Antioxidant activity and chemical composition of meat from broilers fed diets containing different essential oils.

BACKGROUND AND AIM: Broiler meat is susceptible to lipid oxidation due to its high content of unsaturated fatty acids, especially when stored for a long time. Concerning with that problem, we can add natural compounds to the animal feed, as the plant essential oils, which have antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antifungal activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity, fatty acid profile, and chemical composition of the meat of broilers fed with diets containing different essential oil, including lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) and pedestrian tea (Lippia aff. rotundifolia). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The experimental design used was a 4×4 factorial scheme (storage time×diets), and each treatment was repeated thrice. The treatments were applied as negative control (without antimicrobial); positive control (ration supplemented with 10 ppm of enramycin and 42 ppm of salinomycin), lemongrass (ration with 120 mg of essential oil of lemongrass for each kilogram of live weight of the animals), and pedestrian tea (ration with 120 mg of essential oil of pedestrian tea for each kilogram of live weight of the animals). Storage was performed after slaughter and evaluated monthly for 4 months. RESULTS: The inclusion of lemongrass oil and pedestrian tea in the broiler diet did not change the ether extract content of the meat sample obtained from thigh and drumstick. The storage time promotes an increase in the moisture loss of the meat from the 2nd month in all treatments. There was an interaction between the additive and storage time for moisture loss. In the 2nd month of storage, the meat from broilers fed the antibiotic-containing feed had a lower moisture loss than those from broilers in the other treatment groups. The fatty acid profile did not differ statistically between the different treatment groups. The inclusion of additives in the food dropped the lipid oxidation at the 2nd month of storage. From the 3rd month, however, only the essential oils showed antioxidant effect. CONCLUSION: Antioxidant activity was positive for treatments that included essential oils. The lemongrass oil and pedestrian tea can be used as antioxidant additives in broiler diets to improve the oxidative stability of thigh-drumstick meat during storage. The results of the study suggest a good prospective for further research with profitability of usage essentials oils examined, for their economical application as feed components in broiler nutrition.

Disinfection of fertile eggs of free-range poultry with essential oils / Desinfecção de ovos férteis de aves caipiras com óleos essenciais

The effect of the disinfection of fertile eggs of free-range poultry with essential oils from Cymbopogon flexuosus and Lippia rotundifolia was evaluated. The treatments applied to the eggs were (v v-1): 1% essential oil from C. flexuosus (CF), 1% essential oil from L. rotundifolia(LR), 0.1% CF + LR, and 0.1% quaternary ammonia (QA) (positive control). The eggs were incubated for 21 days, the birds from hatched eggs were counted and weighed, and not hatched eggs were opened and examined macroscopically to determine egg fertility, and embryonic death time. The antimicrobial action of the essential oils was determined through quantitative analyses, considering aerobic mesophylls, filamentous fungi, yeasts, and total coliforms. Mortality was high in the treatments, especially in the treatment with essential oil from C. flexuosus. The highest hatchability was found in the treatment with QA. The treatments with singly or combined essential oils were more efficient in decreasing microbial count than QA. The essential oils from C. flexuosus and L. rotundifolia reduced the microbial load of fertile eggs of the free-range poultry evaluated.

O presente estudo investigou o efeito da desinfecção de ovos férteis de aves caipiras com o uso de óleos essenciais de capim limão (Cymbopogon flexuosus) e chá-de- pedestre (Lippia rotundifolia). Aplicaramse os seguintes tratamentos nos ovos selecionados: 1% (v/v) óleo essencial de capim limão (CL), chá-de-pedestre (CP), associação (CL + CP) e 0,1% (v/v) de amônia quaternária (AQ) (controle positivo). Os ovos foram distribuídos em incubadora e após 21 dias, as aves eclodidas foram contadas e pesadas e os ovos não eclodidos foram quebrados e examinados macroscopicamente para a determinação da fertilidade e o momento da morte embrionária. Determinou-se a ação antimicrobiana dos óleos através das análises quantitativas de mesófilos aeróbios, fungos filamentosos e leveduras e coliformes totais. A mortalidade foi elevada nos tratamentos, a distribuição de mortes nas classes foi superior no tratamento com capim limão. A maior eclodibilidade ocorreu no tratamento com a amônia quaternária. Evidenciou-se a redução na contagem microbiana na aplicação do óleo essencial individualmente ou em associação, superando a aplicação com AQ. Os óleos essenciais de capim limão (Cymbopogon flexuosus) e chá-de-pedestre (Lippia rotundifolia) promoveram a redução da carga microbiana de ovos férteis de aves caipiras.

Disinfection of fertile eggs of free-range poultry with essential oils / Desinfecção de ovos férteis de aves caipiras com óleos essenciais

The effect of the disinfection of fertile eggs of free-range poultry with essential oils from Cymbopogon flexuosus and Lippia rotundifolia was evaluated. The treatments applied to the eggs were (v v-1): 1% essential oil from C. flexuosus (CF), 1% essential oil from L. rotundifolia(LR), 0.1% CF + LR, and 0.1% quaternary ammonia (QA) (positive control). The eggs were incubated for 21 days, the birds from hatched eggs were counted and weighed, and not hatched eggs were opened and examined macroscopically to determine egg fertility, and embryonic death time. The antimicrobial action of the essential oils was determined through quantitative analyses, considering aerobic mesophylls, filamentous fungi, yeasts, and total coliforms. Mortality was high in the treatments, especially in the treatment with essential oil from C. flexuosus. The highest hatchability was found in the treatment with QA. The treatments with singly or combined essential oils were more efficient in decreasing microbial count than QA. The essential oils from C. flexuosus and L. rotundifolia reduced the microbial load of fertile eggs of the free-range poultry evaluated.(AU)

O presente estudo investigou o efeito da desinfecção de ovos férteis de aves caipiras com o uso de óleos essenciais de capim limão (Cymbopogon flexuosus) e chá-de- pedestre (Lippia rotundifolia). Aplicaramse os seguintes tratamentos nos ovos selecionados: 1% (v/v) óleo essencial de capim limão (CL), chá-de-pedestre (CP), associação (CL + CP) e 0,1% (v/v) de amônia quaternária (AQ) (controle positivo). Os ovos foram distribuídos em incubadora e após 21 dias, as aves eclodidas foram contadas e pesadas e os ovos não eclodidos foram quebrados e examinados macroscopicamente para a determinação da fertilidade e o momento da morte embrionária. Determinou-se a ação antimicrobiana dos óleos através das análises quantitativas de mesófilos aeróbios, fungos filamentosos e leveduras e coliformes totais. A mortalidade foi elevada nos tratamentos, a distribuição de mortes nas classes foi superior no tratamento com capim limão. A maior eclodibilidade ocorreu no tratamento com a amônia quaternária. Evidenciou-se a redução na contagem microbiana na aplicação do óleo essencial individualmente ou em associação, superando a aplicação com AQ. Os óleos essenciais de capim limão (Cymbopogon flexuosus) e chá-de-pedestre (Lippia rotundifolia) promoveram a redução da carga microbiana de ovos férteis de aves caipiras.(AU)

Post-hatch fasting and infectious bronchitis vaccination affect growth, gastrointestinal development, and morphometric parameters of the small intestine of broiler breeders up to three weeks of age

The influence of fasting and vaccination against infectious bronchitis (IB) on growth, gastrointestinal development, and morphometric parameters of the small intestine of newborn broiler breeders was investigated. Weight gain (WG), feed conversion ratio (FCR), gastrointestinal visceral growth, residual yolk sac, and morphometric parameters of the small intestine were measured in chicks aged up to 21 d. We showed that WG was lowest in chicks exposed to longer fasting periods (72 h), although compensatory gains with increasing age were also observed. Unvaccinated chicks performed better at seven days; however, at 21 d of age, a compensatory response led to better FCR in vaccinated birds. Allometric growth of the gastrointestinal tract was affected following longer fasting periods, but this effect occurred predominantly in younger birds (three days). Compared with non-fasted, birds fasted for 72 h had lower villus height and crypt depth along the small intestine at three days and lower villus height in the duodenum and jejunum at seven days. However, at 14 and 21 days of age, the previous changes in intestinal morphology imposed by fasting had been offset. The IB vaccine, applied in the first day of life, does not affect the allometric growth of the gastrointestinal organs, but causes momentary loss in the intestinal morphometry, which contributes to the reduction of WG at seven days. Our results suggest that long fasting periods after hatching (48 and 72 h) should be avoided in broiler breeders due to the resulting delay in gastrointestinal organ development and growth impairment up to 21 d of life.(AU)

Blood parameters and hepatic histopathology of broilers fed rations supplemented with essential oils

This study aimed to evaluate the hematological profile, hepatic function, and histopathology of mixed-sex broilers fed rations supplemented with microencapsulated essential oils from Cymbopogon flexuosus (lemon grass) and Lippia rotundifolia (chá-de-pedestre). One hundred and fifty Cobb chicks were housed in cages from 1 to 42 days of age in a completely randomized design, with six replicates with five chickens in each of five treatments (150 total chicks): basal diet without antibiotic growth promoter (negative control), diet with enramicina and salinomycin (positive control), diet with lemon grass essential oil, diet with L. rotundifolia essential oil, and diet with a mixture of lemon grass and L. rotundifolia essential oils. Mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) were significantly lower in untreated broilers (negative control group). Gender was not associated with erythrogram values, but aspartate aminotransferase activity (AST) was higher in females. Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) was higher in chicks in the group that received rations with lemon grass oil. Broilers that received L. rotundifolia oil developed more hepatic lesions, although no effect of sex was observed related to the lesion score. Biliary hyperplasia and fibroplasias were observed in all groups, with higher histopathology scores in broilers that received diets containing L. rotundifolia oil. Mixed-sex broilers fed rations supplemented with lemon grass and L. rotundifolia essential oils have normal complete blood counts and unspecific hepatic lesions and are characterized by lipidosis, hyperplasia of the bile ducts, and fibroplasia.(AU)

Lemon grass essential oil on productive characteristics of broiler chickens

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of lemon grass essential oil on the performance and yield of organs and commercial cuts of broiler chickens. Seventy-two one-day-old broiler chicks of the lineage Cobb 500 were evaluated for 42 days. A completely randomized experimental design was used, with three treatments of six broiler chicks and four replications. The treatments consisted of negative control diet (NCD), composed of basal feed, without antimicrobial; positive control diet (PCD), composed of basal feed with antimicrobial (zinc bacitracin) and anticoccidial; and lemon grass diet (LGD), composed of NCD with lemon grass essential oil. The performance of the broilers was lower with the use of lemon grass oil, compared with those in the treatment PCD. The broiler chickens in the treatment LGD had the lowest gizzard and drumstick weights and their commercial cuts were negatively affected by this treatment. Therefore, the use of lemon grass essential oil in the chicken broiler diet negatively affects their productive characteristics.

Lemon grass essential oil on productive characteristics of broiler chickens

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of lemon grass essential oil on the performance and yield of organs and commercial cuts of broiler chickens. Seventy-two one-day-old broiler chicks of the lineage Cobb 500 were evaluated for 42 days. A completely randomized experimental design was used, with three treatments of six broiler chicks and four replications. The treatments consisted of negative control diet (NCD), composed of basal feed, without antimicrobial; positive control diet (PCD), composed of basal feed with antimicrobial (zinc bacitracin) and anticoccidial; and lemon grass diet (LGD), composed of NCD with lemon grass essential oil. The performance of the broilers was lower with the use of lemon grass oil, compared with those in the treatment PCD. The broiler chickens in the treatment LGD had the lowest gizzard and drumstick weights and their commercial cuts were negatively affected by this treatment. Therefore, the use of lemon grass essential oil in the chicken broiler diet negatively affects their productive characteristics.(AU)

Antibacterial activity and stability of microencapsulated lemon grass essential oil in feeds for broiler chickens / Atividade antimicrobiana e estabilidade do óleo essencial de capim-limão (Cymbopogon citratus) microencapsulados em ração para frangos de corte

The antibacterial effect of microencapsulated lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil on strains of Escherichia coli (ATCC8739), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica (ATCC 6017), and the stability of this oil in feeds for broiler chickens were evaluated. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were determined by the macrodilution method, using the microencapsulated lemon grass essential oil at concentrations of 160 μL mL−1, 80 μL mL−1, 40 μL mL−1, 20 μL mL−1, and 10 μL mL−1. The oil concentration of 80 μL mL−1 presented the best results against the three bacteria evaluated. Samples of 200 g of feed mixed with 120 μL g−1 of the microencapsulated lemon grass essential oil was stored to evaluate the oil stability. Feed without microencapsulated lemon grass essential oil was prepared as control. The oil remained active for seven days, with significant reduction of S. aureus (3.08 CFU), E. coli (3.01 CFU), and S. enterica (3.10 CFU). The microencapsulated lemon grass essential oil at concentration of 80 μL mL−1 had antibacterial effect against the E. coli, S. enterica and S. aureus, and maintained stability of the feed for seven days, even with presence of organic matter, which is source of nutrients for pathogens.(AU)

No trabalho foi avaliado o efeito antimicrobiano do óleo capim limão (Cymbopogon citratus) microencapsulado frente a cepas de Escherichia coli (ATCC8739), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) e Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica (ATCC 6017), e a estabilidade do óleo em ração de frangos de corte. O teste de Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) e Concentração Bactericida Mínima (CBM) do óleo essencial de capim-limão microencapsulado foi determinado pelo método de macrodiluição (tubo) utilizando as concentrações de 160μL/mL, 80μL/mL, 40μL/mL, 20μL/mLe 10μL/mL. A concentração do óleo de 80μL/mL apresentou melhores resultados frente às três bactérias. Para a avaliação da estabilidade foram separados e armazenadas porções de 200g de ração misturadas com o óleo essencial de capim limão na dosagem de 120μL/g de ração, foram preparadas porções de ração sem a presença do óleo essencial para teste controle, os resultados mostraram que o óleo permaneceu ativo até sete dias, com redução significativa de 3,08 UFC para S. aureus, 3, 01 para E. coli e 3,10 S. entérica. Conclui-se que, óleo essencial de capimlimão microencapuslado tem atividade antibacteriana na concentração de 80 μL/mL frente à Escherichia coli, S. entérica e S. aureus e promove a estabilidade da ração no período de sete dias mesmo na presença da matéria orgânica que é fonte de nutrientes para patógenos.(AU)

Antibacterial activity and stability of microencapsulated lemon grass essential oil in feeds for broiler chickens / Atividade antimicrobiana e estabilidade do óleo essencial de capim-limão (Cymbopogon citratus) microencapsulados em ração para frangos de corte

The antibacterial effect of microencapsulated lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus) essential oil on strains of Escherichia coli (ATCC8739), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) and Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica (ATCC 6017), and the stability of this oil in feeds for broiler chickens were evaluated. The Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were determined by the macrodilution method, using the microencapsulated lemon grass essential oil at concentrations of 160 μL mL−1, 80 μL mL−1, 40 μL mL−1, 20 μL mL−1, and 10 μL mL−1. The oil concentration of 80 μL mL−1 presented the best results against the three bacteria evaluated. Samples of 200 g of feed mixed with 120 μL g−1 of the microencapsulated lemon grass essential oil was stored to evaluate the oil stability. Feed without microencapsulated lemon grass essential oil was prepared as control. The oil remained active for seven days, with significant reduction of S. aureus (3.08 CFU), E. coli (3.01 CFU), and S. enterica (3.10 CFU). The microencapsulated lemon grass essential oil at concentration of 80 μL mL−1 had antibacterial effect against the E. coli, S. enterica and S. aureus, and maintained stability of the feed for seven days, even with presence of organic matter, which is source of nutrients for pathogens.

No trabalho foi avaliado o efeito antimicrobiano do óleo capim limão (Cymbopogon citratus) microencapsulado frente a cepas de Escherichia coli (ATCC8739), Staphylococcus aureus (ATCC 6538) e Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica (ATCC 6017), e a estabilidade do óleo em ração de frangos de corte. O teste de Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) e Concentração Bactericida Mínima (CBM) do óleo essencial de capim-limão microencapsulado foi determinado pelo método de macrodiluição (tubo) utilizando as concentrações de 160μL/mL, 80μL/mL, 40μL/mL, 20μL/mLe 10μL/mL. A concentração do óleo de 80μL/mL apresentou melhores resultados frente às três bactérias. Para a avaliação da estabilidade foram separados e armazenadas porções de 200g de ração misturadas com o óleo essencial de capim limão na dosagem de 120μL/g de ração, foram preparadas porções de ração sem a presença do óleo essencial para teste controle, os resultados mostraram que o óleo permaneceu ativo até sete dias, com redução significativa de 3,08 UFC para S. aureus, 3, 01 para E. coli e 3,10 S. entérica. Conclui-se que, óleo essencial de capimlimão microencapuslado tem atividade antibacteriana na concentração de 80 μL/mL frente à Escherichia coli, S. entérica e S. aureus e promove a estabilidade da ração no período de sete dias mesmo na presença da matéria orgânica que é fonte de nutrientes para patógenos.

In vitro effect of "capim-limão" (Cymbopogon flexuosus Steud. Wats.) essential oil against enteric bacteria from avian source / Eficácia in vitro do óleo essencial de capim-limão (Cymbopogon flexuosus Steud. Wats.) frente a bactérias entéricas de origem avícola

The use of antimicrobials as performance enhancers has represented a risk to public health due to their association with the emergence of bacterial resistance and residues in products. Alternatively, researches have indicated the use of natural food additives, such as capim-limão essential oil. This paper aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of capim-limão essential oil (Cymbopogon flexuosus) against enteric Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli isolated from laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Five concentrations of the essential oil (160; 80; 40; 20 and 10 µL mL-1 ) were prepared and then in vitro disk diffusion tests and determination of both Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were performed. The results showed that the concentration of 160 µL mL-1 provides the largest inhibition zone diameters in disk diffusion, showing statistical differences in relation to the other concentrations (p 0.05). There was inhibitory effect (MIC) at the concentration of 80 µL mL-1 , but the bactericidal effect was not found. The conclusion was that the capim-limão essential oil has antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli isolated from poultry at the concentration of 160 µL mL-1 . Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of using higher doses and indicate that oil as an additive in poultry diets

O uso de antimicrobianos como melhoradores de desempenho tem representado um risco à saúde pública devido à associação destes com o surgimento de resistência bacteriana e resíduos nos produtos. Como alternativa, pesquisas têm indicado a utilização de aditivos alimentares naturais, como o óleo essencial de capimlimão. Objetivou-se neste artigo avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana do óleo essencial de capim-limão (Cymbopogon flexuosus) frente a Staphylococcus aureus e Escherichia coli entéricas isoladas de aves de postura (Gallus gallus domesticus). Foram preparadas cinco concentrações do óleo essencial (160; 80; 40; 20 e 10 µL mL-1 ) e então realizados testes in vitro de difusão em disco e determinação da Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) e da Concentração Bactericida Mínima (CBM). Os resultados indicaram que a concentração de 160 µL mL-1 propiciou os maiores diâmetros de halos de inibição na difusão em disco, diferindo-se estatisticamente das demais concentrações (p 0,05). Houve efeito inibitório (CIM) a partir da concentração de 80 µL mL-1 de óleo para todas as bactérias mas a CBM não foi detectada. Conclui-se que o óleo essencial de capim-limão apresenta atividade antimicrobiana in vitro frente a S. aureus e E. coli isoladas de aves na concentração de 160 µL mL-1 . Novos estudos são necessários para avaliar a eficácia do uso de doses superiores e indicar esse óleo como aditivo em dietas de aves

In vitro effect of "capim-limão" (Cymbopogon flexuosus Steud. Wats.) essential oil against enteric bacteria from avian source / Eficácia in vitro do óleo essencial de capim-limão (Cymbopogon flexuosus Steud. Wats.) frente a bactérias entéricas de origem avícola

The use of antimicrobials as performance enhancers has represented a risk to public health due to their association with the emergence of bacterial resistance and residues in products. Alternatively, researches have indicated the use of natural food additives, such as capim-limão essential oil. This paper aims to evaluate the antimicrobial activity of capim-limão essential oil (Cymbopogon flexuosus) against enteric Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli isolated from laying hens (Gallus gallus domesticus). Five concentrations of the essential oil (160; 80; 40; 20 and 10 µL mL-1 ) were prepared and then in vitro disk diffusion tests and determination of both Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and Minimum Bactericidal Concentration (MBC) were performed. The results showed that the concentration of 160 µL mL-1 provides the largest inhibition zone diameters in disk diffusion, showing statistical differences in relation to the other concentrations (p 0.05). There was inhibitory effect (MIC) at the concentration of 80 µL mL-1 , but the bactericidal effect was not found. The conclusion was that the capim-limão essential oil has antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli isolated from poultry at the concentration of 160 µL mL-1 . Further studies are needed to evaluate the efficacy of using higher doses and indicate that oil as an additive in poultry diets(AU)

O uso de antimicrobianos como melhoradores de desempenho tem representado um risco à saúde pública devido à associação destes com o surgimento de resistência bacteriana e resíduos nos produtos. Como alternativa, pesquisas têm indicado a utilização de aditivos alimentares naturais, como o óleo essencial de capimlimão. Objetivou-se neste artigo avaliar a atividade antimicrobiana do óleo essencial de capim-limão (Cymbopogon flexuosus) frente a Staphylococcus aureus e Escherichia coli entéricas isoladas de aves de postura (Gallus gallus domesticus). Foram preparadas cinco concentrações do óleo essencial (160; 80; 40; 20 e 10 µL mL-1 ) e então realizados testes in vitro de difusão em disco e determinação da Concentração Inibitória Mínima (CIM) e da Concentração Bactericida Mínima (CBM). Os resultados indicaram que a concentração de 160 µL mL-1 propiciou os maiores diâmetros de halos de inibição na difusão em disco, diferindo-se estatisticamente das demais concentrações (p 0,05). Houve efeito inibitório (CIM) a partir da concentração de 80 µL mL-1 de óleo para todas as bactérias mas a CBM não foi detectada. Conclui-se que o óleo essencial de capim-limão apresenta atividade antimicrobiana in vitro frente a S. aureus e E. coli isoladas de aves na concentração de 160 µL mL-1 . Novos estudos são necessários para avaliar a eficácia do uso de doses superiores e indicar esse óleo como aditivo em dietas de aves(AU)

Avaliação de diferentes programas de restrição alimentar para matrizes pesadas

O fornecimento de CO2 durante as primeiras 240 horas de incubação melhora os resultados de incubação e pós-eclosão, porém o seu uso em diferentes idades de matriz é pouco compreendido. Portanto, foram realizados três experimentos com os seguintes objetivos: O primeiro objetivo foi avaliar o efeito de duas idades de matriz (36 e 55 semanas) e três concentrações de CO2 (controle, 1,0% e 1,4%) durante as primeiras 240 horas de incubação sobre o desenvolvimento embrionário de frangos de corte. O segundo objetivo foi avaliar o desempenho, rendimento de órgãos, morfologia intestinal, rendimento de carcaça e índice cardíaco de frangos de corte oriundos de duas idades de matriz e três concentrações de CO2. Finalmente, o objetivo do terceiro estudo foi avaliar os efeitos da incubação com CO2 (aumento gradual até 1,5%) durante 10 dias (0 - 240 horas de incubação) na vascularização da membrana corioalantóide (CAM), nas variáveis sanguíneos do embrião e pós-eclosão e nos resultados de incubação de frangos de corte. Os resultados mostraram que a exposição ao CO2 promoveu alterações no desenvolvimento embrionário e na qualidade pós-eclosão. A idade de matriz deve ser considerada no processo de incubação com CO2. A idade de matriz e a exposição ao CO2 nas primeiras 240h de incubação exerceramm influencia no desempenho pós-eclosão. A exposição gradual de 1,5% de CO2 nas primeiras 240 horas de incubação aumenta a vascularização da CAM, altera as variáveis sanguíneas, influencia negativamente o desenvolvimento embrionário e o metabolismo pós-eclosão. Em conclusão, a interação idade de matriz e concentração de até 1,4% de CO2, na primeira fase de incubação afeta o metabolismo embrionário, principalmente em matriz com idade de 55 semanas. A exposição a 1,5% CO2 aumenta a vascularização da CAM, mas afeta negativamente o desenvolvimento embrionário

Supplementing CO2 during the first 240 hours of incubation has been proposed for improving incubation and post hatch performance, but its use on eggs coming from breeders of different ages needs to be better understood. Therefore, three experiments were carried out with the following objectives: The first objective was to evaluate the effects of two breeder ages (36 and 55 weeks) and three concentrations of CO2 (control, 1,0% and 1,4%) during the first 240 hours of incubation on the embryonic development of broilers. The second objective was to evaluate the performance, organ performance, intestinal morphology, carcass yield, and cardiac index of broilers from two breeder ages and three CO2 concentrations. Finally, the objective of the third experiment was to evaluate the effects of incubation with increasing CO2 concentration up to 1,5% for 240 hours of incubation on the vascularization of the chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) in embryogenic and post-hatch blood parameters, and the results of chickens at post hatch. The results showed that exposure to CO2 promoted changes in embryonic development and post-hatching quality. The old breeder must be considered in the process of incubation with CO2.The breeder ages and exposure to CO2 in the first 240h incubation exert influence in post-hatching performance. The gradual exposure of 1,5% of CO2 in the first incubation phase (240 hours) increased vascularization of the CAM, altered blood parameters, adversely influenced embryonic development and metabolism post-hatching. In conclusion, the interaction of breeder age and CO2 concentration up to 1,4% in the first stage of incubation affects the embryonic metabolism, especially in a old breeder at 55 weeks of age. The exposure to 1,5% CO2 increases vascularization of CAM and negatively affects embryonic development