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)

Analysis of the Quality of Eggs Marketed in Santarém, Brazil

Eggs are foods with almost perfect proteins, while also containing nutrients with high biological value. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the morphological structure, physical-chemical, nutritional, and microbiological parameters of commercial and free-range eggs sold in the municipality of Santarém, State of Pará, Brazil. The two types of eggs were also compared to check for any differences in quality. The evaluations were conducted on variables such as Haugh unit, weight loss, egg width and length, specific gravity, yolk and albumen dimensions, pH, among others. A total of 240 eggs were purchased in the Brazilian municipality of Santarém (2º45'06" S and 54º70'09" W). A statistical study was also performed using the BIOESTAT 5.0 statistical program. A comparison of the industrial and free-range eggs and their various parameters is given in the tables along with the coefficient of variation. The results obtained were satisfactory and showed that the quality of eggs is affected more by environmental factors than by the source from which they are obtained. The results were also compared to previously published literature, and it was determined that this study offers a better foundation for the nutritional examination of egg quality.(AU)

Breeding ecology of the Bare-Faced Ibis (Phimosus infuscatus) in Southern Brazil

The Bare-faced Ibis is a gregarious bird found in South America. In the face of a rapid expansion in a southern state in Brazil and a lack of detailed information about the species' reproduction, two breeding areas were studied weekly for two consecutive seasons. We registered numbers and characteristics of adults, nests, eggs, and chicks, calculated success estimates, and assessed nest installation preferences. Chick morphology, age, and measurements served to define five growth stages. The species used the margins of two close rivers in Santa Catarina to build nests, lay eggs, and develop parental care between August and January, with success estimates as expected for the family. We observed a preference for the eastern margin of the rivers and proximity to bridges for nest installation, where the muddy margin provides resources for juvenile feeding. Two colony models were defined based on the near or far installation of the nests. Variations in egg and chick dimensions indicated higher adult investment in the second season, with negative allometric growth of the bill and tarsus of chicks related to weight. The results presented suggest favorable conditions for the species' reproduction in the region, a considerable factor in understanding its expansion in recent years.(AU)

Egg transport and larval behavior of curimba, Prochilodus lineatus (Valenciennes, 1836; Characiformes, Prochilodontidae) in a drift simulator channel

Landscape changes and hydrologic alterations associated with dam construction have greatly hindered reproductive success and the recruitment of migratory species. However, little is known about the flow conditions that are necessary for the reproductive success of migrators. We aimed to analyze one of the important migrants of the Paraná River, the curimba, Prochilodus lineatus(Valenciennes, 1836), to determine the minimum velocities necessary for egg drift and analyze the behavior of larvae at different flow velocities. Thus, we experimentally evaluated the behavior of eggs and larvae released in a drift simulator channel (DSC) under four flow velocities. Additionally, we investigate the swimming ability of larvae in relation to certainmorphometric measures of their bodies. We also performed morphometry and calculations of larval body and fin proportions to determine which structures influence swimming ability. The results indicated that environments with flow velocities greater than 0.081 m s-1were favorable for egg drift and increased the chances of successful transportof eggs to downstream areas. We also observed that soon after hatching, the larvae positioned themselves against the flow, indicating that they had a perception of position and orientation. The larvae were able to maintain and disperse against the flow within the channel 32h after hatching at all velocities, which was mainly due to the development of pectoral and caudal fins that were actively involved in the swimming process, as well as the reduction in the dimensions of the yolk sac, which reduced drag.(AU)

Influences of Egg Washing and Storage Temperature on Quality and Shelf Life of Duck Eggs During Storage

Studies on how washing and storage influence duck egg quality are scarce compared with those on chicken egg quality. The present study investigated the quality of washed and unwashed duck eggs stored at 7 ºC and 25 ºC for 8 weeks. Quality parameters, including Haugh unit (HU), yolk index, thick albumen ratio, albumen pH, and air cell size, indicated that egg quality deteriorated during prolonged storage, and cuticle staining confirmed that washing reduced cuticle coverage. Washed eggs stored at 7 ºC maintained high quality (grade B; HU: 54) according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA, 2000) after storage for 8 weeks, whereas unwashed eggs stored at 25 ºC exhibited a low but acceptable quality (grade B, but HU: 36) after 7 weeks. Strong correlations were observed between the quality parameters evaluated. In conclusion, duck eggs should be washed and then stored at 7 ºC to enhance microbial safety and maintain quality to achieve a shelf life of at least 8 weeks.(AU)

Effects of Marketing Channels and Season on Weight and Quality Grades Classification According to Gulf Cooperation Council Standardization Organization standard of Fresh Commercial Table Eggs Marketed in Riyadh City (Saudi Arabia)

The present study aimed to assess egg quality by identifying quality grades and weight class classification of fresh commercial Table eggs marketed in the city of Riyadh during winter and the summer seasons, and comparing the measured traits rendering to the Gulf Cooperation Council Standardization Organization. A total of 480 eggs were purchased from two different channels of marketing, four supermarkets and four grocery stores located in different areas of the city of Riyadh during summer and the winter seasons. It appeared from the outcomes that the eggs purchased from the supermarkets had significantly higher AA and A Haugh units, albumin pH and AA air cell grades and medium egg weight class, and they also had lower B and C Haugh units, albumen pH, A and B air cell depth grades, and very large, large and small eggs weight classes percentages than those obtained from grocery stores. Over and above, the eggs obtained in the winter had significantly higher AA and A Haugh unit, albumin pH, AA air cell depth grades percentages, very large and large egg weight class percentages, and had less B and C Haugh unit and albumen pH and B air cell depth grades and small weight class percentages than those obtained in the summer. In summary, marketing channels and season play a significant role in affecting quality traits of Table eggs, also those procured from supermarkets and in the winter presented better quality than those obtained from groceries or in the summer, respectively. Grocery stores or small shops have to follow proper handling and storage conditions requirements to maintain good quality of Table eggs, especially in the summer season.(AU)

Productive parameters in three production models: floor, cage and grazing in layer poultry in Ocaña Norte de Santander / Parâmetros produtivos em três modelos de produção: piso, gaiola e pastejo em aves posturais em Ocaña Norte de Santander

The objective was to evaluate the three housing systems in laying birds to determine animal welfare and productivity parameters of the Isa Brown line. 135 laying hens distributed in 45 hens were used for each exploitation system; the managed feeding was 114gr/bird/day in the floor and cage systems for the entire trial period, for the grazing system 14 gr less of concentrate were used; the study had a duration of 8 weeks, of which the first was for accustoming and 7 for testing; At the end of each week, 9 eggs were collected to be studied and analyzed in the animal nutrition laboratory, using 3 eggs for each housing system. The information obtained was analyzed using SPSS for each variable. The parameters of production, consumption, feed conversion, and egg weight, were evaluated; where one-factor ANOVA and Tukey HSD test and least significant difference. The percentage production was no significant difference between the three cage floor and grazing production models being (P-Value <0.05), for the food consumption parameter there is a significant difference (P-Value> 0.05) for each housing system (34.54 ± 6.93), also happened with the conversion variable between the floor, cage production models with the grazing one (1.93 ± 0.6), for the egg weight they were similar in all housing systems (61.1 g in cage, 60.8 g in floor and 60.6 g in grazing) where there were no significant differences. In conclusion, birds with a lower housing density allow better behavior, which is an indicator of comfort, generating higher productivity.

O objectivo era avaliar os três sistemas de habitação (solo, gaiola e pasto) nas galinhas poedeiras para determinar os parâmetros de bem-estar animal e produtividade da linha Isa Brown. Foram utilizadas 135 galinhas poedeiras, distribuídas em 45 galinhas por sistema; a ração administrada foi de 114 g/ave/dia no chão e sistemas de gaiolas, e 14 g menos concentrado foi utilizado para o sistema de pastagem; o estudo durou 8 semanas; a primeira semana foi para habituação e 7 semanas para testes. Foram recolhidos três ovos por sistema por semana para serem estudados e analisados no laboratório de nutrição animal. Os dados foram analisados com SPSS para cada variável. Os parâmetros de produção, consumo, conversão alimentar e peso dos ovos foram avaliados utilizando um único factor ANOVA e o teste HSD de Tukey para a diferença menos significativa. A percentagem de produção não tinha diferença significativa entre os três modelos de produção (valor P < 0,05), para o parâmetro de consumo de ração havia uma diferença significativa (valor P > 0,05) para cada sistema de habitação (34,54 ± 6,93), a variável de conversão alimentar entre modelos de produção (1,93 ± 0,6), para os pesos dos ovos eram semelhantes em todos os sistemas de habitação (61,1 g para a gaiola, 60,8 g para o solo e 60,6 g para o pasto) onde não havia diferença significativa. Em conclusão, as aves com menor densidade de alojamento permitem um melhor comportamento, o que é um indicador de conforto, levando a uma maior produtividade.

Quality of free-range and commercial eggs subjected to different storage periods and temperatures / Qualidade de ovos caipiras e comerciais submetidos a diferentes períodos e temperaturas de armazenamento

The objective was to evaluate the internal quality of eggs from commercial laying hens and free-range hens subjected to different storage periods and temperatures. For the experiment, 280 eggs were randomly distributed into different treatments, adopting a completely randomized design, in a 2 x 7 factorial arrangement of two temperatures, seven storage periods, totaling 14 treatments with 10 replications. The treatments consisted of two storage conditions: under refrigeration (6 ± 1.0ºC) and at room temperature (26.6 ± 1.0ºC). Eggs were analyzed for 30 days, with evaluations in different storage periods (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 days). For each storage condition, 140 eggs were separated, 70 commercial eggs and 70 free-range eggs. There was a linear increase in egg weight loss, yolk weight, albumen pH, yolk pH, length and width of albumen and yolk of commercial and free-range eggs, as the storage period increased. There was a linear reduction in weight, height and albumen index and in the yolk index of commercial and free-range eggs as the storage period increased, with more pronounced responses for eggs stored at room temperature (P<0.05). Albumen percentage was linearly reduced only for commercial eggs (P<0.05). Eggs kept at room temperature reduce their quality after 15 days of storage, and the storage under refrigeration for 30 days is recommended to preserve the shelf life of the egg for consumption.

Objetivou-se avaliar a qualidade interna de ovos provenientes de poedeiras comerciais e de galinhas caipiras submetidos a diferentes períodos e temperaturas de armazenamento. Para o experimento, foram utilizados 280 ovos. Os ovos foram distribuídos aleatoriamente nos diferentes tratamentos adotando-se o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2 x 7, duas temperaturas, sete períodos de armazenamento, totalizando 14 tratamentos com 10 repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram em duas condições de armazenamento: sob refrigeração (6 ± 1,0ºC) e em temperatura ambiente (26,6 ± 1,0ºC). Os ovos foram analisados por um período de 30 dias, com avaliações realizadas em diferentes períodos de armazenamento (0, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 e 30 dias). Para cada condição de armazenamento, foram separados 140 ovos, sendo 70 ovos comerciais e 70 ovos caipiras. Ocorreu aumento linear na perda de peso dos ovos, peso da gema, pH do albúmen, pH da gema, comprimento e largura do albúmen e da gema dos ovos comerciais e caipiras, à medida que se aumentava o período de armazenamento. Verificou-se redução linear no peso, altura e índice do albúmen e no índice da gema dos ovos comerciais e caipiras conforme se aumentava o período de armazenamento, com respostas mais acentuadas para ovos acondicionados em temperatura ambiente (P<0,05). A porcentagem de albúmen foi reduzida linearmente apenas para ovos comerciais (P<0,05). Ovos mantidos sob temperatura ambiente reduzem a sua qualidade a partir dos 15 dias de armazenamento, sendo o armazenamento sob refrigeração durante o período de 30 dias, o recomendado para preservar a vida de prateleira do ovo para consumo.

Breeding behavior, distribution, and conservation of the Sharp-tailed Tyrant Culicivora caudacuta (Vieillot, 1818) (Aves: Tyrannidae), a South American grassland specialist

Abstract Culicivora caudacuta occurs in the Cerrado, Pampa and Chaco grasslands of Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay. Its breeding biology is poorly known. Here, I present a summary of the published information and new data gathered between 2003 and 2009 in southeast Brazil at Tapira, Minas Gerais. Breeding occurred during the rainy season (October to March), clutch size being three eggs. Juveniles and immatures show a different plumage from the adults, mostly brownish orange. All nests studied at Tapira showed evidence of cooperative breeding, with one helper engaged in incubation and provisioning the young. This is the first observations of this behavior for the species. The species has a wider range than currently understood and its presence in protected areas is similarly more common.

Breeding behavior, distribution, and conservation of the Sharp-tailed Tyrant Culicivora caudacuta (Vieillot, 1818) (Aves: Tyrannidae), a South American grassland specialist

Abstract Culicivora caudacuta occurs in the Cerrado, Pampa and Chaco grasslands of Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay. Its breeding biology is poorly known. Here, I present a summary of the published information and new data gathered between 2003 and 2009 in southeast Brazil at Tapira, Minas Gerais. Breeding occurred during the rainy season (October to March), clutch size being three eggs. Juveniles and immatures show a different plumage from the adults, mostly brownish orange. All nests studied at Tapira showed evidence of cooperative breeding, with one helper engaged in incubation and provisioning the young. This is the first observations of this behavior for the species. The species has a wider range than currently understood and its presence in protected areas is similarly more common.

Bacteria isolated from free-range chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) eggs sold in semiarid conditions and its one health impact

Background: Food contamination is an important and growing public health concern due to the risk of foodborne illnesses.In this context, the egg, consumed all over the world, stands out. This food has been pointed out as a carrier of severalbacteria, causing outbreaks of food toxinfection. The production of free-range chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) eggs hasbeen an alternative for generating income for producers in Brazil; however, there is no monitoring of the sanitary qualityof this product. The objective of this study was to identify microorganisms in 128 free-range chicken eggs sold in openmarkets in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil.Materials, Methods & Results: The study was carried out at commercial fairs in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Braziliansemiarid region. The minimum number of eggs to be used was determined by the formula for simple random samples considering the following parameters: expected frequency of positive eggs of 50% (for sample maximization), 95% confidencelevel and sampling error of 10%. The minimum number of eggs to be sampled was 97; however, 128 eggs were obtained inthe period from August 2018 to April 2019. The internal content of the eggs was subjected to bacteriological culture usingan adapted methodology, and for the in vitro susceptibility assessment the disk diffusion method on Müller-Hintonagarwasused. In addition to biochemical tests, Gram-negative bacteria were subjected to microbiological diagnosis using theMALDI-TOF (Matrix Associated Laser Desorption-Ionization - Time of Flight) technique. Bacterial growth was found in40 (31.3%) eggs. The microorganisms most frequently isolated were Staphylococcus spp. (27.5%), Bacillus spp. (15%) andEnterobacter cloacae (25%). There was bacterial growth in albumens [n = 10; 7.8%] and in egg yolks [n=38; 29.7%] (P< 0.001). The antimicrobials that showed highest resistance rates were ampicillin...

Breeding behavior, distribution, and conservation of the Sharp-tailed Tyrant Culicivora caudacuta (Vieillot, 1818) (Aves: Tyrannidae), a South American grassland specialist

Culicivora caudacuta occurs in the Cerrado, Pampa and Chaco grasslands of Bolivia, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina and Uruguay. Its breeding biology is poorly known. Here, I present a summary of the published information and new data gathered between 2003 and 2009 in southeast Brazil at Tapira, Minas Gerais. Breeding occurred during the rainy season (October to March), clutch size being three eggs. Juveniles and immatures show a different plumage from the adults, mostly brownish orange. All nests studied at Tapira showed evidence of cooperative breeding, with one helper engaged in incubation and provisioning the young. This is the first observations of this behavior for the species. The species has a wider range than currently understood and its presence in protected areas is similarly more common.(AU)

Bacteria isolated from free-range chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) eggs sold in semiarid conditions and its one health impact

Background: Food contamination is an important and growing public health concern due to the risk of foodborne illnesses.In this context, the egg, consumed all over the world, stands out. This food has been pointed out as a carrier of severalbacteria, causing outbreaks of food toxinfection. The production of free-range chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) eggs hasbeen an alternative for generating income for producers in Brazil; however, there is no monitoring of the sanitary qualityof this product. The objective of this study was to identify microorganisms in 128 free-range chicken eggs sold in openmarkets in the semiarid region of Northeastern Brazil.Materials, Methods & Results: The study was carried out at commercial fairs in the state of Rio Grande do Norte, Braziliansemiarid region. The minimum number of eggs to be used was determined by the formula for simple random samples considering the following parameters: expected frequency of positive eggs of 50% (for sample maximization), 95% confidencelevel and sampling error of 10%. The minimum number of eggs to be sampled was 97; however, 128 eggs were obtained inthe period from August 2018 to April 2019. The internal content of the eggs was subjected to bacteriological culture usingan adapted methodology, and for the in vitro susceptibility assessment the disk diffusion method on Müller-Hintonagarwasused. In addition to biochemical tests, Gram-negative bacteria were subjected to microbiological diagnosis using theMALDI-TOF (Matrix Associated Laser Desorption-Ionization - Time of Flight) technique. Bacterial growth was found in40 (31.3%) eggs. The microorganisms most frequently isolated were Staphylococcus spp. (27.5%), Bacillus spp. (15%) andEnterobacter cloacae (25%). There was bacterial growth in albumens [n = 10; 7.8%] and in egg yolks [n=38; 29.7%] (P< 0.001). The antimicrobials that showed highest resistance rates were ampicillin...(AU)

Egg Storage Time Affects Incubation Yield and Hatch Window in Pekin Ducks (Anas Boschas)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of storage time on albumen quality, incubation yield, and hatch window in Pekin ducks (Anas boschas). A total of 1302 eggs were randomly distributed to seven treatments according to the storage time with durations ranging from 1 to 14 days. Each treatment consisted of 186 eggs with a two-day storage interval between treatments. The pH and Haugh unit (HU) of the albumen, egg weight loss during incubation (WL), hatchability (HTCH), incubation duration (ID), hatch window, asymmetry (ASS), percentile kurtosis (PK), and embryonic mortality were analyzed. A linear effect was observed forthe WL, ID, and PK and a quadratic effect forpH, HU, and HTCH over time. No significant effect of storage time was observed on ASS. Post-pipping embryonic mortality was linearly affected by storage time. Prolonging the storage period above 10 days reduces albumen quality and hatchability, delays the hatch of Pekins, and results in a higher percentage of post-pipping mortality.(AU)

Effects of Storage Period, Marketing Channels and Season on Internal and External Quality of Commercial Table Eggs Marketed in Riyadh City (Saudi Arabia)

Very sparse information is available regarding quality of commercial Table eggs marketed in Riyadh city. The objective of the current study was to evaluate egg quality by determining the internal and external traits of commercial Table eggs marketed in different marketing channels during the summer and winter. Commercial eggs (n = 1440) were bought from four different supermarkets and groceries during the winter and summer season 2018- 2019. A total of 30 eggs were collected monthly from each marketing channel in the winter and summer. Then, individually numbered, weighed and randomly broken down into three empirical groups and stored for 0, 7 or 14 days. The outcomes show that seven and fourteen days of storage led to significant decrease in Haugh unit values, yolk index, specific gravity, shell thickness and shell weight per unit of surface area, and increase in yolk color grade, yolk albumin ratio, yolk and albumin pH and air cell depth. Eggs acquired from supermarkets had significantly higher Haugh unit values and yolk index, and lower yolk color grades, shell density and air cell depth, than those bought from groceries. Eggs that were collected in winter season are found to have significantly higher Haugh unit values, yolk index, specific gravity, shell thickness, shell density, shell weight per unit of surface area and yolk color, and lower, yolk albumin ratio, air cell depth, albumin and yolk pH than those acquired in the summer season eggs. This study showed that the storage period, marketing channels and season play a significant role in affecting quality traits of Table eggs, also those procured from supermarkets and in the winter presented better quality than those found in groceries or in the summer, respectively.(AU)

Effects of Storage Period, Marketing Channels and Season on Internal and External Quality of Commercial Table Eggs Marketed in Riyadh City (Saudi Arabia)

Very sparse information is available regarding quality of commercial Table eggs marketed in Riyadh city. The objective of the current study was to evaluate egg quality by determining the internal and external traits of commercial Table eggs marketed in different marketing channels during the summer and winter. Commercial eggs (n = 1440) were bought from four different supermarkets and groceries during the winter and summer season 2018- 2019. A total of 30 eggs were collected monthly from each marketing channel in the winter and summer. Then, individually numbered, weighed and randomly broken down into three empirical groups and stored for 0, 7 or 14 days. The outcomes show that seven and fourteen days of storage led to significant decrease in Haugh unit values, yolk index, specific gravity, shell thickness and shell weight per unit of surface area, and increase in yolk color grade, yolk albumin ratio, yolk and albumin pH and air cell depth. Eggs acquired from supermarkets had significantly higher Haugh unit values and yolk index, and lower yolk color grades, shell density and air cell depth, than those bought from groceries. Eggs that were collected in winter season are found to have significantly higher Haugh unit values, yolk index, specific gravity, shell thickness, shell density, shell weight per unit of surface area and yolk color, and lower, yolk albumin ratio, air cell depth, albumin and yolk pH than those acquired in the summer season eggs. This study showed that the storage period, marketing channels and season play a significant role in affecting quality traits of Table eggs, also those procured from supermarkets and in the winter presented better quality than those found in groceries or in the summer, respectively.

Egg Storage Time Affects Incubation Yield and Hatch Window in Pekin Ducks (Anas Boschas)

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of storage time on albumen quality, incubation yield, and hatch window in Pekin ducks (Anas boschas). A total of 1302 eggs were randomly distributed to seven treatments according to the storage time with durations ranging from 1 to 14 days. Each treatment consisted of 186 eggs with a two-day storage interval between treatments. The pH and Haugh unit (HU) of the albumen, egg weight loss during incubation (WL), hatchability (HTCH), incubation duration (ID), hatch window, asymmetry (ASS), percentile kurtosis (PK), and embryonic mortality were analyzed. A linear effect was observed forthe WL, ID, and PK and a quadratic effect forpH, HU, and HTCH over time. No significant effect of storage time was observed on ASS. Post-pipping embryonic mortality was linearly affected by storage time. Prolonging the storage period above 10 days reduces albumen quality and hatchability, delays the hatch of Pekins, and results in a higher percentage of post-pipping mortality.

Maximização da produção de aves selvagens por meio da incubação artificial e manejo de posturas / Maximizing production in wild birds through artificial incubation and layer management

Apesar dos princípios fisiológicos que regem a postura e incubação de ovos em aves serem os mesmos, nos deparamos com duas realidades bem distintas no que se refere a esses pontos quando comparamos aves domésticas e selvagens. Tanto zoológicos quanto criadores de aves selvagens (comerciais e conservacionistas) geralmente contratam profissionais polivalentes para cuidarem de diferentes questões que englobam desde sanidade e manejo geral dos animais até mesmo nutrição. A consequência mais aparente de tal estratégia é a dificuldade de acesso desses profissionais e instituições a metodologias mais recentes de manejo reprodutivo e de incubação dos ovos. Além disso, técnicos dessas instituições lidam com uma diversidade enorme de grupos e espécies aviárias, circunstância que também dificulta a implementação de determinadas técnicas de manejo e incubação. Por outro lado, na avicultura industrial observa-se um corpo técnico extremamente especializado com imenso volume conhecimento em ambas as áreas (postura e incubação), que atrelado a uma tecnologia de ponta nas diversas segmentações da indústria resulta no incremento dos resultados. Neste contexto, o objetivo deste trabalho é expor alguns conceitos e metodologias que são rotineiramente utilizadas dentro desses tópicos na avicultura industrial que já são (em alguns criadores de outros países) ou podem ser incluídas no manejo cotidiano de aves selvagens.

Although the physiological principles that govern egg laying and incubation in birds are the same, we are faced with two very different realities with regard to these points when comparing domestic and wild birds. Both zoos and bird breeders (commercial and conservationist) usually hire multi-skilled professionals to take care of several issues ranging from health and general management to nutrition. The most apparent consequence of such a strategy is the difficulty these professionals and institutions have in accessing more recent methodologies for reproductive management and egg incubation. Additionally, employees from these institutions deal with an enormous diversity of avian groups and species, a situation that also hinders the implementation of certain management and incubation techniques. On the other hand, in poultry industrial poultry there is extremely specialized personnel with immense knowledge in both areas (posture and incubation), which, together with cutting-edge technology in its various industry sectors, provide optimization of results. In this context, the goal of this material is to show some concepts and methodologies that are routinely used in industrial poultry farming and that are already (in some breeders in other countries) or can be included in the daily management of wild birds.

Fat-Soluble Vitamin Supplementation Levels in Diets for Laying Hens from 28 to 44 Weeks of Age

This study aimed to examine the impact of levels of dietary supplementation with fat-soluble vitamins on the production performance and egg quality of laying hens. Three hundred Hy-Line White W-36 laying hens were evaluated from 28 to 44 weeks of age. The birds were allotted to one of six treatments in a randomized block design with 10 replicates with five birds each. Performance and egg quality parameters were evaluated in four 28-day periods. A corn and soybean meal-based basal diet was formulated so as to meet the nutritional requirements of the animals, with the exception of fat-soluble vitamins. The treatments consisted of dietary supplementation with 0%, 33.3%, 66.7%, 100.0%, 133.3% or 166.7% of fat-soluble vitamins (100% supplementation consisted of 7500 IU, 2000 IU, 10 IU and 1.8 mg of vitamins A, D3, E and K per kilogram of diet, respectively). Eggshell weight, shell thickness, shell strength, feed intake, egg weight, feed conversion per egg mass and feed conversion per dozen eggs showed a quadratic response (p0.05) to the treatments, whereas egg mass responded linearly. Optimal results were obtained at an average fat-soluble vitamin supplementation level of 109%, which corresponds to 8175 IU of vitamin A, 2180 IU of vitamin D3, 10.9 IU of vitamin E and 1.96 mg of vitamin K per kilogram of diet.(AU)

Fat-Soluble Vitamin Supplementation Levels in Diets for Laying Hens from 28 to 44 Weeks of Age

This study aimed to examine the impact of levels of dietary supplementation with fat-soluble vitamins on the production performance and egg quality of laying hens. Three hundred Hy-Line White W-36 laying hens were evaluated from 28 to 44 weeks of age. The birds were allotted to one of six treatments in a randomized block design with 10 replicates with five birds each. Performance and egg quality parameters were evaluated in four 28-day periods. A corn and soybean meal-based basal diet was formulated so as to meet the nutritional requirements of the animals, with the exception of fat-soluble vitamins. The treatments consisted of dietary supplementation with 0%, 33.3%, 66.7%, 100.0%, 133.3% or 166.7% of fat-soluble vitamins (100% supplementation consisted of 7500 IU, 2000 IU, 10 IU and 1.8 mg of vitamins A, D3, E and K per kilogram of diet, respectively). Eggshell weight, shell thickness, shell strength, feed intake, egg weight, feed conversion per egg mass and feed conversion per dozen eggs showed a quadratic response (p0.05) to the treatments, whereas egg mass responded linearly. Optimal results were obtained at an average fat-soluble vitamin supplementation level of 109%, which corresponds to 8175 IU of vitamin A, 2180 IU of vitamin D3, 10.9 IU of vitamin E and 1.96 mg of vitamin K per kilogram of diet.