ABSTRACT: This study evaluated chromium and quantitative and qualitative feed restriction as alternative nutritional strategies to ractopamine in finishing barrows. Fifty barrows, genetically similar, with an initial body weight of 99.0 ± 4.3 kg and a final body weight of 117.2 ± 5.8 kg were used. The animals were distributed in a randomized complete block design with five nutritional treatments (Control; Rac = 10ppm ractopamine; Chromium = 0,8mg chromium yeast; Quality = qualitative restriction, 7.5% less net energy in the diet; Quanti = 15% quantitative reduction in feed supply), with five replicates and two animals per replicate. Chromium supplementation and quantitative feed restriction reduced feed, lysine, net energy, and crude protein intakes (P < 0.05). Chromium, ractopamine, and quantitative restriction improved feed conversion (P < 0.05). Supplementation with chromium and ractopamine and feed restriction did not influence the carcass characteristics of the pigs (P < 0.05). Quantitative feed restriction and supplementation of 0.8mg of chromium yeast are presented as potential alternatives to ractopamine in the diet of finishing pigs.

RESUMO: O estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar o cromo e restrições alimentares quantitativa e qualitativa como estratégias nutricionais alternativas a ractopamina para suínos machos castrados em terminação. Foram utilizados 50 suínos machos castrados, geneticamente similares, com peso inicial de 99,0 ± 4,3 kg e final de 117,2 ± 5,8 kg. Os animais foram distribuídos em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso em cinco tratamentos nutricionais (Controle; Rac = 10ppm de ractopamina; Cromo = 0,8mg de cromo levedura; Qualit = restrição qualitativa com menos 7,5% de energia líquida na dieta e Quanti = redução quantitativa de 15% no fornecimento de ração), com cinco repetições e dois animais por repetição. A suplementação de cromo e a restrição alimentar quantitativa reduziram (P < 0,05) os consumos de ração, lisina digestível, energia líquida e proteína bruta. O cromo, a ractopamina e a restrição quantitativa melhoraram (P < 0,05) a conversão alimentar. A suplementação de cromo, ractopamina e as restrições alimentares não influenciam (P < 0,05) as características de carcaça dos suínos. A restrição alimentar quantitativa e a suplementação de 0,8 mg de cromo levedura se apresentam como potenciais alternativas para a substituição da ractopamina nas dietas.

RESUMO: A cadeia produtiva de suínos tem concentrado esforços para reduzir a quantidade e melhorar a qualidade da gordura depositada na carcaça. Devido a associação do perfil lipídico com doenças cardiovasculares, pesquisas têm sido desenvolvidas para entender como ocorre a deposição e para melhorar o perfil de ácidos graxos na carcaça. Dentre os fatores que afetam a composição dessa gordura estão a raça, o sexo e a dieta dos suínos, sendo que este último é o de maior impacto. A inclusão de ingredientes lipídicos parece uma promissora forma de modular o perfil lipídico da gordura na carcaça dos suínos, sendo observado efeito nos ácidos graxos saturados, monoinsaturados e poli-insaturados. O efeito é maior naquele ácido graxo de maior concentração na fonte utilizada. O óleo de soja pode dobrar o valor do ácido linoleico. Um subproduto do óleo de oliva incrementa em 4% o ácido oleico. E o óleo de linhaça tem a capacidade de aumentar o α-linolênico de menos de 1% para mais de 18% no total de ácidos graxos. Além da fonte, o período e a concentração influenciam na modulação do perfil de ácidos graxos.

ABSTRACT: Swine production has focused its efforts to reduce the amount and improve the quality of fat deposited on carcass. Due to the association of the lipid profile with cardiovascular diseases, researches have been developed to understand how the deposition occurs and to improve the fatty acid profile of swine fat. Among the factors that affect the fat composition, race, sex, and diet, the third one has the greatest impact. Lipid inclusion seems to be a promising way to modulate the lipid profile of fat in pig carcass, with an effect on saturated, monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids. The effect is greater in that fatty acid with the highest concentration in the source used. Soybean oil can double the value of linoleic acid, a by-product of olive oil increases oleic acid by 4%, and flaxseed oil has the ability to increase α-linolenic acid from less than 1% to over 18% in total fatty acids. In addition to the source, the duration and concentration influence the modulation of the fatty acid profile.

RESUMO: Este estudo foi conduzido com o objetivo de identificar os efeitos da suplementação com ractopamina, cromo picolinato, cromo levedura, ou da restrição alimentar energética, sobre o desempenho e o perfil de ácidos graxos da gordura subcutânea de fêmeas suínas em fase final de terminação. Foram utilizadas 20 fêmeas suínas, geneticamente similares, com peso inicial de 105,35 ± 4,77 kg e peso final de 131,37 ± 5,58 kg, distribuídas em delineamento experimental de blocos ao acaso em cinco tratamentos (controle; ractopamina: 20 ppm; picolinato de cromo: 0,48 ppm; cromo levedura: 0,80 ppm; e restrição energética: -150 kcal kg-1 de energia metabolizável) com quatro repetições de um animal cada. As dietas experimentais foram isonutritivas, exceto para o nível de energia metabolizável da dieta fornecida ao grupo submetido à restrição energética. Não houve efeito dos tratamentos sobre o desempenho e as características de carcaça. As suplementações com ractopamina e cromo orgânico (picolinato ou levedura) aumentaram a concentração de ácidos graxos poli-insaturados. A proporção do ácido α-linolênico foi maior com a inclusão da ractopamina ou do cromo levedura na dieta. A restrição energética aumentou a proporção n-6:n-3 e reduziu a concentração do ácido α-linolênico. As suplementações com ractopamina, picolinato de cromo, cromo levedura, ou restrição alimentar energética, não influenciaram o desempenho e as características de carcaça, mas alteraram o perfil lipídico da gordura subcutânea de fêmeas suínas. As suplementações com ractopamina e cromo orgânico aumentaram a proporção de AGPI.

ABSTRACT: This study identified the effects of dietary supplementation with ractopamine, chromium picolinate, chromium yeast, or an energetic feed restriction on the growth performance and lipid profile of subcutaneous fat, in late finishing gilts. Twenty genetically similar gilts with initial body weight of 105.35 ± 4.77 kg and a final body weight of 131.37 ± 5.58 kg were distributed in a completely randomized block design with five treatments (control; ractopamine: 20 ppm; chromium picolinate: 0.48 ppm; chromium yeast: 0.80 ppm; and energetic feed restriction: -150 kcal kg-1 of metabolizable energy), with four replicates of one animal each. The experimental diets were isonutritives, except for the metabolizable energy level of the diet fed to the group subjected to energy restriction. There were no effects on the growth performance and carcass characteristics. Ractopamine and organic chromium (picolinate and yeast) supplementation increased the concentration of total polyunsaturated fatty acid. The proportion of α-linolenic fatty acids were higher when the diets were supplemented with ractopamine or chromium yeast. The energy restriction increased the n-6:n-3 ratio and reduced α-linolenic acid concentration. Therefore, ractopamine, chromium picolinate, chromium yeast supplementation, and energetic feed restriction did not affect the growth performance or carcass characteristics but altered the lipid profile of subcutaneous fat in finishing gilts. Ractopamine and organic chromium supplementation increased PUFA in the fat of finishing female pigs.

RESUMO: Realizou-se este estudo com o objetivo de avaliar as suplementações de cromo e a restrição energética em substituição a ractopamina para leitoas em terminação tardia. Foram utilizadas 60 leitoas, com pesos inicial de 98,87±0,25 kg e final de 122,69 ± 10,97 kg, distribuídas em delineamento de blocos ao acaso com cinco dietas: controle; cromo levedura (0,8 ppm); picolinato de cromo (0,48 ppm); ractopamina (20 ppm) e restrição energética (redução de 150 kcal de EMkg-1 de ração), com seis repetições e dois animais por unidade experimental. A dieta contendo ractopamina proporcionou melhor (P<0,05) conversão alimentar e maior peso de carcaça quente das leitoas. A dieta contendo ractopamina apresentou menor (P<0,05) custo de ração por quilograma de ganho e maior índice de eficiência econômica em relação as dietas contendo cromo e restrição energética que, por sua vez, foram superiores em comparação a dieta controle. Dietas suplementadas com cromo e ractopamina apresentaram maior (P<0,05) percentual e quantidade de carne magra e maior índice de bonificação de carcaça em relação a dieta controle e restrição energética. Concluiu-se que a redução energética não prejudica as respostas das leitoas em relação a dieta controle. A suplementação de ractopamina possibilita melhor conversão alimentar, menor custo de ração por quilograma de ganho e maior índice de eficiência econômica. As suplementações de cromo e ractopamina expressam aumento do percentual e quantidade de carne magra e do índice de bonificação das carcaças. O picolinato de cromo e o cromo levedura são potenciais substitutos a ractopamina para otimizar as características de carcaça das leitoas.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated chromium supplements and energy restriction as substitutes for ractopamine in the diets of late finishing gilts. Sixty gilts were used, with initial weights of 98.87 ± 0.25 kg and final weights of 122.69 ± 10.97 kg, distributed in a randomized block design with five diets: control; yeast chromium (0.8 ppm); chromium picolinate (0.48 ppm); ractopamine (20 ppm) and energy restriction (reduction of 150 kcal of EM kg-1 of feed), with six replicates and two animals per experimental unit. Feeding diet containing ractopamine enabled better (P<0.05) feed conversion and greater weights of the hot carcass of the gilts. The diet containing ractopamine exhibited a lower (P<0.05) cost of feed per kilogram of gain and higher economic efficiency, when compared to diets containing chromium and energy restriction; these exhibited better outcomes, compared to the control diet. Diets supplemented with chromium and ractopamine resulted in a higher (P<0.05) percentage and quantity of lean meat and a higher rate of carcass bonus, when compared to the control diet and energy restriction. The energy reduction did not harm the gilts’ responses, compared to the control diet. Ractopamine supplementation allowed for a better feed conversion, lower feed cost per kilogram of gain, and a higher economic efficiency index. Supplements of chromium and ractopamine increased the percentage and quantity of lean meat and the bonus index of the carcasses. Therefore, chromium picolinate and chromium yeast are potential substitutes for ractopamine for optimizing the gilts carcass characteristics.

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effects of cooling systems by negative pressure versus directed ducts on the performance of lactating sows and their litter. The experiment was conducted in a tropical climatic region in Brazil. Ninety-four lactating sows during 26.2±1.7 days of lactation were included with their 1,236 piglets. Sows were distributed using a completely randomized block design into two treatments: a negative pressure cooling (NPC) system and a directed duct cooling (DDC) system. We adopted sow parity as blocking criterion. During the experimental period, environmental temperatures inside the farrowing rooms were 22.9±1.5 and 25.4±2.5 °C, respectively, using the NPC and DDC systems. Sow daily feed intake, litter weight at weaning, piglet weight at weaning, litter daily weight gain, piglet daily gain, and daily milk production per sow were greater in the NPC system than in the DDC system. The type of cooling system did not affect piglet weight after standardization, mortality, number of piglets weaned per sow, and estrus return. The use of an NPC system can reduce the effects of higher environmental temperatures better than the DDC system. The NPC system allowed for greater feed intake, piglet and litter weight gain, weight of piglets and litter at weaning, and milk production compared with the DDC system.

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to evaluate different nutritional plans of net energy (NE) with a constant calorie:nutrient ratio on the performance of piglets from 7 to 30 kg. Sixty barrows with an initial weight of 7.11±0.89 kg were distributed among five nutritional plans: two NE-decreasing plans (A and B, starting from NE concentrations of 2.47 and 2.52 Mcal kg−1, respectively, and ending both at 2.37 Mcal kg−1) and three NE-constant plans (C, 2.37 Mcal kg−1; D, 2.42 Mcal kg−1; and E, 2.47 Mcal kg−1). The nutritional plans were composed of two decreasing plans: A, 2.47-2.42-2.37-2.37-2.37 Mcal of NE kg−1 of feed; B, 2.52-2.47-2.42-2.37-2.37 Mcal of NE kg−1 of feed; and three constant plans: C, 2.37 Mcal of NE kg−1 of feed; D, 2.42 Mcal of NE kg−1 of feed; E, 2.47 Mcal of NE kg−1 of feed, from 7 to 10, 10 to 15, 15 to 20, 20 to 25, and 25 to 30 kg, respectively, with six replicates per treatment and two animals per experimental unit. Animal performance was evaluated through the following measurements: average daily feed intake (ADFI), NE intake, standardized ileal digestible lysine intake (SID Lys intake), average daily gain (ADG), feed:gain ratio (F:G), final weight (FW), feed cost per kg of weight gain (CWG), economic efficiency index (EEI), and fecal score. Piglets’ final weight was 32.95±3.30 kg. Considering the total experimental period, there was no effect of the nutritional plan on ADG, F:G, CWG, and EEI. The final weight of piglets under plan D was higher than that recorded for those allocated to plan C, not differing from the other nutritional plans. Piglets fed under nutritional plans A and D presented higher ADFI compared with those subjected to other plans. Net energy and SID Lys intakes were significantly higher in piglets subjected to plans A, D, and E compared with those under plans B and C. Net energy nutritional plans did not influence the fecal score and the occurrence of diarrhea of the piglets. Based on our analysis, a nutritional plan containing a constant NE level of 2.42 Mcal kg−1 of feed may be recommended for piglets from 7 to 30 kg.

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate different periods of chromium yeast (CrY) supplementation on growth performance and quantitative carcass characteristics of growing-finishing pigs. We used eighty barrows (Duroc/Pietran × Large White/Landrace) with an initial body weight of 24.5±2.4 kg. A completely randomized block design was used within four periods of dietary CrY supplementation (control diet: CrY-free, from 25 to 110 kg; Cr25-110 kg: diet with 0.4 mg kg−1 of CrY, from 25 to 110 kg; Cr50-110 kg: diet with 0.4 mg kg−1 of CrY, from 50 to 110 kg; and Cr70-110 kg: diet with 0.4 mg kg−1 of CrY, from 70 to 110 kg), with ten replicates and two animals each. The CrY supplementation did not affect (P>0.05) either the grow performance or the carcass characteristics evaluated. The dietary supplementation of 0.4 mg kg−1 of CrY for growing-finishing pigs (25 to 110 kg) does not alter the performance neither the quantitative carcass characteristics.

RESUMO: Realizou-se a meta-análise com o objetivo de determinar o nível recomendado de lisina digestível e sua influência sobre o desempenho produtivo de porcas primíparas lactantes. A base de dados composta por 26 publicações, 138 dietas e 3.820 fêmeas foi desenvolvida a partir de artigos sobre a associação entre, lisina, proteína bruta e porcas primíparas lactantes. Os níveis de lisina digestível dos estudos variaram de 0,22 a 1,43% com valores médios de 0,85% de lisina digestível nas dietas, com consumo de 41,25 g dia-1. O consumo de lisina digestível das porcas apresentou correlação positiva (P<0,05) com o consumo de ração, aminoácidos essenciais, proteína bruta, energia metabolizável, perda de peso corporal da porca, produção de leite, número e peso de leitões ao desmame. O consumo de lisina indicou correlação negativa (P<0,05) para espessura de toucinho ao desmame e intervalo desmame-cio. Observou-se efeito quadrático (P<0,01) da perda de peso corporal da porca e ganho de peso diário dos leitões e efeito quadrático (P<0,01) do peso dos leitões ao desmame em função do aumento do nível de lisina da dieta. O nível de 1,04% de lisina digestível indica a menor perda de peso da porca. O maior peso dos leitões ao desmame e maior ganho de peso diário dos leitões é verificado com a inclusão de 1,30 e 1,07% de lisina digestível na dieta, respectivamente.

ABSTRACT: A meta-analysis was carried out to evaluate the recommended levels of digestible lysine and its influence on the productive performance of primiparous lactating sows. The database consisted of 26 publications, 138 diets and 3,820 sows was developed from articles on the association between, lysine, crude protein and lactating primiparous sows. The digestible lysine levels of the studies ranged from 0.22 to 1.43% with average values of 0.85% digestible lysine in the diet, with consumption of 41.25 g day-1. The digestible lysine intake of sows was positively correlated (P<0.05) with feed intake, essential amino acids, crude protein, metabolizable energy, body weight loss sows, milk production, number and weight of piglets at weaning. Digestible lysine intake showed negative correlation (P<0.05) with backfat thickness at weaning and weaning to oestrus interval. It was observed a quadratic effect (P<0.01) of body weight loss sow and daily weight gain of piglets and a quadratic effect (P<0.01) in the weight of piglets at weaning due to increased dietary lysine level. The level of 1.04% of digestible lysine indicates less weight loss sows. The greater weight of piglets at weaning and increased daily weight gain of piglets was verified with the addition of 1.30 and 1.07% digestible lysine in the diet, respectively.

RESUMO: Realizou-se este estudo com o objetivo de avaliar planos sequenciais de energia metabolizável (EM), mantendo a relação lisina: caloria, para leitões dos 7 ao 30 kg. Foram utilizados 48 leitões, fêmeas, com peso inicial de 6,9 ± 1,2 kg e final de 30,5 ± 3,8 kg, distribuídos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso em três planos nutricionais, sendo: 1- 3.300-3.250-3.200-3.150 Kcal de EM kg-1 de ração; 2- 3.400-3.350-3.300-3.250 Kcal de EM kg-1 de ração; e 3- 3.500-3.450-3.400-3.350 Kcal de EM kg-1 de ração, dos 7 aos 10 kg, dos 10 aos 15 kg, dos 15 aos 20 kg e dos 20 aos 30 kg, respectivamente, com oito repetições e dois animais por unidade experimental. Dos 7 aos 10 kg, não houve efeito (P>0,05) dos planos nutricionais nas variáveis avaliadas. Observou-se, dos 7 aos 15 kg, maiores (P<0,05) consumos de energia e ganho de peso e melhor (P < 0,05) conversão alimentar nos animais alimentados com os planos nutricionais 2 e 3. Os leitões alimentados com os planos nutricionais 2 e 3 apresentaram maior (P<0,05) peso final, consumos de ração, de energia, de lisina digestível, ganho de peso e melhor conversão alimentar nos períodos dos 7 aos 20 kg, dos 7 aos 25 kg e dos 7 aos 30 kg. Recomenda-se o plano sequencial contendo 3.400-3.350-3.300-3.250 Kcal de EM kg-1 de ração dos 7 aos 10 kg, dos 10 aos 15 kg, 15 aos 20 kg e dos 20 aos 30 kg, respectivamente, equivalentes aos níveis de 2.546-2.513-2.501-2.475 Kcal de energia líquida kg-1 de ração.

ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to evaluate sequential metabolizable energy (ME) plans, maintaining the lysine: calorie ratio for piglets from 7 to 30 kg. Forty eight female piglets with initial weight of 6.9 ± 1.2 kg and final weight of 30.5 ± 3.8 kg were randomly allocated in a randomized complete blocks design to three nutritional plans with eight replicates and two animals per experimental unit. Sequential plans provided four ME levels: plan 1: 3,300-3,250-3,200-3,150 kcal ME kg-1, plan 2: 3,400-3,350-3,300-3,250 kcal ME kg-1, and plan 3: 3,500-3,450-3,400-3,350 kcal ME kg-1 of feed, from 7 to 10 kg, 10 to 15 kg, 15 to 20 kg and 20 to 30 kg, respectively. From 7 to 10 kg, there was no effect (P>0.05) of the nutritional plans in the evaluated variables. From 7 to 15 kg, a higher (P<0.05) energy intake and weight gain and a better (P < 0.05) feed conversion was observed in animals fed with nutritional plans 2 and 3. Nutritional plans 2 and 3 resulted in higher (P<0.05) final weight, feed intake, energy intake, digestible lysine intake, weight gain, and better feed conversion in the 7 to 20 kg, 7 to 25 kg and 7 to 30 kg. It is recommended the sequential plan containing 3,400-3,350-3,300-3,250 kcal ME kg-1 of feed from 7 to 10 kg, from 10 to 15 kg, 15 to 20 kg, and from 20 to 30 kg; respectively, equivalent to levels of 2,546-2,513-2,501-2,475 kcal net energy (NE) kg-1 of feed for piglets.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate sequential digestible phosphorus levels for gilts from 30 to 100 kg. Sixty gilts were used, with an initial weight of 29.98±3.37 kg and final weight of 100.66±8.82 kg, distributed in a randomized block design, with five nutritional digestible phosphorus levels: 2.19-1.88-1.68, 2.69-2.38-2.18, 3.19-2.88-2.68, 3.69-3.38-3.18, and 4.19-3.88-3.68 g kg−1, respectively, for the growth phases 30 to 50 kg, 50 to 70 kg, and 70 to 100 kg, with six replicates and two animals per pen. The nutritional plans did not influence the final weight, days to reach 100 kg, total and daily weight gain, total and daily feed intake, crude protein intake, digestible lysine intake, or metabolizable energy intake. An increase in digestible phosphorus and calcium intake was observed according to the increase in the digestible phosphorus level in the diet. There was a significant effect on feed conversion. No effect of nutritional plans was observed for backfat thickness, muscle depth, loin eye area, lean meat percentage, or carcass bonus index. There was no difference in the production of dry and natural matter or the residue coefficient. The effect of the nutritional digestible phosphorus levels in the contents of total solids and volatile solids was verified. There was a difference in the concentration of total nitrogen and total phosphorus in the manure. The nutritional plan with 3.19-2.88-2.68 and 3.69-3.38-3.18 g kg−1 of digestible phosphorus results in better feed conversion than the basal diet. For a lower excretion of phosphorus in the manure, the recommended nutritional plan is 2.19-1.88-1.68 g kg−1 of digestible phosphorus.

ABSTRACT This experiment was conducted to evaluate the growth performance and carcass characteristics of gilts from 25 to 100 kg body weight (BW) fed diets with increased net energy (NE) levels. Seventy-two gilts with initial BW of 23.24±2.47 kg were allotted to one of six dietary treatments (2300, 2380, 2460, 2540, 2620, and 2700 kcal NE kg−1) using a completely randomized block design, with two pigs per replicate, and six replicates per treatment. Corn-soybean meal-based diets were formulated to be fed in three phases (25 to 50, 50 to 70, and 70 to 100 kg BW). Soybean oil was added to replace the inert ingredient kaolin to meet the NE level of each diet. Increasing dietary NE decreased the average daily feed intake (ADFI) and improved the feed:gain ratio (F:G) and standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine:gain ratio in all the phases evaluated. In the second phase, average daily gain increased with increasing dietary NE level, although SID lysine intake decreased. At the end of the first phase, increasing dietary NE increased backfat and decreased lean percentage. In the last phase, lean percentage linearly decreased as dietary NE increased. Increasing dietary NE for gilts from 25 to 100 kg BW decreases ADFI and improves F:G. However, as dietary NE increases, lean percentage decreases without affecting growth performance.

ABSTRACT This experiment was conducted to evaluate growth performance and carcass characteristics of barrows from 25 to 100 kg fed diets with different dietary net energy (NE) levels. Seventy-two barrows with initial body weight (BW) of 25.19±2.13 kg were allotted using a completely randomized block design to one of six dietary NE treatments (2300, 2380, 2460, 2540, 2620, and 2700 kcal kg−1), which had two pigs per replicate and six replicates per treatment. Diets were formulated to be fed in three phases (25 to 60, 60 to 70, and 70 to 100 kg BW). The six different dietary NE densities were met by adding soybean oil in place of the inert ingredient (kaolin) to a corn-soybean meal-based diet. Increasing dietary NE decreased average daily feed intake and average daily standardized ileal digestible (SID) lysine intake in all of the three phases evaluated and improved the feed:gain ratio and SID lysine:gain ratio in the first and third phases. In the first and second phases, average daily NE intake and NE:gain ratio were similar among treatments, but NE increased and NE:gain worsened during the last phase as dietary NE increased. Average daily gain was not affected by dietary NE in the first and second phases; however, it improved in the last phase. Backfat was thicker, and lean percentage was reduced by increasing the dietary NE in all three phases of this study. Thus, barrows consume less feed, but carcass fat increases if dietary NE is increased from 2300 to 2700 kcal kg−1.

RESUMO: Este estudo foi conduzido para avaliar o efeito das concentrações de ractopamina no perfil lipídico da gordura e carne suína. Utilizou-se 90 machos castrados, pesando inicialmente 71,9±4,4kg, foram distribuídos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso em três concentrações de ractopamina (0, 10 e 20ppm), com quinze repetições e dois animais por unidade experimental. Foi utilizada cromatografia gasosa para analisar os perfis lipídicos da gordura subcutânea e da carne. A inclusão de ractopamina na dieta alterou (P<0,05) os níveis dos ácidos graxos α-linolênico e eicosatrienoico na gordura subcutânea e não afetou (P>0,05) nenhum dos outros ácidos graxos ou índices avaliados. Em relação à gordura da carne, houve efeito (P<0,05) sobre nove ácidos graxos avaliados, com redução (P<0,05) dos ácidos graxos láurico, mirístico e palmítico, e aumento (P<0,05) do linoleico, γ-linolênico, dihomo-γ-linolênico e eicosapentaenoico. A ractopamina também afetou (P<0,05) a concentração do linolênico e araquidônico na carne. Os índices avaliados também foram afetados (P<0,05). A inclusão de 10ppm diminuiu a concentração dos ácidos graxos saturados, índice aterogênico, índice trombogênico e ômega 6: ômega 3, e aumentou a concentração dos ácidos graxos insaturados e poli-insaturados. A inclusão de ractopamina teve menor efeito na gordura subcutânea do que na carne, sendo que o nível de 10ppm melhorou o perfil lipídico da carne.

ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of ractopamine concentrations on swine fat and meat lipid profiles. Ninety finishing barrows, initially weighing 71.9±4.4kg, were distributed in a randomized block design in three ractopamine concentrations (0, 10 and 20ppm) with fifteen replicates of two animals in each. Gas chromatography was used to analyze the lipid profiles of backfat and meat. The inclusion of ractopamine in the diet changed (P<0.05) α-linolenic acid and eicosatrienoic acid concentrations in the backfat but did not affect (P>0.05) any of the other fatty acids or indexes evaluated. In the meat, a significant effect (P<0.05) was observed on nine fatty acids evaluated, with a decrease (P<0.05) in lauric, myristic, and palmitic fatty acids, and an increase (P<0.05) in linoleic, γ-linolenic, dihomo-γ-linolenic, and eicosapentaenoic acid. Ractopamine also affected (P<0.05) the concentration of α-linolenic and arachidonic acid in the meat (P<0.05). The indexes evaluated were also affected (P<0.05). Addition of 10ppm decreased the saturated fatty acid concentration, atherogenic index, thrombogenic index and omega 6: omega 3, while it increased unsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids concentrations. Ractopamine addition had less effect on the backfat than on the meat, and the 10ppm level improved the meat lipid profile.

ABSTRACT This study was conducted to evaluate nutritional plans of digestible phosphorus for barrows weighing between 30 and 100 kg. Eighty animals were distributed in a randomized block design with five nutritional plans containing 2.19-1.86-1.71, 2.57-2.23-2.09, 2.94-2.61-2.46, 3.32-2.99-2.84, and 3.70-3.36-3.32 g of digestible phosphorus kg−1 of diet, respectively, for the phases of 30 to 50 kg, 50 to 70 kg, and 70 to 100 kg, with eight replications and two barrows per experimental unit. The nutritional plans of digestible phosphorus had no effect on the final body weight, feed intake, daily weight gain, or feed conversion of barrows. The daily intake of digestible phosphorus increased with the dietary concentrations of digestible phosphorus. Of the carcass characteristics assessed, only muscle depth responded significantly to the highest concentration of digestible phosphorus, as assessed in barrows sequentially fed the 3.70-3.36-3.32 g kg−1 diet. The nutritional plans had no effect on backfat, rib eye area, or carcass lean tissue mass, percentage, and deposition. The nutritional plan containing 2.19-1.86-1.71 g kg−1 of digestible phosphorus meet the nutrient requirements for performance and carcass characteristics of barrows weighing from 30 to 100 kg.

RESUMO: Esta pesquisa foi realizada com o objetivo de investigar a utilização de extrato etanóico de própolis como alternativa aos antibióticos melhoradores de desempenho para leitões. Foram avaliados 70 leitões desmamados aos 21 dias de idade, com pesos iniciais de 7,3±0,4kg e final de 24,9±1,2kg. Estes foram distribuídos em delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com cinco dietas: controle positivo - dieta com 200ppm de antibiótico; controle negativo - dieta sem promotor de crescimento; dietas com 100, 500 e 1.000ppm de extrato etanóico de própolis marrom, com sete repetições de dois leitões cada. A duração do período experimental foi de 35 dias. As dietas não influenciaram (P>0,05) no consumo de ração diária, ganho de peso diário, peso final e a conversão alimentar dos animais. O perfil bacteriológico da swab nasal apresentou predomínio de bactérias Gram positivas comumente associadas às membranas das mucosas em todas as coletas realizadas. As swabs retais não apresentaram isolamento atípico. A utilização do extrato etanóico de própolis nas dietas não altera o desempenho de leitões desmamados, bem como não afeta o perfil bacteriológico, escore fecal e a ocorrência de diarreia dos leitões.

ABSTRACT: This study was conducted to assess the use of propolis ethanolic extract as an alternative to performance-enhancing antibiotics for piglets. Seventy piglets weaned at 21 days of age, with initial weights of 7.3±0.4kg and final weights of 24.9±1.2kg, were randomly assigned to five diets: positive control (diet with 200ppm antibiotic); negative control (diet without growth promoter); and diets with 100, 500, and 1,000ppm of brown propolis ethanolic extract, with seven replicates of two piglets each. The duration of the experimental period was 35 days. The diets did not influence (P>0.05) daily feed intake, daily weight gain, final weight, and feed conversion of animals. The bacteriological profile of the nasal swab presented a predominance of gram-positive bacteria commonly associated with the mucous membranes in all samples. Rectal swabs did not present atypical bacterial isolates. The use of ethanolic propolis extract in diets did not alter the performance of weaned piglets, nor did it affect the bacteriological profile, fecal score, or the occurrence of diarrhea in piglets.