Consumer preferences and sensory characteristics of eggs from family farms.

The objective of this study was to evaluate consumer habits as well as the sensory perception and characteristics of farm eggs produced in Los Ríos, Chile. Data were collected from an online survey of 197 respondents and a sensory evaluation carried out by 30 untrained panelists of 4 types of eggs (brown-shell and blue-shell eggs acquired from family farms, free-range eggs acquired from large, industrial systems, and white-shell cage eggs from industrial, cage systems.) To evaluate differences and preferences, data were analyzed in a GLM. In addition, sensory evaluation was analyzed using principal component analysis. In accordance with the survey, 99% of the participants eat eggs (P < 0.001), 58% eat 1 to 3 eggs/wk, and 84% declared to consume eggs at home (<0.0001). Surveyed participants reported that price and size are the determining factors (31%) when purchasing eggs. Among the physical characteristic for consumers, yolk color was the most important attribute rather than white color, egg appearance, texture, flavor, or odor. In the consumer acceptability test, farm eggs (either brown or blue shell) received the most favorable sensory evaluation by the panel and were preferred to both free-range and white-shell cage eggs. Yolk color was the most influential parameter in making this difference. Brown farm eggs were predominately selected for greatest general satisfaction by participants in both the sensory evaluation (P = 0.008) and in the survey (40%; P = 0.026). There were no differences between farm eggs (brown and blue shell, P > 0.05) in the evaluated parameters. There was a consequence in the information given from surveyed consumers and the sensory panel with the yolk color.

Qualidade de ovos brancos comercializados em diferentes estabelecimentos no município de Paragominas PA / Quality of whit eggs marketed in different establishments in the municipality of Paragominas PA

Objetivou-se verificar a qualidade de ovos brancos de acordo com os aspectos internos e externos comercializados em diferentes estabelecimentos do município de Paragominas - PA. Os ovos foram coletados de aleatoriamente em diferentes pontos comerciais. As análises consideradas no estudo, foi de: integridade e aparência da casca e peso do ovo, altura da câmara de ar, peso, altura e diâmetro da gema para o cálculo de índice da gema, altura e peso do albúmen e cor da gema. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e ao teste de Tukey. Os ovos dos grandes supermercados apresentaram melhores índices de qualidade interna e os piores resultados quanto a peso, trincas visíveis e sujeiras. Os ovos de pequenos supermercados apresentaram o maior índice de trincas não visíveis e os de médio porte os menores índices de sujeiras e trincas.(AU)

Avaliação de práticas estabelecidas na produção e comercialização de ovos caipiras: um estudo de caso sobre um programa de incentivo à avicultura no Estado do Rio de Janeiro / Evaluation of practices established in production and marketing of free-range eggs: a case study on a poultry farming development program in the State of Rio de Janeiro

A agricultura familiar é responsável por práticas produtivas mais sustentáveis e desenvolvimento local. Dessa forma, incentivos à avicultura, por intermédio da agricultura familiar, têm sido viabilizados através do Programa Rio Rural. Neste sentido, o trabalho teve por objetivo realizar o levantamento de informações que subsidiem estratégias para melhorias do sistema de produção e comercialização de ovos caipiras. Os resultados indicam que apesar de índices produtivos baixos, a maioria dos beneficiários está satisfeita com a atividade. Nota-se ainda que as práticas sanitárias são deficientes, e que os produtos comercializados, em grande parte informalmente, não seguem as condições adequadas. Conclui-se que as ações de assistência técnica devem ser ampliadas de forma que viabilizem um sistema produtivo ajustado e com bases sustentáveis.(AU)

Avaliação de práticas estabelecidas na produção e comercialização de ovos caipiras: um estudo de caso sobre um programa de incentivo à avicultura no Estado do Rio de Janeiro / Evaluation of practices established in production and marketing of free-range eggs: a case study on a poultry farming development program in the State of Rio de Janeiro

A agricultura familiar é responsável por práticas produtivas mais sustentáveis e desenvolvimento local. Dessa forma, incentivos à avicultura, por intermédio da agricultura familiar, têm sido viabilizados através do Programa Rio Rural. Neste sentido, o trabalho teve por objetivo realizar o levantamento de informações que subsidiem estratégias para melhorias do sistema de produção e comercialização de ovos caipiras. Os resultados indicam que apesar de índices produtivos baixos, a maioria dos beneficiários está satisfeita com a atividade. Nota-se ainda que as práticas sanitárias são deficientes, e que os produtos comercializados, em grande parte informalmente, não seguem as condições adequadas. Conclui-se que as ações de assistência técnica devem ser ampliadas de forma que viabilizem um sistema produtivo ajustado e com bases sustentáveis.

Qualidade de ovos brancos comercializados em diferentes estabelecimentos no município de Paragominas – PA / Quality of whit eggs marketed in different establishments in the municipality of Paragominas – PA

Objetivou-se verificar a qualidade de ovos brancos de acordo com os aspectos internos e externos comercializados em diferentes estabelecimentos do município de Paragominas - PA. Os ovos foram coletados de aleatoriamente em diferentes pontos comerciais. As análises consideradas no estudo, foi de: integridade e aparência da casca e peso do ovo, altura da câmara de ar, peso, altura e diâmetro da gema para o cálculo de índice da gema, altura e peso do albúmen e cor da gema. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e ao teste de Tukey. Os ovos dos grandes supermercados apresentaram melhores índices de qualidade interna e os piores resultados quanto a peso, trincas visíveis e sujeiras. Os ovos de pequenos supermercados apresentaram o maior índice de trincas não visíveis e os de médio porte os menores índices de sujeiras e trincas.

Egg production evaluation of laying hens by multivariate analysis / Avaliação da produção de ovos de poedeiras por análise multivariada

This study aimed to verify the existence of differences between hens from the Barred Plymouth Rock (PRB) breed and White Plymouth Rock (PRW) breed by multivariate analysis of weekly egg production and cumulative during the years of 1998 and 2010, from the Laboratório de Avicultura (LAVIC) of the Departamento de Zootecnia at the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). For the analysis of the univariate and multivariate variance, the experimental design was completely randomized with two treatments (breed) and 299 repetitions of the PRW breed and 350 of the PRB breed. The parameters analyzed were the weekly productions of eggs per bird from the 21st to the 50th week of age (P21, P22, ..., P50) and production of eggs accumulated being from the 21st to the 25th (PA1), 21st to the 30th (PA2), 21st to the 35th (PA3), 21st to the 40th (PA4), 21st to the 45th (PA5) and 21st to 50th (PA6). Analyzes of univariate and multivariate variance were conducted and the comparison of means were made by "T" Student and Wilks respectively (P < 0, 05). Based on the results, an analysis of the principal components was performed with parameters PA1, PA2, PA4, PA5 and PA6. With the average egg production per family accumulated, a cluster analysis using Euclidean distance and single linkage method (nearest neighbors) was performed. The first two principal components meet the total variation in egg production accumulated from the 21st to 25th, 21st to 30th, 21st to 40th, 21st to 45th and 21st to 50th weeks of age. Most of the phenotypic variation of the layers can be explained by the production of eggs accumulated from the 21st until the 40th week of age, and this variable is highly correlated with total egg production. Families from the PRW and PRB breed form seven distinct groups, but homogeneous by the similarity between them. This allows direct crossings between different groups, in the pursuit for heterosis.(AU)

Objetivou-se verificar a existência de divergência entre poedeiras das raças Plymouth Rock Barrada (PRB) e Plymouth Rock Branca (PRW) por meio da análise multivariada da produção de ovos semanal e acumulada dos anos de 1998 e 2010, do Laboratório de Avicultura (Lavic) do Departamento de Zootecnia da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). Para as análises de variância uni e multivariada, o delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, com dois tratamentos (raças) e 299 repetições da raça PRW e 350 da raça PRB. Os parâmetros analisados foram a produção de ovos semanal por ave da 21ª à 50ª semana de idade (P21, P22,..., P50) e a produção de ovos acumulada, sendo da 21ª à 25ª (PA1), 21ª à 30ª (PA2), 21ª à 35ª (PA3), 21ª à 40ª (PA4), 21ª à 45ª (PA5) e 21ª à 50ª (PA6). Realizaram-se as análises de variância uni e multivariada, e a comparação de médias foi feita pelos testes "T" de Student e de Wilks, respectivamente (P<0,05). Com base nos resultados, foi realizada a análise de componentes principais, com os parâmetros PA1, PA2, PA4, PA5 e PA6. E, com as médias de produção de ovos acumulada por família, foi realizada a análise de agrupamento por meio da distância euclidiana e pelo método de encadeamento único (vizinhos mais próximos). Os dois primeiros componentes principais reúnem a variação total da produção de ovos acumulada da 21ª à 25ª, 21ª à 30ª, 21ª à 40ª, 21ª à 45ª e 21ªá 50ª semanas de idade. A maior parte da variação fenotípica das poedeiras pode ser explicada pela produção de ovos acumulada da 21ª até a 40ª semana de idade, e essa variável tem alta correlação com a produção de ovos total. As famílias da raça PRW e da raça PRB formam sete grupos distintos, mas homogêneos, pela similaridade existente entre elas, o que permite direcionar cruzamentos entre os diferentes grupos, em busca da heterose.(AU)

Egg production evaluation of laying hens by multivariate analysis / Avaliação da produção de ovos de poedeiras por análise multivariada

This study aimed to verify the existence of differences between hens from the Barred Plymouth Rock (PRB) breed and White Plymouth Rock (PRW) breed by multivariate analysis of weekly egg production and cumulative during the years of 1998 and 2010, from the Laboratório de Avicultura (LAVIC) of the Departamento de Zootecnia at the Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). For the analysis of the univariate and multivariate variance, the experimental design was completely randomized with two treatments (breed) and 299 repetitions of the PRW breed and 350 of the PRB breed. The parameters analyzed were the weekly productions of eggs per bird from the 21st to the 50th week of age (P21, P22, ..., P50) and production of eggs accumulated being from the 21st to the 25th (PA1), 21st to the 30th (PA2), 21st to the 35th (PA3), 21st to the 40th (PA4), 21st to the 45th (PA5) and 21st to 50th (PA6). Analyzes of univariate and multivariate variance were conducted and the comparison of means were made by "T" Student and Wilks respectively (P < 0, 05). Based on the results, an analysis of the principal components was performed with parameters PA1, PA2, PA4, PA5 and PA6. With the average egg production per family accumulated, a cluster analysis using Euclidean distance and single linkage method (nearest neighbors) was performed. The first two principal components meet the total variation in egg production accumulated from the 21st to 25th, 21st to 30th, 21st to 40th, 21st to 45th and 21st to 50th weeks of age. Most of the phenotypic variation of the layers can be explained by the production of eggs accumulated from the 21st until the 40th week of age, and this variable is highly correlated with total egg production. Families from the PRW and PRB breed form seven distinct groups, but homogeneous by the similarity between them. This allows direct crossings between different groups, in the pursuit for heterosis.(AU)

Objetivou-se verificar a existência de divergência entre poedeiras das raças Plymouth Rock Barrada (PRB) e Plymouth Rock Branca (PRW) por meio da análise multivariada da produção de ovos semanal e acumulada dos anos de 1998 e 2010, do Laboratório de Avicultura (Lavic) do Departamento de Zootecnia da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria (UFSM). Para as análises de variância uni e multivariada, o delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, com dois tratamentos (raças) e 299 repetições da raça PRW e 350 da raça PRB. Os parâmetros analisados foram a produção de ovos semanal por ave da 21ª à 50ª semana de idade (P21, P22,..., P50) e a produção de ovos acumulada, sendo da 21ª à 25ª (PA1), 21ª à 30ª (PA2), 21ª à 35ª (PA3), 21ª à 40ª (PA4), 21ª à 45ª (PA5) e 21ª à 50ª (PA6). Realizaram-se as análises de variância uni e multivariada, e a comparação de médias foi feita pelos testes "T" de Student e de Wilks, respectivamente (P<0,05). Com base nos resultados, foi realizada a análise de componentes principais, com os parâmetros PA1, PA2, PA4, PA5 e PA6. E, com as médias de produção de ovos acumulada por família, foi realizada a análise de agrupamento por meio da distância euclidiana e pelo método de encadeamento único (vizinhos mais próximos). Os dois primeiros componentes principais reúnem a variação total da produção de ovos acumulada da 21ª à 25ª, 21ª à 30ª, 21ª à 40ª, 21ª à 45ª e 21ªá 50ª semanas de idade. A maior parte da variação fenotípica das poedeiras pode ser explicada pela produção de ovos acumulada da 21ª até a 40ª semana de idade, e essa variável tem alta correlação com a produção de ovos total. As famílias da raça PRW e da raça PRB formam sete grupos distintos, mas homogêneos, pela similaridade existente entre elas, o que permite direcionar cruzamentos entre os diferentes grupos, em busca da heterose.(AU)

Ecología de la anidación de Crocodylus acutus (Reptilia: Crocodylidae) en Bahía Portete, La Guajira, Colombia / Nesting ecology of Crocodylus acutus (Reptilia: Crocodylidae) in Bahia Portete, La Guajira, Colombia

ResumenEn Colombia, C. acutus se encuentra catalogada en peligro crítico. Durante julio 2007, agosto 2008, junio y agosto 2009 y entre marzo y agosto 2010 y 2011, la población en Bahía Portete fue estudiada para evaluar la anidación y obtener la información necesaria para el ajuste de un programa de manejo acorde con la biología de la especie. Este estudio asumió la vinculación de la comunidad indígena Wayuü para emplear el modelo de acuerdo de conservación. Se realizaron transectos en toda la costa de la bahía para la búsqueda de nidadas. En la determinación de las áreas de importancia para la anidación, se registraron las características biométricas de los nidos, la biometría de huevos y crías, la fertilidad de huevos y eventos reproductivos. Como resultado se recorrieron 55.12 km, se determinaron cuatro zonas de importancia para la anidación, la de mayor importancia fue la isla Juyui. En todas las áreas de anidación, variables como la anidación colonial o gregaria y las variables ambientales fueron factores que afectaron el éxito de eclosión. El 37 % de los nidos estuvieron orientados hacia el norte y el 48 % fueron construidos en cercanía de Stenocereus griseus. La isla Juyui presentó los mayores porcentaje de arena (71.9 %, 71.44 %). El promedio de huevos por nido fue 28.42 ± 6.63. Los huevos presentaron un diámetro mayor promedio de 71.84 ± 3.54 mm y peso 81.54 ± 9.99 g. Las crías presentaron un promedio de longitud total de 25.47 ± 1.16 cm. El período reproductivo para este sector de Colombia, se inicia en marzo y culmina en agosto. Las pocas áreas de anidación y la fertilidad del 95 % sugieren la ejecución de un programa conservación para C. acutus en Bahía Portete.

Abstract:C. acutus is cataloged in critical danger in Colombia. We studied its population at Bahia Portete, in order to survey the nesting activities and to obtain valuable information for a conservation management program. This study was undertaken with the participation of the Wayuü community using the Agreement Conservation Model, and took place during July 2007, August 2008, June and August 2009, and March to August 2010 and 2011. Sampling surveys were made by the use of transects along the coast, in order to find nests. For each nesting area found, we recorded the nests biometrics, eggs and hatchlings, fertility of the eggs and reproductive events. We explored a total of 55.12 km, and determined four nesting areas. Colonial nesting and the environmental variables were factors that affected the hatchling success. From the total of nests found, 37 % were oriented towards North, and 48 % were built next to Stenocereus griseus. Juyui island substrate was mostly constituted by sand (71.9 %, 71.44 %). The average number of eggs by nest was 28.42 ± 6.63, the largest egg diameter was 71.84 ± 3.54 mm, the average nest weight was 81.54 ± 9.99 g, and the hatchlings presented an average length of 25.47 ± 1.16 cm. For this specific site in Colombia, the reproductive period begins in March and ends in August. The few areas of nesting and the 95 % fertility suggest the performance of a conservation management program for this species at Bahía Portete. Rev. Biol. Trop. 65 (1): 211-228. Epub 2017 March 01.

Influência do tempo de permanência dos ovos de avestruzes no ninho sobre a taxa de eclosão / Influence of dwell time ostriches of eggs in nest on outbreak rate

O objetivo do experimento foi avaliar se o tempo de permanência dos ovos no ninho afeta a qualidade do ovo a ser incubado interferindo na taxa de eclosão. Utilizaram-se 34 ovos divididos em blocos inteiramente casualizados. A coleta dos ovos foi realizada em dois períodos, manhã (tratamento 1) e madrugada (tratamento 2). Os parâmetros de qualidade dos ovos foram avaliados por meio do peso dos ovos nos dias 0 e 39 de incubação (g), índice de perda de peso do ovo (%), taxa de fertilidade (%), eclodibilidade (%) e mortalidade (%). Os resultados obtidos mostram que não houve diferença significativa em nenhuma das variáveis analisadas. Dessa forma, pode-se concluir que o tempo de permanência no ninho não influência na taxa de eclosão dos ovos, uma vez que o baixo índice de eclodibilidade possa estar relacionado a problemas durante o manejo de incubação, genéticos ou nutricionais.(AU)

The experiment's goal was to assess whether the pace of permanence of non- nest eggs affects egg quality of a being incubated interfering with the hatching rate. They used 34 eggs divided into randomized blocks. The collection of eggs was carried out in two periods, morning (treatment 1) and dawn (Treatment 2). The quality parameters of eggs were evaluated by weight. Half of eggs On days 0 and 39 of incubation (g) loss rate of egg weight (%), fertility rate (%), hatchability (%) and mortality (%). The obtained results show there was no significant difference in any of the analyzed variables. Thus, may be concluded that the rate of permanence without nest not influence the hatching rate of the eggs, once low hatchability rate may be related a problem during the hatchery management, genetic or nutritional.(AU)

Influência do tempo de permanência dos ovos de avestruzes no ninho sobre a taxa de eclosão / Influence of dwell time ostriches of eggs in nest on outbreak rate

O objetivo do experimento foi avaliar se o tempo de permanência dos ovos no ninho afeta a qualidade do ovo a ser incubado interferindo na taxa de eclosão. Utilizaram-se 34 ovos divididos em blocos inteiramente casualizados. A coleta dos ovos foi realizada em dois períodos, manhã (tratamento 1) e madrugada (tratamento 2). Os parâmetros de qualidade dos ovos foram avaliados por meio do peso dos ovos nos dias 0 e 39 de incubação (g), índice de perda de peso do ovo (%), taxa de fertilidade (%), eclodibilidade (%) e mortalidade (%). Os resultados obtidos mostram que não houve diferença significativa em nenhuma das variáveis analisadas. Dessa forma, pode-se concluir que o tempo de permanência no ninho não influência na taxa de eclosão dos ovos, uma vez que o baixo índice de eclodibilidade possa estar relacionado a problemas durante o manejo de incubação, genéticos ou nutricionais.

The experiment's goal was to assess whether the pace of permanence of non- nest eggs affects egg quality of a being incubated interfering with the hatching rate. They used 34 eggs divided into randomized blocks. The collection of eggs was carried out in two periods, morning (treatment 1) and dawn (Treatment 2). The quality parameters of eggs were evaluated by weight. Half of eggs On days 0 and 39 of incubation (g) loss rate of egg weight (%), fertility rate (%), hatchability (%) and mortality (%). The obtained results show there was no significant difference in any of the analyzed variables. Thus, may be concluded that the rate of permanence without nest not influence the hatching rate of the eggs, once low hatchability rate may be related a problem during the hatchery management, genetic or nutritional.

[Nesting ecology of Crocodylus acutus (Reptilia: Crocodylidae) in Bahia Portete, La Guajira, Colombia]. / Ecología de la anidación de crocodylus acutus (ReptiliaL Crocodylidae) en Bahía Portete, La Guajira, Colombia.

C. acutus is cataloged in critical danger in Colombia. We studied its population at Bahia Portete, in order to survey the nesting activities and to obtain valuable information for a conservation management program. This study was undertaken with the participation of the Wayuü community using the Agreement Conservation Model, and took place during July 2007, August 2008, June and August 2009, and March to August 2010 and 2011. Sampling surveys were made by the use of transects along the coast, in order to find nests. For each nesting area found, we recorded the nests biometrics, eggs and hatchlings, fertility of the eggs and reproductive events. We explored a total of 55.12 km, and determined four nesting areas. Colonial nesting and the environmental variables were factors that affected the hatchling success. From the total of nests found, 37 % were oriented towards North, and 48 % were built next to Stenocereus griseus. Juyi island substrate was mostly constituted by sand (71.9 %, 71.44 %). The average number of eggs by nest was 28.42 ± 6.63, the largest egg diameter was 71.84 ± 3.54 mm, the average nest weight was 81.54 ± 9.99 g, and the hatchlings presented an average length of 25.47 ± 1.16 cm. For this specific site in Colombia, the reproductive period begins in March and ends in August. The few areas of nesting and the 95 % fertility suggest the performance of a conservation management program for this species at Bahía Portete.

Productive performance of white leghorn hens based on the type of housing during rearing: floor versus cage

Poultry farmers in the southeastern of Mexico consider that the productivity of the hens that comes from rearing on floor has a higher productive performance than reared hens in cages, mainly due to higher percentage of egg laying and lower mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the productive performance of the laying hen in relation to the type of rearing. A total of 79680 pullets Bovans White of 17 weeks of age were housed in cages with five pullets cage-1 (405 cm2pullet-1). They were divided in two treatments according to their type of rearing (floor vs cage) with four replicates. The study period was from week 20 to week 40 of age. The variables evaluated were daily (%) and cumulative mortality (%), egg production (%), egg weight (g), feed intake (g pullet d-1), cumulative feed intake (g pullet-1), daily and cumulative egg mass, number of eggs per hen housed, egg loss (%) and productivity index. The variables were analyzed using a randomized block design. It was observed that daily and cumulative mortality, feed intake and egg loss was higher (p < 0.05), while the number of eggs per hen housed and productivity index (p < 0.05) was lower for hens in cages. We conclude that it is possible to associate detriments in the productive performance of laying hens based on the type of housing during its growth phase.(AU)

Applicability of non-feed removal programs to induce molting instead of the conventional feed withdrawal method in brown laying hens

This study was conducted to compare the applicability of non-feed removal (NFR) programs to induce molting in brown laying hens by feedusing alfalfa meal and barley grain on molting of instead of feed withdrawal in terms of performance, egg quality and profitability. A total of 240, 75-week-old Hy-Line brown laying hens were randomly divided into three groups as conventional feed withdrawal (CONV), and two non-feed removal programs using alfalfa meal (A+F) or barley grain (B+F), each containing 80 hens with 20 replicates (4 hens x 20 replicates = 80 hens). After 10 days of the induced molting the lowest body weight loss (20.01%) was found in the B+F method (p < 0.01). In the second cycle, onset of egg production days were significantly different between groups (p < 0.001) and hens of NFR groups (A+F and B+F) reached 50% egg production earlier than CONV group (p < 0.05). Most of the performance (average egg production, daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio and mortality) and egg quality parameters (egg weight, specific gravity, shell thickness and breakage) of NFR groups were similar to the CONV group (p> 0.05). Haugh unit of CONV group was better than NFR groups, whereas molting by NFR groups improved egg yolk color (p < 0.001). Despite higher feed cost of NFR programs, egg income and profit was better than CONV group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, molting with alfalfa meal and barley grain of brown layers may be used as non-feed removal programs, without negative effects on the performance and egg quality parameters. Besides, these non-feed removal programs have higher income and profitability. (AU)

Productive performance of white leghorn hens based on the type of housing during rearing: floor versus cage

Poultry farmers in the southeastern of Mexico consider that the productivity of the hens that comes from rearing on floor has a higher productive performance than reared hens in cages, mainly due to higher percentage of egg laying and lower mortality. The aim of this study was to evaluate the productive performance of the laying hen in relation to the type of rearing. A total of 79680 pullets Bovans White of 17 weeks of age were housed in cages with five pullets cage-1 (405 cm2pullet-1). They were divided in two treatments according to their type of rearing (floor vs cage) with four replicates. The study period was from week 20 to week 40 of age. The variables evaluated were daily (%) and cumulative mortality (%), egg production (%), egg weight (g), feed intake (g pullet d-1), cumulative feed intake (g pullet-1), daily and cumulative egg mass, number of eggs per hen housed, egg loss (%) and productivity index. The variables were analyzed using a randomized block design. It was observed that daily and cumulative mortality, feed intake and egg loss was higher (p < 0.05), while the number of eggs per hen housed and productivity index (p < 0.05) was lower for hens in cages. We conclude that it is possible to associate detriments in the productive performance of laying hens based on the type of housing during its growth phase.

Applicability of non-feed removal programs to induce molting instead of the conventional feed withdrawal method in brown laying hens

This study was conducted to compare the applicability of non-feed removal (NFR) programs to induce molting in brown laying hens by feedusing alfalfa meal and barley grain on molting of instead of feed withdrawal in terms of performance, egg quality and profitability. A total of 240, 75-week-old Hy-Line brown laying hens were randomly divided into three groups as conventional feed withdrawal (CONV), and two non-feed removal programs using alfalfa meal (A+F) or barley grain (B+F), each containing 80 hens with 20 replicates (4 hens x 20 replicates = 80 hens). After 10 days of the induced molting the lowest body weight loss (20.01%) was found in the B+F method (p 0.05). Haugh unit of CONV group was better than NFR groups, whereas molting by NFR groups improved egg yolk color (p < 0.001). Despite higher feed cost of NFR programs, egg income and profit was better than CONV group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, molting with alfalfa meal and barley grain of brown layers may be used as non-feed removal programs, without negative effects on the performance and egg quality parameters. Besides, these non-feed removal programs have higher income and profitability.

Canonical correlation analysis applied to production and reproduction traits of meat type quails / Análise de correlações canônicas aplicada em características de produção e reprodução em codorna de corte

Data from 629 meat type quails were used to study association between two different sets of traits: egg production and reproduction. Traits related to reproduction were: body weight at 42 days (W42), average egg weight (AEW), age at sexual maturity (ASM); and production traits: number of eggs produced from 42 until 182th day considering intervals of 35 days each period (P1, P2, P3 and P4). Canonical correlations were used to describe the association between these two sets of traits. The canonical coefficients indicated that egg production and reproductive traits were moderately related (0.3475). The first partial period of production (P1) and age at sexual maturity were the most relevant traits among the analyzed variables. Results show that selecting animals with lower age at sexual maturity might lead to an increase on number of eggs produced until 77 days, although it might also lead to a decrease on egg weight. Breeding programs aiming to improve quails production should consider selection strategies to decrease age at sexual maturity and then, as correlated response, increased egg production might be observed.(AU)

Dados de 629 matrizes de codornas de corte foram utilizados para estudar a associação entre características de reprodução e produção de ovos. As características analisadas foram: peso corporal aos 42 dias (W42), peso médio de ovos (AEW) e idade à maturidade sexual (ASM), que compôs as características reprodutivas; e números de ovos produzidos a partir do 42o dia, divididos em intervalos de 35 dias cada (P1, P2, P3 e P4), que integrou o grupo de características de produção. Para análise de associação, foi utilizada a análise de correlação canônica entre os dois conjuntos de características. Os coeficientes canônicos indicaram que os conjuntos de características de produção de ovos e reprodutivas são dependentes, correlacionando-se moderadamente (0,3475). Entre as variáveis avaliadas, o primeiro período parcial de produção de ovos e a idade à maturidade sexual foram as mais importantes. Os resultados indicam que a seleção para menor idade à maturidade sexual resultaria em aumento no número de ovos produzidos até 77 dias de idade, embora essa seleção possa resultar em diminuição do peso de ovo. Conclui-se que a seleção de aves deve ser efetuada para menor maturidade sexual, pois, assim, estará selecionando também aves para maior produção de ovos.(AU)

Detecção e quantificação de ovos viáveis de Ascaris sp e outros ovos de helmintos em lodo de esgoto / Detection and quantification of Ascaris sp and other helminth eggs in sewage sludge

Introdução O lodo gerado em estações de tratamento de esgotos é um resíduo de composição variável e com potencial poluidor dependendo de sua origem, tipo de tratamento e sazonalidade; pode conter patógenos dentre os quais os parasitas. Porém, quando tratado adequadamente, o lodo de esgoto pode ser aplicado na agricultura como fertilizante ou condicionador de solo. Em países em desenvolvimento, estudos têm demonstrado que a incidência de enteroparasitoses é elevada, sendo Ascaris sp um dos mais prevalentes. Portanto, o uso agrícola do lodo de esgoto pode oferecer riscos à saúde humana. Com intuito de salvaguardar a saúde da população entrou em vigor a Resolução CONAMA nº375/06, que estabelece critérios e procedimentos para o uso do lodo em áreas agrícolas. Objetivo - Determinar e quantificar ovos de helmintos e de Ascaris sp em lodos provenientes de três ETEs de uma região metropolitana, verificando o atendimento ao padrão parasitológico estabelecido pela CONAMA nº375/06. Método Utilizou-se o método descrito no apêndice I da norma CFR 503 USEPA de 2003. Resultados Os lodos analisados no período do estudo apresentaram rica fauna parasitária onde foram observados ovos de Ancylostoma sp, Ascaris sp, Capillaria sp, Enterobius vermicularis, Fasciola hepatica, Hymenolepis sp, Taenia sp, Toxocara sp e Trichuris sp. Observou-se que ovos de Ascaris sp foram os mais prevalentes com 67,71 por cento , seguido por Toxocara sp (13,62 por cento ). Ovos viáveis de Ascaris sp estavam presentes em 10,16 por cento das amostras. Conclusão Pode-se concluir que o lodo gerado nas ETEs estudadas apresentaram amplo espectro de ovos de helmintos, sendo Ascaris sp o mais prevalente. Das três ETEs analisadas, nenhuma atendia os parâmetros parasitológicos para lodo classe A, segundo a Resolução CONAMA nº375/06.

Novo método melhora o desempenho de poedeiras durante a fase de muda forçada / New method to improve performance of hens during forced molt

O objetivo do trabalho foi desenvolver um método de muda forçada (MF) com base no bem estar e no aproveitamento máximo dos ovos durante a fase de restrição alimentar. Foram utilizadas 90 poedeiras leves e 90 semipesadas da linhagem Lohmann com 70 semanas de idade. As aves foram selecionadas pelo peso e produção de ovos e o experimento foi desenvolvido num delineamento inteiramente ao acaso em esquema fatorial 3X2. Os fatores estudados foram: T1 MF convencional de 12 dias; T2 = MF + 15% de milho consumido em 120 g; e, T3 = T2 + doses de diárias de calcário, misturas mineral e mistura vitamínica consumidas com base no consumo de 120 g de ração/ave/dia. Estes fatores foram avaliados em duas linhagens. O CR, PROD e MO foram melhores no T3. A linhagem semipesada apresentou maior PROD, MO, e teve melhor CDZ, mas pior altura de albúmen e unidade Haugh em comparação com a linhagem leve. O T3 melhorou a CMO das aves em relação ao T2, enquanto o T3 melhorou a GE dos ovos das aves semipesadas em relação aos T1 e T2. O T3 também melhorou a GE das aves semipesadas em relação às leves.

The objective of the work was to develop a method of forced molt (FM) with base in the good to be and in the maximum use of the eggs during the phase of alimentary restriction. 90 light and 90 semi-heavily hens of the lineage Lohmann with 70 weeks of age were used. The birds were selected by the weight and production of eggs and the experiment was developed in completely randomized design in factorial arrangement 3X2. The studied factors were: T1 = conventional FM of 12 days; T2 = FM + 15% of corn consumed in 120 g; and, T3 T2 + doses of limestone daily rates, mixtures mineral and it mixes of vitamins fornished with base in the consumption of 120 g of ração/ave/dia. These factors were appraised in two lineages. feed consumption (FC), egg production (EP) and egg mass (EM) were better in T3. The lineage semi-heavily presented larger EP, EM, and had better egg-dozen feed conversion (EDC), but worse albumen height and Haugh unit in comparison with the light lineage. T3 improved EM feed conversion of the birds in relation to T2, while T3 improved specific gravity (SG) of the eggs of the birds semi-heavily in relation to T1 and T2. T3 improved GE of the eggs of the birds semi-heavily in comparison to light lineage.

Frequency and antimicrobial resistance of enteric bacteria with spoilage potential isolated from table eggs

The prevalence of potential spoilage microorganisms on the shells and in the egg contents of table eggs sold in Trinidad was determined. Table eggs samples were obtained from 23 poultry layer farms, 14 shopping malls and 102 supermarkets across the country. Each farm was visited twice approximately one month apart and 25 pooled eggs constituted a composite sample. Shopping malls were visited twice usually one month apart while supermarkets were visited once over a 4-month period. Swabs of egg shells and pooled yolk and albumen (egg content) were tested for selected bacteria using standard methods. The resistance of bacteria to seven antimicrobial agents was detected using the disc diffusion method. Of a total of 184 composite eggs (shells, yolk/albumen or both) sampled, 71 (38.6 per cent) samples were positive for enteric microbes, other than E. coli, Salmonella, Campylobacter spp. and Listeria spp. Enterobacter spp. and Klebsiella spp. were isolated from 15 (8.2 per cent) and 14 (7.6 per cent), respectively, of pooled egg shells alone and from 6 (3.3 per cent) and 3 (1.6 per cent), respectively, of egg content samples alone. Prevalence of enteric bacteria in egg contents was generally higher than found on egg shells with faeces/blood or cracks compared with those without, but the differences were not significant (P > 0.05; X2). The microbial load of egg content was not significantly affected by type of housing of laying birds, source of feeds, use of medicated feeds and temperatures at which eggs were kept at sale outlets. Of a total of 131 bacterial isolates tested, 125 (95.4 per cent) exhibited resistance to one or more antimicrobial agents and resistance was high to streptomycin (90.1 per cent), tetracycline (51.9 per cent) and kanamycin (30.5 per cent). Failure to properly handle or heat table eggs sold in Trinidad poses a potential health hazard to consumers because of their poor microbial quality and high frequency of resistance to antimicrobial agent.