Effect of In Ovo Ascorbic Acid Injection and Thermal Manipulation During Incubation on Intestine Morphology of Broilers Reared under Cold and Heat Stress

It was investigated if pre-incubation ascorbic acid (AA) injection in fertile eggs incubated at high temperature impacts the performance, the yield of carcass and parts, and the intestine morphology of broilers reared under heat stress. Three thousand Cobb® fertile broiler eggs were randomly distributed according to weight into three incubations treatments (eggs not injected with AA and incubated at 37.5°C; eggs not injected with AA and incubated at 39°C; and eggs injected with 6 µg AA/100 µL water prior to incubation and incubated at 39ºC). The hatched birds were reared at thermoneutral, cold, and hot house temperatures. Broilers reared under hot temperature presented lower feed intake and weight gain than the broilers of the different rearing temperatures. Egg incubation at 39.0 ºC and 39.0 ºC + AA reduced broiler viability. Carcass and cut yields were not influenced by incubation and rearing procedures. Duodenal goblet cell count was lower in broilers from eggs of the treatment 39ºC + AA than in broilers from the other incubation treatments and in broiler rearing in hot temperature. In the jejunum, the goblet cell counts were higher in broilers that were reared under hot than thermoneutral temperatures. The incubation treatment of 39 ºC+AA increased the goblet cell counts in the ileum of broilers reared under cold temperatures. Rearing temperature influenced the duodenal villi counts, which were lower under cold rearing conditions than in the two other rearing temperatures. The results showed that egg incubation at 39°C, independently of ascorbic acid injection, did not produce an effective epigenetic heat adaptation in broilers.(AU)

Evolução da produção e exportação de frangos de corte no estado do Mato Grosso do Sul / Brazilian State of Mato Grosso do Sul broilers production and exports evolution

O objetivo do trabalho foi realizar um panorama evolutivo da cadeia de produção e exportação de frangos de corte no estado do Mato Grosso do Sul considerando o período de 2007 à 2016. Posteriormente se fez uma comparação dos resultados com os encontrados no estado do Paraná e um levantamento das barreiras comercias impostas à importação da carne de frango do Mato Grosso do Sul. A pesquisa se trata de uma análise descritiva e foram utilizados dados do InfoAgro, Secretária do Estado de Meio Ambiente, Desenvolvimento Econômico, Produção e Agricultura Familiar, Estatística de Comércio Exterior do Agronegócio Brasileiro e Associação Brasileira de Proteína Animal. Os resultados apontam que o setor encontra-se em evolução dentro do Mato Grosso do Sul, com crescimentos significativos na produção e exportação. O Paraná possui um crescimento superior ao do Mato Grosso do Sul no período avaliado, o que evidencia o potencial de crescimento do estado. Verificou-se que as barreiras à importação da carne de frango comerciais impostas ao Mato Grosso do Sul não influem significantemente no crescimento da cadeia avícola no estado, e que atualmente o mesmo atende a todas as exigências. Conclui-se que o estado do Mato Grosso do Sul necessita de tempo para que ocorra a consolidação da avicultura, e que para tanto se faz necessário incentivo do governo para atração de novas empresas e fortalecimento da atividade junto aos produtores do estado.

The aim of this work was to bring out an evolutionary panorama of the broilers production and export in the Mato Grosso do Sul state, considering the period between 2007 and 2016. Subsequently a survey was made for the commercial barriers imposed on the importation of Mato Grosso do Sul broiler meat. The research is a descriptive analysis and data from InfoAgro, Famasul System and Agrostat and the Brazilian Association of Animal Proteins. The results indicate that the sector is in evolution within the Mato Grosso do Sul, with significant increases in production and exports. Paraná has a higher growth than Mato Grosso do Sul in this evaluated period, which shows the growth potential of the state. It has also been found that the barriers to the importation of commercial broiler meat, imposed on the MS do not influence significantly the growth of the poultry production chain in the state, that currently meets with all requirements imposed. It is concluded that the State of Mato Grosso do Sul needs time for the poultry industry consolidation, and that therefore, is necessary the encouragement and attraction of new companies to strengthen the activity of broilers production in Mato Grosso do Sul.

Multi-Attribute Evaluation and Selection of Broiler House for the Low Prevalence of Footpad Lesion

Intensive broiler production requires large flock density, which compromises litter quality and increases the prevalence of footpad lesions. The present study aimed at comparing the incidence of footpad dermatitis of broilers reared in two different rearing environments. Data from two broiler houses were recorded during 42 d. Air temperature and relative humidity; litter moisture, pH, and temperature; footpad surface temperature; and the incidence of footpad lesions was investigated. Litter quality was analyzed in a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement, with two house types (dark house or open-sided house) and four rearing phases (21, 28, 35, and 42 d of growth), with four replicates per treatment using 12 replicates. Four replicates were used for analyzing the air environment data. For the footpad lesion identification, a randomly factorial scheme of recording the surface temperature was built (2 x 2) using two houses, and the broiler sex using 15 replicates in the grow-out stages. The measures of association (odds ratio and risk ratio) were calculated. The multi-criteria analysis (Analytic Hierarchy Process - AHP) was applied for estimating the house that provided less prevalence of lesions. The field data did not provide enough evidence for selection of a particular house with less incidence of footpad dermatitis. However, when applying the measures of association data, and corresponding literature data to the AHP, there was an indication that the dark-house provided broiler rearing condition that reduced the incidence of footpad lesions.(AU)

Evolução da produção e exportação de frangos de corte no estado do Mato Grosso do Sul / Brazilian State of Mato Grosso do Sul broilers production and exports evolution

O objetivo do trabalho foi realizar um panorama evolutivo da cadeia de produção e exportação de frangos de corte no estado do Mato Grosso do Sul considerando o período de 2007 à 2016. Posteriormente se fez uma comparação dos resultados com os encontrados no estado do Paraná e um levantamento das barreiras comercias impostas à importação da carne de frango do Mato Grosso do Sul. A pesquisa se trata de uma análise descritiva e foram utilizados dados do InfoAgro, Secretária do Estado de Meio Ambiente, Desenvolvimento Econômico, Produção e Agricultura Familiar, Estatística de Comércio Exterior do Agronegócio Brasileiro e Associação Brasileira de Proteína Animal. Os resultados apontam que o setor encontra-se em evolução dentro do Mato Grosso do Sul, com crescimentos significativos na produção e exportação. O Paraná possui um crescimento superior ao do Mato Grosso do Sul no período avaliado, o que evidencia o potencial de crescimento do estado. Verificou-se que as barreiras à importação da carne de frango comerciais impostas ao Mato Grosso do Sul não influem significantemente no crescimento da cadeia avícola no estado, e que atualmente o mesmo atende a todas as exigências. Conclui-se que o estado do Mato Grosso do Sul necessita de tempo para que ocorra a consolidação da avicultura, e que para tanto se faz necessário incentivo do governo para atração de novas empresas e fortalecimento da atividade junto aos produtores do estado.(AU)

The aim of this work was to bring out an evolutionary panorama of the broilers production and export in the Mato Grosso do Sul state, considering the period between 2007 and 2016. Subsequently a survey was made for the commercial barriers imposed on the importation of Mato Grosso do Sul broiler meat. The research is a descriptive analysis and data from InfoAgro, Famasul System and Agrostat and the Brazilian Association of Animal Proteins. The results indicate that the sector is in evolution within the Mato Grosso do Sul, with significant increases in production and exports. Paraná has a higher growth than Mato Grosso do Sul in this evaluated period, which shows the growth potential of the state. It has also been found that the barriers to the importation of commercial broiler meat, imposed on the MS do not influence significantly the growth of the poultry production chain in the state, that currently meets with all requirements imposed. It is concluded that the State of Mato Grosso do Sul needs time for the poultry industry consolidation, and that therefore, is necessary the encouragement and attraction of new companies to strengthen the activity of broilers production in Mato Grosso do Sul.(AU)

Multi-Attribute Evaluation and Selection of Broiler House for the Low Prevalence of Footpad Lesion

Intensive broiler production requires large flock density, which compromises litter quality and increases the prevalence of footpad lesions. The present study aimed at comparing the incidence of footpad dermatitis of broilers reared in two different rearing environments. Data from two broiler houses were recorded during 42 d. Air temperature and relative humidity; litter moisture, pH, and temperature; footpad surface temperature; and the incidence of footpad lesions was investigated. Litter quality was analyzed in a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement, with two house types (dark house or open-sided house) and four rearing phases (21, 28, 35, and 42 d of growth), with four replicates per treatment using 12 replicates. Four replicates were used for analyzing the air environment data. For the footpad lesion identification, a randomly factorial scheme of recording the surface temperature was built (2 x 2) using two houses, and the broiler sex using 15 replicates in the grow-out stages. The measures of association (odds ratio and risk ratio) were calculated. The multi-criteria analysis (Analytic Hierarchy Process - AHP) was applied for estimating the house that provided less prevalence of lesions. The field data did not provide enough evidence for selection of a particular house with less incidence of footpad dermatitis. However, when applying the measures of association data, and corresponding literature data to the AHP, there was an indication that the dark-house provided broiler rearing condition that reduced the incidence of footpad lesions.

Coturnicultura como alternativa para aumento de renda do pequeno produtor / Quail production as an alternative to improve income to small farmers

A coturnicultura tem apresentado desenvolvimento significativo nos últimos anos devido às tecnologias empregadas na cadeia produtiva, gerando resultados satisfatórios aos produtores, com baixo custo de investimento. O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a viabilidade econômico-financeira da coturnicultura para o pequeno produtor rural ou agricultor familiar. Foram utilizados dois grupos com 1.500 aves cada, A1 (aquisição de lote misto com um dia de idade) e A2 (aquisição de fêmeas com 35 dias de idade), e empregados a taxa interna de retorno, o payback simples e o descontado, bem como o valor presente líquido para a análise econômico-financeira. A coturnicultura representa uma alternativa em potencial para agregação de renda ao pequeno produtor/agricultor familiar, pois o retorno do investimento ocorre no segundo ano. Para o início da produção coturnícula, a aquisição de fêmeas aos 35 dias de idade é mais rentável, quando comparada à aquisição de lote misto com um dia de idade. Dessa forma, a alternativa estratégica de comercialização para o início da atividade é o ovo in natura, que possibilita o retorno do investimento em curto prazo.(AU)

Quail production showed significant development in recent years due to technologies used in the production chain, generating satisfactory results for farmers with low cost of investment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the economic feasibility of quail production implementation for small farmers. A total of 3,000 birds were used and divided in two groups (A1 and A2). The internal rate return was measured, as well as simple payback. The present liquid value for economic and financial analysis was discounted. Quail production is a potential alternative for income increase of small farmers, since the return on investment occurs in the second year. To start quail production, the acquisition of female quails at 35 days of age is more profitable compared to a one day old mixed batch. Thus, the alternative marketing strategy for the beginning of activity is the egg, due to the return on short-term investment.(AU)

Coturnicultura como alternativa para aumento de renda do pequeno produtor / Quail production as an alternative to improve income to small farmers

A coturnicultura tem apresentado desenvolvimento significativo nos últimos anos devido às tecnologias empregadas na cadeia produtiva, gerando resultados satisfatórios aos produtores, com baixo custo de investimento. O estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a viabilidade econômico-financeira da coturnicultura para o pequeno produtor rural ou agricultor familiar. Foram utilizados dois grupos com 1.500 aves cada, A1 (aquisição de lote misto com um dia de idade) e A2 (aquisição de fêmeas com 35 dias de idade), e empregados a taxa interna de retorno, o payback simples e o descontado, bem como o valor presente líquido para a análise econômico-financeira. A coturnicultura representa uma alternativa em potencial para agregação de renda ao pequeno produtor/agricultor familiar, pois o retorno do investimento ocorre no segundo ano. Para o início da produção coturnícula, a aquisição de fêmeas aos 35 dias de idade é mais rentável, quando comparada à aquisição de lote misto com um dia de idade. Dessa forma, a alternativa estratégica de comercialização para o início da atividade é o ovo in natura, que possibilita o retorno do investimento em curto prazo.(AU)

Quail production showed significant development in recent years due to technologies used in the production chain, generating satisfactory results for farmers with low cost of investment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the economic feasibility of quail production implementation for small farmers. A total of 3,000 birds were used and divided in two groups (A1 and A2). The internal rate return was measured, as well as simple payback. The present liquid value for economic and financial analysis was discounted. Quail production is a potential alternative for income increase of small farmers, since the return on investment occurs in the second year. To start quail production, the acquisition of female quails at 35 days of age is more profitable compared to a one day old mixed batch. Thus, the alternative marketing strategy for the beginning of activity is the egg, due to the return on short-term investment.(AU)

Effect of led lighting colors for laying Japanese quails

Time of exposure and light intensity rearing house may affect the performance and egg quality of laying quails. This research aimed at evaluating the live performance, egg quality, biometry of the reproductive system, and the gastrointestinal tract of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) exposed to artificial light-emitting diodes (LED) of different colors in comparison with fluorescent lamps. A total of 240 Japanese quails were distributed in completely randomized experimental design with four treatments (fluorescent lamp, and green, red, or blue LED lamps) with six replicates of 10 birds each. Average egg weight and eggshell thickness were different (p 0.05). The oviduct of 64-d-old hens exposed to green LED lighting was shorter (p < 0.05) than those exposed to the fluorescent lamp. Red LED can be used to replace the fluorescent lamps, as they promote the same live performance, egg quality, and morphological development of the reproductive tract of laying Japanese quails.

Development of the femur of lambs fed with corn silage or sugar cane / Desenvolvimento do fêmur de cordeiros alimentados com silagem de milho ou cana-de-açúcar

The bone development in lambs is extremely important, as this will reflect in the performance of the animals when they are adults. Bone problems in sheep affect the productivity of animals, increasing mortality rates and infection. Therefore, the evaluation of lambs skeletal development should be taken into account when they are fed different types and concentrations of bulk. There are no studies in the literature that demonstrate this relationship. Twenty Ile de France male lambs were used. They were uncastrated and weaned at 15 kg body weight then distributed in four treatments, with five animals per treatment. The treatments consisted of roughage: concentrate 60:40 (corn silage:concentrate); 60:40 ( sugar cane: concentrate); 40:60 (corn silage: concentrate); 40:60 ( sugar cane:concentrate). For morphometric evaluation, weighing of the femurs was performed and the length the perimeter of the proximal and distal epiphysis and the diaphysis of femurs and bone mineral density of the respective treatments were evaluated. No significant differences in the morphometric and densitometric evaluation was found between different treatments, with the exception of diaphysis bone mineral density, which was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the treatment with 40% corn silage in relation to the treatment 60% sugar cane. The use of diets containing of corn silage and sugarcane associated withaddition of concentrate maintained the anatomical features. However, the proportion of 40% corn silage and 60%concentrate, showed better diaphysis bone mineral density due to a higher intake of nutrients and minerals present in this diet and consequently a higher energy intake, as well as an increased supply of dietary calcium.

O desenvolvimento ósseo em cordeiros é de extrema importância, levando em consideração que, este irá refletir no desempenho dos animais quando adultos. Problemas ósseos em ovinos acometem a produtividade dos animais, aumentando os índices de mortalidade e infecções. Portanto, a avaliação do desenvolvimento ósseo de cordeiros deve ser levada em consideração, quando estes são alimentados com diferentes tipos e concentrações de volumosos, mesmo porque não existem trabalhos na literatura que demonstrem esta relação. Foram utilizados 20 cordeiros Ile de France machos não castrados, desmamados aos 15 kg de peso corporal, distribuídos em quatro tratamentos, sendo utilizados cinco animais por tratamento, com os tratamentos constituídos por proporções de volumoso:concentrado 60:40 (silagem de milho:concentrado); 60:40 (cana-de-açúcar:concentrado); 40:60 (silagem de milho:concentrado); 40:60 (cana-deaçúcar:concentrado). Para a avaliação morfométrica, foi realizada a pesagem dos fêmures e avaliado o comprimento, o perímetro da epífise proximal e distal, bem como o da diáfise dos fêmures e a densidade mineral óssea dos respectivos tratamentos. Não ocorreram diferenças significativas nas avaliações morfométricas e densitométricas dos fêmures dos cordeiros dos diferentes tratamentos, com exceção da densidade mineral óssea da diáfise, que foi significativamente (p <0,05) maior no tratamento com 40% de silagem de milho em relação ao tratamento com 60% de cana de açúcar. A utilização de dietas contendo silagem de milho e cana-de-açúcar, associados à adição de concentrados manteve as características anatômicas dos ossos dos cordeiros em desenvolvimento. No entanto, a proporção de 40% de silagem demilho e 60% de concentrado, evidenciou uma melhor densidade mineral óssea da diáfise em decorrência de um maior consumo de nutrientes e minerais presentes nesta dieta, consequentemente um maior aporte energético.

Desenvolvimento do fêmur de cordeiros alimentados com silagem de milho ou cana-de-açúcar

O desenvolvimento ósseo em cordeiros é de extrema importância, levando em consideração que, este irá refletir no desempenho dos animais quando adultos. Problemas ósseos em ovinos acometem a produtividade dos animais, aumentando os índices de mortalidade e infecções. Portanto, a avaliação do desenvolvimento ósseo de cordeiros deve ser levada em consideração, quando estes são alimentados com diferentes tipos e concentrações de volumosos, mesmo porque não existem trabalhos na literatura que demonstrem esta relação. Foram utilizados 20 cordeiros Ile de France machos não castrados, desmamados aos 15 kg de peso corporal, distribuídos em quatro tratamentos, sendo utilizados cinco animais por tratamento, com os tratamentos constituídos por proporções de volumoso:concentrado 60:40 (silagem de milho:concentrado); 60:40 (cana-de-açúcar:concentrado); 40:60 (silagem de milho:concentrado); 40:60 (cana-de-açúcar:concentrado). Para a avaliação morfométrica, foi realizada a pesagem dos fêmures e avaliado o comprimento, o perímetro da epífise proximal e distal, bem como o da diáfise dos fêmures e a densidade mineral óssea dos respectivos tratamentos. Não ocorreram diferenças significativas nas avaliações morfométricas e densitométricas dos fêmures dos cordeiros dos diferentes tratamentos, com exceção da densidade mineral óssea da diáfise, que foi significativamente (p

Effect of led lighting colors for laying Japanese quails

Time of exposure and light intensity rearing house may affect the performance and egg quality of laying quails. This research aimed at evaluating the live performance, egg quality, biometry of the reproductive system, and the gastrointestinal tract of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) exposed to artificial light-emitting diodes (LED) of different colors in comparison with fluorescent lamps. A total of 240 Japanese quails were distributed in completely randomized experimental design with four treatments (fluorescent lamp, and green, red, or blue LED lamps) with six replicates of 10 birds each. Average egg weight and eggshell thickness were different (p < 0.05) when LED bulbs were compared with fluorescent lamps. The egg weight of the birds exposed to the red LED was similar to those under a fluorescent lamp (p>0.05). The oviduct of 64-d-old hens exposed to green LED lighting was shorter (p < 0.05) than those exposed to the fluorescent lamp. Red LED can be used to replace the fluorescent lamps, as they promote the same live performance, egg quality, and morphological development of the reproductive tract of laying Japanese quails.(AU)

Development of the femur of lambs fed with corn silage or sugar cane / Desenvolvimento do fêmur de cordeiros alimentados com silagem de milho ou cana-de-açúcar

The bone development in lambs is extremely important, as this will reflect in the performance of the animals when they are adults. Bone problems in sheep affect the productivity of animals, increasing mortality rates and infection. Therefore, the evaluation of lambs skeletal development should be taken into account when they are fed different types and concentrations of bulk. There are no studies in the literature that demonstrate this relationship. Twenty Ile de France male lambs were used. They were uncastrated and weaned at 15 kg body weight then distributed in four treatments, with five animals per treatment. The treatments consisted of roughage: concentrate 60:40 (corn silage:concentrate); 60:40 ( sugar cane: concentrate); 40:60 (corn silage: concentrate); 40:60 ( sugar cane:concentrate). For morphometric evaluation, weighing of the femurs was performed and the length the perimeter of the proximal and distal epiphysis and the diaphysis of femurs and bone mineral density of the respective treatments were evaluated. No significant differences in the morphometric and densitometric evaluation was found between different treatments, with the exception of diaphysis bone mineral density, which was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in the treatment with 40% corn silage in relation to the treatment 60% sugar cane. The use of diets containing of corn silage and sugarcane associated withaddition of concentrate maintained the anatomical features. However, the proportion of 40% corn silage and 60%concentrate, showed better diaphysis bone mineral density due to a higher intake of nutrients and minerals present in this diet and consequently a higher energy intake, as well as an increased supply of dietary calcium.(AU)

O desenvolvimento ósseo em cordeiros é de extrema importância, levando em consideração que, este irá refletir no desempenho dos animais quando adultos. Problemas ósseos em ovinos acometem a produtividade dos animais, aumentando os índices de mortalidade e infecções. Portanto, a avaliação do desenvolvimento ósseo de cordeiros deve ser levada em consideração, quando estes são alimentados com diferentes tipos e concentrações de volumosos, mesmo porque não existem trabalhos na literatura que demonstrem esta relação. Foram utilizados 20 cordeiros Ile de France machos não castrados, desmamados aos 15 kg de peso corporal, distribuídos em quatro tratamentos, sendo utilizados cinco animais por tratamento, com os tratamentos constituídos por proporções de volumoso:concentrado 60:40 (silagem de milho:concentrado); 60:40 (cana-de-açúcar:concentrado); 40:60 (silagem de milho:concentrado); 40:60 (cana-deaçúcar:concentrado). Para a avaliação morfométrica, foi realizada a pesagem dos fêmures e avaliado o comprimento, o perímetro da epífise proximal e distal, bem como o da diáfise dos fêmures e a densidade mineral óssea dos respectivos tratamentos. Não ocorreram diferenças significativas nas avaliações morfométricas e densitométricas dos fêmures dos cordeiros dos diferentes tratamentos, com exceção da densidade mineral óssea da diáfise, que foi significativamente (p <0,05) maior no tratamento com 40% de silagem de milho em relação ao tratamento com 60% de cana de açúcar. A utilização de dietas contendo silagem de milho e cana-de-açúcar, associados à adição de concentrados manteve as características anatômicas dos ossos dos cordeiros em desenvolvimento. No entanto, a proporção de 40% de silagem demilho e 60% de concentrado, evidenciou uma melhor densidade mineral óssea da diáfise em decorrência de um maior consumo de nutrientes e minerais presentes nesta dieta, consequentemente um maior aporte energético.(AU)

Effect of In-Ovo Ascorbic Acid Injection on the Bone Development of Broiler Chickens Submitted to Heat Stress During Incubation and Rearing

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of in-ovo ascorbic acid (AA) injection on the bone development of broilers submitted to heat stress during incubation and rearing. One thousand (1,000) Cobb(r)fertile broiler eggs were randomly distributed according to the weight into five incubators, with 200 eggs per incubator. The incubation treatments were: eggs not injected with AA and incubated at 37.5°C; eggs not injected with AA and incubated at 39°C; and eggs injected with 6 µg AA/100 µL water prior to incubation and incubated at 39ºC. The hatched birds were reared at three different house temperatures: cold, thermoneutral, or and hot. The high incubation temperature negatively influenced broilers' bone characteristics. The femur of the birds hatched from eggs incubated at 39°C and injected with AA presented lower shaft mineral density, lower maximum force and lower elongation at maximum force. Their tibia presented reduced mineral density at the proximal and distal epiphysis. In-ovo AA injection of eggs incubated at high temperature did not minimize the negative effects of high rearing temperature on the performance andbone development of broiler chickens reared until 42 days of age.

Storage period affects weight loss of japanese quail eggs

Long storage periods may increase embryo mortality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of storage period on the weight loss, eggshell surface temperature, hatchability, and embryonic mortality of Japanese quail eggs. Two hundred fertile eggs were collected from a flock of 30-week-old Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). The eggs were collected for 10 consecutive days after lay, and immediately incubated. A completely randomized experimental design with 10 treatments, corresponding to the number of days eggs were stored between egg collection and setting, with 20 replicates each, was applied. Egg weight loss increased with storage period duration, starting on day 6 (2.1%, on average) and reached 3.26%, on average, in eggs stored for 10 days. The highest hatchability (p>0.05) was obtained in eggs stored for two days, which also lost the least weight (1.20%). Storage period did not influence eggshell surface temperature (p>0.05) during incubation, but higher temperatures (p 0.05) were measured on days 10 and 15 of incubation compared with day 5. Eggs stored for ten days presented the highest weight loss, and therefore, a storage period of up to five days is recommended to maintain the quality of incubated Japanese quail eggs. Furthermore, egg surface temperature increases during the second half of the incubation period as a result of increasing embryonic metabolic rate.

Storage period affects weight loss of japanese quail eggs

Long storage periods may increase embryo mortality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of storage period on the weight loss, eggshell surface temperature, hatchability, and embryonic mortality of Japanese quail eggs. Two hundred fertile eggs were collected from a flock of 30-week-old Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). The eggs were collected for 10 consecutive days after lay, and immediately incubated. A completely randomized experimental design with 10 treatments, corresponding to the number of days eggs were stored between egg collection and setting, with 20 replicates each, was applied. Egg weight loss increased with storage period duration, starting on day 6 (2.1%, on average) and reached 3.26%, on average, in eggs stored for 10 days. The highest hatchability (p>0.05) was obtained in eggs stored for two days, which also lost the least weight (1.20%). Storage period did not influence eggshell surface temperature (p>0.05) during incubation, but higher temperatures (p 0.05) were measured on days 10 and 15 of incubation compared with day 5. Eggs stored for ten days presented the highest weight loss, and therefore, a storage period of up to five days is recommended to maintain the quality of incubated Japanese quail eggs. Furthermore, egg surface temperature increases during the second half of the incubation period as a result of increasing embryonic metabolic rate.(AU)

Effect of In-Ovo Ascorbic Acid Injection on the Bone Development of Broiler Chickens Submitted to Heat Stress During Incubation and Rearing

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of in-ovo ascorbic acid (AA) injection on the bone development of broilers submitted to heat stress during incubation and rearing. One thousand (1,000) Cobb(r)fertile broiler eggs were randomly distributed according to the weight into five incubators, with 200 eggs per incubator. The incubation treatments were: eggs not injected with AA and incubated at 37.5°C; eggs not injected with AA and incubated at 39°C; and eggs injected with 6 µg AA/100 µL water prior to incubation and incubated at 39ºC. The hatched birds were reared at three different house temperatures: cold, thermoneutral, or and hot. The high incubation temperature negatively influenced broilers' bone characteristics. The femur of the birds hatched from eggs incubated at 39°C and injected with AA presented lower shaft mineral density, lower maximum force and lower elongation at maximum force. Their tibia presented reduced mineral density at the proximal and distal epiphysis. In-ovo AA injection of eggs incubated at high temperature did not minimize the negative effects of high rearing temperature on the performance andbone development of broiler chickens reared until 42 days of age.(AU)

Reduced Nutrient Excretion and Environmental Microbial Load with the Addition of a Combination of Enzymes and Direct-Fed Microbials to the Diet of Broiler Chickens

This study evaluated the effects of the dietary inclusion of an enzyme blend and a direct-fed microbials in broiler diets on litter production and quality. In total, 900 Cobb 500(r) broiler chicks were distributed according to a completely randomized design into 4 treatments and 9 replicates of 25 birds each. Broilers were reared from 1 to 42 days of age. The treatments consisted of the following diets: NC: negative control; DFM: NC + 500 ppm of direct-fed microbials product (DFM), containing Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis; ENZ: diet formulated with an enzyme blend (20 ppm phytase, 200 ppm protease and 200 ppm of xylanase); DFM+E: ENZ + DFM. Birds and litter were weighed at the start and end of the rearing period, for litter production and waste ratio (Rw) determination. Litter samples were analyzed for dry matter (DM) content, total and thermotolerant coliform counts, nutrient composition (nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K)), and fiber fraction (neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and lignin). The dietary inclusion of the evaluated additivesdid not influence litter production or Rw; however, ADF (%), NDF (kg and kg/kg DM litter), and total and thermotolerant coliform counts were reduced, and N content increased in the litter. The diets containing enzymes (ENZ and DFM+E) reduced litter P content. The addition of exogenous enzymes and their combination with a DFM based on Bacillus spp .Did not affect waste production, and reduced litter microbial load, and the contents of P and insoluble fiber in the litter.

Effect of high incubation temperature on the blood parameters of layer chicks

Adequate environmental temperature control is essential for incubation efficiency. Layer breeder eggs (n=360) were weighed and distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with two treatments, consisting of two incubation temperatures (T1=37.5 °C, control; and T2=39.0 °C, hot), with two incubators per temperature, and 90 eggs per incubator, totaling 360 eggs. Hatchability, embryo mortality, and chick cloacal and body surface temperatures were not affected by incubation temperature. Eggs incubated at the hot temperature presented greater egg mass loss and higher eggshell conductance than those incubated at the control temperature. Layer chicks derived from eggs incubated at control temperature showed greater absolute weight, yolk-free egg mass, and heavier hearts than those from eggs submitted to heat stress during incubation. The control group presented lower base excess and ionized calcium blood levels. Incubating eggs at temperatures higher than those recommended compromises body and heart development of layer chicks and negatively affects blood ionized calcium availability, and therefore, bone mineralization during embryo development. Efficient temperature control during the incubation of fertile eggs is essential to obtain good quality layer chicks.

Effect of high incubation temperature on the blood parameters of layer chicks

Adequate environmental temperature control is essential for incubation efficiency. Layer breeder eggs (n=360) were weighed and distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with two treatments, consisting of two incubation temperatures (T1=37.5 °C, control; and T2=39.0 °C, hot), with two incubators per temperature, and 90 eggs per incubator, totaling 360 eggs. Hatchability, embryo mortality, and chick cloacal and body surface temperatures were not affected by incubation temperature. Eggs incubated at the hot temperature presented greater egg mass loss and higher eggshell conductance than those incubated at the control temperature. Layer chicks derived from eggs incubated at control temperature showed greater absolute weight, yolk-free egg mass, and heavier hearts than those from eggs submitted to heat stress during incubation. The control group presented lower base excess and ionized calcium blood levels. Incubating eggs at temperatures higher than those recommended compromises body and heart development of layer chicks and negatively affects blood ionized calcium availability, and therefore, bone mineralization during embryo development. Efficient temperature control during the incubation of fertile eggs is essential to obtain good quality layer chicks.(AU)

Reduced Nutrient Excretion and Environmental Microbial Load with the Addition of a Combination of Enzymes and Direct-Fed Microbials to the Diet of Broiler Chickens

This study evaluated the effects of the dietary inclusion of an enzyme blend and a direct-fed microbials in broiler diets on litter production and quality. In total, 900 Cobb 500(r) broiler chicks were distributed according to a completely randomized design into 4 treatments and 9 replicates of 25 birds each. Broilers were reared from 1 to 42 days of age. The treatments consisted of the following diets: NC: negative control; DFM: NC + 500 ppm of direct-fed microbials product (DFM), containing Bacillus subtilis and Bacillus licheniformis; ENZ: diet formulated with an enzyme blend (20 ppm phytase, 200 ppm protease and 200 ppm of xylanase); DFM+E: ENZ + DFM. Birds and litter were weighed at the start and end of the rearing period, for litter production and waste ratio (Rw) determination. Litter samples were analyzed for dry matter (DM) content, total and thermotolerant coliform counts, nutrient composition (nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K)), and fiber fraction (neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF) and lignin). The dietary inclusion of the evaluated additivesdid not influence litter production or Rw; however, ADF (%), NDF (kg and kg/kg DM litter), and total and thermotolerant coliform counts were reduced, and N content increased in the litter. The diets containing enzymes (ENZ and DFM+E) reduced litter P content. The addition of exogenous enzymes and their combination with a DFM based on Bacillus spp .Did not affect waste production, and reduced litter microbial load, and the contents of P and insoluble fiber in the litter.(AU)