Resumo O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o efeito de farinha de minhoca (EW) (Eisenia fetida) dietética, associada ao vermi-húmus (VH), sobre o desempenho, as características dos ovos, a imunidade e os constituintes do sangue de codornas poedeiras. Um total de 336 codornas fêmeas (42,5±1,5 g), com 30 dias de idade, foi distribuído em 7 tratamentos e 4 repetições de 12 aves, por 42 dias. Foram avaliados os seguintes tratamentos: dieta controle sem a inclusão de VH e EW; dieta com inclusão somente de 0,8% VH; e dieta com 0,8% VH suplementada com diferentes níveis de EW (0,5, 1,0, 1,5, 2,0 e 2,5%). Foram obtidos maiores peso vivo, ganho de peso e consumo de ração com 1,5% de EW; maior produção de ovos com 0,5–1,0% de EW; e maior massa de ovos com 0,5% de EW. A inclusão de 2,5% EW reduziu o peso e a espessura da casca do ovo. Níveis de 1,0–2,0% de EW diminuíram o malonaldeído nos ovos, enquanto o de 2,0% de EW reduziu o conteúdo de colesterol. Foram obtidos maiores volume de células sanguíneas e título de anticorpos com 1,0% de EW, enquanto maiores proteína total, globulina e cálcio foram obtidos com 0,5% de EW. Níveis de 1,0–1,5% + 0,8% de VH melhoram a produção e as características dos ovos, bem como a resposta humoral das codornas, cujo desempenho não é afetado.

Abstract The objective of this work was to evaluate the effect of dietary earthworm (Eisenia fetida) meal (EW), associated with vermi-humus (VH), on the performance, egg characteristics, immunity, and blood constituents of laying quails. A total of 336 female quails (42.5±1.5 g), with 30 days of age, was distributed in 7 treatments and 4 replicates of 12 birds during 42 days. The following treatments were evaluated: control diet without the inclusion of VH and EW; diet with the inclusion of only 0.8% VH; and diets with 0.8% VH supplemented with different EW levels (0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5%). A greater body weight, weight gain, and feed intake were obtained with 1.5% EW; a higher egg productivity, with 0.5–1.0% EW; and a higher egg mass, with 0.5% EW. The inclusion of 2.5% EW reduced eggshell weight and thickness. Levels of 1.0–2.0% EW decreased malondialdehyde in the eggs, whereas 2.0% EW reduced cholesterol content. Higher blood cell volume and antibody titer were obtained with 1.0% EW, whereas higher total protein, globulin, and calcium were obtained with 0.5% EW. Levels of 1.0–1.5% EW + 0.8% VH improve egg production and characteristics, as well as the humoral response of quails, whose performance is not affected.

Abstract This study aimed to evaluate if the addition of chlorogenic acid (ChA) to semen extenders improves the quality of cooled boar semen processed in Percoll. The experimental design was randomized blocks (ejaculates) in a 2×3 factorial (with or without Percoll, and three antioxidant systems: a negative control, without supplementation, a positive control – vitamin E, and ChA), totaling six treatments and 12 repetitions. ChA and vitamin E (VE) were added at 4.5 mg/ml and 400 μg/ml in extender, respectively. At 0, 48 and 72h of storage at 15ºC, 80 ml insemination doses each containing 2.0 billion sperm cells were submitted to centrifugation in Percoll. The use of Percoll impaired (P<0.01) all motility patterns but decreased (P<0.01) the number of abnormal cells at 0, 48 and 72h of storage. Both VE and ChA improved (P<0.05) the total motility after Percoll processing, but only in semen stored for 48h. The same effect was not observed (P>0.05) in semen stored for 72h. ChA improved (P<0.05) the total motility of the semen stored for 72h, but this effect was not observed (P>0.05) when the semen was processed in Percoll. The antioxidants had no effect (P>0.05) on the viability and integrity of the acrosome, but ChA reduced (P<0.05) the number of abnormal cells at 0h, while VE increased the number of abnormal cells in semen stored for 72h, independent of the use of Percoll. There was no effect (P>0.05) of antioxidants or Percoll on the concentration of malondialdehyde in seminal plasma. The use of Percoll had no effect (P>0.05) on the cholesterol efflux, but ChA increased (P<0.05) this parameter at 0h and reduced (P<0.05) in the semen stored for 72h not processed with Percoll. In conclusion, the addition of ChA to semen extenders improved the quality of boar semen processed or not in Percoll.

ABSTRACT The objective was to evaluate the influence of coffee husks as floor covering on the aspects of animal welfare such as behavioral characteristics, body surface temperature, and salivary cortisol levels of stabled boars. Sixteen boars were housed in individual stalls; eight were maintained in a conventional system with a concrete floor and eight were maintained on a concrete floor lined with coffee husks. The experimental period was 60 days. All animals were filmed two days prior to the start of the experiment, on both the 7th and 60th days after exposure to coffee husks, and finally two days after the removal of the material. During this period, the number of times that the animals ate, drank, stood, sat, lay down, and dug was recorded. Furthermore, both body surface temperature and salivary cortisol levels were measured at the beginning and end of the experiment. The use of coffee husks did not influence body surface temperature. Salivary cortisol levels increased during the experimental period only in the animals maintained on coffee husks. In the morning, the coffee husks decreased the number of times that the animals sat and increased the number of times that they lay down. In the afternoon, the use of coffee husks decreased the number of times that the animals stood, sat, or dug and increased the number of times that the animals lay down. Although coffee husks do not change the behavior of the animals in an expressive way, they should not be used as floor covering for boars.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos da substituição do farelo de trigo (FT) pelo farelo de casca de milho sem água de maceração (FCM) em alimentos completos para gatos sobre a digestibilidade dos nutrientes, características das fezes, tempo de passagem do alimento pelo trato gastrintestinal (TGI), produção de gás intestinal e concentrações de ácidos graxos de cadeia curta (AGCC) no sangue e nas fezes. Foram utilizados 28 gatos, os quais foram distribuídos em um delineamento em blocos casualizados com quatro tratamentos (0, 2,6, 5,3 e 8,0% de FCM, com base na matéria seca, em substituição ao FT) e sete repetições. A substituição do FT pelo FCM reduziu (P<0,01) a digestibilidade da fibra em detergente ácido, sem influenciar (P>0,05) a digestibilidade dos demais nutrientes e a energia metabolizável das dietas. Também não houve efeito (P>0,05) sobre a umidade das fezes, o escore e o pH fecal, o tempo de passagem do alimento no TGI, área de gás intestinal e concentrações AGCC nas fezes, enquanto as concentrações sanguíneas de propionato foram influenciadas de maneira diferente entre as diferentes dietas e tempos de coleta. Conclui-se que a substituição do FT pelo FCM, até 8%, pode ser feita de maneira segura em alimentos para gatos.

ABSTRACT: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of substituting wheat bran (WB) by corn gluten feed without steep water (CGF) in cats feeds regarding the nutritional value of the diet, stool characteristics, time of food passage through the gastrointestinal tract (GIT), intestinal gas production and concentrations of short chain fatty acids (SCFA) in blood and faeces. Twenty eight cats were distributed in a randomized block design with four treatments (0, 2.6, 5.3 or 8.0% CGF, based on dry matter, substituting for WB) and seven replicates. Substitution of WB by CGF decreased (P<0.01) the digestibility of acid detergent fibre without influencing (P>0.05) the digestibility of other nutrients and apparent metabolizable energy. There was also no effect (P>0.05) on faeces moisture, faecal pH and score, food transit time in the GIT, intestinal gas area and SCFA concentrations in faeces, while blood concentrations of propionate were influenced differently by the different feeds and sampling times (P<0.05). Thus replacement of up to 8% of WB by CGF may be done safely in cats feed.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the putative effects of the use of coffee husk as floor covering on boar semen quality. Sixteen boars were divided into two groups. The first group was held in a conventional system with a compact floor. The second group was kept on a compact floor covered with coffee pods. The experimental period was 60 days. Levels of caffeine and chlorogenic acid in the insemination doses (ID) before and after 96 h of storage at 15 °C and the reproductive performance (litter size and rate of return to estrus) of these doses after their utilization in a standard artificial insemination protocol were evaluated. The ID from the animals kept in pens containing the coffee pods contained 25.4±8.7 µg/mL of caffeine, whereas no significant amounts of chlorogenic acid were detected. Semen from boars housed with coffee husk showed a significant increase in malondialdehyde levels, which indicates a significant increase in cell membrane peroxidation, after 96 h of storage. There were no significant differences in the other evaluated semen quality parameters when analyzed among groups. Likewise, there was no significant influence of coffee hulls on either the rate of return to estrus or the litter size of inseminated females. The use of coffee husks as floor covering worsens the quality of fresh semen and that of insemination doses stored for 96 h but not the quality of semen immediately diluted; therefore, coffee husks may be used only on farms that use semen immediately processed after collection without affecting the reproductive parameters of breeding stock.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study was to assess the sperm quality and testicular histomorphometry of Wistar rats supplemented with extract and fractions of fruits of Tribulus terrestris L. The ethanolic extract was obtained by dynamic maceration of spray-dried fruit. This extract was fractionated by liquid-liquid partition, using increasing polarity solvents. Twenty male rats were separated in four groups, with five rats in each group. The control was supplemented with distilled water, while the others were daily given the ethanolic extract, hexanic or aqueous fraction soluble in methanol in a dose of 42 mg.kg-1.day-1 for 70 days. Sperm was obtained from the right epididymal tail for the analysis of motility, count, morphology and viability. The testicular weight of groups supplemented with ethanolic extract and aqueous fraction soluble in methanol was higher when compared to the control. The gonadosomatic index increased in the group supplemented with ethanolic extract. The nuclear, cytoplasmic and individual volume of Leydig cells increased in supplementation with hexanic and aqueous fractions soluble in methanol. It was concluded that the extract influenced the spermatogenesis, while hexanic and aqueous fractions soluble in methanol promoted the changes in the intertubular compartment. Therefore, Tribulus terrestris did not improve the sperm quality of the rats.

This study aimed at evaluating the effect of ractopamine (RAC) on metabolism, zootechnical performance, body composition, and behavior in Wistar rats submitted to acute and chronic restrain stress. The oral dose of 5 mg/kg of RAC was administered in periods of 0, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. The elevated plus-maze test (EPMT) was used for behavioral assessment. Blood, carcass and viscera characteristics were evaluated. Insulin-dependent glucose transporters (GLUT-4) were semi-quantified by Western Blot in epididymal adipocytes. RAC periods associated with chronic stress increased the GLUT-4 protein expression in adipose tissue in a time-dependent manner (P=0.01), i.e., the longer the RAC addition period, the higher the GLUT-4 concentration in chronically stressed animals (0=1.42; 7=1.19; 14=2.03; 21=1.59; 28=2.35). The stress periods combined with RAC increased the time spent in the opened arms of the maze (Chronic stress: 0=10.6; 7=8.7; 14=5.9; 21=12.3; 28=4.0; Acute stress 0=3.1; 7= 4.7; 14=7.5; 21=0.0; 28=2.8) (P=0.04). Chronic (entries on the closed arms [ECA]=3.60) and acute (ECA=3.80) stress reduced locomotive activity in the maze (P=0.03). The results suggested that stress could negatively affect the possible benefits offered by the RAC, mainly impairing the adipose tissue metabolism and behavior in the animals.

Com este estudo objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do fotoperíodo sobre a composição centesimal de filés de juvenis de tilápia do Nilo. Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com cinco tratamentos (0L:24E; 6L:18E; 12L:12E; 18L:6E; 24L:0E) e quatro repetições. Foram utilizados 160 alevinos de tilápia, distribuídos em 20 aquários (20L) em sistema de recirculação, temperatura controlada em 27 ºC e densidade de oito peixes por aquário. Os peixes foram alimentados duas vezes ao dia, com ração comercial extrusada contendo 40% de proteína bruta. Ao final de 75 dias, amostras do filé foram coletadas e armazenadas em freezer (-80 ºC) para posteriores análises da composição bromatológica. Não houve efeito dos diferentes fotoperíodos sobre a umidade e cinzas do filé (P>0,05). Por outro lado, os peixes sob fotoperíodo de 18L:6E apresentaram maior quantidade de proteína e retenção desta no filé, assim como menor quantidade de gordura e retenção de lipídeo (P<0,05). Portanto, pode-se concluir que o fotoperíodo pode alterar a composição corporal de alevinos de tilápia do Nilo, sendo que e o fotoperíodo de 18L:6E contribui para o aumento da concentração de proteína bruta e uma menor deposição de gordura no filé.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of the photoperiod on the fillet composition of Nile tilapia juveniles. We employed a completely randomized design with five treatments (0L:24D, 6L:18D, 12L:12D, 18L:6D, 24L:0D) and four replications. We used 160 Nile tilapia juveniles, distributed in 20 tanks containing 20 liters of water, in a recirculation systems, at controlled temperature of 27 ºC and density of eight fish per tank. Fish were fed twice a day with commercial extruded feed containing 40% crude protein. Samples of the fillet at the end of 75 days were collected and stored in a freezer at -80 ºC for subsequent analysis of chemical composition. There was no effect of photoperiod on moisture and ash content of the fillet (P>0.05). The period 18L:6D showed higher amounts of protein in the fillet, as well as lower amounts of fat (P<0.05). Therefore, it can be concluded that the photoperiod can alter Nile tilapia body composition, and the photoperiod 18L:6D contributed to the higher concentration of crude protein and lower fat deposition in Nile tilapia fillets.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of photoperiod on locomotor activity, growth and gonadal development in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) fingerlings. A completely randomised design was used, with five treatments (0L:24D, 6L:18D, 12L:12D, 18L:6D and 24L:0D) and four replicates, with the aquarium as the experimental unit. One hundred and sixty fingerlings of tilapia weighing 3.21±0.05 g and measuring 4.35±0.07 cm each were distributed among 20 aquaria of 20 L in a recirculation system with the temperature controlled to 27 °C, with eight fish per aquarium. Feeding was carried out twice daily for 75 days, with extruded feed containing 40% crude protein. The fingerlings subjected to a photoperiod of 12L:12D as well as those under 18L:6D and 24L:0D showed the greatest locomotor activity, whereas those under 6L:18D and 0L:24D showed the lowest activity. Fish subjected to a photoperiod of 18L:6D and 24L:0D showed the highest levels of performance. However, manipulation of the photoperiod did not influence the gonadal development, survival or the appearance of deformities in juvenile Nile tilapia. Under long photoperiods (18L:6D and 24L:0D), fish direct their energy to somatic growth and induce best feed efficiency.

This study evaluated the effect of ractopamine (RAC) on the performance of finishing pigs and the meat quality of these animals. Seventy crossbred pigs (35 barrows and 35 females) selected for high gain of lean meat, with initial weight of 77.1±0.32 kg were distributed in randomized blocks with five treatments (0, 5, 10, 15, and 20 ppm RAC in the diet) and seven replications during 28 days. The experimental unit was represented by a male and a female pig. Regarding the performance variables, there was a linear increase in final weight with increasing levels of RAC, as well as in average daily weight gain. An improvement in feed conversion was observed for animals fed RAC, and the optimal level - estimated by the LRP model - was ~ 5 ppm. For feed intake, no significant effect on intake of digestible lysine and energy intake was observed. Carcass yield responses increased linearly with the RAC dose. Ash content, color component b* and loss drip linearly decreased with increasing doses of RAC. There was also a significant difference in the percentage of ether extract and crude protein in the loin, and treatment with 20 ppm RAC showed a lower amount of protein and larger amounts of lipids. Moisture content, color component L*, weight loss by cooking and defrosting, shear force and pH were not affected by the treatment. Concerning the lipid oxidation, there was no effect of RAC on the concentration of TBARS (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) under cooling and under freezing. Thus, all ractopamine levels improve performance compared with control and do not negatively affect the quality of fresh, chilled or frozen pig meat.

The aim of this article was to evaluate the in vivo mechanism of action through which ractopamine reduces the amount of adipose tissue in carcass of animals fed diets supplemented with this drug. Literature search was carried out, using the keywords Ractopamine, lipogenesis, lipolysis, fatty acid and adipose tissue. The scoring system was designed for the adequacy of the methodology. A total of eight papers were found - all published in the English language. The determination of lipolysis and lipogenesis was carried out using different methods - from the quantification of non-esterified fatty acids in the blood to molecular analyses of adipose tissue. The review analysis suggested that, at least in the pigs, the use of this drug reduced lipid deposition in the carcass due to a greater inhibition of lipogenesis than an increase in lipolysis.

The probiotic influence on the immune system, especially under pathogenic challenge conditions, still remains controversial. To address this, a systematic review of current studies concerning the efficacy of probiotics on the immune response of rats subjected to experimental challenges was conducted. The survey was conducted using PubMed, ISI Web of Science and Scielo databases. Only studies which tested probiotics in vivo in rats were included. The experimental design, methodological quality, and results of the articles were analyzed. In total 21 articles were selected for this study. The most commonly used microorganisms in the experiments were those of the genus Lactobacillus, which was reported in 12 articles. The second most often used genus was Bifidobacterium (B. animalis and B.longum). In general, the probiotics use against experimental pathogenic challenges was successful: 86% of the selected articles reported a beneficial effect on the immune response associated with the use of probiotics.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of reducing the crude protein (CP) with the use of amino acids in diets with the same amount of calories anddifferent levels of soybean oil (SO) for finishing pigs kept in two different ambient temperatures. A total of 120 barrows (initial weight of 68.0±1.9 kg) were utilized for the experiment. The design was of randomized blocks in a 2 × 3 × 2 factorial arrangement (two levels of CP, 16.2 and 13.7%; three levels of SO, 1.5; 3.0 and 4.5%; and two ambient temperatures, 19 and 31 ºC), totaling twelve treatments with five replicates for thirty days. The heat reduced feed intake (FI) of the animals, regardless of the levels of CP and SO used, and reduced weight gain (WG) in diets with reduced CP and SO or higher SO. The increased level of CP and SO improved feed conversion (FC) when the animals were kept in thermoneutral environment and given a diet with higher protein content. The reduction in CP increased FI only in the thermoneutral environment. In the heat, WG increased in diets with higher levels of SO, without influencing FC. The manipulation of diet and temperature did not affect most carcass traits. The SO reduced backfat thickness (BT) only in diets with high CP and animals kept in thermoneutral environment. The reduction of CP increased the BT only in diets with high content of SO, both in hot and thermoneutral environments. Heat reduces FI and the inclusion of SO does not improve performance or carcass characteristics in these conditions. The reduction in CP improves WG only in diets with high oil content; however, it increases BT. In thermoneutral environment, increasing the SO is beneficial for performance and carcass characteristics, except when diets with reduced CP are used. The reduction in CP improves performance only in diets with low oil content.

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the influence of nutritional correction on the partial diet replacement or pure-food methodology to determine the energy values (apparent metabolizable energy - AME and nitrogen-correct apparent metabolizable energy - AMEn) and coefficient of metabolizability of nutrients of maize. The method of total excreta collection was used, with 120 female Cobb 500® broilers weighing 1,339±3 g and at 28 days of age distributed in a completely randomized design with five replicates and four birds per experimental unit. The treatments were pure maize with three levels of nutritional correction (0, 50 and 100%) and a maize-replaced basal diet (400 g/kg) with two levels of correction (0 and 100%). The corrections were made in order to meet the nutritional requirements of calcium, available phosphorus and sodium yonder trace minerals, vitamins, choline, lysine, methionine + cystine, threonine and tryptophan. The AME and AMEn of maize and coefficient of metabolizability of dry matter were higher when correction at 100% was made, regardless of the methodology used (pure feed or replaced basal diet). The correction at 50% of nutrients increased the coefficient of metabolizability of crude protein in pure maize when compared with 0 or 100% of correction. The values determined with pure maize were lower than those determined with the method of partial replacement. The absence of nutritional correction underestimates the energy values and metabolizability of nutrients from maize.

Performance and carcass and cut yield of finishing pigs of three sexual categories fed diets with different levels of ractopamine were studied. Forty-eight hybrid animals (initial weight of 92.1±2.4 kg) were distributed in a completely randomised design in 3 × 2 factorial arrangement (three sexual categories: surgically castrated males, two females and immunologically castrated males - with or without 10 ppm of ractopamine), totalling six treatments and eight repetitions with one animal per experimental plot during 28 days. Ractopamine improved weight gain and feed conversion of all sexual categories. The best results were obtained with immunologically castrated males, which, in turn, had lower carcass yield and backfat thickness in the belly. In the absence of ractopamine, depth and loin eye area were higher in females but no differences in these variables were observed between categories when this additive was used. Ractopamine increased the sirloin yield in all sexual categories. There was no difference in bonus index. Ractopamine improves the performance of pigs of 92 to 125 kg. Immunologically castrated males have the best performance responses to ractopamine, but with losses in carcass yield, loin characteristics and backfat thickness of the belly.