Activities and Ergonomics of Workers in Broiler Hatcheries

The objective this study was to assess ergonomic factors, posture and biomechanics of workers of a broiler egg hatchery. The analysis of ergonomic factors was based on physical work load, thermal environment, and exposure to light and noise. The posture of workers was analyzed using photographic records which were evaluated by the software program OWAS (Ovako Working Posture Analysing System). A biomechanics analysis was also performed based on the photographs taken of the employee at various angles, which were used as inputs to the Michigan two-dimensional biomechanical model software program. The results show that certain activities can be considered unhealthy due to the exposure of employees to physical and thermal overload. The continuous noise levels and lighting were outside the range considered adequate by the regulations of the Brazilian Ministry of Labor. The manner in which certain activities are carried out when associated with weight and poor posture can result in body lesions in broiler hatchery employees. It is therefore necessary to apply specific ergonomic programs, including scheduled breaks, training, and other measures in order to reduce or to eliminate the risks involved in these activities.(AU)

Activities and Ergonomics of Workers in Broiler Hatcheries

The objective this study was to assess ergonomic factors, posture and biomechanics of workers of a broiler egg hatchery. The analysis of ergonomic factors was based on physical work load, thermal environment, and exposure to light and noise. The posture of workers was analyzed using photographic records which were evaluated by the software program OWAS (Ovako Working Posture Analysing System). A biomechanics analysis was also performed based on the photographs taken of the employee at various angles, which were used as inputs to the Michigan two-dimensional biomechanical model software program. The results show that certain activities can be considered unhealthy due to the exposure of employees to physical and thermal overload. The continuous noise levels and lighting were outside the range considered adequate by the regulations of the Brazilian Ministry of Labor. The manner in which certain activities are carried out when associated with weight and poor posture can result in body lesions in broiler hatchery employees. It is therefore necessary to apply specific ergonomic programs, including scheduled breaks, training, and other measures in order to reduce or to eliminate the risks involved in these activities.

Performance of free-range chickens reared in production modules enriched with shade net and perches

An experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of environmental enrichment in a free-range chicken production system on live performance as a function of microclimate, physiological parameters, and performance parameters. Four production modules were divided into four pens with 10 birds each, totaling 60 birds. The following treatments were applied: access to a paddock (TEST), access to a paddock with perches (PER), access to a paddock with artificial shade (SHA), and access to the paddock with perches and artificial shade (PESH). The PESH production module presented the best globe temperature (Tbg,ºC) and enthalpy (h, kJ/kg), and thereby, the best thermal environmental conditions, which ensured the longest permanence time of the birds in the paddock. The SHA and PESH modules promoted the lowest respiratory rate and shank and comb temperatures. Live performance was influenced by the presence of environmental enrichment (modules SHA and PESH), with the highest live weight (LW) and weight gain (WG) and the lowest feed conversion ratio (FCR) and metabolizable energy intake (MEI). Parts yield, such as giblets, were not influenced by production modules, except for PESH, which promoted higher offal weight. In general, chickens reared in enriched production modules presented greatest performance and comfort results and were considered close to optimal rearing conditions.(AU)

Evaluation of babassu meal in feed for layer hens during the growth phase

Studies were conducted to evaluate the nutritional value and inclusion levels of babassu meal (BM) in the diet of grower layer pullets in substitution to wheat meal. Digestibility, metabolism and growth trials were conducted. Twelve cecectomized roosters were used in the digestibility assay to determine the coefficients of standardized digestibility of amino acids (CSDAA). The metabolism trial was conducted with 30 adult roosters to determine the apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) of BM. A growth trial was performed to determine replacement levels of wheat midds by BM diet using 360 six-week-old commercial layer pullets. BM was included at the 0, 75 and 150 g/kg of BM, during grower and development rearing phases, respectively. Feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion were evaluated. BM AMEn was determined as 1,474 kcal/kg, on as-fed basis. The CSDAA determined for BM were below 88% for all AA. The inclusion of BM in the feed of grower layers (7-18 week) significantly decreased feed intake (p 0.05), but significantly improved body weight gain and feedconversion ratio (p 0.05) at 15% inclusion level. Considering the nutritional value and performance results, BM can replace wheat midds in diets of grower layer pullets.

Energy values of traditional ingredients and sugarcane yeast for laying hens

An experiment was conducted to determine the chemical composition and apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn) values of corn, soybean meal (SBM), soybean oil (SO) and sugarcane yeast (SY) (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). A metabolism trial was performed with 120 Dekalb White laying hens at 65 weeks of age, using the method of total excreta collection. Birds were housed in metabolism cages and distributed according to a completely randomized design into five treatments with, six replicates of four birds each. The experimental period consisted of four days of adaptation and four days of excreta collection. The experimental diets included: a reference diet based on corn and SBM and four test diets containing 40% corn, 30% SBM, 10% SO or 30 % SY. The chemical compositions of the tested ingredients, expressed on "as-is" basis were: 86.9, 87.29, 87.32 and 99.5% dry matter; and 3.51, 2.08, 99.31 and 0.03 ether extract for corn, SBM, SO and SY, respectively. Corn, SBM, and SO presented 7.33, 43.61 and 24.64% crude protein, and 0.58, 5.07 and 6.77% ash, respectively; and crude fiber contents of corn and SBM were, respectively, 2.24% and 3.56%. The following AME and AMEn (kcal/kg dry matter) values were obtained: 3,801 and 3,760 kcal/kg for corn, 2,640 and 2,557 kcal/kg for SBM, 8,952 and 8,866 kcal/kg for SO, and 1,023 and 925 kcal/kg for sugarcane yeast, respectively.

Chemical composition and metabolizable energy values of corn germ meal obtained by wet milling for layers

An experiment was carried out to determine the chemical composition, metabolizable energy values, and coefficients of nutrient digestibility of corn germ meal for layers. The chemical composition of corn germ meal was determined, and then a metabolism assay was performed to determine its apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) values and its dry matter and gross energy apparent metabolizability coefficients (CAMDM and CAMGE, respectively). In the 8-day assay (four days of adaptation and four days of total excreta collection), 60 29-week-old white Lohman LSL layers were used. A completely randomized experimental design, with three treatments with five replicates of four birds each, was applied. Treatments consisted of a reference diet and two test diets, containing 20 or 30% corn germ meal. Results were submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared by the Tukey tests at 5% probability level. The chemical composition of corn germ meal was: 96.39% dry matter, 49.48% ether extract, 1.87% ashes, 7243 kcal gross energy/kg, 11.48% protein, 0.19% methionine, 0.21% cystine, 0.48% lysine, 0.40% threonine, 0.72% arginine, 0.35% isoleucine, 0.83% leucine, 0.57% valine, and 0.37% histidine, on as-fed basis. There were no statistical differences in AME, AMEn, CAMDM, and CAMGE values with the inclusion of 20 and 30% corn germ meal in the diets. On dry matter basis, AME, AMEn, CAMDM, and CAMGE values of corn germ meal were: 4,578 and 4,548 kcal/kg, 4,723 and 4,372 kcal/kg, 64.95 and 61.86%, respectively.(AU)

Energy values of traditional ingredients and sugarcane yeast for laying hens

An experiment was conducted to determine the chemical composition and apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn) values of corn, soybean meal (SBM), soybean oil (SO) and sugarcane yeast (SY) (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). A metabolism trial was performed with 120 Dekalb White laying hens at 65 weeks of age, using the method of total excreta collection. Birds were housed in metabolism cages and distributed according to a completely randomized design into five treatments with, six replicates of four birds each. The experimental period consisted of four days of adaptation and four days of excreta collection. The experimental diets included: a reference diet based on corn and SBM and four test diets containing 40% corn, 30% SBM, 10% SO or 30 % SY. The chemical compositions of the tested ingredients, expressed on "as-is" basis were: 86.9, 87.29, 87.32 and 99.5% dry matter; and 3.51, 2.08, 99.31 and 0.03 ether extract for corn, SBM, SO and SY, respectively. Corn, SBM, and SO presented 7.33, 43.61 and 24.64% crude protein, and 0.58, 5.07 and 6.77% ash, respectively; and crude fiber contents of corn and SBM were, respectively, 2.24% and 3.56%. The following AME and AMEn (kcal/kg dry matter) values were obtained: 3,801 and 3,760 kcal/kg for corn, 2,640 and 2,557 kcal/kg for SBM, 8,952 and 8,866 kcal/kg for SO, and 1,023 and 925 kcal/kg for sugarcane yeast, respectively.(AU)

Evaluation of babassu meal in feed for layer hens during the growth phase

Studies were conducted to evaluate the nutritional value and inclusion levels of babassu meal (BM) in the diet of grower layer pullets in substitution to wheat meal. Digestibility, metabolism and growth trials were conducted. Twelve cecectomized roosters were used in the digestibility assay to determine the coefficients of standardized digestibility of amino acids (CSDAA). The metabolism trial was conducted with 30 adult roosters to determine the apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn) of BM. A growth trial was performed to determine replacement levels of wheat midds by BM diet using 360 six-week-old commercial layer pullets. BM was included at the 0, 75 and 150 g/kg of BM, during grower and development rearing phases, respectively. Feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion were evaluated. BM AMEn was determined as 1,474 kcal/kg, on as-fed basis. The CSDAA determined for BM were below 88% for all AA. The inclusion of BM in the feed of grower layers (7-18 week) significantly decreased feed intake (p 0.05), but significantly improved body weight gain and feedconversion ratio (p 0.05) at 15% inclusion level. Considering the nutritional value and performance results, BM can replace wheat midds in diets of grower layer pullets.(AU)

Avaliação do mesocarpo de babaçu (Orbignya ssp) na alimentação de frangos de corte / Evaluation of babassu mesocarp meal in feed for broiler chickens

Esta pesquisa objetivou avaliar o valor nutricional e a utilização do mesocarpo de babaçu na alimentação de frangos de corte. Inicialmente, a composição química foi analisada para caracterizar o ingrediente. Em seguida dois ensaios foram conduzidos: o primeiro para determinar os valores energéticos e o segundo o nível ideal de inclusão na ração. O ensaio de metabolismo foi realizado utilizando 20 galos Legorne, distribuídos em dois tratamentos com cinco repetições de duas aves cada. O período experimental foi de dez dias, cinco dias de adaptação e cinco dias de coleta de excretas. Em seguida, 500 pintos de corte com um dia de idade foram utilizados em ensaio de crescimento, delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de quatro níveis de inclusão do mesocarpo de babaçu: 0, 3, 6 e 9%. O ensaio de crescimento teve duração de 21 dias e foram avaliadas as respostas para consumo de ração, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar. Com base na matéria natural, o mesocarpo de babaçu apresentou 87,5%; 3,29%; 1,1%; 2,7%; 75,1% e 3.618 kcal/kg de matéria seca, proteína bruta, matéria mineral, fibra bruta, amido e energia bruta, respectivamente. A energia metabolizável aparente corrigida foi determinada em 2.671 kcal/kg, na matéria natural. O mesocarpo de babaçu, pela sua composição com baixo teor de proteína bruta e elevado teor de amido, pode ser classificado como ingrediente energético. A inclusão do mesocarpo na alimentação de frangos de corte afetou negativamente o desempenho das aves na fase inicial de criação.

This study evaluates nutritional value and use of babassu mesocarp supplementation in the feeding of broilers. Initially, the chemical composition was determined in order to characterize the ingredient. Then two tests were conducted: the first, to determine the energy values ​​and the second, the optimal supplementation level in the diet. The metabolism trial was conducted using 20 Leghorn cockerels divided into two treatments with five replicates of two birds each. The experiment lasted ten days, five adaptation days and five days for stool collection. Subsequently, 500 one-day-old broiler chicks were used in the growth trial. The design was completely randomized, with four treatments and five replications. Treatments consisted of four levels of babassu mesocarp supplementation: 0, 3, 6 and 9%. The growth trial lasted 21 days and the responses to feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion were evaluated. Based on natural matter,[RMVK1] the babassu mesocarp has 87.5%, 3.29%, 1.1%, 2.7%, 75.1% and 3,618 kcal/kg for the variables dry matter, crude protein, ash, crude fiber, starch and gross energy, respectively. The corrected apparent metabolizable energy determined was 2,671 kcal/kg, based on the natural matter. The babassu mesocarp due to its low crude protein content and high starch level can be classified as an energy ingredient. The babassu mesocarp supplemented in the feed of broilers adversely affected the performance of broilers during the initial stages of growth.

EVALUATION OF BABASSU MESOCARP MEAL IN FEED FOR BROILER CHICKENS / Avaliação do mesocarpo de Babaçu (Orbignya ssp) na alimentação de frangos de corte

Esta pesquisa objetivou avaliar o valor nutricional e a utilização do mesocarpo de babaçu na alimentação de frangos de corte. Inicialmente, a composição química foi analisada para caracterizar o ingrediente. Em seguida dois ensaios foram conduzidos: o primeiro para determinar os valores energéticos e o segundo o nível ideal de inclusão na ração. O ensaio de metabolismo foi realizado utilizando 20 galos Legorne, distribuídos em dois tratamentos com cinco repetições de duas aves cada. O período experimental foi de dez dias, cinco dias de adaptação e cinco dias de coleta de excretas. Em seguida, 500 pintos de corte com um dia de idade foram utilizados em ensaio de crescimento, delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de quatro níveis de inclusão do mesocarpo de babaçu: 0, 3, 6 e 9%. O ensaio de crescimento teve duração de 21 dias e foram avaliadas as respostas para consumo de ração, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar. Com base na matéria natural, o mesocarpo de babaçu apresentou 87

Effect of dietary betaine supplementation on the performance, carcass yield, and intestinal morphometrics of broilers submitted to heat stress

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of betaine in methionine- and choline-reduced diets fed to broilers submitted to heat stress. In total, 1,408 male broilers were randomly distributed into eight treatments, according to 2 x 4 (environment x diet) factorial arrangement, with eight replicates of 2 birds each. Birds were reared environmental chambers under controlled temperature (25-26 °C) or cyclic heat-stressing temperature (25-31 °C). The following diets were tested: positive control (PC), formulated to meet broiler nutritional requirements; negative control (NC), with reduced DL-methionine and choline chloride levels; and with two supplementation levels of natural betaine to the negative control diet (NC+NB1 and NC+NB2). Live performance, carcass traits, and intestinal morphometrics were evaluated when broilers were 45 days of age. The results showed that all evaluated parameters were influenced by the interaction between environment and diet, except for breast meat drip loss. The breakdown of the interactions showed that birds fed the PC diet and reared in the controlled environment had greater breast drip loss than those submitted to the cyclic heat-stress environment. Birds submitted to cyclic heat stress and fed the PC diet presented the lowest feed intake. Feed conversion ratio was influenced only by diet. The FCR of broilers fed the NC+NB2 diet was intermediate relative to those fed the PC and NC diets. The addition of betaine in the diet, with 11.18% digestible methionine and 24.73% total choline reductions, did not affect broiler live performance, carcass yield, or intestinal morphometrics.(AU)

Avaliação do mesocarpo de babaçu (Orbignya ssp) na alimentação de frangos de corte / Evaluation of babassu mesocarp meal in feed for broiler chickens

Esta pesquisa objetivou avaliar o valor nutricional e a utilização do mesocarpo de babaçu na alimentação de frangos de corte. Inicialmente, a composição química foi analisada para caracterizar o ingrediente. Em seguida dois ensaios foram conduzidos: o primeiro para determinar os valores energéticos e o segundo o nível ideal de inclusão na ração. O ensaio de metabolismo foi realizado utilizando 20 galos Legorne, distribuídos em dois tratamentos com cinco repetições de duas aves cada. O período experimental foi de dez dias, cinco dias de adaptação e cinco dias de coleta de excretas. Em seguida, 500 pintos de corte com um dia de idade foram utilizados em ensaio de crescimento, delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de quatro níveis de inclusão do mesocarpo de babaçu: 0, 3, 6 e 9%. O ensaio de crescimento teve duração de 21 dias e foram avaliadas as respostas para consumo de ração, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar. Com base na matéria natural, o mesocarpo de babaçu apresentou 87,5%; 3,29%; 1,1%; 2,7%; 75,1% e 3.618 kcal/kg de matéria seca, proteína bruta, matéria mineral, fibra bruta, amido e energia bruta, respectivamente. A energia metabolizável aparente corrigida foi determinada em 2.671 kcal/kg, na matéria natural. O mesocarpo de babaçu, pela sua composição com baixo teor de proteína bruta e elevado teor de amido, pode ser classificado como ingrediente energético. A inclusão do mesocarpo na alimentação de frangos de corte afetou negativamente o desempenho das aves na fase inicial de criação.(AU)

This study evaluates nutritional value and use of babassu mesocarp supplementation in the feeding of broilers. Initially, the chemical composition was determined in order to characterize the ingredient. Then two tests were conducted: the first, to determine the energy values ​​and the second, the optimal supplementation level in the diet. The metabolism trial was conducted using 20 Leghorn cockerels divided into two treatments with five replicates of two birds each. The experiment lasted ten days, five adaptation days and five days for stool collection. Subsequently, 500 one-day-old broiler chicks were used in the growth trial. The design was completely randomized, with four treatments and five replications. Treatments consisted of four levels of babassu mesocarp supplementation: 0, 3, 6 and 9%. The growth trial lasted 21 days and the responses to feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion were evaluated. Based on natural matter,[RMVK1] the babassu mesocarp has 87.5%, 3.29%, 1.1%, 2.7%, 75.1% and 3,618 kcal/kg for the variables dry matter, crude protein, ash, crude fiber, starch and gross energy, respectively. The corrected apparent metabolizable energy determined was 2,671 kcal/kg, based on the natural matter. The babassu mesocarp due to its low crude protein content and high starch level can be classified as an energy ingredient. The babassu mesocarp supplemented in the feed of broilers adversely affected the performance of broilers during the initial stages of growth.(AU)

Determination of the chemical composition, amino acid levels and energy values of different poultry offal meals for broilers

The aim of this study was to determine the chemical composition, amino acid content and energy values, as well as to quantify the passage rate in the digestive tract of three different poultry offal meals (POM), in two experiments carried out with broilers. In the first experiment, metabolizable energy values were determined (AMEn and TMEn) using the method of total excreta collection. In this experiment, 150 15-d-old male and female broilers were distributed according to a completely randomized experimental design with 5 treatments of 5 replicates of 6 birds each. The following treatments were applied: a reference diet, three test diets consisting of 250 g/kg of the tested ingredient (POM) + 750 g/kg of the reference diet, and one group of birds fasted for excreta collection to determine endogenous and metabolic losses. In the second experiment, POM passage rate results were obtained using 90 26-d-old broilers distributed according a completely randomized design with three treatments of 5 replicates of 6 birds each. POM passage rate was correlated (r = -99.86%) with its EE content. The evaluated POMs presented the following ME values: 16,727; 15,781 and 17,443 MJ AMEn /kg and 17,877; 15,882 and 17,527 MJ TMEn /kg for samples A, B and C, respectively.(AU)

EVALUATION OF BABASSU MESOCARP MEAL IN FEED FOR BROILER CHICKENS / Avaliação do mesocarpo de Babaçu (Orbignya ssp) na alimentação de frangos de corte.

Esta pesquisa objetivou avaliar o valor nutricional e a utilização do mesocarpo de babaçu na alimentação de frangos de corte. Inicialmente, a composição química foi analisada para caracterizar o ingrediente. Em seguida dois ensaios foram conduzidos: o primeiro para determinar os valores energéticos e o segundo o nível ideal de inclusão na ração. O ensaio de metabolismo foi realizado utilizando 20 galos Legorne, distribuídos em dois tratamentos com cinco repetições de duas aves cada. O período experimental foi de dez dias, cinco dias de adaptação e cinco dias de coleta de excretas. Em seguida, 500 pintos de corte com um dia de idade foram utilizados em ensaio de crescimento, delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de quatro níveis de inclusão do mesocarpo de babaçu: 0, 3, 6 e 9%. O ensaio de crescimento teve duração de 21 dias e foram avaliadas as respostas para consumo de ração, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar. Com base na matéria natural, o mesocarpo de babaçu apresentou 87