25-Hydroxycholecalciferol As an Alternative to Vitamin D3 in Diets with Different Levels of Calcium for Broilers Reared Under Heat Stress

The objective was to evaluate the effect of dietary 25-hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH)D3) or vitamin D3 (VitD3) and different total calcium (Ca) levels on the performance, carcass characteristics, blood, enzymatic, and bone biochemistry of broilers reared under heat stress between 1 and 42 days of age. A total of 504 male, Cobb 500, broiler chickens were distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement (VitD3 or 25(OH)D3 × four Ca levels (100, 90, 80 and 70% of the recommendations of Rostagno et al. (2011)), eight treatments, seven replicates and nine broilers per cage. Feed intake and feed conversion ratio did not (p>0.05) vary when levels of Ca were reduced and vitamin D3 sources were supplemented in the diets from 1 to 21 days for broilers chickens. 25 (OH)D3 increased weight gain results (p<0.05). From 1 to 42 d, no differences (p>0.05) were observed on performance, carcass yields and meat quality, bone deposition of Ca and P, and alkaline phosphatase concentration. Higher serum (p<0.05) concentrations of Ca and P were found in broilers fed with 25(OH)D3. The replacement of VitD3 with 25(OH)D3 and the Ca reduction of 30% in diets did not negatively affect performance, carcass characteristics, and Ca and P deposition in the tibia of broilers at 42 days of age, under heat stress.(AU)

Metabolizable energy levels for meat-type quails at starter phase

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) levels on meat-type quail performance and carcass traits from 1 to 14d of age. A total of 1120 not sexed meat-type quails were randomly distributed to seven treatments, with eight replicates with 20 quails each. A basal corn and soybean meal-based diet was formulated to meet or exceed quail nutritional requirements, except for ME. Graded levels of soybean oil were added to the basal diet in replacement, to sand, to obtain dietary treatments (2,600; 2,700; 2,800; 2,900; 3,000; 3,100 and 3,200 KcalAMEn/kg diet). Data were analyzed as one-way ANOVA and optimum AMEn levels were estimated using polynomial regression model. Increasing in dietary AMEn levels elicited a linear decrease (p<0.01) in feed intake and nutrient intake (AMEn, protein and lysine). Quail weight gain and final body weight exhibited a quadratic response (p<0.03) to increased AMEn levels, being both optimized at 2820 KcalAMEn/kg diet. Graded AMEn levels elicited a linear increase (p<0.01) in carcass dry matter and fat content, whereas moisture content was linearly decreased (p<0.01). The protein content of the carcasses was not influenced (p>0.05) by AMEn. Based on the results, the dietary AMEn level that warrants adequate performance and carcass traits of meat-type quails from 1 to 14d of age is 2,820 Kcal/kg diet.(AU)

Optimal standardized ileal digestible arginine to lysine ratio for Japanese quails in the egg-laying phase

This study was conducted to determine the optimal standardized ileal digestible arginine to lysine (SID Arg:Lys) ratio for Japanese quails in the egg-laying phase. A total of two hundred forty-five 35-week-old Japanese quails (181 ± 1.30 g initial body weight) were randomly assigned to five treatment groups with seven replicates of seven quails. Graded levels of L-Arginine were added to a basal diet in order to produce five SID Arg:Lys ratios (101, 106, 111, 116 and 121%). Collected data were analyzed as one-way ANOVA and optimal ratio was estimated using polynomial regression model (linear and quadratic) based on performance traits. Statistical differences were considered for p<0.05. Graded SID Arg:Lys ratios did not affect performance traits assessed. Based on results, the SID Arg:Lys ratio of 101% is sufficient to warrant proper performance of Japanese quails in the egg-laying phase.(AU)

Optimal standardized ileal digestible arginine to lysine ratio for Japanese quails in the egg-laying phase

This study was conducted to determine the optimal standardized ileal digestible arginine to lysine (SID Arg:Lys) ratio for Japanese quails in the egg-laying phase. A total of two hundred forty-five 35-week-old Japanese quails (181 ± 1.30 g initial body weight) were randomly assigned to five treatment groups with seven replicates of seven quails. Graded levels of L-Arginine were added to a basal diet in order to produce five SID Arg:Lys ratios (101, 106, 111, 116 and 121%). Collected data were analyzed as one-way ANOVA and optimal ratio was estimated using polynomial regression model (linear and quadratic) based on performance traits. Statistical differences were considered for p<0.05. Graded SID Arg:Lys ratios did not affect performance traits assessed. Based on results, the SID Arg:Lys ratio of 101% is sufficient to warrant proper performance of Japanese quails in the egg-laying phase.

Metabolizable energy levels for meat-type quails at starter phase

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) levels on meat-type quail performance and carcass traits from 1 to 14d of age. A total of 1120 not sexed meat-type quails were randomly distributed to seven treatments, with eight replicates with 20 quails each. A basal corn and soybean meal-based diet was formulated to meet or exceed quail nutritional requirements, except for ME. Graded levels of soybean oil were added to the basal diet in replacement, to sand, to obtain dietary treatments (2,600; 2,700; 2,800; 2,900; 3,000; 3,100 and 3,200 KcalAMEn/kg diet). Data were analyzed as one-way ANOVA and optimum AMEn levels were estimated using polynomial regression model. Increasing in dietary AMEn levels elicited a linear decrease (p0.05) by AMEn. Based on the results, the dietary AMEn level that warrants adequate performance and carcass traits of meat-type quails from 1 to 14d of age is 2,820 Kcal/kg diet.

Optimum Dietary Standardized Ileal Digestible Isoleucine to Lysine Ratio for Meat-Type Quails in the Growing-Finishing Phase

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to determine the optimum standardized ileal digestible isoleucine to lysine (SID Ile:Lys) ratio for meat-type quails from 15 to 35 d of age. Three hundred fifty not-sexed meat-type quails (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) were randomly assigned into five treatments, with seven replicates of 10 quails each. An isoleucine-deficient corn-soybean meal-based diet was formulated and graded supplemented with L-isoleucine (99%) to obtain diets containing SID Ile:Lys ratios of 55,61, 67, 73, and 79%. Data were analyzed as one-way ANOVA and optimum SID Ile:Lys was estimated by polynomial (linear and quadratic) regression. Statistical differences were considered when p 0.05. Quail performance from 15 and 21 d and 15 and 28 d of age was not affected by the treatments. From 15 to 35 d of age, body weight gain and body weight exhibited a quadratic response to increasing dietary SID Ile:Lys ratios, and were optimized at 66 and 67% SID Ile:Lys, respectively. Feed conversion ratio was not influenced by SID Ile:Lys ratios in any of the phases assessed herein. Based on the results, the optimum SID Ile:Lys ratio for meat-type quails from 15 to 35 d of age is 67%.(AU)

Optimum Dietary Standardized Ileal Digestible Isoleucine to Lysine Ratio for Meat-Type Quails in the Growing-Finishing Phase

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to determine the optimum standardized ileal digestible isoleucine to lysine (SID Ile:Lys) ratio for meat-type quails from 15 to 35 d of age. Three hundred fifty not-sexed meat-type quails (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) were randomly assigned into five treatments, with seven replicates of 10 quails each. An isoleucine-deficient corn-soybean meal-based diet was formulated and graded supplemented with L-isoleucine (99%) to obtain diets containing SID Ile:Lys ratios of 55,61, 67, 73, and 79%. Data were analyzed as one-way ANOVA and optimum SID Ile:Lys was estimated by polynomial (linear and quadratic) regression. Statistical differences were considered when p 0.05. Quail performance from 15 and 21 d and 15 and 28 d of age was not affected by the treatments. From 15 to 35 d of age, body weight gain and body weight exhibited a quadratic response to increasing dietary SID Ile:Lys ratios, and were optimized at 66 and 67% SID Ile:Lys, respectively. Feed conversion ratio was not influenced by SID Ile:Lys ratios in any of the phases assessed herein. Based on the results, the optimum SID Ile:Lys ratio for meat-type quails from 15 to 35 d of age is 67%.

Digestible Methionine + Cysteine-to-Lysine Ideal Ratio for Meat-Type Quails at Initial Phase

This trial was performed to determine the ideal ratio of digestible methionine + cysteine (Met/Lys) with digestible lysine for meat-type quails from 1 to 14 days of age. A total of six hundred thirty, one-day-old, not sexed meat type quails were randomly assigned to six groups of treatments, each one with seven replicates and fifteen quails per experimental unit. A basal diet, methionine + cysteine-deficient, was graded supplemented with DL-Methionine (0.108; 0.169; 0.230; 0.291; 0.352 and 0.413%) to obtain the treatments, represented by six digestible Met/Lys ratios (0.60; 0.65; 0.70; 0.75; 0.80 and 0.85). Data was analyzed using ANOVA and polynomial regression and broken-line models were used to estimate the digestible Met/Lys ideal ratio, considering adjust of data to both models. Statistical significance was considered when p0.05. Feed intake, weight gain and final body weight was linearly increased as dig. Met/Lys ratio increased. Feeding conversion was improved with increasing in dig. Met/Lys ratios. A quadratic response on feathering percentage was observed with increasing dig. Met/Lys ratios. Digestible Met/Lys ratio which, maximized feathering percentage in meat-type quails, was 0.74. According to linear broken-line model, dig. Met/Lys ratio estimated for optimum feed intake, weight gain, final body weight and feeding conversion were, respectively, 0.66; 0.71; 0.71 and 0.74. The dig. Met/Lys ideal ratio for meat-type quails from one to 14 days of age is 0.74.(AU)

Optimum Digestible Valine to Lysine Ratio for Meat-Type Quails from 15 to 35 Days of Age

This study was conducted to estimate the dig. valine to lysine (Val:Lys) ideal ratio for meat-type quails from 15 to 35 d of age. A total of 385, 15-day-old not sexed quails, were randomly assigned to five treatments, each one seven times replicated with eleven quails per experimental unit. Experimental treatments consisted of five dig. Val:Lys ratios (0.65; 0.70; 0.75; 0.80 and 0.85). Ideal dig. Val:Lys ratio was estimated using polynomial regression and linear broken-line regression model. Significant effect was considered when p0.05. Feed conversion ratio was not affected by dig. Val:Lys ratios in any of the assessed phases. From 15 to 21 d of age Val:Lys ratios increased linearly feed intake, weight gain and body weight. From 15 to 28 d of age, weight gain and body weight were both optimized by the Val:Lys ratio of 0.77. A linear effect of dig. Val:Lys ratios was observed on weight gain and final body weight from 15 to 35 d of age. From 15 to 35 d of age, according to linear broken-line regression model, the dig. Val:Lys ideal ratios for optimum final body weight and weight gain were 0.77 and 0.76, respectively. Based on the results the estimated dig. Val:Lys ratio for optimum meat-type quail performance from 15 to 35 d of age is 0.77(AU)

Digestible Methionine + Cysteine-to-Lysine Ideal Ratio for Meat-Type Quails at Initial Phase

This trial was performed to determine the ideal ratio of digestible methionine + cysteine (Met/Lys) with digestible lysine for meat-type quails from 1 to 14 days of age. A total of six hundred thirty, one-day-old, not sexed meat type quails were randomly assigned to six groups of treatments, each one with seven replicates and fifteen quails per experimental unit. A basal diet, methionine + cysteine-deficient, was graded supplemented with DL-Methionine (0.108; 0.169; 0.230; 0.291; 0.352 and 0.413%) to obtain the treatments, represented by six digestible Met/Lys ratios (0.60; 0.65; 0.70; 0.75; 0.80 and 0.85). Data was analyzed using ANOVA and polynomial regression and broken-line models were used to estimate the digestible Met/Lys ideal ratio, considering adjust of data to both models. Statistical significance was considered when p0.05. Feed intake, weight gain and final body weight was linearly increased as dig. Met/Lys ratio increased. Feeding conversion was improved with increasing in dig. Met/Lys ratios. A quadratic response on feathering percentage was observed with increasing dig. Met/Lys ratios. Digestible Met/Lys ratio which, maximized feathering percentage in meat-type quails, was 0.74. According to linear broken-line model, dig. Met/Lys ratio estimated for optimum feed intake, weight gain, final body weight and feeding conversion were, respectively, 0.66; 0.71; 0.71 and 0.74. The dig. Met/Lys ideal ratio for meat-type quails from one to 14 days of age is 0.74.

Optimum Digestible Valine to Lysine Ratio for Meat-Type Quails from 15 to 35 Days of Age

This study was conducted to estimate the dig. valine to lysine (Val:Lys) ideal ratio for meat-type quails from 15 to 35 d of age. A total of 385, 15-day-old not sexed quails, were randomly assigned to five treatments, each one seven times replicated with eleven quails per experimental unit. Experimental treatments consisted of five dig. Val:Lys ratios (0.65; 0.70; 0.75; 0.80 and 0.85). Ideal dig. Val:Lys ratio was estimated using polynomial regression and linear broken-line regression model. Significant effect was considered when p0.05. Feed conversion ratio was not affected by dig. Val:Lys ratios in any of the assessed phases. From 15 to 21 d of age Val:Lys ratios increased linearly feed intake, weight gain and body weight. From 15 to 28 d of age, weight gain and body weight were both optimized by the Val:Lys ratio of 0.77. A linear effect of dig. Val:Lys ratios was observed on weight gain and final body weight from 15 to 35 d of age. From 15 to 35 d of age, according to linear broken-line regression model, the dig. Val:Lys ideal ratios for optimum final body weight and weight gain were 0.77 and 0.76, respectively. Based on the results the estimated dig. Val:Lys ratio for optimum meat-type quail performance from 15 to 35 d of age is 0.77

The effect of calcium and available phosphorus levels on performance, egg quality and bone characteristics of Japanese quails at end of the egg-production phase

Calcium (Ca) and available phosphorus (avP) requirements for egg production are different between the beginning and the end of the egg-production cycle. The objective of this study was to estimate the Ca and avP requirements of Japanese quails at end of the production phase. In total, 256 Japanese quails with 48 weeks of age were randomly distributed in 2 x 2 factorial arrangement consisting of two Ca levels (29 and 38 g/kg) and two avP levels (1.5 and 3.0 g/kg), totaling four treatments with eight replicates of eight hens each. The variables evaluated were feed intake (FI); egg production (EP); marketable egg production (MEP); egg weight (EW); egg mass (EM); feed conversion ratio per egg mass (FCRM); feed conversion ratio per dozen eggs (FCRD); livability (L); yolk weight (YW), albumen weight (AW), eggshell weight (SW); yolk percentage (YP), albumen percentage (AP), eggshell percentage (SP), specific egg weight (SEW); bone calcium percentage (BCa), bone phosphorus percentage (BP), bone ash weight (Bash) and bone ash percentage (PBash). There was no interaction between Ca and avP levels for any of the evaluated parameters, except for SEW. Quail performance was not influenced by the treatments, except for MEP. Bone characteristics were not influenced by the tested dietary Ca and avP levels. However, SW and SP increased and AP decreased as dietary Ca level increased. The dietary supplementation of 38 g Ca/kg and 3.0 g avP/kg may increase marketable egg production and the egg quality of Japanese quails at end of the production cycle.(AU)

The effect of calcium and available phosphorus levels on performance, egg quality and bone characteristics of Japanese quails at end of the egg-production phase

Calcium (Ca) and available phosphorus (avP) requirements for egg production are different between the beginning and the end of the egg-production cycle. The objective of this study was to estimate the Ca and avP requirements of Japanese quails at end of the production phase. In total, 256 Japanese quails with 48 weeks of age were randomly distributed in 2 x 2 factorial arrangement consisting of two Ca levels (29 and 38 g/kg) and two avP levels (1.5 and 3.0 g/kg), totaling four treatments with eight replicates of eight hens each. The variables evaluated were feed intake (FI); egg production (EP); marketable egg production (MEP); egg weight (EW); egg mass (EM); feed conversion ratio per egg mass (FCRM); feed conversion ratio per dozen eggs (FCRD); livability (L); yolk weight (YW), albumen weight (AW), eggshell weight (SW); yolk percentage (YP), albumen percentage (AP), eggshell percentage (SP), specific egg weight (SEW); bone calcium percentage (BCa), bone phosphorus percentage (BP), bone ash weight (Bash) and bone ash percentage (PBash). There was no interaction between Ca and avP levels for any of the evaluated parameters, except for SEW. Quail performance was not influenced by the treatments, except for MEP. Bone characteristics were not influenced by the tested dietary Ca and avP levels. However, SW and SP increased and AP decreased as dietary Ca level increased. The dietary supplementation of 38 g Ca/kg and 3.0 g avP/kg may increase marketable egg production and the egg quality of Japanese quails at end of the production cycle.

Proteína bruta e energia metabolizável para codornas de corte de um a 14 dias de idade / Crude protein and metabolizable energy for meat quail from 1 to 14 days of age

Com o objetivo de avaliar diferentes níveis de proteína bruta e de energia metabolizável para codornas de corte de um a 14 dias de idade, foi realizado um estudo utilizando 840 codornas de corte, mistas. As aves foram distribuídas em arranjo fatorial (2x5) constituído por 10 tratamentos (dois níveis de energia metabolizável - 2800 e 3000kcal/kg e cinco níveis de proteína bruta - 22,0; 24,0; 26,0; 28,0 e 30,0por cento), sete repetições com 12 aves cada. Foram avaliados os seguintes parâmetros: consumo de ração, ganho em peso aos sete e 14 dias de idade, conversão alimentar aos 14 dias e viabilidade. Verificou-se que codornas alimentadas com dietas com o nível energético mais baixo, 2800kcal/kg, apresentaram maior consumo. As aves que consumiram ração com menor nível de energia apresentaram maior peso aos sete dias de idade independentemente do nível de proteína bruta utilizado. O peso aos 14 dias de idade apresentou resposta quadrática com o acréscimo de proteína bruta na ração, sendo que dietas contendo 28,86 por cento de PB proporcionaram melhor ganho independentemente do nível de energia utilizado. A conversão alimentar apresentou melhores resultados com o aumento do nível de proteína bruta da ração, independentemente do nível de energia metabolizável utilizado. Não foram observados efeitos significativos dos níveis de proteína e energia ou de sua interação sobre a viabilidade das aves. Rações contendo 30,0 por cento de proteína bruta e 2800 ou 3000kcal/kg de energia metabolizável proporcionam satisfatórios resultados de desempenho para codornas de corte de um a 14 dias de idade.(AU)

Aiming to evaluate the effect of different levels of crude protein and metabolizable energy for quails from 1 to 14 days of age, a study was conducted using 840 quails, mixed. The birds were distributed in a factorial arrangement (2x5) consisting of 10 treatments (two levels of metabolizable energy - 2,800 and 3,000kcal/kg and 5 levels of crude protein - 22.0, 24.0, 26.0, 28.0 and 30.0 percent), 7 repetitions with 12 birds each. We evaluated the following parameters: feed intake, weight gain at 7 and 14 days of age, feed conversion at 14 days and viability. It was found that quail fed diets with the lowest energy level, 2,800kcal/kg, showed higher consumption. Birds fed diets with lower energy level had greater weight at 7 days of age regardless of the level of crude protein used. The weight at 14 days of age showed a quadratic response with the addition of crude protein in feed, showing that diets containing 28.86 percent CP provide better gain regardless of the level of energy used. The feed showed better results with the increased level of dietary CP, regardless of level of metabolizable energy used. There were no significant effects of protein and energy levels or their interaction on viability. Diets with 30.0 percent crude protein and 2,800 or 3,000kcal/kg metabolizable energy provide satisfactory performance results for quails from 1 to 14 days of age.(AU)

Proteína bruta e energia metabolizável para codornas de corte de um a 14 dias de idade / Crude protein and metabolizable energy for meat quail from 1 to 14 days of age

Com o objetivo de avaliar diferentes níveis de proteína bruta e de energia metabolizável para codornas de corte de um a 14 dias de idade, foi realizado um estudo utilizando 840 codornas de corte, mistas. As aves foram distribuídas em arranjo fatorial (2x5) constituído por 10 tratamentos (dois níveis de energia metabolizável - 2800 e 3000kcal/kg e cinco níveis de proteína bruta - 22,0; 24,0; 26,0; 28,0 e 30,0por cento), sete repetições com 12 aves cada. Foram avaliados os seguintes parâmetros: consumo de ração, ganho em peso aos sete e 14 dias de idade, conversão alimentar aos 14 dias e viabilidade. Verificou-se que codornas alimentadas com dietas com o nível energético mais baixo, 2800kcal/kg, apresentaram maior consumo. As aves que consumiram ração com menor nível de energia apresentaram maior peso aos sete dias de idade independentemente do nível de proteína bruta utilizado. O peso aos 14 dias de idade apresentou resposta quadrática com o acréscimo de proteína bruta na ração, sendo que dietas contendo 28,86 por cento de PB proporcionaram melhor ganho independentemente do nível de energia utilizado. A conversão alimentar apresentou melhores resultados com o aumento do nível de proteína bruta da ração, independentemente do nível de energia metabolizável utilizado. Não foram observados efeitos significativos dos níveis de proteína e energia ou de sua interação sobre a viabilidade das aves. Rações contendo 30,0 por cento de proteína bruta e 2800 ou 3000kcal/kg de energia metabolizável proporcionam satisfatórios resultados de desempenho para codornas de corte de um a 14 dias de idade...

Aiming to evaluate the effect of different levels of crude protein and metabolizable energy for quails from 1 to 14 days of age, a study was conducted using 840 quails, mixed. The birds were distributed in a factorial arrangement (2x5) consisting of 10 treatments (two levels of metabolizable energy - 2,800 and 3,000kcal/kg and 5 levels of crude protein - 22.0, 24.0, 26.0, 28.0 and 30.0 percent), 7 repetitions with 12 birds each. We evaluated the following parameters: feed intake, weight gain at 7 and 14 days of age, feed conversion at 14 days and viability. It was found that quail fed diets with the lowest energy level, 2,800kcal/kg, showed higher consumption. Birds fed diets with lower energy level had greater weight at 7 days of age regardless of the level of crude protein used. The weight at 14 days of age showed a quadratic response with the addition of crude protein in feed, showing that diets containing 28.86 percent CP provide better gain regardless of the level of energy used. The feed showed better results with the increased level of dietary CP, regardless of level of metabolizable energy used. There were no significant effects of protein and energy levels or their interaction on viability. Diets with 30.0 percent crude protein and 2,800 or 3,000kcal/kg metabolizable energy provide satisfactory performance results for quails from 1 to 14 days of age...