ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine the effect of birth weight on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality of immunocastrated male pigs. Seventy-two boars were assigned to three birth weight categories (BiW): light BiW pigs (LP: 0.98±0.083 kg BW; n = 24), normal BiW pigs (NP: 1.42±0.067 kg BW; n = 24), and heavy BiW pigs (HP: 1.85±0.096 kg BW; n = 24). For treatment design, we considered a weight range of two standard deviations (SD) in relation to the average population body weight (from 0.785 to 2.155 kg BW−1). The animals were housed in six pens with 12 animals per pen, with ad libitum access to water and feed throughout the study. In the growing and finishing phases, pigs were immunocastrated with two doses of vaccine at 112 and 161 days of age. The three BiW categories were different up to departure from the nursery (70 days). After this period, there was no difference between NP and HP in terms of BiW. Measurements showed that a low BiW reduced the loin eye area (9.4%), longissimus thoracis muscle depth (7.6%), and meat:fat ratio (21.6%). Backfat thickness (21.5%) and fat area (11.8%) were higher in LP as compared with the NP and HP categories. Light BiW pigs presented a lower weight steak (7.0%) and belly + rib (8.6%) compared with NP and HP, but did not differ within the LP group. Light BiW pigs required a greater lodging time (14 days), generating higher accumulated feed intake to reach the same slaughter BiW as the other categories. Growth performance and carcass characteristics are influenced by the birth weight (BiW) category. Light BiW pigs require more time and feed intake to reach the same slaughter weight. Birth weight has positive effects on meat quality and weight of commercial cuts.

ABSTRACT. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) supplementation in diets with different energy levels in broiler performance. Birds were offered a starter (1-21 d), grower (22-35 d) and finisher (36-42 d) diets; wherein soybean oil was replaced by CLA. The study consisted of a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with two CLA levels (0 and 1%) and three energy levels (3050, 3100 and 3150 ME kg-1 diet). During the grower and finisher periods, birds were fed diets with same energy level and CLA supplementation was maintained the same. Growth performance was assessed weekly, and carcass and cuts yield were assessed at 42d. Interaction effect of CLA by energy level was observed in broiler performance and carcass yield throughout the study (p > 0.05). During the overall period (1-42 d) broiler performance was not affected by CLA (p > 0.05).However, CLA supplementation (1%) decreased weight gain (p < 0.05) at 21d, regardless of energy level, with no effects on feed intake and feed conversation rate (p > 0.05). The increase in dietary energy was not able to compensate the negative effect on growth performance of broilers supplemented with 1% CLA at the starter period.

RESUMO: O INRAPORC® é um sistema de modelos mecanicista, dinâmico e determinista. Seu uso em sistemas comerciais de produção de suínos é restrito, pois necessita de informações de desempenho de animais sob manejo alimentar à vontade (AV), uma vez que este manejo não é utilizado em todas as fases de produção. Por isso é interessante verificar se a calibração do INRAPORC® baseada em um pequeno grupo de animais AV em situação laboratorial é capaz de simular a cinética média de uma população comercial maior e de subsidiar equações de correção de dados preditos de peso vivo (PV) e espessura de toucinho (ET). As análises foram realizadas comparando os dados preditos e observados sob o teste da curva de calibração da predição (b0=0 e b1=1), as curvas obtidas apresentaram erro sistemático de efeito fixo para a ET de +2,37mm. Os valores preditos de PV e ET foram corrigidos utilizando os valores dos erros sistemáticos obtidos. Como resultado, 100% das médias observadas de PV, estavam contidas nos intervalos de confiança (IC) das médias preditas pelo INRAPORC®, sem necessidade de correções e 78,5% das médias reais de ET estavam contidas nos IC das médias preditas pelo sistema, após as correções. A calibração do INRAPORC® baseada em uma pequena população de animais em situação laboratorial pode ser aplicada para predições de um sistema comercial de criação de suínos, bem como a aplicação do procedimento de correção dos dados preditos de PV e ET nas populações suínas que apresentem erros sistemáticos nas validações preditivas do sistema.

ABSTRACT: INRAPORC® is a mechanistic, dynamic, and deterministic model system that is used in commercial pig production. However, its use is limited as it requires performance information for animals under ad libitum (AL) feed management, which is not provided at all stages of production. Verification of the INRAPORC® calibrations were conducted in this investigation using data from a small group of animals fed with AL in a laboratory situation, to simulate the mean kinetics of a larger commercial population and generate the correction equations for the predicted body weight (BW), and backfat thickness (BT). Analyses were performed by comparing the predicted and observed data, and by submitting them to prediction calibration curve tests (b0 = 0, and b1 = 1). The obtained curves presented a systematic, fixed effect error (+2.37 mm) for BT. The predicted BW and BT values were corrected using the values of the systematic errors obtained. As a result, 100% of the BW averages observed were contained in the confidence intervals (CI) of the INRAPORC® predicted averages, without the need for corrections, and 78.5% of the actual BT averages were contained in the CI of the averages predicted by the system, after corrections. The INRAPORC® calibrations, based on a small population of animals in laboratory conditions could thus be utilized to make predictions for commercial pig production systems and for value correction procedures for the BW and BT of pig populations that have systematic errors in their prediction validations.

ABSTRACT: The effects of mycotoxins on the productive performance of growing pigs and broilers were evaluated using meta-analytical approach. Two databases were constructed: (1) Broilers, with information collected from 51,497 birds and published in 158 scientific papers from 1980 to 2016; and (2) Pigs, with information collected from 7,743 animals and published in 72 scientific papers from 1980 to 2015. The meta-analyses were performed independently for each specie, following three sequential analyses: graphical, correlation, and variance-covariance. Broilers and pigs challenged by mycotoxins reduced (p < 0.05) feed intake by 9 and 6 %, weight gain by 15 and 11 %, and feed efficiency by 6 and 4 % compared with non-challenged animals, respectively. Aflatoxins were the most studied mycotoxins in both databases. Birds and pigs challenged by aflatoxins reduced (p < 0.05) feed intake by 10 and 8 %, growth by 15 and 11 %, and feed efficiency by 6 and 7 % compared to non-challenged animals, respectively. In both databases, variation on growth performance due to mycotoxins showed a linear relationship (p < 0.05) with the feed intake variation caused by the challenge. The intercepts of the regression-based equations were different from zero and negative, which may indicate that mycotoxins altered the maintenance requirements in challenged animals. In conclusion, both broilers and growing pigs show losses in performance responses and worse nutritional efficiency when challenged by mycotoxins.

RESUMO. Este estudo avaliou o efeito do farelo e do óleo de canola na dieta de codornas sobre o desempenho produtivo, qualidade de ovos e características ósseas. Foram utilizadas 84 codornas com 150 dias de idade e peso médio de 234±17 g por um período de 84 dias. Foi utilizado um delineamento experimental inteiramente ao acaso, com 4 tratamentos, 7 repetições com 3 aves cada. Foram formuladas quatro dietas: FS+OS - dieta controle com farelo e óleo de soja; FC+OS - 25% de substituição do farelo de soja pelo de canola; FC+OC - 25% de substituição do farelo de soja pelo de canola e óleo de canola substituindo totalmente o óleo de soja; FS+OC - dieta controle com farelo de soja e óleo de canola. Foi avaliado o desempenho produtivo, a qualidade interna e externa dos ovos e as características ósseas. A dieta com farelo e o óleo de canola (FC+OC) piorou (p < 0,05) a conversão alimentar. A altura do albúmen foi menor (p < 0,05) para os tratamentos com farelo e óleo de canola (FC+OC). Independentemente do óleo utilizado o farelo de canola (FC+OS e FC+OC) na dieta reduziu (p < 0,05) o peso e o comprimento das tíbias, porém aumentou (p < 0,05) o teor de cinzas. A mistura de óleo e farelo de canola piora a conversão alimentar, afeta negativamente a qualidade interna dos ovos e as características ósseas das codornas.

ABSTRACT. This study evaluated the effect of canola meal and oil in quail diet on productive performance, egg quality and bone characteristics. Quails (n = 84) with 150-days-of-age and average weight of 234±17 g were used in this experiment that lasted 84 days. The experiment consisted of a completely randomized design with 4 treatments, 7 replications with 3 birds each. Four diets were formulated: SM+SO - control diet with soybean meal and oil; MC+SO - 25% replacement of soybean meal with canola meal; MC+CO - 25% replacement of soybean meal with canola meal and complete replacement of canola oil with soybean oil; SM+OC - control diet with soybean meal and canola oil. Productive performance, internal and external egg quality and bone characteristics were evaluated. The diet with canola meal and oil (MC+CO) decreased (p <0.05) feed conversion. Albumen height was lower (p < 0.05) for treatments with canola meal and oil (MC+CO). Regardless of the oil used, the dietary canola meal (MC+SO and MC+CO) reduced the weight and length of tibia (p < 0.05), but increased its ash content (p < 0.05). The mixture of canola oil and meal decreases feed conversion, and negatively affects internal egg quality and bone characteristics of quails.

RESUMO O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar o efeito de níveis de farelo de canola na dieta de frangos de corte sobre o rendimento de cortes, perfil de ácidos graxos, características físicas, composição química e sensorial da carne do peito. Foram utilizados 300 frangos, de ambos os sexos, da linhagem Cobb, distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos e seis repetições com dez aves por unidade experimental. As aves foram alimentadas com 0, 25, 50, 75 e 100% de substituição do farelo de soja pelo de canola na dieta. Após 42 dias, quatro aves por repetição foram abatidas para analisar o rendimento de carcaça e o peito foi utilizado para análise do perfil de ácidos graxos, sensorial e composição química e física. O perfil de ácidos graxos foi influenciado (p < 0,05) pelo aumento do farelo de canola, diminuindo (p < 0,05) o teor de ácidos graxos saturados e o ácido linoleico e promoveu o aumento (p < 0,05) do ácido linolênico. Na análise sensorial, o sabor residual aumentou (p < 0,05) com a substituição de 100% e a dureza diminuiu (p < 0,05). O farelo de canola pode substituir o farelo soja até o nível de 25% sem afetar o rendimento de carcaça e composição química, instrumental e sensorial da carne.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effect of dietary levels of canola meal on carcass yield, fatty acids profile, physical characteristics, chemical and sensory composition of breast meat of broilers. A total of 300 one-day-old, both sexes, Cobb broilers were assigned to a completely randomized design with five treatments and six replicates of ten birds each. Birds were given 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% canola meal in place of soybean meal in the diet. After 42 days, four birds per replicate were slaughtered to analyze the carcass yield and the breast was used for analysis of fatty acid profile, sensory analysis and chemical and physical composition. The fatty acid profile was influenced by increasing levels of canola meal, decreasing (p < 0.05) the content of saturated fatty acids and linoleic acid, and increasing (p < 0.05) the content of linolenic acid. In the sensory analysis, the residual flavor became stronger (p > 0.05) with 100% replacement and the hardness decreased (p < 0.05). Canola meal can replace soybean meal up to the level of 25% without affecting carcass yield and chemical, instrumental and sensory analysis of meat.

Este estudo avaliou o efeito de níveis dietéticos de farelo de canola para codornas japonesas em postura sobre o desempenho produtivo, a qualidade dos ovos e a viabilidade econômica. Foram utilizadas 120 codornas japonesas (Coturnix coturnix japonica) com peso médio de 146,54 ± 12 g e 80 dias de idade foram avaliadas por 84 dias. Os tratamentos foram constituídos de níveis de substituição do farelo de soja pelo farelo de canola em 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 ou 50% na dieta. Foi avaliada a viabilidade econômica, o desempenho produtivo, a qualidade interna e a externa dos ovos. Os dados foram analisados por meio de regressão polinomial com 5% de significância. O peso corporal diminuiu linearmente com o aumento do nível de farelo de canola (p = 0,0055). O peso do ovo (p = 0,0032) e o diâmetro (p = 0,0398) apresentaram respostas quadráticas, aumentando até o nível de 30% de substituição e reduzindo posteriormente. A cor da gema aumentou de forma linear com o aumento do nível de farelo de canola (p = 0,0039). O farelo de canola pode substituir o farelo de soja em até 30% sem prejudicar o desempenho produtivo, qualidade do ovo e custo de dieta.

This study evaluated the effect of different levels of canola meal in the diet to laying Japanese quails on productive performance, egg quality and economic viability. A total of 120 80-day-old Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) with average weight 146.54 ± 12 g were evaluated during 84 days. Dietary treatments consisted of the replacement of soybean meal with canola meal at 0, 10, 20, 30, 40 or 50%. We evaluated economic viability, productive performance, internal and external quality of eggs. Data were analyzed by polynomial regression at 5%. Body weight decreased linearly as the level of canola meal increased (p = 0.0055). Egg weight (p = 0.0032) and diameter (p = 0.0398) showed a quadratic response, increasing up to 30% substitution with subsequent reduction. Yolk color increased linearly as the level of canola meal increased (p = 0.0039). Canola meal can substitute soybean meal up to 30% without impairing productive performance, egg quality and diet cost.

O objetivo foi estudar a utilização do grão de arroz integral na dieta de codornas japonesas. Foram utilizadas 100 codornas japonesas com peso médio de 149,07 ± 10 gramas e 80 dias de idade, distribuídas em cinco tratamentos 0% de arroz integral (dieta controle à base de milho e farelo de soja), 20, 40, 60 e 80% de arroz integral em substituição ao milho. Foi avaliado o desempenho produtivo das aves, através da produção de ovos (%), do peso dos ovos (g), do peso das aves (g), massa de ovos (g), conversão por massa e por dúzia. Nas variáveis de qualidade interna dos ovos foram analisadas a altura de albúmen (mm), cor da gema, porcentagem da gema, porcentagem da clara e unidade Haugh. A qualidade externa dos ovos foi avaliada através da gravidade específica (g cm-3), espessura (µm) e porcentagem da casca. Os dados foram submetidos à análise regressão polinomial a 5% de significância. Conforme aumentou a inclusão de arroz integral na dieta houve um aumento linear da produção de ovos (p = 0,005), massa de ovos (p = 0,007), da porcentagem da casca (p = 0,03) e da gravidade específica (p = 0,007), ao contrário da conversão por massa (p = 0,006), por dúzia (p = 0,003) e da cor da gema (p < 0,0001), que reduziram linearmente. O aumento da inclusão de arroz integral aumentou o custo da dieta. Conclui-se que a substituição do milho pelo grão de arroz integral na dieta aumenta a produção de ovos, e reduz a cor da gema de codornas japonesas em postura.

A trial was conducted to evaluate the use of dehulled and unpolished whole rice in Japanese quails' diet. A total of 100 80-days-old Japanese quails (149.07 ± 10 g) were distributed in five treatments: 0% dehulled and unpolished whole rice (control diet based on corn and soybean meal), 20, 40, 60, and 80% of whole rice in replacement of corn; respectively, treatments 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5. Productive performance was evaluated through egg production (%), egg weight (g), body weight (g), egg mass (g), feed conversion per egg mass and feed conversion per dozen eggs. The following variables measured the internal quality of eggs: albumen height (mm), yolk color and percentage, egg white percentage and Haugh units. The external quality of eggs was measured through specific gravity (g cm-3), shell thickness (µm) and shell percentage. Treatment means were analyzed through polynomial regression at 5%. As the level of whole rice was increased in the diets, a significant linear increase in egg production (p = 0.005), egg mass (p = 0.007), shell thickness (p = 0.03) and specific gravity (p = 0.007) was observed. Feed conversion per egg mass (p = 0.006), feed conversion per dozen eggs (p = 0.003) and egg color (p < 0.0001), on the other hand, were reduced linearly. The increased utilization of whole rice increased the cost of the diet. In conclusion, the addition of dehulled and unpolished whole rice in partial substitution of corn in Japanese quails' diets increases the egg production and reduces the yolk color.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi avaliar a eficiência do sistema de compostagem de dejetos e da aeração passiva no tratamento de resíduos da produção animal no município de Capão do Leão, no Rio Grande do Sul. Utilizou-se uma estrutura coberta com filme de polietileno de baixa densidade e aberta nas laterais, que recebeu seis caixas de plástico reforçado com fibra de vidro. O estudo foi realizado com dois tratamentos, os quais foram constituídos pela mistura de dejetos líquidos de bovinos leiteiros e maravalha, e de bovinos leiteiros e cama de aviário de dois lotes de frangos de corte. O SISCODE é eficiente na transformação dos resíduos líquidos em sólidos da produção animal, já que a alta umidade relativa e a baixa temperatura ambiente no município não afetam tal sistema de tratamento. A aeração passiva não é eficiente na evaporação do excedente de água e na oxigenação dos substratos compostados, não devendo ser utilizada na compostagem da mistura de resíduos líquidos e sólidos da produção animal.

A trial was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of composting of residues system and passive aeration for treating animal residues in Capão do Leão, in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. A low-density polythene film covered up a laterally opened structure was used. Such structure was to protect six plastic and glass fiber boxes. The study was carried out with two treatments, which were constituted by a mixture of liquid bovine residues and wood shaving; and a mixture of liquid bovine residues and poultry litter. SISCODE is efficient for transformation of the liquid in solid residues, given that local high-relative humidity and the low environmental temperature do not affect such residues treatment system. Passive aeration is not efficient for both evaporating excess of water and oxygenating composting substrates. Therefore, it should not be used for composting a mixture of liquid and solid residues from animal production.