Animal Welfare Assessment and Meat Quality through Assessment of Stress Biomarkers in Fattening Pigs with and without Visible Damage during Slaughter.

The study aimed to investigate the physiological and meat quality differences between Non-Ambulatory, Non-Injured (NANI), and without apparent abnormalities (non-NANI) pigs in a commercial slaughterhouse setting, focusing on the impact of stress and health conditions on the overall well-being and meat quality of the animals. A total of 241 surgically castrated crossbred male pigs from Southern Brazil were analyzed, with 131 non-NANI pigs and 110 NANI pigs. Infrared orbital temperature, rectal temperature, hematological parameters, and meat quality measurements were collected. Statistical analysis included ANOVA tests and principal component analysis (PCA). NANI pigs exhibited significantly higher infrared orbital temperatures and rectal temperature (p < 0.01). Hematological analysis revealed higher levels of hemoglobin, hematocrit, and red blood cells in NANI pigs (p < 0.05). White blood cell count and lactate dehydrogenase were significantly elevated in NANI pigs (p < 0.01), indicating potential infections or inflammatory responses. Meat quality parameters showed that NANI pigs had lower pH values, higher luminosity, and increased drip loss (p < 0.01), reflecting poorer water retention and potential muscle glycogen depletion. The study highlights the physiological and meat quality differences between NANI and non-NANI pigs, emphasizing the impact of stress, health conditions, and handling procedures on the animals. Blood biomarkers proved valuable in assessing physiological stress, immune response, and potential health issues in pigs, correlating with meat quality abnormalities. Utilizing these biomarkers as predictive tools can enhance animal welfare practices and contribute to improving meat quality in the swine industry.

Correction: Gonçalves Vero et al. Transport of Pigs of Two Market Weights at Two Space Allowances: Effects on Behaviour, Blood Parameters, and Meat Quality under Summer and Winter Conditions. Animals 2023, 13, 2767.

In the original publication [...].

Non-invasive meat quality assessment: Exploring the potential of ocular infrared thermography to predict ultimate pH in Nellore beef cattle.

This study investigated the use of infrared thermography (IRT) to identify the dark, firm, and dry (DFD) phenomenon in Brazilian beef, which is a significant concern for the industry because of its inferior quality and reduced shelf life. This study examined 113 Nellore bulls and analyzed their minimum and maximum ocular temperatures using IRT. The results highlight the efficacy of thermal images (IRTmax) as a significant predictor, with R2 values ranging from 0.84 to 0.88 for calibration models. The inclusion of parameters such as glucose and lactate further enhanced prediction accuracy. The models also revealed that the combination of features, such as lightness (L*), redness (a*), and yellowness (b*), contributed to the precise prediction of pHu, with an R2 of 0.88. In model validation, RMSEP ranged from 0.104 to 0.158, indicating good generalization capability. The RPD, ranging from 1.7 to 2.6, suggests satisfactory quantitative prediction. The statistical significance of all models, evidenced by P-values <0.001, strengthens the reliability of the results. In conclusion, the models support the use of IRT as a tool for identifying pHu alterations in carcasses. When combined with blood parameters, they may exhibit even greater efficiency in predicting pHu in Nelore cattle carcasses, highlighting the potential applicability of these methods in the beef industry.

Sensory quality of beef with different ultimate pH values - A Brazilian perspective.

This study evaluated Brazilian consumer perceptions of beef with different pH values at 48 h post-mortem (pHu) through sensory analysis. A total of 138 consumers evaluated raw and grilled steaks. The steaks were divided according to their pHu (normal pH < 5.8, atypical darkness, firmness, and dryness [DFD] > 5.8 pH < 6, and typical DFD pH ≥ 6). There was no difference in the visual evaluation of raw steaks or purchase intention. Evaluation of the grilled steaks showed that consumers preferred typical DFD steaks in terms of tenderness, and there was a tendency for the same behavior in terms of juiciness. No differences were observed in other evaluated parameters. Cluster analysis identified three consumer segments for visual evaluation, indicating a preference for steaks with higher pHu in terms of freshness. Additionally, four segments were identified for evaluation, with some groups expressing a preference for higher pHu meat in terms of freshness appearance, tenderness liking, and overall liking. The developed regression models for overall liking and purchase intention exhibited favorable adjustment indices, with r2 values of 0.86 and 0.57, respectively, for raw steaks and 0.90 for grilled steaks for in overall liking. Regression models indicated a strong influence of color and freshness appearance, in addition to tenderness liking and juiciness liking, on the overall liking scores of consumers. These results indicate that Brazilian consumers do not dislike dark cutting and, despite differentiating their greater tenderness, do not show a preference between the different pHu values.

Transport of Pigs of Two Market Weights at Two Space Allowances: Effects on Behaviour, Blood Parameters, and Meat Quality under Summer and Winter Conditions.

This study was carried out through two separate experiments aiming at evaluating the effects of two space allowances (0.54 and 0.62 m2/pig in summer and 0.44 m2/pig and 0.50 m2/pig in winter) on the behavioural and physiological response, and meat quality of pigs of two slaughter weights (120 kg and 140 kg). In summer, higher blood haematocrit levels were found at slaughter in heavier pigs transported at a smaller space allowance (p = 0.04). During lairage, pigs transported at a smaller space allowance started fighting later (p = 0.04). Fighting behaviour was greater in heavier pigs (p ≤ 0.05), whilst their drinking activity was lower (p < 0.05). This resulted in greater exsanguination blood CK levels (p < 0.01) and drier hams (p = 0.05) in heavier pigs. In winter, only lower space allowance influenced some meat quality traits (p < 0.05), but these effects were minor. The effects of space allowance during summer transports on within-truck ambient conditions, post-transport pigs' welfare, and meat quality are similar. Mixing heavier pigs may result in greater aggressiveness and more fatigue-related meat quality variation during summer. Overall, winter transport results may have been biased by the short journey and within-truck load distribution.

Behavior, blood stress indicators, skin lesions, and meat quality in pigs transported to slaughter at different loading densities.

A total of 1,936 pigs were transported through 8 trips (8.4 ± 0.5 hr) from 2 grow-to-finish farms to a commercial slaughter plant, all located in Southern Brazil. On each trip, a sub-sample of each load (36 barrows/load, weighing 118.9 ± 9.8 kg) was randomly allocated into one of the following loading densities during transport: 200 kg/m2 (D200), 235 kg/m2 (D235), and 270 kg/m2 (D270). Behavioral recordings of postures and activities were made during transportation and lairage using video-cameras. At slaughter, blood samples were collected to assess the concentrations of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate. Carcass weights and skin lesion scores were assessed on-line, and meat quality was evaluated in the longissimus thoracis (LT) muscle by assessing pH, color, and drip loss. During transportation, the proportion of animals lying down was higher (P < 0.05) in D200 and D235 groups compared with D270. The proportion of sitting animals during transportation was higher (P < 0.01) in D270 compared with D200. In lairage, D200 and D235 pigs stood more compared with D270 (P = 0.01), while the proportion of lying pigs was higher (P = 0.02) for D270 pigs compared with D200 and D235. The frequency of drinking bouts in lairage was higher (P < 0.05) for D200 group compared with D235 and D270. The levels of CK were lower (P < 0.05) in D200 pigs transported compared with D270. Lesion scores tended to be higher (P = 0.06) in D270 carcasses compared with D200 and D235. A tendency for lower (P = 0.10) pH1 values in the LT muscle of D270 pigs compared with D200 pigs was also found. Based on the results of this study, the application of lower loading densities (≤235 kg/m2) in the truck allows pigs to have sufficient space to rest, travel more comfortably and arrive less fatigued at the slaughter plant.

Gender effects on pork quality and calpain-1 and calpastatin gene expression in male pig muscle.

Studies that investigate the expression of genes related to the tenderness of meat from entire and immunocastrated male pigs have not yet been performed. The objective of this study was to investigate the association between gender (entire male and immunocastrated) and the meat quality of pigs, as well as to quantify the expression of calpain-1 and the calpastatin gene. Regarding carcass measurements and meat quality, boars presented lower values of muscle depth (P = 0.028), subcutaneous fat thickness (P = 0.046), L* value (P = 0.004) and cook loss (P = 0.008) than the immunocastrated pigs. The boars presented greater calpain-1 gene expression (P = 0.006) and lower calpastatin gene expression (P = 0.003) than immunocastrated pigs. This study shows that combined with other factors the gene expression can contribute to a tender meat from boars due to their higher calpain-1 expression and lower calpastatin expression than those of immunocastrated male pigs.

The effect of different grazing heights on carcass and meat quality characteristics of Nellore cattle fattened in pastures of Convert grass.

Carcass characteristic and meat quality from bulls and Nellore steers (n = 64 total) subjected to different grazing heights (15, 25, 35, and 45 cm) were evaluated isolatedly, under continuous grazing and variable load, in pastures of Convert grass. The experimental period was from May 2015 to June 2017, in an area of 16 ha, divided into 16 paddocks of 1 ha. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications. Each paddock was grazed by three animals and regulators, used to adjust grazing heights. The final slaughter weight, hot carcass, and crude protein in the meat of steers were higher when the pastures were managed at 42 cm. When the pasture was managed between 25 and 35 cm in height, greater fat thickness, marbling, muscle:bone and muscle+fat:bone ratio and lower color* of the meat and percentage of bone were found. For the steers, the height of 40 cm provided higher fat thickness and marbling in the meat. The loss during thawing in meat was greater at 28 cm in height. The heights of grazing alter the carcass characteristics and meat of bulls and steers.

Effects of encapsulated sodium butyrate and phytogenic on growth performance, carcass traits and health of growing-finishing pigs / Efeitos do butirato de sódio encapsulado e fitogênico sobre o desempenho, características da carcaça e saúde de suínos em fase de crescimento e terminação

ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to evaluate two feed additives, one based on encapsulated sodium butyrate (Adimix® Precision) (AD) and the other, a phytogenic (Apex® 5) (AX), associated or not with an antimicrobial growth promoter (tylosin) during the growth and finishing phases on performance, carcass characteristics and health conditions. A total of 300 barrows and females were distributed in six treatments in a randomized block design with ten replicates. The treatments consisted of a negative control (NC), positive control (PC) (tylosin), AD (encapsulated sodium butyrate), AX (phytogenic), PC+AD (tylosin+encapsulated sodium butyrate), and PC+AX (tylosin+phytogenic). The performance (live weight, daily feed intake, average daily gain and feed conversion) and carcass data (carcass weight, backfat thickness, loin depth, lean meat on the carcass) were submitted to ANOVA plus Tukey's test, and the health conditions (occurrence of diseases, culling, and spontaneous deaths) were analyzed by χ2. Animals of the AD group had the highest average daily gain (ADG) over the evaluation period and the highest live weight at 120, 140, and 164 days of age, in addition to the highest carcass weight compared to NC and PC groups. The AX treatment increased the ADG in growth phase II and the live weight at 120 and 140 days of age in relation to the NC. The PC+AX group had a higher final live weight compared to the NC and PC groups and higher carcass weight in relation to the NC group. There was no difference among treatments for backfat thickness, percentage of lean meat in the carcass, or occurrence of diseases and deaths. The inclusion of encapsulated sodium butyrate (AD treatment) was effective in increasing ADG, final live weight, and carcass weight compared to supplementation with tylosin (PC treatment), as was the inclusion of a phytogenic (AX treatment) on FC compared to the PC.

RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar dois aditivos alimentares, um a base de butirato de sódio encapsulado (Adimix® Precision) (AD) e outro a base de um fitogênico (Apex® 5) (AX), associados ou não a um antibiótico promotor de crescimento (tilosina), durante as fases de crescimento e terminação, sobre o desempenho, características da carcaça e status de saúde. Foram utilizados 300 suínos machos castrados e fêmeas distribuídos em seis tratamentos em um delineamento em blocos casualizados com dez repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram em um controle negativo (CN), controle positivo (CP) (tilosina), AD (butirato de sódio encapsulado), AX (fitogênico), CP+AD (tilosina+butirato de sódio encapsulado) e CP+AX (tilosina+fitogênico). Os dados de desempenho (peso vivo, consumo diário de ração, ganho de peso médio diário e conversão alimentar) e de carcaça (peso de carcaça, espessura de toucinho, profundidade do lombo e carne magra na carcaça) foram submetidos à ANOVA seguido por teste de Tukey, e os dados de condição de saúde (ocorrência de doenças, animais eutanasiados e mortos espontaneamente) foram analisados pelo teste de χ2. Os animais do grupo AD apresentaram maior ganho de peso diário (GPD) durante o período de avaliação e maior peso vivo aos 120, 140 e 164 dias de idade, além de maior peso de carcaça em comparação aos grupos CN e CP. O tratamento AX aumentou o GPD na fase crescimento II e o peso vivo aos 120 e 140 dias de idade em relação ao CN. O grupo CP+AX apresentou maior peso final em relação aos grupos CN e CP e maior peso de carcaça em relação ao CN. Não houve diferença entre os tratamentos para espessura de toucinho, porcentagem de carne magra na carcaça e ocorrência de doenças e óbitos. A inclusão de butirato de sódio encapsulado (tratamento AD) foi efetiva no aumento de GPD, peso final e peso de carcaça em comparação à suplementação com tilosina (tratamento CP), assim como a inclusão fitogênico (tratamento AX) melhorou a conversão alimentar em comparação ao grupo CP.

Increasing doses of phytase from Citrobacter braakii in diets with reduced inorganic phosphorus and calcium improve growth performance and lean meat of growing and finishing pigs.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of increasing doses of bacterial phytase (RONOZYME HiPhos) on performance and carcass characteristics of growing and finishing pigs. The study included 120 castrated males with initial weight of 23.21 ± 1.91 kg and 68 days of age, distributed in a randomized block design with five treatments and eight replicates with three animals each. The pigs were fed five corn-soybean meal-based diets: positive control (PC), supplemented with inorganic phosphorus and calcium; negative control (NC), with 0.13% reduction in available phosphorus and 0.11% in calcium; and three NC diets supplemented with 1,000, 2,000, and 3,000 phytase units (FYT)/kg in the feed. Compared with the NC diets without phytase, diets with 1,000, 2,000, and 3,000 FYT/kg inclusion increased the daily weight gain by +12% (quadratic, p<0.05) during the growing I period; +2.9, +2.9, and +10.5% (linear, p<0.01), respectively, during the growing II period; and +4.1, +5.1, and +8.2% (linear, p<0.001), respectively, over the entire experimental period. The daily feed intake increased by 0, +2.8, and +4.3% (linear, p<0.05), respectively, considering the entire experimental period; and the final live weight increased by +3.2, +4.2, and +6.1% (linear, p<0.001), respectively. The phytase treatments did not influence feed conversion ratio, carcass weight and yield, backfat thickness, loin depth and carcass lean meat. According to the European Carcass Classification (SEUROP), however, the animals fed the PC diet and the three phytase levels had more carcasses classified as E (between 55-60% lean meat) when compared to carcasses of pigs fed the NC. Supplementing increasing levels of phytase to a corn- and soybean meal-based diet with inorganic P and Ca reduction improved daily weight gain and feed intake of growing pigs, and such effects were maintained until slaughter age.

Fatty acid profile of beef from immunocastrated (BOPRIVA(®)) Nellore bulls.

Twenty Nellore bulls (ABW=357.7±9.65kg) were divided into 2 groups: intact and immunocastrated - Bopriva®. After the trial period, the cattle were slaughtered and carcass fat thickness was evaluated, ether extract and fatty acid composition of the longissimus thoracis analyses were performed, and the activity indices of relevant enzymes were calculated. The means were calculated and compared by Student's t-test and Pearson's correlation coefficients (p<0.05). The immunocastrated group showed higher back fat thickness, ether extract, monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs), and activity index of Δ(9) desaturase C18 and lower polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and n-6 fatty acids when compared to the intact group. The correlations between ether extract and the saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids were positive, and negative with polyunsaturated, n-3, n-6 and PUFA/SFA. Therefore, immunocastration may improve the fatty acid profile in the longissimus thoracis by increasing MUFAs, mainly oleic acid that is the most representative fatty acid in the meat and is considered beneficial to health.

Associação de ractopamina e vitaminas antioxidantes para suínos em terminação / Association of ractopamine and antioxidants vitamins for finishing pigs

Objetivou-se neste estudo avaliar a inclusão de ractopamina e sua associação com as vitaminas antioxidantes C e E em dietas de suínos em terminação durante 28 dias antes do abate sobre o desempenho, as características de carcaça e a qualidade da carne. Quarenta e oito suínos da linhagem Agroceres PIC (24 machos castrados e 24 fêmeas) foram distribuídos em delineamento experimental de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 3x2, com três dietas: controle; controle + 10ppm de ractopamina; controle + complexo (0,05%) de ractopamina com vitaminas antioxidantes (10ppm de ractopamina + 200mg de vitamina E + 100mg de vitamina C kg-1 de ração) e dois gêneros (machos castrados e fêmeas). Foram avaliados o consumo de ração, o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar dos animais. Os suínos foram abatidos com peso médio de 100,81±7,81kg. Após o abate, as características de carcaça foram avaliadas e foram coletadas amostras do músculo Longissimus dorsi para a análise da qualidade da carne. Verificou-se diferença (P<0,05) para a conversão alimentar, conformação da carcaça e pH final da carne dos animais que consumiram rações que continham ractopamina. A oxidação da carne foi menor para a dieta com o complexo (ractopamina + vitamina) em relação ao controle (0,10mg kg-1 vs 0,13mg kg-1 TBARS). O marmoreio da carne foi maior (P<0,05) na dieta controle + ractopamina em relação à dieta controle. Os valores de vitamina E no músculo foram mais elevados nos animais que ingeriram as vitaminas antioxidantes (0,23 vs 0,08mg kg-1 vit. E). Conclui-se que a inclusão de ractopamina, associada ou não às vitaminas antioxidantes, promoveu melhora na conversão alimentar e redução da oxidação lipídica da carne.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the inclusion of ractopamine and its association with the antioxidant vitamins C and E in finishing pig diets during 28 days prior to slaughter on the performance, carcass traits and meat quality. Forty-eight Agroceres PIC line swine (24 barrows and 24 females) distributed in a randomized blocks factorial design in 3x2 (3 diets: control; control+10ppm of ractopamine; control + complex (0.05%) ractopamine with antioxidant vitamins (10ppm of ractopamine + 200mg of vitamin E+100mg of vitamin C kg-1 of feed) and 2 sex (barrows and females). The feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion were evaluated. When pigs reached 100.81±7.81kg body weight, they were slaughtered and carcasses were evaluated. Samples of Longissimus dorsi muscle were taken to evaluate the meat quality. Diets with ractopamine improved (P<0.05) feed conversion in pigs, carcass conformation and final pH. The lipid oxidation decreased with the diet (ractopamine+vitamin) in relation to the control diet (0.10mg kg-1 vs 0.13mg kg-1 TBARS). The marbling was higher (P<0.05) in the diet (control + ractopamine) in relation to the control diet. The levels of vitamin E in the muscle were higher in pigs that were fed with antioxidant vitamins (0.23 vs 0.08mg kg-1 vit. E). It was concluded that the inclusion of ractopamine associated or not to antioxidant vitamins improved feed conversion ratio of animals and reduces the lipid oxidation in meat.

Uso de probiótico e de antibióticos na alimentação de leitões em fase de creche / Probiotic and antibiotics on swine feeding during nursery phase

O experimento foi conduzido visando avaliar o uso de duas doses de probióticos comparadas com rações medicadas com dois princípios antimicrobianos (tilosina e doxiciclina + gentamicina) para leitões em fase de creche (21 a 63 dias de idade). Foram utilizados 48 animais submetidos aos seguintes tratamentos: T1-ração com 39 ppm de sulfato de tilosina; T2-ração com 1,9 x 107 UFC/100g de ração; T3–ração com 3,8 x 107 UFC/100g de ração; e T4–ração com 13,6 ppm de cloridrato de doxiciclina + 8,8 ppm de sulfato de gentamicina de doxigent. Foram avaliados o ganho diário de peso, o consumo diário de ração, a conversão alimentar e a ocorrência de diarréias. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados, com 4 tratamentos e 6 repetições (cada repetição foi representada por uma baia com 2 leitões). Os dados de desempenho foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey. Para a comparação da ocorrência de diarréia (entre dois tratamentos) foi utilizado o teste de qui-quadrado. Não foram observadas diferenças entre os tratamentos para os parâmetros de desempenho. Houve maior ocorrência de diarréia para o tratamento 1, comparado com cada um dos demais tratamentos. Os melhores resultados para índices de eficiência econômica foram, respectivamente, para T4, T3, T1 e T2. A utilização de probióticos ou dos princípios antimicrobianos, nas doses empregadas, determinam resultados positivos no desempenho de leitões na fase de creche.

The purpose of the experiment was to evaluate the use of two probiotic doses compared with dietsformulated with two antibiotics principles (tylosin and doxicycline+gentamicin) supplied to swines duringnursery phase (ages of 21 to 63 days). Forty eight swines were submitted to the following treatments: T1(Treatment 1) - diets with 39 ppm of tylosin phosphate; T2 (Treatment 2) - diets with 1.9 x 107 UFC/100gof ration; T3 (Treatment 3) - diets with 3.8 x 107 UFC/100g of ration and T4 (Treatment 4) - diets with 13.6ppm of doxicycline chloridrate + 8.8 ppm of gentamicin sulfate. Were evaluated the daily weight gain, thedaily feed intake, the feed conversion and the diarrhea occurrence. The experimental design was done inrandomized blocks, with 4 treatments and 6 replications (each replication was represented by a pen with twoswines). The performance data were submitted to a variance analysis (ANOVA) and the results were comparedby the Tukey-Kramer post-hoc test. To compare the occurrence of diarrhea (among 2 treatments) was used the qui-square test. There were no differences between treatments for performance parameters. The T1presented the highest occurrence of diarrhea compared to the other treatments. The best economic efficiencyresults were observed to T4, T3, T1 and T2, respectively. The use of probiotics or antibiotics principles, on theapplied doses, determined positive results in the performance of swines during nursery phase.

Effects of partial replacement of corn and soybean meal with sunflower cake in pig diets on ham fatty acid composition / Efeitos da substituição parcial de milho e farelo de soja por torta de girassol na dieta de suínos sobre a composição em ácidos graxos do pernil

Forty-eight pigs (24 barrows and 24 gilts), Landrace X Large White with initial liveweight of 22.69 kgwere subjected to four treatments: diets with 0, 5, 10, and 15% of sunflower cake (SFC). No significant(P>0.05) effect of dietary treatment was observed on crude protein (19.6%), total fat (15.3%), ash (0.89%),and moisture (63.9%) contents of ham. Fatty acids in all ham (Biceps femoris, Semimembranosus andSemitendinosus) were significantly influenced by diets. Palmitic, oleic, and linoleic acids were the mostabundant fatty acids in both diets and pork meat. Linoleic acid (18:2n-6) was the most abundant fattyacid under SFC-based diets. Its levels were also higher in ham of pigs fed SFC diets (T2, T3, and T4 with15.79, 18.66, and 22.85%, respectively) than in that of pig fed the control diet (13.73%). Incorporation of5, 10, and 15% SFC in pig diet markedly decreased the proportion of monounsaturated and saturatedfatty acids and increased polyunsaturated fatty acids in ham (P<0.05).

Quarenta e oito suínos (24 fêmeas e 24 machos), Landrace x Large White com peso vivo inicial de 22.69kg foram submetidos a quatro tratamentos: dietas com 0 , 5, 10 e 15% de torta de girassol (SFC). Nãoforam observados efeitos significativos (P>0.05) nas dietas para os teores de proteína total (19,6%),gordura total (15,3%), cinzas (0,89%) e umidade (63,9%) nos pernis. Os ácidos graxos foramsignificativamente influenciados pelas dietas. Os ácidos palmítico, oléico e linoléico foram os ácidosgraxos mais abundantes tanto nas dietas como no pernil como um todo (Biceps femoris, Semimembranosusand Semitendinosus). Ácido linoléico (18:2n-6) foi o ácido graxo mais abundante nas dietas SFC. Seusníveis também foram maiores em pernis de suínos alimentados com dietas com SFC (T2, T3 e T4 com 15,8,18,7 e 22,9%, respectivamente) em relação aos suínos que se alimentaram com a dieta controle (13,7%).Incorporação de 5, 10, 15% de SFC em dietas de suínos, diminuem a proporção de ácidos graxos saturadose monoinsaturados e aumentam a de poliinsaturados na carne de pernil (P<0,05)

Avaliação de complexo polivitamínico, polimineral, com aminoácidos,para leitões lactentes e recém desmamados: efeitos no desempenho,taxa de sobrevivência e índice de diarréia / An evaluation of a polivitaminic, polimineral complex associated withessential amino acids to weaning and to weaned piglets: effects on the performance, diarrhea incidence and mortality rate

Foram realizados dois experimentos em uma granja comercial, nas fases de maternidade e creche, com oobjetivo de avaliar os efeitos da administração de um complexo polivitamínico-polimineral com aminoácidosessenciais (Mod Plus®) sobre o ganho de peso, a incidência de diarréia e a taxa de mortalidade dosleitões nestas fases. Na maternidade foram utilizados 324 leitões (entre 3 e 21 dias de idade) e na creche295 animais (entre 21 e 63 dias de idade). Na maternidade foram definidos 4 tratamentos: leitões leves quenão receberam suplementação nutricional polivitamínica-polimineral, leitões leves suplementadosnutricionalmente (3mL ao 3º dia e reforço aos 10 dias de idade, via intramuscular), leitões pesados nãosuplementados e pesados suplementados nutricionalmente. Na creche os tratamentos foram: leitõesleves que não receberam suplementação nutricional com polivitamínicos-poliminerais, leitões levessuplementados nutricionalmente com 1 dose (5mL aos 21 dias de idade, via intramuscular), leitões levessuplementados nutricionalmente com 2 doses (3mL aos 21 dias e aos 28 dias de idade, via intramuscular)...

The experiments were conducted on maternity and nursery phases in a commercial farm. The objective ofthe experiments was to evaluate the effects of administration of polivitaminic, polimineral complexassociated with essential aminoacids (Mod Plus®) on piglets weight gain, diarrhea incidence and mortalityrate. 324 piglets with 3 to 21 days of age were used on the maternity phase and 295 weaned piglets of 21to 63 days of age were used on the nursery phase. The animals were weighed at the beginning of thematernity phase and submitted to a 4 treatments: light piglets without polivitaminic and polimineralsupplementation, light piglets supplemented with polivitaminic and polimineral complex (3.0 mL IM at 3days of age followed by a 2nd dose at 21 days of age), heavy piglets without polivitaminic and polimineralsupplementation, and heavy piglets supplemented with polivitaminic and polimineral complex. Sixtreatments were defined on the nursery phase as follow: light piglets without polivitaminic and polimineralsupplementation, light piglets supplemented with one dose of polivitaminic and polimineral complex (5.0mL IM at 21 days of age), light piglets supplemented with two dosis of polivitaminic and polimineralcomplex (3.0 mL at 21 days of age followed by a 2nd dose, 3 mL IM, at 28 days of age), heavy piglets...