Choline supplementation: Impact on broiler chicken performance, steatosis, and economic viability from from 1 to 42 days.

This study was carried out to compare the impact of choline supplementation (available from two sources synthetic and natural) on various dosages in broilers. The mode of choline supplementation, via diet and additional sources, synthetic and natural, and the data of performance, carcass quality, blood parameters, and hepatic steatosis were compared. A total of 1050 day-old male Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 10 treatments, using a completely randomized design model in a factorial scheme, with 6 replicates per treatment and 25 birds per replicate. Choline was supplemented using three sources: synthetic choline chloride 60% (CC), and two sources of natural choline A (NCA), and B (NCB). The Control treatment did not receive any choline supplementation. The diets were supplemented with low, intermediate and high doses of choline sources (400g/t, 800g/t, and 1200g/t of CC; 100g/t, 200g/t, and 300g/t of both NCA and NCB). Data analysis was performed using a factorial model to investigate the effects of choline supplementation (CC, NCA, NCB) and doses on the measured variables. Overall, the results indicated that the the performance of NCA was better than CC & NCB, specifically the dose of 100g/t of NCA outperformed MAR at 100g/t & CC at 400g/t, leading to a significant increase in body weight gain (85.66g & 168.84g respectively), and a noteworthy (9- & 12-point respectively) improvement in feed conversion ratio. Furthermore, NCA contributed to a reduction in steatosis when contrasted with various NCB & CC doses, likely due to the presence of curcumins and catechins in the natural choline source. These findings demonstrated that NCA supplementation yielded superior results compared to CC and NCB across both performance and liver health aspects in broilers aged 1 to 42 days. In conclusion, NCA can be used to replace the CC 60% without compromise on the zootechnical performance in broilers.

Hydroxy-selenomethionine enhances the productivity and egg quality of 50- to 70-week-old semi-heavy laying hens under heat stress.

Oxidative stress significantly compromises the production efficiency of laying hens. It has been reported in literature that selenium (Se) in poultry diets has a positive effect on mitigating these effects. This study has been carried out to evaluate the effects of Se supplementation in feeds, from either an inorganic or a hydroxy-selenomethionine (OH-SeMet) source, on the performance and physiological traits of 50- to 70-wk-old Dekalb Brown laying hens under heat stress, and on their egg quality after different storage durations. The treatments consisted in supplementing 0.3 ppm of Se as sodium selenite (SS; 45%-0.7g/ton) or OH-SeMet (2%-15g/ton) in twelve 16-bird replicates. Supplementation with OH-SeMet resulted in a better performance of the laying hens than with SS: -5% feed conversion ratio and +3.6% of egg mass. A reduction in egg quality was observed with prolonged egg storage, which was mitigated with the use of OH-SeMet in laying hen diets. The use of OH-SeMet increased the antioxidant capacity of the birds, which showed higher glutathione peroxidase levels in the blood, kidneys, liver, and intestinal mucosa, in addition to a higher Se content in the eggs and a greater bone resistance. Thus, supplementing feeds with 0.3 ppm of OH-SeMet to 50- to 70-wk-old semi-heavy laying hens enhances their antioxidant capacity and leads to a higher egg quality and productivity than SS supplementation.

Expression of glucose transporters and morphometry in the intestine of Japanese quails after hatch.

The intestinal physiology and mechanisms involved in nutrient transport are not well established in quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica). The present study assessed the growth performance, morphological development, duodenal density and the expression of Sglt1 and Glut2 of female Japanese quails from 1 to 49 days of age. The three small intestine segments were sampled weekly from 1 to 49 days of age to evaluate villus height, crypt depth and villus: crypt ratio, and goblet cell counts. Scanning electronic microscopy was used to determine duodenal villus density, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was used to study the sodium/glucose cotransporter-1 Sglt1 and glucose transporter Glut2 in the jejunum. Villus height and crypt depth in the duodenum, jejunum and ileum increased with age until 42 and 49 days of age (P < 0.001), and regression analysis evidenced a quadratic effect (P < 0.0001), indicating increasing values to a maximum and then a decrease afterwards. Goblet cell counts increased (P < 0.001) in duodenum, jejunum and ileum from 1 to 42 days, decreasing at 49 days, which was also corroborated by the regression analysis. Villus density in the duodenum was greater in the first week, decreased with age and increased again at 42 days, probably due to the proximity with egg production onset. The expression of Sglt1 and Glut2 mRNA in the jejunum varied with age. In conclusion, the intestinal mucosa of female Japanese quail developed morphologically until 42days and functionally until earlier ages, indicating an adaptation to the exogenous diet during the first weeks of life.

High Incubation Temperature and Threonine Dietary Level Improve Ileum Response Against Post-Hatch Salmonella Enteritidis Inoculation in Broiler Chicks.

This study assessed the effect of both embryonic thermal manipulation and dietary threonine level on the response of broilers inoculated with Salmonella Enteritidis, considering bacterial counts in the cecal contents, intestinal morphology, mucin and heat shock protein 70 gene expression, body weight and weight gain. Thermal manipulation was used from 11 days of incubation until hatch, defining three treatments: standard (37.7°C), continuous high temperature (38.7°C) and continuous low temperature (36.7°C). After hatch, chicks were distributed according to a 3x2+1 factorial arrangement (three temperatures and two threonine levels and one sham-inoculated control). At two days of age, all chicks were inoculated with Salmonella Enteritidis, except for the sham-inoculated control group. There was no interaction between the factors on any analyses. High temperature during incubation was able to reduce colonization by Salmonella Enteritidis in the first days, reducing both Salmonella counts and the number of positive birds. It also increased mucin expression and decreased Hsp70 expression compared with other inoculated groups. High temperature during incubation and high threonine level act independently to reduce the negative effects associated to Salmonella Enteritidis infection on intestinal morphology and performance, with results similar to sham-inoculated birds. The findings open new perspectives for practical strategies towards the pre-harvest Salmonella control in the poultry industry.

Exigência de cálcio para codornas japonesas (Coturnix coturnix japonica) machos na fase de 1 a 21 dias de idade / Calcium requirement for male japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) from 1 to 21 days of age

Objetivou-se, com esta pesquisa, determinar a exigência de cálcio de codornas japonesas machos, no período de 1 a 21 dias de idade. Foram utilizadas 280 codornas com peso médio de 8 ± 2 g na fase inicial. As variáveis estudadas foram consumo de ração (CR), ganho de peso (GP) e conversão alimentar (CA). O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente ao acaso, constituído de sete níveis de cálcio para cada fase, com quatro repetições de dez aves por unidade experimental. Os níveis de cálcio foram 0,85; 1,00; 1,15; 1,30; 1,45; 1,60 e 1,75 por cento. As suplementações de cálcio foram realizadas através do calcário calcítico da ração. Verificou-se que o CR, o GP e a CA apresentaram efeito quadrático com o aumento dos níveis de cálcio na dieta. Recomenda-se dieta contendo 1,24 por cento de cálcio para codornas japonesas machos no período de 1 a 21 dias de idade.

The objective of this study was to determine calcium requirement of male japanese quails from 1 to 21 days of age. 280 quails with average weight of 8 ± 2 g in the initial phase were used. The evaluated performance parameters were feed intake (CR), weight gain (GP) and feed conversion (CA). A completely randomized experimental design was used, with seven calcium levels and four replicates of ten birds per experimental unit. Calcium levels were 0.85, 1.00, 1.15, 1.30, 1.45, 1.60 and 1.75 percent. Limestone was added to the diet as calcium supplementation source. It was found that CR, GP and CA showed a quadratic effect with the increased levels of calcium in the diet. It is recommended diet containing 1.24 percent calcium for male japanese quail in the period from 1 to 21 days of age.

Farelo de trigo e complexo enzimático na alimentação de frangas de reposição / Wheat bran and enzymatic complex in laying hens feed

Foram avaliados os efeitos da inclusão do farelo de trigo (FT) com e sem a suplementação da ração com um complexo enzimático (CE), composto de amilase, protease e celulase, sobre o desempenho de frangas semipesadas (15 semanas de idade) e seu efeito residual na produção de ovos. Foram utilizadas 288 frangas, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4X2, sendo quatro níveis de FT e dois níveis de um CE na ração: 0 (controle), 10, 20 e 30% X suplementação com 0 ou 50g de um CE/100 kg de ração, resultando em oito tratamentos, com seis repetições. Na fase de crescimento, o consumo de ração, o ganho de peso, a conversão alimentar e o peso vivo foram melhores para as aves que receberam as dietas isentas de FT. A adição do CE diminuiu o consumo de ração nas dietas com 0 e 30% de FT. Durante a fase de produção, o uso do CE na ração de recria sem FTaumentou o peso vivo das aves, mas reduziu no nível de 30% de FT. A produção de ovos diminuiu no nível de 20% de FT quando a dieta foi suplementada com o CE. As conversões alimentares no nível de 10% de FT foram semelhantes ao controle. Observou-se efeito quadrático do nível de FT sobre a conversão por massa de ovos, que foi melhor com 8,01%. Portanto, recomenda-se até 8,01%de inclusão do farelo de trigo na ração de poedeiras semipesadas de 15 a 19 semanas de idade.

This study was carried out with the aim of evaluating the effects of the inclusion of the wheat bran (WB) and the addition of an enzymatic complex (EC), amylase, protease and celullase contained, on the performance of semi-heavily pullets from 14 weeks of age and its residual effect on egg-production phase. 288 pullets were used, distributed in a completely randomized design in a factorial arrangment 4X2, being the following levels of WB in the ration: 0 (control), 10, 20 and 30% X 0 or 50g of a EC/100 kg of diet, resulting in eight treatments, with six replicates of six birds. The EC contained the enzymes amylase, protease and celullase. In the growth phase, FI, WG, FC and LW showed better for the birds that received the diets without FT. The addition of the EC decreased the consumption in the diets with 0 and 30% of WB. During the production phase, the use EC in the level 0% of WB increased LW of the birds, but it reduced in the level 30% of WB. The production of eggs fell in the level of 20% of WB when the diet was supllementing with EC. The feed conversion in the level of 10% of WB was similar to the control. Quadratic effect of the level of WBwas observed on the feed egg-mass conversion, that was better with 8,01%. Therefore, it is recommended up to 8.01% of inclusion of the wheat bran in the ration of semi-heavily pullets from 14 to 19 weeks of age.

Níveis de sódio na ração de frangas de 7 a 12 semanas de idade / Sodium levels for pullets aged between 7 and 12 weeks

O experimento foi realizado para estimar as exigências de sódio em frangas leves (LV) e semipesadas (SP), durante a fase de recria (7 a 12 semanas de idade). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso, em esquema fatorial com seis níveis de sódio (0,04; 0,10; 0,16; 0,21; 0,27 e 0,32 por cento) e duas linhagens (LV e SP), que resultaram em doze tratamentos, com cinco repetições de seis aves. Foram avaliados o consumo de ração (CR), consumo de água (CAG), ganho de peso diário (GPD), conversão alimentar (CA), temperatura retal (TR), comprimento da crista (CC), matéria seca das excretas (MSF) e umidade das excretas (UF). Não houve interação dos níveis de sódio (NS) com a linhagem sobre as variáveis estudadas. O CR não foi afetado pelos NS, porém as frangas SP consumiram mais ração que as LV. Os NS proporcionaram efeito quadrático para o GPD e CA, e a linhagem LV apresentou maior CC que a SP. O aumento do NS da ração elevou o CAG, a UF e diminuiu a MSF, mas a TR não foi alterada. Recomenda-se de 7 a 12 semanas de idade 0,22 por cento, ou o consumo de 123 e 140 mg de sódio para as LV e SP, respectivamente.

The experiments were carried out to determine sodium requirements for light (LS) and egg-brown (EBS) pullets from 7 to 12 weeks of age. It was used a completely randomized design according to a 6x2 factorial (sodium levels: 0.04; 0.10; 0.16; 0.21; 0.27 and 0.32 percent X 2 strains), with five replicates of six pullets per experimental unit. Feed intake, water intake, daily weight gain, feed: gain ratio, rectal temperature, and comb size were evaluated, as well as feces dry matter and humidity. In the two experiments, there was no interaction (P>0.05) between sodium levels (SL) and strains on the studied variables. Feed intake was not affected by LS, but it was greater in EBS than in LS birds (P <0.05). LS had significant effects on daily weight gain and feed: gain ratio according to the quadratic model, and comb size was greater in LS compared to EBS birds. The increase in dietary sodium levels increased water intake and feces humidity, whereas feces dry matter decreased. Rectal temperature was not affected by the treatments. For SL and EBS, it is recommended 0.22 percent Na or a daily intake of 123 and 140 mg of sodium, respectively, from 7 to 12 weeks of age.

Níveis de proteína bruta e de energia metabolizável para frangas de postura semipesadas de 1 a 18 semanas de idade / Crude protein and metabolizável energy levels for eggy-type pullets from 1 to 18 weeks of age

Objetivou-se neste experimento avaliar o desempenho de poedeiras comerciais de 1 a 18 semanas de idade submetidas a níveis de Proteína Bruta (PB) e de Energia Metabolizável (EM). O experimento foi desenvolvido no aviário de Departamento de Zootecnia do Centro de Ciências Agrárias da UFPB, em Areia-PB. Foram utilizadas 432 pintainhas Lohmann Brown de três dias de idade, distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema Fatorial 3x3, com três níveis de PB e três níveis de EM. Na primeira fase, de 1 a 6 semanas de idade, as aves foram alimentadas com rações contendo três níveis de PB (21, 22 e 23 por cento) e três de EM (2900, 3000 e 3100kcal/kg de ração). Na segunda e terceira fases, as aves com idades de 7 a 12 e de 13 a 18 semanas, respectivamente, foram alimentadas com três níveis de PB sendo 18, 19 e 20 por cento de sete a doze semanas e 16, 17 e 18 por cento de treze a dezoito semanas e três níveis de EM sendo 2700, 2800 e 2900kcal/kg de ração nessas duas fases. Não foi encontrada interação entre os níveis de PB e de EM. Com base nos resultados obtidos, recomenda-se, respectivamente, para as fases de 1 a 6, de 7 a 12 e de 13 a 18 semanas de idade, os níveis de 21 por cento de PB e 2900 kcal de EM/kg de ração, 20 por cento de PB e 2700 kcal de EM/kg de ração e 16 por cento de PB e 2700 kcal de EM/kg de ração.

The aim of this experiment was to evaluate the performance of commercial layers between 1 and 18 weeks of age submitted to different crude protein (CP) and metabolizable energy (ME) levels. The trial was carried out at the poultry sector of the Department of Animal Science, of the Centro de Ciências Agrárias, Universidade Federal of Paraiba, Areia-PB, Brazil. Four hundred and thirty-two Lohmann Brown chicks were used at 3 days of age according to a completely randomized design in a 3 x 3 factorial scheme, with three CP levels and three ME levels. In the first phase (1-6 wk), the birds were fed with diets containing three levels of CP: 21, 22 or 23 percent CP and three levels of ME: 2,900, 3,000 and 3,100 kcal/kg diet. In the second phase (7-12 wk) and in the third phases (13-18 wk), CP levels of feeding were 18, 19 or 20 percent, and 16, 17 or 18 percent, respectively, and three ME levels being 2,700, 2,800 or 2,900 kcal ME/kg diet in these two phases. It was not found interaction between CP and ME levels. Based on the results obtained one recommends for the phases from 1 to 6, 7 to 12 and 13 to 18 weeks of age the levels of 21 percent of CP and 2900 kcal of ME /kg diets, 20 percent of CP and 2700 kcal of ME/kg diets and 16 percent of CP and 2700 kcal of ME/kg diets respectively.

Efeito da enzima fitase nas rações de frangos de corte, durante as fases pré-inicial e inicial / Effect of phytase enzyme in broilers rations, during pre-starter and starter phases

Foram criados 1.080 pintos de corte machos, no período de 1 a 7 e 8 a 21 dias de idade, para estudar os efeitos da fitase nas rações sobre o desempenho. Utilizaram-se duas rações experimentais para cada fase, sendo a primeira formulada por uma empresa integradora de frangos de corte (E-1) e a segunda sugerida pela empresa fornecedora da enzima (E-2). Os tratamentos foram: T1 e T4 - ração sem adição da enzima e T2 e T3 - ração com fitase. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, num arranjo fatorial 2 x 2 (duas rações e dois níveis de enzima), com nove repetições e trinta aves por parcela. A enzima foi adicionada na quantidade de 100 g/t de ração. Houve diferença significativa (P<0,01) entre tratamentos para ganho de peso e conversão alimentar para as fases pré-inicial e inicial, sendo os melhores resultados obtidos com a E-1 com adição de enzima, mostrando a importância da fitase em rações com frangos de corte quanto ao desempenho dos animais.

1.080 male broilers were used from 1 to 7 and 8 to 21 days of age to evaluate phytase diet supplementation in chicks performance. Two experimental rations were used each phase, whereas the first diet recommended by company broiler integrator (C-1) and the second suggested by furnished company enzyme (C-2). Treatments consisted in: T1 and T4 - ration without enzyme and T2 and T3 - ration with enzyme. A completely randomized design was used, in a 2 x 2 factorial model (two rations x two levels of enzyme) with nine replicates and 30 birds per unit. The enzyme was used in amount of 100 g/ton of ration. Statistically significant difference (P<0.01) was found between treatments to weight gain and feed:gain ratio to pre-starter and initial phases, where best results were obtained with C-1 with enzyme addition, showing the importance of phytase in broiler chicks rations as to birds performance.

Efeito da adição de fitase em rações de frangos de corte, durante as fases de crescimento e final / Effect of phytase addition in broiler rations, during grower and final phases

Os experimentos tiveram como objetivo avaliar os efeitos da enzima fitase nas rações de frangos de corte sobre o desempenho e avaliação de carcaça durante os períodos de crescimento (21 a 35 dias) e final (36 a 45 dias de idade). Duas rações comerciais foram utilizadas, sendo a primeira formulada por uma empresa integradora de frangos de corte (E-1) e a segunda sugerida pela empresa fornecedora da enzima (E-2). Os tratamentos foram: T1 e T4 - ração sem adição da enzima e T2 e T3 - ração com fitase. O delineamento experimental utilizado foi o inteiramente casualizado, em arranjo fatorial 2 x 2 (duas rações e dois níveis de enzima), com nove repetições e trinta aves por parcela. A enzima fitase foi adicionada na quantidade de 100 g/t. Houve diferença significativa (P<0,01) para ganho de peso e conversão alimentar na fase de crescimento, não ocorrendo o mesmo na fase final (P>0,05). Quanto à avaliação dos rendimentos de partes das aves, só o de pernas apresentou diferença significativa com a ração formulada pela E-2, sem fitase. As rações formuladas pela E-1 apresentaram melhores resultados de desempenho, quando comparadas com as rações sugeridas pela E-2.

The objective of experiments were evaluate to effect of phytase in broilers rations, during growing (22 to 35 days) and final (36 to 45 days of age) phases. Two experimental rations were used each phase, whereas the first diet recommended by the the broiler integration (C-1) and the second suggested by furnished company enzyme (C-2). Treatments consisted in T1 and T4 - rations without enzyme and T2 and T3 - rations with enzyme. A complete randomized design was used in a 2 x 2 factorial model (two rations x two levels of enzyme) with nine replicates and thirty birds per unit. The enzyme was used in 100 g/ton of ration. Statistically significant difference (P<0.01) was found among the treatments to weight gain and feed:gain ratio to growing phase, not happened identical with final phase (P>0.05). The birds yield parts evaluation was statistically different (P<0.01) in legs yield with experimental rations suggested by E-2, without phytase. The rations formulated with the E-1 that showed better results in relation to rations E-2.