ABSTRACT. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different levels of dietary fiber on the performance and egg quality of laying hens at pre-laying and laying peak periods. The experimental period was divided into three periods: pre-laying (16 to 19 weeks of age), the start of laying (20 to 22 weeks of age) and laying peak (23 to 28 weeks of age). The experimental design was completely randomized with treatments constituted by five levels of fiber (2.00, 2.50, 3.00, 3.50, and 4.00%) in the diets, with five replicates (pens) of six birds each, totalling 180 hens. Performance and egg quality results were evaluated by polynomial regression at 5%. Fiber levels were not influenced (p >0.05) the first laying of the hens. However, levels above 2.50% of fiber provided worst (p <0.05) performance results, regardless of the period evaluated. Shortly after the start of laying, higher levels of fiber also caused a linear reduction (p <0.05) on egg weight and percentages of yolk and albumen, and an increase (p <0.05) on eggshells. Higher fiber levels caused a linear reduction (p <0.05) in the quality of the eggs, regardless of the period evaluated. It was concluded that the fiber levels did not influence the start period of the laying. Both pre-laying and start of the laying, levels above 2.5% of fiber caused a gradual worsening in performance. From the start of laying up to laying peak, levels above 2.5% of fiber also caused a gradual worsening in egg quality.

ABSTRACT. For decades, researches were developed about the diversity of fishes in the Amazon basin and their consumption by the people. In this context, an important gap identified was a lack of information about the nutritional composition of some of the main Amazon fish species consumed and traded. Front this, the objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and mineral content of filets from 10 fish species with the highest landing volume in Amazonas State. The fish species selected were curimatã, jaraqui, mapará, matrinxã, pacu, piramutaba, sardinha, surubim, tambaqui and tucunaré. Were collected 20 samples (fishes) from each species according to the hydrological cycles of the region (20 samples in the flood and 20 samples in drought). Ten fish samples were processed to determine the proximal composition and 10 fish samples were used to determine mineral content (macro and micro minerals). The proximal composition of fish species analysed varied widely between species and seasons, with an emphasis on moisture and lipid content. Fishes in the flood season presented higher content of nutrients than drought season. This result also was observed in the minerals profile, where fishes in the flood season presented the highest (p < 0.05) minerals content.

ABSTRACT. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the relationship between the level of fiber and its action period in diets to laying hens on performance and egg quality. 180 Hisex white hens (65 weeks-old) were randomly allocated to 3 groups of 60 birds each, comprising 10 replicates of six birds per treatment. The experimental design was factorial scheme considering three levels of fiber (2.50, 4.87 and 7.24%) in birds’ diets, and three action periods of this fiber (short - 21 days, medium - 56 days, and long - 105 days) in the feed. The estimates of treatments were firstly subjected to ANOVA and a subsequent Tukey test at 5%. Birds fed diets with moderate levels of fiber (4.87%) presented better (p < 0.05) performance. High levels of fiber caused a significant reduction in performance. Birds fed diets with low and moderate levels of fiber produced eggs with better (p < 0.05) quality. High levels of fiber caused a significant reduction in egg quality. The exposure of birds to diets with fiber for long-term caused a negative effect (p < 0.05) on performance, egg weight and percentage of its main structures, albumen height, yolk height, eggshell thickness, and the specific gravity.

ABSTRACT. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of soybean hulls inclusion in the silage of wet brewery waste. The experimental design was randomized in block, where the treatments were constituted by four levels of soybean hulls on the silage (0, 15, 25, and 35%), with three (silos) replicates per treatment. All data collected were subjected to ANOVA and subsequent polynomial regression at 5%. Soybean hulls inclusion caused a linear increase (p < 0.05) in the pH, dry matter, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber and total carbohydrates content of the silage. This inclusion also caused a significant reduction (p < 0.05) in the effluent losses and percentages of crude protein, fats, hemicellulose, non-fibrous carbohydrates and total digestible nutrients. Thus, it was concluded that soybean hulls can be used as an additive in the silage of wet brewery waste. Up to 35% of inclusion, there was a significant reduction in the effluent losses, a little increase on pH and enrichment of nutritional content, especially in the dry matter.

ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different hormonal protocols on the reproductive performance of Santa Inês ewes in Amazon environmental conditions. Twenty-two Santa Inês ewes between 3 and 4 years-old were distributed in a randomized block experimental design, where the treatments consisted of two protocols for estrus synchronization (short and long) with eleven animals each. Data on the occurrence of estrus were described for each protocol. Data of estrus, pregnancy, and prolificity were firstly subjected to ANOVA and a subsequent Tukey’s test. Results were considered significant at p ≤ 0.05. The short-term protocol presented an interesting successful rate, where above 70% ewes tested had estrus. The long-term protocol also achieved a high successful rate, where above 80% ewes tested had estrus. However, comparing the protocols, the long-term protocol presented better results of positive estrus and pregnancy rates in ewes. Thus, it can be concluded that both protocols presented satisfactory results regarding estrus manifestation, and prolificity (lambs produced per ewe). However, under Amazon environmental conditions, the long-term protocol presented better results regarding positive manifestation of estrus and pregnancy rate.

ABSTRACT. The objective of the present study was to determine the apparent digestibility of juveniles of matrinxã Brycon amazonicus fed diets with different levels of protein. The experimental design was completely randomized, where the treatments consisted of four levels of protein in the diets (28, 32, 36 and 40%) and five replicates (water boxes) with 10 juveniles of matrinxã each. Diets were offered four times a day, and feces were collected twice a week, along 28 days, for digestibility analysis. Data collected were subjected to polynomial regression at 5% significance. Differences (p<0.05) were observed in dry matter digestibility, with higher digestibility according to increasing levels of protein in the diets. This behavior was directly expressed in the digestibility of nutrients by juveniles of matrinxã, such as % ash, % crude protein, apparent digestible energy, % digestibility of apparent digestible energy and energy: protein ratio. However, this was not observed (p > 0.05) in the digestibility of % ether extract. Digestibility of N, P, Ca, Mg, Cu and Zn presented linear positive (p < 0.05) behavior, in which the use of these minerals increased with the increase in the level of protein in the diets. However, the digestibility of K, Fe and Mn reduced (p < 0.05) with increasing protein levels in the diets. Thus, it can be concluded that the rise in protein level in diets for juveniles of matrinxã improves nutrient digestibility. The results of this study indicated that 40% crude protein in the diets provided better results.

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of xylanase and probiotic supplementation on the performance, carcass characteristics, intestinal pH, intestinal viscosity, and ileal microbiota of broiler chickens fed diets containing wheat bran. The study animals were kept in metal cages, and the study was performed using a completely randomized design, with four treatments, six birds per treatment, and six replicates. The four treatments included a control group, a probiotic-supplemented group, a xylanase-supplemented group, and a group that received both xylanase and probiotic supplementation. The diets of all four groups contained wheat bran (50 and 30 g/kg for the starter and grower phases, respectively) and phytase, and at 10 d after hatching, the experimental birds were challenged orally with Eimeria sp commercial vaccine. During the initial phase, supplementation with xylanase, probiotics, or their combination yielded greater weight gains than the control diet; however, considering the period from 10-35 d, the chickens receiving xylanase + probiotic and the diet without the additives showed lower weight gain (2.746 and 2.600 kg, respectively). All the supplemented diets reduced cecum viscosity, and supplementation with probiotic showed a significantly lower pH (6.11). The ileal microbiota was also influenced by xylanase and probiotic supplementation, modulating the frequencies of the genera Lactobacillus and Clostridium. The positive effects of supplementation with xylanase or probiotics alone were similar to those of co-supplementation, and no associative effect was observed.

ABSTRACT. This study aimed to evaluate the use of inoculant on silage of elephant grass, wet brewery waste and buriti meal at different silo opening times. The experimental silage tested was composed of 50% elephant grass, 30% wet brewery waste, and 20% buriti meal. The experimental design was randomized block in a factorial arrangement (2 x 4), where the treatments consisted of the use or not of inoculant during silage processing, and four silo opening times (7, 14, 21, and 28 days). Data collected were firstly subjected to ANOVA and subsequent Tukey’s test. Results were considered significant at p ≤ 0.05. The use of inoculant in silage production provided more acidic pH (p < 0.05) and higher (p < 0.05) effluent losses. Longer silo opening times resulted in more alkaline pH (p < 0.05) and higher (p < 0.05) effluent losses. The use of inoculant in silage production and longer silo opening times provided higher (p < 0.05) content of ash, crude protein, and fats, and lower (p < 0.05) content of dry matter and fiber (neutral and acid detergent). However, there was no interaction between the factors evaluated in this study. It was concluded that the inoculant may be used in the production of elephant grass silages, wet brewery waste, and buriti meal, providing a more acidic pH, higher effluent losses, lower contents of dry matter and fiber, and higher nutritional content. As the opening time was extended up to 28 days, there was more alkaline pH, higher effluent losses, lower dry matter and fiber content, and higher nutritional content.

ABSTRACT. This study aimed to evaluate açaí meal in diets for commercial laying hens on apparent nutrient digestibility and apparent metabolizable energy. A total of 72 Hissex White laying hens (52-wks-old) were distributed in a completely randomized design, where treatments consisted of a control diet and an experimental diet (25% açaí meal) with six replicates of six birds each. Data collected were subjected to polynomial regression at 5%. Differences (p < 0.05) were detected in digestibility of all evaluated nutrients. Hens fed diets with 25% açaí meal presented worse (p < 0.05) metabolization and use of energy content. It can be concluded that hens fed diets containing açaí meal presented better use of crude protein, non-fiber carbohydrates and mineral matter. However, there was worse use of dry matter, fiber carbohydrates and ether extract. This result directly affected the energy metabolism of the birds. The inclusion of açaí meal reduced the energy use.

RESUMO O objetivo com este estudo foi avaliar o efeito da água de coco como preservante do sêmen de galos em diferentes períodos. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, onde os tratamentos consistiam de diferentes períodos (1, 5, 10 e 15 minutos) de ação da água de coco como preservante do sêmen de galos (linhagem Rhode Island Red com 30 semanas). Após a coleta e submissão do sêmen a ação da água de coco, estas foram utilizadas para inseminação de 64 matrizes de mesma linhagem e idade (16 por tratamento). Foram coletados 280 ovos (70 ovos por tratamento) para avaliação dos efeitos da preservação do sêmen sobre a progênie. Foram avaliados os rendimentos de incubação, relação pinto/ovo e o desenvolvimento do trato gastrointestinal dos pintainhos. Os dados coletados foram submetidos à análise de variância e avaliados pelo teste de Tukey a 5% de significância. Diferenças (p<0,05) foram observadas nos resultados dos rendimentos de incubação, relação pinto/ovo e desenvolvimento do trato gastrointestinal, à exceção (p>0,05) dos resultados de comprimento da orofaringe + esôfago e peso do saco vitelino. A partir dos resultados obtidos, concluiu-se que a água de coco em pó pode ser utilizada como preservação do sêmen de galos até 15 minutos. As células expostas por mais tempo aos nutrientes da água de coco em pó proporcionaram ovos e pintos mais pesados, e melhores resultados nos rendimentos de incubação e desenvolvimento embrionário.

SUMMARY This study aimed to evaluate the effect of powered coconut water as preservant of cocks semen in different times. The experimental method was completely randomized, with treatments constituted by different times (1, 5, 10 and 15 minutes) of powered coconut water as preservant of cocks semen (Rhode Island Red lineage with 30-weeks). After collect and use of powered coconut water as preservant, the semen samples were used for inseminated of breeders of same lineage and age (16 per treatment). 280 eggs were collected for evaluation of effects on chicks (70 eggs per treatment). Were evaluated the incubation yields, chick/egg relation and gastrointestinal tract development of chicks. The data collected were submitted for variance analysis and evaluated by Tukey test at 5% of significance. Differences (p<0.05) were observed in incubation yields, chick/egg relation and gastrointestinal tract development, with the exception (p>0.05) of oropharynx + oesophagus length and yolk sac weight. From these results, it was concluded that the powered coconut water can be used as preservation of cocks semen up to 15 minutes. Cells exposed more time to nutrients provided by the powdered coconut water showed eggs and chicks most heavier, and better results in the incubation yields and embryo development.

RESUMO. Objetivou-se avaliar a inclusão de níveis crescentes de óleo de castanha do Brasil (0; 0,30; 0,60; 0,90; 1,20; 1,50 e 1,80%) em rações de galos reprodutores sobre o desempenho, análise andrológica, perfil bioquímico sérico e biometria testicular. Foram utilizados 42 galos reprodutores Rhode Island Red com 40 semanas, distribuídos em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado constituído de sete tratamentos com seis galos (repetições) cada. As estimativas dos níveis de óleo de castanha foram determinadas através de regressão polinomial à 5% de significância. Foram observadas diferenças (p < 0,05) nos resultados de conversão alimentar, volume seminal, motilidade, vigor, pH turbilhonamento e concentração seminal a partir da a inclusão de óleo de castanha do Brasil nas rações. Os resultados de perfil bioquímico sérico (triglicerídeos, colesterol e pH sanguíneo) também apresentaram diferenças (p < 0,05) onde a inclusão de óleo de castanha do Brasil nas rações ocasionou maior acúmulo de triglicerídeos e colesterol sanguíneo, consequentemente modificando o pH do meio. Concluiu-se que o óleo de castanha do Brasil pode ser utilizado como aditivo energético em rações para galos reprodutores promovendo melhora na conversão alimentar e no desempenho reprodutivo, sem modificar a morfologia espermática e testicular, porém, alterando o perfil bioquímico sérico das aves.

ABSTRACT. This study aimed to evaluate the inclusion of Brazil nut oil in diets for breeder cocks on performance, semen analyses, biochemical serum profile and testicular morphology. Forty-two Rhode Island Red breeder cocks with 40 weeks of age were used. The experimental design was completely randomized consisting of seven levels of Brazil nut oil (0; 0.30; 0.60; 0.90; 1.20; 1.50 and 1.80%) in the diets. Data collected were evaluated by polynomial regression. Differences (p < 0.05) were detected in feed conversion, semen volume, motility, vigor, pH, swirling and concentration, in which the inclusion of Brazil nut oil in the diets improved the reproductive performance. Differences (p < 0.05) were also detected in the biochemical serum profile (triglycerides, cholesterol and blood pH); the inclusion of Brazil nut oil caused a large increase in blood triglycerides and cholesterol levels, consequently, changing the blood pH. The Brazil nut oil can be used as an energetic additive in diets given to breeder cocks, promoting better reproductive performance, without changing semen and testicular morphology, but altering the biochemical serum profile of the birds.

RESUMO O objetivo desta pesquisa foi avaliar o desempenho produtivo e econômico da inclusão de níveis crescentes (0; 5; 10; 15; 20 e 25%) de farinha do resíduo de buriti (Mauritia flexuosa, Mart) em rações para poedeiras comerciais leves. O experimento teve duração de 84 dias divididos em quatro períodos de 21 dias a partir da utilização de 144 poedeiras Hissex White com 23 semanas. A farinha resíduo de buriti foi inclusa as rações como fonte energética. O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado constituído de seis tratamentos e quatro repetições de seis aves cada. Os dados coletados foram analisados utilizando regressão polinomial. O consumo acumulado de ração apresentou diferenças significativas (P<0,05) com o nível de 5,74% apresentando maior consumo acumulado e o nível de 4,48% o ponto ótimo econômico para o consumo, havendo uma redução de até R$ 11,26 no custo de produção das rações. O custo alimentar e o custo de produção apresentaram diferenças significativas (P<0,05), verificando relação diretamente proporcional onde à medida que se aumenta os níveis, o custo alimentar aumenta juntamente com o custo de produção. Foram observadas diferenças significativas (P<0,05) para receita bruta e índice de rentabilidade com melhores resultados verificados nos menores níveis de inclusão. A farinha do resíduo de buriti em rações para poedeiras comerciais pode ser utilizada como aditivo sem ocasionar aumento no preço da ração e perdas na receita bruta. Todavia, até 25%, houve aumento no consumo de ração, no custo de produção e queda na rentabilidade.

ABSTRACT The aim of this research was to evaluate the productive and economic performance of the inclusion of increasing levels (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25%) of buriti residue (Mauritia flexuosa, Mart) in the feed of light commercial laying hens. The experiment lasted 84 days, divided into 4 periods of 21 days, and used 144 Hissex White laying hens aged 23 weeks. The buriti residue was included in the feed as an energy source. The experimental design was completely randomised, consisting of six treatments and four replications, each of six birds. The data were analysed using polynomial regression. Cumulative feed consumption showed significant differences (P<0.05), with the level of 5.74% displaying greater accumulated consumption and the level of 4.48%, the economic optimum for consumption, with a reduction of up to BRL 11.26 in the cost of feed production. Feeding costs and the cost of production showed significant differences (P <0.05), demonstrating a directly proportional relationship where, as the levels increase, food costs increase along with production costs. Significant differences (P<0.05) were seen for gross revenue and profitability index, with better results found at the lower inclusion levels. Buriti residue can be used as an additive in feed for commercial laying hens without causing an increase in the price of the feed or loss of gross revenue. However, up to a level of 25%, there was an increase in feed consumption and production costs, and a drop in profitability.

RESUMO. Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar a inclusão de níveis crescentes (0, 1, 2 3 e 4%) de farinha de resíduo de pescado na dieta de poedeiras comerciais leves sobre o desempenho, qualidade do ovo e análise econômica. Foram utilizadas 160 poedeiras da linhagem Dekalb White com 52 semanas de idade. O experimento teve duração de 84 dias divididos em quatro períodos de 21 dias. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado com cinco tratamentos contendo quatro repetições de oito aves cada. As estimativas dos níveis de farinha de resíduo de pescado foram determinadas por meio de regressão polinomial. Foram observadas diferenças (p < 0,05) em todas as variáveis de desempenho, no peso do ovo, percentagem de gema e albúmen, altura de gema e albúmen, custo alimentar e custo de produção, onde a inclusão de farinha do resíduo de pescado proporcionou melhores resultados. Concluiu-se que a farinha de resíduo de pescado pode ser utilizada como alimento alternativo em rações para poedeiras comerciais leves, proporcionando melhora na produção de ovos, conversão alimentar, peso do ovo, relação gema-albúmen, redução no custo alimentar e no custo de produção.

ABSTRACT. This study aimed to evaluate the increasing levels (0, 1, 2, 3 e 4%) of fish by-product meal in diets for laying hens on performance, egg quality and economic analysis. A total of 16052-wk-old Dekalb White hens were distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments and four replicates of eight birds each. The experiment lasted 84 days divided into four periods of 21 days. Estimates of fish by-product meal levels were determined by polynomial regression. Differences (p < 0.05) were detected for all variables of performance, in egg weight, yolk and albumen percentage, yolk and albumen height, feed cost and production cost, in which the inclusion of fish by-product meal in the diets showed better results. It can be concluded that fish by-product meal can be used in diets for hens as alternative feed, with better results in egg production, feed conversion, egg weight, yolk-albumen ratio and a reduction in feed cost and production cost.

RESUMO. Objetivou-se com este estudo avaliar as características físico-químicas e nutricionais da farinha de silagem ácida de resíduos de pirarucu em rações para poedeiras comerciais leves sobre a digestibilidade aparente e metabolização energética. Foram utilizadas 72 poedeiras da linhagem Hisex White com 71 semanas de idade distribuídas em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com seis repetições de seis aves cada. Os tratamentos foram constituídos pelo controle (sem inclusão do produto) e a ração experimental (com 3% de inclusão de silagem ácida). A biomassa ensilada apresentou coloração marrom claro; aroma levemente acidificado; consistência ligeiramente cremosa; pH de 4,38±0,11; com valores de 84,16% de matéria seca; 40,06% de proteína bruta; 26,82% de extrato etéreo; 9,31% de matéria mineral, 65,16 g kg-1 de cálcio e 22,90 g kg-1 de fósforo. Foram observadas diferenças significativas na digestibilidade da proteína bruta, extrato não nitrogenado (carboidratos solúveis), extrato etéreo, matéria mineral, energia metabolizável e no coeficiente de metabolização da energia metabolizável. Os resultados do presente estudo indicaram que a silagem ácida produzida a partir da biomassa residual do pirarucu pode ser incluída na forma de farinha até 3% em rações para poedeiras leves, apresentando boa digestibilidade dos nutrientes e potencial para ser utilizada como fonte energética.

ABSTRACT. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of acid silage meal made of pirarucu waste in diets for commercial laying hens on apparent digestibility and energy metabolism. Seventy-two Hisex White hens with 71 weeks of age were assigned to a completely randomized with two treatments (control diet and diet with 3% pirarucu waste acid silage) with six replicates of six birds each. The ensiled biomass was light brown in color, showing acidified aroma; creamy consistency; 4.38±0.11 pH; 84.16% dry matter; 40.06% crude protein; 26.82% ether extract; 9.31% mineral matter, 65.16 g kg-1 calcium and 22.90 g kg-1 phosphorus. Differences (p > 0.05) were detected in digestibility of crude protein, non-fiber carbohydrates (soluble carbohydrates), etherextract, mineral matter, metabolizable energy and metabolizable energy coefficient. Our results indicate that the acid silage mealmade of pirarucu waste can be included up to 3% in diets for laying hens, showing satisfactory nutrient digestibility and potential to be used as an energy source.

RESUMO O objetivo com este estudo foi verificar a viabilidade econômica da inclusão de níveis crescentes de farinha de cará em rações para poedeiras comerciais leves. O experimento teve duração de 84 dias divididos em quatro períodos de 21 dias cada. Foram utilizadas 144 poedeiras da linhagem Hissex White com 39 semanas de idade. A farinha de cará foi inclusa nas rações como fonte energética. O delineamento experimental foi o inteiramente casualizado constituído de seis tratamentos correspondentes a níveis de inclusão de farinha de cará (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 e 25%) com quatro repetições de seis aves cada. Os dados coletados foram analisados utilizando regressão polinomial. Foram observadas diferenças significativas (P>0,05) na análise econômica de custo alimentar relacionada com a produção de ovos e na análise de receita e lucratividade das poedeiras, obtendo-se melhores resultados no nível de 5% de inclusão de farinha de cará nas rações, e decréscimo na rentabilidade a medida que se aumenta os níveis de inclusão. A partir dos resultados encontrados, concluiu-se, portanto, que a farinha de cará pode ser utilizada como alimento alternativo em rações de poedeiras comerciais leves, tendo o nível de 5% de inclusão apresentado melhores resultados de desempenho econômico. A partir de 15% de inclusão, observam-se perdas econômicas significativas.

SUMMARY The objective of this study was to analyze the economical availability of cará flour in diets for laying hens. The experiment lasted 84 days in four periods of 21 days. 144 Hissex White hens with 39 weeks of age were used. Cará flour was used as diets energy source. The experimental design was completely randomized with six treatments of cará flour levels (0, 5, 10, 15, 20 and 25%) with four replicates of six birds each. The data were analyzed for polynomial regression at 5% of significance. Significant differences were observed (P>0.05) in the economic analysis of food costs in egg production, revenue analysis and profitability of laying hens, with better results at 5% of cará flour inclusion. Observed too a decrease in profitability from these inclusion levels. From these results, it was concluded that the cará flour can be used as an energy alternative food in diets for commercial laying hens, with the inclusion level of 5% shown better results of economic performance. From 15% of inclusion, observed significant economic losses.