Resumo

This study estimated the growth of body, carcass, primal cuts, edible offal, and feathers of Japanese quail reared in two thermal environments, receiving three nutritional plans, from one to 39 days of age. A total of 576 one-day-old female chicks (Coturnix japonica) with an average initial weight of 7.51±0.75g/bird were evaluated in a completely randomized design with a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement (three nutritional plans × two temperatures). The animals were housed in two climatic chambers, at 25 ºC and 35 ºC, using 12 replications with eight birds per experimental unit. Nutritional plans (NP) were as follows: NP1: one diet from 1-21days and another from 22-39 days; NP2: one diet from 1-14 days and another from 15-39 days; and NP3: a single diet from 1-39 days. The growth curves and growth rates of body, carcass, primal cuts, feathers, and edible offal were evaluated using the Gompertz mathematical model. Quail fed NP3 showed higher growth curves and rates for body, carcass, drumstick +thigh, and feather. There was an effect on maturity rate, which was lowest in quail housed at 35 ºC. Among the animals kept at 25 ºC, the group fed NP3 exhibited the highest growth rate and breast weight. The nutritional plan consisting of a single diet offered from 1 to 39 days, formulated based on the tables for Japanese and European quail, is the most suitable for estimating the growth curves (Gompertz model) of Japanese quail housed at 25 ºC or 35 ºC.

Objetivou-se estimar o crescimento corporal, carcaça, cortes nobres, vísceras comestíveis e penas de codornas japonesas criadas em dois ambientes térmicos e alimentadas com três planos nutricionais de um a 39 dias. Foram utilizadas 576 pintainhas (Coturnix japônica), fêmeas, com um dia de idade, com peso médio inicial 7,51 ± 0,75g/ave, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 3 × 2 (três planos nutricionais x duas temperaturas), alojadas em duas câmaras climáticas de 25º e 35 ºC, com 12 repetições e oito aves por unidade experimental. Os planos nutricionais foram: plano nutricional um (PN1) - uma dieta de 1-21 dias e uma dieta de 22-39 dias; plano nutricional dois (PN2) - uma dieta de 1-14 dias e uma dieta de 15-39 dias; e plano nutricional três (PN3) - dieta única de 1-39 dias. Foram avaliadas as curvas e taxas de crescimento corporal, carcaça, cortes nobres, penas e vísceras comestíveis, através do modelo matemático de Gompertz. Codornas alimentadas com PN3 apresentaram maiores curvas e taxas de crescimento corporal, de carcaça, coxa + sobrecoxa e penas. Houve efeito para taxa de maturidade, sendo inferior para codornas alojadas em 35 ºC. Nas aves mantidas em 25 ºC, observou-se maior taxa de crescimento e peso de peito nas codornas alimentadas com PN3. O plano nutricional composto por uma única dieta ofertada durante o período de um a 39 dias, formulado com base nas recomendações das tabelas para codornas japonesas e europeias, é o mais indicado para estimar curvas de crescimento no modelo de Gompertz de codornas japonesas alojadas em 25 ºC ou 35 ºC.

Resumo

Two experiments were conducted to assess the impact of an enzyme complex (EC) on the metabolizability coefficients of dry matter (MCDM), crude protein (MCCP), and ether extract (MCEE) and on the nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) of corn gluten meal, soybean protein concentrate, dried bovine plasma, and poultry offal meal. Additionally, the experiments aimed to evaluate how EC affected broiler performance. In experiment I, 720 day-old Cobb 500® broilers were assigned to a completely randomized design using a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement. The main factors considered were the feedstuff (corn gluten meal, soybean protein concentrate, dried bovine plasma, and poultry offal meal) and the presence or absence of EC. The broilers were housed in 45 pens, using five replicates, with ten birds in the pre-starter phase and six birds in the starter phase. This design resulted in eight treatment groups, including one reference diet group. In experiment II, 1140 day-old Cobb 500® chicks were allotted in a completely randomized design, employing a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement, with the same main factors as in experiment I. Birds were housed in 48 pens, using six replicates/30 birds, yielding eight treatments. The use of the EC did not lead to improvements in digestibility of the feedstuffs. However, the addition of EC resulted in enhanced body weight gain and improved feed conversion ratios across all phases of broiler growth. Enzyme complex inclusion did not affect feed intake. While the EC did not enhance the metabolizability of nutrients in feedstuffs individually, broilers fed diets containing these feedstuffs and supplemented with EC exhibited improved performance at 42 days of age. This suggests that the impact of the EC varies depending on whether it is observed at the feedstuff or diet level.(AU)

Resumo

The study evaluates the influence of environmental enrichment on behavior, leucometry, and performance of commercial pigs. Thirty-two hybrid pigs (Landrace × Large White × Pietran), at 69 days of life, were divided into four groups and subjected to different environmental stimuli: concrete floor, with no enrichment (C); floor bedding with wood chips (CM); concrete floor, with mobiles (MO); floor bedding with wood chips and the presence of mobile (CM + MO). The study collected behavioral data of the animals during 84 days, through the growing and finishing phases, each lasting 42 days, assessing the animals' position and behavior by the instantaneous scan sampling method. The animals received ad libitum water and a specially formulated feed following the nutritional requirements for growing and finishing phases. The study considered daily feed intake, daily weight gain, and feed conversion. Group CM in the growing phase showed prolonged standing position periods and demonstrated a greater exploration of their environment (2.1%). Groups MO and CM + MO, in the growing phase, demonstrated extended periods of interaction with the offered enrichments (10.8±2.1 and 9.1±2.8%, respectively). Piglets in the finishing phase housed in pens with floor bedding with wood chips and those housed in pens with floor bedding with wood chips and the presence of mobile (tires and chains) showed longer interaction time with enrichments (4.8 and 5.4%, respectively), compared with the other groups C and Mo. Group C remained overall the longest in a standing position in both breeding phases. There was no effect on the animals' leukogram. Environmental enrichment with wood shavings (as beddings) and hanging mobiles improves behavioral aspects of piglets in the growing and finishing periods.(AU)

Resumo

The aim of the present study was to analyze the histomorphology and histopathology of broiler chicken tracheas submitted to different levels of ammonia gas. The experiment was conducted during different seasons in 2019 in the city of Garanhuns, Brazil. Three sheds with rice hull bedding were used: Shed 1, new bedding; Shed 2, reused bedding; Shed 3, reused bedding with an increase in moisture. Twenty-eight birds were housed per shed for a 42-day production cycle. On days D0 (control group), D7, D21, D35 and D42, seven birds per shed were euthanized. Fragments of the trachea were collected and placed into plastic containers with 10% buffered formalin solution (pH 7) for 24 h, subsequently undergoing routine histological processing. The thickness of the tracheal mucosa was measured using digital images, considering ten equidistant points as being separated by 100 µm. Histopathological lesions were analyzed considering distribution and intensity. The birds in Shed 2 (reused bedding) had greater quantity and severity of histopathological lesions, but the differences did not reach statistical significance. Regarding histomorphometry, birds reared in the higher temperature period had thicker tracheal mucosa at the end of the production cycle (D35 and D42) compared to those raised in the cooler temperature period. In conclusion, the difference in bedding did not significantly alter the tracheal mucosa of the birds, whereas temperature exerted an influence on the thickness of the trachea at the end of the production cycle.(AU)

Resumo

This study aims to analyze the effects of multimodal environmental modification (MEMO) of cats with recurrence of lower urinary tract signs (LUTS). Treatment of FLUTD included pharmacological treatment, dietary management, and multimodal environmental modification approaches. Twenty client-owned indoor-housed cats with recurrence of lower urinary tract signs had been covered in this observation. Diagnosis of lower urinary tract was made primarily based on the cat's clinical signs, results of laboratory parameters, urinalysis and ultrasonographic examination. Cats were divided into two groups as cefovecin (8 mg/kg sc, single time use) + meloxicam (0.1mg/kg q24h, 3 days) + dry food including l-tryptophan and milk protein hydrolysate to dissolve struvite stones (Group 1) and cefovecin + meloxicam + dry food including l-tryptophan and milk protein hydrolysate to dissolve struvite stones + multimodal environmental modification (Group 2). Clinical and urinary parameters are scored as 0, 1, 2, 3 or 4 points on initial, third, seventh days. Scores of clinical parameters were significantly different between (p<0.05) group 2 and group 1 on the third and seventh days and scores of urinary parameters are significantly different between (p<0.05) group 2 than group 1 on the seventh day. Clients who were contacted after 1 year reported that they did not see any clinical signs of urinary tract diseases.

Este estudo tem como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da modificação ambiental multimodal (MEMO) em gatos com recorrência de sinais do trato urinário inferior (LUTS). O tratamento da FLUTD incluiu tratamento farmacológico, controle dietético e abordagens de modificação ambiental multimodal. Vinte gatos de propriedade de clientes, alojados em ambientes fechados, com recorrência de sinais do trato urinário inferior foram incluídos nessa observação. O diagnóstico do trato urinário inferior foi feito principalmente com base nos sinais clínicos do gato, nos resultados dos parâmetros laboratoriais, na urinálise e no exame ultrassonográfico. Os gatos foram divididos em dois grupos: cefovecina (8 mg/kg sc, uso único) + meloxicam (0,1mg/kg q24h, 3 dias) + ração seca incluindo l-triptofano e hidrolisado de proteína do leite para dissolver cálculos de estruvita (Grupo 1) e cefovecina + meloxicam + ração seca incluindo l-triptofano e hidrolisado de proteína do leite para dissolver cálculos de estruvita + modificação ambiental multimodal (Grupo 2). Os parâmetros clínicos e urinários foram pontuados como 0, 1, 2, 3 ou 4 pontos no primeiro, terceiro e sétimo dias. As pontuações dos parâmetros clínicos foram significativamente diferentes entre (p<0,05) o grupo 2 e o grupo 1 no terceiro e sétimo dias, e as pontuações dos parâmetros urinários foram significativamente diferentes entre (p<0,05) o grupo 2 e o grupo 1 no sétimo dia. Os clientes que foram contatados após um ano relataram que não observaram nenhum sinal clínico de doenças do trato urinário.

Resumo

Novel coronavirus (nCoV) namely "SARS-CoV-2" is being found responsible for current PANDEMIC commenced from Wuhan (China) since December 2019 and has been described with epidemiological linkage to China in about 221 countries and territories until now. In this study we have characterized the genetic lineage of SARS-CoV-2 and report the recombination within the genus and subgenus of coronaviruses. Phylogenetic relationship of thirty nine coronaviruses belonging to its four genera and five subgenera was analyzed by using the Neighbor-joining method using MEGA 6.0. Phylogenetic trees of full length genome, various proteins (spike, envelope, membrane and nucleocapsid) nucleotide sequences were constructed separately. Putative recombination was probed via RDP4. Our analysis describes that the "SARS-CoV-2" although shows great similarity to Bat-SARS-CoVs sequences through whole genome (giving sequence similarity 89%), exhibits conflicting grouping with the Bat-SARS-like coronavirus sequences (MG772933 and MG772934). Furthermore, seven recombination events were observed in SARS-CoV-2 (NC_045512) by RDP4. But not a single recombination event fulfills the high level of certainty. Recombination mostly housed in spike protein genes than rest of the genome indicating breakpoint cluster arises beyond the 95% and 99% breakpoint density intervals. Genetic similarity levels observed among "SARS-CoV-2" and Bat-SARS-CoVs advocated that the latter did not exhibit the specific variant that cause outbreak in humans, proposing a suggestion that "SARS-CoV-2" has originated possibly from bats. These genomic features and their probable association with virus characteristics along with virulence in humans require further consideration.

O novo coronavírus (nCoV), nomeadamente "SARS-CoV-2", foi considerado responsável pela pandemia atual iniciada em Wuhan (China) desde dezembro de 2019 e foi descrito com ligação epidemiológica à China em cerca de 221 países e territórios até agora. Neste estudo, caracterizamos a linhagem genética do SARS-CoV-2 e relatamos a recombinação dentro do gênero e subgênero dos coronavírus. A relação filogenética de 39 coronavírus pertencentes a seus quatro gêneros e cinco subgêneros foi analisada usando o método de Neighbour-joining usando MEGA 6.0. Árvores filogenéticas do genoma de comprimento total, várias proteínas (espícula, envelope, membrana e nucleocapsídeo), sequências de nucleotídeos foram construídas separadamente. A recombinação putativa foi testada via RDP4. Nossa análise descreve que o "SARS-CoV-2", embora mostre grande semelhança com as sequências de Bat-SARS-CoVs em todo o genoma (dando semelhança de sequência de 89%), exibe agrupamento conflitante com as sequências de coronavírus do tipo Bat-SARS (MG772933 e MG772934) Além disso, sete eventos de recombinação foram observados em SARS-CoV-2 (NC045512) por RDP4. Mas nem um único evento de recombinação preenche o alto nível de certeza. A recombinação está alojada mais em genes de proteína de pico, principalmente, do que no resto do genoma, indicando que o cluster de ponto de interrupção surge além dos intervalos de densidade de ponto de interrupção de 95% e 99%. Os níveis de similaridade genética observados entre "SARS-CoV-2" e Bat-SARS-CoVs defendem que o último não exibe a variante específica que causa surto em humanos, sugerindo que "SARS-CoV-2" tenha se originado possivelmente de morcegos. Essas características genômicas e sua provável associação com as características do vírus, juntamente com a virulência em humanos, requerem uma consideração mais aprofundada.

Resumo

Background: Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) is a fetal protein that was first defined in 1956 and has been used since the 1970s to identify high-risk pregnancies for abnormalities in gynecology. First description of fetal protein was by Bergstrand and Czar in 1956 in humans and named as ''alpha-fetoprotein'' (AFP). AFP was found in the electrophoresis of fetal serum (pH 8.6) and migrated from serum albumin faster than slow alpha-1-globulin, and was located in the alpha globulins region. AFP has also been used as a tumor marker in many neoplastic formations and was later shown to be present in other mammalian species. The aim of our study was to determine the concentrations of maternal serum alpha-fetoprotein (MSAFP) during pregnancy of Thoroughbred mares and to investigate the possible differences of MSAFP in normal and pathological pregnancy. Materials, Methods & Results: The horses (Equus caballus) in this study were Thorougbred mares (n = 66) permanently housed at the Karacabey Stud of the Turkish Jockey Club. The mares were subjected to regular health checks. The mares that were healthy on clinical examination, had regular cyclic activity and were bred by different stallions during the 2019 official breeding season (15 February - 30 June) were randomly selected for inclusion in the study. The mares were di-vided into two groups: Mares with normal pregnancies (group I, n = 42) and mares with pathological pregnancies (group II, n = 24). Group II was divided into subgroups of embryonic loss (n = 11), abortion (n = 10), preterm birth (n = 2), and premature placental abruption (n = 1). The possible relationships between mean MSAFP and foal sex, birth weight, time of birth, and IgG concentration in colostrum were also investigated. The mean MSAFP concentration was 46.78 ± 0.87 pg/mL in normal pregnancies and 70.69 ± 3.86 pg/mL in pathological pregnancies (P≤ 0.001). No positive association was found between mean MSAFP concentration and colostrum quality or birth weight (P > 0.05). Discussion: In human medicine, alpha-fetoprotein is actively used in clinical practice as a tumour marker and as a screening test for early diagnosis of pregnancy pathologies in women. Pregnancy pathologies and embryonic losses cause great economic losses in horse breeding. Considering that the breeding season is limited, especially in thoroughbred racehorse breeding, it is important for breeders to identify mares that will experience pregnancy pathologies in the future during the breeding season. In our study, MSAFP concentrations were found to be higher than normal in mares with pregnancy pathologies such as embryonic death, abortion and premature placental separation, which is consistent with other studies. It was reported that a negative correlation was found between the age and gestational age of mares and MSAFP, but no correlation was found between the sex, birth weight, chest and leg circumference of foals and MSAFP concentration. Studies have shown that MSAFP may be a marker for pregnancy pathologies. In a study investigating the effects of seasons on MSAFP concentrations of mares, it was reported that MSAFP concentrations were higher in summer months compared to spring months (P = 0.0378) and MSAFP concentrations were higher in the last month of pregnancy compared to the previous months (P = 0.0117). These findings are supported by the results of our study. By measuring MSAFP concentrations, pathological pregnancy can be predetermined, interventions can be made and it can be possible to obtain one foal per year.

Resumo

Abstract Novel coronavirus (nCoV) namely "SARS-CoV-2" is being found responsible for current PANDEMIC commenced from Wuhan (China) since December 2019 and has been described with epidemiological linkage to China in about 221 countries and territories until now. In this study we have characterized the genetic lineage of SARS-CoV-2 and report the recombination within the genus and subgenus of coronaviruses. Phylogenetic relationship of thirty nine coronaviruses belonging to its four genera and five subgenera was analyzed by using the Neighbor-joining method using MEGA 6.0. Phylogenetic trees of full length genome, various proteins (spike, envelope, membrane and nucleocapsid) nucleotide sequences were constructed separately. Putative recombination was probed via RDP4. Our analysis describes that the "SARS-CoV-2" although shows great similarity to Bat-SARS-CoVs sequences through whole genome (giving sequence similarity 89%), exhibits conflicting grouping with the Bat-SARS-like coronavirus sequences (MG772933 and MG772934). Furthermore, seven recombination events were observed in SARS-CoV-2 (NC_045512) by RDP4. But not a single recombination event fulfills the high level of certainty. Recombination mostly housed in spike protein genes than rest of the genome indicating breakpoint cluster arises beyond the 95% and 99% breakpoint density intervals. Genetic similarity levels observed among "SARS-CoV-2" and Bat-SARS-CoVs advocated that the latter did not exhibit the specific variant that cause outbreak in humans, proposing a suggestion that "SARS-CoV-2" has originated possibly from bats. These genomic features and their probable association with virus characteristics along with virulence in humans require further consideration.

Resumo O novo coronavírus (nCoV), nomeadamente "SARS-CoV-2", foi considerado responsável pela pandemia atual iniciada em Wuhan (China) desde dezembro de 2019 e foi descrito com ligação epidemiológica à China em cerca de 221 países e territórios até agora. Neste estudo, caracterizamos a linhagem genética do SARS-CoV-2 e relatamos a recombinação dentro do gênero e subgênero dos coronavírus. A relação filogenética de 39 coronavírus pertencentes a seus quatro gêneros e cinco subgêneros foi analisada usando o método de Neighbour-joining usando MEGA 6.0. Árvores filogenéticas do genoma de comprimento total, várias proteínas (espícula, envelope, membrana e nucleocapsídeo), sequências de nucleotídeos foram construídas separadamente. A recombinação putativa foi testada via RDP4. Nossa análise descreve que o "SARS-CoV-2", embora mostre grande semelhança com as sequências de Bat-SARS-CoVs em todo o genoma (dando semelhança de sequência de 89%), exibe agrupamento conflitante com as sequências de coronavírus do tipo Bat-SARS (MG772933 e MG772934) Além disso, sete eventos de recombinação foram observados em SARS-CoV-2 (NC045512) por RDP4. Mas nem um único evento de recombinação preenche o alto nível de certeza. A recombinação está alojada mais em genes de proteína de pico, principalmente, do que no resto do genoma, indicando que o cluster de ponto de interrupção surge além dos intervalos de densidade de ponto de interrupção de 95% e 99%. Os níveis de similaridade genética observados entre "SARS-CoV-2" e Bat-SARS-CoVs defendem que o último não exibe a variante específica que causa surto em humanos, sugerindo que "SARS-CoV-2" tenha se originado possivelmente de morcegos. Essas características genômicas e sua provável associação com as características do vírus, juntamente com a virulência em humanos, requerem uma consideração mais aprofundada.

Resumo

One of the pests that most affect and compromise poultry production worldwide is the insect Alphitobius diaperinus, known as the lesser mealworm. This insect is a vector of diseases that compromise not only chicken production but also human health. This study proposes to examine the efficacy and determine the appropriate rate of methylxanthine (MTX), a natural insecticide extracted from cafeine, for the control of an adult population of lesser mealworms in poultry litter. A total of 2,500 adult mealworms were distributed into five treatments in a completely randomized design using 10 replications with 50 insects per replication. The treatments consisted of a control group and four concentrations of MTX (14, 16, 18, and 20 g/m2) spread in plastic boxes containing reused poultry litter and feed, allocated in a broiler shed, to simulate the farm condition. The experimental period was 18 days, and five readings were performed on days 2, 4, 6, 10, and 18. Methylxanthine affected (P<0.05) the mealworms' cumulative mortality rate, with the groups of insects housed in boxes treated with 16 g /m2 MTX showing the highest cumulative mortality (86.6%) at the end of the experimental period. In conclusion, MTX has insecticidal action on adults of lesser mealworm and can be used on chicken litter to control the population of this insect in poultry sheds. The MTX concentration of 16 g/m2 showed the greatest effectiveness.

Uma das pragas que mais afetam e comprometem a produção avícola no mundo é o inseto Alphitobius diaperinus, conhecido como cascudinho. Este inseto é vetor de doenças que comprometem não só a produção de frangos como também a saúde humana. Objetivou-se com esse trabalho avaliar a eficácia e determinar a dose adequada de Metilxantina (MTX), inseticida natural extraído da cafeína, para o controle da população adulta de cascudinhos em cama de frango. Foram utilizados 2.500 cascudinhos adultos distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, cinco tratamentos, 10 repetições com 50 insetos por repetição. Os tratamentos consistiram de grupo controle e quatro concentrações 14 g/m2, 16 g/m2, 18 g/m2, 20 g/m2 de MTX espalhadas em recipientes plásticos contendo cama de frango reutilizada e ração, alocados em um galpão de frangos de corte a fm de simular a condição de granja. Período experimental foi de 18 dias e realizadas cinco leituras nos dias dois, quatro, seis, 10 e 18. A MTX afetou (P<0,05) a taxa de mortalidade acumulada de cascudinhos, grupos de insetos alojados em caixas tratadas com 16 g/m2 de MTX apresentaram maior mortalidade acumulada (86,6%) ao final do período experimental. Conclui-se que MTX tem ação inseticida sobre adultos de cascudinho, podendo ser utilizada sobre a cama de frango para o controle da população deste inseto em galpões de criação de frangos, a concentração 16 g/MTX/m2 demonstrou maior efetividade.

Resumo

This study was carried out to investigate the effects of adding fruit of juniper berry (Juniperus communis) on performance, some carcass characteristics, serum parameters, histopathological features and jejunum villi lengths in broiler diets. A total of 150 male chicks were used in the study. The chicks were housed for 42 days. One of the experimental groups was a control group, and the diets of the 4 treatment groups included 0.5%, 1%, 1.5% and 2% dried natural juniper berries, respectively. Addition of fruit of juniper berry to the diets had positive effects on body weight, average daily weight gain, feed conversion rate and slaughter weight, feed intake, hot carcass yield and serum calcium and phosphorus levels. Juniper berry addition in the diets also increased the length of the jejunum villi. As a result, it can be recommended to add up to 1% of juniper berry in broiler diet.(AU)

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Em granjas de postura, infestações por ectoparasitas são um problema que gera gastos e diminui a produção dos animais, pelo aumento do estresse. O piolho Menacanthus stramineus é apontado como um dos principais parasitas na avicultura comercial. Há um interesse crescente no uso de abordagens de controle de parasitos na produção de aves minimizando o uso de pesticidas sintéticos tradicionais. Objetivou-se avaliar a eficácia do caldo de fumo (Nicotiana tabacum) no controle do Menacanthus stramineus (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) em galinhas poedeiras no município de Salinas, Minas Gerais. Para isso, 30 galinhas poedeiras naturalmente infestadas por piolhos, oriundas dos Setor de Zootecnia I do Instituto Federal do Norte de Minas Gerais - Campus Salinas (IFNMG), foram selecionadas aleatoriamente e divididas em três grupos, mantidos em galpões distintos e separados: Grupo I- Tratado com caldo de fumo, conforme Sagrilo e colaboradores (2007); Grupo II- Tratado com Colosso Pulverização®, diluídos 11ml em nove litros; Grupo III- Controle, tratado com água, sendo todos os grupos submetidos ao tratamento por imersão em balde com nove litros de solução. Espécimes de piolhos foram coletados manualmente através de inspeção visual, juntamente com penas contendo ovos em sua base e encaminhados ao Laboratório de Parasitologia Veterinária (LPV) do IFNMG, para realização do diagnóstico parasitológico através de chaves de identificação. Os espécimes foram clarificados em hidróxido de potássio a 10% e observados em microscopia óptica nas objetivas de 4x e 10x. Os ovos foram observados em microscópio estereoscópico, no aumento de 4x. Todas as galinhas foram diagnosticadas com infestação por ovos e adultos de M. stramineus. Para o banho de imersão, as aves foram seguradas pelo pescoço e pelas asas, mergulhando todo seu corpo em balde plástico. Sete dias após a realização dos tratamentos, as aves foram novamente examinadas em uma inspeção visual pelos mesmos examinadores. O Grupo I não apresentou ovos e nem adultos de M. stramineus em nenhuma ave, revelando 100% de eficácia. O Grupo II não apresentou adultos, mas foram observados ovos aderidos à base das penas, friáveis ao toque, em nove aves. Posteriormente, verificou-se que se tratava de cascas de ovos vazias. E, o Grupo III estava ainda intensamente parasitado por ovos e adultos de M. stramineus. Conclui-se que o caldo de fumo (Nicotiana tabacum) preparado conforme descrito na metodologia do presente trabalho, é eficaz no controle do piolho Menacanthus stramineus (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) em galinhas poedeiras no município de Salinas, Minas Gerais.(AU)

In laying hens barns, ectoparasite infestations are a problem that generates expenses and decreases animal production due to increased stress. The Menacanthus stramineus louse is considered one of the main parasites in commercial poultry. There is growing interest in the use of parasite control approaches in poultry production while minimizing the use of traditional synthetic pesticides. The objective of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of tobacco broth (Nicotiana tabacum) in controlling Menacanthus stramineus (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) in laying hens in the municipality of Salinas, Minas Gerais. Thus, 30 laying hens naturally infested with lice, housed at the Zootechnics Sector I at the Federal Institute of Northern Minas Gerais ­ Campus Salinas (FINMG) were randomly selected and divided into three groups, which were kept in different and separated barns: Group I- Treated with tobacco broth, according to Sagrilo et al (2007); Group II- Treated with Colosso Pulverização®, diluted 11ml in nine liters; Group III- Control, treated with water. All groups were elaborated for treatment by immersion in a bucket with nine liters of solution. Lice specimens were manually collected through visual inspection including feathers containing eggs at their base and then sent to the Veterinary Parasitology Laboratory (VPL) at the FINMG for parasitological diagnosis by using identification keys. The specimens were clarified in potassium hydroxide 10% and observed under optical microscopy at 4x and 10x objectives. The eggs were observed under a stereoscopic microscope at 4x magnification. All chickens were diagnosed with infestation of adult and egg stages of M. stramineus. For the immersion bath, the animals were held by the neck and wings, dipping their entire bodies in a plastic bucket. Seven days after the treatments were carried out they were again examined in a visual inspection by the same examiners. Group I did not show any eggs or adults of M. stramineus, which presented efficacy of 100%. Group II did not have adults, but friable eggs when touched adhered to the base of the feathers were observed in nine animals. Later on, it was found that they were empty egg shells. And, Group III was still intensely parasitized by eggs and adults stages of M. stramineus. It is concluded that tabocco broth (Nicotiana tabacum) prepared as described in the methodology of the present study is effective in controlling the lice Menacanthus stramineus (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) in laying hens in the municipality of Salinas, Minas Gerais.(AU)

En las gallinas ponedoras, las infestaciones de ectoparásitos son un problema que genera gastos y disminuye la producción animal, debido al aumento del estrés. El piojo Menacanthus stramineus se considera uno de los principales parásitos de las aves comerciales. Existe un interés creciente en el uso de enfoques de control de parásitos en la producción avícola mientras se minimiza el uso de pesticidas sintéticos tradicionales. El objetivo fue evaluar la eficacia del caldo de tabaco (Nicotiana tabacum) en el control de Menacanthus stramineus (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) en gallinas ponedoras del municipio de Salinas, Minas Gerais. Para ello, 30 gallinas ponedoras naturalmente infestadas de piojos, del Sector I de Zootecnia del Instituto Federal del Norte de Minas Gerais - Campus Salinas (IFNMG), fueron seleccionadas al azar y divididas en tres grupos, mantenidos en galpones separados y separados: Grupo I - Tratado con caldo de humo, según Sagrilo et al. (2007); Grupo II- Tratado con Colosso Pulverização®, diluido 11ml en nueve litros; Grupo III- Control, tratado con agua, con todos los grupos sometidos a tratamiento por inmersión en un balde con nueve litros de solución. Las muestras de piojos se recolectaron manualmente mediante inspección visual, junto con plumas que contenían huevos en su base y se enviaron al Laboratorio de Parasitología Veterinaria (LPV) del IFNMG, para el diagnóstico parasitológico mediante claves de identificación. Las muestras se clarificaron en hidróxido de potasio al 10% y se observaron bajo microscopía óptica en objetivos 4x y 10x. Los huevos se observaron bajo un microscopio estereoscópico, con un aumento de 4x. Todos los pollos fueron diagnosticados con huevos de M. stramineus e infestación de adultos. Para el baño de inmersión, se sujetó a las aves por el cuello y las alas, sumergiendo todo su cuerpo en un balde de plástico. Siete días después de que se llevaron a cabo los tratamientos, las aves fueron examinadas de nuevo en una inspección visual por los mismos examinadores. El grupo I no presentó huevos ni adultos de M. stramineus en ninguna ave, mostrando una efectividad del 100%. El grupo II no presentó adultos, pero se observaron huevos adheridos a la base de las plumas, friables al tacto, en nueve aves. Posteriormente, se encontró que se trataba de cáscaras de huevo vacías. Y, el Grupo III todavía estaba intensamente parasitado por huevos y adultos de M. stramineus. Se concluye que el caldo de tabaco (Nicotiana tabacum) elaborado según lo descrito en la metodología del presente trabajo, es efectivo en el control de los piojos Menacanthus stramineus (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) en gallinas ponedoras del municipio de Salinas, Minas Gerais.(AU)

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A total of 1,296 broiler chicken were housed, distributed in a completely randomized design with 6 treatments and 6 repetitions. The treatments consisted of a control diet formulated with corn considered adequate and without the addition of adsorbent, a diet formulated with corn naturally contaminated with mycotoxin (CCM) and four diets formulated with CCM and added with different commercial adsorbents. At the end of the first week and at 21 days of age of the birds, it was observed that the control diet resulted in greater (p < 0.05) live weight and weight gain in relation to the inclusion of CCM. The relative weight of the liver was lower for the control group compared to the groups receiving a diet with CCM and CCM + ads D. The relative weight of the proventriculus and cloacal bursa was lower for the control group compared to those who received a diet with CCM + ads B and CCM + ads C. There was no significant effect (p > 0.05) of the diets on the analysis of serum biochemistry and the occurrence of fatty and hydropic degeneration in the liver of broilers. The use of adsorbents can mitigate the harmful effects of mycotoxins, however, these products have specific binding capacity to the type of mycotoxin present in food.(AU)

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The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of season and housing system on hematochemical attributes of rabbits in Southern Punjab, Pakistan. Adult healthy rabbits (n=30) were divided into two groups of equal size (n=15). Group I was housed in a modern cage system and group II in traditional colony system for a period of one year. Blood samples of rabbits from both groups were collected in the summer and the winter seasons and analyzed for various hematochemical attributes. Hematochemical attributes including red blood cell (RBC) count, hematocrit (HCT), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), total white blood cell (WBC) count, mixed cells (MID), granulocytes (GRA), glucose and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were lowered significantly (P<0.05) in the summer in relation to the winter, while mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), creatinine, and cholesterol level were significantly (P<0.05) higher during the summer season. Biochemical attributes as cholesterol, triglycerides and globulin were significantly (P<0.05) lower in the caged rabbits. In conclusion, the summer season caused a significant decrease in most of the hematochemical attributes whereas housing system did not affect most of the hematochemical attributes of the rabbits under the climatic conditions of Southern Punjab, Pakistan.

O presente estudo foi realizado para investigar o efeito da estação do ano e do sistema de alojamento nos atributos hemato-químicos dos coelhos no Sul do Punjab, Paquistão. Os coelhos adultos saudáveis (n=30) foram divididos em dois grupos de mesmo tamanho (n=15). O grupo I foi alojado em um moderno sistema de gaiolas e o grupo II em sistema de colônia tradicional por um período de um ano. Amostras de sangue de coelhos em ambos os grupos foram coletadas no verão e no inverno e analisadas para vários atributos hemato-químicos. Os atributos hemato-químicos, incluindo contagem de hemácias, hematócrito (HCT), volume corpuscular médio (MCV), contagem total de leucócitos, células mistas (MID), granulócitos (GRA), glicose e alanina aminotransferase (ALT) foram significativamente reduzidos (P<0.05) no verão comparado ao inverno, enquanto a hemoglobina corpuscular média (HGM), a concentração média de hemoglobina corpuscular (HGM), creatinina e nível de colesterol foram significativamente (P<0,05) mais altos durante a estação do verão. Atributos bioquímicos como colesterol, triglicerídeos e globulina foram significativamente (P<0,05) mais baixos em coelhos engaiolados. Em conclusão, a estação do verão causou uma diminuição significativa na maioria dos atributos hemato-químicos, enquanto o sistema de alojamento não afetou a maioria dos atributos hemato-químicos dos coelhos sob as condições climáticas do Punjab do Sul, Paquistão.

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The aim of the present study was to evaluate the post-vaccinal reaction to two lentogenic vaccine strains of Newcatle disease virus (NDV) and a recombinant turkey herpesvirus (rHVT) vaccine expressing the fusion glycoprotein of NDV in broiler chickens through histomorphometric and histopathologic analyses of the trachea. The experiment involved 245 chicks housed in randomized blocks with three different enclosures under controlled conditions of temperature, light and ventilation. Each enclosure represented a vaccine strain and was divided into groups according to the administration route. Each block also had its own control group composed of unvaccinated birds. The vaccine strains PHY.LMV.42 (PL42) and La Sota (LS) were selected according to the Intracerebral Pathogenicity Index (ICPI) and the rHVT-NDV Serotype 3 strain (ST3) was selected for representing non-NDV infection. At two, four, seven, 14 and 21 days post vaccination, fragments from the middle third of the trachea were collected and submitted to routine histological processing. For the histomorphometric analysis, the slides were photographed, and the thickness of the tracheal mucosa was measured. Statistical analysis involved two-way ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test with a 5% significance level. For the histopathological evaluation, lesions were described as to the degree of intensity and distribution. At four and 14 days post vaccination with the LS strain administered by the ocular route, the means of thickening of the tracheal mucosa (20.85±7.31µm and 26.97±5.50µm, respectively) were significantly higher (p<0.05) than for all other strains, which was related to the severe histopathological lesions found in this group, characterized by hyperemia, hyperplasia of the mucous glands, moderate deciliation and multifocal lymphohistiocytic inflammatory infiltrate. At 21 days, broiler chickens vaccinated with the ST3 strain showed more discrete lesions and less thickening of the tracheal mucosa (23.23±7.62µm; p<0.05) in comparison with other studied strains. The lesions found in this group were only hemorrhage, deciliation and mild focal lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate. The results of the histomorphometry and histopathology of the trachea indicated that vaccination with rHVT-NDV Serotype 3 strain induced lower degree post-vaccine tracheal lesions compared to other vaccine strains analyzed in this study.

Objetivou-se avaliar a reação pós-vacinal de duas estirpes lentogênicas do vírus da doença de Newcastle (VDN) e uma vacina recombinante de herpesvirus de perus (rHVT) que expressa a glicoproteína de fusão de VDN em frangos de corte por meio da histomorfometria e histopatologia da traqueia. Foram utilizados 245 pintos alojados em blocos ao acaso, sendo três galpões distintos em condições controladas de temperatura, luz e ventilação. Cada galpão representou uma cepa vacinal, onde foram divididos por grupos de acordo com a via de administração. Todos os blocos possuíam um grupo controle composto por aves não vacinadas. As cepas vacinais PHY.LMV.42 (PL42) e La Sota (LS) utilizadas foram selecionadas de acordo com o Índice de Patogenicidade Intracerebral (IPIC) e a cepa Sorotipo 3 (ST3), da vacina rHVT-VDN foi selecionada por não representar infecção do VDN. Aos dois, quarto, sete, 14 e 21 dias pós-vacinação, fragmentos do terço médio da traqueia foram coletados e posteriormente processados conforme rotina histológica. Para análise histomorfométrica da mucosa traqueal, as lâminas foram fotografadas e realizadas as mensurações da espessura da mucosa traqueal sendo aplicado teste de análise de variância a dois critérios (ANOVA) e utilizando o post-hoc de Tukey com nível de significância de 5%. Para a avaliação histopatológica foram observadas a presença de lesões microscópicas e estas foram descritas quanto ao grau de intensidade e distribuição. Aos quatro e quatorze dias pós-vacinação com a cepa LS administrada por via ocular, as médias do espessamento da mucosa traqueal (20,85±7,31µm e 26,97±5,50µm, respectivamente) foram significativamente maiores (p<0,05) quando comparada a todas as demais cepas utilizadas, isto se deve às severas lesões histopatológicas encontrados neste grupo, caracterizadas por hiperemia, hiperplasia das glândulas mucosas, deciliação moderada e infiltrado inflamatório linfohistiocitário multifocal moderado. Já aos 21 dias as aves vacinadas com a cepa ST3 apresentaram lesões mais discretas e menor espessamento da mucosa da traqueia (23,23±7,62µm; p<0,05) em comparação às demais cepas estudadas. As lesões encontradas neste grupo foram apenas hemorragia, deciliação e infiltrado inflamatório linfocitário focal discreto. Os resultados da histomorfometria e da histopatologia da traqueia indicou que a vacinação com a rHVT-NDV, cepa Sorotipo 3 induziu menor grau de lesões pós-vacinais na traqueia comparada a outras cepas vacinais analisadas nesse estudo.

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the reproductive performance of sows in individual stalls (Stall) or group-housed into groups on days 3 to 5 (Pen5) or 38 to 42 (Pen42) after breeding. The reproductive data was collected from the operating system of the farm establishing the average of the weekly performances of the sows that gave birth, for four years, except for the Pen5 system, which was evaluated for three years. Statistical analyses were performed using SAS®, using MIXED (for quantitative traits), NPAR1WAY (for categorical traits) and LOGISTIC (binomial traits) procedures, using sows as a repeated measure. Sows in Stall system had piglets with higher birth weight them sows in the group-housed system (P<0.05), however the piglets born alive, total piglets weaned, average litter weight, and duration of farrowing were lower in this system than in the group-housed (P<0.0001). There was no difference between Pen5 and Stall systems for gestation period and mummified piglets. The Pen42 system had a higher percentage of mummified piglets and a shorter gestation period, when compared Pen5 and Stall systems (P<0.0001), and similar results to the Pen5 system for duration of farrowing, piglets born alive, stillbirths, total piglets weaned, average litter weight and birth weight (P<0.0001).(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a performance reprodutiva de matrizes suínas alojadas individualmente (Individual) ou em grupos, nos dias 3 a 5 (Grupo 5) ou 38 a 42 (Grupo 42) após a inseminação. Os dados reprodutivos foram coletados do sistema operacional da granja, estabelecendo-se a média dos desempenhos semanais das matrizes que pariram por semana, durante quatro anos, exceto para o sistema Grupo 5, que foi avaliado por três anos. A análise estatística foi realizada com SAS®, usando-se os procedimentos MIXED (para variáveis quantitativas), NPAR1WAY (para variáveis categóricas) e LOGISTIC (para variáveis binomiais), tendo a matriz como uma medida repetida. As matrizes no sistema Individual tiveram leitões com maior média de peso ao nascer do que as matrizes nos sistemas de alojamento em grupo (P<0,05), porém os leitões nascidos vivos, o total de leitões nascidos, o peso médio da leitegada e a duração do parto foram menores no sistema Individual do que nos sistemas de alojamento em grupo (P<0,0001). Não houve diferença entre os sistemas Grupo 5 e Individual para o tempo de duração da gestação e o número de leitões mumificados. O sistema Grupo 42 apresentou maior porcentagem de leitões mumificados e menor período de gestação, quando comparado aos sistemas Grupo 5 e Individual (P<0,0001), e resultados semelhantes ao sistema Grupo 5 para duração do parto, leitões nascidos vivos, natimortos, total de leitões desmamados, peso médio da leitegada e peso ao nascer (P<0,0001).(AU)

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Abstract Thirty healthy Sohagi ram lambs with an average age of 188.6±7.3 days were used to study the effect of pre-pubertal growth rate on some physiological parameters and sexual behavioral patterns at puberty. Ram lambs were divided into three groups (10 animals per each group) according to the previous growth rate until 6 months of age. Groups were marked as fast, medium and slow growing. Animal groups were housed in closed barns with access to an open area. Results showed that age and weight of ram lambs at puberty were significantly affected (P<0.05) by the pre-pubertal growth rate. Ram lambs in the fast growing group were reached to onset puberty firstly at 272.6 days with body weight (BW) 37.1 kg on average then ram lambs in medium group (284.8 days with BW 32.7 kg), while ram lambs in slow growing group were the last (314.1 days with BW 32.5 kg). Blood‎ testosterone‎ concentration at puberty was not significantly different among growing groups (1.494± 0.03 ng/ml on average, ranged from 1.287 to 1.902 ng/ml). Testes measurements from 6 months of age until puberty show that ram lambs in fast growing group had the highest values of testes length, circumference and volume followed by those in medium and slow growing group. Sexual behavioral observation showed that flehmen and mounting behavior were significantly higher for ram lambs in fast growing group (5.63 and 6.75 number/12h) than slow growing group (4.25 and 5.38 number/12h) while in medium growing group were intermediate (4.88 and 5.88 number/12h). From these findings, could be concluded that age, weight and sexual behavioral patterns of Sohagi ram lambs at puberty were affected by pre-pubertal growth rate, and the breeders should strive to achieve good growth rates for their lambs before puberty which led to improving reproductive performance.

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ABSTRACT: The domestic canary (Serinus canaria) has been bred for hundreds of years to improve the quality of its plumage and its song. Reproduction in this species occurs seasonally, stimulated by a gradual increase in day length. Although, the occurrence of seasonal breeding in canaries is well known, whether canary reproduction can be manipulated remains unknown. Our objective was to determine whether the conditions of captivity (photoperiod and temperature) can be adjusted to enable canaries to reproduce outside of their natural breeding season. Thirty days before the natural breeding season, canary pairs were assigned and separated into three different groups: External Control (housed outdoors under ambient conditions), Artificial Control (housed artificially indoors under conditions similar to the external conditions), and Artificial Altered (housed artificially indoors for five months, with the photoperiod gradually manipulated to simulate that of the natural breeding season) groups. The number of clutches laid was greater in the Artificial Control than in External Control; however, more birds hatched in the External Control. In the Artificial Altered group, the beginning of the breeding season was delayed when the same parameters were used. Although, further research is needed, this study presents new data to assist in the development of protocols that entail gradual changes in environmental conditions to try to reduce the impacts of the processes on animal welfare.

RESUMO: O canário doméstico (Serinus canaria) tem sido criado há centenas de anos para melhorar a qualidade da plumagem e do canto. A reprodução nesta espécie é sazonal, sendo estimulada por um aumento gradual da duração do dia. Embora a reprodução sazonal de canários seja bem conhecida, ainda não se sabe se a reprodução dos canários pode ser manipulada. O objetivo foi determinar se as condições em cativeiro (fotoperíodo e temperatura) podem ser ajustadas para permitir que os canários se reproduzam fora de sua estação natural de reprodução. Trinta dias antes da estação natural de reprodução, os pares foram designados e separados em grupos: Controle Externo (alojado em gaiolas sob condições ambientais externas); Controle Artificial (alojado em gaiolas mantidas em condições artificiais semelhantes ao lado externo); e Alterado Artificial (alojado em gaiolas mantidas em condições artificiais constantes por cinco meses, após o fotoperíodo foi gradualmente manipulado para simular o da estação natural de reprodução). O número de posturas foi maior no grupo Controle Artificial do que no Controle Externo; entretanto, mais aves eclodiram no Controle Externo. No grupo Alterado Artificial, o início do período reprodutivo foi atrasado considerando os mesmos parâmetros reprodutivos. Embora mais pesquisas sejam necessárias, este estudo apresenta novos dados para auxiliar no desenvolvimento de protocolos que promovam mudanças graduais das condições ambientais visando reduzir os impactos no bem-estar animal.

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ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of rearing systems and genotypes on production performance and egg quality. Isa Brown and New Hampshire genotypes were used in this study. These two genotypes were housed in floor and organic rearing systems. During the experimental period, which lasted one year (52 weeks), the following production performance parameters were recorded: egg production, daily egg mass, feed consumption, feed conversion efficiency, and mortality. Fifteen eggs per group were collected for analysis at 64 weeks of hen age. These samples were evaluated for external parameters (egg weight and egg shape index), internal parameters (albumen height, Haugh unit, and the proportions of albumen, yolk and shell), eggshell quality parameters (shell thickness, shell deformation and shell breaking strength), and eggs chemical composition (dry matter, minerals, protein and lipids). Generally, Isa Brown hens had better production performance than New Hampshire hens. At the same time, organic New Hampshire layers performed better than floor-reared ones. Genotype had a significant effect on all ten egg quality parameters (external, internal and eggshell quality), rearing system independently affected only egg weight, and the interaction of the observed factors significantly influenced seven parameters. Genotype had a significant effect on three of the four chemical composition parameters, while no significant effect of the rearing system was established on the chemical composition of eggs. The rearing system x genotype interaction significantly affected the eggs protein content.

Resumo

The domestic canary (Serinus canaria) has been bred for hundreds of years to improve the quality of its plumage and its song. Reproduction in this species occurs seasonally, stimulated by a gradual increase in day length. Although, the occurrence of seasonal breeding in canaries is well known, whether canary reproduction can be manipulated remains unknown. Our objective was to determine whether the conditions of captivity (photoperiod and temperature) can be adjusted to enable canaries to reproduce outside of their natural breeding season. Thirty days before the natural breeding season, canary pairs were assigned and separated into three different groups: External Control (housed outdoors under ambient conditions), Artificial Control (housed artificially indoors under conditions similar to the external conditions), and Artificial Altered (housed artificially indoors for five months, with the photoperiod gradually manipulated to simulate that of the natural breeding season) groups. The number of clutches laid was greater in the Artificial Control than in External Control; however, more birds hatched in the External Control. In the Artificial Altered group, the beginning of the breeding season was delayed when the same parameters were used. Although, further research is needed, this study presents new data to assist in the development of protocols that entail gradual changes in environmental conditions to try to reduce the impacts of the processes on animal welfare.

O canário doméstico (Serinus canaria) tem sido criado há centenas de anos para melhorar a qualidade da plumagem e do canto. A reprodução nesta espécie é sazonal, sendo estimulada por um aumento gradual da duração do dia. Embora a reprodução sazonal de canários seja bem conhecida, ainda não se sabe se a reprodução dos canários pode ser manipulada. O objetivo foi determinar se as condições em cativeiro (fotoperíodo e temperatura) podem ser ajustadas para permitir que os canários se reproduzam fora de sua estação natural de reprodução. Trinta dias antes da estação natural de reprodução, os pares foram designados e separados em grupos: Controle Externo (alojado em gaiolas sob condições ambientais externas); Controle Artificial (alojado em gaiolas mantidas em condições artificiais semelhantes ao lado externo); e Alterado Artificial (alojado em gaiolas mantidas em condições artificiais constantes por cinco meses, após o fotoperíodo foi gradualmente manipulado para simular o da estação natural de reprodução). O número de posturas foi maior no grupo Controle Artificial do que no Controle Externo; entretanto, mais aves eclodiram no Controle Externo. No grupo Alterado Artificial, o início do período reprodutivo foi atrasado considerando os mesmos parâmetros reprodutivos. Embora mais pesquisas sejam necessárias, este estudo apresenta novos dados para auxiliar no desenvolvimento de protocolos que promovam mudanças graduais das condições ambientais visando reduzir os impactos no bem-estar animal.

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This study investigated the effects of dietary Ferula supplementation on productive performance, egg quality, follicular development, serum levels of reproductive hormones, and reproductive gene expression in aged laying hens. A total of 300 Dawu pink laying hens (65 weeks old) were assigned to four treatments with six replicates per treatment and 10 hens per replicate. The birds were individually housed in wire cages and fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet with added Ferula at doses of 0, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg for 12 weeks. The results showed that the laying rate in the 100 mg/kg Ferula-supplemented group was higher than in birds of the control group during weeks 1 to 12 (p<0.05). The average egg weight in the 100 mg/kg Ferula-supplemented group was significantly higher than in the other groups (p<0.01), while the feed-to-egg ratio was significantly lower than in other groups (p<0.01). The numbers of small yellow follicle, middle white follicle, and small white follicle were higher in the 100 mg/kg Ferula-supplemented birds than in the other groups (p<0.01). On weeks 69, the serum levels of estradiol, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone were significantly higher in the 100 mg/kg Ferula-supplemented group than in the other groups (p<0.05). Additionally, expressions of ERα, FSHR, and LHR in the ovarian tissue were up-regulated by Ferula supplementation, especially in the 100 mg/kg group (p<0.01). These results indicate that the Ferula supplementation can significantly improve productive performance, egg quality, reproduction of hormonal profile, and reproductive gene expression of aged laying hens.