Eggshell translucency: its relationship with specific gravity and eggshell color and its influence on broiler egg weight loss, hatchability, and embryonic mortalities.

Eggshell quality is among the most important factors affecting hatchability in broiler breeders, and therefore several methods for its assessment are available in the poultry industry. Among them, eggshell translucency has received special attention in recent years due to its connection with ultrastructural disorganization of the shell layers. However, there is very limited data on the impact of translucency on hatching eggs and on the possible links between this trait and specific gravity (SG) or shell color. Thus, our study investigated associations and interactions between eggshell translucency, SG, and color on incubation parameters of eggs from the same breeding flock (Ross 308AP, 51 wk of age). To this end, light and dark eggs within 5 different SG categories (≥1.065, 1.070, 1.075, 1.080, and ≤1.085) were selected from 15,976 eggs, graded into 3 translucency scores, and later incubated to evaluate egg weight loss, hatchability and embryonic mortalities. In general, translucency scores were evenly distributed within SG categories (χ2 [8, N = 1,138] = 13.67, P = 0.090) and color (χ2 [2, N = 1,138] = 4.93, P = 0.084). No interactions between eggshell translucency and SG or between translucency and color were found for the analyzed variables. An interaction was observed between SG and eggshell color for the variable egg weight loss, where the light-shelled eggs, in most SG categories lost more weight throughout incubation than dark eggs. Eggshell translucency affected egg weight loss, hatchability, and embryonic mortality on 11 to 18 d of incubation, with highly translucent eggs showing the worst results. At the same time, eggs with SG lower than 1.070 displayed the greatest weight loss, lowest hatchability, and highest contamination. We found no influence of eggshell color on weight loss or hatchability, but light-shelled eggs exhibited higher late embryonic mortality. Together, these data suggest that despite its effects on certain hatching parameters, shell translucency bears no relationship to SG or color.

Influence of Dietary Phytase Inclusion Rates on Yolk Inositol Concentration, Hatchability, Chick Quality, and Early Growth Performance.

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of dietary phytase in breeder hens on yolk nutrients, hatchability, chick quality, and growth rate of their progeny, and their subsequent performance to 42 d post-hatch when fed diets with the same phytase concentrations. Breeder hens (n = 216) were divided into 3 groups receiving nutrient-adequate diets with reduced calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) (by 0.16% and 0.15%, respectively), supplemented with either 500, 1500, or 4500 FTU/kg phytase from 27 to 50 weeks of age. Eggs were collected at 38 weeks of age and incubated. On the day of hatch, the chick quality and hatchability were determined, and 18 chicks/group were euthanized for yolk sac collection and the determination of inositol and glycerol concentrations. The remaining chicks were divided into three groups, receiving different diets with reduced Ca and P (by 0.16% and 0.15%, respectively), supplemented with 0, 500, or 1500 FTU/kg phytase to 42 d post-hatch. Increasing the phytase concentration in the breeder hen diet linearly (p < 0.05) increased the number of early embryo deaths and decreased the number of late deaths and pips. The inositol concentration in the yolk sac at day of hatch increased (quadratic; p < 0.05) as the phytase dose increased in the breeder hen diet. The breeder hen diet (p < 0.05) influenced the body weight (BW), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) up to 21 days of age. The supplementation of breeder hen diets with 1500 FTU/kg phytase increased the concentration of sodium (Na), magnesium (Mg), potassium (K), manganese (Mn), and zinc (Zn) in the yolk sac. The inclusion of phytase doses up to 4500 FTU/kg appeared to influence embryo mortality, chick feed intake, and BW gain to 21 days and the FCR throughout the entire production phase.

Effect of the Line and Age of Female Broiler Breeder on Hatchability Performance of Eggs

An experiment was conducted to assess how hatchability performance of eggs is affected by line and age of female broiler breeders. Response variables analyzed were hatchability, infertility, pipping (i.e., pipped shell but not emerged), embryonic mortality (1st, 2nd, and 3rd wk), and embryonic malposition. The trials involved a total of 2,880 fertile eggs from two broiler breeder lines (Ross 308 and Cobb 500) at two different ages (30 and 50 wk). A 2 x 2 factorial design was used, where the broiler breeder line and broiler breeder age were the main effects. The hatchability in the Ross 308 line was higher than the Cobb 500 line, but its infertility was higher than the Ross 308 line. Hatchability in interaction (50 wk age of the hen in the Cobb 500 line) was less, and their infertility was higher. Embryonic mortality, pipping, and embryonic malposition did not present differences for the interaction between factors. The results suggest that hatchability performance of eggs can be improved, if egg management and incubation procedures are adjusted to account for the interaction between broiler breeder line and broiler breeder age.(AU)

Effect of Temperature and Feeding Time on Shell Thickness

The objective of this study was to assess the effect of ambient temperature (T) and feeding time (FT) on eggshell thickness (ST) and egg weight (EW) of broiler breeder hens. Thirty 44-week-old Ross 308 broiler breeder hens were randomly distributed into six environmentally controlled chambers and kept in individual cages. Three thermal treatments were applied: 20 ºC (T1), cyclic 20-30 ºC (30 °C between 1000 h and 1800 h) (T2), and 30 ºC (T3). Birds received 180 g of commercial breeder food at 0730 h (FT1) or 1530 h (FT2). There were two replications per treatment and egg collection was performed for seven days. The eggs from the birds at T1 and T2 fed at 1530 h (T1FT2 and T2FT2 respectively) were significantly heavier than those laid by hens at the same T when fed in the morning (T1FT1 and T2FT1); eggs from T1FT1 and T2FT1 were heavier than the eggs from T3, but there were no significant differences between them. Both T and FT had significant effects on ST, but no significant interactions were found. Birds fed at 1530 h had the highest ST, whilst birds at T3 showed the lowest. Birds on T2 produced the thickest shells due to a higher ST in birds fed at 1530 h. Birds fed at 1530 h consumed their food between 1800 h and 2030 h, resulting in a higher dietary Ca2 + available during shell mineralization. The effect of FT and biphasic T treatments on ST in feed restricted broiler breeders should be interpreted considering the length of the high T phase to the actual food consumption time.(AU)

Manganese requirements of broiler breeder hens.

The present research was conducted to assess Mn requirements of broiler breeder hens. One hundred and twenty Cobb 500 hens, 22 wk of age, were individually allocated in cages. After fed a Mn-deficient diet (22.2 ppm), hens were randomly placed in treatments having 6 increments of 30-ppm Mn. All trace minerals were from laboratory grade sources being Mn from Mn sulfate (MnSO4H2O). Treatments were fed for 4 periods of 28 d. There were no interactions between dietary Mn and period for any evaluated response (P > 0.05). Requirements of Mn for hen day egg production and settable egg production were 115.8 and 56.6 ppm and 122.1 and 63.6 ppm (P < 0.05), respectively, using quadratic polynomial (QP) and broken line quadratic (BLQ) models, whereas total eggs and total settable eggs per hen had Mn requirements estimated at 115.7 and 56.6 and 121.8 and 61.7 ppm (P < 0.05), respectively. Number of cracked, defective, and contaminated eggs decreased, whereas hatchability, hatchability of fertile eggs, eggshell percentage, and eggshell palisade layer increased when hens were fed diets having 48.5 to 168.2-ppm Mn (P < 0.05). Maximum responses for egg weight and eggshell percentage were 117.7 and 63.6 ppm as well as 131.6 and 71.0 ppm (P < 0.05), respectively, using QP and BLQ models. Breaking strength and egg specific gravity had Mn requirements estimated at 140.2 and 112.7 ppm as well as 131.3 68.5 ppm (P < 0.05), whereas eggshell palisade layer and eggshell thickness were maximized with 128.8 and 68.8 ppm and 140.2 134.2 ppm, respectively, for QP and BLQ models (P < 0.05). Maximum yolk Mn content values were obtained using 118.0- and 118.4-ppm Mn by QP and BLQ models, respectively. The average Mn requirements estimated for QP and BLQ models is 128.4 and 92.3 ppm Mn (18.7 and 13.5 mg/hen/d), respectively, which is much lower than what has been currently recommended in commercial production.

Effects of different egg turning frequencies on incubation efficiency parameters.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different egg turning frequencies on incubation efficiency parameters. Nine hundred sixty brown fertile eggs, with an average weight of 52.20 ± 0.85 g, from 38-week-old CJD (Carijó Pesadão) breeder hens were randomly distributed among 4 treatments before incubation. Each treatment corresponded to a turning frequency, being 24 (control), 12, 6, or 3 times per day, at an angle of 45°, until day 18 of incubation. The experimental design was a randomized complete block design with 4 treatments. Analysis of the incubation parameters was based on 6 replications per treatment. The eggs that were turned 12, 6, and 3 times per day exhibited a decrease in hatchability of the fertile eggs of 6.61, 15.51, and 19.70%, respectively, when compared with the control group (91.84 ± 2.73%). With a decrease in turning frequency, there was a gradual increase in early (2.84 ± 1.89 to 14.31 ± 1.82%) and late (3.57 ± 1.39 to 8.05 ± 1.24%) mortality rates. An egg turning frequency of 24 times per day during incubation provided high hatchability rates. In contrast, the turning frequencies of 12, 6, and 3 times per day showed significant losses in hatchability.

Effect of the Age and Body Weight of the Broiler Breeders Male on the Presentation of Oxidative Stress and Its Correlation with the Quality of Testicular Parenchyma and Physiological Antioxidant Levels.

Chicken meat is a food of high nutritional quality; its production requires birds called broilers breeders and looking after all aspects that influence their reproductive capacity. An ongoing controversy exists among researchers related to the weight of the rooster and its fertilization capacity. By histological and biochemical tests, the association between weight and age with oxidant damage, testicular parenchyma and antioxidant capacity was evaluated in Ross 308 roosters. Testicular integrity was assessed by histological analysis, oxidative stress was determined by malondialdehyde content, non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity was determined by oxygen radical absorbance capacity assay and enzymatic antioxidant capacity through glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione-S-transferase activities. Histological analysis showed vacuolization of the epithelium from the seminiferous tubules. A significant negative association was observed between malondialdehyde and the deterioration of the integrity of the seminiferous epithelium, as well as between age and integrity of the seminiferous epithelium. It became evident that oxidative damage directly affects the quality of testicular parenchyma. Weight and age were not associated with the antioxidant enzymes activities, but with non-enzymatic capacity. The data obtained suggest that weight is not the most important factor that influences the fertility of the rooster.

Standard body weight and serum estradiol and progesterone concentrations in response to total lysine content in female broiler breeders from 14 to 42 days after hatch

This study was conducted to determine the total lysine requirement for female broiler breeders from days 14 to 42. Two-hundred and ten female broiler breeders were used in a completely randomized design with 6 replicates per treatment and 5 chicks per pen under restricted feeding. The contents of total lysine used in this experiment were 0.68, 0.72, 0.76, 0.80, 0.84, 0.88 and 0.92% in the diet. A basal diet was formulated to meet or to exceed the Ross 308 female broiler breeders’ nutrient specifications except for the lysine. Body weight and feed intake were measured to calculate feed efficiency, and body weight uniformity was defined on a weekly basis. One chick per pen was randomly selected to collect blood samples, organ and an abundance of sexual maturity associated miRNAs (miR-21, mi-26a and mi-375) in the plasma was measured on day 42. Increasing total lysine contents in the diet improved body weight gain and feed conversion ratio from days 14 to 42. The combined values from the two models for BW, average daily gain and feed efficiency were estimated at 1.04, 1.00 and 1.21% total lysine, respectively. Total lysine contents did not affect the ovary weight, serum estradiol-17b, serum progesterone and plasma urea nitrogen or the expression levels of the three miRNAs on day 42. Therefore, the results from the current study indicated that female broiler breeders fed on 0.68% total lysine could achieve the recommended BW, suggested by field practice when data were fitted into the overlapped point of linear-, and quadratic-plateau models.

Standard body weight and serum estradiol and progesterone concentrations in response to total lysine content in female broiler breeders from 14 to 42 days after hatch

This study was conducted to determine the total lysine requirement for female broiler breeders from days 14 to 42. Two-hundred and ten female broiler breeders were used in a completely randomized design with 6 replicates per treatment and 5 chicks per pen under restricted feeding. The contents of total lysine used in this experiment were 0.68, 0.72, 0.76, 0.80, 0.84, 0.88 and 0.92% in the diet. A basal diet was formulated to meet or to exceed the Ross 308 female broiler breeders nutrient specifications except for the lysine. Body weight and feed intake were measured to calculate feed efficiency, and body weight uniformity was defined on a weekly basis. One chick per pen was randomly selected to collect blood samples, organ and an abundance of sexual maturity associated miRNAs (miR-21, mi-26a and mi-375) in the plasma was measured on day 42. Increasing total lysine contents in the diet improved body weight gain and feed conversion ratio from days 14 to 42. The combined values from the two models for BW, average daily gain and feed efficiency were estimated at 1.04, 1.00 and 1.21% total lysine, respectively. Total lysine contents did not affect the ovary weight, serum estradiol-17b, serum progesterone and plasma urea nitrogen or the expression levels of the three miRNAs on day 42. Therefore, the results from the current study indicated that female broiler breeders fed on 0.68% total lysine could achieve the recommended BW, suggested by field practice when data were fitted into the overlapped point of linear-, and quadratic-plateau models.(AU)

Effect of broiler breeder age on the intestinal mucosa development of the embryos at 20 days of incubation

This study investigated the effect of broiler breeder age on the morphological development of the small intestine broiler embryos (villus height, crypt depth, microvillus height, and villus density) at 20 day of incubation. Eggs obtained from 30- and 60-wk-old broiler breeders were used. The results showed that embryos from older broiler breeders presented longer villi in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum compared with younger broiler breeders. In addition, embryos from older broiler breeders presented deeper crypts in the jejunum and ileum, longer microvilli in jejunal enterocytes, and lower villus density (microvillus number/mm2) in the duodenum and ileum than younger breeders. These results suggest that breeder age influences the gut mucosa development of broiler embryos. Embryos from older broiler breeder showed greater development of the small intestine mucosa than those from younger broiler breeder.

Avaliação da suplementação antioxidante na dieta para galos de matrizes pesadas em idade avançada sobre parâmetros reprodutivos / Evaluation of antioxidant supplementation in diet for aging broiler breeder roosters on reproductive parameters

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos de antioxidantes suplementados às dietas de galos de matrizes pesadas em idade avançada sobre as características reprodutivas. Foram utilizados galos da linhagem Cobb com 47 semanas de idade. Estes foram distribuídos em quatros tratamentos, de acordo com a adição de antioxidante à dieta, sendo: A = grupo controle (sem suplementação antioxidante); B = suplementação de 9ppm de citranaxantina; C = suplementação de 6ppm de cantaxantina e D = 150ppm de vitamina E. Foram avaliadas as características seminais, tais como volume, vigor, motilidade e concentração, a composição de ácidos graxos do sêmen (saturados, insaturados, monoinsaturados, poli-insaturados, ômega 3, ômega 6 e ômega 9) e a correlação entre o peso dos testículos e o peso dos galos. Não foram observados efeitos das substâncias antioxidantes testadas sobre os parâmetros reprodutivos avaliados. Os antioxidantes avaliados não influenciam as respostas reprodutivas de machos reprodutores de matrizes pesadas em idade avançada.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of antioxidant supplementation in diets of aging broiler breeder roosters on reproductive characteristics. Cobb roosters were divided into four groups, according to antioxidant addition, where: A = control group (without antioxidant supplementation); B = 9ppm of citranaxanthin; C = 6ppm of canthaxanthin, and D = 150ppm of vitamin E. Seminal characteristics (volume, force, motility and concentration), semen fatty acid composition (saturated, unsaturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, ω3, ω6 and ω9), and the correlation between testis weight with rooster weight were evaluated. No effects of the antioxidants tested were observed. The antioxidants do not influence the reproductive responses of aging male broiler breeder.(AU)

Effect of broiler breeder age on the intestinal mucosa development of the embryos at 20 days of incubation

This study investigated the effect of broiler breeder age on the morphological development of the small intestine broiler embryos (villus height, crypt depth, microvillus height, and villus density) at 20 day of incubation. Eggs obtained from 30- and 60-wk-old broiler breeders were used. The results showed that embryos from older broiler breeders presented longer villi in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum compared with younger broiler breeders. In addition, embryos from older broiler breeders presented deeper crypts in the jejunum and ileum, longer microvilli in jejunal enterocytes, and lower villus density (microvillus number/mm2) in the duodenum and ileum than younger breeders. These results suggest that breeder age influences the gut mucosa development of broiler embryos. Embryos from older broiler breeder showed greater development of the small intestine mucosa than those from younger broiler breeder.(AU)

Avaliação da suplementação antioxidante na dieta para galos de matrizes pesadas em idade avançada sobre parâmetros reprodutivos / Evaluation of antioxidant supplementation in diet for aging broiler breeder roosters on reproductive parameters

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos de antioxidantes suplementados às dietas de galos de matrizes pesadas em idade avançada sobre as características reprodutivas. Foram utilizados galos da linhagem Cobb com 47 semanas de idade. Estes foram distribuídos em quatros tratamentos, de acordo com a adição de antioxidante à dieta, sendo: A = grupo controle (sem suplementação antioxidante); B = suplementação de 9ppm de citranaxantina; C = suplementação de 6ppm de cantaxantina e D = 150ppm de vitamina E. Foram avaliadas as características seminais, tais como volume, vigor, motilidade e concentração, a composição de ácidos graxos do sêmen (saturados, insaturados, monoinsaturados, poli-insaturados, ômega 3, ômega 6 e ômega 9) e a correlação entre o peso dos testículos e o peso dos galos. Não foram observados efeitos das substâncias antioxidantes testadas sobre os parâmetros reprodutivos avaliados. Os antioxidantes avaliados não influenciam as respostas reprodutivas de machos reprodutores de matrizes pesadas em idade avançada.(AU)

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of antioxidant supplementation in diets of aging broiler breeder roosters on reproductive characteristics. Cobb roosters were divided into four groups, according to antioxidant addition, where: A = control group (without antioxidant supplementation); B = 9ppm of citranaxanthin; C = 6ppm of canthaxanthin, and D = 150ppm of vitamin E. Seminal characteristics (volume, force, motility and concentration), semen fatty acid composition (saturated, unsaturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, ω3, ω6 and ω9), and the correlation between testis weight with rooster weight were evaluated. No effects of the antioxidants tested were observed. The antioxidants do not influence the reproductive responses of aging male broiler breeder.(AU)

Effects of different limestone particle sizes in the diet of broiler breeders post molting on their performance, egg quality, incubation results, and pre-starter performance of their progeny.

An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that a coarse limestone diet improves productivity, reproductive performance and the calcium utilization of molted broiler breeders. In total, 640 broiler breeder females, 73-week-old and sixty-four 27-week-old cockerels, Cobb 500, were evaluated during 10 weeks, according to a randomized block design composed of 4 treatments with 8 replicates each. Treatments consisted of diets with the inclusion of 100% fine limestone-fine PS (0.2 mm GMD-geometric mean diameter); PS1: 30% fine limestone+70% limestone with 1.0 mm GMD; PS2: 30% fine limestone+70% limestone with 2.0 mm GMD; and PS3: 30% fine limestone+70% limestone with 3.0 mm GMD. Calcium retention in the gizzard of the breeders, bone characteristics, and breeder performance, egg characteristics, eggshell quality, incubation performance, chick quality and yield, chick pre-starter live performance, and chick bone characteristics were determined. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the rate of lay, percentage of non-settable eggs, egg weight, egg shape index, egg specific gravity, eggshell weight, thickness, and percentage hatchability and egg weight loss of broiler breeders fed with diets with different limestone particle sizes. The chick quality and yield, chick pre-starter live performance, and chick bone characteristics were not affected (P>0.05) by any of the limestone particle sizes. It was concluded that live and reproductive performance parameters of broiler breeders post molting is not affected by limestone particle size in the feed.

Effect of Broiler Breeder Age and Glutamine Supplementation on the Development of the Intestinal Mucosa of 7-Day-Old Chicks

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effects of glutamine and broiler breeder age on the development of intestinal mucosa in broiler chicks during first week of age. For this purpose, 32 one-day-old broiler chicks were distributed according to a completely randomized experimental design in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Treatments consisted of two broiler breeder ages (30 and 60 weeks) and two dietary glutamine supplementation levels (0% and 1%). The morphological development of intestinal mucosa, particularly villus height and crypt depth, was evaluated. The results showed that the supplementation with 1% of glutamine influenced the development of villus height in the duodenum (p=0.009), jejunum (p = 0.006), and ileum (p = 0.001), as well as crypt depth in the jejunum (p = 0.037) of 7-day-old broilers. These results suggest that the presence of glutamine influenced the development of intestinal mucosa during the first week of age, when these tissues are highly influenced by dietary components, especially by trophic agents. The results show that broiler breeder age (30 or 60 weeks) did not influence the evaluated parameters.(AU)

Effect of Broiler Breeder Age and Glutamine Supplementation on the Development of the Intestinal Mucosa of 7-Day-Old Chicks

The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effects of glutamine and broiler breeder age on the development of intestinal mucosa in broiler chicks during first week of age. For this purpose, 32 one-day-old broiler chicks were distributed according to a completely randomized experimental design in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement. Treatments consisted of two broiler breeder ages (30 and 60 weeks) and two dietary glutamine supplementation levels (0% and 1%). The morphological development of intestinal mucosa, particularly villus height and crypt depth, was evaluated. The results showed that the supplementation with 1% of glutamine influenced the development of villus height in the duodenum (p=0.009), jejunum (p = 0.006), and ileum (p = 0.001), as well as crypt depth in the jejunum (p = 0.037) of 7-day-old broilers. These results suggest that the presence of glutamine influenced the development of intestinal mucosa during the first week of age, when these tissues are highly influenced by dietary components, especially by trophic agents. The results show that broiler breeder age (30 or 60 weeks) did not influence the evaluated parameters.

Occurrence of Aviadenovirus in chickens from the poultry industry of Minas Gerais / Ocorrência de Aviadenovirus em aves da industria avícola de Minas Gerais

The occurrence of Aviadenovirus (FAdV) was investigated in chickens from the poultry industry of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The investigation was conducted due to the scarcity of recent data in the country and its description in neighboring countries. For this purpose, livers were collected from layer chicks (n=25), older layers (n=25), broilers (n=300), and livers (n=25) and stool (n=25) samples from broiler breeders, representing the major poultry regions of the state. FAdV DNA was demonstrated using a previously described PCR protocol for amplifying part of the hexon gene encoding sequence. FAdV was found in layer chicks (36 percent), widespread (100 percent) in older layers, and with regional differences in broilers (24-86 percent). Although all broiler breeder stools were negative, FAdV DNA was detected in livers (16 percent, 4/25) of stool-negative birds. In order to obtain additional information on the circulation of the infection, livers of subsistence chickens collected from one poultry intensive region, were evaluated (n = 12), with FAdV being detected in all samples. FAdV was found in young and old layers, broilers, broiler breeders and free-range chickens, and results suggest the circulation of FAdV among different types of chickens. The detection in older layer chickens may indicate an extended risk of horizontal transmission in regions of Minas Gerais with mixed activity of egg and meat type chickens and poor biosecurity strategies. The infection in breeders may indicate vertical transmission and the continuous production of infected progenies. The hexon-gene-targeted PCR amplicon sequences aligned with FAdV of species D of Aviadenovirus. Results indicate the necessity for biosecurity, especially for breeders, separating flocks according to origin, age and health status, which will be an advantage regarding any pathogen.(AU)

Descreve-se a ocorrência de Aviadenovirus (FAdV) na avicultura mineira. Foram amostrados fígados de poedeiras jovens (n=25) e velhas (n=25) e de frangos de corte (n=300). Em matrizes pesadas foram amostrados fígados (n=25) e fezes (n=25). O estudo envolveu as principais regiões avícolas do Estado de Minas Gerais. O DNA de FAdV foi pesquisado por PCR universal, descrito para a amplificação do gene que codifica o hexon de Aviadenovirus, usando FAdV Phelps como referência. Foi demonstrada a presença do DNA de FAdV em 100 por cento (25/25) das poedeiras velhas (78 semanas de idade) e em 36 por cento (9/25) das jovens (18 dias). Em frangos de corte, a detecção variou entre 24 e 86 por cento. Embora as fezes das matrizes tenham sido negativas, foi obtido o amplicon específico em 4/25 dos fígados dessas mesmas aves, indicando menor sensibilidade para detecção nas fezes. Em amostras da avicultura familiar (fígado), colhidas de uma das regiões de avicultura intensificada, foi detectado o genoma de FAdV em 100 por cento das galinhas (n=12). A constatação de alta disseminação de FAdV em aves da avicultura industrial e familiar de Minas Gerais contribui para o entendimento da epidemiologia de Aviadenovirus. As sequências nucleotídicas dos produtos de PCR alinharam com FAdV da espécie D de Aviadenovirus. A demonstração de FAdV em reprodutores indica risco de transmissão vertical e reforça a necessidade de biosseguridade estrita nesses plantéis. A presença de FAdV em diversos setores avícolas, incluindo poedeiras comerciais, frangos de corte, reprodutores e galinhas da avicultura familiar, recomenda a biosseguridade estrita entre as criações de mesmo tipo e de tipos diferentes de aves. A detecção em matrizes pode indicar a continuada geração de progênies infectadas.(AU)

Occurrence of Aviadenovirus in chickens from the poultry industry of Minas Gerais / Ocorrência de Aviadenovirus em aves da industria avícola de Minas Gerais

The occurrence of Aviadenovirus (FAdV) was investigated in chickens from the poultry industry of Minas Gerais state, Brazil. The investigation was conducted due to the scarcity of recent data in the country and its description in neighboring countries. For this purpose, livers were collected from layer chicks (n=25), older layers (n=25), broilers (n=300), and livers (n=25) and stool (n=25) samples from broiler breeders, representing the major poultry regions of the state. FAdV DNA was demonstrated using a previously described PCR protocol for amplifying part of the hexon gene encoding sequence. FAdV was found in layer chicks (36 percent), widespread (100 percent) in older layers, and with regional differences in broilers (24-86 percent). Although all broiler breeder stools were negative, FAdV DNA was detected in livers (16 percent, 4/25) of stool-negative birds. In order to obtain additional information on the circulation of the infection, livers of subsistence chickens collected from one poultry intensive region, were evaluated (n = 12), with FAdV being detected in all samples. FAdV was found in young and old layers, broilers, broiler breeders and free-range chickens, and results suggest the circulation of FAdV among different types of chickens. The detection in older layer chickens may indicate an extended risk of horizontal transmission in regions of Minas Gerais with mixed activity of egg and meat type chickens and poor biosecurity strategies. The infection in breeders may indicate vertical transmission and the continuous production of infected progenies. The hexon-gene-targeted PCR amplicon sequences aligned with FAdV of species D of Aviadenovirus. Results indicate the necessity for biosecurity, especially for breeders, separating flocks according to origin, age and health status, which will be an advantage regarding any pathogen...

Descreve-se a ocorrência de Aviadenovirus (FAdV) na avicultura mineira. Foram amostrados fígados de poedeiras jovens (n=25) e velhas (n=25) e de frangos de corte (n=300). Em matrizes pesadas foram amostrados fígados (n=25) e fezes (n=25). O estudo envolveu as principais regiões avícolas do Estado de Minas Gerais. O DNA de FAdV foi pesquisado por PCR universal, descrito para a amplificação do gene que codifica o hexon de Aviadenovirus, usando FAdV Phelps como referência. Foi demonstrada a presença do DNA de FAdV em 100 por cento (25/25) das poedeiras velhas (78 semanas de idade) e em 36 por cento (9/25) das jovens (18 dias). Em frangos de corte, a detecção variou entre 24 e 86 por cento. Embora as fezes das matrizes tenham sido negativas, foi obtido o amplicon específico em 4/25 dos fígados dessas mesmas aves, indicando menor sensibilidade para detecção nas fezes. Em amostras da avicultura familiar (fígado), colhidas de uma das regiões de avicultura intensificada, foi detectado o genoma de FAdV em 100 por cento das galinhas (n=12). A constatação de alta disseminação de FAdV em aves da avicultura industrial e familiar de Minas Gerais contribui para o entendimento da epidemiologia de Aviadenovirus. As sequências nucleotídicas dos produtos de PCR alinharam com FAdV da espécie D de Aviadenovirus. A demonstração de FAdV em reprodutores indica risco de transmissão vertical e reforça a necessidade de biosseguridade estrita nesses plantéis. A presença de FAdV em diversos setores avícolas, incluindo poedeiras comerciais, frangos de corte, reprodutores e galinhas da avicultura familiar, recomenda a biosseguridade estrita entre as criações de mesmo tipo e de tipos diferentes de aves. A detecção em matrizes pode indicar a continuada geração de progênies infectadas...

Microminerais complexados a aminoácidos no desempenho reprodutivo de matrizes pesadas e resposta da progênie / Complexed trace minerals to amino acids on broiler breeders reproductive performance and response from progeny

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o uso de microminerais complexados a aminoácidos na alimentação de matrizes de frango de corte sobre o desempenho, variáveis de incubação e desempenho da progênie. O estudo foi dividido em três experimentos: exp.1. desempenho das matrizes, exp.2. incubação e exp.3. desempenho da progênie. No exp. 1, foram utilizadas 260 aves da linhagem CobbAvian 48 (240 matrizes e 20 machos), avaliando-se produção e massa de ovos, conversão alimentar por massa e por dúzia de ovos, peso e gravidade específica. No exp. 2, determinou-se a taxa de eclosão, eclodibilidade e fertilidade. No exp. 3 avaliou-se o desempenho dos pintinhos nascidos das incubações. No exp. 1, não houve interação entre tratamento e período (P>0,05) para produção de ovos, massa de ovos, conversão alimentar por massa e por dúzia de ovos, peso e gravidade específica dos ovos. Contudo, houve efeito (P<0,05) do período para todas as variáveis citadas anteriormente. No exp. 2, a taxa de eclosão, fertilidade e eclodibilidade não apresentaram diferenças significativas (P<0,05). Com relação ao exp. 3 também não houve diferença significativa (P<0,05) no desempenho da progênie. A suplementação com microminerais complexados a aminoácidos não influencia no desempenho das matrizes, variáveis de incubação e desempenho das progênies.

This study aimed to evaluate the use of complexed trace minerals to amino acid in broiler breeder feeding evaluating performance, incubation variables and performance of progeny. The study was divided in three trials: exp. 1. broiler breeders performance, exp. 2. incubation and exp. 3. chickens performance. In the exp. 1 two hundred sixty broilers breeders of lineage Cobb Avian 48 (240 females and 20 males) were used. The variables evaluated were egg production and egg mass, feed conversion for egg mass and per dozen eggs, egg weight and specific gravity. In the exp. 2 it was determined rate of hatching, hatchability and fertility. In the exp. 3, it was evaluated the performance of chicks born from incubations. In the exp. 1, there was no interaction between treatment and period (P>0.05) for egg production, egg mass, feed conversion for egg mass and per dozen eggs, egg weight and specific gravity of eggs. However, there was effect (P<0.05) of the period for all variables mentioned above. In the exp. 2, hatching rate, fertility and hatchability did not show significant difference (P<0.05). Regarding the performance of broilers, in the exp. 3 there was no significant difference (P<0.05). Supplementation with complexed trace minerals to amino acids does not influence the performance of breeders, incubation variables and progeny performance.

Microminerais complexados a aminoácidos no desempenho reprodutivo de matrizes pesadas e resposta da progênie

This study aimed to evaluate the use of complexed trace minerals to amino acid in broiler breeder feeding evaluating performance, incubation variables and performance of progeny. The study was divided in three trials: exp. 1. broiler breeders performance, exp. 2. incubation and exp. 3. chickens performance. In the exp. 1 two hundred sixty broilers breeders of lineage Cobb Avian 48 (240 females and 20 males) were used. The variables evaluated were egg production and egg mass, feed conversion for egg mass and per dozen eggs, egg weight and specific gravity. In the exp. 2 it was determined rate of hatching, hatchability and fertility. In the exp. 3, it was evaluated the performance of chicks born from incubations. In the exp. 1, there was no interaction between treatment and period (P>0.05) for egg production, egg mass, feed conversion for egg mass and per dozen eggs, egg weight and specific gravity of eggs. However, there was effect (P 0.05) of the period for all variables mentioned above. In the exp. 2, hatching rate, fertility and hatchability did not show significant difference (P 0.05). Regarding the performance of broilers, in the exp. 3 there was no significant difference (P 0.05). Supplementation with complexed trace minerals to amino acids does not influence the performance of breeders, incubation variables and progeny performance.

Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o uso de microminerais complexados a aminoácidos na alimentação de matrizes de frango de corte sobre o desempenho, variáveis de incubação e desempenho da progênie. O estudo foi dividido em três experimentos: exp.1. desempenho das matrizes, exp.2. incubação e exp.3. desempenho da progênie. No exp. 1, foram utilizadas 260 aves da linhagem CobbAvian 48 (240 matrizes e 20 machos), avaliando-se produção e massa de ovos, conversão alimentar por massa e por dúzia de ovos, peso e gravidade específica. No exp. 2, determinou-se a taxa de eclosão, eclodibilidade e fertilidade. No exp. 3 avaliou-se o desempenho dos pintinhos nascidos das incubações. No exp. 1, não houve interação entre tratamento e período (P>0,05) para produção de ovos, massa de ovos, conversão alimentar por massa e por dúzia de ovos, peso e gravidade específica dos ovos. Contudo, houve efeito (P 0,05) do período para todas as variáveis citadas anteriormente. No exp. 2, a taxa de eclosão, fertilidade e eclodibilidade não apresentaram diferenças significativas (P 0,05). Com relação ao exp. 3 também não houve diferença significativa (P 0,05) no desempenho da progênie. A suplementação com microminerais complexados a aminoácidos não influencia no desempenho das matrizes, variáveis de incubação e desempenho das progênies.