ABSTRACT: This study estimated the growth of body, carcass, primal cuts, edible offal, and feathers of Japanese quail reared in two thermal environments, receiving three nutritional plans, from one to 39 days of age. A total of 576 one-day-old female chicks (Coturnix japonica) with an average initial weight of 7.51±0.75g/bird were evaluated in a completely randomized design with a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement (three nutritional plans × two temperatures). The animals were housed in two climatic chambers, at 25 ºC and 35 ºC, using 12 replications with eight birds per experimental unit. Nutritional plans (NP) were as follows: NP1: one diet from 1-21days and another from 22-39 days; NP2: one diet from 1-14 days and another from 15-39 days; and NP3: a single diet from 1-39 days. The growth curves and growth rates of body, carcass, primal cuts, feathers, and edible offal were evaluated using the Gompertz mathematical model. Quail fed NP3 showed higher growth curves and rates for body, carcass, drumstick +thigh, and feather. There was an effect on maturity rate, which was lowest in quail housed at 35 ºC. Among the animals kept at 25 ºC, the group fed NP3 exhibited the highest growth rate and breast weight. The nutritional plan consisting of a single diet offered from 1 to 39 days, formulated based on the tables for Japanese and European quail, is the most suitable for estimating the growth curves (Gompertz model) of Japanese quail housed at 25 ºC or 35 ºC.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se estimar o crescimento corporal, carcaça, cortes nobres, vísceras comestíveis e penas de codornas japonesas criadas em dois ambientes térmicos e alimentadas com três planos nutricionais de um a 39 dias. Foram utilizadas 576 pintainhas (Coturnix japônica), fêmeas, com um dia de idade, com peso médio inicial 7,51 ± 0,75g/ave, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 3 × 2 (três planos nutricionais x duas temperaturas), alojadas em duas câmaras climáticas de 25º e 35 ºC, com 12 repetições e oito aves por unidade experimental. Os planos nutricionais foram: plano nutricional um (PN1) - uma dieta de 1-21 dias e uma dieta de 22-39 dias; plano nutricional dois (PN2) - uma dieta de 1-14 dias e uma dieta de 15-39 dias; e plano nutricional três (PN3) - dieta única de 1-39 dias. Foram avaliadas as curvas e taxas de crescimento corporal, carcaça, cortes nobres, penas e vísceras comestíveis, através do modelo matemático de Gompertz. Codornas alimentadas com PN3 apresentaram maiores curvas e taxas de crescimento corporal, de carcaça, coxa + sobrecoxa e penas. Houve efeito para taxa de maturidade, sendo inferior para codornas alojadas em 35 ºC. Nas aves mantidas em 25 ºC, observou-se maior taxa de crescimento e peso de peito nas codornas alimentadas com PN3. O plano nutricional composto por uma única dieta ofertada durante o período de um a 39 dias, formulado com base nas recomendações das tabelas para codornas japonesas e europeias, é o mais indicado para estimar curvas de crescimento no modelo de Gompertz de codornas japonesas alojadas em 25 ºC ou 35 ºC.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated the effect of dietary supplementation with glutamine and glutamic acid (Gln+Glu) on performance, intestinal morphometry, and carcass characteristics of broiler quails. Eight hundred birds were used, distributed in an entirely randomized design with 20 birds per experimental unit, and given five treatments (0.0; 0.2; 0.4; 0.6; and 0.8% Gln+Glu supplementation) with eight replicates. At 1-21 days of age, lower (P < 0.05) feed intake at 0.6 and 0.8% Gln+Glu supplementation and lower weight gain at 0.8% Gln+Glu supplementation compared to the control treatment were observed. By regression analysis, excluding the control treatment, there was an increasing linear effect (P < 0.05) for feed intake at 22 to 42 days of age. For intestinal morphometry, Gln+Glu supplementation only favored the villus development of the ileum (P < 0.05), giving it greater height at 0.2, 0.6, and 0.8% supplementation. Carcass characteristics, cuts, and edible viscera of the birds at 42 days were not affected (P > 0.05) by Gln+Glu supplementation levels. Thus, the glutamine and glutamic acid supplementation affected the performance and intestinal morphology of 21-d-old quails, decreasing feed intake and weight gain associated with the improvement of ileum morphology; conversely, performance and carcass characteristics at 42 days were not affected by amino acid supplementation.

RESUMO: Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da suplementação dietética de glutamina e ácido glutâmico (Gln+Glu) sobre o desempenho, a morfometria intestinal e as características de carcaça de codornas de corte. Foram utilizadas 800 aves, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos (0,0; 0,2; 0,4; 0,6 e 0,8% de suplementação de Gln+Glu) e oito repetições com 20 aves por unidade experimental. Na fase de um a 21 dias, constatou-se menor (P < 0,05) consumo de ração aos níveis de 0,6 e 0,8% de Gln+Glu e menor ganho de peso ao nível 0,8% de Gln+Glu em comparação ao tratamento controle; e, pela análise de regressão, excluindo-se o tratamento controle, houve efeito linear crescente (P < 0,05) para consumo de ração na fase 22 a 42 dias de idade. Para morfometria intestinal, a suplementação de Gln+Glu apenas favoreceu o desenvolvimento vilos do íleo (P < 0,05), conferindo-lhe maior altura aos níveis de 0,2; 0,6 e 0,8% de suplementação. As características de carcaça, cortes e vísceras comestíveis das aves aos 42 dias não foram afetadas (P > 0,05) pelos níveis de suplementação de Gln+Glu. Assim, a suplementação de glutamina e ácido glutâmico influenciou o desempenho e a morfometria intestinal de codornas de corte aos 21 dias de idade, promovendo redução do consumo de ração e do ganho, associado ao aumento morfométrico do íleo; por outro lado, o desempenho das aves e as suas características de carcaça aos 42 dias não foram afetados pela suplementação dos aminoácidos.

RESUMO Objetivou-se com esse estudo avaliar de forma comparativa a influência de diferentes fontes de PUFAS na dieta sobre o desempenho, rendimento de carcaça, composição química e características físicas da carne do peito de codornas europeias. Foram utilizadas 280 codornas europeias, peso médio 90,97 ± 0,5 g, durante período de crescimento, compreendido de 14 a 42 dias de idade, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso com sete tratamentos, e cinco repetições com 8 aves cada. As codornas foram alimentadas com rações contendo 2% das seguintes fontes e misturas lipídicas: 1. Óleo de soja (SBO); 2. Óleo de linhaça (LSO); 3. Óleo de castanha- doPará (BNO); 4. Óleo de peixe (FSO); 5. LSO+SBO; 6. BNO+SBO; e 7. FSO+SBO. Foram avaliadas as medidas de desempenho, rendimento de carcaça e características de qualidade de carne (composição química, pH, perda por centrifugação, perda de peso por cocção, força de cisalhamento e cor). As medidas de desempenho (ganho de peso, consumo de ração e conversão alimentar) foram influenciadas pelas fontes lipídicas. A dieta FSO apresentou melhor desempenho. As codornas alimentadas com as dietas BNO (18,27 g/ave/dia), LSO (17,58 g/ave/dia) apresentaram maior consumo de ração. O rendimento de carcaça e a composição química da carne não apresentaram diferença significativa (P > 0,05), enquanto que as características químicas e físicas apresentaram diferença entre as fontes lipídicas suplementadas na dieta. A adição de fontes de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados não causaram efeitos prejudiciais às aves e alterações indesejáveis à qualidade de carne.

ABSTRACT The aim o f this study was to carry out a comparative evaluation of the effect of adding different sources of PUFAS to the diet on performance, carcass yield, chemical composition, and the physical characteristics of breast meat from European quail. A tot al of 280 European quail with a mean weight of 90.97 ± 0.5 g, during the growth period and ranging from 14 to 42 days of age, were distributed in a completely randomised design with seven treatments, and five replications of eight birds each. The quail were fed on diets containing 2% of the following lipid sources and mixtures: 1. Soybean oil (SBO); 2. Linseed oil (LSO); 3. Brazil Nut Oil (BNO); 4. Fish oil (FSO); 5. LSO+SBO; 6. BNO+SBO; and 7. FSO+SBO. Performance measures, such as carcass yield and meat quality (chemical composition, pH, centrifugation loss, weight loss by cooking, shear strength and colour) were evaluated. The performance measures (weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion) were influenced by the source of lipids. The FSO diet showed better performance. Quails fed on the BNO (18.27 g/bird/day) and LSO (17.58 g/bird/day) diets had a higher feed intake. Carcass yield and the chemical composition of the meat showed no significant differences (P > 0.05), while the chemical and physical characteristics showed differences between the lipid sources added to the diet. The addition of sources of polyunsaturated fatty acids caused no harmful effects to the birds or undesirable changes in meat quality.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate whether replacing corn starch (CS) energy with isolated soy protein (ISP) and soybean oil (SO) and the ambient temperature affect the protein and energy requirements for maintenance and gain of European quail. Thus, a total of 432 European quail from 10 to 30 days of age, distributed in a completely randomized design, were used to estimate the protein and energy requirements for maintenance through the comparative slaughter methodology. The treatments consisted of three diets formulated with the replacement of CS, corresponding to 15% of the metabolizable energy in the diet, with ISP and SO, two controlled temperatures (26 and 35 °C), and three levels of feed supply (ad libitum, and 70 and 40% of ad libitum intake), with four replicates of six birds. Protein and energy requirements for weight gain were determined from 160 European quail, slaughtered every five days at 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 days of age. Birds were housed in four groups of 40 birds in a room with thermoneutral temperature (26 °C). The energy sources of the feed and temperatures studied affected protein and energy requirements for maintenance and gain of European quail. Replacing CS energy by 15% of dietary energy with SO results in lower protein and energy maintenance requirements for European quail at both temperatures. The protein and energy weight gain requirements of quail fed SO as an energy source is higher than CS and ISP.

RESUMO Foram realizados dois ensaios experimentais para avaliar a inclusão de biofermentado a base de plantas do semiárido na dieta de leitões na fase inicial. No ensaio I foi avaliado o valor nutricional e a digestibilidade dos nutrientes e os valores de energia digestível e metabolizável do biofermentado. Para tanto, foram utilizados oito leitões com peso médio inicial de 15,2 ± 2,7 kg, alojados em gaiolas de metabolismo, utilizou-se o método de coleta total de fezes e urina. O biofermentado apresentou 80,40% e 68,18% como coeficientes de digestibilidade para a matéria seca e fibra bruta, respectivamente; 10,08% de proteína bruta e 2.865 kcal/kg de energia metabolizável. No segundo ensaio foi avaliada a inclusão de 0; 3; 6 e 9% de biofermentado sobre o desempenho, incidência de diarreia, componentes plasmáticos, peso e comprimento de órgãos digestivos de leitões na fase inicial. Para tanto, foram utilizados 40 leitões com peso médio inicial de 12,6±3,5 kg, distribuídos em delineamento em blocos casualizados com quatro tratamentos, cinco repetições e dois animais por unidade experimental. A inclusão dos diferentes níveis de biofermentado não afetou (P>0,05) o desempenho, o peso e comprimento dos órgãos digestivos e parâmetros séricos. No entanto, a inclusão do biofermentado reduziu (P<0,01) a incidência de diarreia. Conclui-se que o biofermentado a base de plantas adaptadas ao semiárido apresenta potencial de ser utilizado em dietas para suínos na fase inicial.

ABSTRACT Two experimental tests were carried out to evaluate the inclusion of a biofermented semi-arid plant mix in diets of piglets in the initial weaning phase. In the first trial, the nutritional value and digestibility of nutrients and the digestible and metabolizable energy values of the bio-fermented plants mix were evaluated. To do so, eight piglets with an initial average weight of 15.2 ± 2.7 kg were used, housed in metabolic cages, and using the total collection of feces and urine. The bio-fermented plant mix diet presented 80.40% and 68.18% as digestibility coefficients for dry matter and crude fiber, respectively; 10.08% crude protein and 2,865 kcal/kg of metabolizable energy. In the second trial, the inclusion of 0, 3, 6 and 9% of bio-fermented plant mix was evaluated on performance, diarrhea incidence, plasma components, weight, and length of digestive organs of piglets in the initial weaning phase. To do so, 40 piglets with an initial average weight of 12.6 ± 3.5 kg were used, distributed in a randomized block design with four treatments, five replicates, and two animals per experimental unit. The inclusion of different levels of bio-fermented plant mix did not affect (P>0.05) the performance, weight, and length of digestive organs or serum parameters. However, the inclusion of bio-fermented plant reduced (P<0.01) the diarrhea incidence. It is concluded that bio-fermented plants adapted to the semi-arid region has the potential to be used in diets for pigs in the initial weaning phase.

RESUMO O tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum, é uma das espécies nativas da fauna brasileira com grande potencial de expansão, todavia, os estudos de exigências nutricionais são escassos e apresentam resultados conflitantes, a ponto de não termos informações suficientes para formular dietas específicas para a espécie, nas diferentes fases de crescimento. Objetivou-se com esta pesquisa avaliar a influência de níveis de proteína bruta sobre o desempenho produtivo, composição de carcaça e taxa de excreção de amônia em tambaqui na categoria de peso de 2 a 20 g. Os juvenis (peso médio 1,7 ? 0,05 g) foram alimentados quatro vezes ao dia, durante um período de 60 dias, com dietas contendo 300; 350; 400 e 450 g kg-1 de proteína bruta. O experimento foi executado em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro níveis de proteína e cinco repetições. Os juvenis de tambaqui alimentados com a dieta contendo 300 g kg-1 de proteína bruta apresentaram maior consumo de ração, taxa de crescimento específico, taxa de eficiência proteica e valor produtivo da proteína, demonstrando que os animais alimentados com o menor nível de proteína bruta apresentaram melhor eficiência de utilização deste nutriente. Por outro lado, observou-se maior deposição de gordura viscero-somático e lipídio corporal nestes animais. As taxas de excreção de amônia foram menores nos tambaquis alimentados com a ração contendo 300 g kg-1 proteína bruta do que naqueles que receberam ração contendo 450 g kg-1. Recomenda-se o nível de 300g kg-1 de proteína bruta para tambaqui de 2 a 20 g de peso vivo.

ABSTRACT The freshwater fish, tambaqui, Colossoma macropomum, is a native species of Brazilian fauna that has the potential to become a widespread aquaculture species, howerer, studies regarding the nutrient requirements remain scarce, often producing conflicting results. Hence, the currently available information is insufficient to formulate the specific diet of this species, for the different growth stages. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of dietary crude protein levels on the growth performance, body composition and ammonia excretion rates in tambaqui of 2-20 g body weight. Juvenile (average weight, 1.70 ? 0.05 g) were fed four times a day over a 60 days period using diets containing 300; 350; 400 and 450 g kg-1 crude protein in a completely randomized experimental design. The tambaqui juvenile fed diet containing 300 g kg-1 crude protein exhibited higher feed intake, specific growth rate, protein efficiency ratio, and protein productive value. This finding shows an improvement in protein utilization efficiency when fish are fed the lowest level of this nutrient in the diet; however, more viscero-somatic fat deposition and body lipid content was observed in these fish. The total ammonia excretion rates were lower in tambaqui fed diet containing 300 g kg-1 crude protein than those fed diets containing 450 g kg-1 crude protein. From the present investigation, it can be conclude that 300 g kg -1 crude protein should be fed to tambaqui juvenile of 2-20 g body weight.

ABSTRACT This work aimed to evaluate the performance and egg quality of lightweight laying hens supplemented with a high biological value mineral, carbo-amino-phospho-chelates (CAPC), compared with inorganic minerals (sulfates), at different recommended values. A total of 320 Dekalb White hens, between 53 and 77 weeks of age, were distributed in a completely randomized design into two treatments, 10 replicates of 16 birds each. The treatments consisted of a reference diet formulated according to breed manual recommendations, in which one group was supplemented with a trace mineral source, CAPC (Cu, 8.6; Fe, 43.7; Mn, 56.4; Se, 0.34; and Zn, 43.7 mg/kg) and the other with a sulfate source, using the levels recommended in the breed manual (Cu, 8; Fe, 60; Mn, 70; Se, 0.25; and Zn, 60 mg/kg). There was no effect of trace mineral supplementation on egg production variables, feed conversion ratio by mass or by dozen eggs, and eggs per housed bird. However, there was an increase in feed intake and weight and mass of eggs when birds fed diet supplemented with CAPC. Regarding egg quality, CAPC supplementation increased the albumen weight and percentage, shell weight, thickness, and strength, and Haugh unit. The eggs from birds fed CAPC supplementation showed higher levels of iron and zinc when compared with eggs from birds fed the sulfate source diet. Better quality rates were observed in variables related to shelf life for the group that received CAPC. Trace mineral sources and recommendations in the diets of high genetic potential laying hens need to be reassessed and allow us to conclude that totally replacing the sulfate for different recommendations of CAPC in laying hen diets helps to improve quality characteristics as well as the nutritional value of eggs.

Objetivou-se com o presente estudo avaliar a acurácia de cinco modelos matemáticos (Gompertz, Logístico, Linear Hiperbólico, Quadrático e Quadrático Logarítmico) para descrever a curva de crescimento de tilápia nilótica Oreochromis niloticus da linhagem GIFT e, realizar a caracterização da trajetória do crescimento das partes corporais. Para tal, 1.000 alevinos com peso inicial de 2,4 g foram estocados em 20 tanques de alvenaria de 2 m³ numa densidade de 25 peixes m-3, por um período de 180 dias. Os animais foram alimentados diariamente, utilizando níveis de proteína e número de refeições diárias de acordo com cada fase. Quinzenalmente, foram amostrados aleatoriamente 20 peixes, submetidos a um jejum de 48 h e abatidos por choque térmico, para determinação dos pesos do peixe inteiro, peles sem escamas, filés sem pele, coração, fígado, brânquias e trato gastrointestinal. Os modelos Gompertz e Logístico foram os que mais se adequaram ao ajuste da curva de crescimento do peso vivo, do filé e da pele, todavia, o Logístico subestimou os pesos assintóticos. Desta forma, sugere-se o Gompertz para descrever a curva de crescimento de tilápia nilótica da linhagem GIFT. De acordo com os parâmetros estimados pelo modelo Gompertz, a tilápia nilótica atinge a idade de máximo crescimento do filé e pele antes da idade do peso vivo. Dentre os órgãos estudados, o crescimento do trato gastrointestinal e brânquias é mais precoce do que o do coração e fígado.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the accuracy of five mathematical models (Gompertz, Logistic, Linear Hyperbolic, Quadratic and Quadratic Logarithmic) to describe the growth curve of GIFT strain Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, and to characterize the growth trajectory of body parts. To do this, 1,000 fingerlings, with an initial weight of 2.4 g were placed into 20 brick tanks of 2 m³ each, at a density of 25 fish m-3, for 180 days. The animals were fed daily, using the protein levels and number of meals appropriate to each stage. Every two weeks 20 fish were randomly sampled, submitted to a fasting period of 48 h and then slaughtered by thermal shock, in order to determine the weight of the whole fish, the skin without scales, skinless fillets, heart, liver, gills and gastrointestinal tract. The Gompertz and Logistic models presented the best fit to the growth curve for live weight, fillet and skin, however the Logistic model underestimated the asymptotic weights. Therefore, to describe the growth curve in GIFT strain Nile tilapia, the Gompertz model is suggested. According to the parameters estimated by the Gompertz model, Nile tilapia reach the age for maximum growth of the fillet and skin before that of body weight. Among the organs studied, growth of the gastrointestinal tract and gills takes place earlier than that of the heart and liver.

Avaliou-se o efeito da substituição parcial do milho por sorgo granífero na dieta de suínos castrados sobre as características de desempenho, carcaça e avaliação econômica. Foram utilizados 27 machos híbridos, oriundos de linhagem comercial, com 19,66 ± 2,92kg de peso inicial, distribuídos em três tratamentos com porcentagens crescentes de sorgo granífero - 0%, 25% e 50% - em substituição ao milho, em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado. Foram avaliados: ganho diário de peso, consumo diário de ração, conversão alimentar, espessura de toucinho e parâmetros bioquímicos sanguíneos - ureia, proteínas totais, creatinina, glicose, triglicerídeos e colesterol. Para as características de carcaça foram avaliados: peso nas carcaças quente e fria, rendimento nas carcaças quente e fria, pH e temperatura nas carcaças quente e fria e peso de cortes industriais. Para o desempenho econômico foi calculado o custo da ração, custo do kg suíno e índices de custo médio e de eficiência econômica. Foi utilizada análise de regressão para as variáveis produtivas. Não foram encontrados efeitos para o desempenho e características de carcaça. Nas variáveis bioquímicas, foram encontrados efeitos lineares para a ureia e proteínas totais, com os animais com 0% de sorgo apresentando os maiores valores. Quanto ao desempenho econômico, o grupo com 50% de sorgo apresentou o menor índice de custo e o maior de eficiência econômica. Dessa forma, conclui-se que a substituição do milho pelo sorgo granífero em níveis de até 50% da dieta representa uma alternativa sustentável na suinocultura regional.

The study evaluated the effect of partial substitution of corn by sorghum in diet of castrated pigs and the effects on performance, carcass traits and economic feasibility. It were used 27 crossbred barrows from commercial line with 19.66 ± 2,92kg of initial live weight, divided in three groups with increasing rates of sorghum - 0%, 25% and 50% - replacing corn, distributed in a completely randomized design. The trial evaluated: daily weight gain, daily feed intake and feed:gain ratio, backfat thickness and blood biochemical parameters - urea, total proteins, creatinine, glucose, triglycerides and cholesterol. For carcass traits it was evaluated: hot and cold carcass weight, hot and cold carcass yield, pH and temperature in hot and cold carcasses and industrial weight cuts. For economy feasibility was calculated the cost of feed consumed, cost of pig kg, average cost index and economy efficiency rate. It was used regression analysis to evaluate the productive variables. No effects were found for performance data and carcass traits. For the biochemical variables, the effects were linear for urea and total protein, with animals in control group (0% of sorghum) showing higher rates. The bioeconomical performance showed that 50% sorghum had the lowest cost and the highest rate of economic efficiency. Thus, it was concluded that substitution of corn by sorghum at levels up to 50% of the diet represents an alternative to sustainability of regional swine production.

O estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da suplementação com fitase em dietas com diferentes níveis de fósforo disponível sobre o desempenho de frangos de corte de 22 a 42 dias. Foram utilizados 1.080 frangos Cobb-500, distribuídos em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial (3 x 4) com três níveis de fósforo disponível (0,30; 0,40 e 0,50%) e quatro níveis de fitase (0; 500; 1.000 e 1.500 UF), totalizando 12 tratamentos, cada um com seis repetições de 15 aves. As variáveis avaliadas foram: consumo de ração, peso vivo, ganho de peso, conversão alimentar e as características de carcaça. O peso vivo e ganho de peso não foram influenciados pelos níveis de fósforo disponível e pela adição de fitase na dieta. Houve interação entre os níveis de fósforo disponível e os níveis de fitase para consumo de ração e para conversão alimentar. Verificou-se melhor conversão alimentar nas aves alimentadas com dietas contendo 0,30% de fósforo disponível com 1.500 UF kg-1. Os níveis de fósforo disponível influenciaram os rendimentos da coxa e do dorso, onde o melhor resultado foi com 0,30 e 0,40%, respectivamente. Recomenda-se a utilização de dietas contendo 0,30% de fósforo disponível, suplementadas com 1.500 UF kg-1.

The study was carried out with the objective of evaluating the effect of phytase supplements in feeds with different levels of available phosphorus on the performance of broilers from 22 to 42 days of age. We used 1080 Cobb-500 chickens distributed in a completely randomized design, in a 3 x 4 factorial scheme, with three levels of available phosphorus (0.30; 0.40 and 0.50%) and four levels of phytase (0; 500; 1,000 and 1,500 UF), totaling 12 treatments, each with six replications of 15 birds. The variables evaluated were: feed intake, live body weight, weight gain, feed conversion and carcass characteristics. Live body weight and weight gain were not influenced by the levels of available phosphorus or adding phytase to the diet. There was interaction between the levels of available phosphorus and phytase levels for feed intake and feed conversion. Better feed conversion was seen in birds fed on diets containing 0.30% available phosphorus at 1,500 UF kg-1. The available phosphorus levels affected the development of the thigh and the back, where the best results were from 0.30% and 0.40% respectively. The use of a diet containing 0.30% phosphorus, supplemented with 1500 UF kg-1 is recommended.

Objetivou-se avaliar a influência da vitamina C (VC), vitamina E (VE) e de duas formas de selênio sobre o desempenho, rendimento e qualidade do filé de tilápia Nilótica. O experimento foi realizado num delineamento inteiramente casualizado composto por seis tratamentos, os quais foram constituídos pela adição de 100, 200 e 400 mg kg-1 das vitaminas C e E, associados com 0,1, 0,2 e 0,4 mg kg-1 de duas formas de selênio. Cada tratamento foi constituído por cinco repetições de 30 peixes cada. A dieta com 200 mg kg-1 de VC e VE + 0,2 mg kg-1 de selênio orgânico proporcionou ganho de peso, comprimento corporal e fator de conversão alimentar semelhantes aos tratamentos com 400 mg kg-1 de VC e VE + 0,4 mg kg-1 de selênio orgânico ou inorgânico. A adição de selênio orgânico à dieta melhorou o ganho de peso e o fator de conversão alimentar em comparação com o selênio inorgânico. A dieta com 0,2 mg kg-1 de selênio orgânico apresentou nível de glutationa peroxidase igual ao da dieta com 0,4 mg kg-1 de selênio inorgânico. Os rendimentos de carcaça e filé não foram influenciados pelos tratamentos, entretanto houve efeito dos tratamentos na composição química do filé.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of vitamin C (VC), vitamin E (VE), and two selenium sources on the performance, yield, and composition of Nile tilapia fillet. The experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design consisting of six treatments with the addition of 100, 200, and 400 mg kg-1 VC and VE and 0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 of two sources of selenium. Each treatment had five replicates of 30 fish each. The diet with 200 mg kg-1 VC and VE + 0.2 mg.k-1 organic selenium resulted in weight gain, length gain, and feed conversion ratio similar to that of the treatment with 400 mg kg-1 VC and VE + 0.4 mg kg-1 organic or inorganic selenium. The addition of organic selenium to the diet improved the weight gain and feed conversion ratio in comparison with the addition of inorganic selenium. The diet with 0.2 mg kg-1 organic selenium showed glutathione peroxidase level equal to the diet with 0.4 mg kg-1 of inorganic selenium. Carcass and fillet yields were not affected by treatments; however, there was treatment effect on the fillet's chemical composition.

The objective of this study was to determine the chlorine nutritional requirement of Japanese Quails during the laying phase, based on performance and egg quality parameters. A total of 240 Japanese quails were distributed according to a randomized block design, with five treatments and six replicates, with 8 birds each. The experiment lasted 84 days, divided in four cycles of 21 days each. Treatments consisted of a basal diet formulated to meet the nutritional requirements, except for chlorine, and four supplementation levels with ammonium chloride, generating the levels 0.8; 1.6; 2.4; 3.2 and 4.0 g/kg. The parameters evaluated were: feed intake (g/bird/day), egg production (egg/bird/day), egg weight (g), egg mass (g), egg mass conversion (g/g), conversion per dozen eggs (kg/dz), weight of yolk (g/100 g of egg), albumen (g/100g of egg) and shell (g/100 g of egg), specific gravity (g/cm³) and shell thickness (mm). As a result of this study, feed intake, egg weight, weights of albumen, yolk, shell and specific gravity were not affected by treatments. There was a quadratic behavior for egg production, egg mass, egg mass conversion, conversion per dozen eggs and shell thickness according to the chlorine levels in the diets, with the requirements for those parameters established at 1.54; 1.37; 1.39 and 2.78 g/kg, respectively. The recommendation is 1.39 g/kg of chlorine and 244.22 mEq/kg of electrolyte balance in diets for Japanese quails.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the requirement of digestible tryptophan for white laying hens in the production stage fed diets of different digestible tryptophan:digestible lysine ratios, as well as animal performance and histological alterations in their reproductive and digestive systems. A total of 280 white laying hens at 29 weeks of age were distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments and seven replications with eight birds in each. The treatments consisted of a base feed, formulated with corn, soybean meal and corn gluten meal, and supplemented with the synthetic amino acids L-lysine, DL-methionine, L-threonine, L-isoleucine, L-arginine, and L-valine, so as to meet the nutritional requirements for laying hens, except for digestible tryptophan. The basal diet was supplemented with 0.00; 0.017; 0.035; 0.052; and 0.069 g/kg of L-tryptophan in substitution for corn starch with the objective of reaching the levels of 0.151; 0.167; 0.183; 0.199; and 0.215 g/kg of digestible tryptophan in the feed. For the ratio between digestible amino acids and lysine, the recommendation of Brazilian Tables for Poultry and Swine was followed, except for the digestible tryptophan:digestible lysine ratios, which were 19, 21, 23, 25 and 27 for each treatment. The variation in the digestible tryptophan:digestible lysine ratio promoted changes in performance and in the histological characteristics, improving the results. The digestible tryptophan:digestible lysine ratio of 24.5% in the feed of white laying hens in production stage promotes better animal performance and histological results.

The objective of this study was to estimate the requirements for maintenance and gain of crude protein in Japanese and European quails aged 16-36 days. To determine the maintenance requirements, one experiment was conducted in a completely randomized design with four decreasing feeding levels (100, 75, 50 and 25%) and four replicates per treatment. The method of comparative slaughter was used, through a feeding assay. A total of 352 quails from each strain were housed by supply level in 16 pens measuring 1.0 × 1.5 m, totaling 22 birds per cage under ambient temperature conditions (26±0.5 ºC). To estimate the requirement gains, one experiment was conducted with five groups of quails fed ad libitum and housed under controlled temperature of 18 ºC. All poultry were slaughtered at 16, 21, 26, 31 and 36 days of testing for determination of body composition in protein throughout growth. The requirement for maintenance of the Japanese quail differs from that obtained with the European quail. The protein was retained at the proportion of 32% for European quails and 25% for the Japanese quails. This difference in retention promoted estimate of 0.65 g/g gain in European quails and 0.84 g/g gain in Japanese quails. Quails should be fed diets formulated considering the requirement for protein of each genotype.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition and bone strength of the tibiotarsus of broilers at 7 and 14 days of age. Bone percentages of collagenous protein (CPr), non-collagenous protein (NCPr) and minerals (calcium, phosphorus, potassium and sodium) were determined. The experiment utilized 650 male Cobb chicks at one day of age, fed corn and soybean meal-based diets. The experimental design was of random blocks with five treatments, five replicates and 26 birds per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of a basal diet supplementated with NH4Cl to obtain five levels (-50, 0, 50, 100 and 150 mEq/kg) of electrolyte balance (EB). The levels of EB influenced the following characteristics: ash and potassium content; Ca:P ratio and the breaking strength (at 7 days); and phosphorus and potassium contents and breaking strength (at 14 days). At the starter phase of rearing, the supply of acidogenic diets affected the concentrations of potassium and phosphorus in the bone tissue, without altering the organic fraction.