Effects of dietary fiber on performance and egg quality of laying hens at pre-laying and laying peak

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different levels of dietary fiber on the performance and egg quality of laying hens at pre-laying and laying peak periods. The experimental period was divided into three periods: pre-laying (16 to 19 weeks of age), the start of laying (20 to 22 weeks of age) and laying peak (23 to 28 weeks of age). The experimental design was completely randomized with treatments constituted by five levels of fiber (2.00, 2.50, 3.00, 3.50, and 4.00%) in the diets, with five replicates (pens) of six birds each, totalling 180 hens. Performance and egg quality results were evaluated by polynomial regression at 5%. Fiber levels were not influenced (p >0.05) the first laying of the hens. However, levels above 2.50% of fiber provided worst (p <0.05) performance results, regardless of the period evaluated. Shortly after the start of laying, higher levels of fiber also caused a linear reduction (p <0.05) on egg weight and percentages of yolk and albumen, and an increase (p <0.05) on eggshells. Higher fiber levels caused a linear reduction (p <0.05) in the quality of the eggs, regardless of the period evaluated. It was concluded that the fiber levels did not influence the start period of the laying. Both pre-laying and start of the laying, levels above 2.5% of fiber caused a gradual worsening in performance. From the start of laying up to laying peak, levels above 2.5% of fiber also caused a gradual worsening in egg quality.(AU)

Growth performance, reproductive parameters and fertility measures in young Nellore bulls with divergent feed efficiency

The growth, sexual maturity and fertility-related parameters related of young Nellore bulls with divergent residual feed intake (RFI) raised on pasture were evaluated. After classification of 48 young males as low and high RFI (more and less efficient, respectively), the animals were evaluated for growth and reproductive parameters at 28-day intervals from 14.3 to 24.6 months of age. The semen was cryopreserved in the last sampling and fresh and post-thaw semen samples were evaluated. Low RFI bulls exhibited higher initial and final body weight (P < 0.05), but feed intake, body condition score and growth measures evaluated by carcass ultrasound were unaffected by RFI (P > 0.05). The scrotal circumference, sperm concentration, defects, and quality of fresh semen, and ultrasonographic testicular characteristics were unaffected by RFI (P > 0.05). However, velocity parameters such as average path and curvilinear velocities determined by computer-assisted sperm analysis of thawed semen submitted to the rapid thermoresistance test were improved (P < 0.05) in low RFI bulls, but this improvement in quality did not enhance in vitro sperm fertilizing ability. Our results demonstrated significant differences in metabolism and growth performance between bulls of divergent RFI. In addition, there was slight improvement in the semen quality of bulls with low RFI bulls, but this did not enhance in vitro fertilizing ability. Selection of beef bulls for RFI can be performed, which will result in economic benefits by improving the growth performance of the animals without affecting reproductive parameters.(AU)

The Effect of Dietary Glucose Oxidase Supplementation on Production Performance, Egg Quality and Nutrient Digestibility in Laying Hens

The study was conducted to investigate the effect of GOX on performance, egg quality, and nutrient digestibility in laying hens. In total, 432, 50-week-old Hy-Line brown breeder hens were assigned into four treatments, and fed a basal diet with GOX at 0, 100, 200 and 300 units for 10 weeks, respectively. A Quadratic decrease in FI in week 3 (p<0.05) and linear increase in egg production in week 6 to 10 and overall experiment period (p<0.05) and Quadratic increase in egg production in week 7 (p<0.05), a linear decrease in broken egg rate in week 6 (p<0.05) a quadratic increase in egg weight on day 14 (p<0.05), alinear increase in egg weight on day 28 (p<0.05), and linear decrease in yolk color on day 7 (p<0.05), a linear increase in yolk color on day 42 and day 70 (p<0.05), and linear increase in haugh unit on day 28 and 70 (p<0.05), a linear increase albumen height on day 28 and day 56 (p<0.05), and linear decrease in shell color on day 14 (p<0.05) and day 28(p<0.05), a linear and quadratic increases in eggshell strength and eggshell thickness on day 56 (p<0.05), and linear increase in eggshell strength and eggshell thickness on day 70 (P0.05) were observed with the addition of GOX the the diet. Conclusion: This study suggested that the supplementation of GOX may have beneficial effects on feed intake and egg quality in laying hens.(AU)

Evaluation of cardiac status, ascites related factors and growth performance of five commercial strains of broiler chickens

The aim of the current study was to evaluate cardiac status, ascitessusceptibility, thyroid hormones, some hematological parameters andperformance of five commercial broiler strains.Chicks were selected from strains of Cobb, Hubbard, Ross 308, Arbor Acres, and Arian (Iranian commercial broiler strain). Management and nutritional conditions were the same for all strains. Ascites related factors, and growth performancewere measured. The highest and lowest, RV weight/live weight at 21 day of age were related to Arian and Ross 308 strains, respectively (p <0.05). The TV weight, TV weight/live weightand the RV weight/live weight were significantly different between various strains at 49 and 54 days of age(p <0.05). Strain had no effect on RV/TV.Performance, T3and T4hormones, hematological parameters, andmortalitieswere not significantly different among the strains(p >0.05). Ascites mortalities in the Ross 308 was zero; however, it had no significant difference with other strains (p >0.05).It was concluded that, based on performance and physiological status, even though considered broiler strains did not differ significantly because of the same genetic programs probably, but according to the prices and market conditions each can be selected for breeding.(AU)

Evaluation of cardiac status, ascites related factors and growth performance of five commercial strains of broiler chickens

The aim of the current study was to evaluate cardiac status, ascitessusceptibility, thyroid hormones, some hematological parameters andperformance of five commercial broiler strains.Chicks were selected from strains of Cobb, Hubbard, Ross 308, Arbor Acres, and Arian (Iranian commercial broiler strain). Management and nutritional conditions were the same for all strains. Ascites related factors, and growth performancewere measured. The highest and lowest, RV weight/live weight at 21 day of age were related to Arian and Ross 308 strains, respectively (p 0.05). Ascites mortalities in the Ross 308 was zero; however, it had no significant difference with other strains (p >0.05).It was concluded that, based on performance and physiological status, even though considered broiler strains did not differ significantly because of the same genetic programs probably, but according to the prices and market conditions each can be selected for breeding.

Residual feed intake of Nellore calves is not repeatable across pre and post weaning periods / Consumo alimentar residual de bezerros Nelore na pré e pós-desmama tem baixa repetibilidade

This study measured milk and solid feed intake in pre- weaning period and feed intake in postweaning period of Nellore calves, and to correlated them with performance traits and ingestive behavior of animals classified as most and least efficient. During pre weaning phase, feed efficiency was evaluated in 51 cow-calf pairs from 21±5 days after calving until weaning. During post-weaning phase, only male calves (n=23) were evaluated. Pre-weaning milk intake of calves was estimated based on cows milk production. Pre-weaning daily metabolizable energy intake (MEI) of calves was estimated as the sum of MEI from milk and solid diet. There was no difference in ADG between calves with negative and positive pre RFI, with a consequent better feed conversion to more efficient calves. The most efficient calves spent less time at the feed bunk, with a shorter feeding duration and higher rate of intake, compared to the least efficient animals. Correlations between feed intake and metabolic body weight of the animals during pre- and postweaning phases were positive, of medium to high magnitude, and significant, while correlation between ADG values was close to zero. Results suggested that part of the animals ranked based on pre weaning feed intake wont maintain their rank during postweaning phase. In conclusion, calves classified as most efficient during pre-weaning phase have similar weight gain but lower milk intake and MEI than least efficient animals. The estimated pre RFI is weakly correlated with post RFI, showing that RFI is not consistent or repeatable across two periods.(AU)

Este estudo teve como objetivo mensurar o consumo de leite e sólidos no período pré-desmama e o consumo alimentar no período pós-desmama, e relacioná-los com características de desempenho e comportamento ingestivo de animais classificados como mais eficientes e menos eficientes. Na fase pré-desmama foram avaliados 51 pares vaca-bezerro da raça Nelore quanto à eficiência alimentar dos 21±5 dias após o parto até a desmama. Na fase pós-desmama, apenas os bezerros machos (n=23) foram avaliados. O consumo de leite dos bezerros na pré-desmama foi estimado pela produção de leite das vacas. O consumo diário de energia metabolizável do bezerro na pré-desmama (CEM), foi estimado pela soma do consumo de energia metabolizável do leite e do consumo diário de energia metabolizável da dieta. Bezerros CARpre negativo não diferiram dos bezerros CARpre positivo quanto ao GMD, resultando em melhor CA dos bezerros mais eficientes. Bezerros mais eficientes ficaram menos tempo no cocho, com menor duração da refeição e com maior taxa de alimentação comparativamente aos animais menos eficientes. As correlações entre o consumo alimentar e peso corporal metabólico dos animais na pré e pós-desmama foram positivas, de média a alta magnitudes e significativas, enquanto que a correlação entre ganho médio diário foi próxima de zero. Os resultados sugerem que parte dos animais classificados pelo consumo alimentar na pré-desmama manterão a classificação na pós-desmama. Na fase pré-desmama bezerros classificados como mais eficientes tem ganho de peso similar, porém com menor consumo de leite e consumo de energia metabolizável do que bezerros menos eficientes. A estimativa do consumo alimentar residual na fase pré-desmama é fracamente relacionada à estimativa do consumo alimentar residual na fase pós-desmama, mostrando que o consumo alimentar residual não é consistente e repetível nos dois períodos.(AU)

Residual feed intake of Nellore calves is not repeatable across pre and post weaning periods / Consumo alimentar residual de bezerros Nelore na pré e pós-desmama tem baixa repetibilidade

ABSTRACT: This study measured milk and solid feed intake in pre- weaning period and feed intake in postweaning period of Nellore calves, and to correlated them with performance traits and ingestive behavior of animals classified as most and least efficient. During pre weaning phase, feed efficiency was evaluated in 51 cow-calf pairs from 21±5 days after calving until weaning. During post-weaning phase, only male calves (n=23) were evaluated. Pre-weaning milk intake of calves was estimated based on cow's milk production. Pre-weaning daily metabolizable energy intake (MEI) of calves was estimated as the sum of MEI from milk and solid diet. There was no difference in ADG between calves with negative and positive pre RFI, with a consequent better feed conversion to more efficient calves. The most efficient calves spent less time at the feed bunk, with a shorter feeding duration and higher rate of intake, compared to the least efficient animals. Correlations between feed intake and metabolic body weight of the animals during pre- and postweaning phases were positive, of medium to high magnitude, and significant, while correlation between ADG values was close to zero. Results suggested that part of the animals ranked based on pre weaning feed intake won't maintain their rank during postweaning phase. In conclusion, calves classified as most efficient during pre-weaning phase have similar weight gain but lower milk intake and MEI than least efficient animals. The estimated pre RFI is weakly correlated with post RFI, showing that RFI is not consistent or repeatable across two periods.

RESUMO: Este estudo teve como objetivo mensurar o consumo de leite e sólidos no período pré-desmama e o consumo alimentar no período pós-desmama, e relacioná-los com características de desempenho e comportamento ingestivo de animais classificados como mais eficientes e menos eficientes. Na fase pré-desmama foram avaliados 51 pares vaca-bezerro da raça Nelore quanto à eficiência alimentar dos 21±5 dias após o parto até a desmama. Na fase pós-desmama, apenas os bezerros machos (n=23) foram avaliados. O consumo de leite dos bezerros na pré-desmama foi estimado pela produção de leite das vacas. O consumo diário de energia metabolizável do bezerro na pré-desmama (CEM), foi estimado pela soma do consumo de energia metabolizável do leite e do consumo diário de energia metabolizável da dieta. Bezerros CARpre negativo não diferiram dos bezerros CARpre positivo quanto ao GMD, resultando em melhor CA dos bezerros mais eficientes. Bezerros mais eficientes ficaram menos tempo no cocho, com menor duração da refeição e com maior taxa de alimentação comparativamente aos animais menos eficientes. As correlações entre o consumo alimentar e peso corporal metabólico dos animais na pré e pós-desmama foram positivas, de média a alta magnitudes e significativas, enquanto que a correlação entre ganho médio diário foi próxima de zero. Os resultados sugerem que parte dos animais classificados pelo consumo alimentar na pré-desmama manterão a classificação na pós-desmama. Na fase pré-desmama bezerros classificados como mais eficientes tem ganho de peso similar, porém com menor consumo de leite e consumo de energia metabolizável do que bezerros menos eficientes. A estimativa do consumo alimentar residual na fase pré-desmama é fracamente relacionada à estimativa do consumo alimentar residual na fase pós-desmama, mostrando que o consumo alimentar residual não é consistente e repetível nos dois períodos.

Digestible lysine requirement for European laying quail

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the productive performance of European quails (Coturnix coturnix) in the production phase, fed with diets containing different levels of digestible lysine. A total of 175 female quails, aged 65 days, were randomly distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments and five replicates per treatment. The animals were housed in 25 metal cages, and each cage represented an experimental parcel, with seven birds per parcel. The birds were fed the experimental rations containing 1.177, 1.217, 1.317, 1.417, and 1.517% digestible lysine. The parameters evaluated were: laying rate, mass of eggs produced, feed intake in the period, lysine intake, feed conversion per dozen and per mass. Significant differences were observed for posture rate with quadratic behavior, which indicated higher production for the level of 1.23% of digestible lysine. There was an increasing linear behavior for the feed and lysine intake, and for conversion feed per dozen and by mass, we observed quadratic behaviors. This indicates better feed conversion index when the optimal inclusion level was 1.33% and 1.404% of digestible lysine in the diet, respectively. The requirement of digestible lysine in diets for European quails is 1.404%, which corresponds to a daily intake of 421.20 milligrams of digestible lysine.(AU)

Digestible lysine requirement for European laying quail

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the productive performance of European quails (Coturnix coturnix) in the production phase, fed with diets containing different levels of digestible lysine. A total of 175 female quails, aged 65 days, were randomly distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments and five replicates per treatment. The animals were housed in 25 metal cages, and each cage represented an experimental parcel, with seven birds per parcel. The birds were fed the experimental rations containing 1.177, 1.217, 1.317, 1.417, and 1.517% digestible lysine. The parameters evaluated were: laying rate, mass of eggs produced, feed intake in the period, lysine intake, feed conversion per dozen and per mass. Significant differences were observed for posture rate with quadratic behavior, which indicated higher production for the level of 1.23% of digestible lysine. There was an increasing linear behavior for the feed and lysine intake, and for conversion feed per dozen and by mass, we observed quadratic behaviors. This indicates better feed conversion index when the optimal inclusion level was 1.33% and 1.404% of digestible lysine in the diet, respectively. The requirement of digestible lysine in diets for European quails is 1.404%, which corresponds to a daily intake of 421.20 milligrams of digestible lysine.

Crude Glycerin and Energy Density of Diets for Growing, Pre-Lay and Pre-Peak Backcob Brown Egg-Laying Hens

A total of 320 13-weeks-old pullets were weighed and randomly allocated to treatments comprised by four levels of crude glycerin (0, 3, 6 or 9%) and two levels of ME (metabolizable energy, difference of 100 kcal/kg) in the diets growing (14 to 17 weeks of age), pre-lay and pre-peak (low: 2750, 2800 and 2750 kcal/kg and high: 2850, 2900 and 2850 kcal/kg, respectively). During the study, body weight was registered until 30 weeks of age, feed intake, egg weight and egg-production for each repetition and for individual hens were measured every week. The information was analyzed through a completely randomized design with a 4x2 factorial arrangement. During the growing phase, hens that received low energy diets consumed more feed (p 0.05), gained less body weight (p 0.05) and recorded lower feed conversion (p 0.05). Besides, a positive linear effect (p 0.05) was observed when including glycerin on feed conversion and weight gain. During the initial egg-laying phase, hens fed low-energy diets consumed more feed (p 0.05) and laid lighter eggs (p 0.05). Furthermore, a positive linear effect (p 0.05) of including crude glycerin on egg yield and feed intake was observed. After the egg-laying peak, the hens of high energy groups consumed 1.6 g/d less feed (p 0.05) and lay 0.9% less eggs, also, it a quadratic effect of inclusion of glycerin on laying-eggs was observed. In conclusion, the use of high energy diets decrease feed intake, increase egg weight until peak, but decrease the percentage of eggs post-peak; glycerin used in diets increases feed intake and improves egg-laying rate in different ways during the laying phase.(AU)

Use of banana (Musa sp) pseudostem hay in feedlot sheep feeding

The objective with this study was to evaluate intake, feeding behavior, rumen fluid characteristics, performance, and nutrient digestibility of sheep fed banana pseudostem hay (BPH) with and without virginiamycin (VM). Thirty-two uncastrated male crossbred Dorper × Santa Inês lambs at approximately five months of age, with an average initial body weight of 25.00±1.95 kg, were used in the experiment. Four diets were tested, as follows: Tifton grass hay (TGH) plus concentrate with VM; BPH replacing 60% of TGH plus concentrate with VM; TGH plus concentrate without VM; and BPH replacing 60% of TGH plus concentrate without VM. The experiment was set up as a completely randomized design in a 2×2 factorial arrangement, in which the factors were represented by BPH and TGH with and without VM, organized in an orthogonal contrast. Banana pseudostem hay inclusion influenced nutrient intake, except for non-fibrous carbohydrates corrected for ash and protein. Neither idling nor water intake times were changed by VM inclusion or banana pseudostem hay addition. Rumen fluid pH did not differ among the contrasts (THV+BHV) vs. (TH+BH), THV vs. TH, and BHV vs. BH, which were used to evaluate VM influence. Banana pseudostem increased rumen fluid pH in the contrast THV vs. BHV, both treatments including VM. Mean temperature of rumen fluid was 34.07 °C, and it did not change by inclusions of VM or banana pseudostem hay. No difference was observed for crude protein digestibility in the evaluated contrasts. When associated with virginiamycin, banana pseudostem hay provides satisfactory performance and nutritional parameters for feedlot sheep. Virginiamycin does not change the performance or nutritional parameters of these animals when Tifton grass hay is used as the only roughage source.(AU)

Crude Glycerin and Energy Density of Diets for Growing, Pre-Lay and Pre-Peak Backcob Brown Egg-Laying Hens

A total of 320 13-weeks-old pullets were weighed and randomly allocated to treatments comprised by four levels of crude glycerin (0, 3, 6 or 9%) and two levels of ME (metabolizable energy, difference of 100 kcal/kg) in the diets growing (14 to 17 weeks of age), pre-lay and pre-peak (low: 2750, 2800 and 2750 kcal/kg and high: 2850, 2900 and 2850 kcal/kg, respectively). During the study, body weight was registered until 30 weeks of age, feed intake, egg weight and egg-production for each repetition and for individual hens were measured every week. The information was analyzed through a completely randomized design with a 4x2 factorial arrangement. During the growing phase, hens that received low energy diets consumed more feed (p 0.05), gained less body weight (p 0.05) and recorded lower feed conversion (p 0.05). Besides, a positive linear effect (p 0.05) was observed when including glycerin on feed conversion and weight gain. During the initial egg-laying phase, hens fed low-energy diets consumed more feed (p 0.05) and laid lighter eggs (p 0.05). Furthermore, a positive linear effect (p 0.05) of including crude glycerin on egg yield and feed intake was observed. After the egg-laying peak, the hens of high energy groups consumed 1.6 g/d less feed (p 0.05) and lay 0.9% less eggs, also, it a quadratic effect of inclusion of glycerin on laying-eggs was observed. In conclusion, the use of high energy diets decrease feed intake, increase egg weight until peak, but decrease the percentage of eggs post-peak; glycerin used in diets increases feed intake and improves egg-laying rate in different ways during the laying phase.

Effect of dietary fat level and source on performance and immune system response of turkeys

An experiment was conducted to determine effects of different levels and sources of fats in diets on growth performance, carcass characteristics and immune response of turkeys during four periods (0-21, 22 to 42, 43 to 63 and 64 to 70 days of age). A completely randomized design with five treatments, six replicates and eight B.U.T.6 turkey chickens per replicate was used. Treatments included: Control diet, diet containing 2.5% of soybean oil, diet containing 2.5% fat supplement, diet containing 5% soybean oil, diet containing 5% fat supplement. The results showed that using 5% of soybean oil increased average daily gain of turkeys (89.04 g) throughout the experimental period (0-70 days) compared with the control group (81.11 g; p < 0.05). Treatments containing 2.5 and 5% soybean oil improved feed conversion ratio compared to control group (p < 0.05). Soybean oil at the levels of 2.5 and 5% was led to higher spleen and bursa percentages compared to other treatments, respectively (p < 0.05). The level and source of dietary fat had not significant effect on antibody titer against Newcastle virus vaccine on 42 and 70 days of age (p > 0.05). It can be concluded that supplementing diet with 5% soybean oil improved the performance of turkeys.(AU)

Feeding level and diet type during the wean-to-estrus interval on the reproductive performance of sows / Efeito da quantidade e tipo de dietas durante o intervalo desmame-estro sobre o desempenho reprodutivo de matrizes suínas

This study was conducted to evaluate how the amount and type of diet consumed during the wean-to-estrus interval (WEI) affects reproductive performance and WEI duration in sows. A total of 542 sows were distributed into the following treatment groups based on a 2 × 2 factorial design: feed amount during WEI (2.75 or 3.75 kg/day) and diet (gestation [G] or lactation [L]) groups. Dietary treatments were as follows: high supply of G diet (GH), low supply of G diet (GL), high supply of L diet (LH), and low supply of L diet (LL). Sows were randomly allocated to groups according to their body score Caliper and birth order. There was an interaction (P 0.05) between the factors for WEI duration, which was 0.2 days shorter in the GH and LL groups than in the other groups. No difference was observed between treatments (P>0.05) for the birth rate, total births, stillbirths, or total litter weight. There was a trend (P 0.10) toward a higher rate of live births in sows fed with G diet and sows receiving a low diet supply, with an average of 91.95% for both groups. In addition, there was a positive trend (P 0.10) for live weight of the litter, where GH and LL treatments resulted in higher birth weight (17.9 and 17.7 kg, respectively) than other treatments. In conclusion, a supply of 3.75 kg/day or the use of a more energetic feed (lactation) during the WEI did not improve the reproductive performance of the subsequent cycle of sows in good body condition.(AU)

Este experimento foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos da quantidade e tipo de dieta consumida durante o intervalo desmame-estro (IDE) sobre o desempenho ao parto subsequente e tempo de IDE de fêmeas suínas. Foram utilizadas 542 fêmeas, distribuídas em um delineamento fatorial 2×2 com duas quantidades de alimento fornecido durante o IDE (2,75 ou 3,75 kg/dia) e dois tipos de dieta (gestação - G ou lactação - L), sendo: Alto fornecimento de dieta G (GA), menor fornecimento de G (GM), alto fornecimento de L (LA) e menor fornecimento de L (LM). As fêmeas foram aleatoriamente distribuídas entre os tratamentos em blocos de acordo com o escore corporal Caliper e ordem de parto. Houve interação para tempo de IDE (P 0,05) entre a quantidade de ração e o tipo da dieta consumida durante o período, o qual foi 0,2 dias mais curto nos grupos GA e LM. Não houve diferença entre os tratamentos (P>0,05) sobre a taxa de parto, total de nascidos, natimortos e peso total da leitegada. Houve uma tendência para maior taxa de nascidos vivos (P 0,10) nas fêmeas que consumiram a dieta G, e nas fêmeas que receberam o menor fornecimento de ração, com média de 91,95%, para ambos os fatores. Além disso, foi observada tendência positiva (P 0,10) para o peso vivo da leitegada, em que GA e LM apresentaram maior peso ao nascer (17,9 e 17,7 kg, respectivamente). Em conclusão, o fornecimento de 3,75 kg/dia, ou o uso de uma dieta mais energética (lactação) durante o IDE, não melhora o desempenho reprodutivo do ciclo subsequente de fêmeas suínas em boa condição corporal.(AU)

Feed efficiency and loin meat quality in Iberian pigs

We investigated the ability to predict production performance in Iberian pigs in an extensive production system from measurements of feed efficiency measured intensively. The second objective of this work was to study the relationship between feed efficiency and meat quality (composition, juiciness, tenderness, color, and subcutaneous fatty acid composition) and if cooked and cured quality properties can be predicted by properties in fresh meat. Thirty Iberian sows received successively a restricted diet of concentrate (P1concentrate) and acorns (P2acorn) intensively and an ad libitum diet of acorns supplemented with a restricted amount of concentrate (P3montanera) extensively. Pigs that were more feed efficient on concentrate were less feed efficient on acorns and had higher body weight gain during the montanera . Improved feed efficiency on acorns reduced the concentration of α-linolenic and linoleic fatty acid composition of subcutaneous fat. Faster body weight gain in montanera resulted in a desirable reduction in cooking loss and a reduction in palmitic acid content in subcutaneous fat, and a potentially undesirable reduction in meat redness. Tenderness in cooked or cured loin was not significantly related to tenderness in the raw product. Cooking loss was positively related to purge and centrifugal drip loss and to color coordinates a*24 and b*24 in raw samples. We conclude that feed efficiency and body weight gain may be improved in the traditional Iberian production system, with a positive effect on cooking loss but potentially resulting in paler meat.(AU)

Effect of dietary fat level and source on performance and immune system response of turkeys

An experiment was conducted to determine effects of different levels and sources of fats in diets on growth performance, carcass characteristics and immune response of turkeys during four periods (0-21, 22 to 42, 43 to 63 and 64 to 70 days of age). A completely randomized design with five treatments, six replicates and eight B.U.T.6 turkey chickens per replicate was used. Treatments included: Control diet, diet containing 2.5% of soybean oil, diet containing 2.5% fat supplement, diet containing 5% soybean oil, diet containing 5% fat supplement. The results showed that using 5% of soybean oil increased average daily gain of turkeys (89.04 g) throughout the experimental period (0-70 days) compared with the control group (81.11 g; p 0.05). It can be concluded that supplementing diet with 5% soybean oil improved the performance of turkeys.

Protein with increasing levels of urea in the diet of dairy cows at pasture / Substituição da proteína bruta por níveis crescentes de ureia na dieta de vacas leiteiras em pastagem

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da substituição da proteína bruta da dieta por níveis crescentes de ureia nos parâmetros digestivos, produtivos e econômicos de vacas leiteiras mestiças em lactação, em condições de pastejo (Urochloa brizantha cv. Xaraés). Cinco vacas mestiças Holandês x Zebu foram distribuídas em delineamento quadrado latino5 x 5, com cinco períodos experimentais de 21 dias cada. Os níveis de reposição de proteína bruta na dieta por ureia foram de 0, 7%, 14%, 21% e 28%. A ingestão de matéria seca, proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro e nutrientes digestíveis totais e o coeficiente de digestibilidade, não foram afetados pelo aumento dos níveis de ureia (p>0,05), exceto pela ingestão de carboidratos não fibrosos que aumentaram linearmente com os níveis suplementares de ureia (p0,05) para vacas alimentadas pelo aumento dos níveis de ureia. Os indicadores financeiros (margem bruta, margem líquida, rentabilidade e taxa de retorno) foram positivos, superando as despesas operacionais e o custo operacional total. A substituição parcial da proteína bruta da dieta pela ureia em vacas leiteiras em lactação sob pastejo não interfere nos parâmetros produtivos. Os resultados deste estudo demonstram que a substituição de 28% da proteína bruta da dieta por ureia pode ser feita para reduzir os custos de alimentação sem impacto negativo no desempenho de vacas em lactação mantidas em pastagens de grama tropical.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of replacing dietary crude protein with increasing levels of urea on the digestive, productive and economic parameters of crossbred midlactation dairy cows under grazing conditions (Urochloa brizantha cv. Xaraés). Five crossbred cows (Holstein x Zebu) were distributed in a Latin square design (5 x 5) at five experimental periods of 21 days each. Replacement levels of dietary crude protein by urea were 0%, 7%, 14%, 21% and 28%. The intakes of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and total digestible nutrients, as well as the coefficient of digestibility, were not affected by increasing levels of urea (p>0.05), except for the intake of non-fibrous carbohydrates that increased linearly with supplemental urea levels (p0.05) for cows fed by increasing levels of urea. The financial indicators (gross margin, net margin, profitability, and rate of return) were positive, exceeding operating expenses and the total operating cost. The partial replacement of dietary crude protein by urea in mid-lactation dairy cows under grazing conditions does not interfere with the productive parameters. The results of this study demonstrate that replacing 28% of dietary crude protein by urea could be done in order to reduce feeding costs without negative impact on the performance of lactating cows grazing tropical grass pastures.

Use of Tithonia diversifolia (hemsl) A. Gray in the diet of growing lambs / [Uso de tithonia diversifolia (hemsl) A. Gray na dieta de cordeiros em crescimento]

Two assays were conducted to study the Tithonia diversifolia (Td) plant: (1) chemical analysis and in vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD) of plant parts and (2) productive performance of lambs fed a traditional diet or a Td diet (30% of Td plus 70% of the traditional diet). The plant parts studied were leaves (L), leaves and petioles (LP); and leaves, petioles and stems (LPS). Feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion were registered weekly during five weeks of experimentation. The L showed higher (P<0.05) crude protein content (26.7%) than LP and LPS (25.5 and 19.7%, respectively). Crude fiber (11.2%), neutral detergent fiber (45.4%), cellulose (16.9%) and hemicellulose (33.5%) were lower in L than in LP (12.5, 46.7, 18.0 and 35.7%, respectively) and LPS (22.6, 59.2, 27.0 and 43.5%, respectively). The L and LP showed the highest IVDMD (89.2 and 88.2%, respectively vs. 77.2% of LPS). The Td diet resulted in greater feed intake and weight gain and lower feed conversion than the traditional diet. Therefore, Tithonia diversifolia is a forage plant of good quality for lambs which does not affect the productive performance.(AU)

Dois ensaios foram realizados para estudar a planta de Tithonia diversifolia (Td): (1) análise química e digestibilidade in vitro da matéria seca (DIVMS) de partes de plantas e (2) desempenho produtivo de cordeiros alimentados com dieta tradicional ou dieta Td (30% de Td mais 70% da dieta tradicional). As partes vegetais estudadas foram folhas (L), folhas e pecíolos (LP); folhas, pecíolos e caules (LPS). O consumo de ração, o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar foram registrados semanalmente, durante cinco semanas de experimentação. O L apresentou maior (P<0,05) conteúdo de proteína bruta (26,7%) que o LP e o LPS (25,5 e 19,7%, respectivamente). Fibra bruta (11,2%), fibra em detergente neutro (45,4%), celulose (16,9%) e hemicelulose (33,5%) foram menores em L do que em LP (12,5, 46,7, 18,0 e 35,7%, respectivamente) e LPS (22,6, 59,2, 27,0 e 43,5%, respectivamente). O L e o LP apresentaram o maior DIVMS (89,2 e 88,2%, respectivamente vs. 77,2% do LPS). A dieta Td resultou em maior consumo de ração e maior ganho de peso e menor conversão alimentar que a dieta tradicional. Portanto, Tithonia diversifolia é uma planta forrageira de boa qualidade para cordeiros que não afeta o desempenho produtivo.(AU)

Protein with increasing levels of urea in the diet of dairy cows at pasture / Substituição da proteína bruta por níveis crescentes de ureia na dieta de vacas leiteiras em pastagem

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o efeito da substituição da proteína bruta da dieta por níveis crescentes de ureia nos parâmetros digestivos, produtivos e econômicos de vacas leiteiras mestiças em lactação, em condições de pastejo (Urochloa brizantha cv. Xaraés). Cinco vacas mestiças Holandês x Zebu foram distribuídas em delineamento quadrado latino5 x 5, com cinco períodos experimentais de 21 dias cada. Os níveis de reposição de proteína bruta na dieta por ureia foram de 0, 7%, 14%, 21% e 28%. A ingestão de matéria seca, proteína bruta, fibra em detergente neutro e nutrientes digestíveis totais e o coeficiente de digestibilidade, não foram afetados pelo aumento dos níveis de ureia (p>0,05), exceto pela ingestão de carboidratos não fibrosos que aumentaram linearmente com os níveis suplementares de ureia (p<0,05). A produção de leite, a sua composição química, a eficiência alimentar, o peso corporal e a eficiência no uso de nitrogênio não apresentaram diferença significativa (p>0,05) para vacas alimentadas pelo aumento dos níveis de ureia. Os indicadores financeiros (margem bruta, margem líquida, rentabilidade e taxa de retorno) foram positivos, superando as despesas operacionais e o custo operacional total. A substituição parcial da proteína bruta da dieta pela ureia em vacas leiteiras em lactação sob pastejo não interfere nos parâmetros produtivos. Os resultados deste estudo demonstram que a substituição de 28% da proteína bruta da dieta por ureia pode ser feita para reduzir os custos de alimentação sem impacto negativo no desempenho de vacas em lactação mantidas em pastagens de grama tropical.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of replacing dietary crude protein with increasing levels of urea on the digestive, productive and economic parameters of crossbred midlactation dairy cows under grazing conditions (Urochloa brizantha cv. Xaraés). Five crossbred cows (Holstein x Zebu) were distributed in a Latin square design (5 x 5) at five experimental periods of 21 days each. Replacement levels of dietary crude protein by urea were 0%, 7%, 14%, 21% and 28%. The intakes of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, and total digestible nutrients, as well as the coefficient of digestibility, were not affected by increasing levels of urea (p>0.05), except for the intake of non-fibrous carbohydrates that increased linearly with supplemental urea levels (p<0.05). Milk yield and chemical composition, feed efficiency, body weight, and nitrogen use efficiency did not show a significant difference (p>0.05) for cows fed by increasing levels of urea. The financial indicators (gross margin, net margin, profitability, and rate of return) were positive, exceeding operating expenses and the total operating cost. The partial replacement of dietary crude protein by urea in mid-lactation dairy cows under grazing conditions does not interfere with the productive parameters. The results of this study demonstrate that replacing 28% of dietary crude protein by urea could be done in order to reduce feeding costs without negative impact on the performance of lactating cows grazing tropical grass pastures.(AU)

Ingestive behavior of dairy goats fed diets containing increasing levels of neutral detergent fiber and particle size using multivariate analysis

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of interaction between increasing neutral detergent fiber content and particle sizes on ingestive behavior of dairy goats. Forty-eight lactating, multiparous Saanen and Alpine goats, with average milk production of 1.4 ±0.57 kg d-1, around 60th ±12 day of lactation were distributed in a 3 x 4 factorial completely randomized design. The diets consisted: three particles sizes (02, 05 or 15 cm) and four levels of neutral detergent fiber (34, 41, 49 or 57% NDFf) from forage (Tifton 85 hay). The ingestive behavior was monitored during 24 hours. A regression and a multivariate time series cluster analysis were performed. No interaction was found (p > 0.05) between treatments. Feeding time was different according to the particle size, having an increasing linear effect. Rumination and idle times were not affected (p > 0.05). The temporal feeding behavior was clustered into two groups according to the profile of particle size of the diet. Rumination peaks were randomly distributed with more intense activity before morning and afternoon meals. The increase in NDFf content in the diet did not change the ingestive behavior. The multivariate cluster analysis in a time series data is useful to interpret animal feeding behavior.(AU)