Investigation of different levels of cholecalciferol and its metabolite in calcium and phosphorus deficient diets on growth performance, tibia bone ash and development of tibial dyschondroplasia in broilers

This experiment was conducted to examine the effects of 1-α(OH)D3 alone or in combination with different levels of cholecalciferol on performance, and tibia parameters of one-d–old male broilers fed a tibial dyschondroplasia (TD)-inducing diet. A total of three hundred male broilers were randomly allocated to 5 treatment groups with 4 replicates. The dietary treatments consisted of TD inducing diet, TD inducing dietsupplemented with 5μg per kg of 1-α(OH)D3; TD inducing dietsupplemented with 5 μg per kg of 1-α(OH)D3and 1,500; 3,000 or 5,000 IU cholecalciferol kg-1of diet. At 42 d of age, broiler chickens fed diets containing 1-α(OH)D3 and 1,500 IU cholecalciferol kg-1of diet had higher body weight (p < 0.05).In the complete experimental period the best FCR and the highest daily weight gain were obtained in broilers supplemented with1-α(OH)D3 and 1,500 IU cholecalciferol kg-1of diet. Broilers supplemented with 1-α(OH)D3 and 1,500 IU cholecalciferol kg-1of diet had significantly lower incidence and severity of TD in comparison with other groups. In conclusion, the results indicated that the supplementation of 1-α(OH)D3 in combination of 1,500 IU cholecalciferol kg-1of diet could maximize tibia bone ash, performance and prevent TD in broilers fed TD inducing diet.(AU)

Investigation of different levels of cholecalciferol and its metabolite in calcium and phosphorus deficient diets on growth performance, tibia bone ash and development of tibial dyschondroplasia in broilers

This experiment was conducted to examine the effects of 1-α(OH)D3 alone or in combination with different levels of cholecalciferol on performance, and tibia parameters of one-d–old male broilers fed a tibial dyschondroplasia (TD)-inducing diet. A total of three hundred male broilers were randomly allocated to 5 treatment groups with 4 replicates. The dietary treatments consisted of TD inducing diet, TD inducing dietsupplemented with 5μg per kg of 1-α(OH)D3; TD inducing dietsupplemented with 5 μg per kg of 1-α(OH)D3and 1,500; 3,000 or 5,000 IU cholecalciferol kg-1of diet. At 42 d of age, broiler chickens fed diets containing 1-α(OH)D3 and 1,500 IU cholecalciferol kg-1of diet had higher body weight (p < 0.05).In the complete experimental period the best FCR and the highest daily weight gain were obtained in broilers supplemented with1-α(OH)D3 and 1,500 IU cholecalciferol kg-1of diet. Broilers supplemented with 1-α(OH)D3 and 1,500 IU cholecalciferol kg-1of diet had significantly lower incidence and severity of TD in comparison with other groups. In conclusion, the results indicated that the supplementation of 1-α(OH)D3 in combination of 1,500 IU cholecalciferol kg-1of diet could maximize tibia bone ash, performance and prevent TD in broilers fed TD inducing diet.

The Investigation of the Relationship Between HSP-27 Release and Oxidative DNA Damage in Broiler Chickens with Tibial Dyschondroplasia by Using Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Methods

Tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) is a skeletal disorder that occurs in the proximal metaphyses of tibiotarsus and sometimes tarsometatarsus, resulting in the development of avascularized and non-mineralized abnormal cartilage and causing significant economic loss. In this study, we aimed to show the histopathological changes and the relationship between the release of Heat-Shock Protein 27 (HSP-27) and oxidative DNA damage in broiler chickens with tibial dyschondroplasia, using histopathologic and immunohistochemical methods. Our study material consisted of totally 20 animals out of 42 days old 205 Ross 308 broiler chickens, 10 with TD lesions and 10 healthy control subjects. Tissue samples taken from animals performed necropsy was exposed to routine tissue follow-up. Macroscopically, unilateral and bilateral thickening and swelling were observed in the growth plates of tibiotarsal joints of the broiler chickens diagnosed with tibial dyscondroplasia. Histopathologic examination of the tibiotarsal joints of broiler chickens affected by TD revealed an increase in the number of immature chondrocytes, as well as deficiencies in vascularization and calcification. In the immunohistochemical study; HSP-27 and 8-OHDG release was positive in the chondrocytes located on the Proliferative Zone, Maturation Zone and Hypertrophic Zone. However, the positivity was the most profound in the PZ and MZ, while less in the HZ chondrocytes. As a result; we demonstrated by immunohistochemical methods that the increase in the HSP-27 release is parallel to the increase in 8-OHDG release in TD lesioned areas and this may be related to oxidative stress.

The Investigation of the Relationship Between HSP-27 Release and Oxidative DNA Damage in Broiler Chickens with Tibial Dyschondroplasia by Using Histopathological and Immunohistochemical Methods

Tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) is a skeletal disorder that occurs in the proximal metaphyses of tibiotarsus and sometimes tarsometatarsus, resulting in the development of avascularized and non-mineralized abnormal cartilage and causing significant economic loss. In this study, we aimed to show the histopathological changes and the relationship between the release of Heat-Shock Protein 27 (HSP-27) and oxidative DNA damage in broiler chickens with tibial dyschondroplasia, using histopathologic and immunohistochemical methods. Our study material consisted of totally 20 animals out of 42 days old 205 Ross 308 broiler chickens, 10 with TD lesions and 10 healthy control subjects. Tissue samples taken from animals performed necropsy was exposed to routine tissue follow-up. Macroscopically, unilateral and bilateral thickening and swelling were observed in the growth plates of tibiotarsal joints of the broiler chickens diagnosed with tibial dyscondroplasia. Histopathologic examination of the tibiotarsal joints of broiler chickens affected by TD revealed an increase in the number of immature chondrocytes, as well as deficiencies in vascularization and calcification. In the immunohistochemical study; HSP-27 and 8-OHDG release was positive in the chondrocytes located on the Proliferative Zone, Maturation Zone and Hypertrophic Zone. However, the positivity was the most profound in the PZ and MZ, while less in the HZ chondrocytes. As a result; we demonstrated by immunohistochemical methods that the increase in the HSP-27 release is parallel to the increase in 8-OHDG release in TD lesioned areas and this may be related to oxidative stress.(AU)

Tibia bone integrity in broilers subjected to cyclic heat stress / Integridade óssea de tíbias de frangos de corte submetidos ao estresse cíclico de calor

Macroscopic and microscopic changes in the epiphyseal region of the tibia were recorded in the 42nd day of life of broilers subjected to one-hour heat stress in different rearing phases. The treatments comprised both broilers reared under room temperature and humidity conditions from the 1st to the 42nd day of life (control) and broilers subjected to heat stress from the 16th to the 21st, from the 22nd to the 42nd, and from the 16th to the 42nd day of life. The adopted design was completely randomized with six replicates; 35 broilers were used in each experimental unit. Fragments from the epiphyseal region were extracted and sectioned lengthwise for macro and microscopic analyses. Data on tibia lesion scores were analyzed by Kruskal Wallis test at 5%. The one-hour cyclic heat stress did not change the morphologic integrity in the epiphyseal region of the tibia in the different treatments. Broilers subjected to one-hour cyclic heat stress did not develop lesions that suggested tibial dyschondroplasia, regardless of the rearing phase.

Foram estudadas alterações macroscópicas e microscópicas na região epifisária da tíbia no 42º dia de frangos de corte submetidos ao estresse cíclico de calor por uma hora em diferentes fases de criação. Os tratamentos compreenderam aves criadas em condições naturais de temperatura e umidade relativa do primeiro ao 42º dia de idade (controle), ou estressadas por calor do 16º ao 21º dia, do 22º ao 42º dia e do 16º ao 42º dia. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado com seis repetições sendo 35 aves por unidade experimental. Para análises macro e microscópicas da tíbia, fragmentos da região epifisária foram extraídos e seccionados longitudinalmente. Os dados de escores de lesões tibiais foram analisados pelo teste de Kruskall Wallis a 5%. O estresse cíclico por calor por uma hora não alterou a integridade morfológica da região epifisária da tíbia nos diferentes tratamentos. Frangos de corte submetidos por uma hora diária ao estresse de calor não desenvolvem lesões sugestivas de discondroplasia tibial independente da fase de criação.

Tibia bone integrity in broilers subjected to cyclic heat stress / Integridade óssea de tíbias de frangos de corte submetidos ao estresse cíclico de calor

Macroscopic and microscopic changes in the epiphyseal region of the tibia were recorded in the 42nd day of life of broilers subjected to one-hour heat stress in different rearing phases. The treatments comprised both broilers reared under room temperature and humidity conditions from the 1st to the 42nd day of life (control) and broilers subjected to heat stress from the 16th to the 21st, from the 22nd to the 42nd, and from the 16th to the 42nd day of life. The adopted design was completely randomized with six replicates; 35 broilers were used in each experimental unit. Fragments from the epiphyseal region were extracted and sectioned lengthwise for macro and microscopic analyses. Data on tibia lesion scores were analyzed by Kruskal Wallis test at 5%. The one-hour cyclic heat stress did not change the morphologic integrity in the epiphyseal region of the tibia in the different treatments. Broilers subjected to one-hour cyclic heat stress did not develop lesions that suggested tibial dyschondroplasia, regardless of the rearing phase.(AU)

Foram estudadas alterações macroscópicas e microscópicas na região epifisária da tíbia no 42º dia de frangos de corte submetidos ao estresse cíclico de calor por uma hora em diferentes fases de criação. Os tratamentos compreenderam aves criadas em condições naturais de temperatura e umidade relativa do primeiro ao 42º dia de idade (controle), ou estressadas por calor do 16º ao 21º dia, do 22º ao 42º dia e do 16º ao 42º dia. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado com seis repetições sendo 35 aves por unidade experimental. Para análises macro e microscópicas da tíbia, fragmentos da região epifisária foram extraídos e seccionados longitudinalmente. Os dados de escores de lesões tibiais foram analisados pelo teste de Kruskall Wallis a 5%. O estresse cíclico por calor por uma hora não alterou a integridade morfológica da região epifisária da tíbia nos diferentes tratamentos. Frangos de corte submetidos por uma hora diária ao estresse de calor não desenvolvem lesões sugestivas de discondroplasia tibial independente da fase de criação.(AU)

Photogrammetry: a non-invasive and objective method for detecting locomotion problems in broiler chickens

Locomotion problems in broiler chickens can cause economic losses of up to 40% of the total revenues due to carcass condemnation and downgrading at processing. Leg disorders, such as femoral lesions, tibial dyschondroplasia, and spondylolisthesis, substantially impact the welfare of chickens as these disorders can prevent birds from reaching the feeders and drinkers, thus reducing feed and water intake. The most important issues related to broiler welfare reported in the last two decades are their growing sensitivity to metabolic and locomotion problems due to the fast growth rates and inactivity. Traditional methods for the determination of gait score include the manual scoring of animal behavior in the broiler house. Recorded video images can also be used for manual scoring of chicken gait score. However, scoring of some animal-based information by human experts and manual methods remain difficult, time consuming and expensive when implemented at farm level. In an effort to objectively detect leg disorders, this study aimed at validating the photogrammetry technique as a non-invasive method for identifying locomotion problems in broilers. Photogrammetry allows determining the geometric properties of broilers from digital photos that are processed and analyzed using a computer software. Results obtained using photogrammetry were tested for their correlation with those obtained by accepted methodologies, including gait score and macroscopic examination of femoral degeneration and tibial dyschondroplasia. The photogrammetry results agreed with the results of the afore mentioned accepted methods.

Photogrammetry: a non-invasive and objective method for detecting locomotion problems in broiler chickens

Locomotion problems in broiler chickens can cause economic losses of up to 40% of the total revenues due to carcass condemnation and downgrading at processing. Leg disorders, such as femoral lesions, tibial dyschondroplasia, and spondylolisthesis, substantially impact the welfare of chickens as these disorders can prevent birds from reaching the feeders and drinkers, thus reducing feed and water intake. The most important issues related to broiler welfare reported in the last two decades are their growing sensitivity to metabolic and locomotion problems due to the fast growth rates and inactivity. Traditional methods for the determination of gait score include the manual scoring of animal behavior in the broiler house. Recorded video images can also be used for manual scoring of chicken gait score. However, scoring of some animal-based information by human experts and manual methods remain difficult, time consuming and expensive when implemented at farm level. In an effort to objectively detect leg disorders, this study aimed at validating the photogrammetry technique as a non-invasive method for identifying locomotion problems in broilers. Photogrammetry allows determining the geometric properties of broilers from digital photos that are processed and analyzed using a computer software. Results obtained using photogrammetry were tested for their correlation with those obtained by accepted methodologies, including gait score and macroscopic examination of femoral degeneration and tibial dyschondroplasia. The photogrammetry results agreed with the results of the afore mentioned accepted methods.(AU)

Equilibrium condition during locomotion and gait in broiler chickens

The experiment was carried out with the objective of evaluating a methodology to estimate the angulation and equilibrium condition, relating them to gait score and the main diseases of the locomotion system in males and females of commercial broiler strains. A completely randomized experimental design in a factorial arrangement (2x2) was applied, consisting of two sexes and two genetic strains, with five replicates of 53 chickens each. The following characteristics related to broiler locomotion were studied: gait score (GS); incidence of Valgus (VAL) and Varus (VAR) deformities and of pododermatitis (POD); body angle relative the ground (ANG); equilibrium condition (EC); body weight (BW) and breast weight (BrW); and incidence of femoral degeneration (FD), tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) and spondylolisthesis (SPO). GS, and VAL and VAR were assessed inside a broiler house. Birds were then photographed to estimate ANG and EC. Birds were sacrificed at 42 days of age and analyzed for FD, TD, and SPO. Breast percentage was not influenced by sex or strain. Males showed better ANG than females, regardless of strain. Overall, the strains studied showed prostrated EC. The correlation between GS and the evaluated traits was low. There was a moderate to high association between EC and ANG both in males and females. GS showed low correlation with locomotion problems, and therefore, it is a poor indicator of skeletal diseases. On the other hand, the moderate to high correlations of ANG and EC with locomotion problems make them better indicators of bone diseases than gait score, which is possibly more related to EC and body posture than to bone pathologies.

Equilibrium condition during locomotion and gait in broiler chickens

The experiment was carried out with the objective of evaluating a methodology to estimate the angulation and equilibrium condition, relating them to gait score and the main diseases of the locomotion system in males and females of commercial broiler strains. A completely randomized experimental design in a factorial arrangement (2x2) was applied, consisting of two sexes and two genetic strains, with five replicates of 53 chickens each. The following characteristics related to broiler locomotion were studied: gait score (GS); incidence of Valgus (VAL) and Varus (VAR) deformities and of pododermatitis (POD); body angle relative the ground (ANG); equilibrium condition (EC); body weight (BW) and breast weight (BrW); and incidence of femoral degeneration (FD), tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) and spondylolisthesis (SPO). GS, and VAL and VAR were assessed inside a broiler house. Birds were then photographed to estimate ANG and EC. Birds were sacrificed at 42 days of age and analyzed for FD, TD, and SPO. Breast percentage was not influenced by sex or strain. Males showed better ANG than females, regardless of strain. Overall, the strains studied showed prostrated EC. The correlation between GS and the evaluated traits was low. There was a moderate to high association between EC and ANG both in males and females. GS showed low correlation with locomotion problems, and therefore, it is a poor indicator of skeletal diseases. On the other hand, the moderate to high correlations of ANG and EC with locomotion problems make them better indicators of bone diseases than gait score, which is possibly more related to EC and body posture than to bone pathologies.(AU)

Impacto de diferentes composições de cama em problemas locomotores de frango de corte

O presente estudo foi conduzido para examinar a ocorrência e desenvolvimento de lesões no sistema locomotor de frangos de corte criados sobre diferentes materiais de cama com diferentes níveis de inclusão de gramíneas da espécie Esmeralda (Zoysia Japonica), e seu impacto no bem-estar dessas aves. O experimento foi conduzido no aviário experimental de frango de corte da Faculdade de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal da Grande Dourados. Foram alojados 1080 pintos machos de um dia, da linhagem Cobb 500®. O delineamento utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado,em arranjo fatorial 3 x 2: três níveis de inclusão gramínea e dois materiais de cama, com seis repetições cada, totalizando 36 boxes, com 30 aves cada. Foram avaliados os tratamentos: tratamento 1: 100% maravalha, tratamento 2: 100% casca de arroz,tratamento 3: 25% de gramínea e 75% de maravalha, tratamento 4: 25% de gramínea e 75% de casca de arroz, tratamento 5: 50% de gramínea e 50% de maravalha, tratamento 6: 50% de gramínea e 50% casca de arroz. Aos 21, 28, 35 e 42 dias de idade todas as aves foram pesadas e avaliadas em ambas as patas para pododermatite. Dez aves de cada repetição foram selecionadas, identificadas e avaliadas semanalmente a partir dos 21 dias,por meio das metodologias de Gait Score e latency to lie, bem como avaliada angulação de patas (valgus e varus). Após abate aos 43 dias foi realizada avaliação macroscópica de degeneração femoral e discondroplasia tibial de ambas as patas. As carcaças foram serradas para avaliação de espondilolistese. As diferentes composições de cama não afetaram o bem-estar das aves, nem a ocorrência ou desenvolvimento das patologias discondroplasia tibial e espondilolistese. Os resultados apresentados nas avaliações de pododermatite sugerem que, com maiores inclusões de gramínea, maiores são os escores das lesões podais. A inclusão do material alternativo, gramínea Zoysia Japonica, a maravalha como material de cama é recomendada para frango precoce, por um lote.

The present study was conducted to examine and develop lesions in the broilers locomotor system on different bedding materials with different levels of inclusion of Esmeralda grasses (Zoysia Japonica) and their impact on bird welfare. The experiment was conducted in the experimental poultry aviary at the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of the Federal University of Grande Dourados. 1080 day-old chicks of the Cobb 500® strain were allocated. The design used was the randomized, in a 3 x 2 factorial arrangement: three levels of grammatical inclusion and two bedding materials, with six repetitions each, totaling 36 boxes, with 30 birds each. The following treatments were applied: treatment 1: 100% shavings, treatment 2: 100% rice husk, treatment 3: 25% grass and 75% shavings, treatment 4: 25% grass and 75% rice husk, treatment 5: 50% grass and 50% shavings, treatment 6: 50% grass and 50% rice husk. At 21, 28, 35 and 42 days of age, all birds were weighed and evaluated on both feet for pododermatite. Ten birds from each repetition were selected, identified and evaluated weekly after 21 days, using Gait Score and latency to lie methodologies, as well as angular paw evaluation (valgus and varus). After a 43-day slaughter, a macroscopic assessment of femoral degeneration and tibial dyschondroplasia of both paws was performed. As carcasses were sawn for the evaluation of spondylolisthesis. As different compositions of unaffected litter or bird welfare, neither the occurrence nor the development of pathologies of tibial and spondylolisthesis disconnection. The results presented in the analysis of pododermatitis suggest, with greater grammatical inclusions, the higher the scores of the foot lesions. An inclusion of the alternative material, Japanese grammar Zoysia, a wonder how the bedding material is recommended for early chicken, by a lot.

Bone characteristics of broilers supplemented with vitamin D

Vitamin D is added to broiler diets to supply its physiological requirement for bone formation. The fast growth rate of modern broilers is often associated with poor bone formation. Increasing vitamin D supplementation levels and the use of more available sources have applied to try to prevent leg problems, to increase carcass yield, and to improve the performance of broilers. The present study evaluated three vitamin D supplementation levels (1) 3,500 IU (control); (2) control + 1,954 IU of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol; and (3) control + 3,500 IU of vitamin D in broiler diets supplied up to 21 days of age. The objective was to investigate if the vitamin D levels above the recommendations could reduce leg problems in broilers. In this experiment, a total of 1,296 one-day-old male and female Cobb(r) 500 broilers were used. A 2 x 3 factorial arrangement was applied, consisting of two sexes and three vitamin D levels. No difference was found between the levels of vitamin D (p > 0.05), the performance of males or females, the gait score, the valgus and varus incidence, the tibial dyschondroplasia incidence, the occurance of femoral degeneration, the bone colorimetric, and the carcass yield. Parts yield differences were found (p > 0.05), except for liver and intestine yields. We concluded that the lowest tested vitamin D level (3,500 IU per kilogram of feed) added to the diet was the best choice in terms of cost/benefit to help minimizing leg problems in broilers.(AU)

Bone characteristics of broilers supplemented with vitamin D

Vitamin D is added to broiler diets to supply its physiological requirement for bone formation. The fast growth rate of modern broilers is often associated with poor bone formation. Increasing vitamin D supplementation levels and the use of more available sources have applied to try to prevent leg problems, to increase carcass yield, and to improve the performance of broilers. The present study evaluated three vitamin D supplementation levels (1) 3,500 IU (control); (2) control + 1,954 IU of 25-hydroxycholecalciferol; and (3) control + 3,500 IU of vitamin D in broiler diets supplied up to 21 days of age. The objective was to investigate if the vitamin D levels above the recommendations could reduce leg problems in broilers. In this experiment, a total of 1,296 one-day-old male and female Cobb(r) 500 broilers were used. A 2 x 3 factorial arrangement was applied, consisting of two sexes and three vitamin D levels. No difference was found between the levels of vitamin D (p > 0.05), the performance of males or females, the gait score, the valgus and varus incidence, the tibial dyschondroplasia incidence, the occurance of femoral degeneration, the bone colorimetric, and the carcass yield. Parts yield differences were found (p > 0.05), except for liver and intestine yields. We concluded that the lowest tested vitamin D level (3,500 IU per kilogram of feed) added to the diet was the best choice in terms of cost/benefit to help minimizing leg problems in broilers.

Distúrbios Locomotores e sua Influência no Ganho de Peso e Bem-Estar em Frangos de Corte

A avicultura de corte é caracterizada pelos ciclos de produção muito curtos, com rápido crescimento dos frangos. Em contrapartida, essa característica se reflete na composição mineral dos ossos e cartilagens, estando inaptos para sustentar seu peso, resultando em queda no desempenho e na produtividade, além de prejudicar o bem-estar animal. A hipótese dessa pesquisa foi de que os distúrbios ósseos causam prejuízo ao desenvolvimento do frango de corte e a qualidade de sua carcaça, e esses problemas começam a surgir com o aumento exponencial do ganho de peso. O objetivo desse trabalho foi correlacionar as metodologias de avaliação de bem-estar em frangos de corte por meio da capacidade de manter-se em pé em caixas plásticas (versão adaptada do latency to lie) e caminhar no trajeto em um metro linear (gait score), delineando a idade e o peso que se iniciam os distúrbios locomotores. Somado a isso, foi verificado a incidência de miopatia dorsal cranial, pododermatite e distúrbios locomotores nas aves. Para tanto, foram utilizadas 1000 aves da linhagem Cobb® Slow, adquiridas de um incubatório comercial, com 1 dia de idade, e alojadas em um sistema totalmente automatizado com ventilação em pressão negativa, utilização de exaustores e painéis evaporativos de celulose. Para este estudo, não houve tratamento, delineamento e repetição, assim, avaliou-se os animais em condições semelhantes às comerciais de criação. O bem-estar foi avaliado por dois métodos distintos, o gait score e o latency to lie e, posteriormente, estes métodos foram comparados e correlacionados. As aves foram pesadas semanalmente, para verificação da curva de ganho de peso e posterior correlação com as avaliações de bem-estar. Verificou-se que a dificuldade de locomoção teve início aos 14 dias de idade dos frangos de corte, e estes, tiveram menor ganho de peso. Enquanto as aves que ganharam mais peso no decorrer das semanas, desenvolveram distúrbios locomotores na fase final de produção. Quanto ao gait score e latency to lie, notou-se que são métodos que podem ser usados concomitantemente ou independentes para avaliação do bem-estar. A avaliação do caminhar permitiu concluir que o estímulo sonoro melhorou a velocidade das aves e que o medo causado por esse estímulo se sobressai ao desconforto causado pelos distúrbios locomotores. E em relação às demais características avaliadas houve correlações entre si, porém, pode-se inferir a redução da incidência de discondroplasia tibial e degeneração femoral.

Poultry farming is characterized by very short production cycles, with rapid growth of chickens. In contrast, this characteristic is reflect in the mineral composition of bones and cartilage, being unable to sustain their weight, resulting in a drop in performance and productivity, as well as impairing animal welfare. The hypothesis of this research was that the bone problems cause damage to the development of the broiler chicken and the quality of its carcass, and these problems begin to appear with the exponential increase of the weight gain. The objective of this study was to correlate welfare methodologies in broiler chickens through the ability to stand in plastic boxes (adapted version of latency to lie) and walk on a linear meter (gait score), delineating the age and weight that locomotion problems begin. In addition, the incidence of dorsal cranial myopathy, pododermatitis and locomotion problems in birds was verified. For this purpose, 1000 birds of the Cobb® Slow lineage were used, acquired from a commercial hatchery, at 1 day of age, housed in a fully automated system with negative pressure ventilation, use of hoods and evaporative cellulose panels. For this study, there was no treatment, delineation and repetition, thus, the animals were evaluated under conditions similar to commercial ones. The welfare was evaluated by two distinct methods, gait score and latency to lie, and later these methods were compared and correlated. The birds were weighed weekly, in order to verify the weight gain curve and later correlation with the welfare assessments. It was verified that the difficulty of locomotion began at the 14 days of age of the broilers, and these, had lower weight gain. While the birds that gained more weight over the weeks, they developed locomotion disorders in the final stage of production. As for gait score and latency to lie, it has been noted that these are methods that can be used concomitantly or independently for well-being assessment. The evaluation of the walking allowed to conclude that the sound stimulus improved the speed of the birds and that the fear caused by this stimulus excels to the discomfort caused by the locomotive problems. In relation to the other characteristics evaluated there were correlations between them, however, it can be inferred the reduction of the incidence of tibial dyschondroplasia and femoral degeneration.

SUPLEMENTAÇÃO DE GLICOSAMINOGLICANOS NA RAÇÃO DE FRANGOS DE CORTE

Foram realizados dois experimentos com o objetivo de avaliar o desempenho, a hematologia e a bioquímica sérica, os problemas locomotores, o desenvolvimento ósseo e cartilaginoso e a metabolizabilidade de nutrientes de frangos de corte suplementados com glicosaminoglicanos na ração. O primeiro experimento foi conduzido em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 3 x 3 (três níveis de sulfato de condroitina: 0; 0,05; 0,10%; e três níveis de sulfato de glucosamina: 0; 0,15 e 0,30%), cada tratamento com seis repetições de 30 aves. Foram avaliadas as variáveis de desempenho, gait score, valgus e varus, hematologia e bioquímica sérica, rendimento de carcaça, degeneração femoral, discondroplasia tibial, macroscopia da tíbia e da cartilagem articular, densitometria e resistência óssea, perfil de minerais ósseo, número de condrócitos, proteoglicanos e colágeno tipo II na cartilagem articular da tíbia, e expressão gênica da metaloproteinase MMP-9 e seu inibidor na cartilagem articular do fêmur. A suplementação com sulfato de glucosamina aumentou o ganho de peso aos 35 e 42 dias de idade (p = 0,0470 e p = 0,0385, respectivamente). Os sulfatos de condroitina e de glucosamina reduziram a frequência de gait score (p = 0,0067 e p = 0,0001, respectivamente) e de valgus e varus (p = 0,0138 e p = 0,0002, respectivamente). O sulfato de glucosamina reduziu a frequência de degeneração femoral nos fêmures direito (p = 0,0139) e esquerdo (p < 0,0001) e aumentou linearmente (p = 0,0284) a área da cartilagem em proliferação. Observou-se interação (p < 0,05) dos sulfatos para leucócitos, linfócitos, triacilgliceróis, lipoproteína de muito baixa densidade (VLDL) e cálcio total aos 21 dias; lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL) e cálcio iônico aos 21 e 42 dias; e para fósforo, cloretos e sódio aos 42 dias. O sulfato de condroitina aumentou linearmente (p = 0,0099) a albumina, e de forma quadrática (p = 0,0140) as proteínas séricas totais aos 21 dias, e linearmente (p = 0,0012) o cálcio no sangue aos 42 dias. O sulfato de glucosamina reduziu linearmente (p = 0,0237) os cloretos aos 21 dias e demonstrou um efeito quadrático (p = 0,0450) para albumina aos 42 dias. Houve interação (p < 0,05) dos sulfatos para comprimento da tíbia aos 21 dias, largura da epífise proximal aos 21 e 42 dias e epífise distal aos 42 dias, espessura transversal e medial da cartilagem articular da epífise proximal aos 21 dias e da epífise distal aos 42 dias. Aos 42 dias, observou-se efeito quadrático do sulfato de glucosamina sobre o comprimento da tíbia (p = 0,0320) e linear crescente sobre o peso da cartilagem articular distal (p = 0,0322). Verificou-se maior porcentagem de cálcio (p = 0,0009) e fósforo (p = 0,0007) na tíbia aos 21 dias com a inclusão de sulfato de glucosamina, bem como interação (p < 0,0001) dos sulfatos para cálcio aos 42 dias. Houve interação (p < 0,05) dos sulfatos para número de condrócitos, colágeno tipo II e proteoglicanos aos 21 e 42 dias, e para a expressão gênica da MMP-9 e seu inibidor aos 42 dias. O segundo experimento foi realizado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2 x 2 (dois níveis de sulfato de condroitina: 0 e 0,10%; e dois níveis de sulfato de glucosamina: 0 e 0,30%), com oito repetições de 10 aves. Foram avaliados o desempenho, a metabolização dos nutrientes da ração e a histomorfometria intestinal. Aos 21 dias de idade, os frangos suplementados com sulfato de glucosamina apresentaram maior ganho de peso (p = 0,0229). Houve interação (p < 0,05) dos sulfatos para os coeficientes de metabolização de nitrogênio, de matéria mineral e de cálcio, e para a altura de vilo do jejuno. Conclui-se, que a suplementação com sulfato de glucosamina na ração aumentou o ganho de peso e estimulou a histomorfometria intestinal, e em conjunto com o sulfato de condroitina melhoraram a condição de locomoção e o desenvolvimento ósseo e cartilaginoso. Os sulfatos isoladamente promoveram maior metabolização de minerais.

Two experiments were carried out to evaluate performance, hematology and serum biochemistry, locomotor problems, bone and cartilage development, and nutrient metabolizability of broilers supplemented with glycosaminoglycans on ration. The first experiment was conducted in completely randomized design, in a 3 x 3 factorial scheme (three levels of chondroitin sulfate: 0, 0.05, 0.10%, and three levels of glucosamine sulfate: 0, 0.15 and 0.30%), each treatment with six replicates of 30 birds. It was evaluated variables of performance, gait score, valgus and varus, hematology and serum biochemistry, carcass yield, femoral degeneration, tibial dyschondroplasia, macroscopy of tibia and articular cartilage, bone densitometry and strength, bone mineral profile, chondrocyte number, proteoglycans and type II collagen detection tibia articular cartilage, and gene expression of MMP-9 metalloproteinase and its inhibitor in femur articular cartilage. Glucosamine sulfate supplementation increased weight gain at 35 and 42 days old (p = 0.0470 and p = 0.0385, respectively). Chondroitin and glucosamine sulfates reduced the frequency of gait score (p = 0.0067 and p = 0.0001, respectively), and valgus and varus (p = 0.0138 and p = 0.0002, respectively). Glucosamine sulfate reduced frequency of femoral degeneration in the right (p = 0.0139) and left (p < 0.0001) femurs and linearly increased (p = 0.0284) the proliferating cartilage area. Interaction (p < 0.05) was observed of sulfates for leukocytes, lymphocytes, triacylglycerols, very low density lipoprotein (VLDL) and total calcium at 21 days; high density lipoprotein (HDL) and ionic calcium at 21 and 42 days; and for phosphorus, chlorides and sodium at 42 days. Chondroitin sulfate increased linearly (p = 0.0099) albumin and quadratic (p = 0.0140) total serum proteins at 21 days, and linearly (p = 0.0012) calcium blood at 42 days. Glucosamine sulfate linearly reduced (p = 0.0237) the chlorides at 21 days and demonstrated a quadratic effect (p = 0.0450) for albumin at 42 days. There was interaction (p < 0.05) of sulfates for tibial length at 21 days, proximal epiphysis width at 21 and 42 days, and epiphysis distal at 42 days, transverse and medial thickness of articular cartilage of proximal epiphysis at 21 days, and distal epiphysis at 42 days. At 42 days, there was a quadratic effect of glucosamine sulfate levels on tibial length (p = 0.0320) and increasing linear on distal articular cartilage weight (p = 0.0322). There was a higher percentage of calcium (p = 0.0009) and phosphorus (p = 0.0007) on tibia at 21 days with inclusion of glucosamine sulfate, as well as interaction (p < 0.0001) of sulfates for calcium at 42 days. There was interaction (p < 0.05) of sulfates for chondrocytes number, collagen type II and proteoglycans at 21 and 42 days, and for MMP-9 genes expression and its inhibitor at 42 days. The second experiment was performed in completely randomized design, was used in a 2 x 2 factorial scheme (two levels of chondroitin sulfate: 0 and 0.10%, and two levels of glucosamine sulfate: 0 and 0.30%), with eight replicates of 10 birds. Performance, feed nutrient metabolization and intestinal histomorphometry were evaluated. At 21 days old, broilers supplemented with glucosamine sulfate presented greater weight gain (p = 0.0229). There was interaction (p < 0.05) of sulfates for the metabolic coefficients of nitrogen, mineral matter and calcium, and for jejunum villi height. It was concluded that supplementation with glucosamine sulfate in broiler ration increased weight gain and stimulated intestinal histomorphometry and together with the chondroitin sulfate improved the locomotion condition and the bony and cartilaginous development. Sulfates alone promoted greater metabolism of minerals.

Evaluation of a radiographic method to detect tibial dyschondroplasia lesions in broilers

This study aimed at developing radiographic techniques for the early detection of dyschondroplastic lesions in the tibia of broilers. The experiment was carried out at the facilities of UNIFOR/MG and Formiga and UNIFENAS/ Alfenas with 420 one-day-old male Cobb broilers. At 20 days of age, all birds were radiographed and identified with an alpha-numeric metal ring in the right leg. At 40 days of age, 42 broilers previously selected as a function of bone mineral density and lesion thickness scores were again radiographed and scored, and then sacrificed. Their right tibia was removed for gross and histological examination of the growth plate. The results showed that radiographic techniques are correlated with gross and histological examination and that there was no significant differences among techniques (P>0.05). it was concluded that the use of radiographic examination to identify tibial dyschondroplasia in broilers precludes the use of bone mineral density to diagnose this condition. The non-parametric statistical Chi-square test at 5% significance level was used to analyze the results.

Use of vitamin D to reduce lameness in broilers reared in harsh environments

In tropical poultry-producing countries, poultry houses usually have little environmental control. This study investigated the effect of dietary vitamin D on the incidence of leg abnormalities of a fast-growing broiler strain reared under harsh conditions. In this study, 300 one-day-old male broilers were distributed in two treatments with three replicates of 50 birds each. One group was fed a placebo and the other group was fed 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) in a soluble form. The environmental variables were weekly recorded during until birds were 49 days old. Birds were weekly gait scored, and their walking speed and vertical force while walking were assessed. Post-mortem examination was performed and skeletal lesions were assessed. Control birds presented more leg problems than those that ingested 25-OH-D3. These results suggest that dietary vitamin D is effective in decreasing the severity of lameness by reducing tibial dyschondroplasia and other leg abnormalities.

Use of vitamin D to reduce lameness in broilers reared in harsh environments

In tropical poultry-producing countries, poultry houses usually have little environmental control. This study investigated the effect of dietary vitamin D on the incidence of leg abnormalities of a fast-growing broiler strain reared under harsh conditions. In this study, 300 one-day-old male broilers were distributed in two treatments with three replicates of 50 birds each. One group was fed a placebo and the other group was fed 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25-OH-D3) in a soluble form. The environmental variables were weekly recorded during until birds were 49 days old. Birds were weekly gait scored, and their walking speed and vertical force while walking were assessed. Post-mortem examination was performed and skeletal lesions were assessed. Control birds presented more leg problems than those that ingested 25-OH-D3. These results suggest that dietary vitamin D is effective in decreasing the severity of lameness by reducing tibial dyschondroplasia and other leg abnormalities.

Evaluation of a radiographic method to detect tibial dyschondroplasia lesions in broilers

This study aimed at developing radiographic techniques for the early detection of dyschondroplastic lesions in the tibia of broilers. The experiment was carried out at the facilities of UNIFOR/MG and Formiga and UNIFENAS/ Alfenas with 420 one-day-old male Cobb broilers. At 20 days of age, all birds were radiographed and identified with an alpha-numeric metal ring in the right leg. At 40 days of age, 42 broilers previously selected as a function of bone mineral density and lesion thickness scores were again radiographed and scored, and then sacrificed. Their right tibia was removed for gross and histological examination of the growth plate. The results showed that radiographic techniques are correlated with gross and histological examination and that there was no significant differences among techniques (P>0.05). it was concluded that the use of radiographic examination to identify tibial dyschondroplasia in broilers precludes the use of bone mineral density to diagnose this condition. The non-parametric statistical Chi-square test at 5% significance level was used to analyze the results.(AU)

Avaliação do desenvolvimento da discondroplasia tibial em frangos de corte submetidos à dieta com 25 hidroxicolecalciferol / Evaluation of tibial dyschondroplasia development in broiler chickens fed diets containing 25 hydroxicolecalciferol

Este trabalho teve como objetivo avaliar o desenvolvimento da discondroplasia tibial (DT) em frangos de corte de 1 ae fontes de vitamina D (1250UI D3/kg sem 25-(OH)D3; 1250UI D3/kg com 69mg 25-(OH)D3/ton e 3000UI D3/kg com 69mg 25-(OH)D3/ton) e dois tratamentos controles com níveis de cálcio e fósforo com 3000UI D3/kg sem 25-(OH)D3 e 3000UI D3/kg com 69mg 25-(OH)D3/ton de ração. Foram avaliadas características ósseas. No período de 1 a 21 dias, os resultados indicaram que as concentrações de cálcio e fósforo nas tíbias não foram influenciadas pelos tratamentos e que o consumo de ração foi superior para os tratamentos que compõem o fatorial. A resistência óssea também não foi influenciada pelos tratamentos e a análise histológica não evidenciou lesões características de DT. Conclui-se que, nas condições experimentais da presente pesquisa, o desenvolvimento de DT não foi observado.

This research was carried out to evaluate the development of tibial dyschondroplasia (TD) in broilers from 1 to 21 days. Four hundred forty day-old male chickens, from broiler breeders aged 60-62 weeks, were randomly distributed in a 3x3+2 factorial arrangement, resulting in 11 treatments with four replicates of 10 birds each. The factors evaluated were: bird strains (Ross 308, Cobb 500, and Hybro), levels and sources of vitamin D (1250UI D3/kg without 25-(OH)D3; 1250UI D3/kg with 69mg 25-(OH)D3/ton, and 3000UI D3/kg with 69mg 25-(OH)D3/ton), and two control treatments containing calcium and phosphorus levels with 3000UI D3/kg without 25-(OH)D3 and 3000UI D3/kg with 69mg 25- (OH)D3/ton of feed. Bone characteristics were evaluated. From 1 to 21 days, the results showed that bone calcium and phosphorus concentrations were not influenced by the treatments, however, feed intake was higher for factorial than control treatments. Bone breaking resistance was not influenced by the treatments and there were no typical lesions of TD. In conclusion, it was not observed TD development in broilers from 1 to 21 days according to experimental procedures of this research.(AU)