Modulation of physiologic parameters in molted Isa Brown laying-hens by glutamine + glutamic acid supplementation

Feed costs are the main limiting factors in poultry industry and alternative sources of food and/or feed supplements to optimize the bird´s life cycle and to extend their production period need to be explored. This study evaluated morphometric parameters of the small intestine and gonadotropin transcript levels in Isa Brown laying hens supplemented with glutamine + glutamic acid (Aminogut®) during a second production cycle. Molting was induced and groups of 100 hens each, were supplemented with 0, 0.8, 1.6 or 2.4% Aminogut® in their diet. At the end of the experimental period, tissue sections from duodenum, jejunum and ileum were processed by the Hematoxylin-Eosin technique and samples from hypothalamus and hypophysis were collected for RT-PCR analysis of GnRH and GnRHR transcript levels. As results, the height of the intestinal villi of the duodenum and ileum was significantly (p<0.05) higher in hens supplemented with 0.8% and 1.6% Aminogut®, while in the jejunum, no significant differences were found. Hens treated with increased doses of Aminogut® tended to increase GnRH transcripts levels, whereas those of GnRHR tended to decrease proportionally. It is concluded that supplementation of Isa Brown laying hens during a second production cycle with Aminogut® developed increased villus height in duodenum and ileum that may promote better absorption of nutrients and potentially to increase the egg production. This study shows the importance of molecular techniques such as RT-PCR to support the biological effects of nutritional compounds on morphological parameters and hen productivity.(AU)

Modulation of physiologic parameters in molted Isa Brown laying-hens by glutamine + glutamic acid supplementation

Feed costs are the main limiting factors in poultry industry and alternative sources of food and/or feed supplements to optimize the bird´s life cycle and to extend their production period need to be explored. This study evaluated morphometric parameters of the small intestine and gonadotropin transcript levels in Isa Brown laying hens supplemented with glutamine + glutamic acid (Aminogut®) during a second production cycle. Molting was induced and groups of 100 hens each, were supplemented with 0, 0.8, 1.6 or 2.4% Aminogut® in their diet. At the end of the experimental period, tissue sections from duodenum, jejunum and ileum were processed by the Hematoxylin-Eosin technique and samples from hypothalamus and hypophysis were collected for RT-PCR analysis of GnRH and GnRHR transcript levels. As results, the height of the intestinal villi of the duodenum and ileum was significantly (p<0.05) higher in hens supplemented with 0.8% and 1.6% Aminogut®, while in the jejunum, no significant differences were found. Hens treated with increased doses of Aminogut® tended to increase GnRH transcripts levels, whereas those of GnRHR tended to decrease proportionally. It is concluded that supplementation of Isa Brown laying hens during a second production cycle with Aminogut® developed increased villus height in duodenum and ileum that may promote better absorption of nutrients and potentially to increase the egg production. This study shows the importance of molecular techniques such as RT-PCR to support the biological effects of nutritional compounds on morphological parameters and hen productivity.

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

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

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

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

Experimental infection of Salmonella Enteritidis in quails submitted to forced molting by feed fasting

This study aimed at evaluating bacterial shedding, as detected in swabs, feces, and eggs of quails submitted to forced molting by feed fasting and experimentally infected with a Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) strain. In the experiment, 84 40-week-old Italian female quails were distributed in the following groups: FI (quails induced to molt by fasting and inoculated with Salmonella Enteritidis - SE); CI (quails fed with a laying diet and inoculated with SE); FNI (quails induced to molt by fasting and not inoculated with SE); and CNI (quails fed with a laying feed and not inoculated with SE). Feces, cloacal swabs, and eggs were collected on day 1, 3, 7 and 14 post-inoculation (dpi) and submitted to bacteriological analyses. All samples obtained from cloacal swabs were negative for SE. None of the quails of the non-inoculated groups (FNI and CNI) were positive for SE in the fecal samples. Among the inoculated quails, the FI group presented significantly higher (p 0.05) SE shedding in the feces on 1 dpi than the CI group. On 4 dpi, no significant difference was observed (p 0.05) in SE shedding between the inoculated quail groups. On 7 dpi, only the FI group shed SE in the feces, whereas on 14 dpi, none of the groups shed SE. According to the results, we concluded that quails submitted to molting by fasting have higher possibility of shedding SE in the feces.(AU)

Experimental infection of Salmonella Enteritidis in quails submitted to forced molting by feed fasting

This study aimed at evaluating bacterial shedding, as detected in swabs, feces, and eggs of quails submitted to forced molting by feed fasting and experimentally infected with a Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) strain. In the experiment, 84 40-week-old Italian female quails were distributed in the following groups: FI (quails induced to molt by fasting and inoculated with Salmonella Enteritidis - SE); CI (quails fed with a laying diet and inoculated with SE); FNI (quails induced to molt by fasting and not inoculated with SE); and CNI (quails fed with a laying feed and not inoculated with SE). Feces, cloacal swabs, and eggs were collected on day 1, 3, 7 and 14 post-inoculation (dpi) and submitted to bacteriological analyses. All samples obtained from cloacal swabs were negative for SE. None of the quails of the non-inoculated groups (FNI and CNI) were positive for SE in the fecal samples. Among the inoculated quails, the FI group presented significantly higher (p 0.05) SE shedding in the feces on 1 dpi than the CI group. On 4 dpi, no significant difference was observed (p 0.05) in SE shedding between the inoculated quail groups. On 7 dpi, only the FI group shed SE in the feces, whereas on 14 dpi, none of the groups shed SE. According to the results, we concluded that quails submitted to molting by fasting have higher possibility of shedding SE in the feces.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Dietary fiber inclusion as an alternative to Feed Fasting to induce molting in Commercial Layers

The objective of the present experiment was to compare the performance, egg quality and organ morphometrics of commercial layers submitted to alternative forced molting methods using dietary fibers. The experimental period included the phases of molting, rest, and second laying cycle (six periods of 28 days each). In the trial, 320 commercial Isa Brown layers with 72 weeks of age were distributed, according to a completely randomized experimental design into five treatments with eight replicates of eight birds each, totaling 40 experimental units. Molting was induced by feeding diets with the inclusion of alfalfa or soybean husks at 80% and 60% or feed fasting. Treatments were applied for 14 days. Performance and egg quality parameters were evaluated for the second laying cycle and organ morphometrics (liver, gizzard, proventriculus, reproductive apparatus) in two different slaughter dates. The obtained data were submitted to analysis of variance using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of SAS statistical package (SAS Institute, 2002). Alternative molting methods promoted similar performance and egg quality results after molting were similar to those obtained by the conventional fasting method. Feeding fiber produced the expected effects in terms of organ weight regression and recovery and may be used to induce molting in commercial layers.

Dietary fiber inclusion as an alternative to Feed Fasting to induce molting in Commercial Layers

The objective of the present experiment was to compare the performance, egg quality and organ morphometrics of commercial layers submitted to alternative forced molting methods using dietary fibers. The experimental period included the phases of molting, rest, and second laying cycle (six periods of 28 days each). In the trial, 320 commercial Isa Brown layers with 72 weeks of age were distributed, according to a completely randomized experimental design into five treatments with eight replicates of eight birds each, totaling 40 experimental units. Molting was induced by feeding diets with the inclusion of alfalfa or soybean husks at 80% and 60% or feed fasting. Treatments were applied for 14 days. Performance and egg quality parameters were evaluated for the second laying cycle and organ morphometrics (liver, gizzard, proventriculus, reproductive apparatus) in two different slaughter dates. The obtained data were submitted to analysis of variance using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of SAS statistical package (SAS Institute, 2002). Alternative molting methods promoted similar performance and egg quality results after molting were similar to those obtained by the conventional fasting method. Feeding fiber produced the expected effects in terms of organ weight regression and recovery and may be used to induce molting in commercial layers.(AU)

Dietary fiber inclusion as an alternative to Feed Fasting to induce molting in Commercial Layers

The objective of the present experiment was to compare the performance, egg quality and organ morphometrics of commercial layers submitted to alternative forced molting methods using dietary fibers. The experimental period included the phases of molting, rest, and second laying cycle (six periods of 28 days each). In the trial, 320 commercial Isa Brown layers with 72 weeks of age were distributed, according to a completely randomized experimental design into five treatments with eight replicates of eight birds each, totaling 40 experimental units. Molting was induced by feeding diets with the inclusion of alfalfa or soybean husks at 80% and 60% or feed fasting. Treatments were applied for 14 days. Performance and egg quality parameters were evaluated for the second laying cycle and organ morphometrics (liver, gizzard, proventriculus, reproductive apparatus) in two different slaughter dates. The obtained data were submitted to analysis of variance using the General Linear Model (GLM) procedure of SAS statistical package (SAS Institute, 2002). Alternative molting methods promoted similar performance and egg quality results after molting were similar to those obtained by the conventional fasting method. Feeding fiber produced the expected effects in terms of organ weight regression and recovery and may be used to induce molting in commercial layers.

ESTUDOS VOLTADOS AO AUMENTO DA EFICIÊNCIA NO PROCESSO PRODUTIVO DE SIRI-MOLE

Os siris, crustáceos Decapoda Brachyura da família Portunidae, são consumidos e explorados há centenas de anos em todo o mundo. Uma das formas mais lucrativas de comercialização desse recurso é na forma de "siri-mole". Considerado uma iguaria gastronômica, esse produto atinge altos preços no mercado internacional. Como a maioria dos artrópodes, os siris possuem um exoesqueleto que, quando rígido, impossibilita seu crescimento, exigindo a realização de trocas periódicas, em processo conhecido como "ciclo da muda". Imediatamente após a muda, o exoesqueleto do animal encontra-se muito hidratado e não calcificado, conferindo-lhe uma consistência suave e macia. É nessa fase do ciclo da muda que o siri é conhecido como "siri-mole". O processo de enrijecimento do exoesqueleto se dá principalmente pela deposição de CaCO3 sobre a matriz proteica do novo exoesqueleto, proporcionando um rápido enrijecimento ao frágil exoesqueleto, conferindo novamente rigidez e proteção mecânica ao animal. Embora esse completo enrijecimento só ocorra cerca de dois dias após a muda, os organismos permanecem apenas 3 horas, em média, nas consistências de alto valor comercial ("mole" e "couro"), antes de assumir uma consistência classificada como "papel" e, a seguir, "dura" novamente. Empreendimentos de produção em escala comercial de siris-mole exigem elevados gastos com mão-de-obra, uma vez que os animais estocados precisam ser continuamente checados (a cada quatro horas, no máximo), em relação à sua fase de muda e ao estágio de enrijecimento do exoesqueleto. O presente trabalho teve por objetivos contextualizar o atual "estado da arte" em relação à produção e à comercialização de siris-moles no mundo e testar um método para aumentar o tempo de permanência dos siris nas consistências de alto valor comercial. O trabalho foi dividido em dois capítulos. O primeiro, intitulado Global status of production and commercialization of soft-shell crabs, foi elaborado a partir de uma ampla revisão bibliográfica, que apontou que a comercialização mundial desse produto é realizada principalmente pela internet, por empresas certificadas em relação aos requerimentos de gestão da segurança alimentar. Além disso, foi verificado que esse mercado movimenta mais de U$ 940 milhões anualmente. Um dos maiores desafios dos produtores de siri-mole é a obtenção da matéria prima, proveniente principalmente da captura direta na natureza. A intensa exploração e as alterações ambientais e climáticas vêm provocando contínuas reduções dos estoques pesqueiros das principais espécies de siris de interesse comercial. Uma das formas de contornar o problema seria o fechamento do ciclo de produção em condições ambientais controladas (aquicultura). Porém, o ciclo completo de produção ainda é restrito à poucas espécies, das quais destacam-se as do gênero Scylla, cultivadas principalmente no Sudeste Asiático. Outra forma de garantir a oferta de siris-moles no mercado envolve o aumento da eficiência e da produtividade dos empreendimentos já existentes e a redução de perdas e de desperdícios. Isso poderia ser alcançado aumentando o período no qual os animais permanecem moles. No segundo capítulo, intitulado "É possível manter o exoesqueleto de siri, Callinectes ornatus, mole por vários dias?", foram realizados três experimentos com o objetivo de avaliar o prolongamento do tempo de permanência do exoesqueleto de Callinectes ornatus nas consistências valorizadas pelo mercado (mole e couro). Tal prolongamento foi induzido a partir de alterações das características químicas da água provocadas pelos próprios animais mantidos em cativeiro. Foi observado um efeito direto do pH (< 7,3) e da concentração de amônia total (> 6,0 mg/L) no retardamento do enrijecimento do exoesqueleto. Nessas condições, os animais testados permaneceram mole de 2,5 a VIII 8 dias, ou seja, pelo menos por um tempo mais de 20 vezes superior ao que é normalmente observado em condições comerciais. A metodologia aqui empregada apresenta elevado potencial para ser adaptada a empreendimentos comerciais de produção de siri-mole. Nesse caso, se os resultados obtidos puderem ser replicados em escala comercial, isso implicará em uma drástica redução da carga laboral e dos custos operacionais, aumentando a produtividade e a eficiência desses de empreendimentos destinados à produção e à comercialização de siris-moles.

The crabs (Decapoda: Brachyura: Portunidae) have been consumed and exploited for hundreds of years from across the world. One of the most profitable ways to market this resource is the "soft-shell crab". Soft-shell crabs are considered a gastronomic delicacy and sold at high prices in the international market. Like most arthropods, the crab have an exoskeleton that, when rigid, makes it impossible to grow, requiring periodic changes, in a process known as the "moult cycle". Immediately after molting, the animal's exoskeleton is heavily hydrated and not calcified, giving it a smooth and soft consistency. It is at this stage of the seedling cycle that the crab is known as "soft-shell crab". The exoskeleton stiffening process occurs mainly by the deposition of CaCO3 on the protein matrix of the new exoskeleton, providing a rapid stiffening to the fragile exoskeleton, again giving rigidity and mechanical protection to the animal. Although this complete stiffening only takes place about two days after the molt, the organisms remain only 3 hours, on average, in the consistencies of high commercial value ("mole" and "leather") before assuming a consistency classified as "paper", and then "hard" again. Commercial-scale breeding operations of soft-shell crab require high labor costs, since stocked animals need to be continuously checked (every four hours at least), in relation to their moulting stage and to the stage of exoskeleton stiffening. The main objective of the present study was analyze the current state of the art of the production and commercialization of soft-shell crab in the world, and to test a method to increase the time of permanence of the crab in consistencies of high commercial value. This study was divided into two chapters. The first chapter, entitled "Global status of production and commercialization of soft-shell crabs" is a literature review, which pointed out that the worldwide commercialization of this product is carried out mainly by the Internet, by companies certified in relation to the requirements of Management of food safety. In addition, it was verified that this market handles more than US $ 940 million annually. One of the biggest challenges for crab producers is obtaining the raw material, mainly from direct capture in nature. The intense exploitation and the environmental and climatic changes have been provoking continuous reductions on the main commercial crabs stocks. One way to overcome this problem would be to close the production cycle under controlled environmental conditions (aquaculture). However, the complete production cycle is still restricted to a few species, most notably those of the genus Scylla, grown mainly in Southeast Asia. Another way to guarantee the supply of soft-shell crabs in the market involves increasing the efficiency and productivity of existing enterprises and reducing losses and waste. This could be achieved by increasing the period in which the animals remain soft. The second chapter, entitled "Is it possible to keep the crab exoskeleton, Callinectes ornatus, mole for several days?", three experiments were carried out with the objective of evaluate the prolongation of the Callinectes ornatus exoskeleton time in the consistencies valued by the market (mole and leather). Such prolongation was induced by changes in the chemical characteristics of the water caused by the animals kept in captivity. A direct effect of pH (<7.3) and total ammonia concentration (> 6.0 mg / L) on the exoskeleton stiffening delay was observed. Under these conditions, the tested animals remained soft for 2.5 to 8 days, that is, at least for a time more than 20 times higher than is usually observed under commercial conditions. The methodology used here presents a high potential to be adapted to commercial ventures producing soft-shell crab. In this case, if the results obtained can be replicated on a commercial X scale, this will lead to a drastic reduction in workload and operational costs, increasing the productivity and efficiency of these enterprises for the production and marketing of soft-shell crab.

Muda forçada na avicultura moderna / try production

A muda forçada é uma importante ferramenta utilizada pela indústria avícola. Tem como finalidade um novo ciclo de produção em aves que iriam ser descartadas em virtude da redução da produtividade, o que poderia tornar tal atividade industrial economicamente inviável. Entretanto, a muda forçada baseada no jejum, técnica amplamente utilizada, vem sendo alvo de duas grandes polêmicas: problemas com salmonelas e críticas ao bem-estar animal. Métodos alternativos de muda vêm sendo solicitados e estudados em todo o mundo para reduzir as preocupações com o bem-estar animal e os problemas sanitários. Diante disso, objetivou-se discutir questões bioéticas, sanitárias, produtivas e econômicas envolvidas na realização da muda forçada.(AU)

The forced molting is an important strategy used for poultry farming with the purpose of extending the productive life in the old laying hens presenting poor productivity. However, the induced molting based on fasting, which is a routine practice, results in two great polemics: problems with Salmonella and the effects on animal welfare. Alternative induced molting methods are being sought and study around the world to reduce animal welfare and sanitary problems. Therefore, the review objectives to discuss the bioethics, health, productive and economic aspects of the forced molting procedures.(AU)

Muda forçada na avicultura moderna / try production

A muda forçada é uma importante ferramenta utilizada pela indústria avícola. Tem como finalidade um novo ciclo de produção em aves que iriam ser descartadas em virtude da redução da produtividade, o que poderia tornar tal atividade industrial economicamente inviável. Entretanto, a muda forçada baseada no jejum, técnica amplamente utilizada, vem sendo alvo de duas grandes polêmicas: problemas com salmonelas e críticas ao bem-estar animal. Métodos alternativos de muda vêm sendo solicitados e estudados em todo o mundo para reduzir as preocupações com o bem-estar animal e os problemas sanitários. Diante disso, objetivou-se discutir questões bioéticas, sanitárias, produtivas e econômicas envolvidas na realização da muda forçada.

The forced molting is an important strategy used for poultry farming with the purpose of extending the productive life in the old laying hens presenting poor productivity. However, the induced molting based on fasting, which is a routine practice, results in two great polemics: problems with Salmonella and the effects on animal welfare. Alternative induced molting methods are being sought and study around the world to reduce animal welfare and sanitary problems. Therefore, the review objectives to discuss the bioethics, health, productive and economic aspects of the forced molting procedures.

Semiaphis dauci (Fabricius) (Insecta, Hemiptera, Aphididae) ­ formal record of occurrence on arracacha (Arracacia xanthorrhiza Bancr) (Apiaceae) in Brazil, morphological characterization, description of damages and arthropods associated to the culture / Semiaphis dauci (Fabricius) (Insecta, Hemiptera, Aphididae) ­ registro formal de ocorrência em mandioquinha­salsa (Arracacia xanthorrhiza Bancr) (Apiaceae) no Brasil, caracterização morfológica, descrição dos danos e artrópodes relacionados à cultura

This paper reports formally the occurrence and describes the damages by Semiaphis dauci (Fabricius, 1775) (Insecta, Hemiptera, Aphididae, Aphidinae, Macrosiphini) on arracacha (Arracaciaxanthorrhiza Bancr.) (Apiaceae) in Brazil. The infestation was initially noted on April/2002 at Núcleo de Produção de Mudas, Departamento de Sementes Mudas e Matrizes, Coordenadoria de Assistência Técnica Integral, Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento, São Bento do Sapucaí, State of São Paulo. Posteriorly the occurrence was detected in other parts of the municipality of São Bento do Sapucaí such as Serrano, Paiol Grande and Cantagalo, being the incidence higher in localities at lower altitudes. The colonies, with large number of individuals, were settled on both sides of the leaves and also hidden under petiole, but with lower number of specimens. The adult plants were underdeveloped and the growing of aphid colonies induced the blossoming. In the seedlings the symptoms were severer with reduction in the development and death of plants. When the colonies were placed in the dorsal side of the leaves, there was a tendency to wrinkling and rolling to upper side that was used as shelter by the aphids. Morphological characterization, illustrations and notes on biology of S. dauci and a survey of the Arthropoda related with A. xanthorrhiza are also presented.

Este trabalho efetua o registro formal de ocorrência e descreve os danos de Semiaphis dauci (Fabricius, 1775) (Insecta, Hemiptera, Aphididae, Aphidinae, Macrosiphini) em cultura de mandioquinha-salsa (Arracacia xanthorrhiza Bancr.) (Apiaceae) no Brasil. A infestação foi observada, inicialmente, em abril/2002, no Núcleo de Produção de Mudas, Departamento de Sementes Mudas e Matrizes, Coordenadoria de Assistência Técnica Integral, Secretaria de Agricultura e Abastecimento, São Bento do Sapucaí, SP. Posteriormente, a ocorrência foi detectada em outras localidades do município como Serrano, Paiol Grande e Cantagalo sendo que a incidência foi maior nas áreas de menor altitude. As colônias estavam localizadas em ambas as faces das folhas, e em menor número no pecíolo escondidas na bainha da folha. As plantas adultas apresentavam subdesenvolvimento e o aumento das colônias induzia o florescimento. Nas mudas os sintomas foram mais severos com redução no desenvolvimento e posterior morte das plantas. Quando havia formação de colônias na superfície superior das folhas, havia tendência de encarquilhamento e enrolamento para cima, servindo de abrigo para os pulgões. Caracterização morfológica, ilustrações, notas sobre a biologia de S. dauci e levantamento dos Arthropoda relacionados com A. xanthorrhiza também são apresentados.

The effects of alternative forced-molting methods on the performance and egg quality of commercial layers

This study aimed at studying alternative methods to induce molting and to compare them with the conventional forced-molting method (fasting). In the experiment, 420 70-week-old layers were used. The total experimental period was 140 days. Molting was induced during the first 28 days, when birds were submitted to the experimental treatments, and bird performance and egg quality parameters were determined during 112 subsequent days. A completely randomized experimental design was applied in a 5x2 factorial arrangement of five feed restriction regimes (0, 15, 30, 45, or 60g feed/bird/day) and with or without the addition of coarse-particle limestone to the feed, with seven replicates of six birds each. Egg quality was evaluated at the end of each 28-day period for three consecutive days, using three eggs per experimental unit (21 eggs/treatment), with a total of 210 eggs. It was concluded that feeding 15g feed/bird/day to induce molting is feasible, as birds submitted to this treatment presented similar performance and better egg quality than those submitted to fasting during molting. The use of coarse-particle limestone during molting did not influence post-molting bird performance or egg quality.

The effects of alternative forced-molting methods on the performance and egg quality of commercial layers

This study aimed at studying alternative methods to induce molting and to compare them with the conventional forced-molting method (fasting). In the experiment, 420 70-week-old layers were used. The total experimental period was 140 days. Molting was induced during the first 28 days, when birds were submitted to the experimental treatments, and bird performance and egg quality parameters were determined during 112 subsequent days. A completely randomized experimental design was applied in a 5x2 factorial arrangement of five feed restriction regimes (0, 15, 30, 45, or 60g feed/bird/day) and with or without the addition of coarse-particle limestone to the feed, with seven replicates of six birds each. Egg quality was evaluated at the end of each 28-day period for three consecutive days, using three eggs per experimental unit (21 eggs/treatment), with a total of 210 eggs. It was concluded that feeding 15g feed/bird/day to induce molting is feasible, as birds submitted to this treatment presented similar performance and better egg quality than those submitted to fasting during molting. The use of coarse-particle limestone during molting did not influence post-molting bird performance or egg quality.

Productive and egg quality traits of laying quail submitted to forced molting / Aspectos produtivos e qualidade de ovos de codornas japonesas submetidas a diferentes métodos de muda forçada

This work was performed to verify egg production of Japanese quails submitted to induced molt by zinc oxide method (MZ) and fasting (MC). A total number of 160 Japanese quails with 48 weeks of age were evaluated for post-molt egg production, percentage of egg contents and the viability rate of eggs for 12 weeks. According to the applied methods (fasting or zinc oxide), the birds were submitted to different body weight losses (BWL): 25 or 35%. The quails were separated into different treatment groups, according to their body weight loss during molt: Control group (unmolted quails), MC (induced by MC with 35% of BWL); MZ25 (induced by MZ with 25% of BWL); MZ35 (induced by MZ with 35% of BWL). Each treatment has 8 replicates with five birds each. The quails were evaluated for egg-laying production, egg weight, yolk and shell weight and their ratio. Between the second and fourth weeks of egg laying production, the MZ25 group had the best egg laying performance. There wasnt significant improvements for egg characteristics and feed conversion of molted quails compared to the ones of control group. The forced molt by zinc oxide was able just to improve, numerically, egg production during the first weeks when the quails were submitted to a 25% body weight loss.KEY WORDS: Coturnix japonica, eggs, fasting, forced molting, quail, zinc oxide.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi o de observar o desempenho produtivo obtido por codornas induzidas à muda pelo método alternativo do óxido de zinco (MZ) e método convencional ou do jejum (MC). Foram utilizadas 160 codornas japonesas, com 48 semanas de idade, para avaliação do desempenho, do percentual dos constituintes dos ovos, bem como da taxa de ovos viáveis, durante doze semanas. De acordo com o método utilizado, a fome forçada ou a anorexia parcial provocou perda de peso corporal (PPC) nas aves, sendo formados os seguintes grupos: Controle (codornas não tratadas); MC (indução pelo MC com PPC de 35%); MZ25 (indução pelo MZ com PPC de 25%); MZ35 (indução pelo MZ com PPC de 35%). Testou-se cada tratamento em oito repetições, contendo cinco aves, para avaliação do percentual de ovos produzidos, da conversão alimentar, do percentual de ovos viáveis, do peso do ovo, do percentual de gema e casca. Entre a segunda e a quarta semana de produção pós-muda, o grupo de aves submetidas ao tratamento MZ25 produziu mais ovos, em comparação com os demais tratamentos. Quanto aos resultados das características físicas dos ovos e conversão alimentar, não houve melhorias significativas nas codornas do grupo controle. A muda forçada por meio do óxido de zinco foi capaz de proporcionar apenas uma melhoria quantitativa de ovos nas primeiras semanas de produção de codornas submetidas a uma perda de

Evaluation of induced molting methods on the livability and reproductive system regression of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica)

This study aimed at evaluating the alternative method of zinc oxide and fasting to induce molt in Japanese quails. A total number of 190 48-week-old quails was used. They were at end of laying cycle, and presented low egg production. Quails molted by zinc oxide (Z) were fed a diet containing 25,000 ppm of zinc oxide, and received water ad libitum. Quails treated by fasting (F) received no feed and a day of water restriction. The treatment period was determined by the experimental level of body weight loss (BWL). Birds were submitted to different levels of BWL in order to analyze reproductive system regression (ovary + oviduct), and livability. The following groups were established according to their BWL: Control (untreated quails); F25 (25% BWL by F); F35 (35% BWL by F); Z25 (25% BWL by Z), and Z35 (35% BWL by Z). Z25, Z35, and F35 presented no significant differences in reproductive system weights after molting; however, their weights were lower than F. Z, Z, and F presented the following livability: 97.5, 72.5, and 90%. Japanese quails treated by the alternative method of zinc oxide, presenting body weight loss of 25%, showed low mortality rate, and adequate regression of the reproductive organs.

Evaluation of induced molting methods on the livability and reproductive system regression of Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica)

This study aimed at evaluating the alternative method of zinc oxide and fasting to induce molt in Japanese quails. A total number of 190 48-week-old quails was used. They were at end of laying cycle, and presented low egg production. Quails molted by zinc oxide (Z) were fed a diet containing 25,000 ppm of zinc oxide, and received water ad libitum. Quails treated by fasting (F) received no feed and a day of water restriction. The treatment period was determined by the experimental level of body weight loss (BWL). Birds were submitted to different levels of BWL in order to analyze reproductive system regression (ovary + oviduct), and livability. The following groups were established according to their BWL: Control (untreated quails); F25 (25% BWL by F); F35 (35% BWL by F); Z25 (25% BWL by Z), and Z35 (35% BWL by Z). Z25, Z35, and F35 presented no significant differences in reproductive system weights after molting; however, their weights were lower than F. Z, Z, and F presented the following livability: 97.5, 72.5, and 90%. Japanese quails treated by the alternative method of zinc oxide, presenting body weight loss of 25%, showed low mortality rate, and adequate regression of the reproductive organs.