Adsorption of copper in oxisol and alfisol / Adsorção de cobre em Latossolo Bruno e Nitossolo Vermelho

The accumulation of copper (Cu) in soil can provide input in excess of these elements in the food chain through the contamination of soil and water. The study of the chemical behavior of Cu is needed for the knowledge of mobility of these elements in the soil profile. The aim of this study was to know the background Cu concentration, to evaluate the effect of pH, ionic strength (FI) and to quantify the maximum adsorption capacity (CMA) of Cu in Oxisol and Alfisol. The adsorption rate was evaluated at pH 4.5, 5.5 and 6.5 and the FI 15 and 150 mmol L-1 of Ca(NO3)2. To quantify the CMA were used rates of Cu concentrations of 0, 0.075, 0.15, 0.30, 0.60, 1.5 mmol L-1, final soil: solution l: 100. Raising the pH value increased the adsorption of Cu and increasing the ionic strength of the solution didnt reduce the adsorption of Cu. The CMA calculated for Cu in Alfisol was 3354 mg kg-1. It was not possible to calculate the CMA in Oxisol.

O acúmulo de cobre (Cu) no solo pode proporcionar a entrada em excesso desse elemento na cadeia alimentar através da contaminação do solo e água. O estudo do comportamento químico do Cu torna-se necessário para o conhecimento da mobilidade desse elemento no perfil do solo. O objetivo desse trabalho foi conhecer os teores nativos de Cu, avaliar o efeito de pH, força iônica (FI) e quantificar a capacidade máxima de adsorção (CMA) de Cu em Latossolo Bruno (LB) e Nitossolo Vermelho (NV). A adsorção foi avaliada em pH 4,5; 5,5 e 6,5 e na FI de 15 e 150 mmol L-1 de Ca(NO3)2. Para quantificar a CMA foram utilizadas doses de Cu nas concentrações de: 0, 0,075, 0,15, 0,30, 0,60, 1,50 mmol L-1, relação solo:solução final de 1:100. A elevação do valor de pH aumentou a adsorção de Cu e o aumento da força iônica da solução não diminuiu a adsorção de Cu. A CMA calculada para Cu no NV foi de 3354 mg kg-1. Não foi possível calcular a CMA para Cu no LB.

Adsorption of copper in oxisol and alfisol / Adsorção de cobre em Latossolo Bruno e Nitossolo Vermelho

The accumulation of copper (Cu) in soil can provide input in excess of these elements in the food chain through the contamination of soil and water. The study of the chemical behavior of Cu is needed for the knowledge of mobility of these elements in the soil profile. The aim of this study was to know the background Cu concentration, to evaluate the effect of pH, ionic strength (FI) and to quantify the maximum adsorption capacity (CMA) of Cu in Oxisol and Alfisol. The adsorption rate was evaluated at pH 4.5, 5.5 and 6.5 and the FI 15 and 150 mmol L-1 of Ca(NO3)2. To quantify the CMA were used rates of Cu concentrations of 0, 0.075, 0.15, 0.30, 0.60, 1.5 mmol L-1, final soil: solution l: 100. Raising the pH value increased the adsorption of Cu and increasing the ionic strength of the solution didnt reduce the adsorption of Cu. The CMA calculated for Cu in Alfisol was 3354 mg kg-1. It was not possible to calculate the CMA in Oxisol.(AU)

O acúmulo de cobre (Cu) no solo pode proporcionar a entrada em excesso desse elemento na cadeia alimentar através da contaminação do solo e água. O estudo do comportamento químico do Cu torna-se necessário para o conhecimento da mobilidade desse elemento no perfil do solo. O objetivo desse trabalho foi conhecer os teores nativos de Cu, avaliar o efeito de pH, força iônica (FI) e quantificar a capacidade máxima de adsorção (CMA) de Cu em Latossolo Bruno (LB) e Nitossolo Vermelho (NV). A adsorção foi avaliada em pH 4,5; 5,5 e 6,5 e na FI de 15 e 150 mmol L-1 de Ca(NO3)2. Para quantificar a CMA foram utilizadas doses de Cu nas concentrações de: 0, 0,075, 0,15, 0,30, 0,60, 1,50 mmol L-1, relação solo:solução final de 1:100. A elevação do valor de pH aumentou a adsorção de Cu e o aumento da força iônica da solução não diminuiu a adsorção de Cu. A CMA calculada para Cu no NV foi de 3354 mg kg-1. Não foi possível calcular a CMA para Cu no LB.(AU)

Effects of dietary clinoptilolite and calcium levels on uric acid and calcium blood concentrations and bone quality of commercial layers

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of clinoptilolite and calcium levels on uric acid and calcium blood profile and bone quality of commercial layers. A total of 576 birds were distributed according to a completely randomized experimental design in a 3x4 factorial arrangement (calcium levels of 2.5, 3.1, or 3.7% and clinoptilolite levels of 0.0, 0.15, 0.25, or 0.50%), into 12 treatments with six replicates of eight birds per cage (experimental unit). The experimental period was 112 days. The experimental diets were based on corn and soybean meal. Results were submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared by the test of Tukey at 5% significance level using SISVAR statistical package. Blood uric acid was significantly influenced by the interaction of the evaluated factors. Clinoptilolite levels significantly increased blood calcium levels. There was no effect of dietary calcium levels on any of the evaluated characteristics. It was concluded that feeding layers with up to 0.50% clinoptilolite does not benefit blood uric acid and calcium concentrations and does not affect their bone quality. When layers at the end of the first laying cycle are fed ad libitum and present 119.50g/hen/day average feed intake, 3.1% dietary calcium promotes 3.7g/hen/day calcium intake, which is sufficient to maintain adequate calcium blood levels and bone quality.

Effects of dietary clinoptilolite and calcium levels on the performance and egg quality of commercial layers

Among the different feed additives studied in poultry production, clinoptilolite, an aluminosilicate capable of adsorbing harmful substances and of improving live performance and egg and meat quality, was evaluated. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of dietary clinoptilolite and calcium levels on the performance and egg quality of layers. In total, 576 layers were distributed according to a completely randomized experimental design in a 3 x 4 factorial arrangement (three calcium levels - 2.5, 3.1, or 3.7% and four clinoptilolite levels - 0.0, 0.15, 0.25, or 0.50%), with 12 treatments of six replicates of eight birds each. The experiment included four 28-d cycles. The experimental diets were based on corn and soybean meal. Results were submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared by the test of Tukey at 5% significance level using SISVAR statistical package. There was a significant interaction between the evaluated factors for egg production and feed conversion ratio per dozen eggs and egg mass. The lowest calcium level resulted in worse performance and eggshell quality. Clinoptilolite levels affected albumen and yolk content. It was concluded that up to 0.50% inclusion of clinoptilolite in layer diets does not benefit layer performance or eggshell quality. Although the inclusion of only 2.5% calcium in layer diets is not recommended, it is possible to add 3.1% because it promoted similar results as the recommended level of 3.7%.

Evaluation of a radiographic method to detect tibial dyschondroplasia lesions in broilers

This study aimed at developing radiographic techniques for the early detection of dyschondroplastic lesions in the tibia of broilers. The experiment was carried out at the facilities of UNIFOR/MG and Formiga and UNIFENAS/ Alfenas with 420 one-day-old male Cobb broilers. At 20 days of age, all birds were radiographed and identified with an alpha-numeric metal ring in the right leg. At 40 days of age, 42 broilers previously selected as a function of bone mineral density and lesion thickness scores were again radiographed and scored, and then sacrificed. Their right tibia was removed for gross and histological examination of the growth plate. The results showed that radiographic techniques are correlated with gross and histological examination and that there was no significant differences among techniques (P>0.05). it was concluded that the use of radiographic examination to identify tibial dyschondroplasia in broilers precludes the use of bone mineral density to diagnose this condition. The non-parametric statistical Chi-square test at 5% significance level was used to analyze the results.

Performance and egg quality of Japanese quails submitted to cyclic heat stress

Aiming at evaluating the influence of cyclic temperatures on the performance and egg quality of Japanese quails an experiment was carried out with 480 birds after egg production peak. Birds were housed in a bioclimatic chamber with automatic temperature control that contained two rooms, one maintained at thermoneutral temperature (21 ºC) and the other adjusted for the tested cyclic temperatures (24, 27, 30, 33 and 36 ºC at a time). Each room had a battery of five floors and ten cages, with a capacity of 24 birds per cage, totaling 240 birds per battery. Birds were fed iso-nutritious and iso-caloric diets. Data obtained under the tested cyclic temperatures were compared with those obtained under thermoneutral temperature. At the end of each experimental period (14 days) performance and egg quality parameters were evaluated. A completely randomized experimental design with two treatments (thermoneutral temperature and tested temperature) and ten replicates of 24 birds each. Cyclic increases of 27 ºC and higher in environmental temperature negatively affected bird performance, with reduced feed intake and consequent reductions in egg weight and mass. A cyclic increase of the environmental temperature to 36 ºC reduced the percentage of saleable eggs and egg production.

Removal capacity of Cd by natural zeolite / Capacidade de remoção do Cd por zeólita natural

This study aimed to determine the efficiency of the removal of cadmium by natural zeolite available in the region of Southern Brazil (zeolite basalt - ZB) comparing its performance with a commercial zeolite imported from Cuba (ZC). The exchange capacity of zeolite materials was determined by the Kitsopoulos (1999) method. The effect of pH on removal of Cd was measured at pH 3.0, 4.0 and 5.0 (±0.2) and initial concentrations of 20 and 500 mg L-1. The competition between Cd and Cr was determined in the initial concentration of 20 mg kg-1 of Cd and Cr and pH 4.0 and 5.0. The maximum removal of cadmium was assessed at pH 4.0 and the initial concentrations of 20, 40, 80, 120, 200 and 500 mg L-1. Quantification of cadmium and chromium was carried out by atomic absorption spectrometry with flame atomisation system type air-acetylene. To test the average percentage of removed Cd+2 and Cr+3 at different pH values we used the Scott-Knott 5% significance level. The increase in pH from 3.0 to 4.0 for increased removal of ZC and ZB Cd that occurred on increasing the pH from 4.0 to 5.0. The ZC showed higher removal at pH 4.0 and pH 5.0 in ZB. The highest percentage was desorbed for ZB initial concentration 500 mg L-1. The competitive removal was more significant for chromium. The maximum removal of Cd was calculated to 3433 mg kg-1 for ZC and 1387 mg kg-1 for ZB.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo determinar a eficiência na remoção de cádmio por zeólita natural disponível na região do Planalto Catarinense (zeólita basalto - ZB) comparando sua eficiência com uma zeólita comercial importada de Cuba (ZC). A capacidade de troca dos materiais zeolíticos foi determinada pelo método de Kitsopoulos (1999). O efeito do pH na remoção de Cd foi avaliado a pH 3,0; 4,0; e 5,0 (±0,2) e concentrações iniciais de 20 e 500 mg L-1. A competição entre o Cd e Cr foi determinado na concentração inicial de 20 mg L-1 de Cd e Cr e valores de pH 4,0 e 5,0. A capacidade máxima de remoção de Cd foi avaliada em pH 4,0 e concentrações iniciais de 20, 40, 80, 120, 200 e 500 mg L-1. A quantificação do teor de cádmio e cromo foi realizada por espectroscopia de absorção atômica com sistema de atomização por chama do tipo ar-acetileno. Para teste de médias da porcentagem removida de Cd+2 e Cr+3 em diferentes valores de pH foi utilizado Scott-Knott a 5% de significância. O aumento do pH de 3,0 para 4,0 para ZC aumentou a remoção de Cd e para ZB isso ocorreu no aumento do pH de 4,0 para 5,0. A ZC apresentou maior remoção em pH 4,0 e a ZB em pH 5,0. A maior porcentagem dessorvida foi para ZB na concentração inicial 500 mg L-1. Na remoção competitiva houve maior remoção para cromo. A capacidade máxima de remoção calculada para Cd foi de 3433 mg kg-1 para ZC e 1387 mg kg-1 par

Performance and egg quality of laying hens fed diets containing aflatoxin, fumonisin and adsorbent

The effects of aflatoxin and fumonisin and their combination on egg production and quality, as well as the efficacy of a mycotoxin adsorbent in reducing or eliminating these effects in commercial layers. A number of 168 layers with initial age of 37 weeks were submitted to an experimental period of 56 days. A completely randomized experimental design in a 3x2+1 factorial arrangement was applied (3 treatments with mycotoxins: aflatoxin (AF), fumonisin (FU), or aflatoxin + fumonisin (AF+FU); 2 treatments with or without adsorbent; and a control group that was fed no mycotoxins, nor adsorbent), totaling 7 treatments with 6 replicated of 4 birds/cage. The dietary inclusion levels were 1ppm AF, 25ppm FU, and 2 kg adsorbent/ton feed. Birds fed AF presented the lowest percentage of lay (p=0.0594). Egg mass was the lowest (p 0.05) in the AF+FU treatment (49.49g). The treatment with AF resulted in higher eggshell thickness and strength (p 0.05) than the FU treatment and the control group. The inclusion of the adsorbent in the AF contaminated feed reduced eggshell strength, which returned to levels similar to those of the control group. The observed changes indicate that aflatoxin is toxic at a concentration of 1ppm, and that the effects of fumonisin were less evident as a function of the low dose applied. The inclusion of the glucan (2kg/ton) effectively reverted some of the toxic effects of aflatoxin and, at lower extension, those of fumonisin, when these mycotoxins were invidually added to commercial layer feeds.

Effects of dietary calcium levels and limestone particicle size on the performance, tibia and blood of laying hens

A total of 405 23-week-old ISA® Brown layers were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design in a factorial arrangement with nine treatments consisting of three dietary calcium levels (3.5, 3.75, and 4.5%) and three limestone particle sizes (100% fine limestone (FL), 70% FL + 30% coarse limestone (CL) and 50% (FL) + 50% (CL)), with nine replicates of five birds per cage. The following parameters were evaluated: percentage of lay, defective eggs, egg weight, egg mass, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (per kg eggs and per dozen eggs), and mortality. Dietary Ca levels significantly affected lay, with birds fed diets containing 4.5% calcium producing less eggs as compared to those fed 3.0 and 3.75% Ca. Egg production linearly decreased as dietary Ca levels increased, but blood Ca levels (mg/L) increased in 28-week-old birds. The interaction of dietary Ca levels and limestone particle sizes resulted in a reduction in tibial ash Ca content as dietary Ca levels increased and as fine limestone was replaced by coarse limestone. It is concluded that a dietary Ca level of 3.75% and 100% fine particle limestone are required to maintain adequate egg production and available Ca blood level.(AU)

Effects of dietary calcium levels and limestone particicle size on the performance, tibia and blood of laying hens

A total of 405 23-week-old ISA® Brown layers were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design in a factorial arrangement with nine treatments consisting of three dietary calcium levels (3.5, 3.75, and 4.5%) and three limestone particle sizes (100% fine limestone (FL), 70% FL + 30% coarse limestone (CL) and 50% (FL) + 50% (CL)), with nine replicates of five birds per cage. The following parameters were evaluated: percentage of lay, defective eggs, egg weight, egg mass, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (per kg eggs and per dozen eggs), and mortality. Dietary Ca levels significantly affected lay, with birds fed diets containing 4.5% calcium producing less eggs as compared to those fed 3.0 and 3.75% Ca. Egg production linearly decreased as dietary Ca levels increased, but blood Ca levels (mg/L) increased in 28-week-old birds. The interaction of dietary Ca levels and limestone particle sizes resulted in a reduction in tibial ash Ca content as dietary Ca levels increased and as fine limestone was replaced by coarse limestone. It is concluded that a dietary Ca level of 3.75% and 100% fine particle limestone are required to maintain adequate egg production and available Ca blood level.

Effects of dietary calcium levels and limestone particicle size on the performance, tibia and blood of laying hens

A total of 405 23-week-old ISA® Brown layers were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design in a factorial arrangement with nine treatments consisting of three dietary calcium levels (3.5, 3.75, and 4.5%) and three limestone particle sizes (100% fine limestone (FL), 70% FL + 30% coarse limestone (CL) and 50% (FL) + 50% (CL)), with nine replicates of five birds per cage. The following parameters were evaluated: percentage of lay, defective eggs, egg weight, egg mass, feed intake, feed conversion ratio (per kg eggs and per dozen eggs), and mortality. Dietary Ca levels significantly affected lay, with birds fed diets containing 4.5% calcium producing less eggs as compared to those fed 3.0 and 3.75% Ca. Egg production linearly decreased as dietary Ca levels increased, but blood Ca levels (mg/L) increased in 28-week-old birds. The interaction of dietary Ca levels and limestone particle sizes resulted in a reduction in tibial ash Ca content as dietary Ca levels increased and as fine limestone was replaced by coarse limestone. It is concluded that a dietary Ca level of 3.75% and 100% fine particle limestone are required to maintain adequate egg production and available Ca blood level.

Phlebotomine fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) in a residential area and in a fragment of savanna vegetation in the municipality of Pontal do Araguaia, Mato Grosso, Brazil / Fauna flebotomínica (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) em área residencial e em fragmento de cerrado no município de Pontal do Araguaia, Mato Grosso, Brasil

Identification of phlebotomine species in endemic areas is fundamental for analyzing the eco-epidemiological determinants of leishmaniasis. This study had the aim of investigating the phlebotomine fauna in an urban area and in a fragment of native savanna in the municipality of Pontal do Araguaia, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil, using CDC light traps. One hundred and twenty-three phlebotomine specimens belonging to seventeen different species were caught. Our results indicate synanthropic potential among vector species for leishmaniasis, such as the species Lutzomyia cruzi, L. sallesi and L. whitmani. The species L. cerradincola had never been recorded in this region, such that this is the first report of this species in the State of Mato Grosso.(AU)

A identificação das espécies de flebotomíneos em áreas endêmicas é fundamental para analisar os determinantes eco epidemiológicos das leishmanioses. Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a fauna flebotomínica em área urbana e em fragmento de cerrado nativo no município de Pontal do Araguaia, Mato Grosso utilizando armadilhas luminosas tipo CDC. Foram capturados 123 flebotomíneos pertencentes a 17 espécies diferentes. Nossos resultados indicam potencial sinantrópico de espécies vetoras das leishmanioses, como as espécies Lutzomyia cruzi, L. sallesi e L. whitmani. A espécie L. cerradincola não havia sido registrada na região, sendo este o primeiro relato desta espécie no Estado de Mato Grosso.(AU)

Phlebotomine fauna (Diptera: Psychodidae: Phlebotominae) in a residential area and in a fragment of savanna vegetation in the municipality of Pontal do Araguaia, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Identification of phlebotomine species in endemic areas is fundamental for analyzing the eco-epidemiological determinants of leishmaniasis. This study had the aim of investigating the phlebotomine fauna in an urban area and in a fragment of native savanna in the municipality of Pontal do Araguaia, State of Mato Grosso, Brazil, using CDC light traps. One hundred and twenty-three phlebotomine specimens belonging to seventeen different species were caught. Our results indicate synanthropic potential among vector species for leishmaniasis, such as the species Lutzomyia cruzi, L. sallesi and L. whitmani. The species L. cerradincola had never been recorded in this region, such that this is the first report of this species in the State of Mato Grosso.

A identificação das espécies de flebotomíneos em áreas endêmicas é fundamental para analisar os determinantes eco-epidemiológicos das leishmanioses. Este trabalho teve como objetivo verificar a fauna flebotomínica em área urbana e em fragmento de cerrado nativo no município de Pontal do Araguaia, Mato Grosso utilizando armadilhas luminosas tipo CDC. Foram capturados 123 flebotomíneos pertencentes a 17 espécies diferentes. Nossos resultados indicam potencial sinantrópico de espécies vetoras das leishmanioses, como as espécies Lutzomyia cruzi, L. sallesi e L. whitmani. A espécie L. cerradincola não havia sido registrada na região, sendo este o primeiro relato desta espécie no Estado de Mato Grosso.

Comparison among methods of extraction of cadmium, copper and zinc in soils derived of basalt and granite-migmatite in Santa Catarina, Brazil / Comparação entre métodos de extração de cádmio, cobre e zinco de solos catarinenses derivados de basalto e granito-migmatito

The objective of this work was to compare the analytical methodologies USEPA 3050 B, Tedesco (H2SO4 + H2O2) and Aqua Regia in the opening of samples of soils for the determination of the contents of Cd, Cu and Zn in soils collected at places without intentional antropic contamination. Samples of the superficial horizon of three soils of the East Mountain were used (PVA(m), PVA(g) and ADP) and three soils of the West (MT, NV and LB) of the State of Santa Catarina, Brazil. The quantification of the contents of Cd, Cu and Zn was accomplished through spectrum photometry of atomic absorption with atomization for fire. The methods differed significantly, and, the method USEPA 3050 B was capable to extract the largest amounts of Cd, As and Zn of the derived soils of mafic rocks appraised in this work.

objetivo desse trabalho foi comparar as metodologias analíticas USEPA 3050 B, Tedesco (H2SO4 + H2O2) e Água Régia na abertura de amostras de solos para a determinação dos teores de Cd, Cu e Zn em solos coletados em locais sem contaminação antrópica intencional. Foram utilizados amostras do horizonte superficial de três solos da Serra Leste (PVA(m), PVA(g) e PAd) e três solos do Oeste (MT, NV e LB) do Estado de Santa Catarina. A quantificação dos teores de Cd, Cu e Zn foi realizada por espectrofotometria de absorção atômica com atomização por chama. Os métodos diferiram significativamente, sendo que, o método USEPA 3050 B foi capaz de extrair as maiores quantidades de Cd, Cu e Zn dos solos derivados de rochas máficas, avaliadas neste trabalho.

Soil impacts caused by coal mining and coal mine waste / Impactos no solo provocados pela mineração e depósito de rejeitos de carvão mineral

The Coal basin of Santa Catarina is located between the towns of Araranguá and Lauro Müller and contains a reserve of mineral coal around 4.3 billion tons, corresponding to 13% of the country total exploitation. Coal mining is done in underground and in surface mines, and both processes lead to environmental problems. Until the late 1990s, the reject was, in most cases, deposited in open areas close to mining sites or coal beneficiation. Thus, an area of approximately 6,400 hectares was degraded. In January 2000, the Department of Public Prosecution ordered the Union and the Union of Mining Industries to adopt safer rules for the reconstruction of areas still being mined, and to recover areas previously degraded by the activity. The recovery of such areas undergoes primarily the knowledge of key issues that may prevent restoration of ecological functions of impacted soils; these functions depend directly on physical and chemical soil properties. The chemical and physical properties of soils built post-coal mining reflect the inherited variability of geological materials, different construction processes, thickness and degree of layers compaction, degree of material mixing of the geologic column, mixing degree of reject and soil and presence or absence of acid mine drainage. The interaction of these factors results in the complexity and diversity of problems found when attempti

A bacia carbonífera catarinense encontra-se localizada entre os municípios de Araranguá e Lauro Müller e contém uma reserva de carvão mineral da ordem de 4,3 bilhões de toneladas, o que corresponde a 13% do total do país. A exploração do carvão mineral é feita em minas subterrâneas e a céu aberto. Ambos os processos acarretam em problemas ambientais. Até o final da década de 1990, o estéril ou rejeito era, na maioria dos casos, depositado a céu aberto em áreas próximas aos locais de mineração ou beneficiamento do carvão. Com isso, uma área de aproximadamente 6.400 hectares foi impactada. Em janeiro do ano 2000, o Ministério Público condenou a União e o Sindicato das Indústrias Mineradoras pelo passivo ambiental, obrigando-os a adotar normas mais rígidas de reconstrução das áreas ainda a serem mineradas, além de recuperar as áreas já degradadas anteriormente pela atividade. A recuperação desse passivo ambiental passa primeiramente pelo conhecimento dos principais problemas que podem impedir a restauração das funções ecológicas dos solos impactados, sendo que essas funções dependem diretamente das propriedades físicas e químicas dos solos. As propriedades químicas e físicas dos solos construídos pós-mineração de carvão refletem a variabilidade herdada dos materiais geológicos, dos diferentes processos construtivos, da espessura e grau de compactação das camadas, do grau de mistur

Calcium and available phosphorus levels for laying hens in second production cycle

This experiment studied the effect of four calcium (3.0, 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5%) and four available phosphorus levels (0.25, 0.30, 0.35, and 0.40%) in the diet of semi-heavy commercial layers after molting. Hisex Brown® layers between 90 and 108 weeks of age were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with a 4x4 factorial arrangement with 16 treatments of five replicates of eight birds each. mortality, egg production, feed intake, egg mass, average egg weight, calcium and phosphorus intake, feed conversion ratio (per dozen eggs and per kg eggs), eggshell percentage and thickness, eggshell strength, eggshell weight per surface area (ESWSA), yolk percentage and color, albumen percentage, albumen and yolk heights, and blood and excreta calcium and phosphorus concentrations. There was no interaction (P>0.05) between dietary Ca and avP for any of the studied parameters. There were linear increases in Ca intake (P 0.01), eggshell percentage (P 0.05); ESWSA (P 0.05); yolk color (P 0.05); Ca concentration in the blood (P 0.05) and excreta (P 0.01) as dietary Ca level increased. The intake of avP linearly increased (P 0.01) with dietary avP levels. The remaining parameters were not influenced (P>0.05) by dietary Ca and avP levels. The diet containing 4.5% calcium improved feed conversion ratio per dozen eggs and eggshell quality. The lowest avP level fed (0.25%) is sufficient to maintain the performance and the egg quality of semi-heavy commercial layers after molting.

The effects of alternative forced-molting methods on the performance and egg quality of commercial layers

This study aimed at studying alternative methods to induce molting and to compare them with the conventional forced-molting method (fasting). In the experiment, 420 70-week-old layers were used. The total experimental period was 140 days. Molting was induced during the first 28 days, when birds were submitted to the experimental treatments, and bird performance and egg quality parameters were determined during 112 subsequent days. A completely randomized experimental design was applied in a 5x2 factorial arrangement of five feed restriction regimes (0, 15, 30, 45, or 60g feed/bird/day) and with or without the addition of coarse-particle limestone to the feed, with seven replicates of six birds each. Egg quality was evaluated at the end of each 28-day period for three consecutive days, using three eggs per experimental unit (21 eggs/treatment), with a total of 210 eggs. It was concluded that feeding 15g feed/bird/day to induce molting is feasible, as birds submitted to this treatment presented similar performance and better egg quality than those submitted to fasting during molting. The use of coarse-particle limestone during molting did not influence post-molting bird performance or egg quality.

The effects of alternative forced-molting methods on the performance and egg quality of commercial layers

This study aimed at studying alternative methods to induce molting and to compare them with the conventional forced-molting method (fasting). In the experiment, 420 70-week-old layers were used. The total experimental period was 140 days. Molting was induced during the first 28 days, when birds were submitted to the experimental treatments, and bird performance and egg quality parameters were determined during 112 subsequent days. A completely randomized experimental design was applied in a 5x2 factorial arrangement of five feed restriction regimes (0, 15, 30, 45, or 60g feed/bird/day) and with or without the addition of coarse-particle limestone to the feed, with seven replicates of six birds each. Egg quality was evaluated at the end of each 28-day period for three consecutive days, using three eggs per experimental unit (21 eggs/treatment), with a total of 210 eggs. It was concluded that feeding 15g feed/bird/day to induce molting is feasible, as birds submitted to this treatment presented similar performance and better egg quality than those submitted to fasting during molting. The use of coarse-particle limestone during molting did not influence post-molting bird performance or egg quality.

Calcium and available phosphorus levels for laying hens in second production cycle

This experiment studied the effect of four calcium (3.0, 3.5, 4.0, and 4.5%) and four available phosphorus levels (0.25, 0.30, 0.35, and 0.40%) in the diet of semi-heavy commercial layers after molting. Hisex Brown® layers between 90 and 108 weeks of age were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with a 4x4 factorial arrangement with 16 treatments of five replicates of eight birds each. mortality, egg production, feed intake, egg mass, average egg weight, calcium and phosphorus intake, feed conversion ratio (per dozen eggs and per kg eggs), eggshell percentage and thickness, eggshell strength, eggshell weight per surface area (ESWSA), yolk percentage and color, albumen percentage, albumen and yolk heights, and blood and excreta calcium and phosphorus concentrations. There was no interaction (P>0.05) between dietary Ca and avP for any of the studied parameters. There were linear increases in Ca intake (P 0.01), eggshell percentage (P 0.05); ESWSA (P 0.05); yolk color (P 0.05); Ca concentration in the blood (P 0.05) and excreta (P 0.01) as dietary Ca level increased. The intake of avP linearly increased (P 0.01) with dietary avP levels. The remaining parameters were not influenced (P>0.05) by dietary Ca and avP levels. The diet containing 4.5% calcium improved feed conversion ratio per dozen eggs and eggshell quality. The lowest avP level fed (0.25%) is sufficient to maintain the performance and the egg quality of semi-heavy commercial layers after molting.

Calcium levels and limestone particle size in the diet of commercial layers at the end of the first production cycle

This study evaluated the effect of dietary calcium levels and limestone particle size distribution on first-cycle layer performance and egg quality. A completely randomized experimental design in 4x3 factorial arrangement (four Ca levels - 3.0, 3.5, 4.0, 4.5%; and three limestone particle size distributions - 100% fine, 50% fine and 50% coarse, 30% fine and 70% coarse) was applied, totaling 12 treatments with six replicates of eight birds each. The treatments did not influence the most of evaluated performance and internal and external egg quality parameters. However, limestone particle size distribution quadratically affected with percentage of defective eggs, with the lowest percentage obtained with the distribution 61.75% fine limestone and 38.25% coarse limestone. Increasing dietary Ca levels significantly increased eggshell weight per surface area and the percentage of Ca excreted in the feces. It was concluded that the combination of the highest dietary Ca level (4.5%) with 50% replacement of fine-particle limestone by coarse limestone results in better eggshell and increases the number of marketable eggs.