Gas exchange, growth, and quality of passion fruit seedlings cultivated with saline water / Trocas gasosas, crescimento e qualidade de mudas de maracujazeiro cultivadas com águas salinas

This study was conducted to evaluate the gas exchange, growth, and quality of passion fruit cultivars under irrigation with waters of different salinity levels. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, in Pombal-PB, Brazil, using a randomized block design in a 5 ? 2 factorial arrangement, with five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water (0.3, 1.1, 1.9, 2.7, and 3.5 dS m-1) and two passion fruit cultivars (BRS Sol do Cerrado and Guinezinho), with three plants per plot and four replicates. The reduction in transpiration, intercellular CO2 concentration and CO2 assimilation rate in passion fruit plants grown with saline water was related to factors of stomatal and non-stomatal origin. Gas exchange and growth of passion fruit cultivars were negatively affected by water salinity from 0.3 dS m-1 at 75 days after sowing. Despite the reduction in the growth of the passion fruit cultivars, irrigation with water of up to 3.5 dS m-1 could be used to obtain seedlings with acceptable quality. Based on the relative yield of total dry phytomass, the passion fruit cultivars BRS Sol do Cerrado and Guinezinho were classified as moderately sensitive to water salinity during the seedling phase.

Desenvolveu-se este trabalho com o objetivo de avaliar as trocas gasosas, o crescimento e a qualidade de cultivares de maracujazeiro sob irrigação com águas de diferentes níveis salinos. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, em Pombal-PB, utilizando-se o delineamento de blocos casualizados em arranjo fatorial 5 × 2, sendo cinco níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação (0,3; 1,1; 1,9; 2,7 e 3,5 dS m-1) e duas cultivares de maracujazeiro (BRS Sol do Cerrado e Guinezinho), com três plantas por parcela e quatro repetições. A redução na transpiração, concentração intercelular de CO2 e taxa de assimilação de CO2 nas plantas de maracujazeiro cultivadas com águas salinas está relacionado a fatores de origem estomáticos e não estomáticos. As trocas gasosas e o crescimento das cultivares de maracujazeiro foram afetados de forma negativa pela salinidade da água a partir de 0,3 dS m-1, aos 75 dias após o semeio. Apesar da redução no crescimento nas cultivares de maracujazeiro, a irrigação com água de até 3,5 dS m-1 pode ser utilizada para obtenção de mudas com qualidade aceitável. Com base no rendimento relativo de fitomassa seca total, as cultivares de maracujazeiro BRS Sol do Cerrado e Guinezinho foram classificados como moderadamente sensível a salinidade da água na fase de formação de mudas.

Gas exchange, growth, and quality of passion fruit seedlings cultivated with saline water / Trocas gasosas, crescimento e qualidade de mudas de maracujazeiro cultivadas com águas salinas

This study was conducted to evaluate the gas exchange, growth, and quality of passion fruit cultivars under irrigation with waters of different salinity levels. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse, in Pombal-PB, Brazil, using a randomized block design in a 5 ? 2 factorial arrangement, with five levels of electrical conductivity of irrigation water (0.3, 1.1, 1.9, 2.7, and 3.5 dS m-1) and two passion fruit cultivars (BRS Sol do Cerrado and Guinezinho), with three plants per plot and four replicates. The reduction in transpiration, intercellular CO2 concentration and CO2 assimilation rate in passion fruit plants grown with saline water was related to factors of stomatal and non-stomatal origin. Gas exchange and growth of passion fruit cultivars were negatively affected by water salinity from 0.3 dS m-1 at 75 days after sowing. Despite the reduction in the growth of the passion fruit cultivars, irrigation with water of up to 3.5 dS m-1 could be used to obtain seedlings with acceptable quality. Based on the relative yield of total dry phytomass, the passion fruit cultivars BRS Sol do Cerrado and Guinezinho were classified as moderately sensitive to water salinity during the seedling phase.(AU)

Desenvolveu-se este trabalho com o objetivo de avaliar as trocas gasosas, o crescimento e a qualidade de cultivares de maracujazeiro sob irrigação com águas de diferentes níveis salinos. O experimento foi conduzido em casa de vegetação, em Pombal-PB, utilizando-se o delineamento de blocos casualizados em arranjo fatorial 5 × 2, sendo cinco níveis de condutividade elétrica da água de irrigação (0,3; 1,1; 1,9; 2,7 e 3,5 dS m-1) e duas cultivares de maracujazeiro (BRS Sol do Cerrado e Guinezinho), com três plantas por parcela e quatro repetições. A redução na transpiração, concentração intercelular de CO2 e taxa de assimilação de CO2 nas plantas de maracujazeiro cultivadas com águas salinas está relacionado a fatores de origem estomáticos e não estomáticos. As trocas gasosas e o crescimento das cultivares de maracujazeiro foram afetados de forma negativa pela salinidade da água a partir de 0,3 dS m-1, aos 75 dias após o semeio. Apesar da redução no crescimento nas cultivares de maracujazeiro, a irrigação com água de até 3,5 dS m-1 pode ser utilizada para obtenção de mudas com qualidade aceitável. Com base no rendimento relativo de fitomassa seca total, as cultivares de maracujazeiro BRS Sol do Cerrado e Guinezinho foram classificados como moderadamente sensível a salinidade da água na fase de formação de mudas.(AU)

Applicability of non-feed removal programs to induce molting instead of the conventional feed withdrawal method in brown laying hens

This study was conducted to compare the applicability of non-feed removal (NFR) programs to induce molting in brown laying hens by feedusing alfalfa meal and barley grain on molting of instead of feed withdrawal in terms of performance, egg quality and profitability. A total of 240, 75-week-old Hy-Line brown laying hens were randomly divided into three groups as conventional feed withdrawal (CONV), and two non-feed removal programs using alfalfa meal (A+F) or barley grain (B+F), each containing 80 hens with 20 replicates (4 hens x 20 replicates = 80 hens). After 10 days of the induced molting the lowest body weight loss (20.01%) was found in the B+F method (p 0.05). Haugh unit of CONV group was better than NFR groups, whereas molting by NFR groups improved egg yolk color (p < 0.001). Despite higher feed cost of NFR programs, egg income and profit was better than CONV group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, molting with alfalfa meal and barley grain of brown layers may be used as non-feed removal programs, without negative effects on the performance and egg quality parameters. Besides, these non-feed removal programs have higher income and profitability.

Applicability of non-feed removal programs to induce molting instead of the conventional feed withdrawal method in brown laying hens

This study was conducted to compare the applicability of non-feed removal (NFR) programs to induce molting in brown laying hens by feedusing alfalfa meal and barley grain on molting of instead of feed withdrawal in terms of performance, egg quality and profitability. A total of 240, 75-week-old Hy-Line brown laying hens were randomly divided into three groups as conventional feed withdrawal (CONV), and two non-feed removal programs using alfalfa meal (A+F) or barley grain (B+F), each containing 80 hens with 20 replicates (4 hens x 20 replicates = 80 hens). After 10 days of the induced molting the lowest body weight loss (20.01%) was found in the B+F method (p < 0.01). In the second cycle, onset of egg production days were significantly different between groups (p < 0.001) and hens of NFR groups (A+F and B+F) reached 50% egg production earlier than CONV group (p < 0.05). Most of the performance (average egg production, daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio and mortality) and egg quality parameters (egg weight, specific gravity, shell thickness and breakage) of NFR groups were similar to the CONV group (p> 0.05). Haugh unit of CONV group was better than NFR groups, whereas molting by NFR groups improved egg yolk color (p < 0.001). Despite higher feed cost of NFR programs, egg income and profit was better than CONV group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, molting with alfalfa meal and barley grain of brown layers may be used as non-feed removal programs, without negative effects on the performance and egg quality parameters. Besides, these non-feed removal programs have higher income and profitability. (AU)

Biochemical parameters and histopathological findings in the forced molt laying hens

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of forced molting using biochemical parameters and histopathological findings in laying hens. 36 Hyline W36 strain laying hens, 90 weeks old were chosen for this research. Eight of these chickens were randomly selected and placed in a cage as the control group before the molting program began. All the others 28 chickens were used for the forced molting program. Eight laying hens were slaughtered at the end of the molting program named as molting group. The remaining 20 hens were fed for 37 days, weighted and slaughtered when they reached the maximum egg production (80%) as postmolting group. Then, blood was analyzed for malondialdehyde, glutathione, catalase, glucose, calcium, phosphorus, albumin, globulin, total protein, triiodothyronine, thyroxine and Vitamin C. The malondialdehyde and glutathione levels of the thyroid and liver tissues were also analyzed along with an examination of the histopathological changes of the liver, ovarium and thyroid glands; and live body, liver, ovarium, thyroid weights and thyroid lengths. In conclusion, it was found that forced molting produces stress and notable side effects in hens, like the oxidant and antioxidant status of the organs, tissue weights and sizes, hormon profiles, blood biochemical and histopathological parameter changes. The activities of thyroid malondialdehyde (p 0.05), liver glutathione (p 0.01), plasma catalase (p 0.001) were significantly decreased in molting group compared to control values, while liver malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased (p 0.001) and thyroid glutathione levels had nonsignificant effect. These levels in molting hens were the first study for veterinary science.

Biochemical parameters and histopathological findings in the forced molt laying hens

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of forced molting using biochemical parameters and histopathological findings in laying hens. 36 Hyline W36 strain laying hens, 90 weeks old were chosen for this research. Eight of these chickens were randomly selected and placed in a cage as the control group before the molting program began. All the others 28 chickens were used for the forced molting program. Eight laying hens were slaughtered at the end of the molting program named as molting group. The remaining 20 hens were fed for 37 days, weighted and slaughtered when they reached the maximum egg production (80%) as postmolting group. Then, blood was analyzed for malondialdehyde, glutathione, catalase, glucose, calcium, phosphorus, albumin, globulin, total protein, triiodothyronine, thyroxine and Vitamin C. The malondialdehyde and glutathione levels of the thyroid and liver tissues were also analyzed along with an examination of the histopathological changes of the liver, ovarium and thyroid glands; and live body, liver, ovarium, thyroid weights and thyroid lengths. In conclusion, it was found that forced molting produces stress and notable side effects in hens, like the oxidant and antioxidant status of the organs, tissue weights and sizes, hormon profiles, blood biochemical and histopathological parameter changes. The activities of thyroid malondialdehyde (p 0.05), liver glutathione (p 0.01), plasma catalase (p 0.001) were significantly decreased in molting group compared to control values, while liver malondialdehyde levels were significantly increased (p 0.001) and thyroid glutathione levels had nonsignificant effect. These levels in molting hens were the first study for veterinary science.(AU)

Regression of the reproductive tract of European quails (Coturnix coturnix) submitted to forced molting by wheat bran diet / Regressão do aparelho reprodutivo de codornas europeias (Coturnix coturnix) submetidas a muda forçada por meio de dieta a base de farelo de trigo

The study aimed to evaluate the reproductive system regression of European quails (Coturnix coturnix) induced to molt by wheat bran fed ad libitum. A total of 16 birds, end-of-lay, was distributed in 4 groups: group C (quails fed by layier ration and water ad libitum, n = 4) group T8 (quails fed by meal by 8 days, n = 4); group T12 (quails fed by meal by 12 days, n = 4); group T16 (quails fed by meal by 16 days, n = 4). Upon reaching the prescribed period, the birds were euthanized for collection and measurement of the ovary and oviduct weight. Regarding the percentage of ovarian regression, absolute and relative weight of the ovary, the T12 group showed numerically better performance, obtaining the values 95.79%, 0.27 g and 0.15%, respectively, however, there was no significant differences (P > 0.05) between groups of birds submitted to molting. The oviduct results showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) among quail groups submitted to molt, excepting the oviduct regression rate, which group T8 showed significantly lower regression (P 0.05) then groups T12 and T16. The molt induced by the supply of fed meal feed composed of wheat bran provides satisfactory weight loss in european quails, causing a substantial regression of reproductive tract.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a regressão do aparelho reprodutor de codornas europeias (Coturnix coturnix) induzidas a muda por dieta a base de farelo de trigo (FT) ad libitum. Um total de 16 aves, em fim de ciclo de produção, foi dividido em 4 grupos: grupo C (codornas alimentadas com ração de postura e água ad libitum, n=4); grupo T8 (codornas tratadas com FT durante 8 dias, n=4); grupo T12 (codornas tratadas com FT durante 12 dias, n=4); grupo T16 (codornas tratadas com FT durante 16 dias, n=4). Após o período estabelecido, as aves foram eutanasiadas para coleta e mensuração do peso do ovário e oviduto. Quanto ao percentual de regressão do ovário, peso absoluto e relativo do ovário, o grupo T12 apresentou numericamente o melhor desempenho, obtendo respectivamente os valores 95,79%, 0,27g e 0,15%, entretanto, sem diferenças significativas (P>0,05) entre os grupos de aves submetidas a muda. Os resultados relacionados ao oviduto não mostraram diferenças significativas (P > 0,05) entre os grupos de codornas submetidas a muda forçada, com exceção da taxa de regressão de oviduto, em que o grupo T8 apresentou taxa de regressão significativamente inferior (P < 0,05) aos grupos T12 e T16. A indução a muda pelo fornecimento de ração composta por farelo de trigo proporciona satisfatória perda de peso corporal em codornas europeias, ocasionando regressão considerável do aparelho reprodutor.

Regression of the reproductive tract of European quails (Coturnix coturnix) submitted to forced molting by wheat bran diet / Regressão do aparelho reprodutivo de codornas europeias (Coturnix coturnix) submetidas a muda forçada por meio de dieta a base de farelo de trigo

The study aimed to evaluate the reproductive system regression of European quails (Coturnix coturnix) induced to molt by wheat bran fed ad libitum. A total of 16 birds, end-of-lay, was distributed in 4 groups: group C (quails fed by layier ration and water ad libitum, n = 4) group T8 (quails fed by meal by 8 days, n = 4); group T12 (quails fed by meal by 12 days, n = 4); group T16 (quails fed by meal by 16 days, n = 4). Upon reaching the prescribed period, the birds were euthanized for collection and measurement of the ovary and oviduct weight. Regarding the percentage of ovarian regression, absolute and relative weight of the ovary, the T12 group showed numerically better performance, obtaining the values 95.79%, 0.27 g and 0.15%, respectively, however, there was no significant differences (P > 0.05) between groups of birds submitted to molting. The oviduct results showed no significant differences (P > 0.05) among quail groups submitted to molt, excepting the oviduct regression rate, which group T8 showed significantly lower regression (P 0.05) then groups T12 and T16. The molt induced by the supply of fed meal feed composed of wheat bran provides satisfactory weight loss in european quails, causing a substantial regression of reproductive tract.(AU)

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a regressão do aparelho reprodutor de codornas europeias (Coturnix coturnix) induzidas a muda por dieta a base de farelo de trigo (FT) ad libitum. Um total de 16 aves, em fim de ciclo de produção, foi dividido em 4 grupos: grupo C (codornas alimentadas com ração de postura e água ad libitum, n=4); grupo T8 (codornas tratadas com FT durante 8 dias, n=4); grupo T12 (codornas tratadas com FT durante 12 dias, n=4); grupo T16 (codornas tratadas com FT durante 16 dias, n=4). Após o período estabelecido, as aves foram eutanasiadas para coleta e mensuração do peso do ovário e oviduto. Quanto ao percentual de regressão do ovário, peso absoluto e relativo do ovário, o grupo T12 apresentou numericamente o melhor desempenho, obtendo respectivamente os valores 95,79%, 0,27g e 0,15%, entretanto, sem diferenças significativas (P>0,05) entre os grupos de aves submetidas a muda. Os resultados relacionados ao oviduto não mostraram diferenças significativas (P > 0,05) entre os grupos de codornas submetidas a muda forçada, com exceção da taxa de regressão de oviduto, em que o grupo T8 apresentou taxa de regressão significativamente inferior (P < 0,05) aos grupos T12 e T16. A indução a muda pelo fornecimento de ração composta por farelo de trigo proporciona satisfatória perda de peso corporal em codornas europeias, ocasionando regressão considerável do aparelho reprodutor.(AU)

Comparación ontogénica de la frecuencia de muda en Rhinella marina (Anura, Bufonidae) / Ontogenetic comparison of the molting frequency in Rhinella marina (Anura: Bufonidae)

La muda es un proceso de renovación de la capa externa de la epidermis (estrato corneo) de los anfibios, la cual suministra protección contra daños, patógenos y pérdida de agua. Este trabajo evalúa la frecuencia de muda entre juveniles y adultos de Rhinella marina (Linnaeus, 1758) y la tasa de ocurrencia entre el día y la noche. Para esto, se realizaron dos observaciones diarias (7 am y 7 pm), entre Octubre de 2011 y Marzo de 2012, a tres grupos de individuos clasificados según su tamaño longitud rostro-cloaca, como adultos (promedio=80 mm), juveniles medianos (promedio=19 mm) y juveniles pequeños (promedio=13 mm). Estos animales fueron colocados en terrarios en el laboratorio y marcados en el dorso a través de un punto hecho con un corrector de tinta. La muda se determinó por la pérdida total de la marca y una coloración brillante en el dorso. Se encontró una diferencia significativa (Kruskal-Wallis, H=19.84, p<0.0001) en el periodo de muda entre los tres grupos de estudio: adultos=7.5 días, juveniles medianos=5.4 días, juveniles pequeños=5.3 días. También, en la frecuencia de animales que mudaron en el día y la noche (Ji-cuadrado, χ2=7.891, p=0.019), particularmente en los dos grupos de juveniles, quienes lo hicieron en la noche, ya que en los adultos no hubo una diferencia clara. Posiblemente, la mayor frecuencia de la muda en los juveniles puede relacionarse con su condición ontogénica, de un menor tamaño corporal, alta tasa metabólica y mayor tasa de desarrollo.(AU)

Molting is a process of constant renewal of the outer layer of epidermis (stratum corneum) in amphibians, which provides a barrier against injury, pathogens and evaporative water loss. This paper evaluates the molting frequency between juveniles and adults of Rhinella marina (Linnaeus, 1758) and between the night and day time. Two daily observations, at 7 am and 7 pm, were made between October 2011 and March 2012 to three groups of individuals, classified by their size, snout vent length, as adults (mean=80 mm), medium juveniles (mean=19 mm) and small juveniles (mean=13 mm). The animals were placed in terrariums in the laboratory and marked on their back with a spot of correction fluid. The molting was determined by the total loss of the mark and a bright color on the dorsal skin. We found a significant difference (Kruskal-Wallis, H=19.84, p<0.0001) in the molting frequency among the three groups: adults=7.5 days, medium juveniles=5.4 days, and small juveniles=5.3 days. Also, between the number of molting frogs during the night and day hours (Chi-square, χ 2=7.891, p=0.019), particularly in the two groups of juveniles, who moulted mostly at night, as adults did not show any clear difference. It is possible that the highest molting frequency in juveniles may be related to their ontogenetic status, with a smaller size and higher metabolic and developmental rate.(AU)

Comparación ontogénica de la frecuencia de muda en Rhinella marina (Anura, Bufonidae) / Ontogenetic comparison of the molting frequency in Rhinella marina (Anura: Bufonidae)

La muda es un proceso de renovación de la capa externa de la epidermis (estrato corneo) de los anfibios, la cual suministra protección contra daños, patógenos y pérdida de agua. Este trabajo evalúa la frecuencia de muda entre juveniles y adultos de Rhinella marina (Linnaeus, 1758) y la tasa de ocurrencia entre el día y la noche. Para esto, se realizaron dos observaciones diarias (7 am y 7 pm), entre Octubre de 2011 y Marzo de 2012, a tres grupos de individuos clasificados según su tamaño longitud rostro-cloaca, como adultos (promedio=80 mm), juveniles medianos (promedio=19 mm) y juveniles pequeños (promedio=13 mm). Estos animales fueron colocados en terrarios en el laboratorio y marcados en el dorso a través de un punto hecho con un corrector de tinta. La muda se determinó por la pérdida total de la marca y una coloración brillante en el dorso. Se encontró una diferencia significativa (Kruskal-Wallis, H=19.84, p<0.0001) en el periodo de muda entre los tres grupos de estudio: adultos=7.5 días, juveniles medianos=5.4 días, juveniles pequeños=5.3 días. También, en la frecuencia de animales que mudaron en el día y la noche (Ji-cuadrado, χ2=7.891, p=0.019), particularmente en los dos grupos de juveniles, quienes lo hicieron en la noche, ya que en los adultos no hubo una diferencia clara. Posiblemente, la mayor frecuencia de la muda en los juveniles puede relacionarse con su condición ontogénica, de un menor tamaño corporal, alta tasa metabólica y mayor tasa de desarrollo.

Molting is a process of constant renewal of the outer layer of epidermis (stratum corneum) in amphibians, which provides a barrier against injury, pathogens and evaporative water loss. This paper evaluates the molting frequency between juveniles and adults of Rhinella marina (Linnaeus, 1758) and between the night and day time. Two daily observations, at 7 am and 7 pm, were made between October 2011 and March 2012 to three groups of individuals, classified by their size, snout vent length, as adults (mean=80 mm), medium juveniles (mean=19 mm) and small juveniles (mean=13 mm). The animals were placed in terrariums in the laboratory and marked on their back with a spot of correction fluid. The molting was determined by the total loss of the mark and a bright color on the dorsal skin. We found a significant difference (Kruskal-Wallis, H=19.84, p<0.0001) in the molting frequency among the three groups: adults=7.5 days, medium juveniles=5.4 days, and small juveniles=5.3 days. Also, between the number of molting frogs during the night and day hours (Chi-square, χ 2=7.891, p=0.019), particularly in the two groups of juveniles, who moulted mostly at night, as adults did not show any clear difference. It is possible that the highest molting frequency in juveniles may be related to their ontogenetic status, with a smaller size and higher metabolic and developmental rate.

Performance of layers submitted to different forced-molting methods and different temperatures

This study was carried out to evaluate the performance and egg quality of laying hens, in their second laying cycle submitted to different forced-molting methods and three environmental temperatures. Six hundred layers were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with 15 treatments with five replicates of eight birds each, according to 5x3 factorial arrangement (molting methods vs. temperatures). The following forced-molting methods were applied: 90%, 70%, 50% dietary alfalfa inclusion, addition of 2,800 ppm zinc, and feed fasting. Temperatures were: 20 ºC, 27 ºC and 35 ºC. At the end of each period of the second laying cycle, bird performance and egg quality were evaluated. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared by orthogonal and polynomial contrasts. The highest alfalfa inclusion level (90% alfalfa and 10% basal diet) proved to be efficient as compared to the other methods, independently of temperature.

Performance of layers submitted to different forced-molting methods and different temperatures

This study was carried out to evaluate the performance and egg quality of laying hens, in their second laying cycle submitted to different forced-molting methods and three environmental temperatures. Six hundred layers were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with 15 treatments with five replicates of eight birds each, according to 5x3 factorial arrangement (molting methods vs. temperatures). The following forced-molting methods were applied: 90%, 70%, 50% dietary alfalfa inclusion, addition of 2,800 ppm zinc, and feed fasting. Temperatures were: 20 ºC, 27 ºC and 35 ºC. At the end of each period of the second laying cycle, bird performance and egg quality were evaluated. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and means were compared by orthogonal and polynomial contrasts. The highest alfalfa inclusion level (90% alfalfa and 10% basal diet) proved to be efficient as compared to the other methods, independently of temperature.(AU)

Indução a muda forçada em Galinhas DAngola (Numida meleagris) através do óxido de zinco / Induced molt in Guinea fowls (Numida meleagris) through the use of zinc oxide

Devido à escassez de estudos sobre muda forçada em aves alternativas de produção, este experimento teve o objetivo de realizar a muda forçada em galinhas DAngola avaliando as perdas de peso corpóreo (PPC) que promovessem os melhores índices produtivos pós-muda. Com este propósito foram utilizadas 110 galinhas Dangola alojadas individualmente em gaiolas de poedeiras comerciais e, posteriormente, submetidas à muda forçada com 20000 ppm de óxido de zinco na ração. Estas passaram 21 dias recebendo ração e água ad libitum. Para análise da PPC relacionada à produtividade pós-muda foram utilizados 60 aves organizadas nos seguintes grupos: 24% (n=18); 26% (n=18); 28% (n=12) e acima de 30% (n=12). As outras 50 aves foram sacrificadas para o estudo do aparelho reprodutor, onde se verificou o tamanho e peso do oviduto e peso do ovário com PPC de 0% e sua regressão à medida que atingiam os níveis de PPC: 24%; 26%; 28% e acima de 30%. A média de retorno produtivo foi 60%, sendo o grupo com PPC de 24% com o melhor índice (100%), no entanto, este apresentou índice de produção insatisfatório juntamente com o grupo de PPC acima de 30%. A muda forçada em Galinhas DAngola foi viável com índices de PPC em torno de 26% a 28% e inviáveis com níveis abaixo de 24% e acima de 30%. Em relação à regressão do aparelho reprodutor, os melhores resultados produtivos foram em torno de 65,15%, 90,49% e 94,27% para tamanho e peso do oviduto e peso do ovário, respectivamente.(AU)

Due to scarcity of studies on forced molt in alternative production birds, this experiment had the objective of performing an induced molt in Guinea Fowls observing the best body weight losses (BWL) that could promote good post-molt productions. With this purpose, 110 Guinea fowls were housed in individual commercial cages and were submitted to induced molt through the addition of zinc oxide in feed with the concentration of 20000 ppm during 21 days and received drinking water ad libitum. In the analysis of BWL related to post-molt productivity, 60 birds were organized in the groups, according to the percentage of BWL: 24% (n=18), 26% (n=18), 28% (n=12) and more than 30% (n=12). The other 50 birds were sacrificed for analyses of the reproductive organs, in which the oviduct size and weight of oviduct and ovary were measured with 0% of BWL and since then the regression of these organs were calculated to 24%, 26%,28% and more than 30% of BWL. The medium of post-molt return to production was 60% and the group of 24% of BWL presented the best productive return (100%), however this group presented an insufficient production rate as the birds with 30% of BWL. In this way, the induced molt in Guinea fowls was viable with BWL around 26 and 28% and unviable with less than 24% or more than 30%. In relation to regression of the reproductive organs the best productive results were 65,15%,90,49% and 94,27% to oviduct size and weight and ovary weight, respectively.(AU)