ABSTRACT An experiment was carried out to verify the response to the Ca reduction levels of diets with different vitamin D sources on performance, bone mineral deposition, serum concentrations, digestibility, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of broiler chickens in the period from 1 to 42 days reared in thermoneutral environment. A total of 504 male broilers with one day of age and average weight of 43.27±1.08 g were housed in climatic chambers and distributed in a completely randomized design. The study consisted of a 4 × 2 factorial, with four Ca reduction levels (0, 10, 20, and 30%) and two vitamin D sources (2760 IU of D3 or 25-OH-D3). The performance of animals at 21 and 42 days of age was not affected by Ca reduction by up to 30%, regardless of the vitamin source used. Dietary reduction from 10% decreased serum Ca concentrations. The use of vitamin D3 provided a serum P level greater than the 25-OH-D3. Calcium reduction decreased serum 25-OH-D3 levels. No effect of vitamin source or Ca levels on broiler carcass characteristics was observed at 42 days. The vitamin source did not influence meat quality, while Ca reduction of the diet provided lower losses by thawing and cooking and higher initial pH values. The b* color was reduced in diets with lower Ca levels of the diet. Reducing Ca up to 30% does not affect the performance and carcass characteristics, regardless of the vitamin D source used. The quality of broiler meat is improved with the Ca reduction in the diet, but the vitamin used has no effect on such characteristics. We can conclude, based on the results of performance, blood, and bone, that the performance variables are not adequate to determine the actual requirement of Ca, since as it is a priority to maintain performance, bone mineral mobilization occurs, which may compromise the carcass quality of the birds.

ABSTRACT The effects of processing of pelleted diets and their storage time on the stability of the enzyme complex SSF (solid-state fermentation) were evaluated. Two diets were formulated with the same nutritional composition, differing only in the Schizochytrium sp. levels (0 g kg-1 and 50 g kg-1). The samples were collected during the following processing steps: mixing, then pelleting, and then oven. To evaluate the storage time, the diet ready after drying was considered as day 1. On this day, two samples were obtained, being one kept in a room with ambient temperature of 25 °C and another stored in freezer at -18 °C. At 15, 30, 45, and 60 days, sub-samples were taken. All samples from the processing step and storage time were sent to the laboratory and the following enzyme activities were measured: α-galactosidase, endoglucanase (carboxy-methyl-cellulase), xylanase, sucrase, amylase, lipase, and trypsin. There were no significant differences between the mixture and post-oven phase, except for the activity of α-galactosidase, lipase, and sucrase. For the storage temperature of 25 °C, no effect was observed for the activities of endoglucanase, sucrase, xylanase, amylase, and trypsin between the first (after oven) and the 60th day of the trial. As for the storage temperature of -18 °C, no difference was observed, except for the activities of endoglucanase and xylanase between the first and last day. Comparing the two types of storage (25 °C and -18 °C), there was difference only for the activity of galactosidase and trypsin at 60 days. The enzymes of the enzyme complex SSF studied remain stable during the processing of pelleted diet at 55 °C, maintaining activity for at least 60 days when stored at temperatures up to 25 °C.

Resumo Para determinar a relação ideal triptofano digestível:lisina digestível em dietas para poedeiras de 42 a 58 semanas de idade, 240 poedeiras Hy-Line W-36 com 42 semanas de idade foram distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso com cinco tratamentos, oito repetições e seis aves por unidade experimental. Com 42 semanas de idade as aves foram submetidas aos tratamentos experimentais, que consistiram de dietas com quantidades iguais de nutrientes, exceto para o nível de triptofano digestível. Os níveis de triptofano digestível nas dietas experimentais foram 0,149; 0,160; 0,171; 0,182 e 0.193%, gerando relações triptofano digestível:lisina digestível de 21,5; 23,1; 24,6; 26,2 e 27,8%. O nível de lisina digestível nas dietas foi sub-ótimo (0,694%). As mesmas relações entre a lisina e outros aminoácidos foram mantidas em todas as dietas experimentais. A relação ideal triptofano digestpivel:lisina digestível foi estimada por meio dos parâmetros estudados utilizando análise de variância e análise de regressão polinomial (α = 0.05). A relação triptofano digestível:lisina digestível nas dietas influenciaram quadraticamente a produção de ovos, massa de ovos, conversão alimentar e a eficiência de utilização de lisina digestível para massa de ovos. No entanto, não houve efeito (P> 0,05) sobre o peso dos ovos, conversão alimentar por dúzia de ovos, eficiência de utilização de lisina digestível para número de ovos produzidos, porcentagem dos componentes dos ovos e ganho de peso. A relação ideal triptofano digestível:lisina digestível estimada para esses parâmetros variaram de 23,6 a 24,3%. A relação triptofano digestível:lisina digestível recomendada em dietas para poedeiras de 42 a 58 semanas de idade é 24,3%.

SUMMARY To determine the ideal digestible tryptophan-to-digestible lysine ratio in diets for laying hens of 42 to 58 weeks of age, 240 Hy-Line W-36 hens at 42 weeks of age were distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments, eight replicates and six birds per experimental unit. At 42 weeks of age, the birds were subjected to experimental treatments that consisted of diets with equal amounts of nutrients, except for the digestible tryptophan level. The digestible tryptophan levels in the experimental diets were 0.149, 0.160, 0.171, 0.182 and 0.193%, generating digestible tryptophan-to-digestible lysine ratios of 21.5, 23.1, 24.6, 26.2 and 27.8%. The digestible lysine level in the diets was sub-optimal (0.694%). The same ratios between lysine and the other amino acids were maintained in all experimental diets. The ideal digestible tryptophan-to-digestible lysine ratio was estimated through the studied parameters using analysis of variance and polynomial regression analysis (α = 0.05). The digestible tryptophan-to-digestible lysine ratio in diets quadratically affected egg production, egg mass, feed conversion per egg mass and use efficiency of digestible lysine for egg mass. However, there were no effect (P>0.05) on egg weight, feed conversion per dozen eggs, use efficiency of digestible lysine for number of eggs produced, percentage of egg components and weight gain. The digestible tryptophan-to-digestible lysine ratio estimated for theses parameters ranged from 23.6 to 24.3%. The digestible tryptophan-to-digestible lysine ratio recommended in diets for laying hens of 42 to 58 weeks of age is 24.3%.

Resumo Objetivou-se determinar a exigência nutricional de cálcio e a melhor relação cálcio:fósforo em rações para poedeiras leves de 24 a 40 semanas de idade. Foram utilizadas 324 aves Hy-Line W-36, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, esquema fatorial 3x3, sendo três níveis de cálcio (3,9; 4,2 e 4,5 %) e três relações cálcio/fósforo (9,3; 10,53 e 12,12/1), totalizando nove tratamentos, seis repetições e seis aves por unidade experimental. Avaliou-se o desempenho produtivo, a qualidade do ovo, as características ósseas, o balanço de cálcio e fósforo e a mortalidade. Não houve interação (P>0,05) entre os níveis de cálcio e as relações cálcio/fósforo para nenhuma das variáveis, porém os níveis de cálcio promoveram efeito (P<0,05) sobre o peso e porcentagem da casca, cálcio na casca, ovos perdidos, consumo de cálcio e fósforo, cálcio e fósforo na excreta, cálcio e fósforo retido. A relação cálcio/fósforo influenciou significativamente (P<0,05) o consumo de ração, ganho de peso, conversão alimentar, consumo de cálcio e fósforo, fósforo na excreta e fósforo retido. Rações contendo 4,5% de cálcio e relação cálcio:fósforo de 12,12:1, correspondendo ao consumo de cálcio de 3,71 g/ave/dia e de fósforo de 306 mg/ave/dia, garantem desempenho satisfatório em rações para poedeiras leves no período de 24 a 40 semanas.

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the nutritional requirement for calcium and the best calcium:phosphorus ratio in the diet for laying hens from 24 to 40 weeks of age. 324 Hy-Line W-36 birds were distributed in a completely randomized design in 3x3 factorial scheme, consisting of three levels of calcium (3.9, 4.2, and 4.5%) and three calcium:phosphorus ratios (9.3, 10.53, and 12.12:1) totaling nine treatments, six replicates and six birds each. We evaluated performance, egg quality, bone characteristics, balance of calcium and phosphorus, and mortality. There was no interaction (P> 0.05) between calcium levels and calcium:phosphorus ratio for the variables, but levels of calcium affected (P <0.05) weight and shell percentage, calcium in the shell, lost eggs, consumption of calcium and phosphorus, calcium and phosphorus excretion, and retained calcium and phosphorus. The calcium:phosphorus ratio affected significantly (P <0.05) feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion per dozen eggs, egg mass, calcium and phosphorus intake, phosphorus excretion, and retained phosphorus. Diets containing 4.5% calcium and the calcium:phosphorus ratio of 12,12:1, corresponding to a calcium intake of 3.71 g/hen/day and phosphorus of 306 mg/bird /day, guarantee satisfactory performance in diets for laying hens from 24 to 40 weeks.

RESUMO: Para avaliar níveis de inclusão e o efeito residual de dietas contendo extrato de levedura (ExL) associado ao plasma sanguíneo (PS) sobre o desempenho de leitões dos 36 aos 60 dias, foram utilizados 105 leitões (8,75±0,72kg), distribuídos em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso com cinco tratamentos (controle - 2,0% de PS; 1,0% PS, associado ao 0; 1,0; 2,0 ou 3,0% de ExL), sete repetições e três animais por unidade experimental. As dietas experimentais foram fornecidas dos 36 aos 49 dias e, dos 50 aos 60 dias de idade, os animais passaram a receber dieta única para avaliar o efeito residual dos tratamentos experimentais. Não foram observados efeitos dos tratamentos (P>0,10) sobre as variáveis de desempenho dos 36 aos 49 dias de idade. Dos 50 aos 60 dias de idade, houve efeito dos níveis de ExL sobre o consumo de ração diário (P<0,03), ganho de peso diário (P<0,01) e peso final (P<0,06) que aumentaram de forma quadrática até os níveis de 1,67, 1,67 e 1,55% de ExL, respectivamente. Leitões alimentados com a dieta contendo 1,0% de PS + 2,0% de ExL apresentaram melhor (P<0,01) conversão alimentar em relação à dieta controle (2% de PS). Por proporcionar melhor efeito residual, a inclusão de 1,67% de extrato de levedura pode substituir 50% do plasma sanguíneo na dieta de leitões dos 36 aos 49 dias de idade.

ABSTRACT: To evaluate inclusion levels and residual effects of diets containing yeast extract (YE) plus blood plasma (BP) on the performance of 36 to 60-days old piglets, 105 piglets were used (8.75±0.72kg), and they were distributed under a randomized block experimental design with five treatments (control - 2.0% BP; 1.0% BP plus 0.0, 1.0, 2.0, or 3.0% YE), seven repetitions, and three animals per experimental unit. Piglets were given experimental diets from 36 to 49 days of age. From 50 to 60 day of age, all piglets received the same diet. No effects from treatments (P>0.10) were observed on the performance variables from 36 to 49 day of age. From 50 to 60 day of age, an effect was observed from YE levels on the daily feed consumption (P<0.03), daily weight gain (p<0.01), and final weight (P<0.06), which increased quadratically up to 1.67, 1.67, and 1.55% YE levels, respectively. Piglets which were fed with the diet containing 1.0% BP + 2.0% YE were observed to have better feed conversion ratios (P<0.01) as compared to the control diet (2.0% BP). As it provides a better residual effect, the inclusion of 1.67% yeast extract may replace 50% of blood plasma in 36 to 49-days old piglet diets.

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of reduction of the available phosphorus (avP) in diets supplemented with 500 FTU/kg phytase on performance, carcass characteristics, and bone mineralization of broilers aged 22 to 42 days kept in a high-temperature environment. A total of 336 Cobb broilers with an average initial weight of 0.883±0.005 kg were distributed in a completely randomized design with six treatments - a positive control (0.354 and 0.309% avP without addition of bacterial phytase for the phases of 22 to 33 and 34 to 42 days, respectively), and another five diets with inclusion of phytase (500 FTU) and reduction of the level of avP (0.354, 0.294, 0.233, 0.173, and 0.112%; and 0.309, 0.258, 0.207, 0.156, and 0.106% for the phases of 22 to 33 and 34 to 42 days, respectively) - eight replicates, and seven birds per cage. The experimental diets were formulated to meet all nutritional requirements, except for avP and calcium. Birds were kept in climatic chambers at a temperature of 32.2±0.4 °C and air humidity of 65.3±5.9%. Phytase acted by making the phytate P available in diets with reduction in the levels of avP, keeping feed intake, weight gain, feed:gain, and carcass characteristics unchanged. Treatments affected ash and calcium deposition and the Ca:P ratio in the bone; the group fed the diets with 0.112 and 0.106%, from 22 to 33 and 34 to 42 days of age, respectively, obtained the lowest values, although the phosphorus deposition in the bone was not affected. Diets supplemented with 500 FTU of phytase, with available phosphorus reduced to 0.173 and 0.156%, and a fixed Ca:avP ratio of 2.1:1, meet the requirements of broilers aged 22 to 33 and 34 to 42 days, respectively, reared in a high-temperature environment.

O experimento foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar cinco planos de nutrição baseados em sequências de lisina digestível verdadeira: 0,90-0,80-0,70; 1,00-0,90-0,80; 1,10-1,00-0,90; 1,20-1,10-1,00 e 1,30-1,20-1,10%, fornecidos dos 60 aos 99, dos 100 aos 129 e dos130 aos 148 dias de idade, respectivamente. Foram utilizadas oitenta leitoas, híbridas comerciais, selecionadas para deposição e carne, com peso inicial de 23,46±0,27kg. Os animais foram distribuídos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos, oito repetições e dois animais por unidade experimental. Não houve efeito (P>0,05) dos planos nutricionais no consumo de ração diário, no ganho de peso diário e na conversão alimentar. Os planos nutricionais não influenciaram (P>0,05) nenhum dos parâmetros de característica de carcaça avaliados (rendimento de carcaça quente, quantidade de carne e rendimento de carne). O plano nutricional de lisina digestível verdadeira de 0,90-0,80-0,70% fornecido dos 60 aos 99, dos 100 aos dos 129 e 130 aos 148 dias de idade, respectivamente, atende às exigências de lisina digestível verdadeira de leitoas dos 60 aos 148 dias de idade.

The experiment was conducted to evaluate five nutritional plans based on sequences of standardized ileal digestible lysine: 0.90-0.80-0.70, 1.00-0.90-0.80, 1.10-1.00-0.90, 1.20-1.10-1.00, and 1.30-1.20-1.10% fed to gilts from 60 to 99, 129 to 100, and 130 to 148 days of age, respectively. Eighty commercial hybrid gilts, selected for lean gain, with initial weight of 23.46±0.27kg were allotted in a randomized block design, with five treatments, eight replicates, and two pigs per experimental unit. No effect (P>0.05) of the nutritional plans was verified on daily feed intake, daily weight gain and feed conversion. The nutritional plans had no influence (P>0.05) on any of the carcass traits evaluated (carcass yield, meat amount, and meat yield). The nutritional plan of 0.90-0.80-0.70% standardized ileal digestible lysine fed to gilts from 60 to 99, 100 to 129, and 130 to 148 days of age, respectively, meets the standardized ileal digestible lysine requirements of gilts from 60 to 148 days of age.

Foram utilizados 50 suínos machos castrados, com alto potencial genético para deposição de carne magra na carcaça e peso inicial de 60,5 ± 1,58 kg para avaliar diferentes níveis de lisina digestível sobre o desempenho e as características de carcaça. Foi usado o delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos, cinco repetições e dois animais por repetição. Os tratamentos consistiram de cinco níveis de lisina digestível (0,600; 0,700; 0,800; 0,900 e 1,000% de lisina) obtidos variando-se a proporção de milho e farelo de soja nas rações. Os animais permaneceram no experimento até atingirem o peso final de 95,8 ± 2,64 kg. Os níveis de lisina influenciaram de forma quadrática a conversão alimentar e a conversão alimentar em músculo, que melhoraram até o nível de 0,85% de lisina digestível, e o rendimento de carne magra, que aumentou até o nível de 0,840% de lisina digestível. O consumo de lisina diário aumentou de forma linear em razão dos níveis de lisina da ração. Não houve efeito dos tratamentos sobre o ganho de peso, consumo de ração, características de carcaça, rendimento de carcaça, rendimento de gordura e rendimento de pernil. Conclui-se que suínos machos castrados, dos 60 aos 95 kg, exigem 0,850% de lisina digestível, correspondente a um consumo diário estimado de 24,2 g de lisina digestível.

Fifty barrows with high genetic potential for lean gain and 60.5 ± 1.58kg of average initial live weight were used in a study to evaluate different lysine levels on performance and carcass traits. A randomized blocks experimental design, with five treatments, five replicates and two animals per replicate was used. Treatments consisted in five digestible lysine levels (0.600; 0.700; 0.800; 0.900; e 1.000%) obtained with the variation of corn and soybean meal proportion. Animals were kept in the experiment until they reached 95.8 + 2.64kg of final live weight. Lysine levels had a quadratic effect on feed conversion and feed conversion in muscle, which improved to the level of 0.85 % digestible lysine , and lean meat yield , which increased up to 0.840 % digestible lysine.The daily lysine intake increased linearly with the elevation of dietary levels of lysine. There was no effect of treatments on weight gain, feed intake, carcass traits, carcass yield, fat yield, and ham yield. It was concluded that barrows from 60 to 95 kg require 0.850% of total lysine, corresponding to a digestible lysine estimated intake of 24.2 g/day.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of digestible lysine levels in diets with or without supplementation of industrial amino acids on performance, carcass characteristics and nitrogen excretion in broilers of 22 to 42 days of age. Birds were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement, with four digestible lysine levels (9.0, 10.0, 11.0 and 12.0 g/kg) and two methods to obtain the lysine levels (variation in the proportion of corn and soybean meal, without supplementation; or supplementation of industrial amino acids), eight replicates and 20 birds per replicate. There was an interaction effect on the performance characteristics and on the weights and yields of prime cuts. In both diets, feed conversion improved linearly as the lysine levels were increased. Feed intake; weight gain; carcass, thigh and drumstick weights; and boneless breast yield increased and abdominal fat reduced linearly as the lysine levels were increased in the unsupplemented diet. The lysine levels of the supplemented diets linearly reduced the yield of drumstick and quadratically reduced the yields of bone-in and boneless breast up to the estimated levels of 10.4 and 10.7 g/kg, respectively. Diets without supplementation increased the excretion and retention of nitrogen. The levels of 9.0 and 12.0 g/kg digestible lysine obtained with supplementation of industrial amino acids and without it, respectively, provide the best performance and yield of prime cuts in the birds. Diets in which the digestible lysine levels are obtained without supplementation provide better performance responses and carcass characteristics compared with supplemented diets.

Dois experimentos foram conduzidos para determinar os efeitos da energia líquida (EL) da ração no desempenho e nas características de carcaça de suínos, recebendo dietas com proteína bruta reduzida (PB). Os suínos (60,0±1,05kg, Exp. 1, 93,0±1,56kg, Exp. 2) foram distribuídos em delineamento de blocos casualizados, com três tratamentos. O Exp. 1 teve seis baias/tratamento e o Exp. 2 teve 8 baias/tratamento e todas as baias tiveram 2 animais. Os tratamentos foram: 199g kg-1 PB e 2566kcal kg-1 NE, 155g kg-1 PB e 2.631kcal kg-1 NE, 155g kg-1 PB e 2.566kcal kg-1 NE no Exp. 1, e 180g kg-1 PB e 2588kcal kg-1 NE, 145g kg-1 PB e 2638kcal kg-1 NE, 145g kg-1 de PB e 2588kcal kg-1 NE, no Exp. 2. No Exp.1, a ração com 155g kg-1 PB e 2566kcal kg-1 EL resultou em maior GPD. Não houve efeito dos níveis PB ou EL sobre os demais parâmetros. No Exp. 2, os melhores resultados de CRD e GDP foram obtidos com 145g kg-1 PB e 2588kcal kg-1 EL. Os suínos alimentados com a dieta com 180g kg-1 PB e 2.588kcal kg-1 NE apresentaram menor quantidade de carne na carcaça. Não houve efeito do conteúdo de PB ou EL da ração na espessura de toucinho. A ração contendo 155g kg-1 PB e 2.566kcal kg-1 NE resultou em maior GPD de suínos dos 60 aos 95kg. Dos 95 aos 120kg, a dieta com 145g kg PB e 2588kcal kg-1 EL resultou em maior GPD e carne na carcaça.

Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of dietary net energy content (NE) on performance and carcass traits of finishing barrows fed low-crude protein (CP) diets. Pigs (60.0±1.05kg, Exp. 1, 93.0±1.56kg, Exp. 2) were allotted in a randomized block design to 3 dietary treatments. Exp. 1 had 6 pens treatment-1 and Exp. 2 had 8 pens treatment-1 and all pens had 2 pigs. The treatments were: 199g kg-1 CP and 2566kcal kg-1 NE, 155g kg-1 CP and 2631kcal kg-1 NE, 155gk g-1 CP and 2566kcal kg-1 NE in Exp. 1, and 180g kg-1 CP and 2588kcal kg-1 NE, 145g kg-1 CP and 2638kcal kg-1 NE, 145g kg-1 CP and 2588kcal kg-1 NE, in Exp. 2. In Ep.1, except for average daily gain (ADG) there was no effect of dietary CP or NE on any other parameter evaluated. The diet with 155g kg-1 CP and 2566kcal kg-1 NE resulted in greatest ADG. In Exp. 2, the greatest results of ADFI and ADG were obtained with 145g kg-1 CP and 2588kcal kg-1 of NE. Pigs fed the diet with 180g kg-1 CP and 2588kcal kg-1 NE had less carcass meat. There was no effect of dietary CP or NE on backfat. The CP diet containing 2566kcal kg-1 NE resulted in greatest ADG of 60- to 95-kg barrows. For 95- to 120-kg barrows the diet with 145gk g-1 CP and 2588kcal kg-1 of NE resulted in greatest ADG and carcass meat.

This experiment was conducted to evaluate nutritional plans of digestible lysine (DLys) for growing-finishing gilts. Eighty gilts with 63 days of age and an initial weight of 24.2±1.52 kg were distributed in a completely randomized block design, with five nutritional plans of DLys (9-8-7, 10-9-8, 11-10-9, 12-11-10, and 13-12-11 g/kg, from 63 to 103, 104 to 133, and 134 to 153 days of age, respectively) and eight replicates. Pigs were housed in pairs and fed their respective diets ad libitum throughout the experimental period (90 days). To monitor the animal development along the experiment at 103 and 133 days, gilts were weighed and subjected to analysis of ultrasound for evaluation of loin depth (longissimus dorsi) and backfat thickness. At the end of the experiment (153 days of age) the animals were weighed, and after slaughter carcasses were evaluated individually using a typifying pistol to evaluate the percentage and the content of carcass meat, loin depth and backfat thickness. From 63 to 133 days, there was no effect of the nutritional plans on daily feed intake, performance, or backfat thickness; however the loin depth was greater in the gilts that received plans with high levels of DLys (12-11; 13-12 g/kg) compared with the plan with the lowest level (8-7 g/kg). For the entire period (63 to 153 days), no influence of the nutritional plans was observed on the daily feed intake, performance variables, or carcass characteristics. A nutritional plan containing 9-8-7 g/kg of digestible lysine fed from 63 to 103, 104 to 133 and 134 to 153 days, respectively, meets the requirements for performance and carcass characteristics of growing-finishing gilts.

Two-hundred sixteen white laying hens were used to assess the ideal ratio of digestible threonine:lysine in diets for laying hens at 24 to 40 weeks of age. Birds were assigned to a randomized block design, with six treatments, six replicates per treatment and six birds per experimental unit. The cage was used as the blocking criterion. Experimental diets contained different digestible threonine:digestible lysine ratios (65, 70, 75, 80, 85 and 90%) with 142 g/kg of crude protein. Experimental diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric with different contents of L-glutamic acid. Feed intake (g/hen/d), egg production (%), egg weight (g), egg mass (g/hen/d), feed conversion ratio (kg/dozen and kg/kg egg), eggshell weight (g), albumen weight (g), yolk weight (g) and body weight gain (g) were assessed. The maximum egg production was observed at 78% digestible threonine:digestible lysine ratio, while the best values of feed conversion ratio (kg/dozen egg) and feed conversion ratio (kg/kg of egg) were observed at 77.6% and 75%, respectively. Feed intake, egg mass and egg contents (yolk, albumen and eggshell) were not affected by treatments. The estimated digestible threonine:digestible lysine ratio of Hy-Line W36 laying hens at 24 to 40 weeks of age is 78%, corresponding to 5.70 g/kg of dietary digestible threonine.

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of digestible lysine levels in diets with and without supplementation of industrial amino acids on performance and fat deposition in the carcass of broilers in the starter phase. One thousand four hundred and forty chickens with initial weight of 168.1±5.0 g were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design, in a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement, composed of five digestible lysine levels (10.0, 11.0, 12.0, 13.0 and 14.0 g/kg) and two types of diet (diet with different proportions of corn and soybean meal and diet supplemented with industrial amino acids to obtain the digestible lysine levels), with eight replications and 18 birds per replication. There was interaction effect only on weight gain and fat deposition in the birds. The lysine levels reduced feed intake linearly in both diets, but caused a linear increase in lysine intake. The lysine levels quadratically affected weight gain and feed conversion, which improved up to the estimated levels of 13.0 and 12.8 g/kg lysine, respectively, when the corn:soybean meal ratio of the diet changed. In the diets supplemented with amino acids, the lysine levels increased weight gain and improved feed conversion linearly. Regardless of the type of diet, protein deposition increased linearly, whereas fat deposition reduced also linearly, as the lysine levels in the diets were increased. The levels of 13.0 and 14.0 g/kg digestible lysine provide, respectively, the best performance in birds fed a diet in which the proportion of corn and soybean meal varies and a diet supplemented with industrial amino acids, in the period from 8 to 21 days of age.

Two hundred fifty-two Hy-Line W36 laying hens were allotted in a randomized block design with 6 treatments, 7 replicates and 6 hens per experimental unit in order to determine the ideal digestible isoleucine: digestible lysine (Ile:Lys) ratio for laying hens aged 24-40 weeks. Experimental diets contained 5.92, 6.33, 6.73, 7.14, 7.54 and 7.95 g/kg of digestible isoleucine, resulting in different Ile:Lys ratios (0.73:1, 0.78:1, 0.83:1, 0.88:1, 0.93:1 and 0.98:1). Experimental diets were isonitrogenous, with different dietary contents of glutamic acid, and made isocaloric by adjusting the levels of cornstarch. All essential amino acids were provided proportionally to digestible lysine. Feed intake, egg production, egg weight, egg mass, feed conversion ratio per egg mass, feed conversion ratio per dozen eggs, albumen, yolk and eggshell content were assessed. Feed intake, egg production, egg mass and feed conversion ratio were influenced by Ile: Lys ratios quadratically. The egg weight was not affected by Ile: Lys ratio. No differences were observed in the egg quality according to Ile: Lys ratios. The data indicates that the optimum digestible isoleucine: digestible lysine ratio for laying hens aged 24-40 week is 0.84:1, corresponding to the consumption of 681 mg of isoleucine and 811 mg of lysine/hen day-1.

This study was conducted to verify the effects of dietary crude protein reduction on growth and carcass performance of 22-42-day-old broilers reared under different temperatures. Treatments were set up in a five by two factorial arrangement, with five crude protein levels (220, 210, 200, 190 and 184 g/kg) and two temperatures (21.6 and 32.2 ºC). Diets were isocaloric and essential amino acid-to-lysine ratio was maintained constant in all treatments. There was no interaction between crude protein reduction and environmental temperature for any of the parameters evaluated. Crude protein had no influence on feed intake. Nevertheless, weight gain and feed conversion ratio were linearly influenced by crude protein reduction. Worse performance was also observed in birds exposed to heat stress as compared with birds kept under thermoneutral temperature. There was no effect of crude protein reduction on breast and legs. Birds kept under heat stress had lower breast yield and higher leg yield as compared with broilers reared at 21.6 ºC. Any crude protein reduction in the range of 220 to 184 g/kg for 22 to 42-day-old broilers has a negative effect on their performance. Heat stress worsens broiler performance and breast yield.