A blend of thyme and rosemary powders with poultry by-product meal can be used as a natural antioxidant in broilers

A total of 500, 14-d old male Ross 308 broilers were allocated into five treatments (4 replicates each) including: a negative (NC) and positive control diet (PC) which supplemented without and with 7% poultry by-product meal (PBPM), respectively and three levels of additive supplementation of thyme and rosemary powders in the basal diets: 0.750% rosemary powder (PCR); 0.375% thyme powder + 0.375% rosemary powder (PCRT), and 0.750% thyme powder (PCT) rosemary powder. The PCRT diet improved (p<0.05) average daily gain and feed conversion ratio by 5.62 and 10.37% compared to PC, respectively. The serum concentration of lipids (triglycerides, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, and low-density lipoprotein) was decreased while the ilealvillus heightand ratio of villus height to crypt depth as well as ileal microbiota population were improved(p<0.05) in response to inclusion PCRT diet compared to PC diet. The blood serum concentration of malondialdehyde was statistically decreased (p<0.05) by supplementation of PCRT in broiler diets. Our results suggested that supplementation of a blend of thyme and rosemary powders at the level of 0.375% of each into broiler diet during d 14-42 has merit to be used as a natural antioxidant in diets formulated by PBPM.(AU)

Relationship between the level and the action period of fiber in diets to laying hens

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the level of fiberand its action period in diets to laying hens on performance and egg quality. 180 Hisex white hens (65 weeks-old) were randomly allocated to 3 groups of 60 birds each, comprising 10 replicates of six birds per treatment. The experimental design was factorial scheme considering three levels of fiber(2.50, 4.87 and 7.24%) in birds diets, and three action periods of this fiber(short -21 days, medium -56 days, and long -105 days) in the feed. The estimates of treatments were firstly subjected to ANOVA and a subsequent Tukey test at 5%. Birds fed diets with moderate levels of fiber(4.87%) presented better (p<0.05) performance. High levels of fibercaused a significant reduction in performance.Birds fed diets with low and moderate levels of fiberproduced eggs with better (p<0.05) quality. High levels of fibercaused a significant reduction in egg quality.The exposure of birds to diets with fiberfor long-term caused a negative effect (p<0.05) on performance, egg weight and percentage of its main structures, albumen height, yolk height, eggshell thickness, and the specific gravity.(AU)

Relationship between the level and the action period of fiber in diets to laying hens

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the level of fiberand its action period in diets to laying hens on performance and egg quality. 180 Hisex white hens (65 weeks-old) were randomly allocated to 3 groups of 60 birds each, comprising 10 replicates of six birds per treatment. The experimental design was factorial scheme considering three levels of fiber(2.50, 4.87 and 7.24%) in birds’ diets, and three action periods of this fiber(short -21 days, medium -56 days, and long -105 days) in the feed. The estimates of treatments were firstly subjected to ANOVA and a subsequent Tukey test at 5%. Birds fed diets with moderate levels of fiber(4.87%) presented better (p<0.05) performance. High levels of fibercaused a significant reduction in performance.Birds fed diets with low and moderate levels of fiberproduced eggs with better (p<0.05) quality. High levels of fibercaused a significant reduction in egg quality.The exposure of birds to diets with fiberfor long-term caused a negative effect (p<0.05) on performance, egg weight and percentage of its main structures, albumen height, yolk height, eggshell thickness, and the specific gravity.

Effect of crushed sugarcane on performance, bone characteristics and intestinal morphology of free-range chicken lines / Efeito da cana-de-açúcar triturada sobre desempenho, características ósseas e morfologia intestinal de linhagens de frangos caipiras

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of crushed sugarcane in the diet on the performance, bone characteristics and intestinal morphology of slow-growing broiler strains. A total of 448 chickens at 35 days of age were allotted to two randomized blocks in a 4×2 factorial arrangement (levels of feed replacement with crushed sugarcane, on a fresh-matter basis: 0, 15, 30, and 45%) and two strains (Pesadão and Label Rouge (LR)). Two replicates were used per block over time (containing the treatments and the strains), and 14 individuals were used per experimental unit. Weight gain and feed intake decreased linearly in response to the increasing sugarcane levels. Feed intake was higher in the Pesadão strain than in LR. Chicken foot weight was lower in Pesadão than in LR. There were no effects of sugarcane levels or strains on the tarsometatarsal bone weight, breaking strength, maximum load and deformation. The drymatter (DM) content of the tarsometatarsal bone was lower in LR than in Pesadão. The replacement of feed with sugarcane induced a linear increase in bone ash content and a decrease in bone phosphorus and calcium contents. Label Rouge chickens showed a greater crypt depth and lower values of villus/crypt ratio and mucosal layer thickness. The performance and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens are negatively affected by increasing sugarcane levels in the diet. In addition, the increasing intake of sugarcane changesthe bone mineral composition without reducing mechanical resistance, in both the Pesadão and Label Rouge strains.

O presente estudo foi realizado objetivando avaliar o desempenho, as características ósseas e a morfologia intestinal de duas linhagens de frangos tipo caipira alimentados com dietas contendo cana-de-açúcar triturada. Foram utilizados 448 frangos aos 35 dias de idade, distribuídos em dois blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 4x2, sendo quatro níveis de substituição (0; 15; 30 e 45%) da ração por cana-de-açúcar triturada e duas linhagens (Pesadão e Label Rouge (LR)), em duas repetições por bloco e 14 aves por unidade experimental. Foi observado redução linear com o aumento dos níveis de cana-de-açúcar sobre o ganho em peso e consumo de ração. O consumo de ração foi maior na linhagem Pesadão em relação à linhagem LR. No entanto, o peso do pé das aves foi menor para a linhagem Pesadão em comparação com a linhagem LR. Não foi observado efeitos da substituição da ração por cana-de-açúcar e das linhagens sobre o peso do osso tarsometatarso, carga de ruptura, força máxima e deformação. O teor de matéria seca do osso tarsometatarso foi menor para os animais LR em comparação com a linhagem Pesadão. A substituição da ração por cana-de-açúcar aumentou linearmente o teor de cinzas dos ossos e diminuiu o teor de fósforo e o de cálcio. A linhagem LR apresentou maior profundidade de criptas, menor relação vilosidade/cripta e espessura da camada da mucosa. O desempenho e a morfologia intestinal de frangos caipiras são afetados negativamente com o aumento dos níveis de cana-de-açúcar na dieta. Além disso, o aumento da ingestão de cana-de-açúcar altera a composição mineral óssea, sem prejudicar a resistência mecânica das linhagens Pesadão e LR.

Effect of crushed sugarcane on performance, bone characteristics and intestinal morphology of free-range chicken lines / Efeito da cana-de-açúcar triturada sobre desempenho, características ósseas e morfologia intestinal de linhagens de frangos caipiras

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different levels of crushed sugarcane in the diet on the performance, bone characteristics and intestinal morphology of slow-growing broiler strains. A total of 448 chickens at 35 days of age were allotted to two randomized blocks in a 4×2 factorial arrangement (levels of feed replacement with crushed sugarcane, on a fresh-matter basis: 0, 15, 30, and 45%) and two strains (Pesadão and Label Rouge (LR)). Two replicates were used per block over time (containing the treatments and the strains), and 14 individuals were used per experimental unit. Weight gain and feed intake decreased linearly in response to the increasing sugarcane levels. Feed intake was higher in the Pesadão strain than in LR. Chicken foot weight was lower in Pesadão than in LR. There were no effects of sugarcane levels or strains on the tarsometatarsal bone weight, breaking strength, maximum load and deformation. The drymatter (DM) content of the tarsometatarsal bone was lower in LR than in Pesadão. The replacement of feed with sugarcane induced a linear increase in bone ash content and a decrease in bone phosphorus and calcium contents. Label Rouge chickens showed a greater crypt depth and lower values of villus/crypt ratio and mucosal layer thickness. The performance and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens are negatively affected by increasing sugarcane levels in the diet. In addition, the increasing intake of sugarcane changesthe bone mineral composition without reducing mechanical resistance, in both the Pesadão and Label Rouge strains.(AU)

O presente estudo foi realizado objetivando avaliar o desempenho, as características ósseas e a morfologia intestinal de duas linhagens de frangos tipo caipira alimentados com dietas contendo cana-de-açúcar triturada. Foram utilizados 448 frangos aos 35 dias de idade, distribuídos em dois blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 4x2, sendo quatro níveis de substituição (0; 15; 30 e 45%) da ração por cana-de-açúcar triturada e duas linhagens (Pesadão e Label Rouge (LR)), em duas repetições por bloco e 14 aves por unidade experimental. Foi observado redução linear com o aumento dos níveis de cana-de-açúcar sobre o ganho em peso e consumo de ração. O consumo de ração foi maior na linhagem Pesadão em relação à linhagem LR. No entanto, o peso do pé das aves foi menor para a linhagem Pesadão em comparação com a linhagem LR. Não foi observado efeitos da substituição da ração por cana-de-açúcar e das linhagens sobre o peso do osso tarsometatarso, carga de ruptura, força máxima e deformação. O teor de matéria seca do osso tarsometatarso foi menor para os animais LR em comparação com a linhagem Pesadão. A substituição da ração por cana-de-açúcar aumentou linearmente o teor de cinzas dos ossos e diminuiu o teor de fósforo e o de cálcio. A linhagem LR apresentou maior profundidade de criptas, menor relação vilosidade/cripta e espessura da camada da mucosa. O desempenho e a morfologia intestinal de frangos caipiras são afetados negativamente com o aumento dos níveis de cana-de-açúcar na dieta. Além disso, o aumento da ingestão de cana-de-açúcar altera a composição mineral óssea, sem prejudicar a resistência mecânica das linhagens Pesadão e LR. (AU)

Effects of Dietary Hot Pepper Waste Powder on Gut Health and Small Intestine Properties in Japanese Quails

The present study was conducted to evaluate whether dietary hot pepper waste powder (HPWP) would affect the performance and small intestine histology parameters in Japanese quail chicks. A total of 160, one-day-old Japanese quail chicks were divided into 4 treatment groups of similar mean weight, comprising 4 subgroups of 10 chicks each. Chicks were fed on their basal diet supplemented by 0, 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg of dietary HPWP for each kg of starter (0 to 10 days), grower (11 to 24 days) and finisher (25 to 42 days) diets for 7 weeks. At the end of 42 days of age, 10 birds per subgroup were slaughtered and intestinal samples were taken to evaluate histomorphological analyses. The results showed that dietary HPWP supplementation did not affect performance parameters, but 400 mg/kg HPWP supplementation tended to increase the growth performance of the chicks. The villus length, submucosa layer (p 0.05), serosa, muscular layer, villus-crypt length ratio, and villus surface area increased with HPWP supplementation (p 0.01). The goblet cell numbers of the group receiving 200 mg/kg HPWP increased compared to the control and 400 mg/kg HPWP supplementation groups (p 0.05). It could be concluded that dietary HPWP supplementation could improve gut health in quails.(AU)

Effects of Dietary Hot Pepper Waste Powder on Gut Health and Small Intestine Properties in Japanese Quails

The present study was conducted to evaluate whether dietary hot pepper waste powder (HPWP) would affect the performance and small intestine histology parameters in Japanese quail chicks. A total of 160, one-day-old Japanese quail chicks were divided into 4 treatment groups of similar mean weight, comprising 4 subgroups of 10 chicks each. Chicks were fed on their basal diet supplemented by 0, 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg of dietary HPWP for each kg of starter (0 to 10 days), grower (11 to 24 days) and finisher (25 to 42 days) diets for 7 weeks. At the end of 42 days of age, 10 birds per subgroup were slaughtered and intestinal samples were taken to evaluate histomorphological analyses. The results showed that dietary HPWP supplementation did not affect performance parameters, but 400 mg/kg HPWP supplementation tended to increase the growth performance of the chicks. The villus length, submucosa layer (p 0.05), serosa, muscular layer, villus-crypt length ratio, and villus surface area increased with HPWP supplementation (p 0.01). The goblet cell numbers of the group receiving 200 mg/kg HPWP increased compared to the control and 400 mg/kg HPWP supplementation groups (p 0.05). It could be concluded that dietary HPWP supplementation could improve gut health in quails.

Effect of broccoli residues fermented with probiotics on the growth performance and health status of broilers challenged with Clostridium perfringens

This study aimed at investigating the effects of broccoli residues fermented with probiotics (BF) on the growth performance, immunity, and gut health in broilers challenged with Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens). A total of 600 broilers (one day old) were randomly allotted into five treatments with six replicates of 20 birds each and were reared until 42 days of age. The treatments included a positive control (PC, fed a basal diet and reared on uncontaminated litter), a negative control (NC, birds reared on litter contaminated with C. perfringens and fed a basal diet), and NC plus BF at 25, 50 or 75 g/kg of diet. The BF contained yeast 3.1 × 10 (7) cfu/g, lactic acid bacteria 9.5 × 10 (6) cfu/g and Bacillus subtilis 3.5 × 10 (6) cfu/g. Birds in the NC group showed lower (p<0.05) feed intake and body weight gain, whereas BF supplementation recovered (p<0.05) the growth performance to the levels of PC group. Dietary BF at 50and 75 g/kg reduced (p<0.05) broiler mortality. Similarly, compared to the NC group, BF increased (p<0.05) immune organ weights and serum immunoglobulins A, G, and M to the levels of PC group. The ileal populations of Escherichia coli and Gram-negative bacteria were decreased (p<0.05) by BF to the levels of PC, and C. perfringens was also decreased (p<0.05) by BF. The serum profiles of mono- and di-amine oxidase were decreased (p<0.05) by BF. BF at 75 g/kg reduced (p<0.05) monoamine oxidase compared with the other BF doses. The results suggest that broccoli residues fermented with probiotics can be a novel biological feed additive to protect the performance and health of broilers against C. perfringens infection.(AU)

Effect of broccoli residues fermented with probiotics on the growth performance and health status of broilers challenged with Clostridium perfringens

This study aimed at investigating the effects of broccoli residues fermented with probiotics (BF) on the growth performance, immunity, and gut health in broilers challenged with Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens). A total of 600 broilers (one day old) were randomly allotted into five treatments with six replicates of 20 birds each and were reared until 42 days of age. The treatments included a positive control (PC, fed a basal diet and reared on uncontaminated litter), a negative control (NC, birds reared on litter contaminated with C. perfringens and fed a basal diet), and NC plus BF at 25, 50 or 75 g/kg of diet. The BF contained yeast 3.1 × 10 (7) cfu/g, lactic acid bacteria 9.5 × 10 (6) cfu/g and Bacillus subtilis 3.5 × 10 (6) cfu/g. Birds in the NC group showed lower (p<0.05) feed intake and body weight gain, whereas BF supplementation recovered (p<0.05) the growth performance to the levels of PC group. Dietary BF at 50and 75 g/kg reduced (p<0.05) broiler mortality. Similarly, compared to the NC group, BF increased (p<0.05) immune organ weights and serum immunoglobulins A, G, and M to the levels of PC group. The ileal populations of Escherichia coli and Gram-negative bacteria were decreased (p<0.05) by BF to the levels of PC, and C. perfringens was also decreased (p<0.05) by BF. The serum profiles of mono- and di-amine oxidase were decreased (p<0.05) by BF. BF at 75 g/kg reduced (p<0.05) monoamine oxidase compared with the other BF doses. The results suggest that broccoli residues fermented with probiotics can be a novel biological feed additive to protect the performance and health of broilers against C. perfringens infection.

Evaluation of a short-term ingestion of zearalenone, fumonisin, and aflatoxin mixture incorporated, at low concentration, into the diet of weanling piglets and the effect of an anti-mycotoxin feed additive / Avaliação tóxica de uma dieta multicontaminada com baixa concentração de zearalenona, fumonisina e aflatoxina em leitões recém desmamados e o efeito de um aditivo antimicotoxinas

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the toxic effects of short-term ingestion of a zearalenone, fumonisin, and aflatoxin mixture, at low concentration, into the diet of weanling piglets and to assess the protective efficacy of an anti-mycotoxin feed additive. For 21 days, piglets were exposed to control or multi-mycotoxin treatment with or without the anti-mycotoxin additive. Growth performance was measured after 21d. Blood samples were taken to serum biochemical analysis and for quantify levels of circulating mononuclear immune cells. Effects on organs weights and histological changes, and expression levels of COX-2 and TNF-α in the liver and jejunum were evaluated. Overall, the multi-mycotoxin treatment had no effect on measured variables, and no adverse histopathological changes in organs were observed. The total serum protein concentration was higher in animals that received the multi-mycotoxin treatment; however, levels remained within normal limits for weanling piglets. In conclusion, the short-term multi-mycotoxin mixture, at the dose levels evaluated in this study, seems not affect the health of weanling piglets through the evaluated parameters. The absence of toxicity associated with the multi-mycotoxin treatment rendered it impossible to evaluate the efficacy of the anti-mycotoxin additive.(AU)

Um experimento foi conduzido para avaliar os efeitos tóxicos da ingestão simultânea de baixos níveis de zearalenona, fumonisina e aflatoxinas em uma dieta para leitões recém desmamados e avaliar a eficácia de um aditivo antimicotoxinas. Durante 21 dias, os leitões foram expostos aos tratamentos controle ou multicontaminado com ou sem a inclusão do aditivo antimicotoxina. O desempenho dos animais foi avaliado após 21d. Foram coletadas amostras de sangue para análise bioquímica sérica e para quantificar os níveis de células imunes mononucleares circulantes. Foram avaliados os pesos e alterações histológicas dos órgãos e a expressão de COX-2 e TNF-α no fígado e no jejuno. Em geral, o tratamento com micotoxinas não teve efeito sobre as variáveis analisadas e não foram observadas alterações histopatológicas adversas nos órgãos. A concentração de proteína sérica total foi maior para os animais que receberam o tratamento com multimicotoxinas; no entanto, os níveis permaneceram dentro dos limites normais para leitões desmamados. A dieta multicontaminada com micotoxinas, na dose avaliada neste estudo, parece não afetar a saúde de leitões recém desmamados através dos parâmetros avaliados. A ausência de toxicidade associada ao tratamento com micotoxinas tornou impossível avaliar a eficácia do aditivo antimicotoxina.(AU)

Assessment of a probiotic containing bacillus subtilis on the performance and gut health of laying japanese quails (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica)

The present study was carried out to determine the effects of the inclusion of a spore-forming probiotic (Bacillus subtilis) in laying Japanese quail diets as an alternative to growth-promoting antibiotics to help produce healthy eggs and meat. This experiment was conducted as a completely randomized design with three treatments (control, 0.05% bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD), or 0.1% Bacillus subtilis) of five replicates of 11 quails each. Feed intake and egg production were recorded daily on cage basis. Body weight was determined at the beginning and end of the trial (36 and 42 weeks). At the end of the experiment (42 weeks), antibodies against Newcastle disease and avian influenza, egg components, Haugh units, eggshell quality and breaking strength, blood parameters, cecal microbial population, villus length, and crypt depth were measured. The dietary inclusion of Bacillus subtilis and BMD significantly (p0.05) increased egg production and egg weight; however, eggshell thickness and breaking strength, Haugh units, and eggshell percentages were not affected. The dietary addition of both products significantly (p0.05) decreased plasma cholesterol levels and increased LDL levels, as well as antibody levels against Newcastle disease and avian influenza (p0.01). In birds fed Bacillus subtilis and BMD, crypt depth was reduced, but villus height and villus to crypt ratio were significantly increased (p0.001) compared with those fed the basal diet. Cecal coliforms, E. coli, and Salmonella counts were reduced (p0.01) in quails fed the diets containing Bacillus subtilis and BMD compared those quails fed the non-supplemented diet. The results of this study demonstrated that in absence of AGPs, the inclusion of a spore-forming probiotic partially improves the performance of laying quails.

Assessment of a probiotic containing bacillus subtilis on the performance and gut health of laying japanese quails (Coturnix Coturnix Japonica)

The present study was carried out to determine the effects of the inclusion of a spore-forming probiotic (Bacillus subtilis) in laying Japanese quail diets as an alternative to growth-promoting antibiotics to help produce healthy eggs and meat. This experiment was conducted as a completely randomized design with three treatments (control, 0.05% bacitracin methylene disalicylate (BMD), or 0.1% Bacillus subtilis) of five replicates of 11 quails each. Feed intake and egg production were recorded daily on cage basis. Body weight was determined at the beginning and end of the trial (36 and 42 weeks). At the end of the experiment (42 weeks), antibodies against Newcastle disease and avian influenza, egg components, Haugh units, eggshell quality and breaking strength, blood parameters, cecal microbial population, villus length, and crypt depth were measured. The dietary inclusion of Bacillus subtilis and BMD significantly (p0.05) increased egg production and egg weight; however, eggshell thickness and breaking strength, Haugh units, and eggshell percentages were not affected. The dietary addition of both products significantly (p0.05) decreased plasma cholesterol levels and increased LDL levels, as well as antibody levels against Newcastle disease and avian influenza (p0.01). In birds fed Bacillus subtilis and BMD, crypt depth was reduced, but villus height and villus to crypt ratio were significantly increased (p0.001) compared with those fed the basal diet. Cecal coliforms, E. coli, and Salmonella counts were reduced (p0.01) in quails fed the diets containing Bacillus subtilis and BMD compared those quails fed the non-supplemented diet. The results of this study demonstrated that in absence of AGPs, the inclusion of a spore-forming probiotic partially improves the performance of laying quails. (AU)

AVALIAÇÃO DE PROBIÓTICO E GLUTAMINA IN OVO EM FRANGOS DE CORTE DESAFIADOS COM SALMONELLA HEIDELBERG

A Salmonella Heidelberg (SH) é uma bactéria que resulta em grande prejuízo econômico à produção avícola brasileira e, uso não racional de antibióticos na criação das aves pode induzir a seleção de cepas resistentes. Desta forma, produtos naturais são alternativas para substituição de antibióticos, contribuindo também para a manutenção da saúde intestinal das aves. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar a eclodibilidade e o efeito profilático de um probiótico com cinco cepas de Lactobacillus reuteri e da glutamina in ovo em frangos de corte desafiados com SH. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado com sete tratamentos. Os ovos foram vacinados in ovo com os aditivos avaliados (probiótico, glutamina e antibiótico) misturados à vacina para a doença de Marek e Gumboro. O desafio com SH ocorreu 24 horas após o alojamento e cada ave recebeu 0,5 mL do inóculo com SH contendo 4 x 106 UFC/mL. Os parâmetros avaliados foram: quantificação molecular de bactérias totais e de Lactobacillus spp, eclodibilidade, quantificação das colônias de SH, análise biométrica do intestino e análise morfológica da mucosa intestinal. Os dados foram submetidos a análise de variância, teste de Tukey e Dunn com nível de significância de 5%. Todos os tratamentos que receberam glutamina in ovo apresentaram melhor eclodibilidade que o grupo controle. Os embriões que receberam o tratamento com probiótico + glutamina obtiveram maior quantidade de bactérias totais no trato digestório do que aqueles que receberam antibiótico. O tratamento com o probiótico, associado ou não com a glutamina, apresentou menor quantidade de SH quando comparado com os demais tratamentos. Após três dias do desafio o tratamento que recebeu o probiótico apresentou maior altura de vilo e maior profundidade de cripta no duodeno jejuno e íleo comparado ao tratamento que recebeu o antibiótico. Portanto, a glutamina in ovo melhora a eclodibilidade e, o probiótico in ovo reduz a quantidade de SH, além de aumentar a altura de vilo e a profundidade de cripta em frangos de corte.

Salmonella Heidelberg (SH) is a bacterium that causes great economic damage to Brazilian poultry production and, the indiscriminate use of antibiotics in poultry farming may induce the selection of resistant strains. In this way, natural products are alternatives for replacing antibiotics, also contributing to the maintenance of the intestinal health of birds. Thus, the objective of the experiment was to evaluate the effect of probiotic and glutamine in ovo in broiler chickens exposed to SH. The experimental design was completely randomized with seven treatments. The in ovo treatments evaluated (probiotic, glutamine, and an antibiotic) were mixed with the vaccine against Marek and Gumboro disease. The exposure to SH occurred 24 hours after chick placement and each chick received 0.5 mL of the inoculum with SH containing 4 x 106 UFC/mL. The parameters evaluated were: molecular quantification of total bactéria and Lactobacillus spp., hatchability, quantification of SH colonies, biometric analysis of the intestine and morphological analysis of the intestinal mucosa. Data was subjected to analysis of variance, Tukey, and Dunn test, with a significance level of 5%. All treatments that received glutamine in ovo showed better ability to hatch. Embryos that received the treatment with probiotic + glutamine had a greater number of total bacteria in the digestive tract than those that received antibiotics. The treatment with the probiotic, associated or not, with glutamine, showed a lower amount of SH when compared to the other treatments. Three days after exposure, the treatment that received the probiotic showed greater villus height and greater crypt depth in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum compared to the treatment that received the antibiotic. Therefore, glutamine in ovo improves the hatchability and probiotic in ovo reduces the amount of SH, in addition to increasing the villus height and crypt depth in broilers

PROBIOTICS FOR BROILERS EXPOSED TO HEAT STRESS FROM 15 DAYS OF AGE

O setor avícola demanda aditivos alternativos à antibióticos que possam ser utilizados como melhoradores de desempenho. Portanto, um experimento foi conduzido para avaliar os efeitos de probióticos sobre o desempenho, saúde intestinal e status redox de frangos de corte expostos a estresse por calor a partir dos 15 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 720 frangos Cobb-500 distribuídos em oito tratamentos (dietas), avaliados em seis repetições de 15 frangos cada, sendo: dieta basal (DB) sem antibiótico e probiótico (T1); DB suplementada com bacitracina de zinco (T2), DB suplementada com probiótico comercial de Bacillus subtilis DSM 17299 (T3); DB suplementada com probióticos não-comerciais de Lactococcus lactis NCDO 2118, Lactobacillus delbrueckii CNRZ 327, Escherichia coli CEC15 ou Saccharomyces boulardii (T4, T5, T6 e T7, respectivamente) e DB suplementada com a associação dos quatro probióticos não-comerciais (T8). O consumo de ração (CR), ganho de peso (GP) e conversão alimentar (CA) foram determinados no período de 1 a 42 dias de idade dos frangos. Aos 42 dias de idade avaliou-se: rendimento de carcaça e cortes, deposição de gordura abdominal, temperatura cloacal, peso e comprimento do intestino, atividade das enzimas mieloperoxidase e peroxidase eosinofílica no jejuno, histomorfometria do jejuno, expressão gênica no jejuno (ocludina, zonulina, interleucina-8, colecistoquinina, grelina e proteína de choque térmico-70) e fígado (proteína de choque térmico-70), além da mensuração do teor de malondialdeído (MDA) e atividade da superóxido dismutase (SOD) no intestino, fígado e sangue. Os frangos alimentados com a dieta T1 exibiram menor (P < 0,05) GP e peso vivo ao abate, além de pior CA (P < 0,05). Entretanto, as dietas contendo um ou o blend de probióticos resultaram em melhor GP, CA e peso vivo ao abate, semelhante ao observado para os frangos do grupo T2. A maior (P < 0,05) temperatura cloacal foi determinada nos frangos do grupo T6. Houve maior produção (P < 0,05) de MDA no fígado dos frangos dos grupos T1 e T7 e menor (P < 0,05) no grupo T3. No sangue, o teor de MDA foi maior (P < 0,05) nos frangos do T4 e menor (P < 0,05) no grupo T5. A dieta T8 resultou em maior (P < 0,05) atividade sérica da SOD, enquanto que as dietas T1 e T5 resultaram em menor (P < 0,05). Não houve efeito (P > 0,05) das dietas experimentais para os demais parâmetros avaliados. Conclui-se que frangos de corte desafiados por estresse por calor a partir dos 15 dias de idade e alimentados com dieta basal sem antibiótico e probiótico exibem pior desempenho. Entretanto, todos os probióticos não- comerciais avaliados, suplementados isoladamente ou como blend, mostraram-se eficientes em melhorar o desempenho dos frangos em magnitude semelhante ao observado quando a dieta contém o antibiótico bacitracina de zinco ou o probiótico comercial Bacillus subtilis DSM17299.

The poultry sector demands alternative additives to antibiotics that can be used as performance enhancers. Therefore, an experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of probiotics on performance, intestinal health and redox status of broilers exposed to heat stress from 15 days of age. A total of 720 Cobb-500 broilers were distributed in eight treatments (diets), evaluated in six replicates of 15 broilers, as follows: basal diet (BD) without antibiotic and probiotic (T1); BD supplemented with zinc bacitracin (T2), BD supplemented with a commercial probiotic of Bacillus subtilis DSM 17299 (T3); BD supplemented with non-commercial probiotic of Lactococcus lactis NCDO 2118, Lactobacillus delbrueckii CNRZ 327, Escherichia coli CEC15 or Saccharomyces boulardii (T4, T5, T6 and T7, respectively), and BD supplemented with the association of the four non-commercial probiotics (T8). Feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG) and feed conversion (FC) were determined in the period from 1 to 42 days of age. Carcass and cuts yield, abdominal fat deposition, cloacal temperature, weight and length of intestine, activity of myeloperoxidase and eosinophilic peroxidase enzymes in the jejunum, jejunal histomorphometry, gene expression in the jejunum (occludin, zonulin, interleukin-8, cholecystokinin, ghrelin and heat shock protein-70) and liver (heat shock protein-70), in addition to malondialdehyde (MDA) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were measured in the intestine, liver and blood of broilers at 42 days old. Broilers fed diet T1 exhibited lower (P < 0.05) WG and live weight at slaughter, in addition to worse FC (P < 0.05). However, diets containing one or the probiotics blend resulted in better WG, FC and live weight at slaughter, similar to that observed for broilers of the T2 group. The highest (P < 0.05) cloacal temperature was determined in broilers of the T6 group. There was higher (P < 0.05) hepatic MDA concentration in the broilers of the T1 and T7 groups, and lower concentration (P < 0.05) in group T3. In blood, the MDA content was higher (P < 0.05) in the T4 group and lower (P < 0.05) in the T5 group. The T8 diet resulted in higher (P < 0.05) serum SOD activity, while diets T1 and T5 resulted in lower (P < 0.05). There was no effect (P > 0.05) of the experimental diets for the other evaluated parameters. It is concluded that broilers challenged by heat stress from 15 days of age and fed diet without antibiotic and probiotic exhibit worse performance. However, all non- commercial probiotics evaluated, supplemented alone or as a blend, were shown to be efficient in improving broiler performance in a similar magnitude to that observed when the diet contains the antibiotic zinc bacitracin or the commercial probiotic of Bacillus subtilis DSM17299.

EFEITOS DA VACINAÇÃO CONTRA COCCIDIOSE ASSOCIADA A AMINOÁCIDOS SUPLEMENTARES E VITAMINA E NO DESEMPENHO, FUNÇÃO IMUNOLÓGICA E MICROBIOTA DE FRANGOS DE CORTE

O objetivo deste estudo foi determinar o impacto da vacinação contra coccidiose no desempenho produtivo, microbiota cecal e sistema imune de frangos de corte quando suplementados com aminoácidos e vitamina E. Frangos Cobb® machos foram alimentados com gelatina incluída a 2% para melhorar os níveis de glicina e prolina, além da adição de vitamina E (70 mg/kg de alimento). Metade das aves recebeu vacina viva administrada via água no primeiro dia, enquanto a outra metade recebeu um anticoccidiano (salinomicina) na dieta até os 35 dias de idade. Oito tratamentos foram divididos em 7 repetições (boxes), com 10 aves por box. Os resultados foram divididos em dois artigos. Artigo 1: Efeitos da vacinação e do anticoccidiano sobre a microbiota cecal dos frangos de corte. Os genes bacterianos 16S rRNA foram classificados como 3 filos principais (Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes e Proteobacteria), representando mais de 98% da comunidade bacteriana identificada. A vacina não reduziu a -diversidade e -diversidade (P>0.05). O enriquecimento de Bacteroidetes foi relacionado ao grupo salinomicina, enquanto Firmicutes e Proteobacterias foram encontrados em maior abundância no grupo vacinado (P<0.05). Artigo 2: Resposta imune e desempenho zootécnico de frangos de corte vacinados contra coccidiose ou tratados com salinomicina, suplementados com aminoácidos e vitamina E. A vacinação afetou negativamente o desempenho dos animais, no entando, a oferta aminoacídica através da gelatina e vitamina E reduziu a resposta negativa à vacina de 22 a 42 dias, mas também proporcionou benefícios às aves que receberam salinomicina. No grupo vacinado aumentou a expressão gênica de citocinas inflamatórias como IFN- e IL1- e genes de recuperação intestinal como MUC2 e TFF2 (P<0,05) em comparação ao grupo salinomicina, enquanto que diminuiu a expressão de citocinas antiinflamatórias IL-10 e IL-4 (P<0,05). As aves vacinadas e suplementadas tiveram redução na expressão de citocinas IFN- e IL1-, MUC2 e TFF2 (P<0,05) e maior expressão da citocina anti-inflamatória IL-4. A vacina não diminuiu a riqueza e diversidade de espécies, mas diminuiu a porcentagem de Bacteroidetes. O grupo vacinado também apresentou maior porcentual do filo Proteobacteria, o que pode ajudar a explicar seu pior desempenho. A vacinação pode aumentar o estado imunológico pró-inflamatório e aumentar a expressão de mucinas em comparação à adição de salinomicina na dieta e esses eventos podem estar contribuindo para o desempenho inferior observado. O uso de vitamina E e aminoácidos suplementares podem minimizar os efeitos imunológicos negativos.

The objective of this study was to determine the impact of cocci-vaccine on performance and immune status in broilers when supplemented with amino acids and vitamin E. Male Cobb® chickens were fed gelatin included at 2% to improve levels of proline and glycine, and vitamin E at 70 mg per kg of diet. Half of the chicks received live vaccine against coccidiosis administered via water on the first day, while the another half received an anticoccidial (salinomycin) in the feed until 35 days of age. Eight treatments were divided into 7 repetitions with 10 birds per box. The results were divided in two manuscripts: 1: Effects of vaccination and anticoccidial on the cecal microbiota of broilers. The bacterial 16S rRNA genes were classified as 3 main phyla (Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria), representing more than 98% of the total bacterial community. The vaccine did not reduce -diversity and -diversity (P>0.05). The salinomycin group was related to the enrichment of Bacteroidetes, while Firmicutes and Proteobacteria were found in high abundance in the vaccinated group (P<0.05); 2: Immune status and performance of chickens vaccinated against coccidiosis or treated with salinomycin when supplemented with amino acids and vitamin E. Vaccination affected negativiey the performance of the broilers, however, the amino acid and vitamin supply reduced the negative response to the vaccine from 22 to 42 days, and also provided benefits to the broilers that received salinomycin. The vaccinated group increased the expression of inflammatory cytokines such as IFN-y and IL1- and intestinal recovery genes such as MUC2 and TFF2 (P <0.05) compared to the salinomycin group, while decreasing the expression of IL-10 and IL-4 anti-inflammatory cytokines (P <0.05). The supplemented vaccinated broilers showed a reduction in the expression of cytokines IFN-y and IL1-, MUC2 and TFF2 (P<0.05) and a greater expression of anti-inflammatory as IL-4. It was observed that the vaccine did not decrease the richness and diversity of the species, but decreased the percentage of Bacteroidetes. Vaccination can increase the proinflammatory immune status, increase mucin expression compared to dietary salinomycin. These events may be contributing to poor performance. Vitamin E and supplemental amino acids may minimize negative immune effects. The vaccine group also had a higher percentage of the Proteobacteria phylum, which may help explain its poorer performance.

AVALIAÇÃO DE MICRORGANISMOS COMO PROBIÓTICO NA ALIMENTAÇÃO DE FRANGOS DE CORTE

Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar os efeitos da utilização de um grupo de microrganismos como probiótico sobre o desempenho, as características de carcaça, o desenvolvimento do trato digestório, o pH do conteúdo do trato, a qualidade e a contagem microbiológica da cama e os parâmetros sanguíneos dos frangos de corte. Foram utilizados 768 pintos machos com 1 dia de idade, da linhagem Ag Ross 308, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com 6 tratamentos e 8 repetições de 16 aves por parcela experimental. O probiótico utilizado foi obtido a partir de uma mistura de bactérias, pertencentes aos gêneros Lactobacillus e Acetobacter (1 x 109 UFC/mL), e diferentes espécies de leveduras do gênero Pichia (1 x 108 UFC/mL). Os tratamentos consistiram em: T1 ração sem adição de promotor de crescimento antibiótico (controle negativo); T2 ração com adição de promotor de crescimento antibiótico (controle positivo); T3 ração sem adição de promotor de crescimento antibiótico e com adição de 0,05% de microrganismos probióticos na ração; T4 ração sem adição de promotor de crescimento antibiótico e com adição de 0,1% de microrganismos probióticos na ração; T5 ração sem adição de promotor de crescimento antibiótico e com adição de 0,05% de microrganismos probióticos na água de bebida; T6 ração sem adição de promotor de crescimento antibiótico e com adição de 0,1% de microrganismos probióticos na água de bebida. A utilização dos microrganismos como probiótico para frangos de corte, em diferentes concentrações e formas de administração, não influenciou significativamente o desempenho, as características de carcaça, o desenvolvimento do trato digestório, o pH do conteúdo do trato, a qualidade e a contagem microbiológica da cama. Entretanto, observou-se diferença significativa nos parâmetros sanguíneos para proteínas plasmáticas totais (PPT) das aves suplementadas com antibiótico e com 0,1% de microrganismos probiótico via ração. Diante dos resultados, pode-se inferir que os microrganismos como probiótico podem ser suplementados em até 0,1%, via ração ou água de bebida, sem comprometer o desenvolvimento e desempenho dos animais.

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the effects of the use of a group of microorganisms as probiotic on performance, carcass traits, development of the digestive tract, pH of the tract content, microbiological quality and count in the litter and blood parameters of broiler chickens. A total of 768 one-day-old male chicks of Ag Ross 308 line were used, in a completely randomized design with 6 treatments and 8 replicates of 16 birds per experimental plot. The probiotic used was obtained from a mixture of bacteria belonging to the genera Lactobacillus and Acetobacter (1 x 109 CFU / mL), and different yeast species of the genus Pichia (1 x 108 CFU / mL). The treatments consisted of: T1 diet without addition of antibiotic growth promoter (negative control); T2 diet with addition of antibiotic growth promoter (positive control); T3 diet without addition of antibiotic growth promoter and addition of 0.05% probiotic microorganisms in feed; T4 diet without addition of antibiotic growth promoter and with addition of 0.1% probiotic microorganisms in feed; T5 diet without addition of antibiotic growth promoter and addition of 0.05% probiotic microorganisms in drinking water; T6 diet without addition of antibiotic growth promoter and addition of 0.1% probiotic microorganisms in drinking water. The use of microorganisms as probiotic for broiler chickens at different concentrations and administration did not significantly influence the performance, carcass characteristics, development of the digestive tract, pH of the tract content, microbiological quality and count in the litter. However, a significant difference was observed in the blood parameters for total plasma proteins (TPP) of birds supplemented with antibiotics and with 0.1% of probiotic microorganisms via feed. Considering the results, it can be inferred that microorganisms as probiotic can be supplemented in up to 0.1%, via feed or drinking water, without compromising the development and performance of the animals.

Phenotypic and genotypic features of the Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg strain UFPR1 and insights about intestinal microbiota in feral and broiler chickens

Salmonelas paratíficas são patógenos relevantes sob uma perspectiva clínica e de saúde pública. A Salmonella enterica sorovar Heidelberg (SH) frequentemente causa doenças transmitidas por alimentos em humanos e é frequentemente encontrada em avicultura em vários países, causando perdas econômicas e preocupações relacionadas à saúde pública. Neste cenário, gerou-se uma riqueza de informações sobre uma cepa emergente brasileira de SH, UFPR1, a fim de compreender sua variação genética, patogenicidade, resistência e medidas alternativas de controle. No Capítulo 1, o primeiro genoma completo da cepa SH UFPR1 é relatado, revelando 11 fragmentos genômicos ausentes em comparação a uma cepa SH resistente a múltiplos fármacos, o que explica a alta suscetibilidade a antibióticos e resistência a ácidos orgânicos de cadeia curta. No Capítulo 2, um probiótico composto por três cepas de Bacillus subtilis melhorou o desempenho animal quando alimentado a 250 g/ton e reduziu a colonização de SH UFPR1 no trato gastrintestinal. O probiótico mobilizou as células imunes e promoveu importantes alterações histológicas, relacionada à ativação da resposta de defesa e absorção intestinal. Além disso, a suplementação de probiótico aumentou a diversidade da microbiota cecal e alterou alguns grupos bacterianos comensais no íleo. Estudos sobre o microbioma intestinal e a imunidade inata em frangos geneticamente diferentes e inseridos em ambientes mais naturais são raros e podem nos fornecer ideias sobre a evolução e a ecologia dos patógenos, comensais e hospedeiro. No Capítulo 3, estudamos duas populações de aves feralizadas em Bermudas e no Havaí, comparando a composição da microbiota intestinal e a resposta imune inata a um grupo de frangos de corte comerciais. O sequenciamento de alto rendimento revelou a presença de uma microbiota central e algumas comunidades exclusivas em aves feralizadas e comerciais. A perda progressiva da diversidade microbiana no grupo de frangos de corte pode estar correlacionada a uma resposta imune inata vulnerável e interessantemente mediada por toll-like receptors (TLRs). Mais estudos serão necessários para distinguir características genotípicas e fenotípicas de diferentes cepas e variantes de Salmonella, a fim de melhorar e identificar medidas específicas de controle. Além disso, mais pesquisas envolvendo a feralização são úteis para esclarecer e explorar possíveis elos relacionados a mudanças evolutivas concomitantes, visando melhorar a produtividade e produzir produtos avícolas mais seguros.

Non-typhoidal Salmonella are relevant pathogens under a clinical and public health perspective. Salmonella enterica serovar Heidelberg (SH) frequently causes food-borne illness in humans and are frequently found in broiler operations in several countries, causing economic losses and health-related concerns. This research effort has generated a wealth of information on an emergent Brazilian SH, UFPR1 strain, in order to understand its genetic variation, pathogenicity, resistance and alternative measures of control. In the Chapter 1, the first complete genome of SH UFPR1 strain is reported, revealing 11 missing genomic fragments in comparison with a multidrug resistant SH strain, which explains the high susceptibility to antibiotics and short-chain organic acids resistance. In the Chapter 2, a probiotic composed by three strains of Bacillus subtilis improved animal performance when fed at 250 g/ton and reduced SH UFPR1 colonization in the gastrointestinal tract. The probiotic mobilized immune cells and promoted important histologic alteration, related to activation of defense response and gut absorption. In addition, the supplementation of probiotic increased the diversity of cecal microbiota and increased some commensal bacterial groups in ileum. Studies about gut microbiome and innate immunity in chickens genetically different and inserted in more natural environments are rare and can provide us insights about evolution and ecology of the pathogens, commensals and the host. In the Chapter 3, we studied two populations of feral chickens in Bermuda and Hawaii, comparing their gut microbiota composition and innate immune response to a group of modern broiler chickens. High throughput sequencing revealed the presence of a core microbiota and some exclusive taxa in feral and broiler chickens. The progressive loss of the microbial diversity in the broilers group may be correlated to a vulnerable and interesting innate immune response mediated by TLRs. Further work will be needed to distinguish genotypic and phenotypic features of different Salmonella serovars and strains in order to enhance and identify specific measures of control. Also, more research involving feralization is useful to clarify and explore possible links related to concomitant evolutionary changes, aiming to improve productivity and produce safer poultry products.

EFEITO DA MISTURA DO LÍQUIDO DA CASCA DA CASTANHA DE CAJU E DO ÓLEO DE MAMONA NO DESEMPENHO, NA IMUNIDADE E NA MICROBIOTA DE FRANGOS DE CORTE DESAFIADOS POR COCCIDIOSE

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito da mistura comercial do líquido da casca de castanha de caju e do óleo de mamona (Essential, Oligo Basics Agroind. Ltda., Cascavel, Brasil) no desempenho, na microbiota e no sistema imune de frangos de corte desafiados ou não por coccidiose. Ao total 864 pintos machos (Cobb) de um dia de idade foram distribuídos aleatoriamente em 6 tratamentos (8 boxes/tratamento e 18 pintos/box) em um desenho fatorial 3 x 2 com 3 aditivos: controle (sem aditivo), 100 ppm de monensina ou 0,15% de Essential e 2 níveis de desafio aos 14 dias de idade: não desafiados ou inoculados por gavagem com 1mL de solução contendo oocistos esporulados de E. tenella, E. acervulina e E. máxima. Os resultados foram divididos em dois artigos. Artigo 1: Na primeira semana após desafio, as aves desafiadas suplementadas com monensina apresentaram maior ganho de peso (GP), consumo de ração (CR) e melhor conversão alimentar (CA) (P <0,05), porém na segunda semana o Essential apresentou maior GP e melhor CA (P <0,05), aos 42 dias de idade, ambos os grupos não se diferiram em GP, CR, PV e foram maiores do que o controle (P <0,05). A utilização de monensina em aves desafiadas reduziu o número cópias do domínio bactéria e de E.coli (P<0,05), por sua vez, a suplementação com Essential reduziu Clostridium Cluster XIV, Clostridium perfringens e Staphylococcus aureus em relação aos demais tratamentos (P<0,05). As aves não desafiadas que receberam Essential ou monensina apresentaram menor população de C.perfringens e S. aureus (P<0,05). Artigo 2: O grupo que recebeu Essential aumentou a expressão gênica de IFN-y, IL-6 e TNF- (P<0,05) e o grupo controle aumentou a expressão gênica de COX-2 e IL-1 em relação aos demais tratamentos (P<0,05). As aves não desafiadas que receberam monensina apresentaram maior expressão gênica de IFN-y, COX-2 e IL-1 comparadas aos demais tratamentos (P<0,05), ao contrário do grupo com Essential que reduziu a expressão gênica com exceção do TNF-. Aos 7 e 14 dias após o desafio houve maior excreção de oocistos para o grupo controle, Essential e monensina não diferiram-se (P>0,05). Assim, o Essential melhorou o desempenho de frangos de corte infectados por coccidiose após a segunda semana do desafio e atuou como um modulador da microbiota intestinal e do sistema imune, direcionando a resposta inflamatória contra o parasita.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a commercial mixture of cashew shell liquid and castor oil (Essential, Oligo Basics Agroind. Ltda., Cascavel, Brazil) on growth performance, immunity and microbiota in broilers challenged with coccidiosis. A total of 864 one-day-old male chicks (Cobb) were randomly assigned to 6 treatments (8 pens/treatment and 18 birds/pen) in a 3 x 2 factorial design with 3 additives: control (no additive), 100 ppm of monensin, and 0.15% of Essential; and 2 challenge levels at 14 days of age: no challenge and inoculation by gavage of 1 ml of a solution containing sporulated oocysts of E. tenella, E. acervulina, and E. maxima. The results were divided into two articles. Article 1: In the first week after challenge, challenged birds supplemented with monensin showed higher LW, WG, FI and better FCR (P <0.05), but in the second week Essential presented higher WG and better FCR (P <0.05), at 42 days of age, both groups did not differ in WG, FI, and LW and were higher than the control (P <0.05). The use of monensin in challenged birds reduced the number of copies of the bacteria domain and of E.coli (P<0,05). In turn, Essential supplementation reduced Clostridium Cluster XIV, Clostridium perfringens and Staphylococcus aureus in relation to the other treatments (P<0,05). The unchallenged birds that received Essential or monensin presented a lower population of C.perfringens and S. aureus (P<0,05). In addition, Essential presented higher number of copies of Lactobacillus spp., followed by monensin and control (P <0.05). Article 2: The group that received Essential increased the gene expression of IFN-y, IL-6 e TNF- (P<0,05) and the control group increased the gene expression of COX-2 and IL-1 in relation to the other treatments (P <0.05). The unchallenged birds that received monensin presented upregulated expression of IFN-y, COX-2 and IL-1 compared to the other treatments (P <0.05), unlike the Essential group, which reduced gene expression with the exception of TNF-. At 7 and 14 days after the challenge there was a higher excretion of oocysts for the control group, Essential and monensin did not differ (P>0,05). Thus, Essential improved the performance of coccidiosis-infected broiler chickens after the second week of challenge, as well as acts as a modulator of intestinal flora and immune system, directing the inflammatory response against the parasite.

ADITIVO ALTERNATIVO, ASSOCIADO OU NÃO AO ANTIMICROBIANO, NA DIETA DE LEITÕES RECÉM-DESMAMADOS

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o aditivo alternativo, composto por ácido benzoico e óleos essenciais de eugenol, timol e piperina, associado ou não a antibiótico melhorador de desempenho na alimentação de leitões recém-desmamados. Foram utilizados 108 leitões, de linhagem genética comercial, em três fases: I - dos 21 aos 35 dias; II - dos 36 aos 50 dias; e III - dos 51 aos 63 dias de idade. As dietas foram isonutritivas, diferindo quanto à adição dos aditivos, da seguinte maneira: dieta sem qualquer aditivo melhorador de desempenho, dieta com adição de 40 ppm do antibiótico colistina, dieta com inclusão de 0,3% do aditivo alternativo, dieta com adições de 0,3 % do aditivo alternativo e de 40 ppm de colistina. Foram avaliados: o desempenho zootécnico, digestibilidades de nutrientes das dietas; incidência de diarreia; tempo de trânsito da digesta, morfologia intestinal, pesos relativos de órgãos do sistema digestório; composição da microbiota do conteúdo do ceco; e índices econômicos. Os animais foram distribuídos em blocos casualizados, de acordo com seus pesos ao início do experimento, com quatro tratamentos e nove repetições, sendo a unidade experimental a baia, composta por três animais na fase I e dois nas fases II e III. Como os animais não foram redistribuídos nos blocos ao final de cada fase, as análises estatísticas foram efetuadas de forma cumulativa, ou seja, do início do experimento ao final das fases I, II e III, em um esquema fatorial 2×2. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância, utilizando-se o procedimento GLM (General Linear Models) do programa estatístico SAS (SAS 9.1, SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA). Constatou-se que o emprego do aditivo alternativo, associado ou não ao antibiótico, foi efetivo em melhorar (P<0,05) o ganho de peso dos leitões somente no período I, e que o antibiótico usado de forma isolada não trouxe resultados positivos sobre o desempenho dos animais. Verificou-se que o aditivo alternativo e o antibiótico, associados ou não, melhoraram (P<0,05) a digestibilidade dos nutrientes e da energia nas fases I e II, em relação ao constatado com os animais submetidos a dieta controle. Os animais alimentados com ambos aditivos apresentaram incidência de diarreia numericamente menor, assim como menores (P<0,05) contagens de células caliciformes e menores (P<0,05) pesos relativos do intestino delgado e do ceco dos leitões que consumiram o aditivo alternativo em relação àqueles que não o ingeriram, no período I, sendo indicativos de que houve controle de microrganismos patogênicos e melhor saúde intestinal nestes animais no período I. O emprego dos aditivos no período I influenciou (P<0,05) as frequências dos filos bacterianos Firmicutes, Bacteriodetes, Actinobcateria e Spirochaetes. No mesmo período, o uso do aditivo alternativo promoveu redução de 46,6%, numericamente, na porcentagem de Escherichia no ceco dos animais. No período III houve efeitos dos aditivos sobre o filo Bacteriodetes e sobre os gêneros Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus, Streptococcus e Clostridium. O uso do aditivo alternativo apresentou resultados positivos no período imediatamente após o desmame.

The objective of this research was evaluate alternative feed additive, composed by benzoic acid and the essential oils of eugenol, thymus and piperine, associated or not with performance enhancer antibiotic, in newly weaned piglets feeding. One hundred and eight piglets, from a commercial lineage, were used in three phases: I from 21 to 35 days; II from 36 to 50 days; and III from 51 to 63 days. The diets were composed mainly by corn, soybean meal, spray dried blood plasma and dairy products, presenting the same levels of metabolizable energy, digestible amino acids, calcium and digestible phosphorous, differing over feed additive addition, as follows: diet without performance enhancer feed additive: diet with 40 ppm of colistin; diet with 0.3% alternative feed additive; diet with 40 ppm colistin and 0.3% alternative feed additive. The parameters evaluated were: growth performance; nutrient diets digestibility; diarrhea incidence; digesta transit time; intestinal morphology, weights of digestive organs (absolute and relative to body weight); microbial cecum content compositon; economical indices. The animals were distributed in blocks, according with their initial body weight, assigned to four treatments, with nine repetitions, and the experimental unit was the pen, with three animals in phase I e two, in phases II and III. As the animals were redistributed in blocks at the end of each phase, the statistical analysis were performed in a cumulative way, that is, from the beginning of the trial to the end of Phases I, II and III, which were named periods, in a factorial 2 x 2 arrangement. Data was submitted to anova, using the GLM procedure of SAS (SAS 9.1, SAS Institute, Cary, NC, USA). It was found that the alternative feed additive use, associated or not with the antibiotic, was effective in improve (P<0.05) piglets weight gain only in period I, and that the isolated antibiotic usage did not promote positive results in animals performance. The alternative feed additive, associated or not with the antibiotic, improved (P<0,05) nutrient and energy diets digestibilities in phases I and II, as compared with to what was found with the animals submitted to the control diet. It was observed that the animals fed diet containing both feed additives presented numerically lower diarrhea incidence, lower (P<0.05) globets cells counting and lower (P<0.05) small intestine and cecum relative weights than the piglets fed the control diet, in period I, what indicates that the feed additives exerted certain control over pathogenic microorganisms and improved gut health in period I. The use of feed additives in period I influenced (P <0.05) the frequency of bacterial phyla Firmicutes, Bacteriodetes, Actinobcateria and Spirochaetes. At the same period, the alternative feed additive promoted 46.6% reduction, numerically, on Escherichia percentage in animals cecum content. In period III there were effects of additives on the Bacteriodetes phyla and on Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus, Streptococcus and Clostridium genus. The alternative additive use presented positive results soon after weaning.

Desempenho e saúde intestinal de leitões suplementados com DL ou L-metionina na fase de creche

A metionina (Met) é um aminoácido essencial e geralmente o segundo ou terceiro aminoácido limitante em dietas convencionais para suínos. Possui função direta na síntese de proteínas, assim como em outras funções biológicas, importantes para o desempenho e a saúde dos animais. O trabalho foi realizado com o objetivo de investigar o desempenho e a saúde intestinal de leitões suplementados com L-Metionina (L-Met) em comparação com a DL-Metionina (DL-Met) na fase de creche. Foram utilizados 72 suínos (machos castrados e fêmeas) de alto valor genético, com peso inicial de 6,30 ± 0,81 kg e 25 dias de idade (4 dias pós-desmame), distribuídos aleatoriamente em 3 tratamentos, por 42 dias: Dieta basal deficiente em Met (DB), DB + 0,06% de DL-Met e DB + 0,06% de L-Met. A DB atendeu 66% do requerimento de Met na fase pré-inicial e 71% na inicial, segundo o NRC (2012). As dietas DL-Met e L-Met atenderam 88% (pré-inicial) e 95% (inicial) das exigências de metionina. Os animais foram pesados individualmente e o fornecimento de ração por baia mensurado diariamente, com o objetivo de calcular as variáveis de desempenho consumo de ração diário (CRD), ganho de peso diário (GPD), conversão alimentar (CA) e peso final (PF), considerando os valores de sobras de ração. Diariamente foi avaliada a incidência de diarreia, calculada através da porcentagem de baias com animais positivos para diarreia em relação ao total de observações realizadas no período. Aos 42 dias de ensaio, um macho castrado por parcela experimental foi abatido e segmentos de jejuno foram coletados para avaliação da morfologia intestinal. Aos 43 dias amostras de sangue do macho restante da parcela foram coletadas para avaliação da ureia plasmática. Do 0 aos 28 dias de avaliação, a suplementação com L-Met aumentou o PF e o GPD, quando comparados com a DB. Ao final dos 42 dias, os animais suplementados com DL-Met tiveram melhor GPD do que os animais que receberam a DB. Além disso, houve uma tendência de melhora no PF (P = 0,065), sendo que os animais do grupo DL-Met e L-Met tiveram um peso 4,85 e 6,63% maior do que o grupo DB, respectivamente. Do 0 aos 35 dias, os animais suplementados com L-Met apresentaram uma menor incidência de diarreia, quando comparados com os grupos DB e DL-Met. Já no período total, o grupo L-Met apresentou menor incidência do que o grupo DL-Met. Os resultados de ureia plasmática e altura de vilosidade, profundidade de cripta e relação vilo:cripta do jejuno não foram diferentes entre os tratamentos. Como conclusão, a suplementação com L-Met aumenta o ganho de peso diário até os 28 dias de creche e a de DL-Met até os 42 dias de creche. A suplementação com L-Met reduz a incidência de diarreia durante a fase de creche.

Methionine (Met) is an essential amino acid and usually the second or third limiting amino acid in conventional swine diets. It has a direct function in the synthesis of proteins, as well as in other biological functions, important for the performance and the health of the animals. The aim of this study was to investigate the performance and intestinal health of piglets supplemented with L-Methionine (L-Met) compared to DL-Methionine (DL-Met) in the nursery phase. Seventy-two pigs (barrows and gilts) of high genetic value, with initial BW of 6.30 ± 0.81 kg and 25 days of age (4 days post-weaning), were randomly in three treatments for 42 days: Basal diet deficient in Met (DB), DB + 0.06% of DL-Met and DB + 0.06% L-Met. DB containing 66% of the requirement of methionine in pre-starter phase and 71% in starter phase, according NRC (2012). DLM diets and LM containing 88% (pre-starter) and 95% (starter) of requirement. The animals were weighed individually and the supply of feed per pen measured daily, for to calculate the final BW, average daily gain (ADG), daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion (FCR). Daily incidence of diarrhea was performed, calculated using the percentage of positive pens for diarrhea over the total period of observations carried out. At 42 days of trial, a barrow per pen was slaughtered and jejunum segments were collected for evaluation of intestinal morphology. At 43 days blood samples from the remaining barrow of the pen were collected for evaluation of plasma urea nitrogen (PUN). From 0 to 28 days of evaluation, L-Met supplementation increased final BW and ADG when compared to DB. At the end of 42 days, animals supplemented with DL-Met had better ADG than animals receiving DB. In addition, there was a trend of improvement in the final BW (P = 0.065) and the animals of the DL-Met and L-Met groups had a BW 4.85 and 6.63% higher than the DB group, respectively. From 0 to 35 days, animals supplemented with L-Met had a lower incidence of diarrhea when compared to DB and DL-Met groups. In the total period, the L-Met group presented lower incidence than the DL-Met group. The results of PUN and villus height, crypt depth and villous:crypt jejunum were not different between treatments. In conclusion, L-Met supplementation increases the average daily gain at 28 days of nursery phase and DL-Met at 42 days of nursery phase. L-Met supplementation reduces the incidence of diarrhea during the nursery phase.