Influence of Monochromatic Light during Incubation on the Production and Metabolism of Low-Temperature Broiler Chicks.

The use of artificial lighting during the incubation phase is a tool that has been studied with the aim of increasing the production rates and hatchability. Using this, this study aims to investigate the effects of the luminous incidence of white and red monochromatic light on the production and metabolism of broiler chicks subjected to low temperatures. A total of 315 eggs of Ross 708 heavy breeders were used. The eggs were distributed randomly, with 35 eggs per tray, totaling 105 eggs per incubator. The treatments were the following: incubation without the use of light; the use of white monochromatic light; and the use of red monochromatic light. The lamps used were of the LED type. The samples were distributed in the factorial completely randomized experimental design with position effect on the tray. Candling, egg weighing, calculating the probability of survival and egg weight loss were performed. Temperatures were recorded using a thermographic camera. At birth, three chicks per tray were euthanized for evaluation: weight with and without yolk residue, gastrointestinal tract biometry, and blood and liver biochemistry. Analyses were performed using the R computational program. It was observed that there was a significant effect of the treatments on the levels of calcium, phosphorus, cholesterol, amylase, glucose, urea and glutamate pyruvate transaminase on the biochemical profile of the blood and on the thermographic temperatures of the eggs; the experiment was kept at low temperatures resulting in thermal stress, with an average temperature of 34.5 °C. Therefore, the use of red and white monochromatic light in the artificial incubation process for brown-colored eggs is not recommended, because in the post-hatching phase, it promoted the metabolism dysregulation on the blood biochemical profile to control the differentiation in the wavelength of traditional incubation.

Convolutional Neural Networks in the Inspection of Serrasalmids (Characiformes) Fingerlings.

Aquaculture produces more than 122 million tons of fish globally. Among the several economically important species are the Serrasalmidae, which are valued for their nutritional and sensory characteristics. To meet the growing demand, there is a need for automation and accuracy of processes, at a lower cost. Convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are a viable alternative for automation, reducing human intervention, work time, errors, and production costs. Therefore, the objective of this work is to evaluate the efficacy of convolutional neural networks (CNNs) in counting round fish fingerlings (Serrasalmidae) at different densities using 390 color photographs in an illuminated environment. The photographs were submitted to two convolutional neural networks for object detection: one model was adapted from a pre-trained CNN and the other was an online platform based on AutoML. The metrics used for performance evaluation were precision (P), recall (R), accuracy (A), and F1-Score. In conclusion, convolutional neural networks (CNNs) are effective tools for detecting and counting fish. The pre-trained CNN demonstrated outstanding performance in identifying fish fingerlings, achieving accuracy, precision, and recall rates of 99% or higher, regardless of fish density. On the other hand, the AutoML exhibited reduced accuracy and recall rates as the number of fish increased.

Effect of Aging on the Quality of Breast Meat from Broilers Affected by Wooden Breast Myopathy.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of aging on the quality of breast meat from broilers affected of wooden breast. Samples that were classified as normal (control), moderate (hardness verified only in one region of breast fillet), and severe (hardness verified in all the extension of breast fillet) were evaluated fresh and after three and seven days of aging. Normal samples and samples with a moderate degree of myopathy showed greater water-holding capacity, which may benefit the processing industry of poultry meat. During the aging process, increase was observed in total collagen concentration (from 0.41% in normal samples to 0.56% in samples with severe degree). Samples of chicken breast affected by moderate degree showed higher myofibril fragmentation index (MFI = 115) than normal chicken samples (95.65). Although chicken samples affected with severe degree of wooden breast myopathy are more tender than normal chicken breasts, they produce more exudate, which can be detrimental to the processing of poultry meat. The aging process may improve the reduction of cooking weight loss and protein loss in exudation of broilers' breasts affected by wooden breast myopathy.

Physical, Chemical and Histological Characterization of Pectoralis major Muscle of Broilers Affected by Wooden Breast Myopathy.

This study aimed to characterize the effects of wooden breast myopathy (WBM) on quality of broiler chicken breast meat. Normal samples (absence of myopathy), moderate-degree samples (hardness only in one area of the breast fillet) and severe-degree samples (hardness throughout the breast fillet) were classified. In macroscopic analysis, the pectoral muscle affected by the WBM showed, in general, pale color with stiff, irregular and reddish regions (suffusions and petechiae), with the presence of white striations. In microscopic analysis, the myopathy was characterized by loss of the polygonal aspect of the muscle fibers. Samples with moderate degree of the myopathy showed greater (p = 0.0266) water retention capacity. There was an increase (p = 0.004) in total collagen concentration in samples from the severe-degree group 0.29% in normal samples to 0.43 and 0.48% in samples from moderate- and severe-degree groups, respectively. Samples of chicken breast affected by the severe-degree WBM showed lower (p < 0.0001) myofibrillar fragmentation index (64.51) and lower (p = 0.0002) fat concentration (2.17%) than normal chicken samples (80.45 and 3.79%, respectively). Samples affected by WBM are larger and heavier and present poorer physical quality when compared to normal chicken meat. Histologically it is possible to observe loss of the polygonal aspect of muscle fibers.

Effects of Storage on Quality Traits of Sausages Made with Chicken Breast Meat Affected by Wooden Breast.

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of storage on the quality of sausages made with breast from chickens affected by wooden breast myopathy (WBM). Breast samples from male broilers slaughtered at 48 days old were used. Normal (absence of myopathy), moderate degree (hardness only in one region of the breast) and severe degree samples (hardness over the entire length of the breast) were processed into sausages and evaluated prior to storage and after being vacuum-packed and stored for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days at 4 °C. There was a decrease (p < 0.001) in pH and an increase (p < 0.001) in cooking weight loss in samples of sausages, regardless of the myopathy, after 28 days of storage. Sausages produced with chicken breast samples affected by wooden breast myopathy presented higher (p < 0.0001) moisture concentration (72% for the severe degree) and higher (p = 0.0224) protein concentration (17.27% and 17.36%, respectively, for the moderate and severe degrees) than sausages made of normal samples (70.72% and 14.32%, respectively). The results indicate that sausages produced with meat from birds moderately and severely affected by the myopathy show higher oxidative stability. Fresh sausages produced with breast meat from birds affected by wooden breast syndrome may be stored (4 °C) for up to 28 days without exhibiting the characteristic rancid taste and smell. In sensory analysis, no differences were observed between the formulations, which suggests that the consumers approved the samples regardless of the disease severity in the meat used for the making of the sausages. The current results show that chicken meat affected by wooden breast myopathy can be used for producing fresh sausages in the industry.

Physicochemical Properties and Consumer Acceptance of Hamburgers Processed with Chicken Meat Affected by Wooden Breast Myopathy.

Considering the increased incidence of wooden breast myopathy in broilers, the intake involves no threat to human health, indefinite etiology consumer rejection by appearance in such breasts, and the lack of studies on the industrial use of wooden breast. The objective of this study was evaluating the quality of hamburgers made with chicken meat affected by wooden breast. Breast samples from broilers slaughtered at 48-days-old were used. Normal (absence of myopathy), moderate degree (hardness only in one region of the breast) and severe degree (hardness over the entire length of the breast) samples were processed for the manufacture of hamburgers whose quality analyses (color, pH, cooking weight loss, shrinkage percentage, tenderness, storage weight loss, water activity, lipid oxidation, chemical composition and consumer test) were performed on non-stored samples (Day 0), and after storing at 30, 60, 90 and 120 days at -20 °C. There was a reduction (p < 0.05) in tenderness in samples of moderate-grade hamburgers (from 161.45 N to 289.40 N) after 120 days of storage. Hamburgers produced with chicken breast samples affected by wooden breast myopathy presented higher (p < 0.0001) fat concentration (5.32 g/100 g and 5.26 g/100 g, respectively, for the moderate and severe degree) than hamburgers made of normal samples (4.45 g/100 g). Lipid oxidation values increased, which exceeded the limit of rancidity detection, independent of myopathy. The consumers equally appreciated the aroma, flavor, and texture, and rated their overall acceptance as similar regardless of the quality of chicken meat. Chicken breast hamburgers with wooden breast myopathy is a viable alternative for the poultry industry.

Efeito do congelamento sobre variáveis relacionadas à cor e à maciez da carne de frangos acometidos pela miopatia “Peito de Madeira” / Effect of freezing on the variables related to color and tenderness of meat from broilers affected by Wooden Breast myopathy

O estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos dos diferentes graus de severidade da miopatia “Peito de Madeira” (moderado e severo) sobre a qualidade da carne de frango, logo após o abate e após congelamento por três meses, uma vez que o prazo de validade determinado pela indústria para carne de frango congelada é de até 12 meses, de modo a comprovar se há possibilidade de armazenar esse tipo de carne sem que ocorram alterações que comprometam o consumo seguro, além de alterações de aparência, suculência e maciez. Foram realizadas análises de cor (L*, a* e b*), perda de peso por cozimento (PPC) e força de cisalhamento (FC). Com o aumento do grau de severidade da miopatia em peitos de frango, observou-se diferenças significativas para as variáveis de cor, aumento de PPC e diminuição da FC, antes e após o congelamento.(AU)

Efeito do congelamento sobre variáveis relacionadas à cor e à maciez da carne de frangos acometidos pela miopatia “Peito de Madeira” / Effect of freezing on the variables related to color and tenderness of meat from broilers affected by Wooden Breast myopathy

O estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos dos diferentes graus de severidade da miopatia “Peito de Madeira” (moderado e severo) sobre a qualidade da carne de frango, logo após o abate e após congelamento por três meses, uma vez que o prazo de validade determinado pela indústria para carne de frango congelada é de até 12 meses, de modo a comprovar se há possibilidade de armazenar esse tipo de carne sem que ocorram alterações que comprometam o consumo seguro, além de alterações de aparência, suculência e maciez. Foram realizadas análises de cor (L*, a* e b*), perda de peso por cozimento (PPC) e força de cisalhamento (FC). Com o aumento do grau de severidade da miopatia em peitos de frango, observou-se diferenças significativas para as variáveis de cor, aumento de PPC e diminuição da FC, antes e após o congelamento.

Performance and behavior of pigs in finish phase subject to different programs of lighting / Desempenho e comportamento de suínos em fase de terminação submetidos a diferentes programas de luz

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of lighting programs on performance, plasma concentration of melatonin and behavior of finishing pigs. The experiment was conducted in the pig farming sector UFLA, using 32 pigs in the finishing phase, for 48 days. The animals were housed in groups of two in each pen (experimental unit), distributed in a randomized block design, according to the initial weight. Four light periods were used (treatments): T1: natural light (LN); T2: 15 hours of light and dark by day nine (15L: 9E); T3: 19 hours light per day (19L: 5E); T4: 23 hours of light per day (23L: 1D). The variables analyzed were the performance (average daily feed consumption, average daily gain weight and feed conversion), the plasma concentrations of melatonin and the behavior (drinking, sniffing, leisure and eating). The change in photoperiod did not affect performance or melatonin concentration in pigs. The behavioral variables "digging", "eating", "drinking", did not differ in any of the periods studied, but leisure behavior was more occurring to the pigs receiving 15 hours of light. The increase in photoperiod showed no significant changes in performance or behavior of the animals.

Objetivou-se com esse trabalho avaliar o uso de programas de luz sobre o desempenho, concentração plasmática de melatonina e comportamento de suínos em fase de terminação. O experimento foi conduzido no setor de suinocultura da UFLA, utilizando-se 32 suínos em fase de terminação, por 48 dias. Os animais foram alojados em grupos de dois em cada baia (unidade experimental), distribuídos em delineamento em blocos casualizados, de acordo com o peso inicial com quatro tratamentos e quatro blocos. Foram utilizados quatro programas de luz (tratamentos), sendo T1: luz natural (LN); T2: 15 horas de luz e nove de escuro por dia (15L: 9E); T3: 19 horas de luz por dia (19L: 5E); T4: 23 horas de luz por dia (23L: 1E). As variáveis analisadas foram o desempenho (consumo de ração médio diário, ganho de peso médio diário e conversão alimentar), concentração plasmática de melatonina e o comportamento (bebendo, fuçando, ócio e comendo). A alteração no fotoperíodo não alterou o desempenho ou a concentração plasmática de melatonina nos suínos. As variáveis comportamentais fuçando, comendo, bebendo, não diferiram em nenhum dos períodos estudados, porém o comportamento ócio foi mais ocorrente nos suínos que receberam 15 horas de luz. O aumento no fotoperíodo não permitiu expressivas alterações de desempenho ou de comportamento dos animais.

Performance and behavior of pigs in finish phase subject to different programs of lighting / Desempenho e comportamento de suínos em fase de terminação submetidos a diferentes programas de luz

The aim of this study was to evaluate the use of lighting programs on performance, plasma concentration of melatonin and behavior of finishing pigs. The experiment was conducted in the pig farming sector UFLA, using 32 pigs in the finishing phase, for 48 days. The animals were housed in groups of two in each pen (experimental unit), distributed in a randomized block design, according to the initial weight. Four light periods were used (treatments): T1: natural light (LN); T2: 15 hours of light and dark by day nine (15L: 9E); T3: 19 hours light per day (19L: 5E); T4: 23 hours of light per day (23L: 1D). The variables analyzed were the performance (average daily feed consumption, average daily gain weight and feed conversion), the plasma concentrations of melatonin and the behavior (drinking, sniffing, leisure and eating). The change in photoperiod did not affect performance or melatonin concentration in pigs. The behavioral variables "digging", "eating", "drinking", did not differ in any of the periods studied, but leisure behavior was more occurring to the pigs receiving 15 hours of light. The increase in photoperiod showed no significant changes in performance or behavior of the animals.(AU)

Objetivou-se com esse trabalho avaliar o uso de programas de luz sobre o desempenho, concentração plasmática de melatonina e comportamento de suínos em fase de terminação. O experimento foi conduzido no setor de suinocultura da UFLA, utilizando-se 32 suínos em fase de terminação, por 48 dias. Os animais foram alojados em grupos de dois em cada baia (unidade experimental), distribuídos em delineamento em blocos casualizados, de acordo com o peso inicial com quatro tratamentos e quatro blocos. Foram utilizados quatro programas de luz (tratamentos), sendo T1: luz natural (LN); T2: 15 horas de luz e nove de escuro por dia (15L: 9E); T3: 19 horas de luz por dia (19L: 5E); T4: 23 horas de luz por dia (23L: 1E). As variáveis analisadas foram o desempenho (consumo de ração médio diário, ganho de peso médio diário e conversão alimentar), concentração plasmática de melatonina e o comportamento (bebendo, fuçando, ócio e comendo). A alteração no fotoperíodo não alterou o desempenho ou a concentração plasmática de melatonina nos suínos. As variáveis comportamentais fuçando, comendo, bebendo, não diferiram em nenhum dos períodos estudados, porém o comportamento ócio foi mais ocorrente nos suínos que receberam 15 horas de luz. O aumento no fotoperíodo não permitiu expressivas alterações de desempenho ou de comportamento dos animais.(AU)