ABSTRACT This research aimed to evaluate the influence of a commercial prebiotic in different concentrations upon several parameters. To carry out the experiment, 640 male one-day-old broiler chicks were distributed in four treatments (0, 0.5, 1.0, and 1.5 kg/ton of yeast cell wall) with eight replicates of 20 birds per experimental unit, in randomized blocks. Prebiotic effects were assessed on performance, carcass yield and prime cuts, in addition to the litter quality (its content of nitrogen and phosphorus). There were significant improvements for weight gain and feed conversion ratio in experimental growth periods. However, prebiotic level at 1.0 kg/ton is enough to provide improvement in performance and similar yield parameters than the control group. Also, 1.5 kg/ton prebiotic inclusion in the diet promotes environmental benefits by reducing the phosphorus amount in the litter by 51%. Above 1.0 kg/ton prebiotic addition in broiler diets can be safely recommended, because it promotes both performance and environmental benefits. experiment 64 onedayold one day old 0, 0 (0 05 5 0.5 10 1 15 1. kgton kg ton wall 2 unit blocks cuts its phosphorus. . phosphorus) periods However group Also 51 51% recommended 6 ( 0.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to assess the genetic structure and diversity of six Santa Inês sheep flocks from the Central-Northern Brazil. A panel of 20 highly polymorphic and informative microsatellite loci was selected and amplified. The following parameters were obtained: overall mean of number of alleles = 15.4; expected heterozygosity (He) = 0.89; polymorphism information content (PIC) = 0.88; discriminatory capacity = 0.95; combined probability of identity = 1.50 × 10−34; and probability of exclusion = 1.00. The flocks with the lowest and the highest degrees of genetic variability were Farm 6 (He = 0.70, PIC = 0.653, and allelic richness [Ar] = 3.76) and Farm 1 (He = 0.89, PIC = 0.882, and Ar = 4.39), respectively. Indications of genetic bottleneck were observed in all flocks, as well as moderate genetic differentiation, with FST = 0.053, RST = 0.096, and Dest = 0.169. The migration rate in all flocks was high, with a trend towards Farm 1. This finding was not in agreement with the substructure found with the Bayesian admixture analysis and corroborated the array obtained with the principal component analysis and the clustering analysis. The results revealed moderate structuring and high genetic diversity in the flocks. However, management strategies should be reviewed, as evidence of bottleneck and genetic erosion was observed. CentralNorthern Central Northern Brazil 2 amplified 15.4 154 15 4 He 0.89 089 0 89 (PIC 0.88 088 88 0.95 095 95 150 50 1.5 10−34 1034 10 34 100 00 1.00 070 70 0.70 0653 653 0.653 [Ar 3.76 376 3 76 0882 882 0.882 4.39, 439 4.39 , 39 4.39) respectively differentiation 0053 053 0.053 0096 096 0.096 0169 169 0.169 However reviewed 15. 0.8 08 8 0.9 09 9 5 10−3 103 1.0 07 7 0.7 065 65 0.65 3.7 37 43 4.3 005 05 0.05 009 0.09 016 16 0.16 0. 10− 06 0.6 3. 4. 0.0 01 0.1

ABSTRACT This trial was designed to evaluate the effect of processing method of rehydrated corn grain silage (RCGS) on feed intake, performance, carcass traits, feeding behavior, rumen morphology, and blood metabolites of cattle in the finishing phase. Thirty-eight F1 Angus × Nellore bulls (365±22 kg) raised under grazing conditions were housed in individual pens (2 × 4 m) for the feeding trial. At the end of the adaptation period, animals were weighed after a 16-h fast, blocked by shrunk body weight, and randomly assigned to one of two dietary treatments: GRC, consisting of RCGS that was ground before ensiling using a hammer mill with a uniform 8-mm screen (1.52 mm geometric mean particle size); and RRC, consisting of RCGS that was rolled before ensiling in a roller mill mounted in a bagging machine (2.18 mm geometric mean particle size). Diet ingredients were mixed manually twice daily, at 09:00 and 15:00 h, and offered as total mixed rations in amounts approximately 50 g/kg in excess of daily intake. The experimental diets contained a forage:concentrate ratio of 130:870 g/kg, with 644 g/kg of RCGS. The GRC resulted in greater daily variation in dry matter intake, total-tract digestibility (dry and organic matter), fecal pH, rumen papillae width, and lower first meal duration, meal length, fecal starch, and rumen papillae height than the RRC. However, grinding or rolling RCGS did not affect dry matter intake, growth performance, carcass traits, or health (liver abscesses, ruminitis, serum D-lactate) of finishing beef cattle. Therefore, the processing equipment to make RCGS might be preferable based on equipment availability, milling yield, energy consumption, and diet composition. (RCGS intake performance traits behavior morphology phase Thirtyeight Thirty eight F 365±22 36522 365 22 (365±2 kg 2 ( m period 16h h 16 fast weight treatments 8mm 8 1.52 152 1 52 (1.5 size size) RRC 2.18 218 18 (2.1 size. . 0900 09 00 09:0 1500 15 15:0 5 gkg g forageconcentrate forage concentrate 130870 130 870 130:87 64 totaltract tract matter, , matter) pH width duration length starch However liver abscesses ruminitis Dlactate D lactate D-lactate Therefore availability yield consumption composition 365±2 3652 36 (365± 1.5 (1. 2.1 21 (2. 090 0 09: 150 15: 13087 13 87 130:8 6 365± 3 (365 1. (1 2. 1308 130: (36 (3

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the in vitro fermentation products, digestibility, gas production (GP) kinetics, and enteric greenhouse emissions (CH4 and CO2) of substrates with different forage:concentrate ratios (100F, grass hay only; 100C, concentrate mixture only, and mixture, an equal proportion of them) within non-woven fabric (NWT; 100 g/m2) or F57 (Ankom®) filter bags compared to directly dispersed in the medium (DIS), arranged in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement. Substrates (0.5 g) were incubated using an AnkomRF GP System. Gas samples were collected during 24 and 48 h of incubation. We observed substrate × dispersion method interactions on GP at 48 h (GP48) and on in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD). The GP48 and IVOMD of the 100C substrate were greatest in DIS, intermediate in NWT, and least in F57. With mixture substrate, there were no differences in GP48 and IVOMD between DIS and NWT, but they were greater than in F57. The GP48 and IVOMD were greater in NWT than in DIS and F57 when 100F was incubated. There were no dispersion method × substrate interactions on molar proportions and total volatile fatty acids. With the increase in forage:concentrate ratio incubated, there was a linear decrease in CH4 and CO2 emission relative to organic matter digested. Overall, CH4 and CO2 emissions and digestibility were lower when substrates were incubated within filter bags. The noteworthy interaction between the incubation method and substrates indicates that the ranking of these variables for substrates with differing fermentabilities changes with the dispersion method employed. products (GP kinetics CH (CH CO forageconcentrate forage 100F, F (100F only C them nonwoven non woven (NWT 10 g/m2 gm2 gm g m2 m F5 Ankom® Ankom (Ankom® , (DIS) arrangement 0.5 05 0 5 (0. System 2 4 (GP48 IVOMD. . (IVOMD) GP4 acids digested Overall employed 1 g/m (Ankom (DIS 0. (0 (GP4 (IVOMD (

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the effects of two maturity stages of whole-plant corn at harvest (32.1 or 42.5% dry matter (DM)) and a commercial microbial inoculant composed of L. buchneri and L. plantarum at concentration of 110,000 CFU/g of fresh forage (1.1 × 105 CFU/g FF) on fermentation losses, aerobic stability, chemical composition, and digestibility of starch and neutral detergent fiber (NDF). A factorial and randomized design was used (two DM contents, both with or without inoculant), with five replicates per treatment. Dry matter at harvest affected most variables, except lignin, NDF digestibility, ethanol, and lactic and acetic acids. Drier silages differed in total DM losses (−1.7%) and lactic acid bacteria (LAB) population (+1.2 log CFU/g). The use of the inoculant affected the levels of ether extract (+0.27% DM), starch (+2.9% DM), and lignin (−0.17% DM). The LAB (+1.6 log CFU/g) and yeast (−2.82% log CFU/g) populations were also influenced, as well as aerobic stability at six days. The inoculant × DM interaction was observed in the water-soluble carbohydrates content, being higher in silages with 32.1% DM and in those not inoculated for both DM. Crude protein was also higher in these silages, whether inoculated or not. Wetter silages were more prone to gas losses when inoculated (+2.5% DM) and lost more effluent when not inoculated (+4.82 kg/t FF). However, total DM losses during aerobic stability were on average 10.58% DM lower in these silages, with inoculation being preferred (6.72% DM vs 11.60% DM (control)). Under these conditions, harvesting corn for silage at 42.5% DM is indicated to obtain a more energetic silage, as noted both in the increased starch content and the reduced losses associated with fermentation. wholeplant whole plant 32.1 321 32 1 (32. 425 42 5 42.5 (DM) L 110000 110 000 110,00 CFUg CFU g 1.1 11 (1. 10 FF composition NDF. . (NDF) contents inoculant, , inoculant) treatment variables ethanol acids −1.7% 17 7 (−1.7% (LAB +1.2 12 2 (+1. CFU/g. +0.27% 027 0 27 (+0.27 DM, +2.9% 29 9 (+2.9 −0.17% 017 (−0.17 +1.6 16 6 −2.82% 282 82 (−2.82 influenced days watersoluble water soluble +2.5% 25 (+2.5 +4.82 482 4 (+4.8 kgt kg t FF. However 1058 58 10.58 6.72% 672 72 (6.72 1160 60 11.60 control. control (control)) conditions 32. 3 (32 42. (DM 11000 00 110,0 1. (1 (NDF −1.7 (−1.7 +1. (+1 +0.27 02 (+0.2 +2.9 (+2. −0.17 01 (−0.1 −2.82 28 8 (−2.8 +2.5 +4.8 48 (+4. 10.5 6.72 67 (6.7 116 11.6 (control) (3 1100 110, ( −1. (−1. +1 (+ +0.2 (+0. +2. (+2 −0.1 (−0. −2.8 (−2. +4. (+4 10. 6.7 (6. 11. (control −1 (−1 + +0. (+0 +2 −0. (−0 −2. (−2 +4 6. (6 − (− +0 −0 −2

ABSTRACT Two experiments were conducted to assess the impact of an enzyme complex (EC) on the metabolizability coefficients of dry matter (MCDM), crude protein (MCCP), and ether extract (MCEE) and on the nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) of corn gluten meal, soybean protein concentrate, dried bovine plasma, and poultry offal meal. Additionally, the experiments aimed to evaluate how EC affected broiler performance. In experiment I, 720 day-old Cobb 500® broilers were assigned to a completely randomized design using a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement. The main factors considered were the feedstuff (corn gluten meal, soybean protein concentrate, dried bovine plasma, and poultry offal meal) and the presence or absence of EC. The broilers were housed in 45 pens, using five replicates, with ten birds in the pre-starter phase and six birds in the starter phase. This design resulted in eight treatment groups, including one reference diet group. In experiment II, 1140 day-old Cobb 500® chicks were allotted in a completely randomized design, employing a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement, with the same main factors as in experiment I. Birds were housed in 48 pens, using six replicates/30 birds, yielding eight treatments. The use of the EC did not lead to improvements in digestibility of the feedstuffs. However, the addition of EC resulted in enhanced body weight gain and improved feed conversion ratios across all phases of broiler growth. Enzyme complex inclusion did not affect feed intake. While the EC did not enhance the metabolizability of nutrients in feedstuffs individually, broilers fed diets containing these feedstuffs and supplemented with EC exhibited improved performance at 42 days of age. This suggests that the impact of the EC varies depending on whether it is observed at the feedstuff or diet level. (EC MCDM, MCDM , (MCDM) MCCP, MCCP (MCCP) MCEE (MCEE nitrogencorrected nitrogen corrected AMEn (AMEn meal concentrate plasma Additionally I 72 dayold day old 500 arrangement pens replicates prestarter pre groups group II 114 replicates30 30 replicates/3 treatments However growth intake individually age level (MCDM (MCCP 7 50 11 replicates3 3 replicates/ 5 1

ABSTRACT This study examined the impact of a 37.5 °C temperature on chick embryos during the hatching period (18-21 days of incubation) and its subsequent effect on hatchery results and the thermotolerance of broiler chicks from 28-40 days of rearing. For hatchery results, the study involved 16 trays per treatment. For performance, the study involved 360 broiler chicks from two distinct hatching temperature conditions: a control group (36.5 °C and 65% relative humidity (RH)) and a thermal manipulation group (37.5 °C/6 h/d from 18 to 21 days of incubation with 65% RH). The chicks were reared in a thermoneutral temperature until day 28. Subsequently, on day 28 post-hatch, the chicks were randomly assigned to a 2 × 2 arrangement to assess the differences in thermotolerance acquisition. The primary factors were embryo thermal manipulation in the hatcher and the thermal environmental rearing from day 28 until day 40 (thermoneutrality (at a constant 23.0 °C) or thermal environmental challenge (30.0 °C/6 h/d)). No effect was observed on hatchability, residual analysis of unhatched eggs, and chick quality. No interaction was observed between treatments for performance or cloacal temperature from day 28 to day 40. However, birds reared in a thermoneutral environment exhibited higher feed intake and body weight gain from day 28 to day 40 and a lower feed conversion ratio than the birds reared in a cyclic heat temperature environment. An increase of 1 °C/6 h/d in the hatcher from day 18-21 does not affect hatchery results or enhance the adaptability of broilers to a heat stress environment during the final rearing period 375 37 5 37. C 1821 (18-2 2840 28-4 treatment 36 conditions 36.5 365 (36. 65 RH (RH) (37. C6 6 °C/ hd h d RH. . RH) Subsequently posthatch, posthatch post hatch, hatch post-hatch acquisition 4 thermoneutrality at 230 23 0 23. 30.0 300 30 (30. h/d. h/d)) hatchability eggs quality However 18-2 3 182 (18- 284 28- 36. (36 (RH (37 30. (30 h/d) 18- (18 (3 (1 (

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to examine the physicochemical composition and sensory properties of Boursin cheese made from the milk of goats fed diets with increasing levels of cassava chips replacing corn. Eight lactating Alpine goats were distributed into two 4 × 4 Latin squares, where they were subjected to diets in which 0, 33, 66, and 100% of corn was replaced with cassava chips. The cheeses were prepared with individual milk of each goat for physicochemical, yield, and texture analyses. Sensory analysis consisted of flavor and texture appraisal by 50 untrained tasters, using the difference-from-control test and the acceptance test. The cheeses from the four treatments did not differ in their fat, protein, and total solid contents; acidity; moisture; ash; pH; yield; or the texture parameters of gumminess, cohesiveness, hardness, and chewiness. They also showed no difference in the sensory acceptance of flavor and texture, indicating that the panelists did not perceive the replacement of corn with cassava chips. squares 0 33 66 100 yield analyses 5 tasters differencefromcontrol control fat protein contents acidity moisture ash pH gumminess cohesiveness hardness chewiness 3 6 10 1

ABSTRACT This study aimed to develop and assess a deterministic mathematical model for predicting the impacts of varying sow replacement rates on the performance of farms producing weaned piglets. Initially, the influence of replacement rate on herd structure was examined using two equations, which accounted for the percentage of sows replaced (55, 45, and 35%), retention rates between parities (13, 9, and 5%), and number of last parities in the herd (6, 7, and 8). The model then estimated sow development throughout the reproductive cycle, starting with an initial weight of 140 kg at first mating and adjusting for weight gains during gestation and losses during lactation, influenced by the varying number of live-born piglets across parities. Energy requirements were calculated using the factorial method, which included maintenance, protein and fat gains, and milk production. The generated data formed various scenarios to derive productive values. These scenarios were analyzed using analysis of variance with the general linear model procedure, treating each scenario as a separate treatment. Early parities (up to P3) contributed 42% in SC-35, 51% in SC-45, and 60% in SC-55. Significant differences were noted in variables such as average parity, birth weight, feed intake during gestation, and average piglet weight gain. The developed model, incorporating replacement gilt modules, gestation, and lactation, can effectively predict herd structure by parity and assess the impact of annual sow replacement rates on the productivity of farms rearing weaned piglets. Initially equations 55, 55 (55 45 35%, 35 35% , 35%) 13, 13 (13 9 5%, 5 5% 5%) 6, 6 (6 7 8. 8 . 8) cycle 14 lactation liveborn live born method maintenance production values procedure treatment up P3 P 42 SC35, SC35 SC 35, SC-35 51 SC45, SC45 SC-45 60 SC55. SC55 55. SC-55 gain modules (5 4 3 1 (1 ( SC3 SC-3 SC4 SC-4 SC5 SC-5 SC-

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to assess the effects of high-concentrate diets with and without the inclusion of soybean hull (SH; 0 or 500.8 g/kg) plus corn (whole or ground) on the performance, morphometric traits, and nutritional and metabolic parameters of crossbred dairy calves. We also aimed to assess the costs associated with the experimental diets employed. Thirty-six male calves with an average weight of 89±18.6 kg and age of 3.5 months were allocated to four treatments, with nine replicates of one calf/pen, in a completely randomized experimental design for 198 days. The inclusion of the SH and the physical form of corn did not influence animal performance or morphometric measurements; however, SH inclusion increased the digestibility of neutral detergent fiber and the intakes of dry matter and neutral detergent fiber, but did not affect total digestible nutrient intake. The physical form of corn did not influence nutrient intake or digestibility, which resulted in similar performance across the animals. Blood glucose levels as well as alkaline phosphatase and creatinine remained elevated regardless of the diet. The use of SH reduced the total plasma cholesterol content, and there was an interaction between the physical form of corn and SH inclusion in relation to creatinine levels, which were higher when using diets with whole corn and SH. Although the inclusion of up to 500.8 g/kg of SH in the diet reduces feed efficiency, its use decreases the cost per kilogram of weight gain. Dairy calves can exhibit satisfactory production performance when fed alternative ingredients such as whole corn or SH, which have a lower cost than ground corn, traditionally used in diet formulations. highconcentrate high concentrate (SH 5008 500 8 500. gkg g traits employed Thirtysix Thirty six 89186 89 18 6 89±18. 35 3 5 3. treatments calfpen calf pen calf/pen 19 days measurements however animals content efficiency gain formulations 50 8918 1 89±18 891 89±1 89±

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to assess the effects of liquid delactosed permeate (DLP) alone or mixed as baby feed with a conventional lactose-containing diet for nursery piglets on growth performance, diarrhea occurrence (DO), blood profile, gastrointestinal tract traits, and bacterial population counts. Ninety male hybrid piglets (7.59±0.63 kg) weaned at 25 days old (day 0) were assigned for 35 days in a complete block design based on body weight (BW) to one of three treatments: control diet (CD) containing lactose via whey permeate powder, supplied in mash and dry form, without DLP; supplemented diet (SD): CD + DLP provided in specific feeders and separated from the mash diet; moist diet (MD): CD moistened with DLP in a 1:1 ratio, 10 replicates, and three piglets per pen. Nursery phases were defined as pre-starter I and II (days 0 to 7, and 8 to 21) and starter (day 22 to 35). Piglets fed MD diet had better feed conversion (FCR) compared with those fed CD in the pre-starter I and II and total period. Piglets in pre-starter I fed MD diet had a higher DO compared with those fed CD, whereas piglets fed SD had intermediate results. Piglets in pre-starter II fed SD had a higher total protein concentration than those fed MD, and CD provided intermediate results. Piglets on MD had higher leukocyte concentrations compared with those fed CD, but piglets fed SD had intermediate results. Piglets fed CD or SD diets had higher colonic content pH than those fed MD. Piglets fed SD or MD diets had longer large intestine lengths than animals fed CD. Delactosed permeate improves FCR in piglets in the pre-starter phases and promotes minor changes in other variables; however, a greater DO is observed in the first few days post-weaning. (DLP lactosecontaining performance DO, , (DO) profile traits counts 7.59±0.63 759063 7 59 63 (7.59±0.6 kg 2 day 3 BW (BW treatments (CD powder form (SD) (MD) 11 1 1: ratio replicates pen prestarter pre 21 35. . 35) (FCR period results variables however postweaning. postweaning post weaning. weaning post-weaning (DO 7.59±0.6 75906 5 6 (7.59±0. (SD (MD 7.59±0. 7590 (7.59±0 7.59±0 759 (7.59± 7.59± 75 (7.59 7.59 (7.5 7.5 (7. 7. (7 (

ABSTRACT Data from 83,088 Hereford and Braford cattle were used to compare parameters and breeding values obtained using linear and threshold models for visual scores of limb conformation (LCW and LCY), breed traits (BTW and BTY), sexual traits (STW and STY), eye pigmentation (EPW and EPY), and navel size (NSW and NSY) at weaning and yearling, respectively. Additionally, principal component analysis was applied to investigate the relationship among the estimated breeding values. Higher direct heritability were estimated using the threshold model (ranging from 0.134±0.021 to 0.194±0.023) compared with the linear model (ranging from 0.085±0.008 to 0.120±0.009). Rank correlations between breeding values predicted using linear and threshold models ranged from 0.61 to 0.88 (LCW), 0.53 to 0.91 (BTW), 0.66 to 0.87 (STW), 0.80 to 0.96 (EPW), 0.87 to 0.95 (NSW), 0.70 to 0.92 (LCY), 0.49 to 0.93 (BTY), 0.56 to 0.95 (STY), 0.88 to 0.97 (EPY), and 0.80 to 0.95 (NSY). The low genetic variability of the studied traits suggests a small genetic gain in the morphology and adaptation. According to the results obtained in the rank correlation, the percentage of coincident animals and the cross-validation analyses, it is recommended to use the threshold model for limb conformation, breed, and sexual traits. For eye pigmentation and navel size scores, both models can be used. In practical terms, the producer will be able to carry out his own selection, considering other traits that are not currently incorporated in the selection indexes, but that can lead to simultaneous gains in the morphology and adaptation of Hereford and Braford cattle. 83088 83 088 83,08 LCW LCY, LCY , LCY) BTW BTY, BTY BTY) STW STY, STY STY) EPW EPY, EPY EPY) NSW NSY yearling respectively Additionally ranging 01340021 0 134 021 0.134±0.02 0.194±0.023 01940023 194 023 00850008 085 008 0.085±0.00 0.120±0.009. 01200009 0.120±0.009 . 120 009 0.120±0.009) 061 61 0.6 88 0.8 LCW, (LCW) 053 53 0.5 091 91 0.9 BTW, (BTW) 066 66 087 87 STW, (STW) 080 80 096 96 EPW, (EPW) 095 95 NSW, (NSW) 070 70 0.7 092 92 (LCY) 049 49 0.4 093 93 (BTY) 056 56 (STY) 097 97 (EPY) NSY. (NSY) correlation crossvalidation cross validation analyses terms indexes 8308 8 08 83,0 0134002 13 02 0.134±0.0 0.194±0.02 0194002 19 0085000 00 0.085±0.0 0120000 0.120±0.00 12 06 6 0. 05 5 09 9 07 7 (LCY 04 4 (BTY (STY (EPY (NSY 830 83, 013400 1 0.134±0. 0.194±0.0 019400 008500 0.085±0. 012000 0.120±0.0 01340 0.134±0 0.194±0. 01940 00850 0.085±0 01200 0.120±0. 0134 0.134± 0.194±0 0194 0085 0.085± 0120 0.120±0 013 0.134 0.194± 019 0.085 012 0.120± 01 0.13 0.194 0.08 0.120 0.1 0.19 0.0 0.12

ABSTRACT We investigated the impact of weaning at 30, 75, and 180 days of age on performance, body measurements, and rumen development (using the β-hydroxybutyrate biomarker) of beef calves until 190 days of age. A total of 64 Brangus calves were assigned to three treatments: hyper-early (W30), weaned at 32±0.89 days of age (n = 22, 10 males and 12 females); early (W75), weaned at 77±0.95 days of age (n = 20, 12 males and eight females); and conventional (W180), weaned at 183±0.82 days of age (n = 22, 13 males and nine females). Body weight (BW), average daily gain (ADG), β-hydroxybutyrate (βHBA), and morphometric measurements were evaluated. These variables were influenced by an interaction between treatment and days and were not affected by the sex of calves. The W30 calves experienced weight loss from 30 to 40 days of age compared with the W75 and W180 calves. Consequently, at day 75, W30 animals were lighter and had lower body length, thoracic circumference, withers height, and croup height compared with the W75 and W180 calves. However, no significant differences in BW were observed among treatments at 85 days of age. Additionally, W30 calves exhibited higher ADG and a moderate correlation with βHBA levels. Weaning calves at 30 days of age may negatively affect their performance until the sixth week after weaning, but there is no impairment in performance at 190 days of age. 75 18 using βhydroxybutyrate β hydroxybutyrate biomarker 19 6 hyperearly hyper W30, W , (W30) 32089 32 0 89 32±0.8 n 22 1 females females) W75, (W75) 77095 77 95 77±0.9 20 W180, (W180) 183082 183 82 183±0.8 females. . BW, (BW) ADG, (ADG) βHBA, (βHBA) evaluated W3 3 4 W7 W18 Consequently length circumference However 8 Additionally levels 7 (W30 3208 32±0. 2 (W75 7709 9 77±0. (W180 18308 183±0. (BW (ADG (βHBA W1 (W3 320 32±0 (W7 770 77±0 (W18 1830 183±0 (W 32± 77± (W1 183±

ABSTRACT A meta-analysis was employed to assess the effects of phytogenic feed additives and antibiotics on the performance and intestinal morphometry of unchallenged weanling pigs. The database included 41 articles published between 2004 and 2017, comprising 5,197 unchallenged nursery piglets. Piglets had 7.7 to 13.8 kg body weight and were assessed at 27.3 to 47.8 days of age, distributed into 156 experimental groups. All treatments were categorized into negative control, phytogenic additive (PA), and antibiotics (ATB) groups. The meta-analysis followed two sequential analyses: graphical and variance-covariance. Age and body weight were the factors that highly influenced the model. Piglets that received antibiotics had a higher (12.2%) daily weight gain than piglets in the control group. Phytogenic additives in diets enhanced intestinal morphometry in unchallenged piglets. Antibiotics increased (by 12.7%) the crypt depth of jejunum in comparison to the control treatment. Animals on PA had an 11.1% increment in villus height:crypt depth ratio than those on antibiotics. Phytogenic additives and antibiotics boost nursery piglet performance. Antibiotics advances the performance of unchallenged nursery piglets, but increases crypt depth in the jejunum. Performance of nursery piglets is better with combined phytogenic additives than with the isolated use of plant extracts. metaanalysis meta analysis pigs 4 200 2017 5197 5 197 5,19 77 7 7. 138 13 8 13. 273 27 3 27. 478 47 47. age 15 groups PA, , (PA) ATB (ATB analyses variancecovariance. variancecovariance variance covariance. covariance variance-covariance model 12.2% 122 12 2 (12.2% group by 12.7% 127 treatment 111 11 1 11.1 heightcrypt height extracts 20 201 519 19 5,1 (PA 12.2 (12.2 12.7 11. 51 5, 12. (12. (12 (1 (

ABSTRACT This study aimed to assess an alkaline protease supplemented in diets with and without crude protein (CP) reduction on performance, apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD), blood parameters, and carcass and meat traits in growing-finishing pigs. Forty male pigs (26.2±1.2 kg) were randomly allocated into one of five treatments: negative control (NC, 2% and 1% reduction of CP in grower and finisher phases, respectively, no protease); NC150: NC + 150 mg protease kg−1 diet; NC300: NC + 300 mg protease kg−1 diet; PC: positive control (no CP reduction and protease); and PC300: PC + 300 mg protease kg−1 diet, with eight replicates of one pig/pen. Pigs fed NC showed greater average daily feed intake (ADFI) than pigs fed NC300 or PC and lower ADFI compared to pigs fed NC150. Pigs fed PC had lower ADFI than those fed PC300. Greater average daily gain and gain to feed ratio (G:F) were observed in pigs on NC compared with those on NC300 or NC150 and NC300, respectively. Pigs fed PC showed better G:F than pigs fed PC300. Lower coefficients of ATTD (CTTAD) of dry and organic matter (OM), digestible dry matter (DDM), digestible organic matter (DOM), and digestible protein were observed in growing II pigs fed NC compared with pigs fed NC150 or NC300. Pigs fed NC showed a lower DP compared with PC or NC150. Positive control group showed increased digestible protein compared with NC. Finishing II pigs fed NC showed lower DDM, DOM, CTTAD of OM, and gross energy than pigs fed NC150 or NC300. Pigs fed PC showed greater albumin concentration compared with pigs fed PC300 in finishing II. Pigs fed NC and PC300 showed greater luminosity in the l. thoracis muscle than pigs fed PC. A greater color score was evidenced in the l. thoracis in pigs fed PC compared with pigs fed PC300. The dietary supplementation of isolated alkaline protease and CP-reduced diets improves ATTD without supporting pig performance. (CP performance ATTD, , (ATTD) parameters growingfinishing 26.2±1.2 26212 26 2 1 (26.2±1. kg treatments NC, (NC phases respectively protease) 15 kg1 kg− diet 30 pigpen pen pig/pen (ADFI NC30 GF G F (G:F NC15 (CTTAD OM (OM) DDM (DDM) DOM (DOM) PC30 l CPreduced reduced (ATTD 26.2±1. 2621 (26.2±1 3 NC3 NC1 (OM (DDM (DOM PC3 26.2±1 262 (26.2± 26.2± (26.2 26.2 (26. 26. (26 (2 (