ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to estimate the growth parameters of body weight and body nutrient deposition in males and females of one meat- (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) and two laying-type quail strains (Coturnix coturnix japonica), designated either yellow or red, using the Gompertz model. A total of 1350 quail from 1 to 42 days of age were used and they were distributed in a completely randomized design, with five replications for each strain. The parameters of body weight and body composition of the quail were analyzed weekly and evaluated using the Gompertz equation; growth rates and body nutrient deposition were evaluated through derivative equations. The three strains evaluated showed differences in their potential, growth rates, and body chemical composition. The composition up to 42 days of age was not sufficient to adjust the fat deposition data using Gompertz. Due to the period evaluated, the Gompertz model allowed to verify that females have higher body growth rates when compared with males of the same strains, with accelerated growth up to 14 and 21 days of age for males and females, respectively. Regarding the laying strain, the red has greater growth, with similar potential in depositing protein and water in the carcass, but they are more precocious in the deposition of these nutrients.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine the adjustment quality of non-linear models and estimate the growth parameters and body chemical composition of a meat-type quail strain (Coturnix coturnix coturnix) and two laying quail strains (Coturnix coturnix japonica), designated yellow and red. The study used 1500 quail, not sexed, distributed in a completely randomized design with three treatments and five repetitions. The experimental period was from 1-42 days of age. The birds were raised in a conventional system and fed ad libitum with a diet formulated to meet their nutritional requirements. Quail were weighed weekly, and a representative sample was slaughtered to evaluate their body chemical composition. The adjustment quality of the models was evaluated by means of the residual mean square (RMS), regression residue squares sum (SSRR), and number of iterations required for convergence. In evaluating the adjustment quality for the body weight of the three strains, the Gompertz, Logistic, and Von Bertalanffy models gave good fit, with Gompertz providing the best adjustment among them. For body composition, the Gompertz and Logistic models were the best, with Gompertz showing a slight superiority. Gompertz is the best model for describing growth curves and body chemical composition of body weight, protein, water, and ash in meat-type quail. In addition, it is the best model for describing growth curves and body chemical composition of body weight of yellow laying quail and of body weight, protein, and ash in red laying quail. Logistic was the best model for describing growth curves and body chemical composition of water, protein, and ash in yellow laying quail, and of water in red laying quail.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the standardized ileal digestible (SID) valine and SID leucine levels on performance, backfat thickness, longissimus dorsi depth, and biochemical blood parameters of starting gilts. A total of 72 gilts, with initial weight of 15.16±1.15 kg, were distributed in a randomized block design in a 2 × 4 factorial scheme, comprised of two SID leucine levels (1.20 and 1.77%) and four SID valine levels (0.58, 0.73, 0.88, and 1.03%), with nine replicates and one animal per experimental unit. No interactions were observed for growth performance parameters. Final weight and average daily gain presented linear and quadratic effects. Setting data to the quadratic model associated with the Linear Response Plateau model, the optimal level of SID valine for average daily gain was achieved at 0.703%. A quadratic effect was also observed for average daily feed intake (ADFI), estimating the highest ADFI at 0.822% of SID valine. No branched chain amino acid (BCAA) effects were observed for backfat thickness, longissimus dorsi depth, and lean meat percentage. The interaction between levels of BCAA showed that the highest SID leucine levels (1.77%) provided a high plasma urea concentration only at low SID valine levels (0.58 and 0.73%). The SID valine requirement of starting gilts for a maximum average daily gain is achieved at 0.703%, corresponding to 9.72 g day−1, and is not affected by SID leucine levels currently used in conventional diets.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar a biometria das vísceras e os parâmetros sanguíneos de codornas de corte aos 14 e 35 dias de idade, suplementadas com diferentes níveis de selênio inorgânico e vitamina E. Utilizou-se um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 4×4 (Se inorgânico = 0,1125; 0,2250; 0,3375 e 0,4500 mg/kg de ração x VE = 10; 23; 36 e 49 UI/kg de ração). No experimento de 0 a 14 dias, foram utilizadas 2.400 codornas recémnascidas, distribuídas em 16 tratamentos e três repetições de 50 aves cada. No experimento de 14 a 35 dias, sob os mesmos tratamentos, foram utilizadas 1.680 codornas com 14 dias de idade e três repetições de 35 aves cada. Aos 14 dias, o pesos relativo de baço (P=0,0203) aumentou linearmente em função dos níveis de VE, enquanto aos 35 dias, o peso relativo de bolsa cloacal (P=0,0390) aumentou linearmente em função do Se. Aos 14 dias, verificou-se interação (P=0,0097) vitamínica x mineral nas concentrações de colesterol total (CT), além de efeito quadrático (P=0,0138) relacionado aos níveis de Se e redução linear (P=0,0275) em função da VE. Aos 35 dias, as concentrações de CT (P=0,0055) e triglicerídeos (TGR, P=0,0220) apresentaram efeito quadrático para o Se. O aumento linear do peso do baço e bolsa cloacal aos 14 e 35 dias respectivamente, sugerem melhora na resposta imune em função da suplementação de VE e Se. Para a mínima concentração de CT e TGR aos 35 dias de idade, recomenda-se a suplementação de 0,26 e 0,29 mg/Se/kg/ração respectivamente.

SUMMARY This study aimed to evaluate biometric viscera and blood parameters of quails at 14 and 35 days of age, supplemented with different levels of inorganic selenium and vitamin E. A completely randomized design was used in a 4×4 factorial scheme (inorganic Se = 0.1125, 0.2250, 0.3375 and 0.4500 mg/kg diet x VE = 10, 23, 36 and 49 IU/kg feed). In the 0-14 days experiment, 2,400 newborn quail were used, distributed in 16 treatments and three replications of 50 birds each. In the 14-35 days experiment, 1,680 14 day-old quails were used with same treatments and three replicates of 35 birds each. At 14 days, the relative spleen weights (P=0.0203) increased linearly as a function of the VE level, while at 35 days, the relative weight of the bursa (P=0.0390) increased linearly as a function of Se concentration. At 14 days, there was a vitamin x mineral interaction (p=0.0097) affecting total cholesterol (TC), and a quadratic effect (P = 0.0138) related to Se and linear reduction levels (P=0.0275) as a function of VE. At 35 days, the TC concentrations (P=0.0055) and triglycerides (TG, P = 0.0220) showed a quadratic effect for Se. The linear increase in spleen weight and bursa after 14 and 35 days respectively suggests an improved immune response as a function of VE and Se supplementation. To achieve the lowest concentration of TC and TG at 35 days of age, supplementation of 0.26 and 0.29 mg/Se/kg/feed, respectively, is recommended.

ABSTRACT An experiment was conducted to estimate the parameters of the Gompertz, Brody, Logistic, and Von Bertalanffy equations through Bayesian inference and evaluate the potential for growth in terms of weight and body composition of laying female quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica). The weights and body compositions of the birds were obtained weekly (1-119 days), allowing the adjustment of the four equations by Bayesian inference. The parameters mature weight (β1), integration constant (β2), maturity rate (β3), and their credibility intervals in four models on body weight and body components were properly estimated by Bayesian inference to describe the body growth in laying quail. The inflection point was determined by the 1st and 2nd derivatives of the Gompertz equation for body weight and body components (fat, protein, ash, and water). Based on Deviance Information Criterion (DIC) for the studied and analyzed variables, there is a model that fits best as a result of its better performance to achieve the DIC value. The Von Bertalanffy model proved to be very versatile, not obtaining good fit of data only for fat. The study shows that other models can also be used in several data sets as an alternative to Gompertz, which, due to its adequate biological interpretation and desirable characteristics in a curve growth, is generally the most used.

ABSTRACT An experiment was conducted to determine the required levels of supplementary vitamin D and calcium in meat-type quail (Coturnix coturnix sp) between 15 and 35 days old. The experiment was a 4 × 4 factorial design with four levels of calcium: 0.42, 0.58, 0.74, and 0.90% and four levels of vitamin D: 1,000; 2,000; 3,000; and 4,000 IU. Body weight and body weight gain increased linearly and feed conversion showed some linear improvement due to increased levels of Ca and vitamin D. The increased vitamin D levels resulted in a linear increase in feed intake. Calcium and vitamin D requirements in meat-type quail between 15 and 35 days of age is greater or equal to 0.90% Ca and greater or equal to 4,000 IU of vitamin D, probably because the experiment was conducted during the pre-laying phase.

Desempeño y rendimiento en carcasa y piezas de tres diferentes líneas de codornices

The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance and yield of the carcass and parts (wing, thigh and drumstick, back and chest) of males and females of a meat-type quail strain (Coturnix coturnix sp.) and two strains of laying quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) called yellow and red. 1350 birds were used, one to 42 days of age, distributed in a completely randomized design, with five repetitions for each line. The birds were fed ad libitum with diets formulated to meet its nutritional requirements. The performance was evaluated weekly and the parts and carcass yield at 35 and 42 days of age. The meat-type strain showed higher body weight, average weight gain, feed conversion, biomass accumulated body of a 14 day of age carcass yield at 35 days and chest at 35 and 42 days. Among the laying quails, red obtained better results for weight gain, feed conversion and yield wing after 42 days of age. The gender effect was observed for yield wing and back to 35 days of age to 42 days and breast. It is verifi ed that the three evaluated quail strains showed higher body accumulated biomass and better feed conversion within one to 14 days of age demonstrating higher growth effi ciency during this period. Higher if there meat-type strain development capability, with better carcass yield at 35 days of age.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar o desempenho e o rendimento da carcaça e partes (asa, coxa e sobrecoxa, dorso e peito) de machos e fêmeas de uma linhagem de codornas de corte (Coturnix coturnix sp.) e duas linhagens de codornas de postura (Coturnix coturnix japonica) denominadas amarela e vermelha. Foram utilizadas 1.350 aves, de um a 42 dias de idade, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com cinco repetições para cada linhagem. As aves foram alimentadas ad libitum com dietas formuladas para atender as suas exigências nutricionais. O desempenho foi avaliado semanalmente e o rendimento da carcaça e partes aos 35 e 42 dias de idade. A linhagem de corte apresentou maior peso vivo, ganho médio de peso, conversão alimentar, biomassa corporal acumulada de um a 14 dias de idade, rendimento de carcaça aos 35 dias e de peito aos 35 e 42 dias de idade. Dentre as codornas de postura, a vermelha obteve melhores resultados para ganho de peso, conversão alimentar e rendimento de asa aos 42 dias de idade. O efeito do sexo foi observado para o rendimento de asa e dorso aos 35 dias de idade e peito aos 42 dias. Foi verificado que as três linhagens de codornas avaliadas apresentaram maior biomassa corporal acumulada e melhor conversão alimentar no período de um a 14 dias de idade demonstrando maior eficiência de crescimento durante este período. Verificou-se maior capacidade de desenvolvimento da linhagem de corte, com melhor rendimento de carcaça aos 35 dias de idade.

Objetivo. Determinar los valores nutricionales de las semillas de canola integral molida (SCI) y extrusada (SCE) y evaluar su influencia sobre el desempeño de lechones de 15 a 30 kg. Material y métodos. Se evaluaron dos dietas experimentales con semilla de canola en un ensayo de digestibilidad. Fueron utilizados 15 lechones machos, castrados, con peso inicial de 19.79±1.43kg, distribuidos en un diseño completamente al azar. En el desempeño se evaluaron cuatro dietas experimentales que consistieron de una dieta con adición de aceite de soya (RAS), una con adición de aceite de canola (RAC) y otras dos exentas de aceite; siendo una con la inclusión de 11% de SCI (RSCI) y otra con la inclusión de 6% de SCE (RSCE). Fueron utilizados 40 lechones híbridos comerciales, con peso vivo medio inicial de 15.25±1.5kg, distribuidos en un diseño experimental completamente al azar, con cuatro tratamientos, cinco repeticiones; siendo dos animales por unidad experimental. Resultados. Los valores de energía digestible para SCI y SCE en base seca fueron de 4.197 kcal/kg y 5.234 kcal/kg, respectivamente. El proceso de extrusión mejoró los coeficientes de digestibilidad. Los lechones alimentados con RSCI presentaron menor ganancia de peso (GPD) y peor conversión alimentaria (CA). Conclusiones. Los resultados indicaron que la SCE puede ser incluida en la dieta de lechones de 15 a 30 kg, hasta un nivel de 6% sin afectar el desempeño.

Objective. Determine the nutritional values of ground (SCI) or extruded (SCE) canola seed and evaluate its use in the performance of piglets from 15 to 30 kg. Materials and methods. Two experimental diets with canola seed were evaluated in a digestibility trial. We used 15 barrows with an initial weight of 19.79±1.43kg, distributed in a completely randomized design. In the performance, four experimental diets were evaluated consisting of a diet with soybean oil added (RAS), one with the of addition of canola oil (RAC) and two oil-free; one with 11% SCI included and one with 6% SCE (RSCE) included. 40 commercial hybrid piglets were used that had 15.25±1.5kg initial body weight, randomly distributed, in four treatments and five replicates; two animals per experimental unit. Results. The digestible energy values for SCI and SCE were 4.197 kcal/kg and 5.234 kcal/kg, respectively. The extrusion process improved the digestibility coefficients. Piglets fed with RSCI showed less daily weight gain (DWG) and F:G ratio. Conclusion. Results suggest that SCE can be included in diets of piglets from 15 to 30 kg until 6% without negatively affecting performance.

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.

Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the reduction of crude protein (CP) in diets supplemented with synthetic amino acids for piglets of 15 to 30 kg. In the performance assay (Exp I), 60 piglets with initial weight of 15.34±0.87 kg and final weight of 30.08±1.59 kg were distributed in a randomized block design with six replicates, five treatments and two animals per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of five diets in which the CP was reduced by 1.5 percentage points, resulting in low-protein diets (19.24, 17.74, 16.24, 14.74 and 13.24%), meeting the requirements of amino acids with inclusion of L-lysine, DL-methionine, L-threonine, L-tryptophan, L-valine and L-isoleucine. The average daily gain and feed conversion according to the Linear Response Plateau model (LRP) were estimated at 14.23 and 14.79% of CP, respectively. As the CP levels were reduced, there was an increase in the essential:non-essential amino acids ratio. The plasma urea concentration decreased linearly, indicating that there was a better use for amino acids with the CP reduction. In the nitrogen balance (Exp II), 30 crossbred barrow piglets with average weight of 21.69±4.46 kg were housed in metabolic cages, distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments and six replicates, and the experimental unit consisted of a piglet. The biological protein value in the diets remained above the ideal (70%), in which the level of 13.24% CP corresponded to the highest value. There was no difference in levels of urea in blood and urine. Reduction of protein levels is efficient in decreasing the pollution effect in the excreta, with lower nitrogen excretion in feces and urine.

The objective of this study was to estimate the nutrient requirements of digestible threonine for meat-type quails (Coturnix coturnix sp) in the growth phase. A total of 1350 not sexed meat-type quails were distributed in a completely randomized design with six threonine levels (10.80, 11.50, 12.20, 12.90, 13.60 and 14.30 g/kg as fed), five replications and 45 quails per experimental unit, from 1 to 14 days of age. The threonine levels in the diet had a quadratic effect on body weight, feed intake and weight gain. Estimates for highest body weight (79.41 g), feed intake (128.96 g/bird) and weight gain (70.73 g) were observed with diets containing 12.60 g/kg of digestible threonine. According to the LRP model, the threonine intake was estimated at 13.40 g/kg of digestible threonine. Protein deposition rate and energy retained in the carcass showed quadratic effect, with estimated digestible threonine levels of 11.80 and 12.00 g/kg in the diet for maximum protein deposition rate (2.00 g/bird) and retained energy in the carcass (15.88 kcal/g), respectively. There was a linear effect on feed cost per kg of live weight gain as threonine levels were increased. Nutritional requirement of digestible threonine for meat-type quails for maximum growth is 12.60 g/kg, corresponding to a digestible threonine:digestible lysine ratio of 67.02.

Determinou-se o valor nutricional e avaliou-se o desempenho de leitões alimentados com rações contendo glicerinas semipurificadas de origem vegetal (GSPV) e mista (GSPM). Na digestibilidade foram utilizados 32 leitões, machos castrados, distribuídos em delineamento em blocos ao acaso. Foram estudadas duas glicerinas (GSPV e GSPM) e três níveis de inclusão na dieta-teste (4, 8 e 12%). A unidade experimental consistiu de um leitão. A energia metabolizável (EM) das glicerinas foi estimada pela análise de regressão do consumo de EM (kcal kg-1) associada à glicerina vs. o consumo de glicerina (kg). Os valores de EM (kcal kg-1), na matéria natural, obtidos foram 3.373 para GSPV e 2.932 para GSPM, indicando que as duas glicerinas são fontes de alta energia disponível para a alimentação de leitões. No desempenho, foram utilizados 90 leitões, distribuídos em blocos ao acaso, em esquema fatorial 2 x 4 + 1, sendo duas glicerinas, quatro níveis de inclusão (3, 6, 9 e 12%), cinco repetições e dois leitões por unidade experimental. Adicionalmente foi formulada uma ração-testemunha sem glicerina (0%). Não houve efeito do nível de inclusão de glicerina sobre o desempenho, sugerindo que é viável a utilização em até 12% de ambas as glicerinas na alimentação de leitões.

The nutritional value and the performance of piglets fed on diets with semipurified glycerin (SPGV) and mixed (SPGM) vegetable oil was determined and evaluated. Thirty-two crossbred piglets, allotted in a completely randomized block design, were used in the digestibility trial. Two types of glycerin (SPGV and SPGM) and three levels of diet (4, 8 and 12%) were studied. The experimental unit consisted of one piglet. Glycerins' metabolizable energy (ME) was estimated by regression of ME (kcal kg-1) intake associated with glycerin vs. glycerin intake (kg). ME as-feed-basis rates were 3,373 for SPGV and 2,932 for SPGM, or rather, the glycerins are highly available energy source for piglets. In the performance trial, 90 piglets were allotted in a completely randomized blocks design in a 2 x 4 + 1 factorial scheme, two glycerins, four levels (3, 6, 9 and 12%), five replicates (pens) and two piglets per pen. A control diet with no glycerin (0%) was additionally formulated. Since no effect of glycerin inclusion on pig performance occurred, it was feasible to use up to 12% of both types of glycerin on piglets feeding.

Este estudo foi realizado para avaliar o efeito de suplementos elaborados com proteína isolada de soja, levedo de cerveja, mistura de proteína isolada de soja com levedo de cerveja, óleo de linhaça, óleo de palma e mistura de óleo de linhaça com óleo de palma na produção de geleia real por colônias de abelhas africanizadas. O total de geleia real produzida foi superior (p < 0,05) nos tratamentos com proteína isolada de soja e levedo de cerveja (11,68 g colônia-1), seguido do suplemento óleo de linhaça e palma (11,30 g colônia-1) e suplemento palma (9,61 g colônia-1), sendo estes superiores aos tratamentos-controle I (6,35 g colônia-1) e II (6,95 g colônia-1). Essas observações demonstraram que a suplementação feita com uma mistura de óleo de linhaça e de palma, e proteína isolada de soja e levedo de cerveja poderiam ser recomendadas para aumentar a produção de geleia real em escala comercial, além de se tornar uma importante ferramenta para os apicultores, por aumentar a produção, contribuir para aumentar a taxa de aceitação das larvas transferidas.

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of supplements with isolated soy protein, brewer's yeast, a mixture of isolated soy protein with brewer's yeast, linseed oil, palm oil and mixture of linseed oil with palm oil in the production of royal jelly by Africanized honeybee colonies. Total royal jelly production was higher (p < 0.05) in colonies fed with isolated soy protein and brewer's yeast (11.68 g colony-1), followed by linseed oil and palm oil (11.30 g colony-1) and palm oil (9.61 g colony-1), being higher than control I (6.35 g colony-1), and II (6.95 g colony-1). The results demonstrated that the supplementation with a mixture of linseed oil plus palm oil, and isolated soy protein plus brewer's yeast is recommended to increase the royal jelly production on a commercial scale. Besides becoming an important tool for beekeepers by increasing the production, it also contributes to improve the acceptance rate of grafted larvae.

The objective of this experiment was to estimate the digestible tryptophan (DTrp) requirements for growing meat quails. In the first experiment (1-14 days of age), 1,950 quails were distributed in a completely randomized design, with six levels of DTrp (0.27; 0.30; 0.33; 0.36; 0.39 and 0.42% of diet), five replications and 65 quails per experimental unit. There was a linear increase of feed intake, tryptophan intake, weight gain and body weight with the DTrp levels increase. In the second experiment (15-35 days of age), 1,350 quails were distributed in a completely randomized design, with six levels of DTrp (0.22; 0.25; 0.28; 0.31; 0.34 and 0.37% of diet), five replications and 45 quails per experimental unit. There was a linear increase for tryptophan intake, carcass yield, ash levels and protein deposition rate with the DTrp levels increase. In the third experiment (28-35 days of age), conducted to determine the nitrogen balance, 150 males were housed in galvanized wire cages featuring drinker, feeder and individual metal tray lined with plastic to collect the excreta. The design was completely randomized, with six levels of DTrp (0.22; 0.25; 0.28; 0.31; 0.34 and 0.37% of diet), five replicates and five quails per experimental unit. Linear decrease was observed on the nitrogen balance and metabolization coefficient with the DTrp levels increase. The nutritional requirement of digestible tryptophan for maximum growing of meat quail, in the period from 1 to 14 days of age, is higher or equal to 0.42%; in the period from 15 to 35 days, it is 0.22%.

Este experimento foi realizado para estimar a exigência de energia metabolizável (EM) para codornas de corte de 1 a 14 dias de idade. Foram utilizadas 1.140 aves com 1 dia de idade, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos (2.750; 2.850; 2.950; 3.050 e 3.150 kcal de EM/kg de ração), seis repetições e 38 aves por unidade experimental. Observou-se redução linear dos níveis de energia no peso corporal, consumo de ração e ganho de peso das aves. A conversão alimentar foi influenciada de forma quadrática, com melhor estimativa obtida com 2.997 kcal de EM/kg de ração. Enquanto o teor de proteína bruta não sofreu diferença, o teor de água diminuiu e o de extrato etéreo aumentou de forma linear com os níveis crescentes de EM. Os níveis de EM tiveram efeito quadrático sobre a taxa de deposição de proteína e eficiência de deposição de proteína nos cortes. A exigência de EM de codornas de corte na fase inicial de crescimento é de 2.997 kcal de EM/kg, que corresponde à relação energia metabolizável:proteína bruta de 108,9.

This experiment was carried out to estimate the metabolizable energy (ME) requirements for meat quails from 1 to 14 days of age. A total of 1,140 1-day old meat quails were distributed in a completely randomized design, with five treatments (2,750; 2,850; 2,950; 3,050 and 3,150 kcal of ME/kg), six replications and 38 quails per experimental unit. There was linear reduction of energy levels in body weight, feed intake and weight gain of birds. The feed conversion ratio showed a quadratic effect, with the best estimate obtained with 2,997 kcal of ME/kg. Whereas crude protein content did not differ, water content decreased and ether extract increased linearly with the increasing levels of ME. The ME levels showed a quadratic effect on daily protein accretion rate and daily protein accretion efficiency. The ME requirements for meat quail in the initial growing stage is 2,997 kcal/kg, corresponding to a metabolizable energy/crude protein relation of 108.9.