RESUMO O fornecimento de água salgada no semiárido é uma prática recorrente, visto que existe uma grande escassez de água para uso na alimentação animal. Assim, na maioria das vezes a água oferecida às aves pode apresentar sal acima do recomendado. O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho produtivo e a morfometria dos órgãos de codornas japonesas à medida que eram abastecidas com água potável com diferentes concentrações de cloreto de sódio, sendo mantidas em conforto e sob estresse térmico. As aves receberam água com valores crescentes de condutividade elétrica (1,5, 3,0, 4,5 e 6,0 dS m-1), e foram mantidas em câmara climática em temperatura do ar termoneutra (24 °C) e sob estresse térmico (32 °C), sendo distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado e esquema fatorial 2 × 4. As condutividades elétricas da água não afetaram o desempenho das aves, exceto para o peso da moela, que apresentou efeito linear crescente com o aumento da condutividade elétrica. Na temperatura de estresse, houve redução no consumo de ração, peso e massa do ovo e na conversão alimentar por dúzia de ovos, porém sem efeito no peso do coração, fígado e moela. Codornas japonesas na fase de produção podem consumir água com condutividade elétrica de até 6,0 dS m-1, apresentando bom desempenho produtivo e sem comprometer a morfometria dos órgãos.

ABSTRACT The supply of salt water in the semiarid region is a recurrent practice, as there is a severe shortage of water for use in animal consumption. Thus, most of the times the water offered to the birds can contain salts above the recommended amount. The present study aimed to evaluate the production performance and morphometry of the organs of Japanese quails as they were supplied with drinking water with different concentrations of sodium chloride, while being maintained in comfort and under thermal stress. The birds received water with increasing electrical conductivity (1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0 dS m-1) and were kept in a climate chamber at thermoneutral air temperature (24 °C) and under thermal stress (32 °C), being distributed in a completely randomized design and 2 × 4 factorial scheme. Water electrical conductivities did not affect the performance of the birds, except for the weight of the gizzard, which showed an increasing linear effect as the electrical conductivities increased. At the stress temperature, there was reduction in feed intake, egg weight and mass, and in feed conversion per dozen eggs, but with no effect on the weights of the heart, liver and gizzard. Japanese quails in the production phase can consume water with electrical conductivity of up to 6.0 dS m-1, showing good production performance and without compromising organ morphometry.

ABSTRACT Infrared thermography (IR) is a non-invasive tool with potential to indicate changes in the animal’s thermal conditions in response to the thermally stressful environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the application of IR to estimate the rectal temperature of crossbred goats of the Boer breed. Six male crossbred goats of the Boer breed were distributed in a completely randomized design and submitted to temperatures of 26, 30 and 34 °C. Rectal temperature (RT) and thermograms data were collected from animals at each air temperature evaluated. In the thermograms, the temperatures of the ocular globe (PT), head (HT), shoulder (ST), hindquarter (HQ) and maximum infrared (IRMax) of the animals’ surfaces were collected, the latter being observed in the lower region of the animals’ eyes, at all air temperatures evaluated. The correlation of PT, HT, ST, HQ and IRMax data with the RT was evaluated through the Pearson coefficient analysis and the concordance using Bland-Altman diagrams. With the exception of the IRMax surface temperature, the others were adequate for the accurate estimation of RT, with PT standing out for presenting the highest correlation coefficient with RT (r = 0.951) and estimation errors varying in the range of ± 0.27 °C.

ABSTRACT The consumption of saline water in semiarid regions is a recurrent situation that can affect the ingestive behavior of small ruminants. This study evaluated the ingestive behavior of Santa Inês sheep maintained in a climatic chamber under two air temperatures -25 °C within the thermal comfort zone (TCZ) and 32 °C above the TCZ - and consuming water with three levels of salinity - 2.0, 4.0, and 8.0 dS m-1. The experimental design was completely randomized in 2 × 3 factorial schemes, comprising two air temperatures and drinking water with three levels of salinity, in six replicates (animals). Regardless of air temperature, the consumption of saline water did not affect feed and water intake by the sheep; however, there was a decrease in feed intake and an increase in water intake as air temperature increased. Feed and water intake; feeding, rumination, and idle times; defecation frequency; and fecal production were not affected (P > 0.05) by the water salinity levels, whereas reduction in feed intake, feeding time, and rumination time and an increase in water intake and idle time were observed as air temperature increased. In summary, increasing air temperature negatively affected the ingestive behavior of the animals; however, water with salinity up to 8.0 dS m-1 did not affect their ingestive behavior and hence could be used for drinking.

RESUMO O objetivo desta revisão foi comparar dois modelos de agricultura sustentáveis, demostrando as vantagens e desvantagens de ambos, correlacionando-os entre si. As diversas práticas agrícolas contemporâneas compreendem modelos alternativos de agricultura, como permacultura, agricultura biológica, orgânica, biodinâmica, que são consideradas sustentáveis, e modelos intensivos de produção, que apresentam vários pontos negativos, contrastando com os modelos alternativos. A busca por uma agricultura menos agressiva ao meio ambiente, que permaneça produtiva em longo prazo, tem sido uma preocupação constante de pesquisadores e produtores. Os modelos de agricultura assemelham-se entre si, o que os difere são apenas algumas práticas que não são permitidas em todos, e suas bases de fundamentação. Nesta revisão dois modelos foram mais abordados de forma simplificada, para a percepção dos seus conceitos e de suas bases fundamentais, mostrando o que os diferencia, e que mesmo assim os leva para um mesmo objetivo, criar um ecossistema independente de recursos externos.

ABSTRACT The objective of this review was to compare two models of sustainable agriculture, demonstrating their advantages and disadvantages and correlating them with each other. The diverse contemporary agricultural practices comprise from alternative models of agriculture, such as permaculture, organic farming, organic, biodynamic, that are considered sustainable, and intensive production models, that present several negative points, contrasting with alternative models. The search for a less aggressive agriculture to the environment, what stay productive in the long run, it has been a constant concern of researchers and producers. Agricultural models are similar to each other, what differs are some practices that do not are allowed in all, and its foundation bases. In this review, two models were more approached in a simplified way, to the perception of their concepts and fundamental bases, showing what differentiates them, and that still leads to the same goal, creating an ecosystem independent of external resources.

RESUMO A ventilação à pressão negativa em aviários vem sendo utilizada para viabilizar a correção de seus microclimas internos, sendo que pesquisas apontam para a distribuição heterogênea do ar ao longo dos galpões e inadequação das variáveis ambientais às faixas recomendadas para o conforto térmico de aves adultas, especialmente nas horas mais quentes do dia. Objetivou-se, neste estudo, diagnosticar as instalações de um aviário no estado da Paraíba, quanto à distribuição das variáveis ambientais e ao conforto térmico, desenvolver um modelo computacional e validá-lo mediante simulações utilizando dinâmica de fluidos computacional - DFC. O registro da temperatura do ar (Tar), umidade relativa do ar (UR) e velocidade do vento (Vv) permitiu caracterizar o ambiente interno por comparação com as faixas recomendadas para cada variável e por meio do índice de temperatura, umidade e velocidade do vento (ITUV). O galpão não provem conforto às aves adultas alojadas, entre 12 e 14 h, com ITUV indicativo de alerta e valores de Tar, UR e Vv não pertinentes às faixas recomendadas; o modelo DFC do aviário foi validado com médias de Tar coletadas em campo de 27,75 ± 1,35 oC e simuladas de 27,85 ± 0,55 oC, médias de UR coletadas de 83 ± 12% e simuladas de 78 ± 3% e médias de Vv coletadas de 2,35 ± 1,35 m s-1 e simuladas de 2,50 ± 1,50 m s-1.

ABSTRACT Negative pressure ventilation in poultry houses has been used to enable the correction of their internal microclimates, and studies point to the heterogeneous distribution of air along the aviaries and the inadequacy of the environmental variables to the recommended ranges for thermal comfort of adult birds, especially in the hottest hours of the day. This study aimed to diagnose the facilities of a poultry house in the state of Paraíba, Brazil, regarding the distribution of environmental variables and thermal comfort; develop a computational model and validate it for Computational Fluid Dynamic - CFD simulations. Air temperature (Tair), air relative humidity (RH) and air velocity (Vair) data allowed characterizing the internal environment by comparison with the recommended ranges for each variable and by the temperature-humidity-velocity index (THVI). The poultry house does not provide comfort for the housed adult birds, between 12 and 14 h, with THVI indicating alert and Tair, RH and Vair values outside the recommended ranges; the CFD model for the poultry house was validated with Tair averages collected in the field of 27.75 ± 1.35 ºC and simulated of 27.85 ± 0.55 ºC, mean values of RH collected of 83 ± 12% and simulated of 78 ± 3%, and means of Vair collected of 2.35 ± 1.35 m s-1 and simulated of 2.50 ± 1.50 m s-1.

ABSTRACT The aim is to characterize and to compare the black (TBG) and gray (TGG) globe temperatures in the production of sheep in the Brazilian semi-arid, using Santa Inês and Doper breeds, distributed in two thermal environments (exposed to the sun and shaded), containing 10 animals in each picket. The experimental design was completely random, 2 x 2 factorial scheme (shaded environment and sun x black and gray globe) in 46 replicates (evaluation days). There was an increase of the TBG in relation to the TGG during the evaluation times, with maximum temperature (48.1°C) at 1p.m. in the environment exposed to the sun, concomitantly with elevation of the black globe temperature and humidity index - BGHI (96.7). The result was distinct for TGG, with a maximum temperature of 37.6°C and BGHI of 86.2 in the same environment. Regardless of the thermometer used, the BGHI values exceeded the considerable comfortable limit for sheep. Under shaded conditions, the globe temperatures showed similar behavior. In sunny conditions, these temperatures diverged, higher in the black, because of the absorption conditions of the thermal radiation of the different colors.

RESUMO Os caprinos são animais homeotérmicos considerados rústicos do ponto de vista bioclimático. Porém, em condições térmicas desfavoráveis, pode ocorrer a redução de sua eficiência produtiva. Realizou-se o presente estudo com o objetivo de avaliar a dilatação pupilar como indicador do estresse térmico em caprinos mestiços Boer, mantidos em condições ambientais controladas. Seis caprinos machos mestiços da raça Boer foram distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado e submetidos às temperaturas de 26, 29 e 33 °C. Foram monitoradas a dilatação e temperatura pupilar, frequência respiratória, frequência cardíaca, temperatura superficial e retal. Ocorreu a elevação nas respostas fisiológicas em razão do aumento da temperatura do ar. Constatou-se aumento da dilatação pupilar dos animais com a elevação da temperatura do ar, observando-se um acréscimo de 26,96 mm2 de área pupilar quando comparadas às temperaturas de 26 e 33 °C, sendo possível estabelecer uma correlação entre temperatura do ar e aumento do diâmetro pupilar chamado de razão de estresse pupilar (REP).

ABSTRACT Goats are homeothermic animals considered as rustic from the bioclimatic point of view, but the reduction of their productive efficiency may occur in unfavorable thermal conditions. The present study was carried out to evaluate pupil dilation as an indicator of thermal stress in Boer crossbred goats maintained under controlled environmental conditions. Six male crossbred goats of the Boer breed were distributed in a completely randomized design submitted to temperatures of 26, 29 and 33 °C. The pupillary dilation and pupillary temperature, respiratory frequency, heart rate, surface and rectal temperatures were monitored. The significant increase in physiological responses occurred in response to the increase in air temperature. An increase of pupillary dilation was observed in the animals with the elevation of the air temperature, with an increase of 26.96 mm2 in pupillary area when comparing the temperatures 26 and 33 °C, and it was possible to establish a correlation between air temperature and pupillary diameter increase, named pupillary stress ratio (PSR).

ABSTRACT The aim of this research was to evaluate the performance of Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica), with 94 (+49) days of age, through the production and quality of the eggs, with the birds kept in environments illuminated with LED lamps in the colors white, blue and red. The experimental design was a completely randomized design with three treatments (lamp colors) and seven replications. In the three environments, the relative air temperature averages can be considered above the thermal comfort zone for quails; however, the black globe temperature index, humidity and the thermal radiation load can be considered comfortable. The laying percentage of the birds kept under white LED was inferior to those maintained in the red LED. The feed intake, the feed conversion, the average weight and the egg quality were not affected by the different lamp colors (P <0.05) or by the climatic indexes that were within the average for the species, and these lamps could be used in the production of quail eggs.

RESUMO A suplementação alimentar com blocos multinutricionais (BM’s) para caprinos e ovinos pode ser uma alternativa viável no semiárido brasileiro, necessitando-se definir a dureza ideal para se obter a máxima eficácia alimentar. Portanto, o objetivo do trabalho foi avaliar a confecção de BM’s utilizando-se cinco aglomerantes: cimento Portland, cal, caulim, cimento Portland + caulim e cal + bentonita, em duas percentagens (7,5 e 10%) e dois tempos de cura (72 e 96 h). O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 5 x 2 x 2 (aglomerantes, percentagens e tempos de cura, respectivamente), com cinco repetições. A utilização da cal nos BM’s promoveu maior resistência aos corpos de prova (208,53 kPa), garantindo maior dureza aos blocos. Não houve alteração na dureza dos blocos com o tempo de cura, recomendando-se uma cura de 72 h. Houve maior absorção de água com a utilização do cimento Portland e o uso do caulim e de cal + bentonita proporcionou as menores absorções de água. O uso da cal a 10% como aglomerante e o tempo de cura de 72 h demonstraram ser a melhor combinação na confecção dos blocos multinutricionais.

ABSTRACT Feed supplementation with multinutrient blocks (MB) for sheep and goats can be a viable alternative in the Brazilian semiarid region, and it is necessary to set an ideal hardness to obtain maximum feed efficiency. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the manufacture of MB using five binders: Portland cement, lime, kaolin, Portland cement + kaolin and lime + bentonite, at two percentages (7.5 and 10%) and two healing times (72 and 96 h). The experimental design was completely randomized in a 5 x 2 x 2 factorial scheme (binders, percentages and healing times, respectively), with five repetitions. Using lime in the MBs led to greater resistance in the specimens (208.53 kPa), as well as the greater percentage of binders (10%), ensuring higher hardness in the blocks. No change was observed in block hardness with the healing time, and a cure of 72 h is recommended. There was greater water absorption with the use of Portland cement and the use of kaolin and of lime + bentonite led to the lowest values of water absorption. The use of lime at 10% as binder and the 72 h healing time were shown to be the best combination in the manufacture of multinutrient blocks.

ABSTRACT With the demand in the production at large-scale food, confinement of animals has become a necessity of the productive process because of the increase in production capacity and optimization of the spaces reserved for creations. In this context, the aim of this study was the development and validation of models using fuzzy logic for predicting climate indices and productive performance of European quails kept in a climatic chamber. The model developed was analyzed from two points of view; the first one took into account the prediction of climate indexes where the input variables were the temperature (°C) and relative humidity (%) of the air. In the second, related to the prediction of productive performance, the input variables were air temperature (°C) and age of the birds (weeks) while the output variables were the food intake (FI, g), water consumption (WC, g), weight gain (WG, g) and food conversion (FC g g-1) of the birds. The Mamdani method was used for the preparation of the rules, and in the defuzzification was applied the center of gravity method. Based on the results generated by the models and compared with the experimental data it was obtained coefficients of determination (R2) of: 0.9771; 0.9897; 0.9955; 0.9995; 0.9993 and 0.9788, for BGTHI, RTL, WC, FI, WG and FC, respectively.

RESUMO Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, determinar o efeito do ambiente e do balanço eletrolítico sobre os índices ambientais, fisiológicos e produtivos de codornas japonesas. Utilizaram-se 288 aves distribuídas no delineamento em blocos casualizados com seis tratamentos e seis repetições de oito aves por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos consistiram em uma ração basal com nível de 20,0% PB e os demais com redução de 3,0% PB, para alcançar seis níveis de balanço eletrolítico (166,54; 153,47; 139,63; 139,63; 117,13 e 166,49). Quanto ao ambiente, verificou-se uma elevação na temperatura do ar e no índice de temperatura e umidade nos horários mais quentes do dia, causando desconforto às aves, que elevaram a frequência respiratória, porém com a manutenção da homeotermia. Foram observadas diferenças no consumo de ração, consumo de água, produção, peso e massa de ovo, em razão dos níveis eletrolíticos da ração. Quanto à conversão alimentar tanto por massa quanto por dúzia de ovos, não foi observada diferença estatística. O balanço eletrolítico e os índices ambientais nos horários mais quentes do dia não interferiram na produção das aves.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine the effects of environment and electrolyte balance on environmental, physiological and productive indices of Japanese quails. For the experiment, 288 quails were distributed in a randomized block design with six treatments and six replicates of eight birds per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of one basal feed with 20.0% of crude protein (CP) and the others with a reduction of 3.0% CP to achieve six electrolyte balance levels (166.54; 153.47; 139.63; 139.63; 117.13 and 166.49). As to the environment, there was an increase in air temperature and temperature-humidity index at the hottest hours of the day, causing discomfort to the birds, which increased respiratory rate, but with the maintenance of homeothermy. Differences were observed in feed consumption, water consumption, production, weight of eggs and mass of eggs, due to the electrolyte levels in the feed. For feed conversion, both per mass and per dozen of eggs, there was no statistical difference. The electrolyte balance and environmental indices at the hottest hours of the day did not affect quail production.

A produção de ovos de galinha acompanhando a evolução de pesquisas e o desenvolvimento de projetos inovadores vem ganhando espaço expressivo a cada ano, nos mercados nacional e internacional. Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, avaliar a influência da temperatura do ar e da umidade relativa na qualidade dos ovos de galinha para consumo humano durante o seu transporte entre a granja e o entreposto final. A pesquisa foi conduzida em uma granja de galinhas de postura em Esperança, PB, e foram realizados seis carregamentos. Utilizou-se um caminhão modelo F-4000, sem controle da climatização. Foram utilizados ovos de coloração vermelha de poedeiras semipesadas da linhagem Lohmann (Brown) e avaliados os seguintes parâmetros de qualidade: massa do ovo, gravidade específica, unidade Haugh, espessura de casca, índice de gema e pH. Para a análise estatística foi realizado o teste de Dunnett a 0,05 de probabilidade comparando, assim, as amostras finais com as testemunhas da granja. Foi verificada que, nas condições dos carregamentos, apenas a unidade Haugh apresentou perda de qualidade nas viagens mais longas.

The production of chicken eggs, following the evolution of research and development of innovative projects, is gaining significance every year in national and international market. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of air temperature and relative humidity on the quality of chicken eggs for human consumption during transport between the farm and the final warehouse. The research was conducted on a poultry farm (egg-laying) in Esperança, in the State of Paraíba, Brazil, and six loads were conducted. A F-4000 truck model was used without climate control. Red eggs of Lohmann (Brown) lineage were used and the following quality parameters were evaluated: egg mass, specific gravity, Haugh unit, shell thickness, yolk index and pH. For statistical analysis, the Dunnett’s test at 0.05 probability level was performed, thus comparing the final samples with the control from the farm. It was found that under the loading conditions only Haugh unit showed loss of quality during long trips.

Objetivou-se, neste trabalho, avaliar o desempenho e a qualidade dos ovos de poedeiras criadas em gaiolas enriquecidas e ambiente controlado, alojadas em câmara climática sob três temperaturas: 20, 26 e 32 ºC e U.R, 60%. As gaiolas apresentavam bebedouros, comedouros, ninhos e uma área com areia e lixa. Foram utilizadas 36 poedeiras da linhagem Dekalb White, com 27 semanas de idade, com seis aves/gaiolas. Foram analisados o consumo de ração e água, a produção e a qualidade dos ovos. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com três tratamentos e seis repetições. Nas condições ambiente de 20 e 26 ºC as aves se mostraram dentro da zona de conforto térmico sem diferença significativa e apresentando efeito positivo na qualidade dos ovos com melhores valores das médias nos parâmetros de qualidade. Na temperatura ambiente de 32 ºC, considerada fora da zona de conforto térmico, as aves apresentaram evidências de estresse térmico, propiciando aumento da ingestão de água, redução no consumo de ração, redução nos valores de percentual de produção e nos parâmetros de qualidade dos ovos. As gaiolas enriquecidas foram adequadas às galinhas apresentando produção de ovos com boa resistência da casca.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and egg quality of laying hens raised in furnished cages and controlled environment, housed in a climate chamber under three temperatures: 20, 26 and 32 ºC and relative humidity of 60%. The cages had drinkers, feeders, nests and an area with sand and sandpaper. Thirty six Dekalb White lineage hens were used with 27 weeks of age with six animals per cage. The consumption of food and water, production and egg quality were analysed. The experimental design was in completely randomized design with three treatments and six replications. In ambient conditions of 20 and 26 ºC, birds were within the ZTC (Thermal Confort Zone), with no significant difference, with positive effect on egg quality with best values in mean quality parameters. In ET (Environmental Temperature) of 32 ºC, considered out of ZTC, the birds showed evidence of heat stress, providing increased water intake, reduced feed intake, values of percentage of production and egg quality parameters. Enriched cages were adequate to laying hens, showing egg production with good shell strength.

Com este trabalho objetivou-se verificar o efeito do ambiente sobre os índices fisiológicos, produção e qualidade do leite de cabras Parda Alpina, puras e mestiças, no semiárido paraibano, utilizando-se 27 cabras, nove puras, nove ¾ Parda Alpina e nove ½ Parda Alpina, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. As variáveis ambientais foram registradas através de data logger marca Hobo e os índices fisiológicos aferidos foram: temperatura retal, frequência respiratória, frequência cardíaca e temperatura superficial, nos horários das 8, 12 e 16 h. O leite foi avaliado através das características físico-químicas, contagem bacteriana total (CBT) e contagem de células somáticas (CCS). Os índices bioclimáticos apresentaram valores mais elevados entre as 12 e 15 h porém dentro da zona de conforto térmico para caprinos. Os índices fisiológicos, os parâmetros físico-químicos a CBT e CCS não apresentaram diferença significativa (p > 0,05) entre os grupos genéticos. Houve efeito significativo (p < 0,05) para produção diária de leite com maiores médias para o grupo ¾ Parda Alpina, sugerindo-se essa composição como a mais indicada para a exploração nas condições do trabalho.

The objective of this research was to verify the effect of the environment on the physiological indices, production and quality of milk of purebred and crossbred goats Alpine in the semiarid of Paraiba state, with 27 goats, nine pure, nine ¾ Alpine Brown and nine ½ Parda Alpina distributed in a completely randomized design. Environmental variables were recorded using a data logger, and the physiological indices were rectal temperature, respiratory rate, heart rate and skin temperature at 8, 12 and 16 h. The milk was evaluated through the physical and chemical characteristics, total bacterial count (TBC) and somatic cell count (SCC). The bioclimatic indexes showed higher values between 12 and 15 h, but within the zone of thermal comfort for goats. The physiological indices, the physico-chemical parameters, SCC and TBC showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the genetic groups. There was significant effect (p < 0.05) for daily milk production, with higher means for the group ¾ Parda Alpina, suggesting that composition as the most suitable for the evaluated conditions.

As condições de conforto térmico dentro das instalações e a idade das aves afetam diretamente a produtividade de galinhas-matrizes pesadas, portanto o objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar os índices de conforto ambiental e produtivo em matrizes de frangos de corte, em condições de inverno, na região semiárida nordestina, utilizando aves da linhagem Cobb Avian 48, com idade entre 38 e 50 semanas. Os índices bioclimáticos mensurados foram a temperatura e a umidade relativa do ar, o índice de temperatura de globo negro e a umidade, a concentração de CO2 e o nível de pressão sonora dentro das instalações. Para a análise dos dados, foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com arranjo fatorial 3x3, com três tratamentos (meses) e três repetições (números de semana de coleta em cada mês). Em cada dia da semana, foram coletados 24 dados climáticos. Os índices bioclimáticos nos horários mais quentes do dia propiciaram desconforto às aves, e o nível de pressão sonora e o dióxido de carbono ficaram dentro do estabelecido pelas normas brasileiras. Mesmo fora da zona de conforto térmico em alguns horários, os índices produtivos encontrados estiveram coerentes com as recomendações técnicas do manual de criação da linhagem.

Henhouse thermal comfort and bird age influence broiler breeder hen productivity; this way, the present research aimed to assess thermal comfort indexes and broiler breeder hen performance during winter in North East semi-arid region from Brazil, using a Cobb Avian 48 broiler strain at the age of 38 and 50 weeks. We measured the following bioclimatic indexes: air temperature and relative humidity, black globe temperature and humidity, CO2 concentration and sound pressure levels at henhouse facility. Data analysis design was complete randomized in a 3 x 3 factorial scheme with three treatments (months) and three replications (week number of collection by month). A number of 25 climatic data were observed. Bioclimatic indexes at the most warm hours throughout the day promoted bird discomfort yet sound pressure and carbon dioxide levels were under the Brazilian standards. Even in thermal comfort zone at some hours, the productivity indexes were in compliance with those recommended by the strain creation guidebook.