Effect of different lighting sources on the performance of broiler breeder hens

The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of using light-emitting diode (LED) lamps versus incandescent/tungsten (Inc) bulbs on broiler breeder hens' productive performance during the brooding and rearing periods (25 weeks), as well as the first 15 weeks of production. A total of 46600 one-day-old Arbor Acres Plus breeder chicks were placed in eight enclosed houses and randomly/evenly divided into two groups (four houses for each group): birds raised under yellow LED lighting, and birds raised under orange Inc lighting. Several traits have been studied to determine productive performance, including body weight at different ages, body weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion ratio, mortality rate, uniformity, age and weight at sexual maturity, egg number, egg production rate, egg number per bird, egg weight, and egg mass. According to the findings, using LED lighting instead of Inc lighting during the rearing period resulted in a significant improvement in all studied traits, and this positive effect continued until the production period, yielding excellent results for all studied production traits. LED lighting proved to be an effective source of lighting in broiler breeders' houses.(AU)

Evaluation of different silvicultural management techniques and water seasonality on yield of eucalyptus stands

Appropriate management of factors that influence forest development is essential to increase yield of forest plantations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of water seasonality, nutritional management, and uniformity on yield of eucalyptus plantations and estimate the potential, attainable, and observed yield of adult eucalyptus stands. We evaluated Eucalyptus clonal stands in six regions of Minas Gerais State, Brazil, in a system of first and second rotation across four age classes using the twin-plots method (TP). In the study, 142 TPs were allocated alongside 142 plots in a continuous forest inventory (CFI) network of a private enterprise. The CFI received operational fertilization and additional fertilization was carried out in the TP. The trees were measured at the beginning of the experiment and at every six months to quantify the production in the wet (PW) and dry (PD) periods of the year. Uniformity of plantations was evaluated using Pvar 50 % and the optimal uniformity index. Potential, attainable, and observed yields were estimated using the average annual increase at seven years of age. The PW showed higher plant yield. There was an effect due to water availability and nutrient level on the yield of the stands. The driest semester of the year produces approximately 30 % of the current annual increase. The stands under the second rotation tend to have less uniformity than the in the first rotation. Potential yield varied depending on rainfall intensity where wetter regions had the highest yield.

Evaluation of different silvicultural management techniques and water seasonality on yield of eucalyptus stands

Appropriate management of factors that influence forest development is essential to increase yield of forest plantations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of water seasonality, nutritional management, and uniformity on yield of eucalyptus plantations and estimate the potential, attainable, and observed yield of adult eucalyptus stands. We evaluated Eucalyptus clonal stands in six regions of Minas Gerais State, Brazil, in a system of first and second rotation across four age classes using the twin-plots method (TP). In the study, 142 TPs were allocated alongside 142 plots in a continuous forest inventory (CFI) network of a private enterprise. The CFI received operational fertilization and additional fertilization was carried out in the TP. The trees were measured at the beginning of the experiment and at every six months to quantify the production in the wet (PW) and dry (PD) periods of the year. Uniformity of plantations was evaluated using Pvar 50 % and the optimal uniformity index. Potential, attainable, and observed yields were estimated using the average annual increase at seven years of age. The PW showed higher plant yield. There was an effect due to water availability and nutrient level on the yield of the stands. The driest semester of the year produces approximately 30 % of the current annual increase. The stands under the second rotation tend to have less uniformity than the in the first rotation. Potential yield varied depending on rainfall intensity where wetter regions had the highest yield.

Evaluation of different silvicultural management techniques and water seasonality on yield of eucalyptus stands

ABSTRACT: Appropriate management of factors that influence forest development is essential to increase yield of forest plantations. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of water seasonality, nutritional management, and uniformity on yield of eucalyptus plantations and estimate the potential, attainable, and observed yield of adult eucalyptus stands. We evaluated Eucalyptus clonal stands in six regions of Minas Gerais State, Brazil, in a system of first and second rotation across four age classes using the twin-plots method (TP). In the study, 142 TPs were allocated alongside 142 plots in a continuous forest inventory (CFI) network of a private enterprise. The CFI received operational fertilization and additional fertilization was carried out in the TP. The trees were measured at the beginning of the experiment and at every six months to quantify the production in the wet (PW) and dry (PD) periods of the year. Uniformity of plantations was evaluated using Pvar 50 % and the optimal uniformity index. Potential, attainable, and observed yields were estimated using the average annual increase at seven years of age. The PW showed higher plant yield. There was an effect due to water availability and nutrient level on the yield of the stands. The driest semester of the year produces approximately 30 % of the current annual increase. The stands under the second rotation tend to have less uniformity than the in the first rotation. Potential yield varied depending on rainfall intensity where wetter regions had the highest yield.

Optimal plot size in forage sorghum with comparison of the methods of modified maximum curvature, linear response and plateau model and quadratic response and plateau model / Tamanho ótimo de parcela em sorgo forrageiro com comparação dos métodos da curvatura máxima modificado, modelo linear de resposta com platô e modelo quadrático de resposta com platô

The objective of this study was to compare three methods for estimating the optimal plot size to evaluate the fresh matter productivity of forage sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) sown in rows, evaluated in three cuts. Two uniformity trials (repetitions) were carried out. In each trial, three plant cuts were performed, totaling six uniformity trials (2 trials per cut × 3 cuts). The first cut was performed at 41 days after sowing (DAS), the second at 82 DAS and the third at 133 DAS. Fresh matter productivity was evaluated in 216 basic experimental units (BEU) of 1 m × 1 m (36 BEU per trial). The BEU was formed by two rows of 1.0 m in length, spaced 0.50 m apart, totaling 1.0 m2. The optimal plot size was determined using the methods of modified maximum curvature, linear response and plateau model and quadratic response and plateau model. The optimal plot size differs between the methods and decreases in the following order: quadratic response and plateau model (9.10 m2), linear response and plateau model (7.16 m2) and modified maximum curvature (4.13 m2). The optimal plot size to evaluate the fresh matter productivity of forage sorghum, sown in rows, evaluated in three cuts, is 7.16 m2and the experimental precision stabilizes from this size on.

O objetivo deste estudo foi comparar três métodos de estimação do tamanho ótimo de parcela para avaliar a produtividade de matéria fresca de sorgo forrageiro (Sorghum bicolor(L.) Moench) semeado em fileiras, avaliada em três cortes. Foram conduzidos dois ensaios de uniformidade (repetições). Em cada ensaio foram realizados três cortes das plantas, totalizando seis ensaios de uniformidade (2 ensaios por corte × 3 cortes). O primeiro corte foi realizado aos 41 dias após a semeadura (DAS), o segundo aos 82 DAS e o terceiro aos 133 DAS. Foi avaliada a produtividade de matéria fresca em 216 unidades experimentais básicas (UEB) de 1 m × 1 m (36 UEB por ensaio). A UEB foi formada por duas fileiras de 1,0 m de comprimento, espaçadas 0,50m entre fileiras, totalizando 1,0 m2. Foi determinado o tamanho ótimo de parcela por meio dos métodos da curvatura máxima modificado, do modelo linear de resposta com platô e do modelo quadrático de resposta com platô. O tamanho ótimo de parcela difere entre os métodos e decresce na seguinte ordem: modelo quadrático de resposta com platô (9,10 m2), modelo linear de resposta com platô (7,16 m2) e curvatura máxima modificado (4,13 m2). O tamanho ótimo de parcela para avaliar a produtividade de matéria fresca de sorgo forrageiro semeado em fileiras, avaliada em três cortes, é 7,16 m2e a precisão experimental estabiliza a partir desse tamanho.

DIMSUB, a computer program for designing microirrigation subunits: tool definition and case studies

DIMSUB is a computer program to complement a decision support tool (DST) to effectively study different hydraulic design alternatives in microirrigation systems. We developed environments in Visual Basic for applications for Microsoft Excel® that allow specific step-by-step functions to be created for the design of irrigation subunits. Different alternatives can be considered, such as types of emitter, lateral and submain pipe sizes, different feeding points, irregular subunit shapes and topography slopes. Furthermore, specific uniformity criteria need to be considered to achieve efficient water applications and proper design systems. Lengths of run lateral and submain pipes, position of the hydrant connection, pressure head and head loss in pipes or pressure-compensating emitters can be assigned to evaluate the results and choose the best design alternative. This user-friendly tool to study hydraulic variables is expected to be a valuable aid for the decision-making process in designing irrigation systems. Some examples of practical cases under specific crop conditions to design drip irrigation subunits are given using DIMSUB.

DIMSUB, a computer program for designing microirrigation subunits: tool definition and case studies

DIMSUB is a computer program to complement a decision support tool (DST) to effectively study different hydraulic design alternatives in microirrigation systems. We developed environments in Visual Basic for applications for Microsoft Excel® that allow specific step-by-step functions to be created for the design of irrigation subunits. Different alternatives can be considered, such as types of emitter, lateral and submain pipe sizes, different feeding points, irregular subunit shapes and topography slopes. Furthermore, specific uniformity criteria need to be considered to achieve efficient water applications and proper design systems. Lengths of run lateral and submain pipes, position of the hydrant connection, pressure head and head loss in pipes or pressure-compensating emitters can be assigned to evaluate the results and choose the best design alternative. This user-friendly tool to study hydraulic variables is expected to be a valuable aid for the decision-making process in designing irrigation systems. Some examples of practical cases under specific crop conditions to design drip irrigation subunits are given using DIMSUB.(AU)

Produtividade e componentes de rendimento de híbridos de milho em função da distribuição espacial na linha de semeadura / Corn hybrids productivity depending in spatial distribution in the seeding line

A uniformidade espacial na distância entre plantas na linha de semeadura e na época de emergência, é fundamental para alcançar altos tetos produtivos na cultura do milho. O presente trabalho teve objetivo avaliar a produtividade de dois híbridos de milho em função da distribuição espacial na linha de semeadura. O experimento foi conduzido no município Cambé-PR na segunda safra de milho em 2016. Foram avaliados os híbridos de milho Fórmula TL (Syngenta) e 2A401 Pw (Dow). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. A unidade experimental foi constituída de quatro linhas de seis metros de comprimento e 0,70 m de espaçamento entre linhas.  Foram realizados cinco tratamentos (1; 2; 3; 4 e 5 plantas agrupadas), caracterizados pela distribuição espacial na linha de semeadura. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância pelo teste F, com uso do software SISVAR e a comparação de médias foi realizada pelo teste de Tukey. Existe variabilidade genética para o rendimento de grãos quanto a distribuição de plantas na linha de semeadura. No componente plantas quebradas os dois híbridos estudados apresentaram porcentagem semelhantes, e diferenças mais acentuadas na variável plantas acamadas. O híbrido Fórmula foi capaz de compensar os espaços deixados pela desuniformidade na linha de semeadura.

Spatial uniformity in the distance between plants at the sowing line and at the time of emergence is fundamental to reach high productive ceilings in maize crop. The present work aimed to evaluate the yield of two maize hybrids as a function of the spatial distribution in the sowing line. The experiment was conducted in Cambé-PR, Brazil, in the second corn crop in 2016. Formula TL (Syngenta) and 2A401 Pw (Dow) maize hybrids were evaluated. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications. The experimental unit consisted of four lines of six meters in length and 0.70 m of line spacing. Five treatments (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 grouped plants) were performed, characterized by the spatial distribution in the sowing line. The data were subjected to analysis of variance by the F test using SISVAR software and the comparison of means was performed by Tukey test. There is genetic variability for grain yield regarding plant distribution in the sowing line. In the broken plants component the two hybrids studied presented similar percentage, and more marked differences in the bedridden variable. The Formula hybrid were able to compensate for the spaces left by the unevenness in the sowing line.

Produtividade e componentes de rendimento de híbridos de milho em função da distribuição espacial na linha de semeadura / Corn hybrids productivity depending in spatial distribution in the seeding line

A uniformidade espacial na distância entre plantas na linha de semeadura e na época de emergência, é fundamental para alcançar altos tetos produtivos na cultura do milho. O presente trabalho teve objetivo avaliar a produtividade de dois híbridos de milho em função da distribuição espacial na linha de semeadura. O experimento foi conduzido no município Cambé-PR na segunda safra de milho em 2016. Foram avaliados os híbridos de milho Fórmula TL (Syngenta) e 2A401 Pw (Dow). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi em blocos ao acaso com quatro repetições. A unidade experimental foi constituída de quatro linhas de seis metros de comprimento e 0,70 m de espaçamento entre linhas.  Foram realizados cinco tratamentos (1; 2; 3; 4 e 5 plantas agrupadas), caracterizados pela distribuição espacial na linha de semeadura. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância pelo teste F, com uso do software SISVAR e a comparação de médias foi realizada pelo teste de Tukey. Existe variabilidade genética para o rendimento de grãos quanto a distribuição de plantas na linha de semeadura. No componente plantas quebradas os dois híbridos estudados apresentaram porcentagem semelhantes, e diferenças mais acentuadas na variável plantas acamadas. O híbrido Fórmula foi capaz de compensar os espaços deixados pela desuniformidade na linha de semeadura.(AU)

Spatial uniformity in the distance between plants at the sowing line and at the time of emergence is fundamental to reach high productive ceilings in maize crop. The present work aimed to evaluate the yield of two maize hybrids as a function of the spatial distribution in the sowing line. The experiment was conducted in Cambé-PR, Brazil, in the second corn crop in 2016. Formula TL (Syngenta) and 2A401 Pw (Dow) maize hybrids were evaluated. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications. The experimental unit consisted of four lines of six meters in length and 0.70 m of line spacing. Five treatments (1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 grouped plants) were performed, characterized by the spatial distribution in the sowing line. The data were subjected to analysis of variance by the F test using SISVAR software and the comparison of means was performed by Tukey test. There is genetic variability for grain yield regarding plant distribution in the sowing line. In the broken plants component the two hybrids studied presented similar percentage, and more marked differences in the bedridden variable. The Formula hybrid were able to compensate for the spaces left by the unevenness in the sowing line.(AU)

Alternative low-cost precipitation kit for assessing irrigation systems / Kit de precipitação alternativo de baixo custo para avaliação de sistemas de irrigação

Irrigation systems must be assessed periodically to verify equipment quality and the need for adjustments. For this, precipitation test kits are necessary. However, commercially available kits have as their main disadvantage the high cost. Therefore, this study aimed to develop an alternative low-cost precipitation kit and verify its efficiency compared to an available commercial brand. The validation test was carried out at the Laboratory of Hydraulics of the Federal University of Viçosa (UFV) using a conventional sprinkler system organized in a quadrangular arrangement. Water collections were carried out within two hours using a grid of plastic collectors spaced at 3 × 3 m and installed at 0.7 m above the ground. The coefficient of determination (R2 ), uniformity coefficients, application efficiency, and thematic maps of the spatial variability of the applied irrigation depth were compared between kits and used for the validation of measurements. The results showed a high agreement between the developed (GESAI) and a commercial kit (Trademark) (R2 = 0.9849), and a high spatial agreement between the collected water depths. Therefore, the GESAI kit is a low-cost alternative for the assessment of irrigation systems.(AU)

Os sistemas de irrigação devem ser avaliados periodicamente para a verificação da qualidade do equipamento e a necessidade de ajustes. Para isso, kits de ensaios de precipitação são necessários, entretanto, os kits comercialmente disponíveis apresentam como principal desvantagem o elevado custo. Assim, o presente trabalho teve como objetivo elaborar um kit de precipitação alternativo de baixo custo e averiguar a sua eficiência frente a marca comercial disponível. O ensaio de validação foi realizado no Laboratório de Hidráulica da Universidade Federal de Viçosa (UFV), utilizando um sistema de aspersão convencional, disposto em um arranjo quadrangular. As coletas de água foram realizadas no período de duas horas, com auxílio de uma malha de coletores plásticos espaçados em 3 x 3 m e instalados a 0,7 m acima do solo. Para comparação e validação das medições foram utilizados o coeficiente de determinação (R²), coeficientes de uniformidade, eficiência de aplicação e mapas temáticos da variabilidade espacial da lâmina aplicada entre os kits. Os resultados mostraram que houve elevada concordância entre o kit desenvolvido (GESAI) e o kit comercial (Trademark) (R² = 0,9849) e uma concordância espacial elevada entre as lâminas coletadas. Portanto, recomenda-se o uso do kit GESAI como uma alternativa de baixo custo para a avaliação de sistemas de irrigação.(AU)