The Effects of Perch Cooling on Behavior, Welfare Criteria, Performance, and Litter Quality of Broilers Reared at High Temperatures with Different Litter Thicknesses

The first aim of this study was to investigate the effects of perch cooling and different litter thicknesses on litter quality of the housing facility, welfare criteria (incidence of footpad and hock burns, gait score, plumage cleanliness and damages), heterophil/lymphocyte ratio, growth, and carcass compositions of broilers reared at high ambient temperature. Secondly, the study was conducted to determine whether cooled perches would be preferred by broiler chickens exposed to a hot environment, and subsequently, whether the utilization of these perches would improve the welfare and performance of broilers, beyond those provided by non-cooled perches. A total of 459 1-day-old male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to nine treatment groups based on the perch treatment (no perch, non-cooled, cooled perches) and litter thicknesses (1, 7, 14 cm) with three replicates. Aerial ammonia and litter moisture levels were lower in broilers reared at 14 cm litter thickness group than in broilers reared at 1 cm thickness group. The perch-contact incidence of chickens reared under the cooled perch was found higher than the non-cooled chickens at 36 to 42 days of age. Cooled perches and 14 cm of litter thickness tended to decrease the incidence of footpad and hock burn. The body weight gain of the broilers in cooled perch group was higher than those in no perch and non-cooled perch groups at 0-42 d (p 0.05). These results suggest that cool perches have a beneficial effect on the performance and welfare of broilers.(AU)

The Effects of Perch Cooling on Behavior, Welfare Criteria, Performance, and Litter Quality of Broilers Reared at High Temperatures with Different Litter Thicknesses

The first aim of this study was to investigate the effects of perch cooling and different litter thicknesses on litter quality of the housing facility, welfare criteria (incidence of footpad and hock burns, gait score, plumage cleanliness and damages), heterophil/lymphocyte ratio, growth, and carcass compositions of broilers reared at high ambient temperature. Secondly, the study was conducted to determine whether cooled perches would be preferred by broiler chickens exposed to a hot environment, and subsequently, whether the utilization of these perches would improve the welfare and performance of broilers, beyond those provided by non-cooled perches. A total of 459 1-day-old male broiler chicks were randomly assigned to nine treatment groups based on the perch treatment (no perch, non-cooled, cooled perches) and litter thicknesses (1, 7, 14 cm) with three replicates. Aerial ammonia and litter moisture levels were lower in broilers reared at 14 cm litter thickness group than in broilers reared at 1 cm thickness group. The perch-contact incidence of chickens reared under the cooled perch was found higher than the non-cooled chickens at 36 to 42 days of age. Cooled perches and 14 cm of litter thickness tended to decrease the incidence of footpad and hock burn. The body weight gain of the broilers in cooled perch group was higher than those in no perch and non-cooled perch groups at 0-42 d (p 0.05). These results suggest that cool perches have a beneficial effect on the performance and welfare of broilers.

Performance of broilers submitted to high CO2 levels during incubation combined with temperature fluctuations at late post-hatch

Incubation represents around 1/3 of the life cycle of broilers of modern strains; therefore, the appropriate management of this period is crucial to ensure the quality of the neonate. An experiment evaluated the effect of carbon dioxide concentrations during incubation on the live performance, heart morphology, and differential leukocyte count in the blood of broilers submitted to fluctuating temperatures between 35 and 42 days of age. In total, 2,520 fertile eggs were distributed according to a completely randomized design with four CO2 concentrations (4,000; 6,000; 8,000 and 10,000 ppm) during the first ten days of incubation, after which all eggs were incubated at the same CO2 level (4,000 ppm). After hatching, male chicks were placed in the experimental broiler houses, and at 35 days of age, 25 birds from each level of CO2 were separated and placed in cages to study the effect of cyclic temperature variations up to 42 days of age on their live performance, heterophil:lymphocyte ratio, and heart morphology. At 42 days of age, blood was collected for hematology and two birds per replicate were sacrificed and evaluated for ascites score and heart and liver relative weights. Heart morphology was assessed by analyzing digital images. In this experiment, hypercapnia during incubation and fluctuating temperatures during the growout did not affect mortality, ascites score, heart and liver relative weights, or heart characteristics (p>0.05). However, heterophill:lymphocyte ratio increased (p 0.05) with increasing carbon dioxide concentrations during incubation. It was concluded that high CO2 levels during incubation did not influence the resistance of broilers to fluctuating temperatures during the last week of age.

Performance of broilers submitted to high CO2 levels during incubation combined with temperature fluctuations at late post-hatch

Incubation represents around 1/3 of the life cycle of broilers of modern strains; therefore, the appropriate management of this period is crucial to ensure the quality of the neonate. An experiment evaluated the effect of carbon dioxide concentrations during incubation on the live performance, heart morphology, and differential leukocyte count in the blood of broilers submitted to fluctuating temperatures between 35 and 42 days of age. In total, 2,520 fertile eggs were distributed according to a completely randomized design with four CO2 concentrations (4,000; 6,000; 8,000 and 10,000 ppm) during the first ten days of incubation, after which all eggs were incubated at the same CO2 level (4,000 ppm). After hatching, male chicks were placed in the experimental broiler houses, and at 35 days of age, 25 birds from each level of CO2 were separated and placed in cages to study the effect of cyclic temperature variations up to 42 days of age on their live performance, heterophil:lymphocyte ratio, and heart morphology. At 42 days of age, blood was collected for hematology and two birds per replicate were sacrificed and evaluated for ascites score and heart and liver relative weights. Heart morphology was assessed by analyzing digital images. In this experiment, hypercapnia during incubation and fluctuating temperatures during the growout did not affect mortality, ascites score, heart and liver relative weights, or heart characteristics (p>0.05). However, heterophill:lymphocyte ratio increased (p 0.05) with increasing carbon dioxide concentrations during incubation. It was concluded that high CO2 levels during incubation did not influence the resistance of broilers to fluctuating temperatures during the last week of age.(AU)

Performance of broilers submitted to high CO2 levels during incubation combined with temperature fluctuations at late post-hatch

Incubation represents around 1/3 of the life cycle of broilers of modern strains; therefore, the appropriate management of this period is crucial to ensure the quality of the neonate. An experiment evaluated the effect of carbon dioxide concentrations during incubation on the live performance, heart morphology, and differential leukocyte count in the blood of broilers submitted to fluctuating temperatures between 35 and 42 days of age. In total, 2,520 fertile eggs were distributed according to a completely randomized design with four CO2 concentrations (4,000; 6,000; 8,000 and 10,000 ppm) during the first ten days of incubation, after which all eggs were incubated at the same CO2 level (4,000 ppm). After hatching, male chicks were placed in the experimental broiler houses, and at 35 days of age, 25 birds from each level of CO2 were separated and placed in cages to study the effect of cyclic temperature variations up to 42 days of age on their live performance, heterophil:lymphocyte ratio, and heart morphology. At 42 days of age, blood was collected for hematology and two birds per replicate were sacrificed and evaluated for ascites score and heart and liver relative weights. Heart morphology was assessed by analyzing digital images. In this experiment, hypercapnia during incubation and fluctuating temperatures during the growout did not affect mortality, ascites score, heart and liver relative weights, or heart characteristics (p>0.05). However, heterophill:lymphocyte ratio increased (p 0.05) with increasing carbon dioxide concentrations during incubation. It was concluded that high CO2 levels during incubation did not influence the resistance of broilers to fluctuating temperatures during the last week of age.

AVALIAÇÃO DE METODOLOGIAS QUE DETERMINAM ESTRESSE EM POEDEIRAS COMERCIAIS

CESAR, Paula Horácio. Avaliação de metodologias que determinam estresse em poedeiras comerciais. 2017. 69f. Dissertação (Mestrado em Ciência Animal - Área de Concentração: Produção Animal) - Universidade do Estado de Santa Catarina. Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciência Animal, Lages, 2017. Com o objetivo de avaliar metodologias que indicam estresse em poedeiras comerciais, um experimento foi conduzido no Setor de Avicultura do CAV/UDESC, utilizando 48 poedeiras da linhagem HyLine Brown com 79 semanas de idade. As aves foram alojadas em gaiolas apropriadas e submetidas a um período de muda induzida durante 10 dias de jejum alimentar, avaliando cinco metodologias para indicativo de estresse (concentração de corticosterona plasmática - CORT, relação heterófilo/linfócito - H/L, catalase - CAT, glutationa reduzida - GSH e níveis de substâncias reativas ao ácido tiobarbitúrico - TBARS), em seis dias de coleta de amostras de sangue (zero, dois, quatro, seis, oito e 10 dias do período de jejum alimentar). Adotou-se um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com oito repetições por dia de coleta, sendo cada ave considerada como uma unidade experimental. As coletas para as metodologias CORT e relação H/L iniciaram às 16 h e as demais às 8 h. Para determinar a concentração de CORT e a relação H/L foi coletado sangue da veia ulnar e as demais a veia jugular. Em cada coleta, oito aves foram selecionadas aleatoriamente, e após o procedimento, retornavam às gaiolas. O teste de Shapiro-Wilk foi aplicado para verificar a normalidade dos dados e as variáveis apresentaram distribuição normal. Realizou-se estudo de regressão polinomial para determinar o momento de máximo estresse para cada metodologia. Como todos os métodos fornecem resultados quantitativos foi possível utilizar a correlação de Pearson. Todas as análises estatísticas foram realizadas com o auxílio do pacote estatístico SAS (2009). As metodologias que avaliaram a concentração de CORT, GSH e TBARS apresentaram comportamento quadrático na regressão polinomial com momentos de máximo estresse aos 4,3; 4,3 e 5,5 dias de jejum alimentar, respectivamente. As aves no dia zero apresentaram uma média de CORT plasmática de 1,76 ng/ml, com posterior aumento progressivo do hormônio até atingir o pico de estresse (4,3 dias). A relação H/L apresentou comportamento linear crescente no estudo de regressão polinomial, com momento de máximo estresse aos 10 dias de muda induzida. A atividade da CAT apresentou comportamento linear decrescente na análise de regressão polinomial. Para os coeficientes de correlação de Pearson, considerando todos os momentos de coleta, não houve uma alta correlação entre as metodologias, não sendo possível a substituição de um método pelo outro. Conclui-se que as metodologias da concentração de CORT plasmática, relação H/L, concentração de GSH e atividade da enzima CAT são indicadas para mensurar estresse em poedeiras comerciais submetidas à muda induzida por jejum alimentar, porém, cada uma apresenta um momento diferente de máximo estresse, impossibilitando a utilização de apenas um método em substituição aos demais.

CESAR, Paula Horácio. Evaluation of methodologies that measure stress in commercial laying hens. 2017. 69f. Dissertation (MSc in Animal Science Area: Animal Production) Santa Catarina State University. Postgraduate Program in Animal Science, Lages, 2017. With the aim to investigate methodologies that indicate stress in commercial laying hens, the study was conducted at Poultry Sector of the CAV/UDESC, using 48 HyLine Brown hens, with were 79 wk of age. The hens were housed in appropriate cages and the molt was induced by feed withdrawal for 10 days, five methodologies were investigated (corticosterone plasmatic level - CORT, heterophil:lymphocyte ratio - H/L, catalase - CAT, reduced glutathione - GSH and level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances - TBARS), in six days of blood samples collect (zero, two, four, six, eight and 10 days of feed withdrawal). The experimental design was completely randomized with eight replicate per day of collection, each hen was considered as an experimental unit. The collections for methods CORT and H/L ratio were obtained at 1600 h and the rest at 0800 h. To determine CORT level and H/L ratio the blood samples were collected from wing vein and jugular vein for other methodologies. In each collection, eight hens were randomly assigned and after procedure they returned to the cages. The Shapiro-Wilk test was applied to verify the normality of the data and the variables presented normal distribution. It was used polynomial regression analysis to determine the moment of maximum stress for each methodology. As all methods provide quantitative results it was possible to use Pearson correlation. Data analysis was done with the SAS (2009). CORT levels, GSH and TBARS there were a quadratic effect in polynomial regression analysis with moment of maximum stress to 4,3; 4,3 and 5,5 days of feed withdrawal, respectively. The hens at day zero had a mean plasma CORT of 1.76 ng/ml with subsequent progressive increase of the hormone until reaches the peak of stress (4.3 days). The H/L ratio had growing linear effect in polynomial regression analysis, with moment of maximum stress to 10 days of forced molted. The enzyme activity of CAT had decreasing linear effect in polynomial regression analysis. For the Pearson correlation coefficients, considering all collection moments, there was not a high correlation between the methods, therefore it is not possible to substitute one method with another. It was concluded that the methodologies of CORT plasmatic levels, H/L ratio, concentration of GSH and activity of the CAT enzyme are indicated to measure stress in commercial laying hens submitted to forced molted induced by feed withdrawal, however, each one has a different moment of maximum stress, making it impossible to use only one method to replace the others.

Efeitos fisiológicos e comportamentais do uso do extrato de valeriana em dietas de codornas em crescimento / Phisiologics and behavioral effects of the use of valeriana extract in diet of the quail in growing / Efectos Fisiologicos Y De Comportamiento Con El Uso Del Extracto De Valeriana En La Dieta De Codornices En Crecimiento

Objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar o efeito da Valeriana officinalis sobre os parâmetros comportamentais e fisiológicos em codornas japonesas na fase de recria. No período entre 28 a 42 dias de idade, 192 codornas fêmeas, com peso médio de 121,25±6,96g, foram distribuídas em blocos ao acaso e alimentadas com dieta composta principalmente por milho e farelo de soja onde foram adicionados 0, 250, 500 e 750 mg de valeriana/kg de ração, totalizando 4 tratamentos e 8 repetições cada. Os resultados de comportamento (tempo em imobilidade tônica, observação das atividades realizadas e ferimentos corporais) e fisiológicos (níveis plasmáticos de corticosterona e relação heterófilo:linfócito) foram avaliados. Na fase de recria, os resultados obtidos demonstraram que a valeriana adicionada na dieta em níveis crescentes não foi capaz de alterar os parâmetros de comportamento e fisiológicos.(AU)

The effects of feeding levels of Valeriana officinalis on behavior and physiologic parameters of female quails in the rearing periods were evaluated. In the rearing phase, 192 quails, from 28 to 42 days old, average weight 121,25±6,96g, were lodged to cages and allotted to randomized blocks design, with four treatments (control; 250; 500 and 750mg of valeriana/kg of ration) with eight replicates and six birds per cage. Behavior (body injury, tonic immobility and focal observation) and physiological parameters (heterophil/lymphocyte ratio and corticosterone blood plasma) was evaluated. In the rearing periods the tested valeriana levels did not affect behavior and physiological parameters of quails.(AU)

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la Valeriana officinalis en los parámetros comportamentales y fisiológicos en la codorniz japonesa hembra en fase de crecimiento. De 28 a 42 días de edad, 192 codornices con peso medio de 121,25±6,96g, fueron distribuidas en bloques al azar y alimentadas con una dieta principalmente de maíz y soja que se añadió 0, 250, 500 y 750 mg de valeriana/kg de dieta, en el total 4 tratamientos y 8 repeticiones. Los resultados de comportamiento (tiempo de inmovilidad tónica, la observación de las actividades y lesiones corporales) y fisiológicos (niveles plasmáticos de la relación de corticosterona y heterófilos: linfocitos) fueron obtenidos. En la fase de crecimiento los resultados obtenidos, han mostrado que la valeriana añadida a la dieta en los niveles de crecimiento no ha sido capaz de cambiar los parámetros de comportamiento y fisiológicos. (AU)

Inclusão da camomila no desempenho, comportamento e estresse em codornas durante a fase de recria

The objective of this study was to test the effect of Matricaria chamomila on the stress of the Japanese quails in the rearing period. In the rearing phase, from 28 to 42 days old, 192 quails were lodged to cages and allotted to completely randomized blocks design, with four diets (0; 250; 500 and 750mg of chamomile/kg of ration), with eight replicates and six birds per cage. Performance (feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio), behavior (body injury, tonic immobility and focal observation) and physiological parameters (corticosterone plasmatic and heterophil/lymphocyte ratio) were evaluated. The tested chamomile levels did not affect performance, behavior and physiological parameters of quails in the rearing phase.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da Matricaria chamomila sobre o estresse de codornas japonesas na fase de recria (28 a 42 dias de idade). Foram utilizadas 192 codornas com 28 dias de idades, distribuídas em blocos casualizados e submetidas às dietas com 0, 250, 500 e 750mg de camomila/kg de ração, totalizando quatro tratamentos, com oito repetições e seis aves por parcela. Foram avaliados os parâmetros de desempenho (consumo diário de ração, conversão alimentar e ganho de peso), comportamentais (tempo em imobilidade tônica, ferimentos corporais e agressividade) e fisiológicos (concentração plasmática de corticosterona e relação heterófilo:linfócito). Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que a camomila adicionada na dieta não foi capaz de alterar os parâmetros de desempenho, bem como os de comportamento e fisiológicos.

Inclusão da camomila no desempenho, comportamento e estresse em codornas durante a fase de recria

The objective of this study was to test the effect of Matricaria chamomila on the stress of the Japanese quails in the rearing period. In the rearing phase, from 28 to 42 days old, 192 quails were lodged to cages and allotted to completely randomized blocks design, with four diets (0; 250; 500 and 750mg of chamomile/kg of ration), with eight replicates and six birds per cage. Performance (feed intake, body weight gain, and feed conversion ratio), behavior (body injury, tonic immobility and focal observation) and physiological parameters (corticosterone plasmatic and heterophil/lymphocyte ratio) were evaluated. The tested chamomile levels did not affect performance, behavior and physiological parameters of quails in the rearing phase.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da Matricaria chamomila sobre o estresse de codornas japonesas na fase de recria (28 a 42 dias de idade). Foram utilizadas 192 codornas com 28 dias de idades, distribuídas em blocos casualizados e submetidas às dietas com 0, 250, 500 e 750mg de camomila/kg de ração, totalizando quatro tratamentos, com oito repetições e seis aves por parcela. Foram avaliados os parâmetros de desempenho (consumo diário de ração, conversão alimentar e ganho de peso), comportamentais (tempo em imobilidade tônica, ferimentos corporais e agressividade) e fisiológicos (concentração plasmática de corticosterona e relação heterófilo:linfócito). Os resultados obtidos demonstraram que a camomila adicionada na dieta não foi capaz de alterar os parâmetros de desempenho, bem como os de comportamento e fisiológicos.

Efeitos fisiológicos e comportamentais do uso do extrato de valeriana em dietas de codornas em crescimento / Phisiologics and behavioral effects of the use of valeriana extract in diet of the quail in growing / Efectos Fisiologicos Y De Comportamiento Con El Uso Del Extracto De Valeriana En La Dieta De Codornices En Crecimiento

Objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar o efeito da Valeriana officinalis sobre os parâmetros comportamentais e fisiológicos em codornas japonesas na fase de recria. No período entre 28 a 42 dias de idade, 192 codornas fêmeas, com peso médio de 121,25±6,96g, foram distribuídas em blocos ao acaso e alimentadas com dieta composta principalmente por milho e farelo de soja onde foram adicionados 0, 250, 500 e 750 mg de valeriana/kg de ração, totalizando 4 tratamentos e 8 repetições cada. Os resultados de comportamento (tempo em imobilidade tônica, observação das atividades realizadas e ferimentos corporais) e fisiológicos (níveis plasmáticos de corticosterona e relação heterófilo:linfócito) foram avaliados. Na fase de recria, os resultados obtidos demonstraram que a valeriana adicionada na dieta em níveis crescentes não foi capaz de alterar os parâmetros de comportamento e fisiológicos.

The effects of feeding levels of Valeriana officinalis on behavior and physiologic parameters of female quails in the rearing periods were evaluated. In the rearing phase, 192 quails, from 28 to 42 days old, average weight 121,25±6,96g, were lodged to cages and allotted to randomized blocks design, with four treatments (control; 250; 500 and 750mg of valeriana/kg of ration) with eight replicates and six birds per cage. Behavior (body injury, tonic immobility and focal observation) and physiological parameters (heterophil/lymphocyte ratio and corticosterone blood plasma) was evaluated. In the rearing periods the tested valeriana levels did not affect behavior and physiological parameters of quails.

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el efecto de la Valeriana officinalis en los parámetros comportamentales y fisiológicos en la codorniz japonesa hembra en fase de crecimiento. De 28 a 42 días de edad, 192 codornices con peso medio de 121,25±6,96g, fueron distribuidas en bloques al azar y alimentadas con una dieta principalmente de maíz y soja que se añadió 0, 250, 500 y 750 mg de valeriana/kg de dieta, en el total 4 tratamientos y 8 repeticiones. Los resultados de comportamiento (tiempo de inmovilidad tónica, la observación de las actividades y lesiones corporales) y fisiológicos (niveles plasmáticos de la relación de corticosterona y heterófilos: linfocitos) fueron obtenidos. En la fase de crecimiento los resultados obtenidos, han mostrado que la valeriana añadida a la dieta en los niveles de crecimiento no ha sido capaz de cambiar los parámetros de comportamiento y fisiológicos.