Cut yield and meat quality of brown eggshell laying hens housed in an alternative system and submitted to different feeding volumes.

The aim was to evaluate the effect of different feeding volumes on the cut yield and meat quality of brown eggshell laying hens strain Embrapa 051 (E051) during the laying cycle, reared in an alternative system and slaughtered at 73 weeks, with reference to the lineage Lohmann Brown (LB). 600 hens E051 and 200 hens LB were used in an entirely randomized experimental design totalizing 5 replicates with 40 birds each. The treatments were: Control (LB fed with 100% of their dietary requirements), E051 fed with 93% of the control diet, E051 fed with 100% of the control diet, and E051 fed with 107% of the control diet. Birds were supplemented daily with 30g of ground grasses. Different feeding volumes did not alter the physicochemical quality of the meat and the cut yield. Body and cold carcass weight were greater in the E051 fed with 107% of the reference feed compared to the LB or the E051 fed with 7% less than the control diet. Yellow color intensity was greater in the E051 than in LB. The results demonstrated that, at the end of their productive cycle, the E051 without a restricted diet presents good carcass characteristics and potential for industrialized development.

Phytate-phosphorus and phytase on performance, bone characteristics, tissue and serum mineral concentration on broilers.

Male broiler chickens (384), Cobb 500, were housed in metabolic cages to assess the efficacy of phytase in diets with low and high phytate-phosphorus on the performance, bone physical characteristics, tissue and serum mineral deposits. Birds were distributed in four treatments with a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized block design. Experimental diets based on maize-soybean meal were T1 - diet low phytate-phosphorus; T2 - diet low phytate-phosphorus and phytase (500 FTU/kg); T3 - diet high phytate-phosphorus; T4 - diet high phytate-phosphorus and phytase (500 FTU/kg). Feed intake, body weight, weight gain and feed conversion ratio were assessed. Two left tibias per experimental unit were analyzed for physical characteristics and mineral concentration; a section of skinless breast muscle and blood were collected to measure the concentration of calcium, phosphorus and sodium. Results showed interaction between bone stiffness and serum calcium. The inclusion of phytase in diets with low and high phytate-phosphorus did not alter performance, bone resistance and flexibility, mineral deposits in the tibia and breast muscle, but increased bone stiffness after 22 days of age. It also provided a higher serum calcium rate in broilers fed diets with low phytate-phosphorus up to 32 days of age.

Performance, metabolic efficiency and egg quality in Japanese quails fed with acidulated soybean soapstock and lecithin for a prolonged period.

This study aimed to evaluate the use of acidulated soybean soapstock in association with lecithin on productive performance, metabolic efficiency in the utilization of nutrientes, and the egg quality of Japanese quails. A total of 192 quails were used, distributed randomly in a 2×2×2 factorial scheme that included two types of oils, two levels of supplementation (4% and 8%) and two levels of lecithin (1% or 0%). At the end of the six-month experimental period, some double significant interactions were shown between the level of oil and lecithin for the performance variables (egg weight p=0.04, feed intake p<0.01 and feed conversion rate p=0.04). The feed conversion rate also was influenced by a double significant interaction between the type of oil and the level of oil (p<0.01). The nutrient digestibility showed that different interactions affected the results. The evaluation of egg quality, was verified that the use of acidulated soybean soapstock did not affect most variables of internal quality. The results showed that it is possible to use 8% acidulated soybean soapstock in combination with 1% lecithin in the diets of Japanese quails for a period of up to six months without a reduction in performance.

Replacing soybean oil with increasing levels of soybean acid oil in diets of coturnix quails (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) and the effects on egg quality.

The effects of increasing levels of soybean acid oil in diets of quails on the quality of eggs were evaluated over a period of 56 days. A completely randomized design with five treatment levels of soybean acid oil (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8%) as a replacer for soybean oil and eight replicates of two quails each were used. A total of 240 fresh eggs were used for quality analysis, and 400 eggs were stored at 23ºC over a period of 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days for analysis of shelf-life. Polynomial regression and ANOVA with repeated measurements and Tukey´s tests were used. Soybean acid oil linearly increased the intensity of red (a* = -5.26 + 0.14 x, R2 = 0.89, P = 0.01) and yellow (b* = 42.32 + 0.44 x, R2 = 0.88 P = 0.01). All other variables of egg quality were not affected by the treatments, with the exception of sensory attributes, such as odor and aftertaste, which were more pronounced with soybean acid oil. In conclusion, soybean acid oil affects the intensity of yellow and red color of the yolk. Trained assessors detected differences in odor and aftertaste of eggs when soybean acid oil was included in the quail diet.

An assessment of the effectiveness of hyaluronic acid and polyacrylamide hydrogel in horses with osteoarthritis: Systematic review and network meta-analysis.

For several years, hyaluronic acid (HyA) and, more recently, polyacrylamide hydrogel (PHyd) have been used to reduce lameness and pain caused by osteoarthritis. However, there is still a lack of scientific evidence of the efficacy of these substances to allow veterinary experts to make decisions about their use in horses. The objective of this study was to evaluate, through a systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA), the efficacy of HyA, associated or not with other drugs, and PHyd in relieving lameness in horses with osteoarthritis. The searches for primary studies were conducted on four search platforms. The efficacy of HyA and PHyd was estimated through the relative risk difference method. Heterogeneity was observed in the efficacy of HyA, indicating long-term ineffectiveness of this drug when associated or not with anti-inflammatory drugs. In contrast, the results indicate that PHyd is an effective alternative therapy, with a long period of action in reducing lameness in horses with osteoarthritis. This study provides evidence that the application of PHyd and HyA is effective in reducing lameness caused by osteoarthritis in horses at different time periods, where PHyd has a longer time of action.

An assessment of the impacts of litter treatments on the litter quality and broiler performance: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: The choice of the most suitable litter treatment should be based on scientific evidence. This systematic review assessed the effectiveness of litter treatments on ammonia concentration, pH, moisture and pathogenic microbiota of the litter and their effects on body weight, feed intake, feed conversion and mortality of broilers. METHODS: The systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed (Medline), Google Scholar, ScienceDirect and Scielo databases to retrieve articles published from January 1998 to august 2019. Means, standard deviations and sample sizes were extracted from each study. The response variables were analyzed using the mean difference (MD) or standardized mean difference (SMD), (litter treatment minus control group). All variables were analyzed using random effects meta-analyses. RESULTS: Subgroup meta-analysis revealed that acidifiers reduce pH (P<0.001), moisture (P = 0.002) ammonia (P = 0.011) and pathogenic microbiota (P <0.001) of the litter and improves the weight gain (P = 0.019) and decreases the mortality rate of broilers (P<0.001) when compared with controls. Gypsum had a positive effect on ammonia reduction (P = 0.012) and improved feed conversion (P = 0.023). Alkalizing agents raise the pH (P = 0.035), worsen feed conversion (P<0.001), increase the mortality rate (P <0.001), decrease the moisture content (P<0.001) and reduce the pathogenic microbiota of the litter (P<0.001) once compared to controls. Superphosphate and adsorbents reduce, respectively, pH (P<0.001) and moisture (P = 0.007) of the litter compared to control groups. CONCLUSION: None of the litter treatments influenced the feed intake of broilers. Meta-analyses of the selected studies showed positive and significant effects of the litter treatments on broiler performance and litter quality when compared with controls. Alkalizing was associated with worse feed conversion and high mortality of broilers.

Influence of Pichia pastoris X-33 produced in industrial residues on productive performance, egg quality, immunity, and intestinal morphometry in quails.

This study was conducted in quails to evaluate the probiotic potential of Pichia pastoris X-33, cultivated in parboiled rice effluent supplemented with biodiesel glycerol or in standard medium Yeast Extract-Peptone-Dextrose (YPD). Forty-days-old female quails were divided into three treatments: T1 (Control) received a basal diet without P. pastoris; T2 (Pichia Effluent) received a basal diet supplemented with P. pastoris grown in parboiled rice effluent and biodiesel glycerol, and T3 (Pichia YPD) received a basal diet supplemented with P. pastoris produced in YPD. The birds were vaccinated against Newcastle Disease (NDV), Avian Infectious Bronchitis (IBV), and Gumboro Disease on days 1 and 28. The following parameters were analyzed: performance, egg quality, humoral immune response to the vaccines, organ weight, and intestinal morphometry. P. pastoris grown in YPD increased egg weight (p < 0.05). The lowest liver weight on day 14 was obtained in Pichia Effluent, whereas both P. pastoris supplemented groups had the lowest duodenum weights on day 14. Besides that, livers and duodenums presented no morphological changes in any of the three treatments. Supplementation of P. pastoris modulated the immune system of the birds, increasing anti-IBV, anti-NDV, and anti-Gumboro antibodies levels compared to the Control (p < 0.05). In conclusion, quail's immune response was improved by Pichia pastoris X-33, either it was grown in YPD or industrial residues, and the egg weight increased with Pichia pastoris X-33 grown in YPD, thereby demonstrating to be a promising probiotic for poultry.

The Probiotic Combination of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis CECT 7210 and Bifidobacterium animalis subsp. lactis BPL6 Reduces Pathogen Loads and Improves Gut Health of Weaned Piglets Orally Challenged with Salmonella Typhimurium.

Probiotics have been demonstrated to be useful to enhance gut health and prevent gastrointestinal infections in humans. Additionally, some multi-strain probiotic combinations have been suggested to have greater efficacy than single strains. The objective of this study is to demonstrate the potential of a combination of the probiotic strains: Bifidobacterium longum subsp. infantis CECT 7210 (brand name B. infantis IM1®) and B. animalis subsp. lactis BPL6 to enhance gut health and to ameliorate the outcome of a Salmonella challenge using a weaning piglet model. Seventy-two 28-day-old weanling piglets, 7.7 (±0.28) kg of body-weight, were distributed in a 2 × 2 factorial design; treated or not with the probiotic combination and challenged or not with the pathogen. Animals were orally challenged after an adaptation period (Day 8) with a single dose (5 × 108 cfu) of Salmonella Typhimurium. One animal per pen was euthanized on Day 12 (Day 4 post-inoculation [PI]) and Day 16 (Day 8 PI). All parameters responded to the challenge and 4 deaths were registered, indicating a severe but self-limiting challenge. Improvements registered in the challenged animals due to the probiotic were: increased voluntary feed-intake (P probiotic × challenge = 0.078), reduced fecal excretion of Salmonella (P = 0.028 at Day 1 PI and P < 0.10 at Days 3 and 5 PI), decreased rectal temperature (P probiotic × day = 0.048) and improvements in the villous:crypt ratio (P probiotic × challenge < 0.001). Moreover, general probiotic benefits were observed in both challenged and non-challenged groups: decreased diarrhea scores of the PI period (P = 0.014), improved fermentation profiles on Day 8 PI (increased ileal acetic acid [P = 0.008] and a tendency to lower colonic ammonia concentrations [P = 0.078]), stimulation of intestinal immune response by increasing villous intraepithelial lymphocytes (P = 0.015 on Day 8 PI) and an improved villous:crypt ratio (P = 0.011). In conclusion, the multi-strain probiotic had a positive effect on reducing pathogen loads and alleviating animals in a Salmonella challenge. In addition, enhanced gut health and immunity was recorded in all animals receiving the probiotic, indicating an improvement in the post-weaning outcome.

Blood parameters as biomarkers in a Salmonella spp. disease model of weaning piglets.

BACKGROUND: The weaning pig is used as an experimental model to assess the impact of diet on intestinal health. Blood parameters (BP) are considered a useful tool in humans, but there is very scarce information of such indicators in the weaning pig. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the use of different BP as indicators in an experimental model of salmonellosis. METHODOLOGY: Seventy-two 28-day-old piglets were divided into four groups in a 2x2 factorial arrangement, with animals receiving or not a probiotic combination based on B. infantis IM1® and B. lactis BPL6 (109 colony forming units (cfu)/d) and orally challenged or not a week later with Salmonella Typhimurium (5x108 cfu). Blood samples of one animal per pen (N = 24) were taken four days post-inoculation for the evaluation of different BP using an I-stat® System and of plasmatic concentrations of zinc, iron and copper. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Results reported marginal deficiencies of zinc in piglets at weaning. Moreover, plasmatic zinc, copper and iron presented good correlations with weight gain (r 0.57, r -0.67, r 0.54 respectively; P < 0.01). Blood electrolytes (Na+, Cl- and K+) decreased (P < 0.01) only when the performance of the animals was seriously compromised and clinical symptoms were more apparent. Acid-base balance parameters such as HCO3-, TCO2 and BEecf significantly correlated with weight gain, but only in the challenged animals (r -0.54, r -0.55, and r -0.51, respectively; P < 0.05), suggesting metabolic acidosis depending on Salmonella infection. Glucose was affected by the challenge (P = 0.040), while Htc and Hgb increased with the challenge and decreased with the probiotic (P < 0.05). Furthermore, correlations of Glu, Htc and Hgb with weight gain were observed (P < 0.05). Overall, BP could be regarded as simple, useful indexes to assess performance and health of weaning piglets.

Eimeria bateri Natural Infection: Oocysts Reductions in Grey Quail (Coturnix coturnix) Treated with Bacillus thuringensis var. israelensis

Abstract Coccidiosis, a disease caused by the parasitic Eimeria spp., affects birds of all ages, particularly young birds more intensely. Infected poultry presents significant economic losses. Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis (Bti) is a Gram-positive, spore-forming bacterium that produces proteins with high specific parasiticidal activity against various orders of parasites. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the parasiticidal potential of Bti in quails that were naturally infected with Eimeria bateri. Twenty 12-week-old male quails (Coturnix coturnix coturnix), naturally infected with Eimeria bateri, were randomly divided into two groups of 10 birds: Bti treated and control. The treated group was supplemented with Bti (1×108 spores∙g-1) in the feed, while; the control group received the same feed without Bti. To evaluate the occurrence of oocysts, samples of feces were collected every week for four weeks. Significant (P < 0.05) oocysts reductions of 56.64% and 94.51% were noted in the Bti treated group at 2nd and 4th week of study, respectively. The Bti supplementation may contribute to the reduction of oocysts in quails and environmental contamination. Bacillus thuringiensis var israelensis appeared to be a promising complementary alternative in E. bateri control.

Replacing soybean oil with increasing levels of soybean acid oil in diets of coturnix quails (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) and the effects on egg quality

ABSTRACT The effects of increasing levels of soybean acid oil in diets of quails on the quality of eggs were evaluated over a period of 56 days. A completely randomized design with five treatment levels of soybean acid oil (0, 2, 4, 6, and 8%) as a replacer for soybean oil and eight replicates of two quails each were used. A total of 240 fresh eggs were used for quality analysis, and 400 eggs were stored at 23ºC over a period of 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days for analysis of shelf-life. Polynomial regression and ANOVA with repeated measurements and Tukey´s tests were used. Soybean acid oil linearly increased the intensity of red (a* = -5.26 + 0.14 x, R2 = 0.89, P = 0.01) and yellow (b* = 42.32 + 0.44 x, R2 = 0.88 P = 0.01). All other variables of egg quality were not affected by the treatments, with the exception of sensory attributes, such as odor and aftertaste, which were more pronounced with soybean acid oil. In conclusion, soybean acid oil affects the intensity of yellow and red color of the yolk. Trained assessors detected differences in odor and aftertaste of eggs when soybean acid oil was included in the quail diet.

Brown rice, selenium yeast and alpha-tocopherol acetate in chickens diet: effects on meat quality / Arroz integral, seleno-levedura e acetato de alfa-tocoferol na dieta de frangos de corte: efeitos sobre a qualidade da carne

The effects of diet supplementation with ?-tocopherol acetate (VE) and selenium yeast (SeL) on the water holding capacity (WHC), cooking weight loss (CL), drip loss (DL), pH, colour and selenium concentration of the breast of chickens fed diets based on corn or brown rice were studied. From 21 days of age, a total of 200 birds were housed in 38 floor pens (experimental unit) in a randomised 23 factorial arrangement. The levels of supplementation were VE (0 and 200 mg/kg), organic selenium (0 and 0.3 ppm) and two diets (100% corn and 100% brown rice) in a total of eight treatments: T1) corn + 0 SeL + 0 VE (control); T2) corn + 200 mg/kg VE + 0 SeL; T3) corn + 0 VE + 0.3 ppm SeL; T4) corn + 200 mg/kg VE + 0.3 ppm SeL; T5) brown rice + 0 VE +0 SeL; T6) brown rice + 200 mg/kg VE + 0 SeL; T7) brown rice + 0 VE + 0.3 ppm SeL; T8) brown rice + 200 mg/kg VE + 0.3 ppm SeL. The concentration of selenium in the breast increased with VE supplementation in the diet (P 0.001). However, a positive interaction between VE and SeL on selenium concentration in the meat was found (P = 0.06). A better WHC with the inclusion of SeL and VE was found only in the rice-based diets. The replacement of corn by brown rice decreased (P 0.05) the yellowness of the meat. CL and DL were not significantly affected by the treatments. Broilers fed with SeL supplemented diets showed a higher pH in the breast than diets without supplementation. In conclusion, the interaction between VE and SeL increased selenium in meat but improved WHC only in rice-based diets. The replacement of corn by brown rice decreased the yellowness of chicken breast meat.(AU)

Foram estudados os efeitos da suplementação com acetato de alfa-tocoferol (VE) e seleno-levedura (SeL) Sel-Plex, Alltech® Inc, sobre o pH, a capacidade de retenção de água (CRA), perdas por cocção (PC), perdas por gotejamento (PG), cor do músculo e a concentração de selênio no peito de frangos alimentados com dietas a base de milho ou arroz. A partir de 21 dias de idade 200 frangos de corte Cobb foram alojados em 38 boxes (unidade experimental) num delineamento casualizado num arranjo fatorial 2x2x2 em que foram fixados os níveis de suplementação on top de VE (0 e 200 mg/kg), SeL (0 e 0,3 ppm) e dois ingredientes da dieta (100% milho e 100% arroz integral) totalizando oito tratamentos: T1) milho + 0SeL + 0VE (controle); T2) milho + 200mg/kg VE + 0SeL; T3) milho + 0VE + 0,3ppm SeL; T4) milho + 200mg/kg VE + 0,3ppm SeL; T5) arroz + 0VE +0SeL; T6) arroz + 200mg/kg VE + 0SeL; T7) arroz + 0VE + 0,3ppm SeL; T8) arroz + 200mg/kg VE + 0,3ppm SeL. A quantidade de selênio no peito foi maior (P 0,0001) com a inclusão de 200mg/kg de VE, em comparação com os demais tratamentos. Entretanto, observou-se uma interação positiva entre VE e SeL na dieta sobre a quantidade de selênio recuperada na carne (P = 0,06). Foi encontrada melhor CRA com a inclusão de SeL e VE em dietas a base de arroz. A substituição do milho por arroz nas dietas reduziu a cor amarela na carne (P 0,05). PC e PG não foram significativamente afetadas pelos tratamentos. O pH da carne do peito foi significativamente mais elevado nas aves recebendo dietas suplementadas de SeL. Em conclusão,a interação entre VE e SeL aumenta o selênio na carne, porém, melhorando a CRA somente em dietas a base de arroz. A substituição de milho por arroz integral reduz a intensidade da coloração amarela da carne do peito de frangos.(AU)

Canola oil and organic selenium in quail diets: fatty acid profile, cholesterol content and external egg quality / Óleo de canola e selênio orgânico na dieta de codornas: perfil de ácidos graxos, colesterol e qualidade de ovos

The effects of partial or total substitution of soybean oil (SO) with canola oil (CO) supplemented or not with organic selenium (SeO) in the diet of quails (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) on external egg quality, yolk cholesterol and fatty acid profile were studied. A total of 252 quails were fed throughout three 28- day periods with six treatments: Control, (SO); SO + 0.3 ppm SeO; canola Oil (CO); CO + 0.3 ppm SeO; SO (50%) + CO (50%); SO (50%) + CO (50%) + 0.3 ppm SeO. A completely randomized design was used and treatment means were compared by orthogonal contrasts and Duncans multiple range test with ? = 0.05. A significant, 4% increase in oleic acid levels in egg yolk was observed with canola oil supplementation, relative to the control and soybean oil treatments. SeO supplementation did not change the yolk fatty acid profile. Neither canola oil nor SeO supplementation affected yolk cholesterol. Egg weight was higher in birds fed CO supplemented with SeO compared with CO alone, but did not differ significantly from that of other treatments. In conclusion, the substitution of SO with CO in the quails diet changes the fatty acid profile of the yolk, and increases the concentration of oleic acid while decreasing that of linoleic acid without affecting other egg quality traits. Birds fed diets containing CO supplemented with 0.3 ppm SeO also show increased egg weight.(AU)

Foram estudados os efeitos da substituição parcial ou total do óleo de soja (SO) por óleo de canola (CO), suplementado ou não com selênio orgânico (SeO) na dieta de codornas (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) sobre o perfil de ácidos graxos, o colesterol na gema e a qualidade externa dos ovos. Um total de 252 codornas foram alimentadas durante três períodos de 28 dias cada, utilizando seis tratamentos: Controle (SO); SO + 0,3ppm SeO; Óleo de canola (CO); CO + 0,3ppm SeO; ½ SO + ½ CO; ½ SO + ½ CO + 0,3ppm SeO. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado e as médias dos tratamentos foram comparadas por contrastes ortogonais e teste de Duncan a 5%. Observou-se um aumento significativo de 4% nos níveis de ácido oleico na gema dos ovos com a suplementação de óleo de canola, em  comparação com os demais tratamentos. A suplementação de SeO não alterou o perfil de ácidos graxos da gema. Nem o óleo de canola nem a suplementação de SeO afetaram o colesterol da gema. O peso do ovo foi maior nas aves alimentadas com CO suplementado com 0,3ppm SeO comparado com CO não suplementado, mas não diferindo dos demais tratamentos. Conclui-se do experimento que a substituição de SO por CO na dieta das codornas muda o perfil de ácidos graxos na gema, aumenta a concentração de ácido oleico e diminui o ácido linoleico, sem afetar outras características de qualidade do ovo.(AU)

Phytate-phosphorus and phytase contents on the relative weight of organs, intestinal morphometry and performance of broilers / Teores de fósforo fítico e fitase sobre o peso relativo de órgãos, morfometria intestinal e desempenho de frangos de corte

ABSTRACT: In order to evaluate the efficiency of phytase in diets with low and high phytate phosphorus (PP) 0content, as a consequence of wheat bran inclusion, on the relative weight of organs, intestinal morphometry and performance, three hundred and eighty-four male Cobb500 broilers were housed in metabolic cages. Animals were assigned into four treatments in a 2x2 factorial scheme in a randomized block design with eight replicates of 12 birds each. From 11 days of age birds received experimental diets, which consisted of: Diet low in PP; Diet low in PP with phytase (500FTU kg-1); Diet with a high PP and Diet with a high PP with phytase (500FTU kg-1). At 22 and 32 days of age two birds were slaughtered in order to collect gizzard, heart, liver, cecum, cloacal bursa, and at 32 days, a portion of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum was collected for morphometric evaluation. From 22 to 32 days of age average feed intake, average weight gain, average body weight and feed conversion ratio were also evaluated. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, fixed effects of diet and phytase and interaction between factors as well as the random block effects were tested. There was no significant interaction for the variables studied, concluding that phytase in diets with low or high phytate phosphorus content did not change the relative weight of organs, intestinal morphometrics and performance; only isolated effects were observed.

RESUMO: Para avaliar a eficiência da fitase em dietas com baixo e alto teor de fósforo fítico (PP), em função da inclusão ou não do farelo de trigo, sobre o peso relativo de órgãos, morfometria intestinal e desempenho, foram alojados 384 frangos de corte, machos da linhagem Cobb500, em gaiolas metabólicas. Os animais foram distribuídos em quatro tratamentos em um arranjo fatorial 2x2 em delineamento de blocos casualizados com oito repetições e 12 aves por unidade experimental (UE). A partir de 11 dias de idade as aves receberam as dietas experimentais, que consistiram em: Dieta com baixo teor de PP; Dieta com baixo teor de PP com fitase (500FTU kg-1); Dieta com alto teor de PP e Dieta com alto teor de PP com fitase (500FTU kg-1). Aos 22 e 32 dias de idade foram abatidas duas aves por UE para coletar a moela, coração, fígado, ceco, bolsa cloacal, e aos 32 dias foi coletada uma porção do duodeno, jejuno e íleo para avaliação da morfometria. No período de 22 a 32 dias de idade foram avaliados o consumo médio de ração, ganho de peso médio, peso médio corporal e a conversão alimentar. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância, onde foram testados os efeitos fixos de dieta e fitase e a interação entre os fatores, bem como o efeito aleatório de bloco. Não foi observada interação significativa para nenhuma das variáveis estudadas, concluindo-se que a fitase em dietas com baixo ou alto de PP não altera o peso relativo dos órgãos, a morfometria intestinal e o desempenho, apenas efeitos isolados foram observados.

Phytate-phosphorus and phytase contents on the relative weight of organs, intestinal morphometry and performance of broilers / Teores de fósforo fítico e fitase sobre o peso relativo de órgãos, morfometria intestinal e desempenho de frangos de corte

In order to evaluate the efficiency of phytase in diets with low and high phytate phosphorus (PP) 0content, as a consequence of wheat bran inclusion, on the relative weight of organs, intestinal morphometry and performance, three hundred and eighty-four male Cobb500 broilers were housed in metabolic cages. Animals were assigned into four treatments in a 2x2 factorial scheme in a randomized block design with eight replicates of 12 birds each. From 11 days of age birds received experimental diets, which consisted of: Diet low in PP; Diet low in PP with phytase (500FTU kg-1); Diet with a high PP and Diet with a high PP with phytase (500FTU kg-1). At 22 and 32 days of age two birds were slaughtered in order to collect gizzard, heart, liver, cecum, cloacal bursa, and at 32 days, a portion of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum was collected for morphometric evaluation. From 22 to 32 days of age average feed intake, average weight gain, average body weight and feed conversion ratio were also evaluated. Data were subjected to analysis of variance, fixed effects of diet and phytase and interaction between factors as well as the random block effects were tested. There was no significant interaction for the variables studied, concluding that phytase in diets with low or high phytate phosphorus content did not change the relative weight of organs, intestinal morphometrics and performance; only isolated effects were observed.(AU)

Para avaliar a eficiência da fitase em dietas com baixo e alto teor de fósforo fítico (PP), em função da inclusão ou não do farelo de trigo, sobre o peso relativo de órgãos, morfometria intestinal e desempenho, foram alojados 384 frangos de corte, machos da linhagem Cobb500, em gaiolas metabólicas. Os animais foram distribuídos em quatro tratamentos em um arranjo fatorial 2x2 em delineamento de blocos casualizados com oito repetições e 12 aves por unidade experimental (UE). A partir de 11 dias de idade as aves receberam as dietas experimentais, que consistiram em: Dieta com baixo teor de PP; Dieta com baixo teor de PP com fitase (500FTU kg-1); Dieta com alto teor de PP e Dieta com alto teor de PP com fitase (500FTU kg-1). Aos 22 e 32 dias de idade foram abatidas duas aves por UE para coletar a moela, coração, fígado, ceco, bolsa cloacal, e aos 32 dias foi coletada uma porção do duodeno, jejuno e íleo para avaliação da morfometria. No período de 22 a 32 dias de idade foram avaliados o consumo médio de ração, ganho de peso médio, peso médio corporal e a conversão alimentar. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância, onde foram testados os efeitos fixos de dieta e fitase e a interação entre os fatores, bem como o efeito aleatório de bloco. Não foi observada interação significativa para nenhuma das variáveis estudadas, concluindo-se que a fitase em dietas com baixo ou alto de PP não altera o peso relativo dos órgãos, a morfometria intestinal e o desempenho, apenas efeitos isolados foram observados.(AU)

Performance, carcass characteristics and litter moisture in broilers housed at two densities / Desempenho, características de carcaça e umidade da cama em frangos de corte alojados em duas densidades

The effect of stocking density in broiler chickens (11.08 and 13.20 birds m-2), between 5 and 45 days of age, was assessed with regard to performance, cut yield, litter moisture and frequency of pododermatitis injuries. Further, 476 one-day chicks Cobb 500® were distributed in a completely randomized design at two densities (birds m- ²), with seven replications per treatment in 14 experimental units. Birds housed at a lower density (11.08) increased feed intake (p 0.05), without any effect on weight gain and feed conversion. Retail yields were not influenced (p > 0.05) by treatments. In the case of higher density (3.20) the litter showed higher moisture content (p 0.05) at 28 and 35 days of age. There was a higher occurrence of pododermatitis in birds housed at a density of 13.20 birds m-2. Results show that increased housing density from 11.08 to 13.20 birds m-2 does not affect growth performance, carcass yield and cuts. However, a housing density of 13.20 birds m-2 increased litter moisture and provided a higher occurrence of grade I pododermatitis.

Foi realizado um experimento para verificar o impacto da densidade de alojamento em frangos de corte (11,08 e 13,20 aves m-2) sobre o desempenho, rendimento de cortes, umidade da cama e frequência de lesões por pododermatite no período de cinco a 45 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 476 pintos da linhagem Cobb 500® com um dia de idade, distribuídos em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, empregando duas densidades (aves m-2) e sete repetições por tratamento, 14 unidades experimentais. Observou-se que as aves alojadas em menor densidade (11,08) apresentaram maior consumo de ração (p 0,05), porém, sem afetar o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar. O rendimento das partes não foi influenciado pelos tratamentos (p > 0,05). Foi verificado efeito significado (p 0,05) sobre a umidade da cama na maior densidade (3,20), apresentando maior umidade (p 0,05) aos 28 e aos 35 dias de idade das aves. Observou-se maior incidência por pododermatite em aves alojadas na maior densidade (3,20). Conclui-se que o aumento da densidade de alojamento de 11,08 para 13,20 aves m-2, não afeta o desempenho zootécnico, rendimento da carcaça e cortes. Porém, promoveu aumento na umidade na cama, assim como a maior incidência de pododermatite de grau 1 foi observada na densidade de 13,20 aves m-2.

Performance, carcass characteristics and litter moisture in broilers housed at two densities / Desempenho, características de carcaça e umidade da cama em frangos de corte alojados em duas densidades

The effect of stocking density in broiler chickens (11.08 and 13.20 birds m-2), between 5 and 45 days of age, was assessed with regard to performance, cut yield, litter moisture and frequency of pododermatitis injuries. Further, 476 one-day chicks Cobb 500® were distributed in a completely randomized design at two densities (birds m- ²), with seven replications per treatment in 14 experimental units. Birds housed at a lower density (11.08) increased feed intake (p 0.05), without any effect on weight gain and feed conversion. Retail yields were not influenced (p > 0.05) by treatments. In the case of higher density (3.20) the litter showed higher moisture content (p 0.05) at 28 and 35 days of age. There was a higher occurrence of pododermatitis in birds housed at a density of 13.20 birds m-2. Results show that increased housing density from 11.08 to 13.20 birds m-2 does not affect growth performance, carcass yield and cuts. However, a housing density of 13.20 birds m-2 increased litter moisture and provided a higher occurrence of grade I pododermatitis.(AU)

Foi realizado um experimento para verificar o impacto da densidade de alojamento em frangos de corte (11,08 e 13,20 aves m-2) sobre o desempenho, rendimento de cortes, umidade da cama e frequência de lesões por pododermatite no período de cinco a 45 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 476 pintos da linhagem Cobb 500® com um dia de idade, distribuídos em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, empregando duas densidades (aves m-2) e sete repetições por tratamento, 14 unidades experimentais. Observou-se que as aves alojadas em menor densidade (11,08) apresentaram maior consumo de ração (p 0,05), porém, sem afetar o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar. O rendimento das partes não foi influenciado pelos tratamentos (p > 0,05). Foi verificado efeito significado (p 0,05) sobre a umidade da cama na maior densidade (3,20), apresentando maior umidade (p 0,05) aos 28 e aos 35 dias de idade das aves. Observou-se maior incidência por pododermatite em aves alojadas na maior densidade (3,20). Conclui-se que o aumento da densidade de alojamento de 11,08 para 13,20 aves m-2, não afeta o desempenho zootécnico, rendimento da carcaça e cortes. Porém, promoveu aumento na umidade na cama, assim como a maior incidência de pododermatite de grau 1 foi observada na densidade de 13,20 aves m-2.(AU)

Milk production characteristics in southern Brazil / Características da produção de leite no sul do Brasil

This paper aimed to describe milk production in Southern Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, and to identify factors that affect milk quality at this region. The average age of regional dairy farmers is 49, and 67.9% has not concluded elementary school. Dairy farming is carried out on properties with an average of 26.06 hectares and 8.4 lactating cows. Most of them (32.83%) yield 50 to 100 L/day. Among the properties, 13.21% yield up to 30 L/day, and only 1.89% produces over 500 milk liters a day. Average yield was 6.8 L/day. Regarding to milking procedure, 39.3% farmers milk manually the animals, only 14.2% performed pre-milking teat disinfection, and 53.9% uses a single cloth to dry all animal teats. For infrastructure, 52.8% milks animals in wooden cowsheds. We observed that the average somatic cell count (SCC) was within legal parameters, presenting negative correlation with milk production (r = -0.23) and lactose content (r = -0.39). However, the total bacterial count (TBC) was above legal parameters. Education level seems to interfere in management and milk quality, because the less educated groups are, the less adequate are infrastructure, management, and product quality. Data show that there is a lower quality milk production where poor management techniques are adopted and owner education level affects milk quality.

Este trabalho teve como objetivo descrever a produção de leite no Sul do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, e identificar os fatores que afetam a qualidade do leite na região. A idade média dos produtores de leite da região é de 49 anos, e 67,9% não concluíram o ensino fundamental. A atividade leiteira é realizada em propriedades com média de 26,06 hectares e 8,4 vacas em lactação. A maioria dos produtores (32,83%) produz entre 50 a 100 litros de leite por dia. Entre as propriedades, 13,21% produz até 30 L/dia, e apenas 1.89% produz mais de 500 litros de leite por dia. A produtividade média foi de 6,8 L/vaca/dia. No que diz respeito ao procedimento de ordenha, 39,3% dos produtores de leite ordenha seus animais manualmente, apenas 14,2% realizam desinfecção dos tetos antes da ordenha, e 53,9% usa um único pano para secar todos os tetos dos animais. Com relação à infra-estrutura, 52,8% dos produtores ordenham seus animais em estábulos de madeira. Observou-se que a contagem média de células somáticas (CCS) ficou dentro dos parâmetros legais, apresentando correlação negativa com a produção de leite (r = -0,23) e teor de lactose (r = -0,39). No entanto, a contagem bacteriana total (CBT) ficou acima dos parâmetros legais. O nível de escolaridade parece interferir na adoção de técnicas adequadas de ordenha e, consequentemente, na qualidade do leite, porque os produtores menos instruídos trabalham em uma infra-estrutura mais precária e obtém um produto de menor qualidade. Os dados mostram que há produção de leite de menor qualidade em estabelecimentos onde o nível de escolaridade do proprietário é baixo e são adotadas técnicas inadequadas de manejo de ordenha. Portanto, a instrução do proprietário afeta a qualidade do leite.

Milk production characteristics in southern Brazil / Características da produção de leite no sul do Brasil

This paper aimed to describe milk production in Southern Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil, and to identify factors that affect milk quality at this region. The average age of regional dairy farmers is 49, and 67.9% has not concluded elementary school. Dairy farming is carried out on properties with an average of 26.06 hectares and 8.4 lactating cows. Most of them (32.83%) yield 50 to 100 L/day. Among the properties, 13.21% yield up to 30 L/day, and only 1.89% produces over 500 milk liters a day. Average yield was 6.8 L/day. Regarding to milking procedure, 39.3% farmers milk manually the animals, only 14.2% performed pre-milking teat disinfection, and 53.9% uses a single cloth to dry all animal teats. For infrastructure, 52.8% milks animals in wooden cowsheds. We observed that the average somatic cell count (SCC) was within legal parameters, presenting negative correlation with milk production (r = -0.23) and lactose content (r = -0.39). However, the total bacterial count (TBC) was above legal parameters. Education level seems to interfere in management and milk quality, because the less educated groups are, the less adequate are infrastructure, management, and product quality. Data show that there is a lower quality milk production where poor management techniques are adopted and owner education level affects milk quality.(AU)

Este trabalho teve como objetivo descrever a produção de leite no Sul do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil, e identificar os fatores que afetam a qualidade do leite na região. A idade média dos produtores de leite da região é de 49 anos, e 67,9% não concluíram o ensino fundamental. A atividade leiteira é realizada em propriedades com média de 26,06 hectares e 8,4 vacas em lactação. A maioria dos produtores (32,83%) produz entre 50 a 100 litros de leite por dia. Entre as propriedades, 13,21% produz até 30 L/dia, e apenas 1.89% produz mais de 500 litros de leite por dia. A produtividade média foi de 6,8 L/vaca/dia. No que diz respeito ao procedimento de ordenha, 39,3% dos produtores de leite ordenha seus animais manualmente, apenas 14,2% realizam desinfecção dos tetos antes da ordenha, e 53,9% usa um único pano para secar todos os tetos dos animais. Com relação à infra-estrutura, 52,8% dos produtores ordenham seus animais em estábulos de madeira. Observou-se que a contagem média de células somáticas (CCS) ficou dentro dos parâmetros legais, apresentando correlação negativa com a produção de leite (r = -0,23) e teor de lactose (r = -0,39). No entanto, a contagem bacteriana total (CBT) ficou acima dos parâmetros legais. O nível de escolaridade parece interferir na adoção de técnicas adequadas de ordenha e, consequentemente, na qualidade do leite, porque os produtores menos instruídos trabalham em uma infra-estrutura mais precária e obtém um produto de menor qualidade. Os dados mostram que há produção de leite de menor qualidade em estabelecimentos onde o nível de escolaridade do proprietário é baixo e são adotadas técnicas inadequadas de manejo de ordenha. Portanto, a instrução do proprietário afeta a qualidade do leite.(AU)

Handling milking as a risk factor in the occurrence of microorganisms in raw milk / Manejo de ordenha como fator de risco na ocorrência de microorganismos em leite cru

Milk is naturally a good provider of a whole range of nutrients, however an inadequate milking may significantly interfere on its nutritional and microbiological quality. The main purpose of this study was to isolate and identify microorganisms from bulk tanks of southern Rio Grande do Sul state, Brazil and establish a correlation between animal management and presence of pathogens in the milk. To this end, raw milk samples were collected from different dairy herds and submitted to microbiological analyses. Mean bacterial counts were Staphylococcus sp. (5,32x106 CFU/mL), S. aureus (1,33x105 CFU/mL) and enterobacteria (1,82x107 CFU/mL). The major pathogens isolated and their respective frequency were Escherichia coli (27.8%), Streptococcus agalactiae (6.2%), S. dysgalactiae (37.2%), S. uberis (16.8%), Candida sp. (15.7%), Aspergillus sp. (5.8%), Trichosporum sp. (3.6%) and Cryptococcus sp. (1.5%). In addition, it was identified an Odds Ratio of 3.2 for S. agalactiae regarding manual milking and 3.1 when a single cloth towel was used for drying the udder. For S. bovis the Odds Ratio was 2.8 in properties milking their animals in stalls wood. Somatic cell count (SCC) was significantly higher (p=0,003) in milk samples manually extracted in comparison with machine milking. Likewise, manual milking resulted in the increase in S. aureus counts (p=0.04). Pre-dipping practice have contributed fora significant reduction (p=0.04) in the Staphylococcus sp. counts. Taken together, our results show thatthe adoption of poor management practices can negatively interfere in the microbiological quality ofmilk increasing the risks of occurrence of pathogens and their counts.(AU)

O leite é um alimento natural e rico em nutrientes, porém a forma como muitas vezes é obtido interfere na sua qualidade microbiológica e nutricional. E a qualidade dos produtos é uma exigência cada vez maior do mercado consumidor. Assim, objetivou-se identificar micro-organismos presentes no leite de tanques resfriadores, na região sul do Rio Grande do Sul, e estabelecer uma correlação entre o manejo dos animais e sua presença no tanque. Foram coletadas amostras de leite em propriedades de seis municípios e realizadas análises microbiológicas para identificação microbiana. As médias das contagens foram: Staphylococcus sp. 5,32x106 UFC/mL, S. aureus 1,33x105 UFC/mL, enterobactérias 1,82x107 UFC/ mL. Houve presença de Escherichia coli (27,8% das propriedades), Streptococcus agalactiae (6,2%), S. dysgalactiae (37,2%), S. uberis (16,8%), Candida sp. (15,7%), Aspergillus sp. (5,8%), Trichosporum sp. (3,6%) e Cryptococcus sp. (1,5%). Identificou-se uma Odds Ratio de 3,2 para S. agalactiae com relação à ordenha manual e de 3,1 quando um único pano era usado para secagem dos tetos. Para S. dysgalactiae houve 55,8% de probabilidade da ocorrência em caso de não secagem dos tetos. Para S. bovis, uma Odds Ratio de 2,8 em propriedades que ordenham seus animais em estábulos de madeira. Houve aumento significativo (p=0,003) na contagem de células somáticas (CCS) de propriedades que realizam ordenha manual em relação àquelas mecanizadas. A ordenha manual aumentou as contagens deS. aureus (p=0,04). A realização de pré-dipping contribuiu para a redução da contagem de Staphylococcussp. e houve diferença significativa em relação ao grupo que não realizava esta prática (p=0,04). Conclui-seque as técnicas de manejo mais precárias influenciam negativamente na qualidade microbiológica do leite,aumentando os riscos de ocorrência de agentes infecciosos e elevando as contagens de micro-organismos.(AU)