ABSTRACT. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of diets with reduced energy level content, supplemented with carbohydrase, on broiler performance and the coefficient of metabolizability of nutrients. A total of 720 one-day-old male Cobb-500 chicks were distributed in a completely randomized design, with six treatments, eight repetitions of 15 birds each. The treatments were: (1) a positive control, basal diet to meet the requirements of broiler chickens (PC); (2) a negative control, basal diet with a reduction of 80 kcal kg-1 (NC); (3) NC + alphagalactosydase; (4) NC + xylanase; (5) NC + xylanase and alphagalactosydase, and (6) NC + enzymatic blend (alphagalactosydase, xylanase, pectinase and amylase). The nutrient digestibility was not improved by use of enzymes. At 7 days of age, the broilers which were fed diets supplemented with enzymes showed a lower feed intake (FI) and better feed conversion ratio (FCR) than the broilers fed on PC. Both the NC and enzymatic blend resulted in a worse performance of the broilers at 21, 35 and 42 days old. The use of alphagalactosydase and xylanase, isolated or in combination, in a corn-soybean meal-based diet is effective in improving the growth performance of broilers fed energy-reduced diets.

Resumo Uma das pragas que mais afetam e comprometem a produção avícola no mundo é o inseto Alphitobius diaperinus, conhecido como cascudinho. Este inseto é vetor de doenças que comprometem não só a produção de frangos como também a saúde humana. Objetivou-se com esse trabalho avaliar a eficácia e determinar a dose adequada de Metilxantina (MTX), inseticida natural extraído da cafeína, para o controle da população adulta de cascudinhos em cama de frango. Foram utilizados 2.500 cascudinhos adultos distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, cinco tratamentos, 10 repetições com 50 insetos por repetição. Os tratamentos consistiram de grupo controle e quatro concentrações 14 g/m2, 16 g/m2, 18 g/m2, 20 g/m2 de MTX espalhadas em recipientes plásticos contendo cama de frango reutilizada e ração, alocados em um galpão de frangos de corte a fm de simular a condição de granja. Período experimental foi de 18 dias e realizadas cinco leituras nos dias dois, quatro, seis, 10 e 18. A MTX afetou (P<0,05) a taxa de mortalidade acumulada de cascudinhos, grupos de insetos alojados em caixas tratadas com 16 g/m2 de MTX apresentaram maior mortalidade acumulada (86,6%) ao final do período experimental. Conclui-se que MTX tem ação inseticida sobre adultos de cascudinho, podendo ser utilizada sobre a cama de frango para o controle da população deste inseto em galpões de criação de frangos, a concentração 16 g/MTX/m2 demonstrou maior efetividade.

Abstract One of the pests that most affect and compromise poultry production worldwide is the insect Alphitobius diaperinus, known as the lesser mealworm. This insect is a vector of diseases that compromise not only chicken production but also human health. This study proposes to examine the efficacy and determine the appropriate rate of methylxanthine (MTX), a natural insecticide extracted from cafeine, for the control of an adult population of lesser mealworms in poultry litter. A total of 2,500 adult mealworms were distributed into five treatments in a completely randomized design using 10 replications with 50 insects per replication. The treatments consisted of a control group and four concentrations of MTX (14, 16, 18, and 20 g/m2) spread in plastic boxes containing reused poultry litter and feed, allocated in a broiler shed, to simulate the farm condition. The experimental period was 18 days, and five readings were performed on days 2, 4, 6, 10, and 18. Methylxanthine affected (P<0.05) the mealworms’ cumulative mortality rate, with the groups of insects housed in boxes treated with 16 g /m2 MTX showing the highest cumulative mortality (86.6%) at the end of the experimental period. In conclusion, MTX has insecticidal action on adults of lesser mealworm and can be used on chicken litter to control the population of this insect in poultry sheds. The MTX concentration of 16 g/m2 showed the greatest effectiveness.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine the effects that breeder age has on digestive and immune system development; the transfer of immunoglobulins to egg yolk, yolk sac, and neonate chicks; and the immune response of chicks up to 35 days old. Three ages (32, 42, and 52 weeks) of Hubbard breeders were studied with ages as treatments. A total of 425 eggs were weighed for each of the three treatments and incubated. After hatching, a total of 300 1-day-old chicks were used in each treatment. We studied the development of the gastrointestinal tract and immune system of progeny and IgY transfer from breeder to progeny. Chicks from 52-week-old breeders had greater gastrointestinal tract growth up to seven days of life and greater body weight at 14 days. Older breeders (52 weeks) had higher amounts of IgY in serum and egg yolk. Chicks from the youngest breeders (32-weeks-old) had a better immune response at two weeks post-vaccination. It can be concluded that the older breeders have a greater capacity to immunize progeny up to 14 days. Strategies can be developed to increase IgY in the serum of young breeders and, consequently, increase the innate immunity of the newly-hatched chicks.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of guava extract standardized in phenolic compounds (SGE) on broiler performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal histomorphometry. A total of 300 one-day-old male Cobb-500® broiler chicks were distributed in a completely randomized design with five treatments (basal diet supplemented with 120 mg vitamin E/kg and basal diet supplemented with 0, 600, 800, or 1,000 mg SGE/kg) and six replicates of ten birds each. Performance was evaluated at seven and 21 days of age; digestibility of nutrients was determined by total excreta collection from 18 to 21 days of age; and histomorphometry of the small intestine was assessed at 21 days of age. Broilers fed diets supplemented with SGE or vitamin E had higher body weight and weight gain and better feed conversion than those fed unsupplemented diet at seven days of age. At the same age, there was a quadratic effect of SGE levels on body weight and weight gain, with better weights for 715 and 716 mg SGE/kg, respectively; and a decreasing linear effect for feed conversion. At 21 days of age, body weight and weight gain increased linearly with the inclusion of SGE in diet. Digestibility of feed nutrients was not influenced by treatments. Broilers fed diet supplemented with 800 or 1,000 mg SGE/kg had greater villus height and villus:crypt ratio of the duodenum than those fed unsupplemented diet. Villus height in the jejunum of broilers fed diet supplemented with 600 mg SGE/kg was lower than that of broilers that received vitamin E. Guava extract standardized in phenolic compounds can be used in diets for broilers in the starter phase, considering that the extract increases weight gain, reduces feed conversion, and helps in the development of the intestinal mucosa.

ABSTRACT. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of eggs produced by Japanese quails fed with guava extract. A total of 400 eggs collected from the quails fed with experimental diets, were distributed in a completely randomized design in factorial arrangement 4 x 4 with main effects including four dietary levels of guava extract (0, 3, 6 and 9 g kg-1) and four storage periods (0, 9, 18 and 27 days) totalizing 16 treatments with five replicates of five eggs. The eggs were produced by Japanese quails, fed with experimental diets. The diets were isonutritive formulated by corn-soybean basis. The eggs were stored for different periods, at the same conditions, to constitute the treatments. The parameters evaluated were egg weight loss (g and %), yolk color, Haugh unit, specific gravity, eggshell thickness and pH of the yolk and albumen. Data were submitted to ANOVA, and means were compared using Scott-Knott test, using α = 0.05. The specific gravity of fresh eggs was better with the use of 6 g kg-1 of guava extract in the diet. The use of 3 g kg-1 of guava extract resulted in smaller eggshell thickness of fresh eggs. The Haugh unit was affected just by the storage periods. The dietary guava extract (3, 6 or 9 g kg-1) increased the pH of albumen in eggs stored for 27 days. The use of 6 g kg-1 of guava extract in quails diet increase the specific gravity in fresh eggs and increase the yolk color when the eggs are stored.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar o processamento térmico de rações pré-iniciais sobre o desempenho, morfometria dos órgãos do sistema digestório e metabolizabilidade dos nutrientes das rações de pintos de corte. Foram utilizados 180 pintos de corte, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com dois tratamentos, seis repetições de 15 aves cada. Os tratamentos consistiram em ração peletizada (70°C) e ração extrusada (150°C). O ensaio de metabolizabilidade foi realizado de quatro a sete dias de idade, enquanto o desempenho e morfometria dos órgãos do sistema digestório foram avaliados aos sete e 21 dias de idade. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância. Aos sete dias de idade, os pintos que consumiram ração extrusada apresentaram menor consumo de ração, menor desenvolvimento dos órgãos do trato digestório, pior metabolizabilidade do nitrogênio, matéria seca, além de menor energia metabolizável em relação a ração peletizada. Do mesmo modo, aos 21 dias de idade, os pintos que consumiram ração pré-inicial extrusada apresentaram pior desempenho em relação a ração peletizada. Conclui-se que ração extrusada a 150°C para pintos de corte na fase pré-inicial, resulta em menor metabolizabilidade dos nutrientes e menor desenvolvimento dos órgãos do sistema digestório aos sete dias de idade e pior desempenho aos 21 dias.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the thermal processing of pre-initial diets on performance, morphometry of the organs of the digestive system and nutrient digestibility in broiler chicks. The test sample consisted of 180 broiler chicks distributed in a completely randomized design, with two treatments, six replications of 15 birds each. The treatments consisted of pelleted feed (70°C) and extruded feed (150°C). The metabolism test was realized from 4 to 7 days of age, while the performance and morphometry of the organs of the digestive system were evaluated at 7 and 21 days of age. The data were submitted to analysis of variance. At seven days of age, chicks that consumed extruded feed had lower feed intake, less development of digestive tract organs, lower nitrogen absorption rate, dry matter, in addition to less metabolizable energy compared to pelleted feed. Likewise, at 21 days of age, chicks that consumed extruded pre-starter feed performed worse than pelleted feed. The conclusion is thus reached that feed extruded at 150 ° C for broiler chicks in the pre-initial phase, results in lower nutrient digestibility and an inferior development of the organs of the digestive system at 7 days of age and worse performance at 21 days.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito do extrato de goiaba em dietas de matrizes de codornas japonesas (Coturnix japonica) sobre o desempenho produtivo e a qualidade dos ovos férteis. O experimento foi realizado na Universidade Federal de Goiás. Foram utilizadas 384 matrizes de codornas Japonesas, distribuídas em 4 tratamentos, com 6 repetições, total de 12 fêmeas e 4 machos em cada repetição. Os tratamentos foram quatro níveis de extrato de goiaba nas rações (0,0%, 0,3%, 0,6% e 0,9%). O extrato de goiaba continha 2,13% de ácido elágico, considerado um princípio antioxidante da goiaba. As rações foram isonutritivas. O período experimental foi de 84 dias. Foi avaliada a produção de ovos, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar, massa de ovos, ganho de peso e qualidade interna e externa dos ovos. Os resultados foram submetidos à análise de variância e de regressão com 5% de probabilidade. A utilização do extrato de goiaba não influenciou a produção de ovos, o consumo de ração, a conversão alimentar e a massa de ovos. A altura de gema e albúmen, a unidade Haugh e o índice de gema e de albúmen diminuíram linearmente à medida em que os níveis de extrato de goiaba na ração aumentaram. O diâmetro do albúmen foi maior com 0,48% de extrato de goiaba na ração. A coloração da gema foi influenciada pela utilização do extrato, apresentando coloração mais escura com 0,498% de extrato de goiaba na ração. Conclui-se que o extrato de goiaba não melhora o desempenho e qualidade dos ovos de codornas japonesas.

SUMMARY The aim of this study was to evaluate the guava extract as an antioxidant additive in diets of Japanese quail breeders on the performance and egg’s quality. The experiment was conducted at University Federal of Goias. A total of 384 Japanese quail breeders were used, distributed in four treatments, with six replicates, with a total of 12 females and four males in each replicate. The treatments were performed with four levels of guava extract in the diets (0.0%, 0.3%, 0.6% and 0.9%). The guava extract contained the ellagic acid, considered the guava antioxidant active principle. The diets were isonutritive. Feed and water were offered ad libitum. The experimental period was 84 days. Egg production, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, egg mass, body weight variation and egg quality were evaluated. The results were submitted to analysis of variance and regression analysis. The adopted probability was 5%. Egg production, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and egg mass were not influenced by the use of guava extract. The yolk and albumen height, the Haugh Unit and the yolk and albumen index decreased linearly as the levels of guava extract in the diet increased. The diameter of the albumen was higher with the use of 0.48% of guava extract in the diet. The yolk color was affected by the guava extract, presenting a darker color with 0.50% of guava extract in the diet. It was concluded that the guava extract used as an antioxidant additive does not improve the performance and egg quality of Japanese quails.

ABSTRACT We aimed to evaluate the performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal histomorphometry of broilers fed diet supplemented with chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine sulfate. The experiment was carried out with 320 male broiler chicks distributed in a completely randomized design in a 2×2 factorial scheme (0 and 0.1% chondroitin sulfate and 0 and 0.3% glucosamine sulfate), with eight replications of 10 birds. Performance was evaluated at 7 and 21 days of age, nutrient digestibility of the diet was performed from 18 to 21 days of age, and small intestine histomorphometry was evaluated at 21 days of age. Broilers fed diet supplemented with 0.3% glucosamine sulfate showed high final weight and weight gain. A significant interaction was observed between sulfates for digestibility coefficients of nitrogen, mineral matter, and calcium. The use of 0.1% chondroitin sulfate without glucosamine sulfate resulted in a reduced digestibility of nitrogen but increased digestibility of total minerals and calcium. Diets without chondroitin sulfate with 0.3% glucosamine sulfate increased the digestibility coefficients of mineral matter and calcium. A significant interaction was found for jejunum villus height, which was higher in broilers fed diet supplemented with 0.3% glucosamine sulfate, regardless of the inclusion of chondroitin sulfate. Thus, supplementation with glucosamine sulfate in broiler diets contributes to high weight gain and villus height. Sulfates used in isolation promote high digestibility of minerals.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of feather and blood meal (FBM) in broiler pre-starter and starter diets according to the processing method used. Performance, digestibility, and intestinal morphometry of broilers fed diets containing FBM were evaluated in two experiments, in the pre-starter (1-7 d) and starter (8-21 d) phases in a randomized block design with four treatments and five replicates of 12 birds, totaling 20 experimental units per trial. The criteria used for block formation was the battery floor. The meal was processed under different degrees of hydrolysis pressure (2.0 kgf/cm2 for 40 min; 2.5 kgf/cm2 for 30 min; and 3.0 kgf/cm2 for 20 min) and added at 9% to the pre-starter (Experiment I) and starter (Experiment II) diets. In each experiment, 480 male Cobb 500® chicks were allocated to batteries. The following variables were measured: live weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio, and digestibility and retention of dry matter, nitrogen, and ether extract. Performance was not influenced by the dietary inclusion of the ingredient. However, FBM subjected to the highest hydrolysis pressure resulted in the worst overall nutritional balances. The chickens were more susceptible to FBM processing in the pre-starter phase, when the hydrolysis pressure of 2.5 kgf/m2 for 30 min provided the best results. In the starter diet, FBM processed at a hydrolysis pressure of 2.0 kgf/m2 for 40 min provided the best performance results up to 14 days of age, without changing nutrient metabolism. Up to 9% feather and blood meal can be included in broiler pre-starter and starter diets as long as the ingredient processing method is well-known.

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of Curcuma longa on the growth performance, intestinal integrity, and antimicrobial activity of chicks colonized by Salmonella Typhimurium. The study included 672 one-day-old male chicks of the CobbTM lineage, which were divided into eight treatment groups with 14 birds per group and six repetitions, for a total of 48 experimental units per treatment. A randomized 4×2 factorial design scheme (C. longa levels × inoculation by Salmonella Typhimurium) was used. Chicks were orally inoculated with 1.2×104 cfu/mL of Salmonella Typhimurium in 0.5 mL of 0.85% buffered saline solution. Curcuma was added to the feed of chicks at 0, 1, 2, and 3% for 35 days. Data were analyzed by analysis of variance and Tukey's test. Optimal feed conversion was observed in chicks given feed supplemented with 1% C. longa, regardless of infection, and 1% C. longa prevented intestinal colonization by Salmonella Typhimurium. Supplementation and bacterial infection influenced the histomorphometry and pH of the intestine. Bacterial infection reduced the intestinal pH, whereas C. longa supplementation increased the pH, but only in infected chicks. Thus, supplementation with 1% C. longa favors feed conversion, inhibits intestinal colonization by Salmonella Typhimurium, and does not alter intestinal integrity. In contrast, supplementation with 3% Curcuma longa decreases feed intake, affecting the performance of 35-day-old chicks.

Resumo Objetivou-se avaliar parâmetros reprodutivos e o desempenho de diferentes grupos genéticos de codornas japonesas com diferentes pesos iniciais de produção. O delineamento experimental utilizado para os dados de desempenho zootécnico das aves foi inteiramente casualizado, com esquema fatorial 3 x 2 (três linhagens: UEM1, UEM2 e Comercial (COM), e duas classes de peso: leves e pesadas), totalizando seis tratamentos, com oito repetições cada, portanto 48 parcelas. Cada parcela continha oito aves (dois machos e seis fêmeas), num total de 384 codornas. Foi analisado: a idade ao primeiro ovo, idade aos 50% de produção, idade de pico de produção e persistência de pico em semanas. O desempenho foi analisado por meio da produção de ovos, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar e mortalidade. Ainda, foi estudado a produção de ovos incubáveis. A linhagem COM apresentou maior peso vivo às seis semanas de idade, sendo UEM 1 e UEM 2 semelhantes entre si. Para a idade ao primeiro ovo, o grupo COM se equiparou UEM 1, sendo a UEM 2 foi mais tardia. Já para a variável idade aos 50% de produção de ovos a linhagem COM apresentou-se mais precoce em relação às demais linhagens. Não foi observado efeito do peso das codornas sobre a idade do primeiro ovo. Não houve efeito de interação entre linhagem e peso inicial das aves para nenhuma das variáveis de desempenho reprodutivo estudadas. Ainda, pode-se observar que não houve diferença entre os grupos genéticos ou peso corporal inicial para produção de ovos, quando considerado o período de 6 a 26 semanas de idade. Não houve diferença entre os grupos genéticos para consumo de ração durante o período de 20 semanas estudado e não houve efeito do peso inicial de produção sobre essa variável (P>0,05). A conversão alimentar kg/dz, melhorou pelos grupos das linhagens UEM 1 e UEM 2. Para a peso de ovos incubáveis o grupo comercial apresentou maior peso. Foi possível concluir que o melhoramento genético de codornas japonesas de postura necessita aprimoramento e que linhagem comercial não melhorada pode apresentar resultados semelhantes às linhagens melhoradas.

Abstract The objective was to evaluate the performance and reproductive parameters of different genetics groups of Japanese quails with different initial weights. The experimental design was completely randomized, with a factorial 3 x 2 (three strains (UEM1, UEM2 and Commercial (COM)) and two weight classes (light and heavy), totaling six treatments. Was used with eight replications, totaling 48 plots. Each plot contained eight birds (two males and six females), with a total of 384 quails. The COM line presented higher live weight at six weeks of age, being UEM 1 and UEM 2 similar to each other. For age at first egg, the COM group equated EMU 1, with EMU 2 being later. For the variable age at 50% of egg production, the COM strain was earlier than the others. No effect of quail weight was observed on the age of the first egg. There was no interaction effect between strain and initial weight of the birds for any of the reproductive performance. Also, it can be observed that there was no difference between the genetic groups or initial body weight for egg production, when considered the period from six to 26 weeks of age. There was no difference between the genetic groups for feed intake during the 20-week period studied and there was no effect of the initial weight of production on this variable. For the results of the feed conversion index kg/eggs, it can be observed that the best results were presented by the groups of the EMU 1 and EMU 2 strains. It was possible to conclude that genetic improvement of Japanese laying quails requires better adjusts and that an unimproved commercial strain may present similar results to the improved lineages.

Resumo Foi avaliado um composto comercial de ácidos orgânicos, adicionado à ração, no controle da Salmonella de frangos de corte desafiados com Salmonella Enteritidis e Salmonella Enteritidis associadas à Eimeria tenella. Foram utilizados 504 pintos de um dia, fêmeas, da linhagem Hubbard®, sendo o delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 2x3, totalizando seis tratamentos com seis repetições e 14 aves a unidade experimental. Foi analisado o pH intestinal, o escore de lesão dos cecos, contagem de oocistos fecais e a presença de salmonela no baço e tonsilas cecais das aves. Aves desafiadas com S. Enteritidis que receberam ácidos apresentaram menor frequência de isolamento da bactéria nos órgãos linfoides analisados. Assim como apresentaram redução no número de oocistos de E. tenella nas excretas coletadas diretamente na bandeja e redução dos escores de lesão intestinal provocadas pela infecção por Eimeria tenella. Os ácidos orgânicos promoveram benefício à saúde intestinal dos frangos de corte com reflexos positivos no controle da Salmonella Enteritidis juntamente com a Eimeria tenella.

Abstract A commercial organic acids compound was assessed, added to feed, to control Salmonella Enteritidis. Broilers were challenged with Salmonella Enteritidis and Salmonella Enteritidis associated with Eimeria tenella. Five hundred and four day-old Hubbard® females chicks were used in a completely randomized design in a 2x3 factorial, a total of six treatments with six replications and being 14 birds the experimental unit. Intestinal pH, cecum lesion score, oocyst faecal counts and the presence of Salmonella in the cecal tonsils and spleen of broilers were investigated. Broilers that were challenged only with S. Enteritidis that received the compound in test showed lower frequency of bacteria isolation in lymphoid organs. Besides, decreased number of oocysts of E. tenella was observed and the intestinal lesion scores caused by infection was lower. Organic acids promoted a benefit on broilers intestinal health with positive effects on the control of Salmonella Enteritidis with Eimeria tenella.

RESUMO Objetivou-se avaliar a utilização de óleo de copaíba ou sucupira na ração de frangos de corte, sobre o desempenho e saúde intestinal. Foram utilizados 600 pintos de corte machos, da linhagem Cobb500 com um dia de idade, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos e seis repetições com 25 aves cada. Com o objetivo de aumentar o desafio, as aves foram criadas sobre cama reutilizada. Os tratamentos consistiram de: ração controle; ração com antibiótico melhorador de desempenho avilamicina; ração com 2.000 mg/kg de óleo de copaíba e ração com 500 mg/kg de óleo sucupira. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e teste Tukey (5%). A adição de 500 mg/kg do óleo de sucupira resultou em queda do desempenho das aves no período de 21, 33 e 40 dias de idade, já a adição do óleo de copaíba proporcionou resultados de desempenho semelhantes ao antibiótico. A suplementação com óleo de copaíba ou sucupira não promoveu alterações no epitélio intestinal dos frangos avaliados. A adição do óleo de sucupira foi prejudicial ao desempenho das aves. O óleo de copaíba pode ser utilizado em dietas para frangos como melhorador de desempenho.

SUMMARY The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of supplemental copaiba or sucupira oils on broiler performance and intestinal health. A total of 600 one-day old Cobb 500 male broilers were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments and six replicates with 25 broilers each. To increase the health challenge, the broilers were reared on reused litter. The treatments consisted of: control diet; diet with a performance enhancing antibiotic (avilamycin); diet with 2,000 mg/kg copaiba oil and a diet with 500 mg/kg sucupira oil. Data were submitted to analysis of variance and Tukey test (5%). The addition of sucupira oil at 500 mg/kg decreased broiler performance at 21, 33, and 40 days of age, whereas the addition of copaiba oil resulted in similar performance relative to the antibiotic. Dietary supplementation of copaiba or sucupira oils did not change the intestinal epithelium of broilers. The addition of sucupira oil negatively affected broiler performance. Copaiba oil can be used in broiler diets as a performance enhancer.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate a technique for quantifying eggshell conductance using shell fragments from hatched eggs. Additional objectives were to calculate the correlation between eggshell conductance, porosity, and thickness and correlate these parameters with incubation data. The study design was fully randomized in a 3 × 3 factorial scheme (three egg regions - large end, equator, and narrow end - and three ages of broiler breeders – 29, 35, and 59 weeks). A total of 216 eggs were used, with 24 repetitions for each treatment. Neither conductance nor shell thickness showed any interaction with egg region. Breeder age influenced eggshell conductance, such that it was greatest in eggshells from 59-week breeders (0.323 mg day−1 torr−1), while for 29-week and 35-week breeders, the conductance values found were 0.285 and 0.270 mg day−1 torr−1, respectively. The eggshell thickness was similar in eggs from 29 and 35-week breeders and these were greater than the thickness of eggshells from 59-week breeders. Correlations between mean eggshell conductance and chick body weight and yolk free chick body weight were found significant. There were no correlations between mean eggshell thickness and any of the data evaluated. There were positive correlations between mean eggshell porosity and egg weight loss up to the time of transfer, chick weight, and yolk free body weight. The technique of using eggshell fragments can be used for measuring eggshell conductance. Eggshell porosity is the characteristic that best correlates with incubation parameters.

ABSTRACT Two experiments were conducted to evaluate combinations of different storage periods and temperature of hatching eggs of breeder quails in two stages of the production cycle (24 and 43 weeks) on hatchability, quail neonate quality, and Bursa of Fabricius characteristics. In each experiment, a total of 1.050 Japanese quail eggs were incubated in a randomized block design in a factorial arrangement of 2 × 5 × 2, with two breeder ages (24 and 43 weeks), five storage periods (one, three, six, nine, and twelve days), and two storage temperatures (28 and 14 °C), totaling 20 treatments with 52 eggs each. Quantitative data were subjected to ANOVA and means were compared by Tukey's test. Qualitative data were subjected to Friedman's test. Polynomial regression analysis was performed in relation to the storage period of the eggs. Hatchability of 43-week-old breeders worsened as the storage period increased at 28 °C, while at 14 °C, hatchability was not affected. Yolk-free body weight was influenced only by storage period; therefore, the group stored for 12 days had the lowest yolk-free body weight. Twelve days of storage reduced the absorption of yolk residue and physical quality score and also affected neonate quail immunity. Fertile eggs from Japanese quails that are destined for incubation should be stored at 14 °C to maintain physical and immunological quality of the progeny. Moreover, eggs from older breeders originate lower-quality quails when eggs are not stored in a refrigerated environment.