Performance and Serum Biochemical Profile of Broiler Chickens Supplemented with Piper Cubeba Ethanolic Extract

Piper cubeba is an Asian pepper used in popular medicine for its known antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and anti-inflammatory actions. The study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of Piper cubeba ethanolic extract (PE) as a replacement for anantibiotic growth promoter (AGP) on the performance and biochemical serum profile of 1- to 21-d-old broilers (Cobb®). Two hundred one-d-old broilers were housed in experimental battery cages and distributed in a completely randomized design. The following treatments were applied: negative control (NC) - basal diet; positive control (PC) - basal diet with addition of AGP; and the basal diet with inclusion of 0.17%, 0.34%, and 0.52% of PE (NCE1, NCE2, and NCE3, respectively). Growth performance, biochemical serum profile and internal organ weights were evaluated. Birds fed the AGP presented higher feed intake compared with the other treatments (p 0.05). The PC, NC, and NCE1 treatments presented higher weight gain compared with those fed NCE2 and NCE3 (p 0.05). The NC, NCE1, and NCE2 diets promoted better feed conversion ratio than the PC and NCE3 (p 0.05). Lower triglyceride serum levels were determined in broilers fed the NC and NCE1 diets. Amylase serum levels were lower in NCE1 and NCE2 treatments compared with the NC (p 0.05), whereas those obtained with the PC and NCE3 diets were not different (p>0.05) from the others. Organ relative weights were not influenced by the treatments. The inclusion of 0.17% of PE did not compromise the growth performance, biochemical serum profile or organ relative weights of 21-d-old broilers.(AU)

Performance and Serum Biochemical Profile of Broiler Chickens Supplemented with Piper Cubeba Ethanolic Extract

Piper cubeba is an Asian pepper used in popular medicine for its known antimicrobial, antiparasitic, and anti-inflammatory actions. The study evaluated the effects of dietary inclusion of Piper cubeba ethanolic extract (PE) as a replacement for anantibiotic growth promoter (AGP) on the performance and biochemical serum profile of 1- to 21-d-old broilers (Cobb®). Two hundred one-d-old broilers were housed in experimental battery cages and distributed in a completely randomized design. The following treatments were applied: negative control (NC) - basal diet; positive control (PC) - basal diet with addition of AGP; and the basal diet with inclusion of 0.17%, 0.34%, and 0.52% of PE (NCE1, NCE2, and NCE3, respectively). Growth performance, biochemical serum profile and internal organ weights were evaluated. Birds fed the AGP presented higher feed intake compared with the other treatments (p 0.05). The PC, NC, and NCE1 treatments presented higher weight gain compared with those fed NCE2 and NCE3 (p 0.05). The NC, NCE1, and NCE2 diets promoted better feed conversion ratio than the PC and NCE3 (p 0.05). Lower triglyceride serum levels were determined in broilers fed the NC and NCE1 diets. Amylase serum levels were lower in NCE1 and NCE2 treatments compared with the NC (p 0.05), whereas those obtained with the PC and NCE3 diets were not different (p>0.05) from the others. Organ relative weights were not influenced by the treatments. The inclusion of 0.17% of PE did not compromise the growth performance, biochemical serum profile or organ relative weights of 21-d-old broilers.

Blend de óleos essenciais como alternativa aos antimicrobianos melhoradores de desempenho na dieta de leitões em fase de creche

A proibição do uso de antimicrobianos melhoradores de desempenho (AMD) na produção animal demanda a busca por alternativas que sejam capazes de sustentar a produtividade atual e que sejam consideradas seguras. Os óleos essenciais (OE) são aditivos provenientes de plantas que têm demonstrado efeitos positivos sobre o crescimento e a saúde animal. Neste sentido, o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar os efeitos de um blend de OE sobre o desempenho zootécnico, ocorrência de diarreia (OD), perfil hematológico e bioquímico sanguíneo, morfometria, morfologia e microbiologia intestinais, peso relativo, comprimento e pH do conteúdo de órgãos, e status antioxidante hepático, de leitões em fase de creche, como alternativa aos antimicrobianos melhoradores de desempenho convencionais. Foram utilizados 135 leitões machos inteiros, com peso corporal inicial médio de 7,09 ± 0,29 kg, e final médio de 23,82 ± 1,53 kg. O delineamento experimental empregado foi o em blocos casualizados, constituindo cinco tratamentos, com nove repetições de três leitões representando a unidade experimental. Os tratamentos foram compostos por uma dieta basal controle (CN), CN + 125 mg/kg enramicina 8%, como antimicrobiano melhorador de desempenho, (AMD), CN + 100, 200 e 400 mg/kg do blend de OE composto por timol, cinamaldeído, D-limoneno e carvacrol (OE100; OE200; OE400). As dietas basais foram divididas em quatro fases (préinicial I, pré-inicial II, inicial I e inicial II) e durante todo o período experimental foram avaliadas as variáveis de desempenho zootécnico, peso corporal final médio (PCF), ganho de peso corporal diário médio (GPCDM), consumo de ração diário médio (CRDM), e eficiência alimentar (EA), bem como a ocorrência de diarreia (OD). No final das fases pré-inicial II e inicial II, foi realizada coleta de sangue de 18 animais de cada tratamento para avaliação do perfil hematológico e bioquímico sanguíneo. Ao final do período experimental foram selecionados seis leitões de cada tratamento para avaliação da microbiologia, morfologia e morfometria intestinais, peso relativo, comprimento e pH do conteúdo de órgãos, e status antioxidante hepático. Os dados obtidos foram submetidos aos testes de comparação de média de Student-Newman-Keuls e de Tukey, a 5% de probabilidade. Na fase inicial II, a EA foi melhor para os tratamentos OE400 e OE200, quando comparados ao OE100 (p<0,05). Durante o período total, o OE400 foi mais eficaz no controle da OD que o CN e o OE100 (p<0,05). Entre as variáveis sanguíneas, na fase préinicial II, foram observados valores menores (p<0,05) de proteínas totais para o CN. Ainda, o CN apresentou menor valor de proteínas plasmáticas quando comparado ao AMD, e o OE100 apresentou menor volume corpuscular médio (VCM) que o OE400 (p<0,05). Na fase inicial II, foram observados maior VCM e menor hemoglobina corpuscular média e hemácias para o OE400 quando comparado ao OE100 (p<0,05). Nessa mesma fase, foram obtidos níveis mais altos de bastonetes para o AMD, semelhante ao OE400 e OE200 (p<0,05). A adição de AMD e OE às dietas aumentou (p<0,05) a atividade hepática da enzima antioxidante superóxido dismutase. Os demais parâmetros avaliados não foram influenciados (p>0,05) pelos tratamentos. Em conclusão, a adição do blend de OE às dietas de leitões em fase de creche foi capaz de influenciar positivamente a ocorrência de diarreia, perfil hematológico e bioquímico sanguíneo, e o status antioxidante hepático dos animais, sem prejudicar o desempenho zootécnico, morfometria, morfologia e microbiologia intestinais, peso relativo, comprimento e pH do conteúdo de órgãos, podendo ser utilizado como alternativa aos AMD convencionais.

The ban on the use of antimicrobial growth promoters (AGP) in animal production demands the search for alternatives that can sustain current productivity and that are considered safe. Essential oils (EO) are plant-derived additives that have shown positive effects on animal health and growth. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an EO blend on growth performance, occurrence of diarrhea (OD), hematological and blood biochemical profile, intestinal morphometry, morphology and microbiology, relative weight, length, and pH of the content of organs, and hepatic antioxidant status of weaning pigs, as an alternative to conventional AGP. One hundred and thirty-five crossbred entire male piglets, with an average initial body weight of 7.09 ± 0.29 kg and an average final body weight of 23.82 ± 1.53 kg were used. Animals were divided based on a randomized block design into five treatments, with nine replicates of three piglets per experimental unit. Treatments were a negative control diet (NC), NC + 125 mg/kg of enramycin 8%, as antimicrobial growth promoter (AGP), NC + 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of the EO blend composed of thymol, cinnamaldehyde, D-limonene and carvacrol (EO100; EO200; EO400). Basal diets were divided into four phases (pre-starter I, pre-starter II, starter I and starter II) and throughout the experimental period the growth performance variables such as average daily body weight gain (ADBWG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), average final body weight (AFBW), and feed efficiency (FE), were evaluated, as well as the OD. At the end of the pre-starter II and initial II phases, blood was collected from 18 animals of each treatment to assess blood hematological and biochemical profiles. At the end of the experimental period, six piglets from each treatment were selected for evaluation of intestinal microbiology, morphology and morphometry, organs relative weight, length, and pH of its contents, and hepatic antioxidant status. The data obtained were submitted to the Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) and Tukey mean comparison tests, at 5% probability. In the initial phase II, the FE was better for treatments EO400 and EO200, when compared to EO100 (p<0.05). During the total period, OE400 was more effective in controlling OD than NC and EO100 (p<0.05). Among the blood variables, in the pre-starter II phase, lower values of total proteins were observed for NC (p<0.05). Furthermore, NC had a lower value of plasma proteins when compared to AGP, and EO100 had a lower mean corpuscular volume (MCV) than EO400 (p<0.05). In the starter II phase, higher MCV and lower mean corpuscular hemoglobin and red blood cells were observed for EO400 when compared to EO100 (p<0.05). In this same phase, higher levels of band neutrophils were obtained for AGP, similar to EO400 and EO200 (p<0.05). The addition of AGP and EO to the diets increased (p<0.05) the hepatic activity of the antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase. The other parameters evaluated were not influenced (p>0.05) by the dietary treatments. In conclusion, the addition of the EO blend to the diets of weaning piglets was able to positively influence the OD, hematological and blood biochemical profile, and the hepatic antioxidant status of the animals, without any impair to the growth performance, intestinal morphometry, morphology and microbiology, relative weight, length, and pH of the content of organs, showing that it can be used as an alternative to conventional AMD.

ALTERNATIVA AOS ANTIMICROBIANOS MELHORADORES DE DESEMPENHO EM DIETAS DE FRANGOS DE CORTE DESAFIADOS COM Eimeria spp. e Clostridium perfringens

A enterite necrótica (EN) é uma doença de distribuição mundial, que acarreta prejuízos econômicos na escala de 6 bilhões de dólares anualmente. O agente etiológico é o Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens), habitante da microbiota nativa das aves, sendo necessária a presença de fatores predisponentes para a evolução da doença. Como principal fator predisponente está a infecção por Eimeria spp., doença endêmica e que causa grandes prejuízos na avicultura. Após a retirada de antibióticos melhoradores de desempenho (AMD) da dieta dos animais de produção, alternativas estão sendo desenvolvidas, destacando as alternativas nutricionais. Diante disso, o objetivo do presente estudo é avaliar a adição de um produto composto pela associação de butirato de sódio, levedura hidrolisada e proteinato de zinco (ViligenTM), em dietas de frangos de corte desafiados por Eimeria spp. e C. perfringens, sobre o desempenho, parâmetros sanguíneos, permeabilidade, morfologia e lesões intestinais, e rendimento de carcaça. Foram utilizados 1150 pintos machos de 1 dia (Cobb 500, Cobb Vantress Ltd., Cascavel, PR, BR) com um peso inicial médio de 43,97 ± 0,65 g, que foram alocados em 50 boxes e divididos em 5 tratamentos, compostos por 10 repetições e 23 animais por unidade experimental. Todos os animais foram desafiados por Eimeria spp. aos 7 dias de idade, e por C. perfringens aos 17, 18 e 19 dias, para indução de EN subclínica. Os animais foram distribuídos em 5 tratamentos sendo eles: Controle negativo (CN) Dieta controle, sem adição de AMD; Controle positivo (CP) Dieta controle com adição de 0,12 g ton-1 de Enramicina (8%); (500) CN, com adição de 500 g ton-1 de ViligenTM; (1,000) CN, com adição de 1,000 g ton-1 de ViligenTM; (1,500) CN, com adição de 1500 g ton-1 de ViligenTM. As aves dos tratamentos que receberam o aditivo apresentaram parâmetros de desempenho, sanguíneos, permeabilidade intestinal e rendimento de carcaça semelhantes aos animais que receberam o AMD. A adição de 1.500 g ton-1 de ViligenTM reduziu as lesões intestinais aos 28 dias (P < 0,05), e o nível de 500 g ton-1 de ViligenTM melhorou a morfologia intestinal dos animais (P < 0,05) aos 21 dias. Sendo assim, conclui-se que a adição de ViligenTM à dieta de frangos de corte desafiados por um modelo experimental de EN subclínica proporcionou desempenho semelhante ao obtido pela adição de Enramicina, além de benefícios à saúde intestinal, podendo ser considerado como alternativa na redução dos efeitos da EN subclínica em frangos de corte

Necrotic enteritis (NE) is a worldwide disease that causes economic losses on the scale of $6 billion annually. The etiological agent is Clostridium perfringens (C. perfringens), which inhabits the native microbiota of birds, requiring the presence of predisposing factors for the evolution of the disease. The main predisposing factor is infection by Eimeria spp., an endemic disease that causes great damage to poultry. After the withdrawal of antimicrobial growth promoters (AGP) from the diet of farm animals, alternatives are being developed, highlighting nutritional alternatives. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the addition of a product composed by the association of sodium butyrate, hydrolyzed yeast and zinc proteinate (ViligenTM), in broiler diets challenged by Eimeria spp. and C. perfringens, on performance, blood parameters, permeability, intestinal morphology and lesions, and carcass yield. 1150 day-old male chicks were used (Cobb 500, Cobb Vantress Ltd., Cascavel, PR, BR) with an average initial weight of 43.97 ± 0.65 g, which were placed in 50 pens and divided into 5 treatments, composed by 10 replicates and 23 broilers per experimental unit. All animals were challenged by Eimeria spp. at 7 days of age, and by C. perfringens at 17, 18 and 19 days, for induction of subclinical EN. The animals were distributed in 5 treatments, namely: Negative Control (CN) Control diet, without addition of AGPD; Positive Control (PC) Control diet with addition of 0.12 g ton-1 of Enramycin (8%); (500) CN, with addition of 500 g ton-1 of ViligenTM; (1.000) CN, with the addition of 1,000 g ton-1 of ViligenTM; (1,500) CN, with the addition of 1500 g ton-1 of ViligenTM. The birds of the treatments that received the additive had performance, blood, intestinal permeability and carcass yield parameters similar to the animals that received the AGP. The addition of 1,500 g ton-1 of ViligenTM reduced intestinal lesions at 28 days (P < 0.05), and the level of 500 g ton-1 of ViligenTM improved the intestinal morphology of the animals (P < 0.05) at 21 days. Therefore, it is concluded that the addition of ViligenTM to the diet of broilers challenged by an experimental model of subclinical NE provided performance similar to that obtained by adding Enramycin, in addition to benefits to intestinal health, and can be considered as an alternative in reducing the effects of subclinical EN in broiler chickens.

Effects of the Dietary Inclusion of a Probiotic, a Prebiotic or their Combinations on the Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens

ABSTRACT A total of 350-one-day old chicks were placed in 70 cages, with 14 cages per treatment. The following five treatment diets were fed for 14 days: T1 = non-supplemented, control diet (CONT); T2 = diet with antimicrobial growth promoter (AGP); T3 = diet with a probiotic (PROB); T4 = diet with a prebiotic(PREB), and T5 = diet with the probiotic and the prebiotic (SYM). The growth experiment was carried out from 1 to 14 days of age. Feed and water were provided ad libitum and birds were maintained at 24-h light schedule. Diets were formulated to contain 3000 kcalME/kg and 21.5% crude protein, and the test materials were added on top. The cumulative results of1 to 14 days of age revealed that broiler fed the AGP and PREB diets presented the highest BWG (305.5 and 297.3 g, respectively), while those fed the CONT diet had the lowest BWG (273.2 g) (p 0.05). On the other hand, the best FCR was obtained in broilers AGP and PROB (1.296 and 1.299 g:g, respectively), while chicks on the CONT and SYM diet had the worst FCR (1.423 and 1.372 g:g, respectively) (p 0.01). The results showed broilers fed the non-supplemented diet consistently presented poor performance. It was concluded that PROB or PREB can serve as alternatives to antibiotic in broiler starter feeds, with no performance impairment.

Effects of the Dietary Inclusion of a Probiotic, a Prebiotic or their Combinations on the Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens

ABSTRACT A total of 350-one-day old chicks were placed in 70 cages, with 14 cages per treatment. The following five treatment diets were fed for 14 days: T1 = non-supplemented, control diet (CONT); T2 = diet with antimicrobial growth promoter (AGP); T3 = diet with a probiotic (PROB); T4 = diet with a prebiotic(PREB), and T5 = diet with the probiotic and the prebiotic (SYM). The growth experiment was carried out from 1 to 14 days of age. Feed and water were provided ad libitum and birds were maintained at 24-h light schedule. Diets were formulated to contain 3000 kcalME/kg and 21.5% crude protein, and the test materials were added on top. The cumulative results of1 to 14 days of age revealed that broiler fed the AGP and PREB diets presented the highest BWG (305.5 and 297.3 g, respectively), while those fed the CONT diet had the lowest BWG (273.2 g) (p 0.05). On the other hand, the best FCR was obtained in broilers AGP and PROB (1.296 and 1.299 g:g, respectively), while chicks on the CONT and SYM diet had the worst FCR (1.423 and 1.372 g:g, respectively) (p 0.01). The results showed broilers fed the non-supplemented diet consistently presented poor performance. It was concluded that PROB or PREB can serve as alternatives to antibiotic in broiler starter feeds, with no performance impairment.

Effects of the Dietary Inclusion of a Probiotic, a Prebiotic or their Combinations on the Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens

A total of 350-one-day old chicks were placed in 70 cages, with 14 cages per treatment. The following five treatment diets were fed for 14 days: T1 = non-supplemented, control diet (CONT); T2 = diet with antimicrobial growth promoter (AGP); T3 = diet with a probiotic (PROB); T4 = diet with a prebiotic(PREB), and T5 = diet with the probiotic and the prebiotic (SYM). The growth experiment was carried out from 1 to 14 days of age. Feed and water were provided ad libitum and birds were maintained at 24-h light schedule. Diets were formulated to contain 3000 kcalME/kg and 21.5% crude protein, and the test materials were added on top. The cumulative results of1 to 14 days of age revealed that broiler fed the AGP and PREB diets presented the highest BWG (305.5 and 297.3 g, respectively), while those fed the CONT diet had the lowest BWG (273.2 g) (p<0.05). On the other hand, the best FCR was obtained in broilers AGP and PROB (1.296 and 1.299 g:g, respectively), while chicks on the CONT and SYM diet had the worst FCR (1.423 and 1.372 g:g, respectively) (p<0.01). The results showed broilers fed the non-supplemented diet consistently presented poor performance. It was concluded that PROB or PREB can serve as alternatives to antibiotic in broiler starter feeds, with no performance impairment.

Effects of the Dietary Inclusion of a Probiotic, a Prebiotic or their Combinations on the Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens

A total of 350-one-day old chicks were placed in 70 cages, with 14 cages per treatment. The following five treatment diets were fed for 14 days: T1 = non-supplemented, control diet (CONT); T2 = diet with antimicrobial growth promoter (AGP); T3 = diet with a probiotic (PROB); T4 = diet with a prebiotic(PREB), and T5 = diet with the probiotic and the prebiotic (SYM). The growth experiment was carried out from 1 to 14 days of age. Feed and water were provided ad libitum and birds were maintained at 24-h light schedule. Diets were formulated to contain 3000 kcalME/kg and 21.5% crude protein, and the test materials were added on top. The cumulative results of1 to 14 days of age revealed that broiler fed the AGP and PREB diets presented the highest BWG (305.5 and 297.3 g, respectively), while those fed the CONT diet had the lowest BWG (273.2 g) (p<0.05). On the other hand, the best FCR was obtained in broilers AGP and PROB (1.296 and 1.299 g:g, respectively), while chicks on the CONT and SYM diet had the worst FCR (1.423 and 1.372 g:g, respectively) (p<0.01). The results showed broilers fed the non-supplemented diet consistently presented poor performance. It was concluded that PROB or PREB can serve as alternatives to antibiotic in broiler starter feeds, with no performance impairment.(AU)

Subprodutos da acerola na dieta de frangos de corte

O subproduto de acerola é uma rica fonte de compostos bioativos que apresentam alta atividade antioxidante. No presente estudo, o desempenho produtivo, a população microbiana cecal, as características da carne, os parâmetros bioquímicos e a atividade antioxidante e oxidante sérica de frangos de corte alimentados com ração adicionada de farelo de subproduto de acerola (FAC), como um ingrediente alternativo, foram comparados com os mesmos parâmetros de frangos de corte alimentandos sem adição de FAC mas com agente melhorador de desempenho (AMD) e antioxidante sintético (AS). As dietas experimentais foram: controle positivo (CP), contendo 0,007% de sulfato de colistina 8% (AMD) e 0,01% de butilhidroxitolueno (BHT) (AS), controle negativo (CN), sem AMD, AS ou FAC, dieta com 5% de FAC (AC 5%) e dieta com 7,5% de FAC (AC 7,5%). Cento e sessenta pintinhos (Cobb 500) foram vacinados com a vacina Livacox T, via ocular e distribuídos aleatoriamente em 16 boxes, com 4 repetições por tratamento, contendo 10 aves em cada. Os animais foram. Parâmetros produtivos foram mensurados semanalmente até 42 dias de idade, quando os animais foram abatidos e a carne, o sangue e o conteúdo cecal foram coletados para as análises de cor/rancidez oxidativa, a contagem da população bacteriana cecal, os parâmetros bioquímicos e o status oxidante/antioxidante sérico. Não houve diferenças para ganho de peso, consumo de ração e conversão alimentar entre os diferentes grupos, assim como para os rendimentos de carcaça e o peso vivo. Apenas o grupo AC 5% apresentou aumento de bactérias lácticas no ceco. A cor do peito e a peroxidação lipídica da coxa não diferiram entre os grupos. Os grupos que receberam FAC apresentaram alta concentração sérica de albumina e proteínas totais, enquanto não houve diferença para as concentrações de globulina e a para a proporção albumina:globulina entre os grupos, assim como para as concentrações séricas de AST, ALT, GGT, creatinina e ácido úrico. O colesterol total foi menor nos animais alimentados com FAC, não diferindo do grupo CP. Os grupos CP, AC 5% e AC 7,5% apresentaram alta capacidade antioxidante total, mas sem diferença para capacidade oxidante total e peroxidação lipídica. Concluiu-se que a adição de FAC na dieta de frangos de corte melhorou o potencial antioxidante sem prejudicar o desempenho produtivo, a saúde e mantendo a população microbiana cecal e as características da carne. O uso do subproduto de acerola como um ingrediente alternativo na dieta de frangos de corte pode atender a demanda a substituição de AMD e AS na produção de frangos de corte e ainda colabora para a sustentabilidade.

Acerola byproducts are a rich source of bioactive compounds with high antioxidant activity. In the present study, productive performance, bacterial caecal population, meat characteristics, biochemical parameters and serum antioxidant status of broilers fed acerola byproduct (ACM) as an alternative ingredient were compared with the same parameters of broilers fed diets with no ACM but with antimicrobial growth promoters (AGP) and synthetic antioxidant (SA). The experimental diets comprised: positive control (PC), containing 0.007% colistin sulfate 8% (AGP) and 0.01% butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) (SA) and no ACM; negative control (NC), without AGP, AS or ACM; diet with 5% ACM (AC 5%); and diet with 7.5% ACM (AC 7.5%). One hundred sixty one day old Cobb 500 male chicks were vaccinated with Livacox T via ocular and randomly distributed into 16 pens. Four repetitions were performed, with ten birds per pen. used in the experiment. Productive parameters were measured weekly until day 42, when the broilers were slaughtered and the meat, the blood and the caecal contents were collected for the analyses of oxidative rancidity and color of the meat, serum oxidant/antioxidant status and caecal bacterial population counts. There were no differences among the treatments regarding to feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion, as well as to dressing percent and live weight. Only ACM at 5% caused an increase in the caecal lactic bacteria count. Breast color and thigh lipid rancicity did not differ among the groups. Groups fed ACM had higher serum albumin and total protein, although there were no differences in globulin and albumin:globulin ratio among the experimental diets, as well as to serum concentration of AST, ALT, GGT, creatinine and uric acid. Total cholesterol was lower in the animals fed ACM, with no differences to PC. Groups PC, ACM 5% and ACM 7.5% had higher serum antioxidant activity but similar oxidant activity and lipid oxidation. It was concluded that the addition of ACM into broilers diets improved the birds antioxidant status without harming their performance and health and maintaining the caecal microflora and the meat characteristics. The use of acerola byproduct as an alternative ingredient in broilers feeding may reach the demand for the substitution of AGP and SA in poultry production and still collaborates to sustainability.

ASSOCIAÇÃO DE -GLUCANOS E MANANOLIGOSSACARÍDEOS (MOS) COMO ALTERNATIVAS AOS ANTIMICROBIANOS MELHORADORES DE DESEMPENHO PARA LEITÕES RECÉM-DESMAMADOS

O mercado suinícola vem crescendo progressivamente e, para otimizar a produção animal, faz-se uso de antimicrobianos melhoradores de desempenho. Contudo, o uso sem restrições vem ocasionando preocupações com os resíduos na carne e a possível resistência bacteriana cruzada. Dessa forma, iniciou-se a proibição total do uso desses aditivos na Uniao Europeia, levando os pesquisadores a buscarem por alternativas que venham trazer os mesmos benefícios dos tradicionais antimicrobianos melhoradores de desempenho. O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da associação de -glucanos + mananoligossacarídeos (MOS) e de um antimicrobiano melhorador de desempenho (clorohidroxiquinolina), adicionados à ração de leitões desmamados, sobre o desempenho zootécnico, ocorrência de diarreia, morfologia do epitélio intestinal, pH do conteúdo digestório, morfometria de órgãos e parâmetros hematológicos. Foram utilizados 120 leitões desmamados aos 21 dias de idade com peso inicial de 6,33 ± 0,49 kg e peso final de 18,71 ± 2,41kg, machos e fêmeas, distribuídos em um delineamento em blocos completos casualizados, recebendo cinco tratamentos com seis repetições (blocos) por tratamento e quatro leitões por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos estudados foram: 120 mg/kg de clorohidroxiquinolina (tratamento antimicrobiano - ANT); 0 (controle negativo); 1000, 2000 e 3000 mg/kg de -glucanos + MOS, adicionados a uma dieta basal. Ao final do período experimental de 35 dias, após jejum sólido de 8h, foi abatido um animal por unidade experimental para coleta de tecidos e órgãos. Para determinar os efeitos da associação de -glucanos + mananoligossacarídeos (MOS) na dieta, assim como para comparar o tratamento antimicrobiano com os demais tratamentos foram utilizados a ANOVA (software R Core Team (2015)), os contrastes ortogonais (C1 - ANT vs 0; C2 - ANT vs 1000, 2000 e 3000; C3 - 0 vs 1000, 2000 e 3000) e o teste de Dunnet. Para o desempenho zootécnico, os leitões do tratamento antimicrobiano apresentaram melhor conversão alimentar que os do tratamento 3000 mg/kg (P<0,05). Não foram observadas diferenças entre os tratamentos (P>0,05) sobre a ocorrência de diarreia (OD) e o pH do conteúdo digestório. De maneira geral, para a morfologia estrutural, o grupo ANT possibilitou maior profundidade de criptas no duodeno dos leitões (P<0,05), quando comparado com os do grupo controle negativo e os do grupo 3000 mg/kg. Na morfologia ultraestrutural, os leitões alimentados com 3000 mg/kg apresentaram maior densidade de vilos (DV) no duodeno (P<0,01) comparado aos alimentados com dietas contendo ANT. No jejuno, a maior DV (P<0,01) foi constatada nos leitões do grupo ANT quando comparado aos do tratamento 1000 e 3000 mg/kg. Para a morfometria de órgãos, os animais dos tratamentos ANT, 1000 e 3000 mg/kg apresentaram maior peso relativo do baço (P<0,05) em relação aos do tratamento controle negativo. Para a análise hematológica, os leitões do grupo 3000 mg/kg apresentaram maior contagem de eosinófilos (P<0,01) quando comparados com os do grupo ANT. O nível 3000 mg/kg de -glucanos + MOS, assim como a clorohidroxiquinolina destacaram-se de maneira positiva e negativa dentro dos parâmetros analisados. Dessa forma, ainda não foi possível definir através desse estudo um nível de inclusão ideal entre a associação de -glucanos + MOS para ser utilizado como melhorador de desempenho na alimentação de leitões.

The swine's market is growing progressively. To optimize animal production, antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs) are being used, though its unrestricted use has led to concerns about residues in meat and possible cross-bacterial resistance. In this way, was iniciated a total ban on the use of these additives in the European Union, leading researchers to seek for alternatives that bring the same benefits as AGPs. The main goal of this essay was to evaluate the effects of the association of -glucans + mananoligosaccharides (MOS) and an AGP (chlorohydroxyquinoline), added to the diet of weaned piglets, on growth performance, diarrhea ocurrence, intestinal morphology pH of the digestive contents, organ morphometry and haematological parameters. A total of 120 weaned piglets (age, 21 days, body weigh, 6.33 ± 0.49 kg and final weigh de 18,71 ± 2,41kg), male and female, were distributed in a randomized complete block design, receiving five treatments with six replicates (blocks) per treatment and four piglets per experimental unit. The treatments studied were: 120 mg/kg of chlorohydroxyquinoline (antimicrobial treatment - ANT); 0 (negative control); 1,000; 2,000 and 3,000 mg/kg of -glucans + MOS, added in a basal diet. At the end of the 35-day experimental period, after an 8-h fast, one animal per experimental unit was slaughtered for tissue and organ collection. To determine the effects of the association of -glucans + mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) in the diet, as well as to compare the antimicrobial treatment with the other treatments, ANOVA (software R Core Team (2015), orthogonal contrasts (C1 - ANT vs 0; C2- ANT vs 1000, 2000 and 3000 mg/kg; C3-0 vs 1000, 2000 and 3000 mg/kg) and the Dunnet test were used. For the growth performance, the piglets of antimicrobial treatment presented better feed conversion than those of the treatment 3,000 mg/kg (P<0.05). There were no differences betwen the treatments (P>0.05) on the diarrhea ocurrence (OD) and pH of the digestive contents. In general, for the structural morphology, the ANT group allowed a greater depth of crypts in the duodenum of the piglets (P<0.05) when compared to the piglets of the negative control group and the 3,000 mg/kg group. In the ultrastructural morphology, piglets fed 3,000 mg/kg presented higher villus density (DV) in the duodenum (P<0.01) compared to those fed ANT diets. In the jejunum, the highest DV (P<0.01) was observed in piglets of the ANT group when compared to those of treatment 1,000 and 3,000 mg/kg. For organ morphometry, animals of the ANT treatments, 1,000 and 3,000 mg/kg had a higher relative spleen weight (P<0.05) than the animals of negative control treatment. For the hematological analysis, the piglets of the 3,000 mg/kg group had a higher eosinophil count (P<0.01) when compared to the ANT group. The 3,000 mg/kg level of -glucans + MOS, as well as a chlorohydroxyquinoline, stood out positively and negatively within the parameters analyzed. Thus, it is not yet possible to define an ideal inclusion level of -glucan + MOS association to be used as a growth promoter in piglet feeding.

Prevalência de enterococos isolados de frangos caipiras em diferentes regiões do Distrito Federal / Prevalence of Enterococcus spp. isolated from free-range chickens in different regions of Distrito Federal, Brazil

It was studied whether vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) colonize poultry raised without receiving antimicrobial growth promoters (AGP), in non-intensive production systems. A total of 200 cloacal swabs were colleted in farms (n=40) of eight different regions of the Distrito Federal. After selective isolation, the typical enterococcal colonies were submitted to the multiplex PCR to identify enterococcal species (E. faecalis, E. faecium, E. gallinarum, and E. casseliflavus), and genes coding for high-level vancomycin resistance phenotypes. No VRE were found in the examined samples. The prevalence rates were higher for E. gallinarum (n=26; 13.0 percent) and E. casseliflavus (n=11; 5.5 percent). It was found remarkable differences in the prevalence of E. gallinarum and E. casseliflavus among the poultry farms and studied regions, and it seems that poultry raised in non-intensive production systems in the Distrito Federal of Brazil are not reservoirs of VRE.(AU)

Integridade intestinal e desempenho de frangos de corte suplementados com probióticos, prebióticos e ácidos orgânicos

Com objetivo de avaliar a integridade intestinal, por meio da microscopia óptica e eletrônica de varredura (MEV), e o desempenho de frangos de corte suplementados com aditivos alternativos aos antimicrobianos foram alojados 1080 pintos machos, com densidade populacional de 12 aves/m². O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado, com seis tratamentos e seis repetições de 30 aves cada. Os tratamentos foram: dieta basal (controle); dieta basal mais antimicrobiano; dieta basal mais probiótico; dieta basal mais prebiótico; dieta basal mais simbiótico e dieta basal mais ácidos orgânicos. Foram avaliados o ganho de peso, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar e viabilidade aos 10, 21, 35 e 42 dias de idade. Aos 42 dias, 72 aves (duas aves por repetição de cada tratamento) foram pesadas individualmente e eutanasiadas. Para avaliação da morfometria das diferentes túnicas da parede intestinal foram coletados segmentos do intestino delgado e cecos de duas aves por repetição e para as análises da integridade intestinal (MEV) foram coletados os mesmos segmentos de duas aves por tratamento. No período inicial de criação as aves suplementadas com os aditivos alternativos mostraram ganho de peso similar àquelas tratadas com antimicrobiano, porém não diferiram do grupo controle. A conversão alimentar das aves que receberam aditivos alternativos no intervalo de 1 a 10 dias foi melhor que o controle, porém para os demais períodos de criação a conversão alimentar foi similar ao antimicrobiano sem, contudo diferir do controle. A morfometria das diferentes túnicas da parede intestinal das aves não foi influenciada pelos tratamentos. No período total de criação, os aditivos alternativos avaliados não melhoraram a integridade intestinal, bem como o desempenho dos frangos de corte

In order to evaluate the intestinal integrity, through optical microscopy and scanning electronic (SE), and the performance of broilers receiving diets supplemented with additives instead of antimicrobial growth promoters 1080 male chicks were allocated in a population density of 12 birds / m2. The experimental design was a completely randomized arrangement with six treatments and six replications of thirty birds each. The treatments were: basal diet (control); basal diet + antimicrobial growth promoter (AGP); basal diet + probiotic; basal diet + prebiotic; basal diet + symbiotic; and basal diet + organic acids. The weight gain, feed intake, feed:gain ratio and the viability at days 10, 21, 35 and 42 were evaluated. At 42th day, 72 birds (two birds per replicate of each treatment) were individually weighted and sacrificed. For morphometric evaluation of different tunics of intestinal wall, small intestine and caecum fragments from 2 birds per repetition were collected and for intestinal integrity analysis (SE) the same fragments were collected from 2 birds per treatment. At the first period of breeding alternative additives-fed chickens showed similar weight gain compared to AGP-fed chickens, but they did not differ from control group. The feed:gain of alternative additives-fed chickens from 1st to 10th days was better than control group, but for the others periods the feed:gain ratio was similar to AGP-fed birds, without differing from control group. The morphometric of different tunics of intestinal wall was not influenced by treatments. The alternative additives did not improve the intestinal integrity, neither the broiler performance during the whole breeding period