Serum biochemistry profile of laying hens fed diets with fish waste oil / [Parâmetros bioquímicos sanguíneos de poedeiras leves alimentadas com rações contendo óleo do resíduo de pescado]

The present study aimed to evaluate increasing levels of fish waste oil in diets for laying hens on serum biochemistry profile. 192 Hisex White laying hens at 29 weeks of age were used, with water and food ad libitum. The experimental design was completely randomized consisting of eight treatments corresponding to the inclusion levels of fish waste oil (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5%) in the diets, with four replicates of six birds each. Data collected were subjected to polynomial regression at 5% of significance. Significant differences (P<0.05) were observed in triglycerides, glucose, total cholesterol, and uric acid. These parameters presented a decrease when hens fed diets with higher level of fish waste oil. The results of the present study indicated that the inclusion of fish waste oil caused a significant effect in the serum biochemical profile of laying hens, especially in glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and uric acid concentrations. The inclusion level of 3.5% of fish waste oil caused larger disequilibrium in the serum biochemical profile of laying hens.(AU)

O presente estudo objetivou avaliar os níveis crescentes de óleo de resíduo de pescado em dietas para poedeiras leves sobre o perfil bioquímico sérico. Foram utilizadas poedeiras Hisex White com 29 semanas, com água e ração ad libitum. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, consistindo de oito tratamentos correspondentes aos níveis de inclusão de óleo de resíduo de pescado (0; 0,5; 1,0; 1,5; 2,0; 2,5; 3,0 e 3,5%) nas dietas, com quatro repetições de seis aves cada. Os dados coletados foram submetidos à regressão polinomial a 5% de significância. Diferenças significativas (P<0,05) foram observadas nas concentrações de triglicerídeos, glicose, colesterol total e ácido úrico. Esses parâmetros apresentaram uma diminuição quando as aves se alimentaram com rações contendo maior nível de óleo do resíduo de pescado. Os resultados do presente estudo indicaram que a inclusão de óleo do resíduo de pescado acarretou um efeito significativo no perfil bioquímico sérico de poedeiras, principalmente nas concentrações de glicose, triglicerídeos, colesterol total e ácido úrico. O nível de inclusão de 3,5% do óleo do resíduo de pescado acarretou maior desequilíbrio no perfil bioquímico sérico das poedeiras.(AU)

Thermal Response of Three Strains of Hens Housed in a Cage-Free Aviary at the Amazon Rainforest

This study aimed to evaluate the thermal response of three strains of hens housed in a cage-free system at the Amazon rainforest in order to evaluate how feather coverage influences thermal exchange with the environment. The experimental method was completely randomized and treatments comprised three strains of hens (Rhode Island Red (red feathers with feathers on the neck), alternative strain FCI (red feathers without feathers on the neck), and alternative strain FCIII (white feathers without feathers on the neck)), with 20 hens (replicates) analyzed per strain. Thermal images of each bird were captured in order to record the birds surface temperatures on five points in five targets. All data collected in this study were subjected to ANOVA and subsequently to the Tukey test at p≤0.01 and p≤0.05. The aviarys left wall presented a lower average temperature, indicating lower heat accumulation, while the floor presented higher heat accumulation. FCIII hens (white feathers) presented higher (p<0.05) heat accumulation on the head and legs, and lower (p<0.05) heat accumulation on the neck and back in relation to other analyzed hens, indicating increased heat exchange efficiency and high concentration of this process in specific body areas. FCI and FCIII hens (without feathers on the neck) presented lower (p<0.05) heat accumulation on the neck and higher (p<0.05) heat accumulation on the head and legs, indicating that the feather coverage directly influenced heat exchange mechanisms, and an increased area without feathers provided great heat exchange zones for birds in a tropical climate.(AU)

Thermal Response of Three Strains of Hens Housed in a Cage-Free Aviary at the Amazon Rainforest

This study aimed to evaluate the thermal response of three strains of hens housed in a cage-free system at the Amazon rainforest in order to evaluate how feather coverage influences thermal exchange with the environment. The experimental method was completely randomized and treatments comprised three strains of hens (Rhode Island Red (red feathers with feathers on the neck), alternative strain FCI (red feathers without feathers on the neck), and alternative strain FCIII (white feathers without feathers on the neck)), with 20 hens (replicates) analyzed per strain. Thermal images of each bird were captured in order to record the birds’ surface temperatures on five points in five targets. All data collected in this study were subjected to ANOVA and subsequently to the Tukey test at p≤0.01 and p≤0.05. The aviary’s left wall presented a lower average temperature, indicating lower heat accumulation, while the floor presented higher heat accumulation. FCIII hens (white feathers) presented higher (p<0.05) heat accumulation on the head and legs, and lower (p<0.05) heat accumulation on the neck and back in relation to other analyzed hens, indicating increased heat exchange efficiency and high concentration of this process in specific body areas. FCI and FCIII hens (without feathers on the neck) presented lower (p<0.05) heat accumulation on the neck and higher (p<0.05) heat accumulation on the head and legs, indicating that the feather coverage directly influenced heat exchange mechanisms, and an increased area without feathers provided great heat exchange zones for birds in a tropical climate.

Sodium Requirement for Muscovy Ducks in Housing

The present study aimed to determine the ideal sodium levels for muscovy ducks in housing. Two hundred and forty muscovy ducks of creole lineage were used, distributed in boxes with water and food ad libitum. The experimental design was completely randomized, where treatments were constituted by six nutritional plans (initial, growth and termination) with different sodium levels, and four replicates of 10 muscovy ducks each. The birds had weekly performance evaluations, and after 90 days, eight birds (four males and four females) in each treatment were slaughtered for evaluation of carcass traits. Data collected were subjected to Tukey test at 5% of significance. Differences were observed (p 0.05) in performance (feed intake and feed conversion), where average levels of sodium presented better results. In carcass yields, average levels presented a positive influence (p 0.05) on muscovy duck growth. Male muscovy ducks presented better feed efficiency than females in the same period. The present study indicates that nutritional plan 3 (initial = 0.25%; growth = 0.30% and termination = 0.35%) showed better nutritional requirements of sodium for muscovy ducks in housing, obtaining better performance and carcass development.(AU)

Sodium Requirement for Muscovy Ducks in Housing

The present study aimed to determine the ideal sodium levels for muscovy ducks in housing. Two hundred and forty muscovy ducks of creole lineage were used, distributed in boxes with water and food ad libitum. The experimental design was completely randomized, where treatments were constituted by six nutritional plans (initial, growth and termination) with different sodium levels, and four replicates of 10 muscovy ducks each. The birds had weekly performance evaluations, and after 90 days, eight birds (four males and four females) in each treatment were slaughtered for evaluation of carcass traits. Data collected were subjected to Tukey test at 5% of significance. Differences were observed (p 0.05) in performance (feed intake and feed conversion), where average levels of sodium presented better results. In carcass yields, average levels presented a positive influence (p 0.05) on muscovy duck growth. Male muscovy ducks presented better feed efficiency than females in the same period. The present study indicates that nutritional plan 3 (initial = 0.25%; growth = 0.30% and termination = 0.35%) showed better nutritional requirements of sodium for muscovy ducks in housing, obtaining better performance and carcass development.

Requirement of Sodium to Molted Laying Hens

The objective of this study was to determine the ideal requirement of sodium to molted laying hens. The experimental period lasted 105 days, divided into five periods of 21 days. Hisex White laying hens 150 with 84 weeks-of-age were used. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial scheme (5x3) with treatments constituted by five levels of sodium (0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, and 0.30%) in the diets, and three postmolt stages (early = 21 days, medium = 63 days, and final = 105 days). Performance and egg quality results were evaluated by Tukey test at 5%. Eggshell resistance and weight gain results were evaluated by polynomial regression at 5%. Except the yolk height, all performance and egg quality variables were affected (p 0.05) by the sodium levels and the hens age postmolt. The level of 0.15% of sodium in diets to postmolt laying hens provided better performance and egg quality, especially in the eggshell. Higher levels of sodium negatively affected the performance and egg quality. Hens in the early stage of postmolt period presented better performance and egg quality. At long-term, the postmolt hens presented worst results.(AU)

Requirement of Sodium to Molted Laying Hens

The objective of this study was to determine the ideal requirement of sodium to molted laying hens. The experimental period lasted 105 days, divided into five periods of 21 days. Hisex White laying hens 150 with 84 weeks-of-age were used. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial scheme (5x3) with treatments constituted by five levels of sodium (0.10, 0.15, 0.20, 0.25, and 0.30%) in the diets, and three postmolt stages (early = 21 days, medium = 63 days, and final = 105 days). Performance and egg quality results were evaluated by Tukey test at 5%. Eggshell resistance and weight gain results were evaluated by polynomial regression at 5%. Except the yolk height, all performance and egg quality variables were affected (p 0.05) by the sodium levels and the hens age postmolt. The level of 0.15% of sodium in diets to postmolt laying hens provided better performance and egg quality, especially in the eggshell. Higher levels of sodium negatively affected the performance and egg quality. Hens in the early stage of postmolt period presented better performance and egg quality. At long-term, the postmolt hens presented worst results.

Available Phosphorus Levels in Diets for Muscovy Ducks in Housing

The present study aimed to determine ideal levels of available phosphorus for muscovy ducks in housing. Two hundred and forty muscovy ducks of creole lineage were used, distributed in boxes with water and food ad libitum. The experimental design was completely randomized with treatments consisting of six nutritional plans that included the initial, growth and termination phases and differed in relation to available phosphorus levels, and four replicates of 10 muscovy ducks each. The birds had weekly performance evaluations, and after 90 days, eight birds (four males and four females) in each treatment were slaughtered for evaluation of carcass traits. Data collected were subjected to Tukey test at 5% of significance. Differences were not observed (p>0.05) in performance. Higher available phosphorus levels presented a positive influence (p 0.05) on carcass. Results presented differences (p 0.05) among sexes for carcass development and commercial cuts, with better feed efficiency of males than females in same period. For mineral composition, differences (p 0.05) were observed to calcium (%), phosphorus (%) and Ca:Pratio. The present study indicates that nutritional plan 2 (initial = 0.60%; growth = 0.55% and termination = 0.50%) presented ideal nutritional requirement of available phosphorus for muscovy ducks in housing, with better carcass development and mineral deposition on bones.(AU)

Effect of In Ovo Feeding of L-Glutamine to Chick Embryos

In ovo feeding (IOF), injecting nutrients into the amnion of the avian embryo may enhance hatchability, gastrointestinal development and serum metabolism changes. This hypothesis was evaluated with 5 IOF solutions containing L-glutamine. Were used 315 fertile Rhode Island Red eggs were used (breeders with 32-weeks). The experimental design was completely randomized with the treatments constituted by two controls and five solutions containing L-glutamine levels with 45 replicates each. Data collected were subjected to polynomial regression at 5% of significance. Differences (p>0.05) were observed in hatchability and intermediary mortality, with a gradual lower of decrease in hatchability from the IOF of L-glutamine. The yolk sac was higher (p 0.05) after the IOF (control and L-glutamine) in the in ovo fed embryos at 0.5% L-glutamine. IOF of L-glutamine alone enhanced the blood pH and reduced the other serum parameters (p 0.05), which may have fuelled more embryo development, mainly vital organs how as the heart and the liver due to the larger concentration of available nutrients for the embryo. The results of this study indicate that until 0.5% L-glutamine may be supplemented in-ovo to chick embryos without negative influence on chick weight and gastrointestinal tract development, acting as serum biochemical metabolism regulator and obtaining better hatchability.(AU)

Requirement of Digestible Methionine + Cystine to Molted Laying Hens

The present study aimed to determine the ideal requirement of digestible methionine + cystine to molted laying hens. The experimental period lasted 105 days, divided into five periods of 21 days. 144 Hisex White laying hens with 84 weeks-of-age were used. The experimental design was completely randomized with treatments constituted for six levels of digestible methionine + cystine (0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, and 0.70%) in the diets, with four replicates of six birds each. Data collected were evaluated by polynomial regression at 5%. There was a significant effect (p 0.05) of digestible methionine + cystine on feed intake, energy intake, protein intake, egg production, and egg mass. Internal egg quality presented positive linear effect (p 0.05) on albumen height and yolk color. External egg quality was affected (p 0.05) in eggshell %, eggshell thickness and eggshell resistance, where the level of 0.60% of digestible methionine + cystine in the diets provided eggshells with better quality (higher percentage, thicker and breaking resistance). Differences (p 0.05) were also observed in glucose and triglycerides concentration, with 0.60% of digestible methionine + cystine in the diets presenting better equilibrium. Results of the present study suggested that higher levels of digestible methionine + cystine improved the performance and internal egg quality of molted laying hens. The level of 0.60% of digestible methionine + cystine provided better eggshell and equilibrium on blood biochemistry.(AU)

Digestibility and Physicochemical Characteristics of Tambaqui Waste Biological Silage Meal Included in Commercial Layer Diets*

This study aimed at evaluating the effects of the physicochemical and nutritional characteristics of a biological silage meal made of tambaqui waste on dietary nutrient apparent digestibility and energy metabolism of commercial layer diets. Seventy-two 61-week-old Hisex White hens were assigned according to a completely randomized experimental design in two treatments: control diet and diet with 5% tambaqui waste biological silage meal (TWBSM), with six replicates of six birds each. The ensiled biomass presented grey brown color, acid aroma, viscous texture, 5.27±0.016pH, 96.28% dry matter (DM), 33.29% crude protein (CP), 33.65% ether extract (EE), 14.37% ashes, 13.63% non-nitrogen extract (NNE), 65.16 g.kg-1 calcium (Ca), 22.90 g.kg-1 phosphorus (P), and 5,666.07 kcal.kg-1 gross energy (GE). Higher (p>0.05) coefficients of apparent digestibility of DM, crude fiber, EE, and ash, and higher coefficient of GE metabolizability were obtained in the diet with 5% TWBSM. Due to its high CP content (33.29% on DM basis), TWBSM may be considered a protein feedstuff. Although no differences in CP digestibility (p>0.05) were detected, TWBSM presented high CP digestibility than the control diet due to proteins hydrolysis as a result of lactic fermentation by microorganisms during the ensilage process, yielding autolysed proteins of high biological value. Our results indicate that the biological silage meal produced from the residual biomass of tambaqui can be included up to 5% in commercial layer diets as it has good nutrient digestibility, and therefore, may potentially be used as a dietary energy and protein source.(AU)

Physical-Chemical and Sensorial Quality of Eggs Coated With Copaiba Oil Biofilm and Stored At Room Temperature for Different Periods

The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of a coating based on copaiba oil on the quality of eggs stored for different periods. Eggs were coated with copaiba oil solutions (4, 8, 12, 16, or 20% copaiba oil) or not (control) and stored for 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 or 35 days at room temperature. The following parameters were evaluated: egg weight loss, egg components (albumen, yolk, and eggshell) relative weights, egg specific gravity, Haugh units, eggshell quality, and sensorial attributes. Eggs stored for 35 days presented the highest weight losses. Coating (20% copaíba oil solution) reduced egg weight loss up to 41.02%. Coated eggs presented better internal quality (yolk and albumen heights, specific gravity, and eggshell strength). Sensorial attributes were negatively affected by storage time (aroma and flavor), and copaiba oil solution (aroma, appearance, and flavor), with the natural odor of copaiba described by the tasters. Egg internal, external, and sensorial quality worsened with storage time. Solutions containing 16 and 20% copaiba oil can be used as a biofilm to coat eggs, preserving its internal and external quality, and may affect their sensory characteristics, and therefore, may be a viable alternative for maintaining the internal quality of eggs stored at room temperature for long periods.(AU)

Available Phosphorus Levels in Diets for Muscovy Ducks in Housing

The present study aimed to determine ideal levels of available phosphorus for muscovy ducks in housing. Two hundred and forty muscovy ducks of creole lineage were used, distributed in boxes with water and food ad libitum. The experimental design was completely randomized with treatments consisting of six nutritional plans that included the initial, growth and termination phases and differed in relation to available phosphorus levels, and four replicates of 10 muscovy ducks each. The birds had weekly performance evaluations, and after 90 days, eight birds (four males and four females) in each treatment were slaughtered for evaluation of carcass traits. Data collected were subjected to Tukey test at 5% of significance. Differences were not observed (p>0.05) in performance. Higher available phosphorus levels presented a positive influence (p 0.05) on carcass. Results presented differences (p 0.05) among sexes for carcass development and commercial cuts, with better feed efficiency of males than females in same period. For mineral composition, differences (p 0.05) were observed to calcium (%), phosphorus (%) and Ca:Pratio. The present study indicates that nutritional plan 2 (initial = 0.60%; growth = 0.55% and termination = 0.50%) presented ideal nutritional requirement of available phosphorus for muscovy ducks in housing, with better carcass development and mineral deposition on bones.

Digestibility and Physicochemical Characteristics of Tambaqui Waste Biological Silage Meal Included in Commercial Layer Diets*

This study aimed at evaluating the effects of the physicochemical and nutritional characteristics of a biological silage meal made of tambaqui waste on dietary nutrient apparent digestibility and energy metabolism of commercial layer diets. Seventy-two 61-week-old Hisex White hens were assigned according to a completely randomized experimental design in two treatments: control diet and diet with 5% tambaqui waste biological silage meal (TWBSM), with six replicates of six birds each. The ensiled biomass presented grey brown color, acid aroma, viscous texture, 5.27±0.016pH, 96.28% dry matter (DM), 33.29% crude protein (CP), 33.65% ether extract (EE), 14.37% ashes, 13.63% non-nitrogen extract (NNE), 65.16 g.kg-1 calcium (Ca), 22.90 g.kg-1 phosphorus (P), and 5,666.07 kcal.kg-1 gross energy (GE). Higher (p>0.05) coefficients of apparent digestibility of DM, crude fiber, EE, and ash, and higher coefficient of GE metabolizability were obtained in the diet with 5% TWBSM. Due to its high CP content (33.29% on DM basis), TWBSM may be considered a protein feedstuff. Although no differences in CP digestibility (p>0.05) were detected, TWBSM presented high CP digestibility than the control diet due to proteins hydrolysis as a result of lactic fermentation by microorganisms during the ensilage process, yielding autolysed proteins of high biological value. Our results indicate that the biological silage meal produced from the residual biomass of tambaqui can be included up to 5% in commercial layer diets as it has good nutrient digestibility, and therefore, may potentially be used as a dietary energy and protein source.

Requirement of Digestible Methionine + Cystine to Molted Laying Hens

The present study aimed to determine the ideal requirement of digestible methionine + cystine to molted laying hens. The experimental period lasted 105 days, divided into five periods of 21 days. 144 Hisex White laying hens with 84 weeks-of-age were used. The experimental design was completely randomized with treatments constituted for six levels of digestible methionine + cystine (0.45, 0.50, 0.55, 0.60, 0.65, and 0.70%) in the diets, with four replicates of six birds each. Data collected were evaluated by polynomial regression at 5%. There was a significant effect (p 0.05) of digestible methionine + cystine on feed intake, energy intake, protein intake, egg production, and egg mass. Internal egg quality presented positive linear effect (p 0.05) on albumen height and yolk color. External egg quality was affected (p 0.05) in eggshell %, eggshell thickness and eggshell resistance, where the level of 0.60% of digestible methionine + cystine in the diets provided eggshells with better quality (higher percentage, thicker and breaking resistance). Differences (p 0.05) were also observed in glucose and triglycerides concentration, with 0.60% of digestible methionine + cystine in the diets presenting better equilibrium. Results of the present study suggested that higher levels of digestible methionine + cystine improved the performance and internal egg quality of molted laying hens. The level of 0.60% of digestible methionine + cystine provided better eggshell and equilibrium on blood biochemistry.

Physical-Chemical and Sensorial Quality of Eggs Coated With Copaiba Oil Biofilm and Stored At Room Temperature for Different Periods

The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of a coating based on copaiba oil on the quality of eggs stored for different periods. Eggs were coated with copaiba oil solutions (4, 8, 12, 16, or 20% copaiba oil) or not (control) and stored for 1, 7, 14, 21, 28 or 35 days at room temperature. The following parameters were evaluated: egg weight loss, egg components (albumen, yolk, and eggshell) relative weights, egg specific gravity, Haugh units, eggshell quality, and sensorial attributes. Eggs stored for 35 days presented the highest weight losses. Coating (20% copaíba oil solution) reduced egg weight loss up to 41.02%. Coated eggs presented better internal quality (yolk and albumen heights, specific gravity, and eggshell strength). Sensorial attributes were negatively affected by storage time (aroma and flavor), and copaiba oil solution (aroma, appearance, and flavor), with the natural odor of copaiba described by the tasters. Egg internal, external, and sensorial quality worsened with storage time. Solutions containing 16 and 20% copaiba oil can be used as a biofilm to coat eggs, preserving its internal and external quality, and may affect their sensory characteristics, and therefore, may be a viable alternative for maintaining the internal quality of eggs stored at room temperature for long periods.

Effect of In Ovo Feeding of L-Glutamine to Chick Embryos

In ovo feeding (IOF), injecting nutrients into the amnion of the avian embryo may enhance hatchability, gastrointestinal development and serum metabolism changes. This hypothesis was evaluated with 5 IOF solutions containing L-glutamine. Were used 315 fertile Rhode Island Red eggs were used (breeders with 32-weeks). The experimental design was completely randomized with the treatments constituted by two controls and five solutions containing L-glutamine levels with 45 replicates each. Data collected were subjected to polynomial regression at 5% of significance. Differences (p>0.05) were observed in hatchability and intermediary mortality, with a gradual lower of decrease in hatchability from the IOF of L-glutamine. The yolk sac was higher (p 0.05) after the IOF (control and L-glutamine) in the in ovo fed embryos at 0.5% L-glutamine. IOF of L-glutamine alone enhanced the blood pH and reduced the other serum parameters (p 0.05), which may have fuelled more embryo development, mainly vital organs how as the heart and the liver due to the larger concentration of available nutrients for the embryo. The results of this study indicate that until 0.5% L-glutamine may be supplemented in-ovo to chick embryos without negative influence on chick weight and gastrointestinal tract development, acting as serum biochemical metabolism regulator and obtaining better hatchability.

Fish Waste Oil in Laying Hens* Diets

The present study aimed to evaluate increasing levels of fish waste oil in laying hens diets on performance, egg quality, and sensory features of the eggs. 192 Hisex White laying hens with 29 weeks of age were used, with water and food ad libitum. The experimental design was completely randomized consisting of eight treatments corresponding to the inclusion levels of fish waste oil (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5%) in the diets, with four replicates of six birds each. Data collected were subjected to polynomial regression at 5% of significance. Differences (p 0.05) were observed in feed intake and egg mass. Feed intake increased until 2.50% of fish waste oil in the diets. Differences were not observed (p>0.05) in all variables analyzed. Differences were observed (p 0.05) in flavor. Eggs from birds fed diets up to 2.00% present better acceptance by the tasters. Above this level, there was a considerable drop in acceptance. From these results, the present study indicates that the use of fish waste oilin laying hens diets did not affect the egg quality. However, its high inclusion negatively affected the feed intake, egg mass, and egg flavor.(AU)

Fish Waste Oil in Laying Hens* Diets

The present study aimed to evaluate increasing levels of fish waste oil in laying hens diets on performance, egg quality, and sensory features of the eggs. 192 Hisex White laying hens with 29 weeks of age were used, with water and food ad libitum. The experimental design was completely randomized consisting of eight treatments corresponding to the inclusion levels of fish waste oil (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 and 3.5%) in the diets, with four replicates of six birds each. Data collected were subjected to polynomial regression at 5% of significance. Differences (p 0.05) were observed in feed intake and egg mass. Feed intake increased until 2.50% of fish waste oil in the diets. Differences were not observed (p>0.05) in all variables analyzed. Differences were observed (p 0.05) in flavor. Eggs from birds fed diets up to 2.00% present better acceptance by the tasters. Above this level, there was a considerable drop in acceptance. From these results, the present study indicates that the use of fish waste oilin laying hens diets did not affect the egg quality. However, its high inclusion negatively affected the feed intake, egg mass, and egg flavor.

Pirarucu by-product acid silage meal in diets for commercial laying hens

This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion of pirarucu by-product acid silage meal in diets for laying hens on performance and egg quality. One hundred sixty eight Hissex White laying hens 73-wk-old were distributed in completely randomized design with seven treatments (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, 2.5 and 3.0%) and four replicates of six birds each. The experiment lasted 84 days divided into four periods of 21 days. Estimates of pirarucu by-product meal levels were determined by polynomial regression. Differences (p<0.05) were observed in all variables of performance, in egg weight, yolk height and yolk pigmentation, with pirarucu by-product meal inclusion in diets showed better results than control diet. The pirarucu by-product acid silage meal can be used as alternative food in diets for commercial laying hens. Up to the 2.5% inclusion level there wasnt negative effect in performance and egg quality.(AU)