ABSTRACT The attempt to face the limitations of wood-based materials, especially concerning the relationship with water, is still a considerable gap in research on this subject. The present work proposes the accomplishment of thermal treatment in fiberboard-type hardboard, using different temperatures and times, to evaluate the effect on the physical-mechanical properties. The parameters of the heat treatment were temperatures of 120 and 160 °C and times of 20 and 40 min. The hardboards were individually heat treated in a kiln. The characterization was performed from physical tests such as bulk density, moisture content, water absorption (2 and 24 h), thickness swelling (2 and 24 h); and mechanical properties of flexural strength. The treatment with a temperature of 160 °C for 40 min showed the lowest values of water absorption in 24 h (34%). Thickness swelling was lower compared to control, for all the treatments applied. Regarding flexural strength, the treatment that adopted the 160 °C for 20 min showed the highest MOR value (26.3 MPa). In general, the performance of heat treatments positively influenced the physical and mechanical properties of the hardboards, being an interesting alternative in the development of products for applications in internal environments.

ABSTRACT Economic development based on cleaner industrial technologies has been increasingly studied in recent years. Cementitious composites reinforced with lignocellulosic fibers can be a sustainable alternative for use in engineering. The study aimed to evaluate the technological properties of cementitious composites produced from natural and industrial coconut fiber to compare the reinforcement with wood particles. Physical tests (density, water absorption, and thickness swelling) and mechanical tests (static bending) were carried out in four treatments, which varied the fiber and cement contents. It was found that treatment with natural coconut fiber had the lowest density value, 0.59 g/cm3, and treatment with industrial coconut fiber had the lowest water absorption value for the times and times of 2 and 24 h, 0.19, and 0.38%, respectively, and the treatment with wood particles, the highest values of modulus of elasticity and rupture, 1,897 MPa and 2.44 MPa. The study of the use of lignocellulosic materials as protection in cementitious composites is essential for applications in building constructions to reduce the environmental impacts generated by the generation of waste and use of non-renewable materials and to promote sustainable development.

ABSTRACT Were characterized microstructurally and mechanically the Ti-6Aℓ-4V alloy obtained through powder metallurgy in an uncontrolled atmosphere, varying the sintering parameters, arose. The samples were compacted in a uniaxial press at 874 MPa, 999 MPa, and 1124 MPa, and sintered without a protective atmosphere or vacuum, at 675 °C, 750 °C, and 850 °C. When sintering the material, the oxides influenced the results due to titanium’s high affinity for interstitial elements, promoting increased density and high hardness values. Based on the results, the treatment carried out at a pressure of 1124 MPa and a temperature of 750 °C showed the highest hardness in the beta phase (β), with a value of 1165.1 HV. In the alpha phase (α), the highest value was 1321.3 HV, presented by the treatment performed at a pressure of 999 MPa and a temperature of 850 °C. The high hardness values observed in the alloy are associated with the reinforcement promoted by the dissolution of Fe atoms. Materials with high hardness values use in the aerospace and biomedical industries, which always look for better mechanical resistance results, thus increasing their products’ useful life and applicability.

RESUMO Foram caracterizadas micro estruturalmente e mecanicamente a liga Ti-6Aℓ-4V obtida através da metalurgia do pó em atmosfera não controlada variando os parâmetros de sinterização. As amostras foram compactadas em uma prensa uniaxial à 874 MPa, 999 MPa e 1124 MPa, e sinterizadas sem atmosfera protetora ou vácuo, nas temperaturas de 675 °C, 750 °C e 850 °C. Ao sinterizar o material, houve influência dos óxidos nos resultados devido à alta afinidade que o titânio tem por elementos intersticiais, promovendo um aumento na densidade e elevados valores de dureza. A partir dos resultados verificou-se que o tratamento realizado na pressão de 1124 MPa e temperatura de 750 °C foi o que apontou a maior dureza na fase beta (β), sendo o valor de 1165,1 HV. Na fase alfa (α), o maior valor foi de 1321,3 HV, apresentado pelo tratamento realizado na pressão de 999 MPa e temperatura de 850 °C. Os elevados valores na dureza observados na liga estão associados ao reforço promovido pela dissolução átomos de Fe. Materiais com elevada dureza possuem uma vasta aplicação nas indústrias aeroespaciais e biomédicas, que buscam sempre por melhores resultados de resistência mecânica, aumentando assim a vida útil e a aplicabilidades de seus produtos.

RESUMO Introdução: O uso de substâncias com o objetivo de aumentar o rendimento esportivo entre atletas profissionais e amadores é crescente. Tais substâncias podem fazer parte do grupo de suplementos alimentares ou integrar classes farmacológicas. Toda substância empregada para esse fim é denominada de agente ergogênico. O número de opções entre os agentes ergogênicos aumenta a cada dia, favorecendo assim o uso em demasia e sem a devida orientação. Entre os suplementos alimentares, salientamos a utilização de creatina, substância muito difundida no meio esportivo. Já entre os grupos farmacológicos, muitas substâncias são utilizadas. Recentemente, foi divulgado entre os meios de comunicação o uso de citrato de sildenafila por atletas profissionais de várias modalidades esportivas, predominantemente as aeróbicas. Objetivos: Comparar e demonstrar as repostas ocasionadas pelo treinamento físico, associadas ao uso de creatina e citrato de sildenafila em camundongos. Métodos: Aplicou-se um protocolo de treinamento de natação e, a seguir, empregou-se um eletrofisiógrafo com objetivo de obter parâmetros referentes à intensidade de contração, à área sob a curva e à queda percentual. Resultados: As respostas obtidas demonstram ação ergogênica da creatina, visto que alteraram os parâmetros empregados para a mensuração. Já a utilização de citrato de sildenafila não apresentou resultados satisfatórios para enquadrar o fármaco como agente ergogênico. Conclusão: A creatina apresenta efeito ergogênico porque reduz a queda percentual após 10 segundos, já a sildenafila não apresentou potencial ergogênico e, curiosamente, demonstrou respostas inferiores quando comparado aos grupos de exercício. Nível de evidência II; Estudo prospectivo comparativo .

ABSTRACT Introduction: The use of substances to enhance sports performance among professional and amateur athletes is increasing. Such substances may either be included in the group of dietary supplements or fall into pharmacological classes. Every substance used for this purpose is called an ergogenic agent. The number of ergogenic options available increases every day, favoring overuse and use without proper guidance. Among the dietary supplements, we highlight the use of creatine, a substance widespread in sports. Among the pharmacological groups, many drugs are used. Recently the use of sildenafil citrate by professional athletes from various predominantly aerobic sports modalities was reported in the media. Objective: To compare and demonstrate the responses caused by physical training associated with the use of creatine and sildenafil citrate in mice. Methods: A swim training protocol was applied and then an electrophysiograph was used in order to obtain parameters related to contraction intensity, the area under the curve and the percentage drop. Results: The responses obtained demonstrated the ergogenic action of creatine because it altered the parameters used for measurement. The use of sildenafil citrate did not yield satisfactory results to frame the drug as an ergogenic agent. Conclusion: Creatine has an ergogenic effect, reducing the percentage drop after 10 seconds, while sildenafil demonstrated no ergogenic potential and, interestingly, resulted in weaker responses when compared to the exercise groups. Evidence level II; Comparative prospective study .

RESUMEN Introducción: El uso de sustancias con el objetivo de aumentar el rendimiento deportivo entre atletas profesionales y amateurs es creciente. Tales sustancias pueden formar parte del grupo de suplementos alimentarios o integrar clases farmacológicas. Toda sustancia empleada para ese fin es denominada agente ergogénico. El número de opciones entre los agentes ergogénicos aumenta cada día, favoreciendo así su uso excesivo y sin la debida orientación. Entre los suplementos alimentarios, se destaca el uso de creatina, sustancia muy difundida en el medio deportivo. Ya entre los grupos farmacológicos, muchas sustancias son usadas. Recientemente, fue divulgado entre los medios de comunicación el uso de citrato de sildenafil por atletas profesionales, de varias modalidades deportivas, predominantemente las aeróbicas. Objetivos: Comparar y demostrar las respuestas ocasionadas por el entrenamiento físico, asociadas al uso de creatina y citrato de sildenafil en ratones. Métodos: Se aplicó un protocolo de entrenamiento de natación y, a continuación, se usó un electrofisiógrafo con el objetivo de obtener parámetros referentes a la intensidad de contracción, al área bajo la curva y a la caída porcentual. Resultados: Las respuestas obtenidas demuestran acción ergogénica de la creatina, visto que alteraron los parámetros empleados para la medición. Ya el uso de citrato de sildenafil no presentó resultados satisfactorios para encuadrar al fármaco como agente ergogénico. Conclusión: La creatina presenta efecto ergogénico porque reduce la caída porcentual después de 10 segundos, mientras que el sildenafil no presentó potencial ergogénico y, curiosamente, demostró respuestas inferiores cuando comparado a los grupos de ejercicio. Nivel de evidencia II; Estudio prospectivo comparativo .

RESUMO Introdução: A busca pelo melhor rendimento esportivo ou simplesmente para fins estéticos tem induzido indivíduos a procurarem indiscriminadamente recursos ergogênicos para atingir o êxito. Acredita-se que a ingestão de suplementos nutricionais pode proporcionar maior resistência, potência, foco e melhor tempo de reação. Os suplementos nutricionais são empregados afim de retardar o surgimento da fadiga e aumentar o desempenho atlético. Também comumente procuradas para emagrecimento estão os anorexígenos, medicamentos à base de drogas anfetamínicas, que agem sobre o sistema nervoso central liberando substâncias que transmitem a sensação de ausência de fome. Suplementos que prometem soluções rápidas para estes objetivos podem conter em suas fórmulas compostos que comprometem a saúde. Objetivos: Neste estudo foi avaliado o potencial da creatina e do Jack 3D®para o desempenho físico e fadiga muscular dos animais que receberam a suplementação. Métodos: Os animais foram submetidos a 10 semanas de treinamento de natação a 80% da carga máxima e receberam creatina e/ou Jack 3D. As contrações musculares foram registradas por um eletrofisiógrafo para análise da fadiga muscular. Resultados: Observou-se que o grupo SED+CR apresentou valores significativamente diferentes em comparação com o Grupo SED e o Grupo NAT+CR apresentou diferenças significativas com relação aos grupos SED, SED+JACK, NAT e NAT+JACK (p < 0,05). Nos dois últimos parâmetros, o Grupo SED apresentou diferença significativa com relação aos grupos SED+CR, NAT e NAT+CR (p < 0,05). Conclusão: Esses resultados demonstram uma possível influência positiva do exercício físico associado ao uso da creatina, retardando a fadiga muscular e possibilitando um aumento no desempenho esportivo. Nível de Evidência III; Desenvolvimento de critérios diagnósticos em pacientes consecutivos (com padrão de referência “ouro” aplicado) .

ABSTRACT Introduction: The quest for better sports performance or simply for esthetic ends has led individuals to seek ergogenic resources indiscriminately to attain their goals. It is believed that nutritional supplements promote better strength, power, focus and better reaction time. Nutritional supplements are used to delay fatigue and increase athletic performance. Also, the anorectics, drugs derived from amphetamines and commonly sought for weight loss, act on the central nervous system by releasing substances that transmit the sensation of not being hungry. Supplements that promise quick solutions to these goals may have compounds in their formulas that compromise health. Objectives: In this study, the potential of creatine and Jack 3D® to boost physical performance and delay muscle fatigue was evaluated in animals that were given the supplements. Methods: The animals underwent 10 weeks of swim training at 80% of the maximum load and received creatine and/or Jack 3D. The muscle contractions were recorded by an electrophysiograph for analysis of muscle fatigue. Results: It was observed that the SED+CR group had significantly different values compared to the SED group and NAT+CR group showed significant differences between groups for the SED, SED+JACK, JACK, NAT and NAT+JACK groups (p <0.05). For the two last parameters, the SED group showed a significant difference in relation to the SED+CR, NAT and NAT+CR groups (p <0.05). Conclusions: These results demonstrate a possible positive influence of physical exercise associated with the use of creatine, delaying muscle fatigue and making an increase in sports performance possible. Level of Evidence III; Development of diagnostic criteria in consecutive patients (with “gold” reference standard applied) .

RESUMEN Introducción: La búsqueda por el mejor desempeño deportivo o simplemente para fines estéticos ha inducido a los individuos a buscar indiscriminadamente recursos ergogénicos para alcanzar el éxito. Se cree que la ingestión de suplementos nutricionales puede proporcionar mayor resistencia, potencia, enfoque y mejor tiempo de reacción. Los suplementos nutricionales son empleados para retardar el surgimiento de la fatiga y aumentar el desempeño atlético. También comúnmente buscados para adelgazamiento están los anorexígenos, medicamentos a base de drogas anfetamínicas, que actúan sobre el sistema nervioso central liberando sustancias que transmiten la sensación de ausencia de hambre. Los suplementos que prometen soluciones rápidas para estos objetivos pueden presentar en sus fórmulas, compuestos que comprometen la salud. Objetivo: En este estudio fue evaluado el potencial de la creatina y del Jack3D® para el desempeño físico y la fatiga muscular de los animales que recibieron la suplementación. Métodos: Los animales fueron sometidos a 10 semanas de entrenamiento de natación a 80% de la carga máxima y recibieron creatina y/o Jack3D. Las contracciones musculares fueron registradas por un electrofisiógrafo para análisis de la fatiga muscular. Resultados: Se observó que el grupo SED+CR presentó valores significativamente diferentes en comparación con el grupo SED y el grupo NAT+CR presentó diferencias significativas con relación a los grupos SED, SED+JACK, NAT y NAT+JACK (p < 0,05). En los dos últimos parámetros, el grupo SED presentó diferencia significativa con relación a los grupos SED+CR, NAT y NAT+CR (p < 0,05). Conclusión: Esos resultados demuestran una posible influencia positiva del ejercicio físico asociado al uso de la creatina, retardando la fatiga muscular y posibilitando un aumento en el desempeño deportivo. Nivel de evidencia III; Desarrollo de criterios diagnósticos en pacientes consecutivos (con estándar de referencia “oro” aplicado) .

OBJECTIVES: To compare the inflammatory and oxidative stress (OS) states of adults with bronchiectasis with those of healthy controls and correlate inflammatory and OS levels with lung function and physical capacity. METHODS: This study used a cross-sectional design. Seventy-four adults with bronchiectasis (age: 49±15 years, forced expiratory volume in 1 second [FEV1]: 52.5±25.6%) and 42 healthy controls (age: 44±17 years, FEV1: 95.9±14.0%) performed cardiopulmonary exercise tests and incremental shuttle walking tests. Their physical activity in daily life, inflammatory cytokine, and antioxidant levels in plasma were measured. RESULTS: Compared to that of the controls, the levels of interleukin (IL)-6 (p<0.001), IL-10 (p<0.001), carbonylated proteins (p=0.001), and superoxide anions (p=0.046) were significantly increased in adults with bronchiectasis. Catalase activity was also reduced in this group (p<0.001). The inflammatory markers IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α correlated negatively with aerobic capacity (r=-0.408, r=-0.308, and r=-0.207, respectively). We observed similar correlations with OS markers (thiobarbituric acid and carbonyls; r=-0.290 and r=0.379, respectively), and these markers also significantly correlated with the aerobic capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Adults with bronchiectasis presented an increased systemic inflammatory response that correlated negatively with physical capacity.

Abstract This study evaluated the effects of three chemical pretreatments of biomass sorghum (BS): dilute alkaline (PTA1 and PTA2), dilute acid (PTB1 and PTB2) and alkaline hydrogen peroxide (PTC1 and PTC2) in the enzymatic hydrolysis and ethanol production. Among the six investigated conditions, the pretreatment with 7.36% H2O2 (PTC2) was the most efficient in the lignin removal and preservation of the polysaccharide fraction. After the enzymatic hydrolysis, increases in the glucose and xylose concentrations were observed in the pretreated BS hydrolysates, mainly in PTB1 and PTC1. All the hydrolysates obtained low concentrations of inhibitors. In the alcoholic fermentations with Pichia stiptis, the greatest ethanol yield was obtained in PTB1 hydrolysate (3.84 g L-1), corresponding to 16.15% of yield. The highest ethanol yield in PTB1 hydrolysate can be justified by the maximum concentration of xylose obtained in this hydrolysate, demonstrating the potential of P. stiptis in the fermentation of pentose to ethanol. The results indicated that biomass sorghum is an alternative lignocellulose source with potential for the production of second generation ethanol, opening up prospects for additional studies.

Abstract “Panelada” is a typical dish from Brazil, made up of some bovine non-carcass components (intestine, rumen and ox feet), whose nutritional value and microbiological quality are not reported. The total contents of selected minerals were determined using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and electrothermal (ETAAS) for samples of raw, seasoned and Panelada dish. The content of metal nutrients found in raw sample was higher than for various types of conventional cuts and meats. The added seasoning increased of the content of metal nutrients comparing to from raw sample, except for Zn. Instead, the cooking process interferes negatively in the minerals content, in contrast to Mg concentration. The Panelada dish presented high nutritional value being found 3.3, 79, 334 and 75 mg kg-1 for Cu, Fe, Mg and Zn, respectively. The microbiological analyses revealed absence of Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp. and Listeria monocytogenes from Panelada dish.

Em vista da constante evolução do melhoramento genético de frangos de corte, torna-se necessária a determinação das exigências nutricionais dessas aves, para assegurar seu desempenho. Assim sendo, dois experimentos foram realizados, com o objetivo de avaliar diferentes relações de metionina + cistina / lisina digestível sobre o desempenho de frangos de corte, nas fases de 11 a 21 e 22 a 35 dias de idade. O delineamento experimental nas duas fases avaliadas foi o de blocos casualizados, em arranjo fatorial 2x5+2, (2 sexos e 5 diferentes relações met+cis/lis digestível e um tratamento controle para cada sexo), com oito repetições de 23 e 20 aves (COBB 500) por unidade experimental, nas fases descritas. As dietas atenderam às exigências, exceto para metionina + cistina e lisina. Para evitar o excesso de lisina digestível, seu nível foi calculado para 97% do recomendado para todas as fases. O tratamento controle foi adequado em lisina e metionina + cistina. As relações metionina + cistina/lisina digestível, para máximo desempenho de frangos de corte, machos e fêmeas, respectivamente, são de 75,53 e 78,23%, na fase de 11 a 21 dias, e 78,83 e 79,82%, na fase de 22 a 35 dias.

The continual evolution of poultry breeding brings about the need to determine the nutritional requirements of these birds to ensure performance. Therefore, this study carried out two experiments to evaluate different methionine + cystine / digestible lysine ratios on the performance of broiler growing phases starter (11 - 21 days) and growth (22 - 35 days). The experiment evaluated the two phases using a randomized block design in a factorial arrangement 2x5 +2, (2 sexes and 5 different Met + Cys / digestible Lys ratios and a control treatment for each sex) with 8 repetitions of 23 and 20 birds (COBB 500) per experimental unit in the two phases. The diets met the requirements except for methionine + cysteine and lysine. To avoid excess lysine, its level was calculated to be 95% of the recommended level for all phases. The control treatment was adequate in lysine and methionine + cystine. The methionine + cystine / digestible lysine ratios for maximum performance of male and female broiler chicks, respectively, are 75.53 and 78.23% in the phase 11 to 21 days and 78.83 and 79.82% in the phase 22 to 35 days.

A grande evolução da avicultura brasileira e o consequente aumento da produção de resíduos, bem como as exigências impostas pela União Europeia, quanto ao controle da excreção de poluentes, resultam na busca de novos conceitos relativos à nutrição animal. Dentre esses conceitos, destaca-se o uso da proteína ideal, da injeção de nutrientes in ovo, da alimentação dos animais em fases e a suplementação de aditivos como prebióticos, probióticos, enzimas, extratos herbais e minerais orgânicos nas dietas das aves. Várias pesquisas têm sido feitas a fim de comprovar a eficiência dessas práticas de nutrição e muitas delas concluem que a aplicação de estratégias nutricionais tem um significativo potencial de redução da excreção de nutrientes pelos frangos de corte, além de terem ainda, a vantagem de reduzir os custos de produção.

The great evolution of the Brazilian poultry industry, the consequent increased production of waste and the requirements imposed by the European Union concerning the control of the excretion of pollutants result in the search for new concepts of animal nutrition. Among these concepts, we can mention the use of ideal protein, the injection of nutrients in the egg, the animal nutrition based on phases and supplementation of additives such as prebiotics, probiotics, enzymes, herbal extracts and organic minerals in the diets of birds. Several studies have been conducted to prove the effectiveness of these practices of nutrition and many of them conclude that the application of nutritional strategies have significant potential to reduce nutrient excretion by broiler chickens, and have also the advantage of reducing the production costs.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate different digestible isoleucine/lysine ratios on diets for broiler chickens in the starter (7 to 21 days) and finishing (30 to 43 days) phases. For the tests, the experimental design was of randomized blocks with seven treatments (six different digestible isoleucine/lysine ratios and a control treatment) and eight repetitions of 25 and 20 birds (COBB males) per experimental unit in the starter and finishing phases, respectively. The diets met the requirements, except for isoleucine and lysine. To avoid excess lysine in the experimental diets, the digestible lysine content was calculated to be 87% and 89% of the recommended for the starter and finishing phases, respectively. The control treatment was adequate in lysine and isoleucine. Feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion and carcass yield in the two phases were evaluated. There was quadratic effect of different ratios on feed intake in the finishing phase and on weight gain and feed conversion rate in both phases. There was quadratic effect on breast meat yield and breast fillets in the starter phase, but there was no significant effect on carcass yield in the finishing phase. The digestible isoleucine/lysine ratio recommended for broilers in the starter phase (7 to 21 days) is 66% and for the finishing phase (30 to 43 days), it is 68%.

The objective of this study was to estimate the values of apparent metabolizable energy and apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance and determine the chemical composition of the following feedstuffs: babassu meal, sunflower meal, corn gluten meal, babassu starch flour, meat and bones meal, beans, millet, cookies residue, pasta residue and bread-making residue. The traditional method of excreta collection was used with broilers in the period of 14 to 24 days of age, which were distributed in a completely randomized design with eleven treatments and six replicates of six birds each. Each feedstuff replaced the reference diet at levels of 30 or 40% depending on the type of feedstuff. Chicks were housed in cages fitted with trays to collect the excreta. The apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (kcal/kg) on the natural matter of feedstuffs were: babassu meal, 1,116; sunflower meal, 1,607; corn gluten meal, 3,826; babassu flour starch, 1,731; meat and bone flour, 2,524; common beans, 693; millet, 3,046; cookies residue, 3,351; pasta residue, 3,543 and bread-making residue, 3,494.

Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da adição da enzima xilanase (Econase XT25) sobre o metabolismo de nutrientes e o desempenho de poedeiras no período de 24 a 48 semanas de idade. Foram utilizadas 288 poedeiras, distribuídas em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado em arranjo fatorial 2 × 2, com dois níveis de energia metabolizável (2.900 e 2.755 kcal/kg) combinados ou não com a adição de xilanase (37,5 g/t de ração), totalizando quatro tratamentos (controle positivo; controle negativo; controle positivo + xilanase; e controle negativo + xilanase), avaliados com 12 repetições de 6 aves por unidade experimental. As dietas controle positivo e controle positivo + xilanase foram formuladas seguindo as recomendações das Tabelas Brasileiras (100% de energia metabolizável), enquanto as dietas controle negativo e controle negativo + xilanase foram calculadas reduzindo 5% da energia metabolizável. A adição da enzima xilanase à dieta controle negativo proporcionou produção de ovos e massa de ovos semelhante às observadas no grupo controle positivo. A redução de 5% de energia metabolizável ocasionou diminuição na produção de ovos, na massa de ovos, piora da conversão alimentar e aumento do consumo de ração. A composição dos ovos não foram influenciada pelas dietas. Os valores médios de energia metabolizável aparente corrigida são maiores em dietas com maior nível de energia metabolizável. A adição de xilanase melhorou a utilização da energia e a produção de ovos em dietas para galinhas poedeiras.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of xylanase enzyme (Econase XT25) on the metabolism of nutrients and the performance of laying hens from 24 to 48 weeks of age. It was used 288 laying hens, distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with two levels of metabolizable energy (2,900 and 2,755 kcal/kg) combined or not with addition of xylanase enzyme (37.5 g/t of ration), totaling four treatments (positive control, negative control, positive control + xylanase; and negative control + xylanase), evaluated with 12 replicates of 6 birds per experimental unit. Positive control and positive control + xylanase diets were formulated following the recommendations by Tabelas Brasileiras (100% metabolizable energy) while negative control and negative control + xilanase diets were calculated by reducing 5% of metabolizable energy. The addition of xylanase enzyme to the negative control diet provided egg production and egg mass similar to the ones observed in the positive control group. Reduction of 5% of metabolizable energy resulted in a decrease in egg production, in egg mass, worsening in feed conversion and increase in feed intake. Composition of the eggs was not affected by the diets. The average values of corrected apparent metabolizable energy are higher in diets with higher level of metabolizable energy. The addition of enzyme xylanase improved the use of energy and egg production in diets for laying hens.

Foi realizado um experimento para avaliar os efeitos da inclusão de farelo de girassol em rações para frangos de corte sobre o desempenho, o rendimento de carcaça e dos cortes e a viabilidade econômica. O delineamento experimental foi em blocos casualizados com cinco níveis de farelo de girassol (0, 5, 10, 15 e 20% da dieta basal), oito repetições e 20 aves por unidade experimental. As aves e as rações foram pesadas no início e ao final de cada fase do período experimental (1 a 21 dias e 22 a 42 dias) para obtenção do consumo de ração, do ganho de peso e da conversão alimentar. Duas aves de cada repetição foram abatidas aos 42 dias de idade para avaliação da carcaça. Com a inclusão do farelo de girassol, o consumo diminuiu linearmente na fase inicial (y = 1185,1 - 2,1x; R² = 0,97), enquanto a conversão alimentar melhorou de forma linear no período total (y = 1,6404 - 0,0018x; R² = 0,62) e de forma quadrática na fase inicial (y = 1,3943 - 0,0069x + 0,0002x²; R² = 0,96). Não foi encontrada diferença significativa no rendimento de carcaça e dos cortes. Os melhores desempenhos econômicos foram obtidos quando as aves foram alimentadas com rações contendo 5% de farelo de girassol na fase inicial e 0% na fase de crescimento e no período total. A adição de 20% de farelo de girassol em rações para frangos de corte até os 42 dias de idade não prejudica o desempenho produtivo das aves.

A trial was carried out to evaluate the effect of sunflower meal inclusion in the broiler diets on the performance, carcass yield and cuts and the economics viability. A randomized block experimental design was used, with five treatments and eight replications of 20 birds per experimental unit. Treatments consisted of including 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20% sunflower meal in a basal diet. Birds and diets were weighed at the beginning and at the end of each experimental phase (1 to 21 days and 22 to 42 days) to determine feed intake, weight gain, and the feed:gain ratio. Two birds per replication were slaughtered at 42 days of age for carcass evaluation. Feed intake was linearly reduced in the starter phase (y = 1185.1 - 2.1x; R² = 0.97), with sunflower meal inclusion in the basal diet, and the feed:gain ratio linearly improved in the total period (y = 1.6404 - 0.0018x; R² = 0.62), whereas a quadratic effect on the feed:gain ratio was observed in the starter phase (y = 1.3943 - 0.0069x + 0.0002x²; R² = 0.96). No significant differences were observed for carcass yield and cuts. The best economic performances were achieved when the birds were fed diets containing 5% sunflower meal in the starter phase, and 0% in the grower phase and total period. The inclusion of 20% sunflower meal in the diet of broilers up to 42 days of age did not show harmful effects on performance.