Relationship of Linoleic and Alpha-Linolenic Acids on the Productive Performance and Serum Biochemical Profile of Japanese Quail Breeders

Linoleic (LA, 18:2) and alpha-linolenic (ALA, 18:3) acids are omega-6 and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids considered essential to human and animal health. The optimum LA/ALA ratio for the production of fertile eggs in Japanese quail breeders has been little investigated. Thus, this study aimed to assess the effects of LA/ALA ratio on productive performance, egg quality, serum biochemical profile, body composition, and organ weight in Japanese quail. A completely randomized design was used. Birds were distributed into five treatments consisting of different LA/ALA ratios (1.48:1, 4.57:1, 7.63:1, 10.69:1, and 13.75:1), obtained by adding soybean (LA) and flaxseed (ALA) oils to the feed. Productive performance and egg quality were assessed in three cycles of 28 days each. At the end of the experiment, the birds were slaughtered and evaluated for biochemical profile, genital organ weights, and body composition. Data were subjected to analysis of variance and regression (p<0.05). LA/ALA ratio had no effect on productive performance or egg quality. Blood cholesterol in females and males and total triglycerides in females showed a quadratic response. Breeders fed the highest level of flaxseed oil (1.48:1) had the best serum levels of cholesterol and total triglycerides. Live weight and relative organ weights were not influenced by LA/ALA ratio. Differences in ash and crude protein levels were observed between groups, with LA increasing the deposition of these nutrients. It was concluded that LA/ALA ratio didn't affect productive performance or egg quality. However, based on the results of body composition, serum triglycerides, and cholesterol, it is recommended to use an LA/ALA ratio of 1.48:1 in diets.(AU)

Productive Performance, Egg Quality, and Pigments on Sorghum-Based Feed for Japanese Quail

The study aimed to determine evaluate the use of sorghum as a substitute for maize in the laying quail diet and its effect on performance and quality of the eggs produced the best levels of lutein (Marigold flower extract) and canthaxanthin inclusion in sorghum based Japanese quail feed as well as its influence in storage time of the eggs. A total of 680 Japanese laying quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica), with 64 weeks of age was distributed in a 4 × x4 factorial + 1 control scheme, with four levels of lutein (LUT), and four levels of canthaxanthin (CTX) and control group with no addition of pigments, with five replicates and eight birds per experimental unit. The experiment was divided into three cycles of 21 days, where the performance and egg quality parameters were evaluated. To evaluate the time of deposition and permanence of the pigments in the yolk, three eggs were evaluated per treatment for 12 days at the beginning of the experiment and 12 days at the end, from the last day of consumption of rations containing pigments. For performance and egg quality, no maybe only differences (p> 0.05) were observed, except for the yolk color, with higher color scores according to the increase in lutein and canthaxanthin consumption. Whereas color parameters, it was observed that at the beginning of the period of consumption, canthaxanthin levels influenced the red color reading and lutein levels influenced the yellow color readings, while in the final period the interaction of the levels of 5.4 ppm of lutein and 1.3 ppm of canthaxanthin provided better color parameters up to 10 days after the end of consumption of rations with pigment.(AU)

Calcium Requirement and Vitamin D Supplementation in Meat-Type Quail at First Stage of Growth

Currently, feed formulations for quail are based on foreign data or data from other species; this undermines productivity with the use of excessive or deficient levels of some nutrients. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the nutritional requirement levels of calcium (Ca) and supplementation vitamin D in meat-type quail from 1 to 14 d of age. The experiment was a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement of treatments (levels of Ca: 0.42, 0.58, 0.74 and 0.90% and levels of vitamin D: 1,000, 2,000, 3,000 and 4,000 IU) with 3 replicate pens and 43 quails per pen. Weight gain increased quadratically with increased levels of Ca and vitamin D; this variable yielded estimated levels of 0.73% Ca and 2,883 IU vitamin D. There was no Ca x vitamin D interaction effect on bone variables. Bone Ca, bone phosphorus, bone ash, femoral bone strength, tibial bone strength and the femoral Seedor index increased quadratically with an increase in Ca levels. These variables yielded estimated values of 0.78, 0.71, 0.78, 0.77, 0.83, and 0.71% Ca, respectively. It is concluded that the requirements of Ca and vitamin D for the maximum weight gain of meat-type quails, in the period from one to 14 days of age, were 0.73% Ca (p=0.001) and 2,883 IU vitamin D (p=0.02), respectively.(AU)

Calcium Requirement and Vitamin D Supplementation in Meat-Type Quail at First Stage of Growth

Currently, feed formulations for quail are based on foreign data or data from other species; this undermines productivity with the use of excessive or deficient levels of some nutrients. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the nutritional requirement levels of calcium (Ca) and supplementation vitamin D in meat-type quail from 1 to 14 d of age. The experiment was a 4 × 4 factorial arrangement of treatments (levels of Ca: 0.42, 0.58, 0.74 and 0.90% and levels of vitamin D: 1,000, 2,000, 3,000 and 4,000 IU) with 3 replicate pens and 43 quails per pen. Weight gain increased quadratically with increased levels of Ca and vitamin D; this variable yielded estimated levels of 0.73% Ca and 2,883 IU vitamin D. There was no Ca x vitamin D interaction effect on bone variables. Bone Ca, bone phosphorus, bone ash, femoral bone strength, tibial bone strength and the femoral Seedor index increased quadratically with an increase in Ca levels. These variables yielded estimated values of 0.78, 0.71, 0.78, 0.77, 0.83, and 0.71% Ca, respectively. It is concluded that the requirements of Ca and vitamin D for the maximum weight gain of meat-type quails, in the period from one to 14 days of age, were 0.73% Ca (p=0.001) and 2,883 IU vitamin D (p=0.02), respectively.

Parâmetros ósseos de codornas de corte suplementadas com diferentes níveis de vitamina A, de 15 a 35 dias de idade / [Parameters of bone of meat-type quail supplemented with different levels of vitamin A from 15 to 35 days of age]

Avaliou-se o efeito da utilização de níveis crescentes de vitamina A sobre os parâmetros ósseos de codornas de corte de 15 a 35 dias de idade. Foram utilizadas 1520 codornas, não sexadas, com peso médio inicial de 85±4,25g, distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, totalizando oito tratamentos com cinco repetições e 38 codornas por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos consistiram de oito níveis de suplementação de vitamina A (0; 4.500; 6.000; 7.500; 9.000; 10.500; 12.000 e 13.500UI/kg da dieta). O período experimental foi de 15 a 35 dias de idade. Os ossos analisados apresentaram uma redução linear para o índice de Seedor, resistência óssea e teor de cinzas do fêmur e da tíbia de acordo com os níveis de suplementação de vitamina A. A suplementação de vitamina A para codornas de corte de 15 a 35 dias de idade mostrou resultados negativos para a qualidade óssea, com a necessidade de mais estudos sobre seu antagonismo com a vitamina D.(AU)

This study evaluated the effect of using increasing levels of vitamin A on bone parameters in meat-type quails from 15 to 35 days old. A total of 1520 unsexed quail with an average initial weight of 85g distributed in a completely randomized design, totaling eight treatments with five replicates and 38 quails per experimental unit were used. The treatments consisted of eight vitamin supplementation levels A (0; 4,500; 6,000; 7,500; 9,000; 10,500; 12,000 and 13,500IU / kg diet). The experimental period was 15 to 35 days of age. The bones analyzed showed a linear reduction to the Seedor index, bone strength and ash content of the femur and tibia according to vitamin supplementation levels Vitamin A supplementation for cutting quails from 15 to 35 days of age showed negative results for bone quality, with the need for more studies on its antagonism to vitamin D.(AU)

Parâmetros ósseos de codornas de corte suplementadas com diferentes níveis de vitamina A, de 15 a 35 dias de idade / [Parameters of bone of meat-type quail supplemented with different levels of vitamin A from 15 to 35 days of age]

Avaliou-se o efeito da utilização de níveis crescentes de vitamina A sobre os parâmetros ósseos de codornas de corte de 15 a 35 dias de idade. Foram utilizadas 1520 codornas, não sexadas, com peso médio inicial de 85±4,25g, distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, totalizando oito tratamentos com cinco repetições e 38 codornas por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos consistiram de oito níveis de suplementação de vitamina A (0; 4.500; 6.000; 7.500; 9.000; 10.500; 12.000 e 13.500UI/kg da dieta). O período experimental foi de 15 a 35 dias de idade. Os ossos analisados apresentaram uma redução linear para o índice de Seedor, resistência óssea e teor de cinzas do fêmur e da tíbia de acordo com os níveis de suplementação de vitamina A. A suplementação de vitamina A para codornas de corte de 15 a 35 dias de idade mostrou resultados negativos para a qualidade óssea, com a necessidade de mais estudos sobre seu antagonismo com a vitamina D.(AU)

This study evaluated the effect of using increasing levels of vitamin A on bone parameters in meat-type quails from 15 to 35 days old. A total of 1520 unsexed quail with an average initial weight of 85g distributed in a completely randomized design, totaling eight treatments with five replicates and 38 quails per experimental unit were used. The treatments consisted of eight vitamin supplementation levels A (0; 4,500; 6,000; 7,500; 9,000; 10,500; 12,000 and 13,500IU / kg diet). The experimental period was 15 to 35 days of age. The bones analyzed showed a linear reduction to the Seedor index, bone strength and ash content of the femur and tibia according to vitamin supplementation levels Vitamin A supplementation for cutting quails from 15 to 35 days of age showed negative results for bone quality, with the need for more studies on its antagonism to vitamin D.(AU)

Effects of the Dietary Inclusion of Xylanase on the Performance and Jejunum Morphometry of Meat-Type Quails

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the supplementation of two xylanase products to diets with reduced metabolizable energy fed to meat-type quails during the starter phase (1-14 days). A completely randomized experimental design in a 2 x 3 + 1 factorial arrangement two reduced metabolizable energy (ME) diets, inclusion or not of xylanase, and a control diet with no enzyme addition) was applied, totaling seven treatments with five replicates of 45 quails each. At 14 days of age, jejunum segments were collected for morphometry evaluation. No interaction between the studied factors were detected for performance and jejunal morphometry parameters. Body weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion were not influenced by enzyme inclusion. Reduced ME diets (-70 or -140 kcal/kg) did not affect performance, except for feed intake. Xylanase inclusion increased villus height and villus:crypt ratio. Therefore, xylanase supplementation can be effective in corn and soybean meal-based diets, without causing any impairment in the performance of 1- to 14-day-old quails. Xylanases A and B were more efficient when dietary energy level was reduced in 140 kcal ME/kg, and were also shown to effectively improve the jejunal morphometry of starter meat-type quails.(AU)

Effects of the Dietary Inclusion of Xylanase on the Performance and Jejunum Morphometry of Meat-Type Quails

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of the supplementation of two xylanase products to diets with reduced metabolizable energy fed to meat-type quails during the starter phase (1-14 days). A completely randomized experimental design in a 2 x 3 + 1 factorial arrangement two reduced metabolizable energy (ME) diets, inclusion or not of xylanase, and a control diet with no enzyme addition) was applied, totaling seven treatments with five replicates of 45 quails each. At 14 days of age, jejunum segments were collected for morphometry evaluation. No interaction between the studied factors were detected for performance and jejunal morphometry parameters. Body weight, weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion were not influenced by enzyme inclusion. Reduced ME diets (-70 or -140 kcal/kg) did not affect performance, except for feed intake. Xylanase inclusion increased villus height and villus:crypt ratio. Therefore, xylanase supplementation can be effective in corn and soybean meal-based diets, without causing any impairment in the performance of 1- to 14-day-old quails. Xylanases A and B were more efficient when dietary energy level was reduced in 140 kcal ME/kg, and were also shown to effectively improve the jejunal morphometry of starter meat-type quails.

Níveis de suplementação de vitamina K para codornas de corte em crescimento de 15 a 35 dias de idade / Vitamin K supplementation for meat quail in growth of 15 to 35 days old

O presente experimento foi realizado com o objetivo de determinar os níveis de suplementação de vitamina K para codornas de corte. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, com oito tratamentos, cinco repetições e 38 codornas por unidade experimental. Os níveis de suplementação de vitamina K foram: 0; 0,7; 1,0; 1,3; 1,6; 1,9; 2,2; 2,5mg/kg de ração. Não houve influência dos níveis de suplementação de vitamina K sobre o consumo de ração, peso corporal, ganho de peso, biomassa corporal acumulada e conversão alimentar, como também não foram alterados o peso, a densidade óssea, a resistência óssea e a concentração de cinzas no fêmur e na tíbia, o comprimento e o índice de Seedor do fêmur e o diâmetro da tíbia. O diâmetro e a concentração de cálcio no fêmur bem como o comprimento e a concentração de cálcio na tíbia responderam de forma quadrática (P<0,05), sendo os melhores níveis encontrados de 1,33; 1,42; 1,59 e 1,42mg de vitamina K, respectivamente. O tempo de protrombina, a concentração de cálcio no soro e a fosfatase alcalina também não foram afetados significativamente. Conclui-se que os níveis de suplementação não influenciaram o desempenho, portanto rações à base de milho e farelo de soja são suficientes para atender às necessidades de vitamina K das codornas nessa fase.(AU)

An experiment was carried out in order to determine the levels of vitamin K for meat quails. The experimental design was completely randomized with 8 treatments, 5 repetitions and 38 quails per experimental unit. The levels of vitamin K supplementation were 0; 0.7; 1.0; 1.3; 1.6; 1.9; 2.2; 2.5 mg/kg diets. There was no influence in the levels of vitamin K supplementation on feed intake, body weight, weight gain, biomass accumulated body and feed conversion. It also didn't affect the weight, bone density, bone strength and concentration of ash in the femur and tibial, length, index of Seedor femur and tibial diameter. Femur diameter and femur calcium concentration and the tibial length and tibial calcium concentration showed a quadratic response, with the highest levels found 1.33; 1.42; 1.59 and 1.42 mg of vitamin respectively. Prothrombin time, concentration of serum calcium and alkaline phosphatase levels also were not significantly affected. In conclusion, levels of supplementation did not influence the performance of meat quails, so diets based on corn and soybean meal are sufficient to meet the needs of the meat quails at this stage.(AU)

Níveis de suplementação de vitamina K para codornas de corte em crescimento de 15 a 35 dias de idade / Vitamin K supplementation for meat quail in growth of 15 to 35 days old

O presente experimento foi realizado com o objetivo de determinar os níveis de suplementação de vitamina K para codornas de corte. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, com oito tratamentos, cinco repetições e 38 codornas por unidade experimental. Os níveis de suplementação de vitamina K foram: 0; 0,7; 1,0; 1,3; 1,6; 1,9; 2,2; 2,5mg/kg de ração. Não houve influência dos níveis de suplementação de vitamina K sobre o consumo de ração, peso corporal, ganho de peso, biomassa corporal acumulada e conversão alimentar, como também não foram alterados o peso, a densidade óssea, a resistência óssea e a concentração de cinzas no fêmur e na tíbia, o comprimento e o índice de Seedor do fêmur e o diâmetro da tíbia. O diâmetro e a concentração de cálcio no fêmur bem como o comprimento e a concentração de cálcio na tíbia responderam de forma quadrática (P<0,05), sendo os melhores níveis encontrados de 1,33; 1,42; 1,59 e 1,42mg de vitamina K, respectivamente. O tempo de protrombina, a concentração de cálcio no soro e a fosfatase alcalina também não foram afetados significativamente. Conclui-se que os níveis de suplementação não influenciaram o desempenho, portanto rações à base de milho e farelo de soja são suficientes para atender às necessidades de vitamina K das codornas nessa fase.(AU)

An experiment was carried out in order to determine the levels of vitamin K for meat quails. The experimental design was completely randomized with 8 treatments, 5 repetitions and 38 quails per experimental unit. The levels of vitamin K supplementation were 0; 0.7; 1.0; 1.3; 1.6; 1.9; 2.2; 2.5 mg/kg diets. There was no influence in the levels of vitamin K supplementation on feed intake, body weight, weight gain, biomass accumulated body and feed conversion. It also didn't affect the weight, bone density, bone strength and concentration of ash in the femur and tibial, length, index of Seedor femur and tibial diameter. Femur diameter and femur calcium concentration and the tibial length and tibial calcium concentration showed a quadratic response, with the highest levels found 1.33; 1.42; 1.59 and 1.42 mg of vitamin respectively. Prothrombin time, concentration of serum calcium and alkaline phosphatase levels also were not significantly affected. In conclusion, levels of supplementation did not influence the performance of meat quails, so diets based on corn and soybean meal are sufficient to meet the needs of the meat quails at this stage.(AU)

Exigência de valina e isoleucina para codornas de corte no período de um a 14 dias e de 15 a 35 dias de idade / Valine and isoleucine requirement for meat quails in the period of 1 to 14 days and of 15 to 35 days old

Foram conduzidos dois experimentos, com o objetivo de estimar a exigência de valina e isoleucina digestível para codornas de corte em crescimento. No experimento 1, foram utilizadas 2.160 codornas de corte de um dia de idade, não sexadas, distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com arranjo fatorial 4x4, sendo quatro níveis de valina digestível (0,90, 1,10, 1,30 e 1,50%) e quatro níveis de isoleucina digestível (0,80, 1,00, 1,20 e 1,40%), totalizando 16 tratamentos, com três repetições e 45 codornas por unidade experimental. O peso corporal, o ganho de peso e a biomassa corporal acumulada aumentaram linearmente em função dos níveis de valina digestível e foram influenciados de forma quadrática, estimando 1,38% de isoleucina digestível. No experimento 2, foram utilizadas 1.440 codornas de corte não sexadas, distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com arranjo fatorial 4x4, sendo quatro níveis de valina digestível (0,82, 1,02, 1,22 e 1,42%) e quatro níveis de isoleucina digestível (0,73, 0,93, 1,13 e 1,33%), totalizando 16 tratamentos, com três repetições e 30 codornas por unidade experimental. O desempenho de codornas de corte, no período de 15 a 35 dias de idade, não foi influenciado pelo aumento dos níveis de valina e isoleucina digestível nas rações experimentais. Conclui-se que as exigências de valina e isoleucina digestível para o máximo desempenho de codornas de corte, no período de um a 14 dias de idade, foram de 1,50% e 1,38%, respectivamente, correspondendo às relações valina:lisina de 95% e isoleucina:lisina de 88%. Os menores níveis avaliados, no período de 15 a 35 dias de idade, de 0,82% de valina digestível e de 0,73% de isoleucina digestível, correspondendo às relações valina:lisina de 52% e isoleucina: lisina de 46%, foram suficientes para satisfazer as exigências nutricionais das codornas de corte sem comprometer o desempenho.(AU)

Two experiments were carried out in order to estimate the requirements of digestible valine and isoleucine for growing meat quails. In experiment 1, 2160 meat quails with 1 day of age, not sexed, were used, distributed in a completely randomized design with a 4x4 factorial arrangement, with four levels of digestible valine (0.90, 1.10, 1.30, and 1.50%) and four levels of digestible isoleucine (0.80, 1.00, 1.20, and 1.40 %), totaling 16 treatments with three replications and 45 quails per experimental unit. The body weight, the weight gain, and the accumulated body biomass linearly increased in function of digestible valine levels and were influenced in a quadratic way estimating 1.38% of digestible isoleucine. In experiment 2, 1440 meat quails, not sexed, were used, distributed in a completely randomized design with a 4x4 factorial arrangement, with four levels of digestible valine (0.82, 1.02, 1.22, and 1.42%) and four levels of digestible isoleucine (0.73, 0.93, 1.13, and 1.33%), totaling 16 treatments with three replications and 30 quails per experimental unit. The performance of meat quails from 15 to 35 days of age was not affected by increased levels of digestible valine and digestible isoleucine in the experimental diets. It was concluded that the requirements of digestible valine and digestible isoleucine for maximum performance of meat quail from one to 14 days of age were 1.50% and 1.38%, respectively, corresponding to relations: valine: lysine of 95% and isoleucine: lysine of 88%. The lower levels evaluated, in the period of 15 to 35 days old, 0.82% digestible valine and 0.73% of digestible isoleucine, corresponding to relations valine: lysine of 52% and isoleucine: lysine of 46% were sufficient to meet the nutritional requirements of meat quails without compromising performance.(AU)

Exigência de valina e isoleucina para codornas de corte no período de um a 14 dias e de 15 a 35 dias de idade / Valine and isoleucine requirement for meat quails in the period of 1 to 14 days and of 15 to 35 days old

Two experiments were carried out in order to estimate the requirements of digestible valine and isoleucine for growing meat quails. In experiment 1, 2160 meat quails with 1 day of age, not sexed, were used, distributed in a completely randomized design with a 4x4 factorial arrangement, with four levels of digestible valine (0.90, 1.10, 1.30, and 1.50%) and four levels of digestible isoleucine (0.80, 1.00, 1.20, and 1.40 %), totaling 16 treatments with three replications and 45 quails per experimental unit. The body weight, the weight gain, and the accumulated body biomass linearly increased in function of digestible valine levels and were influenced in a quadratic way estimating 1.38% of digestible isoleucine. In experiment 2, 1440 meat quails, not sexed, were used, distributed in a completely randomized design with a 4x4 factorial arrangement, with four levels of digestible valine (0.82, 1.02, 1.22, and 1.42%) and four levels of digestible isoleucine (0.73, 0.93, 1.13, and 1.33%), totaling 16 treatments with three replications and 30 quails per experimental unit. The performance of meat quails from 15 to 35 days of age was not affected by increased levels of digestible valine and digestible isoleucine in the experimental diets. It was concluded that the requirements of digestible valine and digestible isoleucine for maximum performance of meat quail from one to 14 days of age were 1.50% and 1.38%, respectively, corresponding to relations: valine: lysine of 95% and isoleucine: lysine of 88%. The lower levels evaluated, in the period of 15 to 35 days old, 0.82% digestible valine and 0.73% of digestible isoleucine, corresponding to relations valine: lysine of 52% and isoleucine: lysine of 46% were sufficient to meet the nutritional requirements of meat quails without compromising performance.(AU)

Foram conduzidos dois experimentos, com o objetivo de estimar a exigência de valina e isoleucina digestível para codornas de corte em crescimento. No experimento 1, foram utilizadas 2.160 codornas de corte de um dia de idade, não sexadas, distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com arranjo fatorial 4x4, sendo quatro níveis de valina digestível (0,90, 1,10, 1,30 e 1,50%) e quatro níveis de isoleucina digestível (0,80, 1,00, 1,20 e 1,40%), totalizando 16 tratamentos, com três repetições e 45 codornas por unidade experimental. O peso corporal, o ganho de peso e a biomassa corporal acumulada aumentaram linearmente em função dos níveis de valina digestível e foram influenciados de forma quadrática, estimando 1,38% de isoleucina digestível. No experimento 2, foram utilizadas 1.440 codornas de corte não sexadas, distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com arranjo fatorial 4x4, sendo quatro níveis de valina digestível (0,82, 1,02, 1,22 e 1,42%) e quatro níveis de isoleucina digestível (0,73, 0,93, 1,13 e 1,33%), totalizando 16 tratamentos, com três repetições e 30 codornas por unidade experimental. O desempenho de codornas de corte, no período de 15 a 35 dias de idade, não foi influenciado pelo aumento dos níveis de valina e isoleucina digestível nas rações experimentais. Conclui-se que as exigências de valina e isoleucina digestível para o máximo desempenho de codornas de corte, no período de um a 14 dias de idade, foram de 1,50% e 1,38%, respectivamente, correspondendo às relações valina:lisina de 95% e isoleucina:lisina de 88%. Os menores níveis avaliados, no período de 15 a 35 dias de idade, de 0,82% de valina digestível e de 0,73% de isoleucina digestível, correspondendo às relações valina:lisina de 52% e isoleucina: lisina de 46%, foram suficientes para satisfazer as exigências nutricionais das codornas de corte sem comprometer o desempenho.(AU)

Níveis nutricionais de cálcio para aves de corte ISA Label criadas sob semiconfinamento / Dietary calcium levels for ISA Label broilers raised in semi-confined system

Determinaram-se os níveis nutricionais de cálcio (Ca) para aves, machos e fêmeas, da linhagem ISA Label, nas fases inicial (um a 28 dias), crescimento (28 a 56 dias) e final (56 a 84 dias). Foram realizados três ensaios, um para cada fase, e, em cada ensaio, 480 aves com idade correspondente à fase de criação foram alojadas em 24 unidades experimentais com áreas de abrigo e de pastejo. Foi utilizado delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 4x2 (Ca e sexo), totalizando oito tratamentos com três repetiç ões de 20 aves. Avaliaram-se: ganho de peso (GP); consumo de dieta (CD); conversão alimentar (CA); teores de fósforo (PT), de cálcio (CaT) e de cinzas na tíbia (CT) e resistência à quebra óssea (RQO). Na fase inicial, recomenda-se 1,16% de Ca na dieta, para aves de ambos os sexos, na fase de crescimento, 0,78 e 0,88% de Ca para machos e fêmeas, respectivamente, e, na fase final, 0,69% de Ca na dieta para ambos os sexos.(AU)

The nutritional calcium (Ca) levels were determined for ISA Label broilers in the starter (1 to 28 days), growing (28 to 56 days), and finishing (56 to 84 days) phases. Three trials were conducted, one for each phase and in each trial, 480 birds with age corresponding to the phase were housed in 24 experimental units with shelter and pasture areas. The experimental design was completely randomized in a factorial arrangement of 4x2 (Ca levels and sex), totaling eight treatments with three replicates of 20 birds. Body weight gain (BWG); feed intake (FI); feed per gain (FG); contents of phosphorus (TP), calcium (TCa) and ash (TA) in tibia; and bone breaking strength (BSB) were evaluated. At the starter phase, 1.16% of Ca is recommended in the diet for birds of both sexes. At the growing phase, 0.78 and 0.88% of Ca for males and females, respectively, are recommended and at the finishing phase, the level of 0.69% of Ca is recommended in diet for both sexes.(AU)

EFFECT OF LIGHTING PROGRAMS ON BROILER CHICKENS PERFORMANCE, CARCASS YIELD AND PARTS YIELD. / EFEITO DE PROGRAMAS DE LUZ SOBRE O DESEMPENHO E RENDIMENTO DE CARCAÇA, CORTES COMERCIAIS E VÍSCERAS COMESTÍVEIS DE FRANGOS DE CORTE.

  An experiment was conducted to determine the effects of two lighting programs on performance, carcass yield and parts yield of broiler chickens. Nine-hundred-sixty Cobb male and female broiler chicks were used and distributed in a completely randomized design with 2 x 2 factorial arrangement (two sexes and two lighting programs: - increasing light: 1 to 14 days, 24L:0D; 15 to 21 days, 16L:8D; 22 to 29 days, 18L:6D; 30 to 40 days, 20L:4D and 41 to 49 days, 23L:1D; - continuous light: 23L:1D to 1 to 49 days of age) with four treatments and six replicates of 40 birds. In the starter phase, birds raised on increasing light program showed lower body weight gain and feed intake as compared to those submitted to continuous light program. However, in the total period of rearing no significant differences between treatments were observed. Carcass yield and parts yield showed no standard profile. In conclusion, a compensatory gain in the broiler chickens reared on increasing light program was observed.     KEY-WORDS: Broiler chickens. Lighting programs. Performance. Sex. Yield.