RESUMO A digestibilidade do trigo e seus co-produtos foi avaliada em dietas extrusadas para juvenis de tilápia do Nilo. Foram avaliados os coeficientes de digestibilidade aparente (CDAs) de matéria seca (CDAMS), energia bruta (CDAEB), proteína bruta (CDAPB), aminoácidos essenciais (AAEs) e aminoácidos não essenciais (AANEs) do triguilho, trigo, farelo de trigo, fibra grossa de trigo e gérmen de trigo. Utilizou-se uma dieta de referência e dietas de teste, com 5,0g/kg de óxido crômico (Cr2O3) como indicador externo. O CDAMS, CDAPB e CDAEB foram maiores (P< 0,05) no triguilho, trigo e germen de trigo do que para farelo de trigo e fibra grossa de trigo. Os CDAs de todos os aminoácidos (AAs) foram maiores que 80%, exceto para treonina no farelo de trigo e fibra grossa de trigo, superior a 90% para triguilho e germen de trigo. Os valores de todos os ingredientes investigados foram elevados para CDAPB, e os CDAs de AAEs e AANEs. Uma forte correlação negativa foi detectada para fibra bruta e cinzas com os ADCs de matéria seca, energia bruta e proteína bruta. De maneira geral, os ingredientes provenientes do trigo possuem boa digestibilidade da proteína e aminoácidos, porém o alto conteúdo fibroso reduz os CDAMS e CDAEB, em dietas extrusadas para a tilápia do Nilo.

SUMMARY In the present study, we investigated the digestibility of wheat and its coproducts in extruded diets for juvenile Nile tilapia. Specifically, we evaluated the apparent digestibility coefficients (ADCs) of dry matter (ADCDM), gross energy (ADCGE), crude protein (ADCCP), essential amino acids (EAAs), and non-essential amino acids (NEAAs) in winter wheat, spring wheat, wheat middling, wheat bran, and wheat germ in a diet fed Nile tilapia. A reference diet and test diets were used, with 5.0g/kg chromic oxide (Cr2O3) as the external indicator. The ADCDM, ADCCP, and ADCGE were higher (P< 0.05) in winter wheat, spring wheat, and wheat germ than for wheat middling and wheat bran. The ADCs of all amino acids (AAs) were >80%, except for threonine in wheat middling and wheat bran, exceeding 90% for winter wheat and wheat germ. The values of all investigated ingredients were high for ADCCP, and the ADCs of EAAs and NEAAs. A strong negative correlation was detected for crude fiber and ash with the ADCs of dry matter, gross energy, and crude protein. In general, wheat ingredients have good digestibility of protein and amino acids, but high fiber content reduces CDAMS and CDAEB in extruded diets for Nile tilapia.

Resumo:O objetivo deste trabalho foi estimar parâmetros genéticos e respostas direta e indireta à seleção de características de desempenho em tilápia-do-nilo (Oreochromis niloticus), bem como avaliar o impacto da seleção sobre o ganho genético. Foram utilizadas informações de tilápias-do-nilo, sob seleção em um programa de melhoramento genético, cultivadas em sistema de tanques-rede, de 2008 a 2010. Estimaram-se herdabilidades e correlações genéticas das características ganho em peso diário e, à despesca, peso, largura, altura e comprimento do tronco, além dos ganhos genéticos obtidos com as estimativas de tendências genéticas e das respostas à seleção dessas características. As estimativas de herdabilidade ficaram em torno de 30%. As estimativas de correlações genéticas e de postos foram de alta magnitude. O ganho genético direto para ganho em peso diário foi de 7,9, 5,18 e 9,43%, em 2008, 2009 e 2010, respectivamente. Os ganhos genéticos obtidos a partir das tendências genéticas foram de 6,36, 6,30, 1,62, 1,65 e 1,51%, respectivamente, para ganho em peso diário, peso, largura, altura e comprimento do tronco. O incremento na velocidade de crescimento por meio da seleção impacta positivamente características de desempenho em tilápia-do-nilo.

Abstract:The objective of this work was to estimate genetic parameters and direct and indirect responses to selection for performance traits in Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), as well as to evaluate the impact of selection on genetic gain. Information about Nile tilapia, under selection in a genetic improvement program, grown in a net-tank system, from 2008 to 2010, was used. Heritability and genetic correlations for the traits daily weight gain, and, immediately after catching, weight, width, height, and trunk length were estimated, besides the genetic gains obtained by the estimation of genetic tendencies and of the responses to selection for these traits. Heritability estimates were around 30%. The estimates of genetic and rank correlations had high magnitude. The direct genetic gain for daily weight gain was 7.9, 5.18, and 9.43% in 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively. The genetic gains obtained from the genetic tendencies were 6.36, 6.30, 1.62, 1.65, and 1.51%, respectively, for daily weight gain, and trunk weight, width, height, and length. The increased growth rate through selection positively impacts performance traits in Nile tilapia.

Foram utilizadas 24 cordeiras do grupo genético Pantaneiro, com aproximadamente 100 dias de idade e peso corporal médio de 16,24 ± 1,78 kg, abatidas com 2,0; 3,0 e 4,0 mm de espessura de gordura subcutânea, avaliadas por ultrassonografia sobre o Longissimus, para avaliar o crescimento alométrico. As cordeiras receberam ração completa peletizada para ganho de peso diário de 0,30 kg. Os abates ocorreram à medida que as cordeiras atingiam a espessura de gordura pré-determinada. Após 24 horas refrigeradas a 4ºC, as carcaças frias foram seccionadas ao meio e pesadas. O lado direito foi separado em cinco cortes para determinação da alometria da carcaça e dos cortes. Nos cortes pescoço e costilhar, os tratamentos apresentaram crescimento isogônico. O lombo manteve-se tardio para 2,0 e 3,0 mm. A paleta e perna apresentaram crescimento isogônico nos tratamentos 3,0 e 4,0 mm. A perna em relação à meia carcaça apresentou a maior correlação. Os cortes obtiveram desenvolvimento diferenciado nas taxas de crescimento dos tecidos. Recomenda-se o abate de cordeiras Pantaneiras com 3,0 mm de espessura de gordura pela carcaça já ter atingido a sua maturidade fisiológica. Os cortes paleta e perna são os mais indicados para dissecação por apresentarem a maior correlação com a carcaça, em fêmeas do grupo Pantaneiro.

Twenty-four female lambs of the Pantaneiro genetic group, with approximately 100 days of age, average body of 16.24 ± 1.78 kg, were slaughtered with 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 mm of subcutaneous fat thickness, measured by ultrasound in the Longissimus, to evaluate the allometric growth. Lambs fed a complete pelleted diet calculated to ensure a daily weight gain of 0.30 kg. Slaughtering was performed as the female lambs reached the pre-established fat thickness. After 24 hours in a cold chamber at 4ºC, chilled carcasses were cut in half and weighed. The right side was separated into five sections to determine the allometry of carcasses and cuts. Neck and rib showed isogonic growth in all treatments. Loin has remained late growth to 2.0 and 3.0 mm. Shoulder and leg were isogonic growth in the treatments 3.0 and 4.0 mm. The leg in relation to half carcass showed the greatest correlation. The cuts exhibited differentiated development in the growth rates of tissues. It is recommended to slaughter female lambs when they reach 3.0 mm of subcutaneous fat thickness, since the carcass has already reached physiological maturity. Shoulder and leg cuts are best suited for dissection for presenting the highest correlation with the carcass in females of the Pantaneiro group.

Foram utilizadas 24 cabras Saanen em lactação (15 multíparas e nove primíparas) do parto até 200 dias de lactação, distribuídas no delineamento inteiramente casualizado em arranjo fatorial (3 rações x 2 ordens de parto). As rações foram constituídas por farelo de soja (FS), farelo de soja + levedura seca (FSLV) ou levedura seca (LV) como fonte de proteína. Para análise da produção de leite, do peso corporal e da ingestão de matéria seca foi utilizada a metodologia Bayesiana. E, para construir as curvas de lactação foi utilizada o modelo não-linear de Wood. A inclusão de levedura seca nas rações diminuiu a taxa de acréscimo da produção de leite até o pico de lactação para as primíparas, porém para as multíparas foi observado efeito inverso. Para as cabras primíparas, a ração FSLV diminuiu a taxa de decréscimo da produção após o pico, embora para as multíparas a inclusão de levedura seca nas rações aumentou a taxa de decréscimo da produção após o pico. A levedura seca pode ser utilizada em substituição ao farelo de soja em rações para cabras Saanen multíparas em lactação.

Twenty-four Saanen goats (fifteen multiparous and nine primiparous) during their lactation period were used, from the kidding until the 200th day of lactation; and were distributed in a completely randomized design and in a factorial arrangement (3 diets x 2 parity orders). The diets were composed of either soybean meal (SBM), soybean meal plus inactive dry yeast (SMDY) or inactive dry yeast (DY) used as the protein source. The analyses of milk yield, body weight and dry matter intake (DMI) were made through the Bayesian methodology. For construct the lactation curves were used the Wood's nonlinear model. The inclusion of inactive dry yeast in the diets reduced the rate of yield increase until the lactation peak for primiparous goats, but for multiparous goats the reverse was noted. The SMDY diet reduced the rate of yield decline after peak for primiparous goats, whereas for multiparous goats the inclusion of inactive dry yeast in the diet increased the decline of the rate of yield during this period. It was observed that inactive dry yeast can be used to replace soybean meal in diets used for multiparous Saanen goats.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi apresentar modelagens alternativas, uni e bivariadas, para avaliação da conversão alimentar (CA) de suínos da raça Piau, com uso de inferência bayesiana. Os efeitos de sexo e genótipo sobre a CA dos animais foram avaliados por meio de procedimentos de simulação de Monte Carlo via cadeias de Markov (MCMC) e de integração aproximada aninhada de Laplace (INLA). O modelo univariado foi avaliado com diferentes distribuições para o erro - normal (gaussiana), t de Student, gama, log-normal e skew-normal -, enquanto, para o modelo bivariado, considerou-se o erro normal. A distribuição skew-normal foi o modelo mais parcimonioso para inferir sobre a resposta direta (univariada) da CA aos efeitos de sexo e genótipo, os quais não foram significativos. O modelo bivariado foi capaz de identificar diferenças significativas no ganho de peso e no consumo de ração em níveis de significância não detectados pelo modelo univariado. Além disso, ele também foi capaz de detectar diferenças entre sexos, quando agrupados por genótipos NN (machos, 2,73±0,04; fêmeas, 2,68±0,04) e Nn (machos, 2,70±0,07; fêmeas, 2,64±0,07), e revelou maior acurácia e precisão nas inferências nutricionais. Em ambas as abordagens, o método bayesiano mostra-se flexível e eficiente para a avaliação do desempenho nutricional dos animais.

The objective of this work was to present alternative uni- and bivariate modeling procedures for the evaluation of feed conversion (FC) of the Piau swine breed, using Bayesian inference. The effects of sex and genotype on animal FC were evaluated by the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) and the integrated nested Laplace approximation (INLA) procedures. The univariate model was evaluated using different distributions for the error - normal (Gaussian), t-Student, gamma, log-normal, and skew-normal -, whereas, for the bivariate model, the normal error was considered. The skew-normal distribution was the most parsimonious model to infer on the direct response (univariate) of FC to the effects of sex and genotype, which were nonsignificant. The bivariate model was capable to identify significant differences on weight gain and feed intake in significance levels not detected by the univariate model. Moreover, it was also able to detect differences between sexes, when grouped by NN (male, 2.73±0.04; female, 2.68±0.04) and Nn (male, 2.70±0.07; female, 2.64±0.07) genotypes, and revealed greater accuracy and precision for nutritional inferences. In both approaches, the Bayesian method proves flexible and efficient for assessing animal nutritional performance.

Avaliou-se a precisão do método FAMACHA© na identificação de fêmeas ovinas alimentadas com dois níveis de proteína bruta, infectadas naturalmente por Haemonchus contortus por meio do valor de hematócrito correspondente. Foram utilizadas 47 fêmeas ovinas das raças Santa Inês (n = 16), Texel (n = 16) e Ile de France (n = 15), com idades entre oito e 12 meses. Dentro de cada raça, os animais foram distribuídos em dois tratamentos, 12 ou 16% de proteína bruta total na dieta. Todos os animais foram vermifugados 30 dias antes das primeiras coletas de dados que foram feitas quinzenalmente, no período entre julho de 2005 e março de 2006. Avaliou-se individualmente a mucosa ocular de todos os animais em concordância com o preceituado pelo método FAMACHA©, bem como se obteve o valor do hematócrito de cada animal avaliado em laboratório. Obteve-se uma correlação de 1:0,7991 dos valores de hematócrito e a classificação pelo método FAMACHA© visando a identificação de animais acometidos por diferentes graus de anemia. O método mostrou-se eficiente na identificação dos animais que necessitam de tratamento antiparasitário constituindo-se como suporte na identificação de animais susceptíveis ao Haemonchus contortus.

The accuracy of the FAMACHA© method was evaluated on the identification of female sheep fed two levels of crude protein, naturally infected with Haemonchus contortus, by means of the correspondent hematocrit value. Forty-seven female sheep of the breeds Santa Inês (n = 16), Texel (n = 16) and Ile de France (n = 15) aged between eight and twelve months were assigned to two treatments, 12 or 16 % crude protein in the diet. All the animals were wormed thirty days before the first data collections, which were done fortnightly between July 2005 and March 2006. The color of the ocular conjunctiva was individually evaluated according to the precepts of the FAMACHA© method and the hematocrit value of each animal was obtained in laboratory. A correlation of 1:0.7991 was found between the hematocrit values and the classification given by the FAMACHA© method aiming to identify animals with different degrees of anemia. The method was efficient to identify animals to worm, thus representing a support in the identification of animals susceptible to Haemonchus contortus.

The objective of this study was to estimate the nutrient requirements of digestible threonine for meat-type quails (Coturnix coturnix sp) in the growth phase. A total of 1350 not sexed meat-type quails were distributed in a completely randomized design with six threonine levels (10.80, 11.50, 12.20, 12.90, 13.60 and 14.30 g/kg as fed), five replications and 45 quails per experimental unit, from 1 to 14 days of age. The threonine levels in the diet had a quadratic effect on body weight, feed intake and weight gain. Estimates for highest body weight (79.41 g), feed intake (128.96 g/bird) and weight gain (70.73 g) were observed with diets containing 12.60 g/kg of digestible threonine. According to the LRP model, the threonine intake was estimated at 13.40 g/kg of digestible threonine. Protein deposition rate and energy retained in the carcass showed quadratic effect, with estimated digestible threonine levels of 11.80 and 12.00 g/kg in the diet for maximum protein deposition rate (2.00 g/bird) and retained energy in the carcass (15.88 kcal/g), respectively. There was a linear effect on feed cost per kg of live weight gain as threonine levels were increased. Nutritional requirement of digestible threonine for meat-type quails for maximum growth is 12.60 g/kg, corresponding to a digestible threonine:digestible lysine ratio of 67.02.

O objetivo deste estudo foi a formulação de equações para estimar a energia digestível em alimentos para a tilápia. Foram utilizados valores obtidos na literatura da composição centesimal em proteína bruta, extrato etéreo, matéria mineral e energia bruta (variáveis independentes), bem como a energia digestível (variável dependente) obtidos em ensaios biológicos. Os dados foram submetidos à regressão linear múltipla "stepwise backward". Foi realizada análise de trilha para medir os efeitos diretos e indiretos de cada variável independente sobre a dependente. Para validar o modelo foram utilizados dados de estudos independentes, e os valores obtidos em um ensaio de digestibilidade com juvenis de tilápia do Nilo, testando-se cinco farinhas de carne e ossos (FCO), utilizando o sistema de coleta de fezes de Guelph e óxido de cromo (III) como indicador. A equação obtida não pode estimar os valores de energia digestível (ED) de origem animal e está descrito a seguir: ED (kcalkg-1) = -2364,970+1,287 x EB;R² = 0,775. Os coeficientes de trilha obtidos tem valores de médios a baixo, sendo o maior efeito direto o da energia bruta (0,529), enquanto a proteina bruta apresentou o maior efeito indireto, via energia bruta (0,439).

The objective of this study was to formulate a mathematical model to estimate digestible energy in animal feeds for tilapia. Literature results were used of the proximate composition of crude protein, ether extract, mineral matter and gross energy, as well as digestible energy obtained in biological assays. The data were subjected to stepwise backward multiple linear regression. Path analysis was performed to measure the direct and indirect effects of each independent variable on the dependent one. To validate the model, data from independent studies and values obtained from a digestibility trial with juvenile Nile tilapia testing five meat and bone meals (MBM) were used, using the Guelph feces collecting system and chromium oxide (III) as an indicator. The obtained model is described below and cannot estimate digestible energy (DE) of animal origin: DE (kcal kg-1) = -2364.970+1.287xGE;R² = 0.775. The path coefficients were medium or low, the highest direct effect was from gross energy (0.529), while the highest indirect effect was from crude protein, through gross energy (0.439).

Two experiments were carried out to determine the nutritional value and to evaluate performance of piglets fed two types of crude glycerine (CG), which were made from vegetable oil (CGS) and a mix of animal fat + % soybean oil (CGA). In experiment I, a digestibility assay was conducted using 32 crossbred piglets (19.20±1.52 kg). The experimental unit consisted of one pig, with a total of four experimental units per diet. The glycerine levels used in the digestibility assay were 4, 8, and 12% of the basal diet (corn + soybean based). The digestible (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME) values of glycerine were estimated by regression of DE and ME intake (kcal/kg) vs. glycerine intake (kg). The values (as-fed basis) of DE and ME (kcal/kg) obtained were: CGS = 5,070 and 4,556; CGA = 5,143 and 4,488, respectively. The results indicate that these two types of glycerine are a highly-available energy source for the feeding of piglets (15-30 kg). In experiment II, 90 piglets (BW = 15.18±0.67 to 30.28±1.68 kg), were allotted in a completely randomized design in 2 × 4 factorial arrangement, with of two types of crude glycerine (CGS and CGA) and four inclusion levels (3, 6, 9, and 12%). Five experimental units (pens with two pigs) were used for each level of crude glycerine, resulting in five replicates per treatment in the diet. Additionally, a control diet containing no glycerine (0%) was formulated. There was no interaction between levels of CG and types of crude glycerine, and the regression analysis indicates no effects of crude glycerine inclusion on performance and plasma variables. The results suggest that it is feasible to use up to 12% of both tyes of crude glycerine (obtained from soybean oil and mixed) in the diet for piglets without impairing performance, in addition to promoting a reduction of about 11% in the cost with feeding.

The objective of this study was to evaluate productive performance and milk quality of Saanen goats fed diets with soybean hulls replacing ground corn (0, 50 and 100% replacement) in early lactation (from birth to 50 days of lactation). Fourteen goats (72.30±9.14 kg of BW) were used in a completely randomized design. Animals were confined in individual stalls, with daily control of feed intake and milk production. On the 30th day of lactation, fecal sampling started in order to determine nutrients digestibility. Every month, milk samples were collected for analyses of fat, protein, lactose and total solid percentage, somatic cell count, N-urea, acidity, density and also milk fatty acid profile. No differences were observed between diets for body weight, daily weight gain and intake (kg/day) of dry matter, organic matter, crude protein or indigestible neutral detergent fiber. However, for neutral detergent fiber intake, the diet with complete substitution presented the best results. Cocerning digestibility coefficients of dry matter and nutrients (organic matter, crude protein and neutral detergent fiber) the diet with 100% replacement also presented the best results. For milk production, milk production efficiency and milk composition, no difference was observed between diets. For milk fatty acid profile, there were differences between diets for some fatty acids. Soybean hulls can be used replacing ground corn in diets for Saanen goats in the early lactation, because it improves the digestibility of the diet and nutrients, does not change productive performance or the milk physical-chemical quality and increases the content of n-3 fatty acids in milk.

The objective of this study was to formulate mathematical models to estimate digestible protein in some animal feeds for tilapia. Literature results of the proximate composition of crude protein, ether extract, and mineral matter, as well as digestible protein obtained in biological assays, were used. The data were subjected to multiple linear stepwise backward regression. Path analysis was performed to measure the direct and indirect effects of each independent variable on the dependent one. To validate the model, the experience used data from independent studies and values obtained from a digestibility trial with juvenile Nile tilapia testing five meat and bone meals, using the Guelph feces collecting system and chromium oxide (III) as an indicator. The obtained model used to estimate digestible protein values (DP) of animal origin is: DP(g kg-1) = -204.15+1.203xCP;R² = 0.953. The path coefficients showed a high direct positive effect (0.900) of crude protein on the digestible protein content. The mineral matter content has an indirect negative effect on protein digestibility (-0.710), reducing the crude protein content and quality.

The objective of this experiment was to estimate the digestible tryptophan (DTrp) requirements for growing meat quails. In the first experiment (1-14 days of age), 1,950 quails were distributed in a completely randomized design, with six levels of DTrp (0.27; 0.30; 0.33; 0.36; 0.39 and 0.42% of diet), five replications and 65 quails per experimental unit. There was a linear increase of feed intake, tryptophan intake, weight gain and body weight with the DTrp levels increase. In the second experiment (15-35 days of age), 1,350 quails were distributed in a completely randomized design, with six levels of DTrp (0.22; 0.25; 0.28; 0.31; 0.34 and 0.37% of diet), five replications and 45 quails per experimental unit. There was a linear increase for tryptophan intake, carcass yield, ash levels and protein deposition rate with the DTrp levels increase. In the third experiment (28-35 days of age), conducted to determine the nitrogen balance, 150 males were housed in galvanized wire cages featuring drinker, feeder and individual metal tray lined with plastic to collect the excreta. The design was completely randomized, with six levels of DTrp (0.22; 0.25; 0.28; 0.31; 0.34 and 0.37% of diet), five replicates and five quails per experimental unit. Linear decrease was observed on the nitrogen balance and metabolization coefficient with the DTrp levels increase. The nutritional requirement of digestible tryptophan for maximum growing of meat quail, in the period from 1 to 14 days of age, is higher or equal to 0.42%; in the period from 15 to 35 days, it is 0.22%.

Assumindo que a seleção em rebanhos fechados pode promover a redução da variância genética aditiva, foi estudada a possibilidade do uso de um modelo de regressão múltipla para estimar os componentes de (co)variância genética aditiva, ao longo dos anos em que a seleção foi praticada. Foram utilizados dados simulados de peso aos 550 dias em dez rebanhos de bovinos de corte submetidos à seleção por 20 anos. Assumindo que a cada cinco anos o peso aos 550 dias era uma nova característica, por meio de análises multicaráter envolvendo quatro características, em um modelo animal, foram estimados componentes de (co)variância. Foram ajustadas três equações de regressão múltipla, RMI, RMM, RMF, estimando componentes de (co)variância genética aditiva para 20 anos de seleção e para oito anos anteriores à seleção. Na RMI, foram utilizados os anos iniciais de cada geração de seleção, para a RMM os anos intermediários e na RMF os anos finais como covariável. As equações apresentaram altos coeficientes de determinação, no entanto, não houve diferença de ajuste entre os três modelos. Observou-se que os modelos de regressão múltipla podem ser usados na estimação dos componentes de (co)variância genética quando se admite heterocedasticidade ao longo do tempo, causada pela seleção.

Assuming that selection in closed herds can promote reduction in additive genetic variance, multiple regression models were used to estimate this change in additive genetic (co)variance component, over the years when the selection was done. Weights at 550 days (W550) were studied using simulated data of herds submitted to 20 years of selection. (Co)variance components were estimated assuming that the weight at 550 days was a new trait every five years, by multiple-trait analyses involving four traits in the animal model. Three multiple regression equations were fitted-RMI, RMM, RMF-estimating thus the additive genetic (co)variance components for the 20 years of selection and eight years prior to the selection process. The initial years of each generation of selection were used as a covariate in the RMI. In the RMM, intermediate years were used, and the final years were considered in the RMF. The equations showed high coefficients of determination. However, there was no difference in the adjustment between the models. It was observed that the multiple regression models can be used in the estimation of genetic (co)variance components, when heteroscedasticity is assumed over time due to the selection process.

Este experimento foi realizado para estimar a exigência de energia metabolizável (EM) para codornas de corte de 1 a 14 dias de idade. Foram utilizadas 1.140 aves com 1 dia de idade, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com cinco tratamentos (2.750; 2.850; 2.950; 3.050 e 3.150 kcal de EM/kg de ração), seis repetições e 38 aves por unidade experimental. Observou-se redução linear dos níveis de energia no peso corporal, consumo de ração e ganho de peso das aves. A conversão alimentar foi influenciada de forma quadrática, com melhor estimativa obtida com 2.997 kcal de EM/kg de ração. Enquanto o teor de proteína bruta não sofreu diferença, o teor de água diminuiu e o de extrato etéreo aumentou de forma linear com os níveis crescentes de EM. Os níveis de EM tiveram efeito quadrático sobre a taxa de deposição de proteína e eficiência de deposição de proteína nos cortes. A exigência de EM de codornas de corte na fase inicial de crescimento é de 2.997 kcal de EM/kg, que corresponde à relação energia metabolizável:proteína bruta de 108,9.

This experiment was carried out to estimate the metabolizable energy (ME) requirements for meat quails from 1 to 14 days of age. A total of 1,140 1-day old meat quails were distributed in a completely randomized design, with five treatments (2,750; 2,850; 2,950; 3,050 and 3,150 kcal of ME/kg), six replications and 38 quails per experimental unit. There was linear reduction of energy levels in body weight, feed intake and weight gain of birds. The feed conversion ratio showed a quadratic effect, with the best estimate obtained with 2,997 kcal of ME/kg. Whereas crude protein content did not differ, water content decreased and ether extract increased linearly with the increasing levels of ME. The ME levels showed a quadratic effect on daily protein accretion rate and daily protein accretion efficiency. The ME requirements for meat quail in the initial growing stage is 2,997 kcal/kg, corresponding to a metabolizable energy/crude protein relation of 108.9.

Genetic and phenotypic parameters considering the genetic effect on hygienic behavior of queen and workers from 40 Africanized honeybees colonies were estimated separately. Maternal origin of queens was controlled whereas the paternal was unknown, and different groups of workers were considered in three seasons, October 2006, April 2007 and August 2007, but with the same queen. Colonies were 21 honey producers and 19 royal jelly producers. After the method of freezing capped brood, hygienic behavior was determined by the ratio between the number of dead capped brood removed at 24, 48 and 72 hours and the total number of capped brood at zero hour. Data was submitted to single and three traits analyses using Bayesian inference. Estimates of direct heritability at 24, 48 and 72 hours (0.10, 0.11 and 0.11) were identical to the motherly ones. Estimates by three trait analysis of direct heritability were 0.28, 0.15, 0.24, and of maternal heritability were 0.23, 0.29, 0.27, at 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively. Correlations between maternal and genetic effects were 0.12, 0.09 and - 0.08 at, 24, 48 and 72 hours, respectively. Correlation between 24 and 48 hours was 0.49; between 24 and 72 hours, 0.40; and between 48 and 72 hours, 0.47. Moderate genetic correlations with the number of capped brood removed until 48 and 72 hours indicate that after the selection of a few generations, these traits can become an efficient criterion for selection in 24 hours.