Resumo O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito da inclusão de extrato de própolis na digestibilidade e na palatabilidade de dietas para cães. Foram realizados dois experimentos, sendo o primeiro constituído por um ensaio de digestibilidade, com a inclusão de diferentes extratos de própolis (FT0,55, FT0,59, FT2,59, FT2,11). Com base nos resultados do primeiro ensaio, foi definido o extrato FT0,59 a ser utilizado nos demais experimentos, misturado em crescentes níveis à dieta, resultando em outras concentrações de apiginina. Ambos os ensaios de digestibilidade utilizaram dez cães da raça Beagles, os quais foram alojados em gaiolas metabólicas. A palatabilidade foi avaliada pela preferência alimentar e pela primeira escolha, sendo utilizados 20 cães de quatro diferentes raças. No primeiro ensaio de digestibilidade, somente a inclusão do extrato de própolis FT2,11 diminuiu o valor do coeficiente de digestibilidade aparente (CDA) da matéria seca (MS). Já no segundo ensaio, a inclusão crescente do extrato de própolis FT0,79 melhorou linearmente os CDA da proteína bruta (PB), extrato etéreo em hidrólise ácida (EEA), extrativos não nitrogenados (ENN), MS e energia metabolizável (EM) das dietas. A inclusão de extrato de própolis favoreceu a palatabilidade da dieta. Os flavonoides podem ser adicionados na dieta de cães como nutracêuticos em concentrações menores do que 2,11mg/kg de MS da dieta, sem alterar a digestibilidade.

Abstract The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of inclusion of propolis extract digestibility and palatability. Two experiments were conducted, the first consisting of a digestibility trial with the inclusion of different propolis extracts (FT0,55, FT0,59, FT2,59, FT2,11). Based on the results of the first test, the extract being used in the other experiments, so the chosen FT0,59 extract was mixed in increasing levels in diets resulting in different apiginin concentrations. the diet was defined. Both digestibility assays beagle dogs 10, which were housed in metabolic cages were used. Palatability was assessed by food preference and first choice, 20 dogs of different breeds being used. In the first digestibility trial, only the inclusion of propolis extract FT2,11 decreased the value of the apparent digestibility coefficient (ADC) of dry matter (DM). In the second trial, increasing inclusion of propolis extract FT0,59 linearly improved the ADC of crude protein (CP), ether extract in acid hydrolysis (EEA), nitrogen free extract (NFE), MS and metabolizable energy (ME) of the diets. The inclusion of propolis extract favored the palatability of the diet. Flavonoids can be added in the diet of dogs as nutraceuticals in concentrations lower than 2.11mg/kg of DM of the diet without altering digestibility.

Dois experimentos foram realizados com o objetivo de determinar a influência da relação treonina:lisina (Thr:Lys) sobre a exigência de lisina (Lys) digestível em dietas com baixa PB para frangos de corte na fase de crescimento. No primeiro experimento, foram utilizados 480 frangos de corte, machos da linhagem Cobb 500, distribuídos em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com quatro relações de Thr:Lys (57,0; 60,5; 64,0 e 67,5%) e cinco repetições com 24 aves cada. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas no ganho de peso, consumo de ração, umidade de cama e rendimento de carcaça e de cortes. Entretanto, a conversão alimentar piorou conforme a relação Thr:Lys aumentou na dieta. No segundo experimento, foram utilizados 400 frangos de corte distribuídos em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com quatro níveis de Lys digestível (1,005; 1,045; 1,085 e 1,125%) e quatro repetições com 25 aves cada. Não foram observadas diferenças significativas no desempenho, umidade de cama e rendimento de carcaça e de cortes. O nível de Lys de 1,005% e a relação de Thr:Lys de 57% foi suficiente para maximizar o desempenho e o rendimento de carcaça de frangos de corte na fase de crescimento alimentados com dietas baixas em PB.

Two experiments were performed to determine the influence of threonine-lysine (Thr:Lys) ratio on requirements of digestible lysine (Lys) in low crude protein diets for broilers in the growth phase. In the first experiment, a total of 480 Cobb 500 male broilers were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with four dietary Thr:Lys ratio (57.0; 60.5; 64.0 and 67.5%) and with five replicates of 24 birds each. No significant differences were reported in weight gain, feed intake, poultry manure humidity, carcass and meat yields. However, the feed conversion was increased linearly as dietary Thr:Lys ratio was increased. In the second experiment, a total of 400 Cobb 500 male broilers were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with four digestible Lys levels (1.005, 1.045, 1.085 and 1.125%), and with four replicates of 25 birds each. No significant differences were reported in performance, poultry litter humidity and carcass and meat yields. Lys levels of 1.005% and Thr:Lys at 57% were sufficient to maximize the performance and carcass yield of broilers during the growth phase when fed on low crude protein diets.

Two experiments were carried out to evaluate, respectively, nitrogen balance (NB) and the productive performance of 31-to-50-day-old rabbits subjected to different levels of lysine and methionine+cystine (met+cys). Seventy-five animals were randomly distributed in 5 × 3 blocks (five levels of lysine: 5.5, 6.5, 7.5, 8.5 and 9.5 g/kg combined with three levels of met+cys: 5.0, 6.0 and 7.0 g/kg), with 15 treatments and five replications for the NB assay. The assay lasted 14 days: 10 days for acclimatization and four days for feces and urine collection. Increasing met+cys levels had a quadratic effect on the nitrogen excreted in urine (NU): the lowest excretion was found at the dietary level of 5.9 g/kg met+cys. Increasing lysine levels also affected NU and nitrogen retained daily (NR): the lowest NU was obtained at the dietary level of 7.28 g/kg lysine, and maximum NR was found at 7.24 g/kg lysine. Increases in met+cys levels in the diets affected neither performance nor carcass characteristics of rabbits up to 50 days of age. On the other hand, body weight at 50 days, daily weight gain and feed conversion of rabbits slaughtered at 50 days had a quadratic effect as the lysine levels increased. The best results were found at 7.5, 7.38 and 7.36 g/kg lysine. Lysine and met+cys levels of 7.4 and 5.0 g/kg in the diet are recommended for 31-to-50-day-old rabbits.

Conduziram-se experimentos para determinar a digestibilidade da polpa cítrica desidratada (PCD) e avaliá-la na alimentação de coelhos. Para o ensaio de digestibilidade utilizaram-se 30 coelhos recebendo duas dietas: uma referência e outra com substituição de 20% da primeira por PCD. O ensaio teve duração de dez dias para adaptação mais quatro para coleta de fezes. Os coeficientes de digestibilidade e os nutrientes digestíveis para MS, PB, FDN, FDA e EB da PCD foram respectivamente: 83,75 e 76,04%; 70,12 e 5,03%; 40,14 e 9,52%; 68,98 e 15,09%; e 81,48% e 3394 kcalED kg-1 MS. Para o desempenho utilizaram-se 120 coelhos recebendo dietas com diferentes níveis de PCD (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 e 100%) substituindo o milho. Observou-se redução linear (p < 0,01) para o consumo de ração e ganho de peso diário, peso vivo aos 50 e 70 dias e rendimento de carcaça com o aumento gradativo de PCD. Efeitos quadráticos (p < 0,01) sobre a conversão alimentar dos 32 aos 50 e 32 aos 70 dias de idade provocaram melhores valores com 42,74 e 44,40% de PCD, respectivamente. PCD a 20% não afetou (p > 0,05) nenhuma característica de desempenho quando comparada à dieta controle. Conclui-se: a PCD pode substituir o milho até 20% nas dietas de coelhos.

Several experiments were conducted to determine the digestibility of dehydrated citrus pulp (DCP) and evaluate its effect on rabbit feed. Digestibility assay comprised 30 rabbits fed on two diets: a reference diet and a diet in which 20% consisted of DCP. The digestibility assay comprised 10 days for adaptation and four days for feces collection. The digestibility coefficient and digestible nutrient rates for DM, CP, NDF, ADF, and CE of DCP were respectively 83.75 and 76.04%; 70.12 and 5.03%; 40.14 and 9.52%; 68.98 and 15.09%; and 81.48% and 3394 kcalDE kg-1 DM. Performance assay consisted of 120 growing rabbits receiving diets with six DCP levels (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%) to replace corn. Linear decrease (p < 0.01) in daily feed intake and weight gain, live weight after 50 and 70 days and carcass yield with gradual DCP increase, were reported. Quadratic effect (p < 0.01) on the feed conversion from 32 to 50 and from 32 to 70 days old produced better DCP rates, respectively 42.74% and 44.40%. DCP 20% failed to affect (p > 0.05) any performance characteristic when compared to that in control. Results show that DCP in the rabbit's diet may replace up to 20% of corn.

Two experiments were carried out in order to estimate the nutritional value and the performance of growing rabbits fed different levels of pearl millet (ADR 7010). In the digestibility trial, nutritional values of pearl millet were determined in 22 45-day-old New Zealand White rabbits, allotted in a completely randomized design, subjected to two treatments - a reference diet and a test diet with 70% of its volume composed of reference diet and 30% of pearl millet - and 11 replications. The apparent digestibility values of dry matter, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber and gross energy of the pearl millet were 88.7, 85.4, 24.4 and 75.0%, respectively. In the performance trial, 120 32-day-old New Zealand White rabbits were used. Rabbits were allotted in a completely randomized design and subjected to six treatments, with 10 replications and two animals for each experimental unit. The diets were formulated with increasing levels of pearl millet (20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%), substituting the corn in the reference diet, according to the digestible energy. No differences were observed in daily feed intake, daily weight gain, feed conversion, carcass traits and feed cost per kilogram of rabbit. Regardless of the amount of corn substituted, pearl can replace corn in diets for growing rabbits.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the digestibility of the nutrients of simplified and semi-simplified diets, with and without inclusion of exogenous enzymes and to determine the nutritional value of the fibrous sources. The tested feedstuffs were: alfalfa hay, hay from the upper third of the cassava foliage and cassava leaf meal, using a completely randomized design with 11 diets and 8 repetitions. The treatments were constituted of 1 reference diet, 2 simplified diets and 8 semi-simplified diets (4 enzymatic inclusion). The enzymes used were carbohydrases (alpha-galactosidase, galactomanose, xylanase and beta glucanase) and phytase. It was observed that the digestibility of the nutrients of the diets was influenced by the type of feed studied. Semi-simplified diets presented coefficients inferior to the reference diet and superior to the simplified diets. Exogenous enzymes promoted improvements in the digestibility of the dry matter (DM), organic matter, crude protein and gross energy. It was also observed that great part of the crude protein of the cassava leaf meal complexed, which depreciated the digestibility of diets with high inclusion of this ingredient. The nutritional value of fibrous sources was 1822.7 kcal digestible energy - DE/kgDM and 122,6 g digestible protein - DP/kg DM, for the hay from the upper third of the cassava foliage; 2232.5 kcalDE/kgDM and 155.4 gDP/kgDM for alfalfa hay and 1888.9 kcalDE/kgDM and 73.6 gDP/kgDM for the cassava leaf meal. With the exception of diets with elevated inclusion of cassava leaf meal, the semi-simplified diets presented satisfactory coefficients of digestibility improved by the enzymatic inclusion.

The objectives of this study were to determine the chemical composition of vegetable and mixed crude glycerin and digestible energy to and evaluate different inclusion levels in rabbit feeding. A total of 108 rabbits were used in the digestibility assay, assigned in a completely randomized design into nine treatments, one reference diet plus eight test diets, where the glycerin types were included at levels of 4, 8, 12 and 16%, replacing the reference diet roughage. In the performance assay, 180 rabbits were assigned to a completely randomized design into a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement (two types of glycerin and four levels of inclusion: 3, 6, 9 and 12%) plus a reference diet and ten replications. The vegetable and mixed crude glycerin showed digestible energy of 5,099 and 4,953 kcal/kg of dry matter, respectively. Although feed intake decreased linearly with the growing inclusion of both kinds of glycerin during both evaluated periods (from 32 to 50 and 32 to 70 days), performance losses occurred only with the inclusion of vegetable crude glycerin. The inclusion of mixed crude glycerin up to 12% allowed similar animal performance to the reference diet up to 50 days, unlike vegetable crude glycerin, for which inclusions over 6% in the diet resulted in poorer performance compared with that obtained with the reference diet. In the total period, differences were not observed for live weight or weight gain of the animals fed both glycerin types. Carcass weight decreased linearly with the inclusion of both glycerin types, with lower values compared with the reference diet only for the two highest levels of glycerin inclusion. Mixed crude glycerin can be included up to the maximum level studied (12%), while vegetable glycerin can be added up to 6% in the diet of growing rabbits.

Este experimento foi realizado para estimar a exigência de energia metabolizável (EM) para codornas de corte de 1 a 14 dias de idade. Foram utilizadas 1.140 aves com 1 dia de idade, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos (2.750; 2.850; 2.950; 3.050 e 3.150 kcal de EM/kg de ração), seis repetições e 38 aves por unidade experimental. Observou-se redução linear dos níveis de energia no peso corporal, consumo de ração e ganho de peso das aves. A conversão alimentar foi influenciada de forma quadrática, com melhor estimativa obtida com 2.997 kcal de EM/kg de ração. Enquanto o teor de proteína bruta não sofreu diferença, o teor de água diminuiu e o de extrato etéreo aumentou de forma linear com os níveis crescentes de EM. Os níveis de EM tiveram efeito quadrático sobre a taxa de deposição de proteína e eficiência de deposição de proteína nos cortes. A exigência de EM de codornas de corte na fase inicial de crescimento é de 2.997 kcal de EM/kg, que corresponde à relação energia metabolizável:proteína bruta de 108,9.

This experiment was carried out to estimate the metabolizable energy (ME) requirements for meat quails from 1 to 14 days of age. A total of 1,140 1-day old meat quails were distributed in a completely randomized design, with five treatments (2,750; 2,850; 2,950; 3,050 and 3,150 kcal of ME/kg), six replications and 38 quails per experimental unit. There was linear reduction of energy levels in body weight, feed intake and weight gain of birds. The feed conversion ratio showed a quadratic effect, with the best estimate obtained with 2,997 kcal of ME/kg. Whereas crude protein content did not differ, water content decreased and ether extract increased linearly with the increasing levels of ME. The ME levels showed a quadratic effect on daily protein accretion rate and daily protein accretion efficiency. The ME requirements for meat quail in the initial growing stage is 2,997 kcal/kg, corresponding to a metabolizable energy/crude protein relation of 108.9.

A total of 70 five-month-old female New Zealand White rabbits were assigned in a completely randomized design, over three reproductive cycles, with two treatments: a reference diet and a half-simplified diet containing 79.83% cassava byproduct. The study evaluated body weight and feed intake of does, feed cost, number and total body weight of kits at kindling and weaning per female during three cycles, number and percentage of mortality/female/cycle, and weight gain of kits from birth to weaning. No interaction was observed between the diets and among the reproductive cycles for any evaluated characteristics. The body weight of does at the moment of weaning was similar in both groups for all three reproductive cycles. However, does fed the half-simplified diet had lower feed intake during the three reproductive cycles and, consequently, more reproductive flaws. The number of kits at weaning, body weight of kits at kindling and weaning, weight gain of kits from birth to weaning, and total body weight of kits at weaning were lower for the group of does fed the half-simplified diet and, consequently, there was a higher number and percentage of dead kits in this group. The total numbers of kits at kindling and weaning and total body weight of kits at birth during all three reproductive cycles were similar between the groups; however, total body weight of weaning rabbits was higher for the animals receiving the reference diet. It is possible to conclude that although the use of the half-simplified diet decreases the reproductive performance of does, it reduces feed cost per kg of body weight by 23.63% compared with the reference diet, proving to be a viable nutritional option for rabbit production.

Foram conduzidos dois experimentos com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos da suplementação enzimática das rações à base de milho e farelo de soja sobre o desempenho e metabolizabilidade dos nutrientes em codornas de corte. Os tratamentos foram: controle positivo para atendimento das exigências; controle positivo suplementado com complexo enzimático e controles negativos suplementados reduzidos em 2 e 4% nos teores de energia metabolizável e aminoácidos. Na fase inicial, observou-se aumento no consumo de ração (p < 0,05) no tratamento controle negativo reduzido em 4% na energia metabolizável e aminoácidos em comparação aos tratamentos controle positivos. Na fase de crescimento o consumo de ração, conversão alimentar e rendimento de carcaça não diferiram (p > 0,05). Conclui-se que o complexo enzimático pode ser utilizado em dietas reduzidas em energia metabolizável e aminoácidos sem prejudicar o desempenho de codornas de corte. No ensaio de metabolismo, não foram observadas diferenças (p > 0,05) entre os tratamentos para os coeficientes de metabolização das matérias seca e orgânica, proteína bruta e energia bruta. O coeficiente de metabolização da FDN melhorou (p < 0,05) com a adição de enzimas.

Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of enzyme supplementation (xylanase + β-glucanase) of diets based on corn and soybean meal on: performance in initial (1-14 days) and growing (15-35 days) phases, and nutrient metabolization of meat-type quails. The treatments were: positive control to meet the nutritional requirements of the specie; positive control supplemented with enzyme complex; and negative controls with two reduced supplementation levels of metabolizable energy and amino acids (by 2% and 4%). In the initial phase, the negative control treatment reduced by 4% of metabolizable energy and amino acids increased feed intake (p < 0.05), compared to positive controls. In the growing phase, there were no differences (p > 0.05) in feed intake, feed conversion ratio and carcass traits. In conclusion, this supplementation can be used successfully in diets with reduced metabolizable energy and amino acid contents for meat-type quails. In the metabolism trial, there were no differences (p > 0.05) in metabolizable coefficients of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein and gross energy among treatments. The metabolization coefficient of NDF improved (p < 0.05) with enzyme supplementation.

Dois experimentos foram realizados para determinar o valor nutritivo da silagem de grãos úmidos de milho (SGUM) e avaliar os efeitos da substituição gradativa do milho seco das rações pela SGUM sobre o desempenho e características quantitativas de carcaça de coelhos, no período de 36 a 70 dias de idade. No ensaio de digestibilidade, foram utilizados 22 coelhos da raça Nova Zelândia Branco, com 50 dias de idade, alojados individualmente em gaiolas de metabolismo, em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com dois tratamentos e 11 repetições. Os valores da matéria seca digestível, proteína bruta digestível, energia bruta digestível, fibra em detergente neutro digestível, fibra em detergente ácido digestível e amido digestível da SGUM foram, respectivamente, 94,42%; 7,94%; 3973kcal kg-1, 6,74%; 2,61% e 68,73%. No experimento de desempenho, foram utilizados 110 coelhos, distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos, 11 repetições e dois animais por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos consistiram de uma dieta referência e outras quatro com 25, 50, 75 e 100% de substituição do milho pela SGUM, com base na matéria seca do milho incluído na dieta referência. Não foram observadas diferenças entre os tratamentos no desempenho, tanto no período de 36 a 50 dias como no período total do experimento, de 36 a 70 dias de idade. Nenhuma diferença foi observada no peso e rendimento de carcaça entre os tratamentos. Diante dos resultados, a SGUM substitui eficientemente o milho seco em dietas para coelhos.

Digestibility and performance experiments were carried out to evaluate the nutrients digestibility coefficients of high moisture corn silage (HMCS) and the gradative replacing (0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%) of dry grain corn by HMCS on performance and carcass yield of growing rabbits from 36 to 70 days old. In the digestibility experiment 22 rabbits were used allocated on a completely randomized design, with two treatments and 11 replicates. The values of digestible dry matter, digestible crude protein, digestible crude energy, digestible neutral fiber detergent, digestible acid fiber detergent and digestible starch were, respectively, 94.42%; 7.94%; 3973kcal kg-1; 6.74%; 2.61% and 68.73%. In the performance experiment, 110 rabbits were allocated on a completely randomized design, with five treatments, 11 replications and two rabbits per experimental unit. The HMCS replaced the dry grain corn in levels of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100%, on dry matter basis. No differences were observed on performance in the period from 36 to 50 and the period from 36 to 70 days old. No difference was observed also on weight and carcass yield. The results showed that the HMCS replaces efficiently the dry grain corn in rabbit diets.

O objetivo neste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho e os parâmetros ósseos de frangos de corte alimentados com rações contendo diferentes níveis de óleo de linhaça no período de 1 a 42 dias de idade. Nas fases inicial e de crescimento (1 a 21 dias e 22 a 42 dias, respectivamente), foi adotado delineamento inteiramente casualizado com 4 níveis de óleo de linhaça (2,0; 3,5; 5,0 ou 6,5%), 6 repetições e 50 aves/unidade experimental. Os níveis de óleo de linhaça tiveram efeito linear crescente sobre o diâmetro e o peso absoluto da tíbia, mas não influenciaram o peso do fêmur. Os dados revelaram interação idade e nível de óleo de linhaça para o índice de Seedor, comprovando que os efeitos positivos e negativos dos maiores níveis de óleo de linhaça observados para o fêmur e a tíbia, respectivamente, aumentaram no final da fase de crescimento. Os parâmetros de crescimento e qualidade do fêmur e da tíbia apresentaram comportamento cúbico, decorrente da idade. Os níveis de óleo de linhaça e a idade tiveram efeito quadrático sobre o peso das cinzas do fêmur. A concentração de cinzas foi positivamente influenciada pelos níveis de óleo de linhaça nas rações, contudo, os melhores resultados foram evidenciados a partir dos 28 dias. A resistência óssea não foi influenciada pela ingestão de óleo de linhaça, mas sofreu efeito cúbico da idade. Verificou-se interação significativa idade × nível de óleo de linhaça para a densidade mineral óssea, e que os melhores efeitos do óleo ocorrem na fase inicial de criação das aves. Rações contendo 6,5% de óleo de linhaça são benéficas para o crescimento e a mineralização dos ossos longos de frangos de corte.

This study aimed to evaluate the performance and bone parameters of broiler chickens fed on diets with different linseed oil (LO) levels from 1 to 42 days of age. At the initial and growing phases (1 to 21 days and 22 to 42 days of age, respectively) a completely randomized design was used with four linseed oil levels (2.0, 3.5, 5.0 or 6.5%), six replicates and 50 birds per experimental unit. The birds were fed diets with different linseed oil levels (2.0; 3.5; 5.0 and 6.5%). A linear effect of linseed oil was observed on tibia absolute diameter and weight but the femur was not influenced by linseed oil inclusion in the diet. Data revealed significant interaction between age and linseed oil levels for the Seedor index, demonstrating that the positive and negative effects of the highest linseed oil levels observed for femur and tibia, respectively, increased at the end of the growth phase. The femur and tibia growth and quality parameters presented cubic performance in function of age. The inclusion of linseed oil and age showed a quadratic effect on the femur ash weight. The ash concentration was positively influenced by the levels of linseed oil in the diets but the best results were shown after 28 days. The bone strength was not influenced by the different linseed oil levels, but showed cubic performance in function of age. However, there was significant age × linseed oil level interaction for bone mineral density, so that the best results with linseed oil addition were observed at the initial rearing stage of the birds. It was concluded that diets with 6.5% linseed oil are beneficial to growth and mineralization of long bones in broiler chickens.

Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar o efeito de quatro níveis dietéticos de vitamina K (vit. K) sobre o desempenho e a qualidade de ovos e ossos de poedeiras leves na fase final de postura. Foram utilizadas 192 poedeiras comerciais com 67 semanas de idade, distribuídas em delineamento casualizado, com quatro níveis de vitamina K (0, 2, 8, 32 mg/kg), seis repetições e oito aves por unidade experimental. As rações eram isoprotéicas (15,5% de proteína bruta), isoenergéticas (2.790 kcal de energia metabolizável/kg), isocálcicas (4,25% cálcio) e isofosfóricas (0,40% fósforo disponível) e foram formuladas à base de milho e farelo de soja. A suplementação de vitamina K não alterou a massa de ovos, o consumo de ração, a conversão alimentar (kg/kg), a resistência óssea a quebra, a gravidade específica do ovo, o peso da casca, o percentual de ovos de casca fina e quebradas e a espessura da casca. Houve efeito linear dos níveis de vitamina K sobre o peso do ovo, a taxa de postura e a conversão alimentar (kg/dz) e efeito quadrático sobre o teor de cinzas ósseas. A inclusão de vitamina K influenciou o desempenho produtivo e a mineralização óssea, mas não influenciou a qualidade da casca dos ovos. A ausência de resposta da qualidade da casca à suplementação de vitamina K pode estar relacionada à idade das poedeiras.

The effect of four levels of dietary vitamin K (vit. K) on production, egg quality and bone structure of laying hens near the end of the production cycle were studied. A total of 192 Hy-Line, W-36 hens, 67 weeks of age, were distributed into a completely randomized design with four treatments (0, 2, 8, 32 mg vit. K/kg of diet), six replicates and eight birds per experimental unit. Corn-soybean-meal basal diets were isonitrogenous (15.5% crude protein), isoenergetic (2,790 kcal ME/kg), isocalcium (4.25% Ca) and isophosphorus (0.40% available P). Vitamin K supplementation did not alter egg mass, feed intake, feed conversion (kg/kg), bone breaking strength, specific egg gravity, eggshell weight, thickness and percentage of thin and cracked shell. A linear effect on egg weight, laying percent, and feed conversion (kg/dozen) was observed, as well as a quadratic effect on the ash bone content. In conclusion, the inclusion of increasing levels of vitamin K to the diet influenced performance and bone mineralization, but not eggshell quality. The lack of consistency in the efficiency of supplemental vitamin K on eggshell quality may be due to the age of hens.

Dois experimentos foram conduzidos para avaliar a digestibilidade da matéria seca, proteína bruta e energia bruta e o desempenho de coelhos alimentados com dietas simplificadas, à base de forragem. No ensaio de digestibilidade, foram utilizados 45 coelhos Nova Zelândia brancos com 1.550 kg de peso inicial e 50 dias de idade distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com 3 dietas e 15 repetições. Foram utilizadas uma dieta-referência e duas dietas simplificadas (uma contendo feno de alfafa e outra contendo feno do terço superior da rama de mandioca). Os coeficientes de digestibilidade da matéria seca, proteína bruta e energia bruta foram de 50,06; 73,29; e 50,59% para a dieta contendo feno de alfafa e de 29,64; 46,96; e 24,52% para dieta simplificada contendo feno de rama de mandioca. No experimento de desempenho, foram utilizados 90 coelhos Nova Zelândia brancos no período de 35 a 70 dias de idade distribuídos em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado com as três dietas especificadas e 30 repetições. Os resultados obtidos com as dietas simplificadas no período total do experimento (35 a 70 dias) foram inferiores aos obtidos com a dieta-referência, contudo, mais estudos devem ser realizados com dietas simplificadas com o objetivo de se obter máximo aproveitamento da utilização de forragens para o animal.

Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the dry matter, crude protein and gross energy digestibilities and the performance of rabbits fed simplified diets based on forages. In digestibility assay, 45 New Zealand white rabbits with 1,550 kg of initial weight and 50 days old were distributed to a completely randomized design with 3 diets and 15 replications. Three diets were used: a reference-diet and two simplified diets (one with alfalfa hay and other with upper third part of foliage cassava hay). Coefficients of digestibility of dry matter, crude protein and gross energy were 50.06, 73.29 and 50.59% for the diet with alfalfa hay and 29.64, 46.96 and 24.52% for simplified diet with upper third part of foliage cassava hay. In performance experiment, 90 New Zealand white rabbits from 35 to 70 days old were distributed to a completely randomized design with three diets, above specified, and 30 replications. The results obtained with simplified diets in the total experimental period of (35 to 70 days) were lower than those obtained with the reference-diet; however, more studies should be conducted with simplified diets to obtain maximum incorporation use of forages for the animal.

Dois experimentos foram conduzidos com o objetivo de avaliar a utilização da raspa integral de mandioca (RIM) para coelhos em crescimento. No ensaio de digestibilidade, foram utilizados 22 coelhos com 50 dias de idade, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com dois tratamentos e 11 repetições. Foram utilizadas duas rações, uma ração-referência e uma teste, na qual a RIM substituiu 25% da MS da ração-referência. Os teores digestíveis de MS, PB, FDN, FDA, energia e amido (% MS) foram, respectivamente, de 83,84; 1,89; 8,34 e 3,31%; 3.447 kcal/kg e 55,35%. No ensaio de desempenho, foram utilizados 180 coelhos no período de 35 a 70 dias de idade. Os coelhos foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com seis tratamentos (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 e 100% de RIM em substituição à energia digestível do milho) e 15 repetições de dois animais por unidade experimental. No período de 35 a 50 dias de idade, houve efeito quadrático do fornecimento de RIM na dieta sobre a conversão alimentar. No período de 35 a 70 dias de idade, houve também efeito quadrático sobre o PV aos 70 dias, o ganho de peso diário, a conversão alimentar e o custo de ração/kg de ganho de PV. Efeito quadrático também foi observado para o peso da carcaça. Nos períodos de 35 a 50 e de 35 a 70 dias de idade, a conversão alimentar dos animais alimentados com as dietas com 20 e 100% de substituição do milho pela raspa de mandioca foi melhor em comparação à dos demais animais. A raspa integral de mandioca pode ser incorporada a rações para coelhos em crescimento em até 27,32% em substituição a 100% da energia digestível do milho.

Two experiments were carried out with the objective to evaluate the use of cassava root scrapings (CRS) for growing rabbits. In the digestibility assay, 22 rabbits with 50 days of age were distributed in a completely randomized design with two treatments and 11 replicates. Two diets were used, one as reference-diet and one test, in which CRS substituted 25% of DM reference-diet. The digestible values of the DM, CP, NDF, ADF, energy and starch (%DM), were respectively 83.84%, 1.89%, 8.34%, 3.31%, 3,447 kcal/kg and 55.35%. In the performance trial, 180 rabbits were used, in the period from 35 to 70 days of age. The rabbits were distributed in a completely randomized design, with six treatments (0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100% of CRS in replacement of corn digestible energy) and 15 replicates of two animals per experimental unit. In the period from 35 to 50 days of age, there was a quadratic effect of feeding CRS in the diet on feed conversion. In the period from 35 to 70 days of age, there was a quadratic effect on LW at 70 days of age, daily weight gain and feed conversion and cost of ration/kg of LW gain. A quadratic effect also was found for carcass weight. In the period from 35 to 50 and from 35 to 70 days of age, the feed conversion of the animals fed diets with 20% and 100% of replacement of corn by CRS was better in relationship to the others animals. The cassava root scrapings could be incorporated in growing rabbits rations up to of 27.32%, substituting 100% of corn digestible energy.