ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate whether the addition of different levels of capsaicin in the diet of female turkeys has beneficial effects on growth performance and the antioxidant and oxidant status in serum and meat. A total of 150 female turkeys were distributed in a completely randomized design with three treatments with five replicates per treatment and ten birds per experimental unit. Treatments were identified as control (without additive); T400 – basal diet containing 400 mg/kg of pepper extract per kg of feed; and T800 – basal diet supplemented with 800 mg/kg of pepper extract per kg of feed. Growth performance was measured on days 1 and 20 of the experiment. Blood samples were collected at 20 days of the experiment for analysis of the oxidant and antioxidant status, and at 20 days, five birds were euthanized per treatment for the analysis of the oxidant and antioxidant status of the meat. The turkeys fed diet supplemented with capsaicin had lower feed intake and better feed:gain ratio. Turkeys in the T800 treatment showed a reduction in serum levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid, and this same effect was observed for ROS in their breast meat. Capsaicin supplementation improves feed conversion and reduces feed intake without altering weight gain in female turkeys. Furthermore, the addition of 800 g/ton reduces lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation in the serum and reduces protein oxidation in broiler turkey meat.

ABSTRACT. We evaluated various sieving methods to estimate particle size (PS) and geometric standard deviation (GSD) of ground corn. The corn had been previously divided in six fractions and each one ground in a hammermill (1-, 2-, 3-, 4-, 5- or 12-mm sieves). The stacked sieving method, with prior drying at 105ºC without agitators was the reference. We evaluated eight sieving methods, distributed in a factorial design (2 x 2 x 2 x 6), consisting of the following treatments: i) with and without agitators (two 25-mm rubber spheres), ii) with and without previous drying, iii) with a nest of test sieves set in a stacked or reverse, and iv) employing six ground corn degrees, totaling 48 treatments (four replicates). There was a linear increase in PS estimation for methods without drying and stacking and quadratic increases for the others. Reverse, drying, and agitator methodologies gave better sieving of corn, and consequently gave the lowest PS and highest GSD. The results were more pronounced for high-intensity grinding (hammermill sieve with small apertures) in which the differences between the reference method with the drying and reverse methods were up to 210 µm. Reverse sieving combined with agitators allowed the greatest passage of corn particles through the test sieves and promoted better characterization of ground corn.

Abstract This study was aimed at the effects of different Creep-feeding protocols on piglet performance and its residual effects during the nursery phase. Experimental design used was five groups: WC (without creep); DCF (dry creep feeding); WCF (wet creep feeding); LD (additional liquid creep with automatic feed dispenser plus DCF); and LLF (additional liquid creep with linear feeder plus DCF). Ten litters per treatment were selected a total 50 sows and 645 piglets. During the first two weeks of lactation, the LD treatment (2.61 and 4.20 kg) promoted greater body weight (P <0.001) than the DCF (2.55 and 3.93 kg), (WFS) (2.43 and 3.69 kg) and LLF (2.50 and 4.00 kg) treatments, but did not differ from the WC treatment (2.68 and 4.09 kg). At weaning, the WC (5.22 kg), LD (5.32 kg) and LLF (5.27 kg) treatments gave higher body weights (P <0.001) when compared to the DCF (4.97 kg) and WCF (4.69 kg) treatments. We concluded that there was no change in the behavior of the piglets, and the use of dry feed with liquid supplements did not improve weight gain. The different creep feeding systems did not influence the weight and performance of the piglets in the nursery phase.

RESUMO: Foi realizado um experimento de duas etapas: teste de preferência e validação em maternidade suína, para verificar se leitões possuem preferência por cores alternativas de luz do abrigo escamoteador em relação à luz branca, e o efeito da cor de luz preferida em teste realizado em abrigos escamoteadores (cor alternativa e branca) no comportamento de leitões. Na primeira, foram realizados cinco ensaios de dois dias cada, em intervalos de 21 dias. Quarenta leitões, entre três e cinco dias de vida, provenientes de quatro matrizes F1 (Large White x Landrace), foram distribuídos em quatro tratamentos, em esquema pareado: Tratamento Vd: luz branca/luz verde; Tratamento Az: luz branca/luz azul; Tratamento Am: luz amarela/luz branca; Tratamento Vm: luz branca/luz vermelha. Para a validação, três lotes consecutivos de oito matrizes F1 (Large White x Landrace) e suas leitegadas permaneceram desde o nascimento sob os tratamentos T_Vd e T_Br. T_Vd correspondia a quatro escamoteadores com luz de LED verde e T_Br a quatro escamoteadores com luz de LED branca. A comparação entre cada cor alternativa e o branco mostrou diferença quanto à preferência (p<0,05) apenas para o azul. Entre as cores alternativas os leitões preferem a cor verde (p<0,05). Na etapa de validação, não houve efeito (p>0,05) no percentual médio de permanência dos leitões no interior dos escamoteadores, entre as cores de luz, para todos os períodos avaliados. Leitões entre dois a cinco dias de vida preferem a iluminação verde, porém no ambiente de maternidade, a cor de luz utilizada não influenciou no comportamento dos leitões.

ABSTRACT: We performed a two-stage experiment: a preference and a validation test in swine litters, to determine whether suckling piglets preferred alternative light colors in their creep area over white light; we also determined whether the preferred color affected piglet behavior. In the first stage, five trials of two consecutive days were performed, each at 21-day intervals. In each trial, 40 piglets, from three to five days old, from four F1 sows (Large White x Landrace), were distributed in four treatments, in a paired scheme, receiving the following treatments: Treatment GR: white light vs. green light ; Treatment BL: white light vs. blue light; Treatment YE: yellow light vs. white light; Treatment RD: white light vs. red light. For the validation test, three consecutive lots of eight F1 sows (Large White x Landrace) and their corresponding maternity were used, remaining from birth under the influence of treatments T_Gr and T_Wh, totaling three replicates. T_Gr corresponded to four creep areaswith green LED light and T_Wh to four nurseries with white LED light. The piglets showed a significant preference only for white over blue. Among the alternative colors, piglets significantly preferred green. In the validation stage, there was no significant effect of colors on the mean percentage of permanence of the piglets inside the creep areas over all evaluated periods. Piglets between two and five days of age prefer green lighting;however,in the creep area, the light color used did not influence piglet behavior.

Abstract: The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) supplementation on cholinesterase enzymes and its relationship with animal behavior of weaning piglets exposed to mycotoxin contaminated diets. To achieve these objectives, two experimental design approaches were used. Male piglets (7.15±0.61kg) were allocated in four groups: CTL group received a regular diet; SDPP group received a regular diet and 6% SDPP; MYC group received a diet containing desired contamination of 210 µg/kg aflatoxins and 6.690 µg/kg fumonisins; group MYC+SDPP received 253 µg/kg aflatoxins, 6930 µg/kg fumonisins and 6% SDPP. The animals treated with mycotoxin co-contaminated diets showed an increase in AChE and BChE activities in peripheral system (MYC) when compared to control (CTL). Furthermore, supplementation with SDPP (MYC+SDPP group) prevented the mycotoxin-related reduction of AChE in blood and brain. Behavioral tests showed that sleeping and resting behaviors were more often observed in the MYC group; this group also fed fewer times when compared to the other groups, characterizing the deleterious effect of mycotoxins. Taken together, the data suggest changes in AChE and BChE activities may indicate alterations in cholinergic neurotransmission and consequently in the behavior of piglets.

Abstract This study was aimed to analyze the effects of spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) on the health of post weaning piglets challenged with diets contaminated with aflatoxins and fumonisins. Fifty-six male piglets (7.15 ± 0.61 kg) were allocated in four groups: CTL group received a regular diet; SDPP group received a regular diet and 6% SDPP; MYC group received a diet containing 300 µg/kg aflatoxins and 8,000 µg/kg fumonisins; group MYC+SDPP received 300 µg/kg aflatoxins, 8,000 µg/kg fumonisins and 6% SDPP. The animals that received the experimental diet containing mycotoxins (MYC group) had lower weight gain at the end of the experiment compared to the other treatments. Animals receiving SDPP showed decreased urea levels throughout the experiment (P<0.05). Animals from MYC group presented an increased on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels and decreased catalase activity (P<0.05). In contrast, SDPP prevented the increase of ROS and TBARS and stimulated superoxide dismutase activity (P<0.05). In conclusion, diet contaminated with mycotoxins (group MYC) caused subclinical intoxication in the piglets, as observed by the increase on free radical’s production and lipid peroxidation. Conversely, SDPP presented a protective effect, minimizing the effects of oxidative stress caused by aflatoxins and fumonisins ingestion.

RESUMEN Objetivo. Este estudio fue realizado para evaluar la ganancia de peso, mortalidad, proteínas plasmáticas (BP), lesiones faciales en los lechones y en las cerdas, grasa dorsal (P2) y lesiones en los pezones en lechigadas sometidas a diferentes manejos dentales. Materiales y métodos. La investigación fue conducida en una granja comercial de cría. Fueron utilizadas quince cerdas, divididas en tres grupos: control, en el cual los dientes de los lechones permanecieron intactos; descolmille con alicate; descolmille con limadora eléctrica. Nosotros evaluamos WG, BP (cinco machos/lechigada), mortalidad, lechones de baja viabilidad y lesiones faciales en los lechones. En las cerdas, nosotros evaluamos P2 y la escala de lesiones en los pezones. Los datos de BP, escala de lesiones y WG fueron evaluados individualmente. Para el WG, el peso inicial y el tamaño de la lechigada fueron considerados. Acerca de las otras variables, nosotros usamos el peso promedio de la lechigada. Cuando hubo diferencias, las medias fueron comparadas usando la prueba de Duncan (p<0.05). Resultados. En la primera semana, los lechones del GT presentaron mayor WG. En la segunda semana el CT presentó la peor WG. En las dos primeras semanas así como en el período total, los lechones del CT presentaron peor WG de que los del GT. La mortalidad y los lechones de baja viabilidad no fueron influenciados. Después del cuarto día, el CT y el GT redujeron las lesiones faciales. No hubo efectos en BP. Los tratamientos no influenciaron P2 y las lesiones en los pezones. Conclusiones. Los tratamientos no influenciaron en la mortalidad, lechones de baja viabilidad, BP de los lechones y en la escala de lesiones en los pezones de las cerdas. CT redujo la ganancia de peso y IT aumentó las lesiones faciales.

ABSTRACT Objective. We carried out this study to evaluate weight gain (WG), mortality, blood serum proteins (BP), facial lesions of littermates submitted to different teeth procedures. Material and Methods. The experiment was performed in a commercial breeding farm. Were used 15 sows, allotted into three groups: control, where piglets’ teeth were kept intact (IT); teeth clipping (CT); and teeth grinding using an electric grinder (GT). We evaluated WG, BS (five males/litter), mortality, low viable piglets rates and facial lesions in piglets. Additionally, we evaluated sows’ backfat thickness (P2) and teat lesion score. BP data, lesion score and WG were assessed individually. For WG, the initial weight and the litter size were used as covariates. Regarding other variables, we used the average of the litter. When there were differences, the means were compared using Duncan test (p<0.05). Results. In the first week, GT piglets presented higher WG. In the second week, CT presented worst WG. In the first two weeks as in the total period, CT piglets presented worse WG than the GT. Mortality and low viable piglets rates were not influenced. After the fourth day, CT and GT treatment reduced facial lesions. There was no effect on BP. Treatments did not influence P2 and teat lesion score. Conclusions. Treatments did not have influence on mortality, low viable rates, BP of the piglets and P2 and teat lesions score. CT treatment decreased weight gain and IT increased face lesions score.

RESUMO: O presente trabalho foi conduzido para avaliar se diferentes métodos de debicagem e sistemas de criação afetam a seletividade alimentar de galinhas poedeiras. Foram utilizadas 178 aves na fase de recria e 120 aves na fase de produção, da linhagem Hy-line Brown, divididas em um delineamento experimental em esquema fatorial (2x3), com dois sistemas de criação (piso e gaiolas) e três manejos de bico: sem debicar (controle), debicagem por lâmina quente e radiação infravermelha, com quatro repetições. As aves foram alimentadas com rações isonutritivas e foram coletadas amostras das sobras e das rações controle, com posterior análise da matéria seca, energia bruta, proteína bruta, matéria mineral, diâmetro geométrico médio e desvio padrão geométrico. Os resultados foram submetidos ao teste de normalidade dos erros, análise de variância e aos testes de médias de Fisher-snedecor (P<0,05) e Duncan (P<0,05). Os métodos de debicagem avaliados não são suficientes para impedir a seleção de alimento de galinhas de postura. No entanto, na fase de recria, a debicagem por lâmina quente reduz a capacidade de seleção das galinhas, em relação à debicagem por infravermelho. O sistema de criação em gaiolas favorece a seleção de alimento pelas galinhas poedeiras, tanto na fase de recria quanto na fase de produção.

ABSTRACT: The present research was conducted to evaluate whether different beak trimming methods and rearing systems affected the feed selectivity of laying hens. A total of 178 Hy-line Brown laying hens in the growing phase and 120 hens in the production phase were divided in a factorial arrangement (2 x 3), with two rearing systems (floor and cages) and three beak trimming methods: without beak trimming (control), hot-blade beak trimming, and infrared beak trimming, with four replicates. Laying hens were feed with isonutritive diets. Samples were collected from feed orts and feed provided, with a subsequent analysis of dry matter, crude energy, crude protein, mineral matter, geometric mean diameter and geometric standard deviation. The results were subjected to the error normality test, analysis of variance and the Fisher-Snedecor (P<0.05) and Duncan tests (P<0.05). The beak trimming methods evaluated were not sufficient to prevent feed selection in laying hens. However, in the growing phase, hot-blade beak trimming reduced feed selection capacity of laying hens more than did infrared beak trimming. The cage system favored feed selection, both in the growing and production phases.

RESUMEN Objetivo. El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el rendimiento, las características de termorregulación, y el leucograma de cerdos de engorde, criados en diferentes densidad mantenidos en corrales de piso compactos o corrales con lámina de agua. Material y métodos. Treinta y seis cerdos se utilizaron en dos etapas (un total de 72 animales utilizados). En el primer paso, se analizaron las características zootécnicas (consumo diario de alimento, ganancia de peso y la conversión alimenticia) y el espesor de grasa dorsal (P2). En el segundo paso, los mismos análisis se repitieron, además, el análisis de leucograma y temperatura de la piel se realizó en P2 y la región anal, al final de la recría y terminación. Resultados. Se evaluaron las diferencias entre los tratamientos. No se encontró efecto del tipo de corrales en fase de recría, pero el uso de los corrales con lámina de agua tuvo un efecto negativo sobre la ganancia y conversión alimenticia en la fase de terminación, así como una menor temperatura de la superficie en la región anal en el tratamiento con lámina de agua en la fase de terminación. No hubo efecto de los tratamientos y tipo de corales sobre el Leucograma de los cerdos. Permitiendo más espacio/animal disminuyó el espesor de grasa dorsal. El uso de la lámina de agua afectó negativamente al rendimiento en la fase de terminación. Conclusiones. El uso de lámina de agua afectó el rendimiento de los cerdos de terminación, a pesar de la mejora de termólisis, sin efecto visible en la respuesta inmune celular.

ABSTRACT Objective. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance, thermoregulatory characteristics and the leukogram of growing finishing pigs reared in different stocking rates kept on compact floor pens or with shallow pool pens. Material and methods. Thirty-six pigs were used in two steps (total of 72 animals were used). In the first step it was analysed performance pig (daily feed intake, weight gain and feed: gain ratio) and backfat thickness (P2). In the second step, the same analyzes were repeated, in addition, analysis of leukogram and skin temperature was performed in P2 and anal region, at the end of growing and finishing phase. Results. It was evaluated for differences between treatments and stocking. It was not found effect of floor type on growing phase, but the use of shallow pool had a negative effect on the gain and feed: gain ratio in the finishing phase, as well as lower surface temperature in the anal region on treatment with shallow pool in the finishing phase. No effect of treatments and type of floor on pig leukogram. Allowing more space/animal decreased backfat thickness. The use of shallow pool affected negatively the performance in the finishing phase. Conclusions. The shallow pool uses impair the finishing pig performance, despite improving thermolysis, with no effect observed on cell immune response.

RESUMO Foi conduzido um estudo para avaliar diferentes graus de hidratação e adição de fubá de milho (FMI) para a ensilagem do farelo de arroz integral (FAR) para conservação do produto. Foram utilizadas relações FAR: FMI 10:0; 9:1; 8:2; 7:3 e 6:4 e níveis de hidratação da mistura 10, 20, 30, 40 e 50% do peso inicial, perfazendo um esquema fatorial de 5×5 com quatro repetições. Paralelamente, foram fabricados quatro silos de características semelhantes aos demais com FAR sem a hidratação, denominados silos referência, e avaliada a peroxidação lipídica. Após a abertura (120 dias de ensilagem) foram avaliados o pH, acidez titulável (AT), índice de acidez (IA), índice de fungos (IF) e atividade de água (Aw). A temperatura (análise para verificar a estabilidade aeróbica) e o pH, pós abertura, foram determinados em 24, 48 e 120 horas após a abertura. Houve interações entre as variáveis para: pH na abertura, AT, IA e IF. Para a variável Aw não houve interação. A inclusão de 40% de FMI e 42,3% de água melhorou o pH da silagem na abertura, e a inclusão de 43,6% de água melhorou o pH 24 horas pós abertura. Após 48 horas de abertura as silagens estavam inapropriadas para o consumo, e a inclusão do milho acelerou a deterioração da massa ensilada após este período. Somente nos silos controles foi observado peroxidação lipídica. O uso do método de ensilagem para preservar a qualidade do FAR foi promissor como ferramenta para diminuir a peroxidação, independentemente do nível de hidratação. Para a confecção de silagem de farelo de arroz recomenda-se a inclusão de FMI de 40% e hidratação de 42,3% sobre o peso para otimizar o pH na abertura.

SUMMARY A study was carried out to evaluate the addition of cornmeal (FMI) at different hydration degrees to rice bran, as a strategy for its conservation by silage (FAR). Five relations of FAR and FMI were used: 10:0; 9:1; 8:2; 7:3 and 6:4, combined with five hydration levels: 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50% over initial weight, performing a 5×5 factorial design with four replications. In parallel, were prepared four similar silos only with FAR, without hydration (control silos). After 120 days of storage, the pH, titratable acidity, acidity index, fungi index, and water activity (Aw) were evaluated. The temperature (regarding to verify the aerobic stability) and the pH were determined at 24, 48 and 120 hour after opening. Interactions were observed for pH at opening time, titratable acidity, acid index and fungi index. No interactions were observed with Aw. The inclusion of 40% of cornmeal and 42.3% water improved the silage pH at opening and 43,6% improve the silage pH at 24 hours after opening. However, after 48 h of opening, all silages were inappropriate for consumption, the addition of cornmeal accelerated the deterioration of silage. Only on the control silos, the peroxidation process was observed. Then, the use of silage method for preserving the quality of rice bran was promising as a tool to reduce peroxidation independent of hydration level. We recommended for silage rice bran the inclusion of FMI 40% and 42.3% of water to optimize the pH in the opening.

RESUMO Este trabalho foi realizado para avaliar as características fermentativas e a estabilidade aeróbica das silagens de grãos úmidos de milho: convencional, doce e reidratado. Foi utilizado um delineamento em esquema fatorial 3x3 com três tipos de milho (Fortuna, doce e reidratado) e três tratamentos de inoculação (sem inoculação; com inoculação bacteriana; inoculação bacteriana mais enzimas). Foram avaliados a estabilidade aeróbica (diferença entre temperatura do bulbo seco e temperatura das silagens) e os valores de pH com: 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, 168, 192, 216, 240 e 296 horas de exposição aeróbica. Adicionalmente, foram testados diferentes modelos matemáticos para estimar os valores médios de pH pós abertura. Houve interação (P < 0,05) entre os tratamentos de inoculação e tipos de milho para a estabilidade aeróbica e para pH nas horas 72, 168 e 192 após a abertura dos silos. As silagens de milho doce inoculadas apresentaram melhor estabilidade aeróbica quando comparadas com as demais silagens. Para o pH às 48 horas a silagem de milho doce apresentou os menores valores de pH. O tratamento inoculação mais enzimas para a silagem de milho reidratado reduziu o pH 168. A equação de Richard (1959) foi a que melhor estimou os valores de pH para os tipos de inoculação e para o milho reidratado. Para as silagens de milho fortuna e doce o modelo proposto por Morgan et al. (1975) foi o que melhor ajustou os dados.

SUMMARY This work was carried out to evaluate the fermentation characteristics and aerobic stability, regarding the conventional high moisture corn grain silage (Fortuna variety), the high moisture sweet corn grain silage and the high moisture rehydrated corn silage. Data were statistically analyzed as a 3x3 factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design, and the factors were three types of corn (Fortuna, sweet and rehydrated) and three inoculation treatments (without inoculum, bacterial inoculum and bacterial inoculum plus enzymes). The aerobic stability values were assessed, collecting the temperatures from the room dry bulb and from the silage thermometers, and the pH values, at 0, 24, 48, 72, 96, 168, 192, 216, 240 and 296 hours after aerobic exposition. Additionally, different mathematical models to estimate the mean pH values after opening were tested. Interactions were observed (P<0.05) between types of corns and inoculants for aerobic stability and pH at 72, 168 and 192 hours after opening. Inoculated sweet corn silages presented better aerobic stability after aerobic exposition compared to the other silages. The sweet corn silage presented lowest pH values at 48 hours after opening. The pH values at 168 hours of rehydrated corn silage treated with bacterial inoculum plus enzymes was more acid. Richard’s Equation (1959) was the best tool for the pH estimation when either types of inoculants or rehydrated corn silage were considered. On the other hand, the model proposed by Morgan et al. (1975) was the best equation model to fit the data regarding either Fortuna or sweet corn silages.

Objetivo. Este estudio describe la influencia de la dieta sobre los endoparásitos y variables bioquímicas en el suero de las gallinas ponedoras marrones. Materiales y métodos. Los parámetros bioquímicos (niveles séricos de colesterol, triglicéridos, proteínas totales, ácido úrico, albúmina, y la actividad de la alanina aminotransferasa) se evaluaron en muestras de sangre de las aves de corral. Tres poblaciones de gallinas ponedoras de distintas propiedades (n=20 cada uno) representan nuestro diseño experimental, de la que se recogieron la sangre (suero) y las heces de bioquímica y análisis parasitológico, respectivamente. Resultados. De 60 muestras de heces evaluadas, 49 fueron positivos para la presencia de parásitos y 11 fueron negativos. Entre las muestras positivas, 23 tenían infección con Eimeria spp y las otras 26 muestras tenían parasitismo mezclado con Eimeria spp y Heterakis gallinarum, que influyó (aumentando) los niveles de proteína total y globulina. Sin embargo, cuando se analizaron por separado los parásitos, se observó que la infección por Eimeria spp afectó parámetros tales como el colesterol (el cual se incrementó p=0.001) y los triglicéridos, que mostraron resultados más bajos que cuando las gallinas fueron parasitadas por Eimeria spp. (p=0.01). Se observó diferencia (p<0.05) en todas las variables bioquímicas, cuando se compararon las tres dietas. Conclusiones. Nuestros resultados permitieron concluir que la infección parasitaria y la dieta de las gallinas ponedoras influyeron en los resultados de los parámetros bioquímicos séricos evaluados. La principal conclusión que se encontró es que el parasitismo causó un aumento de la proteína total y la globulina (es decir, la respuesta inmune), y hubo una correlación negativa entre la carga de parásitos y albúmina, ácido úrico y ALT.

Objective. This study describes the influence of endoparasites and diet on biochemical variables in sera of brown laying hens. Materials and methods. Biochemical parameters (seric levels of cholesterol, triglycerides, total protein, uric acid, albumin, and alanine aminotransferase activity) were assessed in blood samples of poultry. Three populations of laying hens of different properties (n=20 each) represented our experimental design, from which blood (serum) and feces were collected for biochemical and parasitological analyzes, respectively. Results. From 60 feces samples evaluated 49 were positive for the presence of parasites and 11 were negative. Among the positive samples, 23 had infection with Eimeria spp and the other 26 samples had mixed parasitism with Eimeria spp and Heterakis gallinarum, which influenced (increasing) the levels of total protein and globulin. However, when parasites were analyzed separately, it was observed that the infection by Eimeria spp affected parameters such as cholesterol (which increased, p=0.001) and triglycerides, showing lower results than when the hen was parasitized by Eimeria spp. (p=0.01). Significant (p<0.05) difference was observed in all biochemical variables when the three diets were compared. Conclusions. Our results allowed concluding that the parasitic infection and diet in laying hens influenced the results of serum biochemical parameters evaluated. The main conclusion we found that parasitism caused an increase in total protein and globulin (ie immune response), and there was a negative correlation between parasite load and albumin, uric acid and ALT.

Foi conduzido um estudo com objetivo de avaliar o uso do farelo de algodão (FA42) na alimentação de suínos, nas fases de crescimento e terminação, seus efeitos sobre o desempenho zootécnico, características de carcaça e viabilidade econômica. Foram utilizados 40 suínos mestiço com peso de 29,7 ± 1,6 aos 52,2 ± 3,6kg para o crescimento e 52,7 ± 2,9 aos 86,9 ± 5,0kg para a terminação. Para cada fase foram formuladas três rações (5, 10 e 15% de FA42). Adicionalmente foi formulada uma ração sem a inclusão de FA42 (0%). Os suínos foram distribuídos em um delineamento em blocos ao acaso com quatro tratamentos e quatro blocos, com quatro repetições por tratamento. Não foram observados efeitos da inclusão de FA42 para as variáveis de desempenho na fase de crescimento, entretanto para a fase de terminação, houve efeito linear crescente dos níveis de inclusão sobre o consumo e conversão alimentar. As características de carcaça e o nitrogênio da uréia plasmática não foram influenciados. Os resultados sugerem que o FA42 pode ser utilizado nas rações de suínos em crescimento em até 15% e em até 10% na terminação ou em substituição próxima de 50% da proteína do farelo de soja, sem prejuízos ao desempenho. Entretanto, o nível de 5% de inclusão do FA42 foi o que apresentou a melhor eficiência econômica.

One experiment was carried out to evaluate the use of cottonseed meal (CM42) on growing-finishing pigs feeding and the effect on performance, carcass traits and economic feasible. Were used 40 crossbred pigs, with body weight of 29.7 ± 1.6 to 52.2 ± 3.6kg in the growing and 52.7 ± 2.9 to 86.9 ± 5.0kg in the finishing phase. For each phase were formulated four diets, the first contain no cottonseed meal (0%) and three experimental diets with increasing levels of inclusion (5, 10 and 15%) of CM42. The pigs were allotted in a completely randomized block design with four treatments and four blocks, resulting in four replicates per treatment. No were observed effect of inclusion of CM42 for performance variables in growing phase, however for finishing phase, there were linear effect in performance of levels of inclusion on daily feed intake and feed:gain ratio. No was effect of inclusion of CM42 on carcass traits and plasma urea nitrogen. The CM42 can be used in diets pigs on growing phase in levels up to 15% and to used up to 10% on finishing phase, respectively, or in replaced next 50% in crude protein of soybean meal, without impairing for pigs. However, 5% level of inclusion showed better economic efficiency.

Foram conduzidos dois experimentos com o objetivo de avaliar o desempenho e as características de carcaça de suínos na fase de crescimento e terminação alimentados com rações contendo casca de café melosa ensilada. No experimento 1, a casca de café foi moída em peneira com crivos de 4 mm e ensilada com 30% de água e inoculante enzimobacteriano e avaliada em ensaio de digestibilidade com 15 suínos mestiços, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado. De forma geral, o processo de ensilagem não melhorou a digestibilidade da casca de café melosa. No experimento 2, foram utilizados 60 suínos (32,52 a 59,58 kg) na fase de crescimento e 55 suínos (61,70 a 90,27 kg) na fase de terminação, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco dietas (0, 4, 8, 12 e 16% de casca de café melosa ensilada) e seis repetições. Nas fases de crescimento e terminação, não houve efeito dos níveis de casca de café melosa ensilada sobre o consumo de ração, o ganho de peso e o nitrogênio da uréia plasmática. Entretanto, na fase de terminação, a conversão alimentar melhorou com o aumento dos níveis de casca de café melosa ensilada. A espessura de toucinho e o marmoreio responderam de forma quadrática, enquanto o peso do estômago vazio aumentou de forma linear com a inclusão de casca de café melosa ensilada na dieta. A casca de café melosa ensilada tem bom valor nutricional e, se utilizada em níveis correspondentes a até 16% da dieta, não prejudica o desempenho de suínos nas fases de crescimento e terminação e resulta em carcaças mais magras, entretanto a viabilidade econômica de sua utilização depende da relação de preços entre esse subproduto e os demais ingredientes.

Two experiments were carried out with the objective of evaluating the performance and carcass traits of growing and finishing pigs fed rations with sticky coffee hull silage. In experiment 1, the coffee hulls were ground through a 4-mm screen and ensiled with 30% water and enzymatic-bacterial inoculant and evaluated in digestibility trial with 15 crossbred pigs distributed in a completely randomised design. Overall, the ensiling process did not improve the digestibility of the sticky coffee hulls. In experiment 2, it was used 60 pigs (32.52 to 59.58 kg) in the growing phase and 55 pigs (61.70 to 90.27 kg) in the finishing phase, distributed in a completely randomised design with five diets (0, 4, 8, 12 and 16% of sticky coffee hull silage) and six replicates. In the growing and finishing phase, inclusion of levels of sticky coffee hull silage did not affect feed intake, weight gain, and plasma urea nitrogen. However, in the finishing phase, feed conversion improved as the levels of sticky coffee hull silage increased. Responses by backfat thickness and marbling were quadratic, whereas empty stomach weight increased linearly when sticky coffee hull silage was included in the diet. Sticky coffee hull silage has good nutritional value and if used in levels up to 16% of the diet, it does not impair performance of pigs in the growing and finishing phases and it results in leaner carcasses. However, the economic feasibility of its use depends on the price relationship of this by-product with the other feedstuffs.

Três experimentos foram conduzidos com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da adição de complexo enzimático (CE) sobre o valor nutritivo da casca de soja utilizada na alimentação de suínos na fase inicial. O complexo enzimático utilizado continha α-galactosidase, β-glucanase, galactomananase e xilanase. No experimento 1, determinou-se a digestibilidade da casca de soja com complexo enzimático (0, 200 e 300 mg/kg) em leitões com peso inicial de 22,49 ± 1,73 kg. Nenhum dos níveis de complexo enzimático afetou a digestibilidade da casca de soja. Assim, realizou-se outro ensaio de digestibilidade (experimento 2) com dois níveis (0 e 600 mg/kg) de complexo enzimático e, novamente, a adição de complexo enzimático (600 mg de CE/kg de ração) não melhorou a digestibilidade da casca de soja. No experimento para análise do desempenho (experimento 3), foram utilizados 60 leitões, machos castrados e fêmeas com peso inicial de 15,07 ± 1,69 kg, distribuídos em delineamento em blocos casualizados, com cinco tratamentos, seis repetições e dois animais por unidade experimental. Avaliaram-se uma ração à base de milho e farelo de soja e outras quatro rações isonutritivas com 15% de casca de soja e complexo enzimático nos níveis 0, 200, 400 ou 600 mg/kg. O consumo diário de ração e o ganho de peso diário foram menores entre os animais alimentados com a ração contendo casca de soja em comparação àqueles alimentados com a ração-referência. Entretanto, a conversão alimentar melhorou de forma linear com inclusão do complexo enzimático (200, 400 e 600 mg/kg). O uso do complexo enzimático não afeta a digestibilidade da casca de soja, mas melhora a conversão alimentar de leitões (15-30 kg) alimentados com dietas contendo 15% de casca de soja.

Three experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of adding enzymatic complex (EC) on the nutritive value of soybean hulls (SH) in starting pig feeding. The enzyme complex used contained α-galactosidase, β-glucanase, galactomananase and xilanase. In experiment 1, the digestibility of soy bean hull with addition of enzyme complex was determined at three levels (0, 200 and 300 mg/kg), using piglets with initial body weight of 22.49 ± 1.73 kg. None of the enzyme complex levels affected the soy bean hull digestibility values. Therefore another digestibility trial (experiment 2) was conducted with two enzyme complex levels (0 and 600 mg/kg). Adding enzyme complex (600 mg of EC/kg of diet) did not improve the soybean hull digestibility values. Sixty piglets were used in the performance trial (experiment 3), barrows and gilts, with 15.07 ± 1.69 kg initial body weight, allotted to five treatments in a randomized complete design, with five treatments, six replications and two piglets per experimental unit. A corn and soybean meal based diet (BD) was assessed and a further four isonutritive diets with 15% soybean hull with the addition of increasing levels of enzyme complex (0, 200, 400 or 600 mg/kg). Daily feed intake and daily weight gain were lower for the animals fed feed containing soybean hull compared to the control feed. However feed conversion improved linearly with enzyme complex inclusion (200, 400 or 600 mg/kg). The use of enzymatic complex did not affect soybean hull digestibility, but it improved the feed conversion of starting pigs (15-30 kg) fed on diets with 15% soybean hull.