineral sources - inorganic (sulfates) and carbo-amino-phospho-chelate (CAPC)). Supplementation associating optimum vitamin levels and mineral source CAPC resulted in better feed conversion and higher carcass weight at 42 days of age (p 0.05). Supplementation of diets with optimum vitamin levels resulted in higher absolute and relative breast weight, lower abdominal fat deposition, and reduction (p 0.05) of broiler breast water loss by dripping. Supplementation with CAPC minerals resulted in higher breast weight, lower abdominal fat deposition, less elastic muscle tissue, that is, a higher level of tenderness resulting in less resistance of muscle fibers and skin with higher tear strength than the skin of birds fed inorganic sources. Associating optimum vitamin programs and CAPC mineral source resulted in lower (p 0.05) lipid peroxidation levels in thighs and drumsticks after 10 and 40 days freezing. No difference (p>0.05) was found in the association of vitamin programs and mineral sources on the occurrence of white striping and dorsal myopathy. Supplementing the diets with optimized vitamin programs associated with a more bioavailable mineral source resulted in a positive contribution to the meat quality of broilers.

Supplementation of broiler breeders with fat sources and vitamin e: carry over effect on performance, carcass yield, and meat quality offspring / Suplementação de matrizes de frangos de corte com fontes de gordura e vitamina E: transferência dos efeitos sobre a performance, o rendimento da carcaça e a qualidade da carne da progênie

The aim of this study was to evaluate two sources of oil (soybean and fish) and four additional levels of vitamin E (0, 150, 250 and 350mg/kg diet) in breeder diets between the 42nd and 56th week of age and its effect on performance and meat quality of offspring. The supplementation of fish oil in the maternal diet increased the deposition of DHA and CLA in egg yolk. From 1 to 35 days of age, intermediate levels of vitamin E resulted in lower weight gain and feed intake. To feed conversion, the best result was obtained supplementing the maternal diet with soybean oil, regardless of vitamin inclusion. In addition, the evaluation of meat quality, the fish oil-supplemented-diet resulted in lower moisture loss of the breast fillets. For maternal diet supplemented with fish oil, the inclusion of vitamin E resulted in a linear increase of the pH value of the meat. Greater levels of vitamin E in the maternal diet influenced the functional properties of meat according to the type of oil that was added to the diet. The deposition of different fatty acids in the embryonic egg yolk can directly influence the meat quality of offspring.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar duas fontes de óleo (soja e peixe) e quatro níveis adicionais de vitamina E (0, 150, 250 e 350mg/kg dieta), em dietas de matrizes entre a 42º e a 56º semana de idade, sobre o desempenho e a qualidade de carne da progênie. A suplementação de óleo de peixe na dieta das matrizes aumentou a deposição de DHA e CLA na gema dos ovos. Entre um e 35 dias de idade, níveis intermediários de vitamina E resultaram em menor ganho de peso e consumo de ração. Para a conversão alimentar, o melhor resultado foi obtido suplementando a dieta materna com óleo de soja, independentemente da inclusão vitamínica. Dietas suplementadas com óleo de peixe resultaram em menor perda de umidade nos filés de peito. Para a dieta materna suplementada com óleo de peixe, a inclusão de vitamina E resultou em um aumento linear do valor de pH da carne. Níveis mais altos de vitamina E na dieta materna influenciaram as propriedades funcionais da carne de acordo com o tipo de óleo adicionado à dieta. A deposição de diferentes ácidos graxos na gema de ovos embrionados pode influenciar diretamente a qualidade da carne da progênie.(AU)

Nutritional evaluation of soybean hulls with or without beta-mannanase supplement on performance, intestinal morphometric and carcass yield of broilers chickens

The objective was to evaluate the performance, intestinal morphology and carcass yield of broilers fed corn-soybean meal (SBM) diet or corn-SBM-soybean hull (SH) with or without b-mannanase supplementation. Thousand four hundred and forty Cobb Slow-male- chicks were housed design following a factorial scheme 2 x 2 (corn-SBM diet and corn-SBM-SH diet vs with and without b-mannanase), composing 4 treatments and 9 replicates each treatment, with 40 birds each replicate. At 21 days, corn-SBM diet supplemented with b-mannanase resulted in better (p<0.05) feed conversion. At 42 days, the weight gain (p<0.05) and feed intake (p<0.05) of the birds fed diets containing SH was 2.6% and 2.9% higher than that of birds fed corn-SBM diets, respectively, independent of b-mannanase supplementation. Birds supplemented with b-mannanase had a lower length of villi (p<0.05) and absorption area (p<0.05) of jejunum mucosa, and higher (p<0.05) relative liver weight. Diets with SH and without addition of b-mannanase resulted in higher relative liver weight (p<0.05) and lower percentage of fat in the carcass. It was not found statistical differences (p>0.05) in the quality of the poultry litter with the inclusion of the enzyme in the diet. The use of b-mannanase in diets with higher concentration of fiber improves the feed conversion of broilers from 1 to 21 days and can be an important nutritional and economic strategy in situations of unavailability of raw material of better quality. Corn-SBM-SH diet resulted in greater weight gain at 42 days than corn-SBM diet.(AU)

Supplementation of broiler breeders with fat sources and vitamin e: carry over effect on performance, carcass yield, and meat quality offspring / Suplementação de matrizes de frangos de corte com fontes de gordura e vitamina E: transferência dos efeitos sobre a performance, o rendimento da carcaça e a qualidade da carne da progênie

The aim of this study was to evaluate two sources of oil (soybean and fish) and four additional levels of vitamin E (0, 150, 250 and 350mg/kg diet) in breeder diets between the 42nd and 56th week of age and its effect on performance and meat quality of offspring. The supplementation of fish oil in the maternal diet increased the deposition of DHA and CLA in egg yolk. From 1 to 35 days of age, intermediate levels of vitamin E resulted in lower weight gain and feed intake. To feed conversion, the best result was obtained supplementing the maternal diet with soybean oil, regardless of vitamin inclusion. In addition, the evaluation of meat quality, the fish oil-supplemented-diet resulted in lower moisture loss of the breast fillets. For maternal diet supplemented with fish oil, the inclusion of vitamin E resulted in a linear increase of the pH value of the meat. Greater levels of vitamin E in the maternal diet influenced the functional properties of meat according to the type of oil that was added to the diet. The deposition of different fatty acids in the embryonic egg yolk can directly influence the meat quality of offspring.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar duas fontes de óleo (soja e peixe) e quatro níveis adicionais de vitamina E (0, 150, 250 e 350mg/kg dieta), em dietas de matrizes entre a 42º e a 56º semana de idade, sobre o desempenho e a qualidade de carne da progênie. A suplementação de óleo de peixe na dieta das matrizes aumentou a deposição de DHA e CLA na gema dos ovos. Entre um e 35 dias de idade, níveis intermediários de vitamina E resultaram em menor ganho de peso e consumo de ração. Para a conversão alimentar, o melhor resultado foi obtido suplementando a dieta materna com óleo de soja, independentemente da inclusão vitamínica. Dietas suplementadas com óleo de peixe resultaram em menor perda de umidade nos filés de peito. Para a dieta materna suplementada com óleo de peixe, a inclusão de vitamina E resultou em um aumento linear do valor de pH da carne. Níveis mais altos de vitamina E na dieta materna influenciaram as propriedades funcionais da carne de acordo com o tipo de óleo adicionado à dieta. A deposição de diferentes ácidos graxos na gema de ovos embrionados pode influenciar diretamente a qualidade da carne da progênie.(AU)

Nutritional evaluation of soybean hulls with or without beta-mannanase supplement on performance, intestinal morphometric and carcass yield of broilers chickens

The objective was to evaluate the performance, intestinal morphology and carcass yield of broilers fed corn-soybean meal (SBM) diet or corn-SBM-soybean hull (SH) with or without b-mannanase supplementation. Thousand four hundred and forty Cobb Slow-male- chicks were housed design following a factorial scheme 2 x 2 (corn-SBM diet and corn-SBM-SH diet vs with and without b-mannanase), composing 4 treatments and 9 replicates each treatment, with 40 birds each replicate. At 21 days, corn-SBM diet supplemented with b-mannanase resulted in better (p0.05) in the quality of the poultry litter with the inclusion of the enzyme in the diet. The use of b-mannanase in diets with higher concentration of fiber improves the feed conversion of broilers from 1 to 21 days and can be an important nutritional and economic strategy in situations of unavailability of raw material of better quality. Corn-SBM-SH diet resulted in greater weight gain at 42 days than corn-SBM diet.

Desempenho produtivo de frangos de corte e utilização de energia e nutrientes de dietas iniciais com milho classificado ou não e suplementadas com complexo enzimático / Broiler performance and energy and nutrient utilization of starter diets with classified corn or not and supplemented with enzymatic complexes

Dois experimentos foram conduzidos com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da adição de um complexo enzimático em dietas iniciais elaboradas com milho classificado ou não por mesa densimétrica sobre o desempenho produtivo e a digestibilidade de nutrientes. Foram utilizados 1080 frangos de corte, machos, distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2 x 3 (milho classificado ou não vs. dieta controle, dieta controle acrescida de complexo enzimático e dieta controle acrescida de enzimas e com redução de 150kcal de EM), totalizando seis repetições e 36 unidades experimentais. No ensaio de metabolismo, foram utilizadas 96 aves de 21 dias de idade, alojadas em baterias metálicas e distribuídas aos seis tratamentos, com oito repetições e 48 unidades experimentais. Dietas suplementadas com enzima, independentemente da classificação do milho, resultaram em maior (P<0,05) ganho de peso das aves aos 21 dias de idade. A adição de enzimas em dietas com milho classificado melhorou (P<0,05) a conversão alimentar. O CDPB foi maior (P<0,05) para dietas elaboradas com milho classificado, independentemente da suplementação do complexo enzimático, enquanto o CDEE de dietas à base de milho não classificado aumentou (P<0,05) quando as enzimas foram incluídas na deita. Dietas elaboradas à base de milho classificado e acrescidas de complexo enzimático comercial melhoraram (P<0,05) a EMA e a EMAn. As enzimas exógenas podem ser empregadas como ferramenta para melhorar a digestibilidade de nutrientes e de energia dos grãos de milho com variação nutricional.(AU)

Two experiments were performed with the aim of evaluating the effect of inclusion of enzymatic complexes in starter diets containing classified corn or not on the productive performance of poultry and nutrient digestibility. In the performance test 1080 broilers were used, distribuited in a completely randomized design in a factorial 2 x 3 (classified corn or not and corn control diet, control diet plus enzyme complex, and control diet plus enzymes and reduction of 150kcal of ME) and consisting of six replicates and 36 experimental units. In the metabolism trial 96 21-day-old birds were used, housed in metal cages, distributed to six treatments with eight replicates of 48 experimental units. Diets supplemented with enzyme, regardless of the corn classification, resulted in higher (P<0.05) weight gain of birds at 21 days of age. The addition of enzymes in diets with classified corn improved (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio. The CDPB was higher (P<0.05) for diets formulated with classified corn, regardless of the supplementation of the enzyme complex, while the CDEE of not classified corn-based diets increased (P<0.05) when the enzymes were included. Diets formulated with classified corn plus commercial enzymatic complex, improved (P < 0.05) the AME and AMEn. Exogenous enzymes may be employed as a tool to improve the digestibility of nutrients and energy of corn with nutritional variation.(AU)

Dietas pós-eclosão suplementadas com fontes de gordura e acrescidas de taurina e glicina sobre a morfometria intestinal e o desempenho de frangos de corte de um a 21 dias / Post-hatch diets supplemented with sources of fat and added taurine and glycine on the intestinal morphology and performance of broilers at 1 to 21 days

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do fornecimento de dietas pós-eclosão suplementadas com diferentes fontes de gordura insaturada e adicionadas ou não de taurina e glicina sobre o desempenho produtivo, a biometria e a morfometria do intestino delgado de pintos de corte de um a 21 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 480 pintos de corte machos de um dia de idade da linhagem Cobb. O delineamento foi inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2 x 4, com e sem suplementação de taurina e glicina e quatro dietas (controle, óleo de peixe, de soja e de girassol), totalizando oito tratamentos com seis repetições de 10 aves cada. As rações experimentais foram fornecidas de zero a quatro dias de idade. O desempenho zootécnico foi avaliado ao alojamento e aos quatro, sete e 21 dias de idade. Nestas mesmas datas, foram sacrificadas duas aves por unidade experimental para biometria do intestino e histomorfometria da mucosa do intestino. A adição de diferentes fontes de gordura e a suplementação de glicina e taurina às dietas de transição não influenciaram o desempenho produtivo de um a 21 dias. A suplementação das dietas com glicina e taurina alterou a morfologia da mucosa intestinal, principalmente do duodeno, resultando em maior comprimento do vilo e relação vilo:cripta. Entretanto, parte dos efeitos positivos depende do tipo de óleo adicionado, mostrando que dietas pós-eclosão acrescidas de fontes de lipídios podem ser benéficas no desenvolvimento da capacidade funcional do intestino de frangos de corte.(AU)

The aim of this study was to assess post-hatch diets supplemented with different sources of unsaturated fat and added or not with taurine and glycine on the productive performance, biometry and morphology of small intestine of chicks from 1 to 21 days of age. Four hundred and eighty (480) one day old male broiler Cobb chicks were used. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial 2 x 4, with and without supplemental taurine and glycine and 4 diets (control, fish, soy and sunflower oil), totaling six treatments with six repetitions of 10 birds each. The experimental diets were supplied from 0 to 4 days old. The performance was evaluated in housing and 4, 7 and 21 days of age. On these same dates, 2 birds per experimental unit were sacrificed for gut biometrics and histomorphometry of intestinal mucosa. The addition of different sources of fat, glycine and taurine supplementation on transition diets did not influence productive performance from 1 to 21 days. Supplementation of diets with glycine and taurine altered the morphology of the intestinal mucosa, mainly of the duodenum, resulting in greater length of villi and villi: crypt ratio. However, the positive effects depend on the type of oil added, showing that post-hatch diets increased with lipid sources may be beneficial in the development of the functional capacity of the intestine of broilers.(AU)

Desempenho produtivo de frangos de corte e utilização de energia e nutrientes de dietas iniciais com milho classificado ou não e suplementadas com complexo enzimático / Broiler performance and energy and nutrient utilization of starter diets with classified corn or not and supplemented with enzymatic complexes

Dois experimentos foram conduzidos com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da adição de um complexo enzimático em dietas iniciais elaboradas com milho classificado ou não por mesa densimétrica sobre o desempenho produtivo e a digestibilidade de nutrientes. Foram utilizados 1080 frangos de corte, machos, distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2 x 3 (milho classificado ou não vs. dieta controle, dieta controle acrescida de complexo enzimático e dieta controle acrescida de enzimas e com redução de 150kcal de EM), totalizando seis repetições e 36 unidades experimentais. No ensaio de metabolismo, foram utilizadas 96 aves de 21 dias de idade, alojadas em baterias metálicas e distribuídas aos seis tratamentos, com oito repetições e 48 unidades experimentais. Dietas suplementadas com enzima, independentemente da classificação do milho, resultaram em maior (P<0,05) ganho de peso das aves aos 21 dias de idade. A adição de enzimas em dietas com milho classificado melhorou (P<0,05) a conversão alimentar. O CDPB foi maior (P<0,05) para dietas elaboradas com milho classificado, independentemente da suplementação do complexo enzimático, enquanto o CDEE de dietas à base de milho não classificado aumentou (P<0,05) quando as enzimas foram incluídas na deita. Dietas elaboradas à base de milho classificado e acrescidas de complexo enzimático comercial melhoraram (P<0,05) a EMA e a EMAn. As enzimas exógenas podem ser empregadas como ferramenta para melhorar a digestibilidade de nutrientes e de energia dos grãos de milho com variação nutricional.(AU)

Two experiments were performed with the aim of evaluating the effect of inclusion of enzymatic complexes in starter diets containing classified corn or not on the productive performance of poultry and nutrient digestibility. In the performance test 1080 broilers were used, distribuited in a completely randomized design in a factorial 2 x 3 (classified corn or not and corn control diet, control diet plus enzyme complex, and control diet plus enzymes and reduction of 150kcal of ME) and consisting of six replicates and 36 experimental units. In the metabolism trial 96 21-day-old birds were used, housed in metal cages, distributed to six treatments with eight replicates of 48 experimental units. Diets supplemented with enzyme, regardless of the corn classification, resulted in higher (P<0.05) weight gain of birds at 21 days of age. The addition of enzymes in diets with classified corn improved (P<0.05) feed conversion ratio. The CDPB was higher (P<0.05) for diets formulated with classified corn, regardless of the supplementation of the enzyme complex, while the CDEE of not classified corn-based diets increased (P<0.05) when the enzymes were included. Diets formulated with classified corn plus commercial enzymatic complex, improved (P 0.05) the AME and AMEn. Exogenous enzymes may be employed as a tool to improve the digestibility of nutrients and energy of corn with nutritional variation.(AU)

Dietas pós-eclosão suplementadas com fontes de gordura e acrescidas de taurina e glicina sobre a morfometria intestinal e o desempenho de frangos de corte de um a 21 dias / Post-hatch diets supplemented with sources of fat and added taurine and glycine on the intestinal morphology and performance of broilers at 1 to 21 days

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito do fornecimento de dietas pós-eclosão suplementadas com diferentes fontes de gordura insaturada e adicionadas ou não de taurina e glicina sobre o desempenho produtivo, a biometria e a morfometria do intestino delgado de pintos de corte de um a 21 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 480 pintos de corte machos de um dia de idade da linhagem Cobb. O delineamento foi inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2 x 4, com e sem suplementação de taurina e glicina e quatro dietas (controle, óleo de peixe, de soja e de girassol), totalizando oito tratamentos com seis repetições de 10 aves cada. As rações experimentais foram fornecidas de zero a quatro dias de idade. O desempenho zootécnico foi avaliado ao alojamento e aos quatro, sete e 21 dias de idade. Nestas mesmas datas, foram sacrificadas duas aves por unidade experimental para biometria do intestino e histomorfometria da mucosa do intestino. A adição de diferentes fontes de gordura e a suplementação de glicina e taurina às dietas de transição não influenciaram o desempenho produtivo de um a 21 dias. A suplementação das dietas com glicina e taurina alterou a morfologia da mucosa intestinal, principalmente do duodeno, resultando em maior comprimento do vilo e relação vilo:cripta. Entretanto, parte dos efeitos positivos depende do tipo de óleo adicionado, mostrando que dietas pós-eclosão acrescidas de fontes de lipídios podem ser benéficas no desenvolvimento da capacidade funcional do intestino de frangos de corte.(AU)

The aim of this study was to assess post-hatch diets supplemented with different sources of unsaturated fat and added or not with taurine and glycine on the productive performance, biometry and morphology of small intestine of chicks from 1 to 21 days of age. Four hundred and eighty (480) one day old male broiler Cobb chicks were used. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial 2 x 4, with and without supplemental taurine and glycine and 4 diets (control, fish, soy and sunflower oil), totaling six treatments with six repetitions of 10 birds each. The experimental diets were supplied from 0 to 4 days old. The performance was evaluated in housing and 4, 7 and 21 days of age. On these same dates, 2 birds per experimental unit were sacrificed for gut biometrics and histomorphometry of intestinal mucosa. The addition of different sources of fat, glycine and taurine supplementation on transition diets did not influence productive performance from 1 to 21 days. Supplementation of diets with glycine and taurine altered the morphology of the intestinal mucosa, mainly of the duodenum, resulting in greater length of villi and villi: crypt ratio. However, the positive effects depend on the type of oil added, showing that post-hatch diets increased with lipid sources may be beneficial in the development of the functional capacity of the intestine of broilers.(AU)

Effects of Guanidionoacetic Acid and Arginine Supplementation to Vegetable Diets Fed to Broiler Chickens Subjected to Heat Stress before Slaughter

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the supplementation of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) and L-arginine (L-Arg) as creatine precursors to vegetable diets on the carcass yield and meat quality of broilers subjected to two days of heat stress before slaughter. A total of 1260 broiler chicks were distributed according to a completely randomized design into four treatments with nine replicates of 35 birds each. The treatments consisted of: T1 - vegetable diet based on corn and soybean meal (control diet); T2 - control diet with the inclusion of meat meal (3%); T3 - control diet supplemented with GAA (0.08%); and T4 - control diet supplemented with L-Arg (0.8%). The birds were submitted to heat stress for two days before slaughter (from 42 to 44 days of age). The birds fed the diets supplemented with GAA or L-Arg presented heavier carcasses (p 0.0035), higher breast yield (p=0.0685), and lower of abdominal fat deposition (p=0.0508) than those fed the control diet and the control diet with meat meal. The cooking loss of the breast fillets of broilers fed the control diet supplemented with meat meal, GAA or L-Arg was lower (p 0.0068) compared with those fed the control diet. Thawing and pressure-driven breast fillet weight losses, and pH, luminosity, redness (a*value), and yellowness (b* value) values were not influenced by the treatments. When GAA is less expensive than commercially-available Arg, the dietary supplementation of GAA is more advantageous, based on the meat yield improvements observed in the present study.(AU)

Effects of Guanidionoacetic Acid and Arginine Supplementation to Vegetable Diets Fed to Broiler Chickens Subjected to Heat Stress before Slaughter

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the supplementation of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) and L-arginine (L-Arg) as creatine precursors to vegetable diets on the carcass yield and meat quality of broilers subjected to two days of heat stress before slaughter. A total of 1260 broiler chicks were distributed according to a completely randomized design into four treatments with nine replicates of 35 birds each. The treatments consisted of: T1 - vegetable diet based on corn and soybean meal (control diet); T2 - control diet with the inclusion of meat meal (3%); T3 - control diet supplemented with GAA (0.08%); and T4 - control diet supplemented with L-Arg (0.8%). The birds were submitted to heat stress for two days before slaughter (from 42 to 44 days of age). The birds fed the diets supplemented with GAA or L-Arg presented heavier carcasses (p 0.0035), higher breast yield (p=0.0685), and lower of abdominal fat deposition (p=0.0508) than those fed the control diet and the control diet with meat meal. The cooking loss of the breast fillets of broilers fed the control diet supplemented with meat meal, GAA or L-Arg was lower (p 0.0068) compared with those fed the control diet. Thawing and pressure-driven breast fillet weight losses, and pH, luminosity, redness (a*value), and yellowness (b* value) values were not influenced by the treatments. When GAA is less expensive than commercially-available Arg, the dietary supplementation of GAA is more advantageous, based on the meat yield improvements observed in the present study.

Effect of Thermal Embryonic Manipulation on the Quality of Male and Female Broiler Meat Submitted to Thermal Stress Pre-Slaughter

Adverse environmental conditions during rearing may negatively affect productivity and meat quality of the modern fast-growing broiler strains. Temperature manipulation during sensitive embryonic development periods may affect broilers' physiological responses to environmental conditions during rearing on commercial farms. The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effect of temperature manipulation during incubation and breeder age on the meat quality of male and female broilers submitted to heat stress during the pre-slaughter period. In this experiment, 1280 broiler chicks were distributed according to a completely randomized experimental design in a 2x2x2 factorial arrangement. Treatments consisted of two breeder ages (30 and 60 weeks), two temperature programs applied in the last four days of incubation (standard or high temperature), and sex (male and female). Birds were submitted to 32 °C for 48 hours before slaughter, on day 46.Meat quality parameters (pH, temperature, color, and weight loss) were evaluated. There was significant effect (p 0.05) of sex on meat redness (a*) and fat percentage, with females presenting higher values than males in both measurements. Males incubated at the higher temperature presented higher (p 0.05) meat weight loss by pressure than females. The thermal manipulation applied during the final stage of incubation did not affect the meat yield or meat quality of broilers submitted to heat stress.

Evaluation of incubation yield, vaccine response, and performance of broilers submitted to in-ovo vaccination at different embryonic ages

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of in-ovo vaccination on different incubation days of broiler embryos derived from young and old breeders on incubation indexes, vaccine response, and broiler performance. A number of 20,160 fertile eggs was distributed according to a completely randomized design in a 4 x 2 factorial arrangement (in-ovo vaccination on 16, 17, 18, or 19 days of incubation, and breeders of 31 or 52 weeks of age), totaling eight treatments with 15 replicates of 168 eggs each. Vaccination procedures and vaccines (strains and doses) were those routinely applied in commercial hatcheries. After hatch, 960 male chicks were housed and distributed according to the same experimental design previously applied in the hatchery. There were hatching losses (p < 0.05) when eggs were vaccinated before 18 days of incubation. Greater Marek's disease antibody titers were obtained when the in-ovo vaccination was performed on day 19 of incubation, regardless breeder age. Embryonic age at vaccination did not compromise broiler performance in the field, and the flexibility of embryonic age for in-ovo vaccination can reduces incubation costs.

Evaluation of incubation yield, vaccine response, and performance of broilers submitted to in-ovo vaccination at different embryonic ages

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of in-ovo vaccination on different incubation days of broiler embryos derived from young and old breeders on incubation indexes, vaccine response, and broiler performance. A number of 20,160 fertile eggs was distributed according to a completely randomized design in a 4 x 2 factorial arrangement (in-ovo vaccination on 16, 17, 18, or 19 days of incubation, and breeders of 31 or 52 weeks of age), totaling eight treatments with 15 replicates of 168 eggs each. Vaccination procedures and vaccines (strains and doses) were those routinely applied in commercial hatcheries. After hatch, 960 male chicks were housed and distributed according to the same experimental design previously applied in the hatchery. There were hatching losses (p < 0.05) when eggs were vaccinated before 18 days of incubation. Greater Marek's disease antibody titers were obtained when the in-ovo vaccination was performed on day 19 of incubation, regardless breeder age. Embryonic age at vaccination did not compromise broiler performance in the field, and the flexibility of embryonic age for in-ovo vaccination can reduces incubation costs.(AU)

Effect of Thermal Embryonic Manipulation on the Quality of Male and Female Broiler Meat Submitted to Thermal Stress Pre-Slaughter

Adverse environmental conditions during rearing may negatively affect productivity and meat quality of the modern fast-growing broiler strains. Temperature manipulation during sensitive embryonic development periods may affect broilers' physiological responses to environmental conditions during rearing on commercial farms. The objective of this trial was to evaluate the effect of temperature manipulation during incubation and breeder age on the meat quality of male and female broilers submitted to heat stress during the pre-slaughter period. In this experiment, 1280 broiler chicks were distributed according to a completely randomized experimental design in a 2x2x2 factorial arrangement. Treatments consisted of two breeder ages (30 and 60 weeks), two temperature programs applied in the last four days of incubation (standard or high temperature), and sex (male and female). Birds were submitted to 32 °C for 48 hours before slaughter, on day 46.Meat quality parameters (pH, temperature, color, and weight loss) were evaluated. There was significant effect (p 0.05) of sex on meat redness (a*) and fat percentage, with females presenting higher values than males in both measurements. Males incubated at the higher temperature presented higher (p 0.05) meat weight loss by pressure than females. The thermal manipulation applied during the final stage of incubation did not affect the meat yield or meat quality of broilers submitted to heat stress.(AU)