RESUMO Avaliou-se o efeito da inclusão de farinha de batata doce (FBD), como alternativa ao milho em dietas de frangos de corte sobre o desempenho, rendimento da carcaça, morfometria intestinal, biometria de órgãos, qualidade de carne e pigmentação de canela. Foram utilizados 936 pintos de um dia, machos, da linhagem Cobb-500. Adotou-se um DIC em esquema fatorial 3x2, sendo três tipos de dietas, sendo o milho o ingrediente energético na dieta padrão (MFS), inclusão crescente (BDC) e decrescente (BDD) de farinha de batata doce como substituto parcial ao milho, associadas ou não ao uso de enzimas exógenas, totalizando seis tratamentos com seis repetições e 26 aves por parcela. No período de 1 a 21 dias, houve interação (P<0,05) para as variáveis de ganho de peso (GP) onde as dietas de MFS promoveram maior GP em relação aos grupos BDC e BDD quando suplementado com enzimas exógenas. Houve aumento (P<0,05) da superfície de absorção das vilosidades do jejuno, do peso relativo do pâncreas e piora na conversão alimentar (CA) promovido pelas dietas com BDC e BDD. No período integral de 1 a 39 dias (com exceção para o pâncreas) as variáveis desempenho, rendimento da carcaça e dos cortes, qualidade de carne, peso relativo do fígado e pigmentação das canelas não foram afetados (P>0,05) pelos fatores avaliados. A farinha de batata doce independente do programa de inclusão (BDC/BDD) e da suplementação de enzimas pode ser usada em rações de frangos de corte, garantindo bom desempenho, rendimento de carcaça e qualidade de carne.

SUMMARY This work evaluated the effect of including sweet potato meal (SPM), as an alternative to corn in broiler chicken diets, on performance, carcass yield, intestinal morphometry, organ biometry, meat quality and drumstick pigmentation. The study used 936 male Cobb-500 chicks. The experiment had a completely randomized, 3x2 factorial design, with three diet types. These included corn as the energetic ingredient in the standard diet (corn-soybean meal, CSM), and an increasing (ISP) and decreasing (DSP) inclusion of sweet potato meal as a corn substitute, in association with exogenous enzymes, for a total of six treatments with six repetitions and 26 birds per plot. During the period of 1 to 21 days, there was an interaction (P<0.05) for the weight gain (WG) variable; the CSM diets promoted greater WG in relation to the ISP and DSP groups, when supplemented with exogenous enzymes. There was an increase (P<0.05) in surface absorption of the jejunum villi and relative weight of the pancreas, and worse feed conversion (FC), for the ISP and DSP diets. With exception of the pancreas, for the entire period of 1 to 39 days the performance, yield of the carcass and cuts, meat quality, relative weight of the liver, and feet pigmentation variables were not affected (P>0.05) by the factors evaluated. Sweet potato meal, independent of the inclusion program (ISP/DSP) and enzyme supplementation, could partially substitute corn in broiler chicken feed, guaranteeing good performance, carcass yield and meat quality.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the use of probiotic based upon Bacillus subtilis C-3102 (BS) in broiler diets containing or not conventional additive growth-promoter (AGP). A total of 1,824 one-day-old chicks of the Cobb-500 strain were used and distributed into 48 plots (1.50 × 2.00 m). A completely randomized design with four treatments and 12 repetitions was adopted. The treatments evaluated were: 1- Negative Control - AGP-free diet (NC); 2 - Positive Control, with AGP halquinol 30 mg/kg diet (PC); 3 - NC + BS (3x10(5) cfu/g diet); and 4 - PC + BS (3x10(5) cfu/g diet). The diets were on corn, soybean meal and meat and bone meal basis, formulated according to the nutrient allowances of the Strain Cobb Guide, following a feed program with three diets (starter, grower and finisher). At 21 and 42 days of age, feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion were evaluated, and carcass yield characteristics were determined at 42 days of age. Throughout the trial period (starter and total phases), better feed conversion was found for broilers fed diet with both additives (AGP and BS) combined. At the end of the experiment (1 to 42 days), the highest weight gain also occurred in broilers fed diets with a combination of the two additives. In present study, the use of BS or AGP alone in diets did not affect the performance of broilers. The carcass yield was not influenced by the use of the additives and beneficial effects of supplementation of BS and AGP combined in the diet on broiler performance were observed.

O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar o efeito da associação de carboidrases e fitase em dietas de poedeiras. Foram utilizadas 300 poedeiras Isa Brown com 26 semanas, submetidas aos tratamentos: Controle Positivo: sem enzimas e valorização dos nutrientes; T2: valorização em 1,5 e 6% a EMA (kcal kg-1), do milho e o farelo de soja, respectivamente, e redução nos níveis nutricionais conforme a matriz nutricional para a fitase; T3: valorização da EMA do milho e o farelo de soja (idem T2) e redução nos níveis de cálcio e fósforo conforme matriz nutricional da fitase; T4: T2 suplementado com 100 g t-1 de carboidrases e 30 g t-1 de fitase; T5: T3 suplementado com 100 g t-1 de carboidrases e 30 g t-1 de fitase. Foi utilizado delineamento inteiramente casualizado, seis repetições e parcela subdividida no tempo (6 períodos de 21 dias). Não houve efeito significativo dos tratamentos sobre a produção, consumo, peso dos ovos e qualidade dos ovos. A valorização dos nutrientes preconizada com a utilização das enzimas foi eficiente tecnicamente para manutenção do desempenho e qualidade dos ovos de poedeiras semipesadas nas condições avaliadas, necessitando de outras pesquisas com maior redução nos níveis energéticos para avaliação do efeito das enzimas sobre a disponibilidade de energia.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of the combination of carbohydrases and phytase in diets of laying hens. A total of 300 Isa Brown hens at 26 weeks were submitted to the following treatments: Positive Control: without enzyme and nutrient recovery, T2: enrichment by 1.5 and 6% AME (kcal kg-1) of corn and soybean meal, respectively, and reduction in nutrient levels as the nutrient matrix for the phytase; T3: EMA enrichment of corn and soybean meal (T2 identification) and reduced levels of calcium and phosphorus as the phytase nutrient matrix; T4: T2 supplemented with 100 g ton.-1 of carbohydrases and 30 g ton.-1 of phytase; T5: T3 supplemented with 100 g ton.-1 of carbohydrases and 30 g ton.-1 of phytase. We used a randomized design, six replications and split plot in time (6 periods of 21 days each). No significant effects of treatments were observed on production, consumption, egg weight and egg quality. The enrichment of nutrients preconized by the use of enzymes were technically efficient to maintain the performance and egg quality of laying hens in the evaluated conditions, requiring further research with greater reduction in energy levels to evaluate the effect of enzymes on the availability of energy.

This experiment was conducted with the objective of evaluating cysteamine (CS) supplementation in broiler chick diets with different energy density patterns. A total of 980 chicks of the Cobb 500 strain at one day of age were allocated into 28 plots. A completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement, with 7 replications, was adopted. The factors under study were the supplementation (or absence) of cysteamine (60 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg of feed in the starter and growth/finishing phases, respectively) and two patterns of apparent metabolizable energy corrected by nitrogen balance (AMEn) in the diets. The energy levels (Mcal/kg of feed) practiced in pattern 1 were 3.00; 3.10; and 3.20, and for pattern 2, they were 3.05; 3.20; and 3.30 in the starter, growth and finishing phases, respectively. The diets were on the basis of corn and soybean meal with a feeding program with three diets. Feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion, feasibility and carcass yield were evaluated. There was no interaction between the CS supplementation and AME patterns in the diet upon the performance and/or carcass characteristic evaluated. Broilers fed the diet supplemented with CS presented improved feed conversion along the rearing cycle, but feed intake and weight gain were not affected by the supplementation of CS. The highest pattern of energy density (2) provided increased weigh gain in the starter phase of rearing and better feed conversion of the birds over the whole rearing period. The carcass yield was not influenced by the cysteamine supplementation and/or energy levels studied.

A total of thirty-six Landrace × Large White sows were inseminated with semen of Large White boars and studied in late pregnancy (30 days pre-partum) and lactation phases to determine the effects of trace mineral supplementation in organic (bioplex) and inorganic forms at two levels of supplementation (1 and 2 kg/t) on the reproductive performance of the females and on piglet performance and physiologic characteristics until weaning at 21 days of age. The trace mineral supplements contained 0.0075% selenium, 2.50% zinc, 1.00% manganese, 4.00% iron, 0.25% copper and 0.01% chromium. The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme with nine replicates each. The piglets were weighed at birth and at weaning (21 days) and were given a dose of 100 mg of dextran iron on the third day of life. For performance, the mean measure of the litter, including both males and females, was considered. Blood and liver were collected from the piglets at birth (two per farrowing, one male and one female), and milk was collected 10 days thereafter. Increased weight at birth and at 21 days and increased iron content in the blood and liver were found for piglets when the sows were given the organic form of trace minerals. Increased iron content in the milk was observed for higher supplementation with organic minerals only. The blood iron levels indicated a significant increase in levels with the use of the organic minerals. These results indicate important benefits in using trace minerals in organic forms for the performance of both sows and piglets.

Dois experimentos foram conduzidos para avaliar o desempenho, o balanço de energia e nutrientes e a viabilidade econômica da produção de suínos em crescimento alimentados com rações com níveis reduzidos e fitase. No experimento 1, 60 suínos machos castrados e fêmeas (peso inicial de 25 ± 1,72 kg) foram alojados em delineamento de blocos casualizados, com três dietas, dez repetições e dois animais por unidade experimental (macho e fêmea). Uma das dietas foi formulada com nível reduzido e com fitase e avaliada em comparação a uma dieta controle positivo, formulada conforme as recomendações nutricionais para animais da linhagem, e a uma dieta controle negativo, sem fitase. As dietas não influenciaram o consumo de ração, porém aquela com fitase promoveu melhor peso final, ganho de peso diário e conversão alimentar, embora não tenha diferido da controle positivo. No experimento 2, 27 suínos machos castrados (peso inicial de 49 ± 3,67 kg) foram alojados em blocos ao acaso com três dietas e nove repetições com parcela experimental representada por um animal. As dietas não afetaram o balanço de energia e nutrientes, mas tiveram efeito significativo na eficiência de utilização de cálcio e fósforo, que foi pior nos animais que receberam a dieta controle positivo. A viabilidade econômica melhorou com a redução de nutrientes e adição de fitase na ração. A suplementação de fitase (500 ftu/kg) em rações formuladas com níveis nutricionais reduzidos para suínos em crescimento melhora a produtividade da criação, além de ser economicamente viável.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance, the energy and nutrient balance and economic viability of production of growing pigs fed diets with reduced levels and phytase. In experiment 1, 60 barrows and gilts (initial weight 25 ± 1.72 kg) were housed in a randomized block design with three diets, ten replicates and two animals per experimental unit (one male and one female). One of the diets was formulated with a reduced level with phytase and evaluated in comparison to a positive-control diet that was formulated according to the nutritional recommendations for animals of this breed, and a negative-control diet without phytase. The different diets did not affect feed intake, but the diet with phytase promoted better final weight, daily weight gain and feed conversion, although it did not differ from the positive control diet. In experiment 2, 27 barrows (initial weight 49 ± 3.67 kg) were housed in random blocks with three diets and nine replicates with experimental plot represented by one animal. The diets did not affect the balance of energy and nutrients but had a significant effect on the efficiency of utilization of calcium and phosphorus, which was the lowest in animals that received the positive-control diet. Economic viability improved when nutrients were reduced and phytase was added in the ration. The addition of phytase (500 ftu/kg) in rations formulated with nutritional levels reduced for growing swines improves rearing productivity and it is economical viable.

O experimento foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar níveis de suplementação de vitamina D proveniente de duas fontes (D3 e 25-OHD3) em rações para frangos de corte criados em gaiolas. Foram utilizados 1.500 pintos machos de 1 dia, linhagem Cobb-700, alojados em gaiolas metálicas (100) com dispositivos e manejo adaptados para criação das aves. Em cada fase do desenvolvimento (inicial, de 1 a 21 dias; de crescimento, 22 a 38 dias; e final, de 39 a 45 dias), avaliaram-se quatro níveis (programas) de suplementação de vitamina D (20/16/10; 37,5/30/18,8; 87,5/70/43,8 e 137,5/110/68,8 mg/kg ração), oriunda de duas fontes. Os dois tratamentos adicionais foram constituídos da combinação das duas fontes (D3 + 25-OHD3), em diferentes proporções (50+37,7/40+30/25+18,8 e 50+70/40+56/25+35 mg/kg de ração para as fases inicial, crescimento e final, respectivamente). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2 × 4 + 2 (fontes × níveis + adicionais) e 10 repetições por tratamento As rações foram à base de milho e farelo de soja, com suplementação de fitase (500 ftu/kg), segundo recomendações das tabelas brasileiras de exigências nutricionais de animais não-ruminantes. Foram avaliados o desempenho, o rendimento de carcaça e a morfologia intestinal das aves. A suplementação de vitamina D na fase inicial melhorou o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar das aves. Maior ganho de peso e consumo de ração aos 45 dias foi observado nas aves dos tratamentos adicionais (associações). O rendimento de carcaça aumentou com o uso de 25-OHD3. Em comparação à suplementação isolada das fontes de vitamina D, os tratamentos adicionais promoveram maiores benefícios para a maioria das características avaliadas. A adição de 25-OHD3 em rações contendo vitamina D3 melhora as características de desempenho dos frangos de corte.

The experiment was conducted aiming at evaluating the levels of supplementation of vitamin D from two sources (vitamin D3 and 25-OHD3) on diets for broiler chickens raised in cages. It was used 1,500 line Cobb-700 male chicks at one day of age, housed in metal cages (100), with appliances and management fitted for bird raising. In each growing phase (starter, from 1 to 21 days; growing, from 22 to 38 days, and finishing, from 39 to 45 days), it was evaluated four levels (programs) of vitamin D supplementation (20/16/10; 37.5/30/18.8; 87.5/70/43.8 and 137.5/110/68.8 mg/kg ration) from two sources. The two additional treatments consisted of combination of the two sources (D3 + 25-OHD3) at different proportions (50+37.7/40+30/25+18.8 and 50+70/40+56/25+35 mg/kg ration for starter, growing and finishing phases, respectively). It was used a complete random experimental design, in a 2 × 4 + 2 (sources × levels + aditionals) and 10 replicates per treatment. The diets were based on corn and soybean meal, with supplementation of phytase (500 ftu/kg), following the recommendations of the national tables of nutritional requirements of non-ruminant animals. The performance and carcass characteristics as well as the intestinal morphology of the birds were evaluated. Vitamin-D supplementation at the starter phase improved weight gain and feed conversion of the birds. Greater weight gain and feed intake at 45 days of age were observed for the group of birds of the additional treatment associations. Carcass yield increased with the use of 25-OHD3. When compared to the single supplementation of vitamin D sources, the additional treatments promoted more benefits for most of the evaluated characteristics. The addition of 25-OHD3 in rations containing vitamin D3 improves performance characteristics of broilers.

Um experimento foi conduzido para avaliar o efeito da suplementação do complexo enzimático Endopower <FONT FACE=Symbol>bÒ</FONT>, composto de a-galactosidase, galactomanase, xilanase e beta-glucanase e da forma física da ração sobre o desempenho e as características de carcaça de frangos de corte. Foram utilizados 1488 frangos de corte machos, distribuídos num delineamento inteiramente casualizado, oito tratamentos e seis repetições. Os tratamentos constituíram-se de rações à base de milho e de farelo de soja, sem adição de enzimas ou com 200 ou 400 g de enzimas por tonelada de ração e duas formas físicas (farelada e peletizada). Dois tratamentos adicionais continham dieta basal farelada com energias do milho e farelo de soja valorados em 2 e 9%, respectivamente e digestibilidade de aminoácidos valorados em 4% para ambos ingredientes, sendo um tratamento sem adição de enzimas e outro com a adição de 200 g por tonelada de ração. O desempenho foi avaliado de 1 a 21 dias e 1 a 42 dias de idade das aves. Houve efeito da suplementação enzimática no consumo de ração, nos dois períodos avaliados (P<0,05), o qual reduziu linearmente. A conversão alimentar melhorou (P<0,05) no período de 1-21 dias. O teor de gordura abdominal aumentou linearmente (P<0,05). Houve interação entre suplementação enzimática e forma física da ração na conversão alimentar (P<0,01) e ganho de peso (P<0,05) no período de 1-42 dias, sendo a forma peletizada sem enzimas a que proporcionou melhor desempenho (P<0,05). O ganho de peso de 1-21 dias e o rendimento de carcaça foram superiores nas aves recebendo ração peletizada (P<0,05). A valoração do milho e do farelo de soja não afetou o desempenho (P>0,05) dos frangos de corte 1-21 dias de idade.

A study was conducted in order to verify the effect of enzyme supplementation (Endopower<FONT FACE=Symbol>bÒ</FONT>, based on de alpha-galactosidase, galactomanase, xilanase e beta-glucanase) and feeding different physical forms of diets on performance and carcass yield of broilers from 1 to 42 dais old. A total of 1488 broilers chickens, 8 treatments, 6 replicates and 31 broilers per experimental unit plot were fed with diets based on corn and soybean, with enzyme supplementation 200 or 400g for ton. and without enzymes supplementation and two physical forms (meal and pelleted ). Two additional basal diets with the energetic values of corn and soybean meal valued in 2 and 9% respectively and digestibilidade of amino acids digestibility valued in 4% by using one treatment with no enzyme supplementation and another one with enzyme supplementation of 200g/ton. Two periods 1-21 and 22-42 days old were evaluated. Reduced feed intake were observed in linear way (P<0.05) by the enzyme supplementation (P<0.05) in two periods. Broilers fed diets supplemented showed better feed conversion in the period of 1-21 days (P<0.05). Percentage of abdominal fat increased linearly with the increase of the supplementation level of enzyme (P<0.05). The interaction between enzyme supplementation and physical form was significant (P<0.05) for weight gain (P<0.05) and feed conversion (P<0.01) in the period of 1-42 days old . Pelleted diets showed better weight gain in the 1- 21 days (P<0.05). The pelleted diet improved performance to the broilers fed diets without enzyme supplementation (P<0.05). The carcass yield and weight gain in the period of 121 days were better in broilers fed pelleted diets (P<0.05). ). The valued energetic data of corn and soybean meal shown any difference (P>0.05) on the broiler performance from 1 to 21 days old.

O experimento foi realizado objetivando-se estudar a utilização dos microminerais na forma de complexo orgânico em rações para frangas no período de 7 a 12 semanas de idade e sua influência no desempenho e nas características ósseas. Os tratamentos consistiram da suplementação dos microminerais nas formas inorgânica (tratamento controle) e orgânica com inclusão de 0,4% na ração, que corresponde aos níveis suplementares de 60, 80, 70, 10, 1 e 0,3 ppm de Zn, Fe, Mg, Cu, I e Se, respectivamente, e na redução dos níveis de inclusão da fonte orgânica nas rações (0,35; 0,3; 0,25 e 0,2%). Seiscentos e quarenta e oito frangas Lohmann - LSL, iniciando a 7ª semana de idade, foram utilizadas em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com seis tratamentos, seis repetições e 18 aves por parcela. Não houve diferenças significativas entre os tratamentos para características de desempenho e uniformidade até a 12ª semana. Com a redução nos níveis de inclusão do suplemento orgânico, houve redução linear do teor de cinzas na tíbia das frangas na 12ª semana, porém, não houve diferenças entre a fonte inorgânica (tratamento controle) e os demais tratamentos (fonte orgânica). O teor de Zn em tíbias, assim como o peso, o comprimento, a espessura da tíbia e do fêmur e o comprimento do metatarso, não foi influenciado pelos tratamentos na 12ª semana. A fonte orgânica dos microminerais apresentou vantagem comparativa, possibilitando a redução no nível de inclusão da fonte orgânica para 0,2% na ração, sem afetar negativamente as características estudadas no período de 7 a 12 semanas de idade das frangas.

This experiment was carried out to study the effects of feeding trace minerals as organic complex on the performance and bone characteristics for pullets in the period from 7-12 weeks old. The treatments consisted of the supplementation of trace minerals in the inorganic form (control) and organic form with inclusion of 0.4% in the diet, that corresponds to the supplement levels of 60, 80, 70, 10, 1, and 0.3 ppm of zinc, iron, manganese, copper, iodine and selenium, respectively, and the decreasing dietary levels of organic source (0.35, 0.3, 0.25, and 0.2%). A total of 648 Lohmann - LSL pullets from the 7th week old were allotted to a completely randomized design with six treatments and six replicates of 18 birds. No significant treatment effect on performance characteristics and uniformity up to the 12th week was observed. There was a linear reduction of ash porcentage in the tibia of pullets in the 12th week as the dietary organic supplement decreased. However there were no significant differences among the inorganic source (control) and the other treatments (organic source). The zinc content in the tibia as well as the weight, length and thickness of tibia and femur and metatarsus length were not affected by the treatments, in the 12th week. The trace mineral organic source showed relative comparative advantage and resulted in 0.2% reduction of the dietary supplement level of organic source with no effect on the performance and bone characteristics of pullets from 7 to12 weeks old.

Realizou-se um experimento com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos dos níveis nutricionais de cálcio e das granulometrias do calcário em rações para frangas nas fases de cria e recria sobre a produção de ovos. Utilizaram-se 600 poedeiras da linhagem Lohmann LSL, alimentadas nos períodos de cria e recria com rações experimentais suplementadas com fitase (500 FTU/kg) e calcário em granulometrias fina (DGM = 0,135 mm) e grossa (DGM = 0,899 mm) para atender os níveis de 0,60; 0,75; 0,90; 1,05 e 1,20% de Ca total na ração. Os tratamentos foram dispostos em esquema fatorial 2 x 5, com cinco repetições e 12 aves por unidade experimental e quatro períodos de 21 dias. Na fase de postura (18 a 30 semanas de idade), as aves receberam a mesma ração com 3,60% de Ca. O nível de 0,60% de Ca e as granulometrias do calcário fornecido nas fases de cria e recria foram suficientes para proporcionar bom desempenho na postura e não afetaram a qualidade externa e interna dos ovos no período estudado.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of calcium levels and particle sizes of limestone on egg production. Six hundred Lohman LSL laying hens were randomly assigned to 10 treatments: two particle sizes of limestone (DGM = 0.135 mm and 0.899 mm) combined with five dietary calcium levels (0.60, 0.75, 0.90, 1.05, and 1.20% Ca), supplemented with phytase (500 FTU/kg). This experiment was analyzed as a 2 x 5 factorial arrangement with five replicates, with 12 hens per experiment unit and four periods of 21 days each. During the laying period (18 to 30 weeks of age), the hens were fed the same diet containing 3.6% Ca. Both particle sizes tested and 0.60% calcium level showed good results of performance in the laying period with no effect on internal or external egg quality.

Realizou-se um experimento com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos dos níveis de cálcio e das granulometrias do calcário na ração sobre os desenvolvimentos corporal e morfométrico do trato digestório de frangas de reposição. Foram utilizadas 1.400 frangas de reposição da linhagem Lohmann LSL, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 5 x 2 (níveis de cálcio x granulometrias do calcário), com cinco repetições de 28 e 18 aves por parcela, respectivamente, nos períodos de 3 a 7 e de 8 a 12 semanas de idade. As dietas experimentais, à base de milho, farelo de soja e farelo de trigo (trigo somente na recria), foram formuladas para ser isoprotéicas, isocalóricas e isofosfóricas (fosfato monoamônio). Além da suplementação com minerais, vitaminas e fitase (500 FTU/kg), as dietas foram acrescidas de calcário em granulometrias fina (DGM=0,135 mm) e grossa (DGM=0,899 mm) para apresentar os níveis de 0,60; 0,75; 0,90; 1,05 e 1,20% de cálcio total na dieta. Avaliaram-se o desempenho no período de 3 a 12 semanas, a morfometria do trato digestório e os teores de cinzas e minerais na tíbia de aves de cada parcela. O consumo de ração aumentou de forma linear com a elevação dos níveis de cálcio. Não houve diferenças significativas no ganho de peso, na conversão alimentar, na porcentagem do trato digestório e no comprimento do metatarso. Maiores teores de cinzas foram obtidos em frangas que receberam o nível de 0,60% de Ca e maior comprimento do intestino delgado em aves recebendo a granulometria grossa. O nível de 0,60% de cálcio e o calcário na granulometria grossa (DGM=0,899 mm) foram ideais para o melhor desenvolvimento esquelético, o menor consumo de ração e o maior comprimento do intestino delgado.

The effects of feeding different calcium levels and limestone particle sizes on body and morphometric development of the digestive tract in replacement pullets were evaluated in this trial. One thousand and four hundred Lohmann LSL replacement pullets were assigned to a complete randomized design with a 5 x 2 factorial (calcium levels and limestone particle size) and five replicates of 28 and 18 birds/plot, respectively, for the periods from 3 to 7 and from 8 to 12 weeks old. The experimental diets contained: corn, soybean meal and wheat meal (wheat only at growing phase) and were formulated to be isonitrogenous, isoenergetic and isophosphorus (monoammonium phosphorus). Diets were supplemented with minerals, vitamins and phytase (500 FTU/Kg) and added with limestone in fine (DGM = 0.135 mm) and gross (DGM=0.899 mm) particle sizes to meet the levels of 0.60, 0.75, 0.90, 1.05 and 1.20% of dietary total calcium. The performance in the period from 3 to 12 weeks, morphometry of the digestive tract and contents of tibia ashes and minerals in animals slaughtered at 12th week old were evaluated. The feed intake increased linearly as the dietary calcium levels increased. No significant differences on weight gain, feed conversion, percentage of digestory tract and metatarsus length were noticed. Better tibia ash content were observed with 0.60% of calcium and a longer length of the small intestine in pullets fed diet with gross particle size of limestone. The diet with calcium level of 0.60% and gross particle size of limestone resulted in better esqueletic development, worse feed intake and larger length of small intestine.

Realizou-se este experimento com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos dos níveis nutricionais de cálcio e granulometrias do calcário em rações de frangas de reposição sobre o desenvolvimento corporal e morfométrico do trato digestório. Foram utilizadas 1400 frangas de reposição da linhagem Lohmann LSL, empregando-se um DIC em esquema fatorial 5x2 (níveis de cálcio e granulometrias do calcário), com 5 repetições e 28 aves por parcela, no período de 3 a 5 semanas de idade. As dietas experimentais foram à base de milho e farelo de soja suplementada com minerais, vitaminas e fitase (500 FTU/kg), sendo isonutrientes, tendo como fonte de fósforo o fosfato monoamônio e balanceadas de acordo com o Manual da linhagem (LOHMANN, 1999). Utilizou-se o calcário em granulometrias fina (DGM = 0,135 mm) e grossa (DGM = 0,899 mm) para atender os níveis de 0,60; 0,75; 0,90; 1,05 e 1,20% de cálcio total na dieta. Avaliaram-se o desempenho no período de 3 a 5 semanas, a morfometria do trato digestório e os teores de cinzas e minerais na tíbia de aves de cada parcela abatida na 5ª semana de idade. Não houve diferenças significativas no ganho de peso, consumo de ração e comprimento do metatarso. A conversão alimentar apresentou interação para níveis de cálcio e granulometria do calcário, sendo observado efeito quadrático dos níveis de cálcio dentro da granulometria grossa, com melhor conversão observada no nível de 0,96% de Ca. Dentro do nível 0,90% de Ca, a granulometria grossa apresentou melhor conversão. As aves que receberam a granulometria de 0,899 mm do calcário apresentaram menor comprimento do intestino delgado (cm/kg PV) e porcentagem de trato digestório. Obteve-se efeito quadrático dos níveis de cálcio sobre o teor de cinzas na tíbia, sendo o teor máximo de cinzas observado no nível de 0,93% de Ca. A granulometria grossa do calcário proporcionou também um maior teor de fósforo na tíbia, não observando diferenças sobre os teores de cálcio.

The present work had the objective of to evaluate the effects of the nutritional levels of calcium and particle sizes of limestone replacement pullet rations on the performance and morphometric development of the digestive tract. A total of 1.400 replacement pullets of the Lohmann LSL strain, by using the CRD design in a 5 x 2 factorial scheme (calcium levels and particle size of limestone) with five replicates with 28 pullets per plot for the period of 3 to 5 weeks of age. The experimental diets were based on corn and soybean meal supplemented with minerals, vitamins and phytase (500 FTU/Kg). The rations were formulated to be a isoprotein, isocaloric and isophosphorus, being the phosphorus source supplied by monoammonium phosphorus and balanced according to the Lohmann (1999) strain Handbook, supplemented with limestone in fine (DGM = 0.135 mm) and gross (DGM = 0.899 mm) particle size to meet the levels of 0.60, 0.75, 0.90, 1.05 and 1.20% of total calcium in the diet. The performance in the period of 3 to 5 weeks, morphometry of the digestive tract and contents of ash and minerals in the pullet tibia of each plot were taken after slaughtered pullet on the 5th week old. Feed conversion shown interaction to calcium levels and particle size of limenstone, occurring quadract effect of calcium levels in the gross particle size, with better feed conversion in the level of 0,96% of Ca. Inside of level 0,90% Ca the gross particle size shown better feed conversion. The pullets fed rations with limestone particle size of 0,899 mm had minus length of small intestine (cm/kg) and percentage of digestory tract. The better level of ash in the tíbia was obtained with the calcium level of 0,93% Ca. The gross particle size provided a higher level of P in tibia and any differences on levels of calcium levels were observed.