ABSTRACT Apparent calcium (Ca) retention and digestibility coefficients are affected by limestone particle size in the diet of laying hens. This study aimed to determine the apparent retention and digestibility coefficients of Ca in limestone of different particle sizes in laying hens. The study comprised 288 Lohmann Brown laying hens (50 weeks of age; 1,964 ± 98 g) distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement [three Ca concentrations (10, 20, and 30 g kg–1) × two limestone particle sizes (480 and 1,978 µm)] with eight repetitions per treatment and six birds per experimental unit. The experiment included five days for adaptation and five days for total excreta collection. All birds were slaughtered at the end of the ten days to collect the ileal contents. The total or ileal Ca content was plotted against the Ca of diets concentration using linear regression analysis. The regression line slope represented the apparent retention (CaR) and digestibility coefficients of Ca (CaD) in limestone. There was interaction between Ca concentration in the diet and limestone granulometry on CaD (p = 0.001) and CaR (p < 0.001). The CaD and CaR of fine- and coarse-grained limestone increased linearly with increasing Ca concentrations in the diet. The apparent digestibility coefficients estimated for laying hens fed with fine-grained and coarse-grained limestone were 0.72 and 0.35, respectively. The apparent retention coefficients estimated for laying hens fed fine-grained and coarse-grained limestone were 0.96 and 0.47, respectively.

ABSTRACT: This study was undertaken to evaluate the effects of dietary calcium levels and supplementation with organic trace minerals selenium, copper, iron, zinc and manganese on performance, tissue deposition and litter mineral concentration. A total of 2,496 one-day-old male Cobb 500 broilers were randomly assigned to a 3 × 4 factorial experimental design with three levels of dietary Ca [8, 10 and 12 g kg–1, while maintaining the same Ca:nPP (non-phytate phosphorus) ratio (2:1)] and four levels of micromineral supplementation (0.62, 0.72, 0.82 and 0.92 g kg–1). There was a total of 12 treatments, with eight replicates of 26 birds per pen. Micromineral supplementation (MS) was achieved by adding different levels of the product Bioplex TR Se® and Ca supplementation was achieved by adding increasing levels of limestone and dicalcium phosphate. An interaction between Ca and MS levels was observed (p < 0.05) for the parameters of performance, liver Cu concentration, breast Se and Cu concentrations and litter Se, Mn and Zn concentrations. No interactions were observed (p > 0.05) for Ca, P or ash concentrations in the tibia, which were influenced only by dietary Ca levels (p < 0.05). The Ca level of 10 g kg–1 promoted higher Ca and P concentration in the tibia and lower micromineral excretion in the litter. The combination of MS level of 0.82 g kg–1 with Ca level of 10 g kg–1 led to the best BWG response. The supplementation conditions that led to higher micromineral levels in the liver and breast varied for each mineral.

Resumo Objetivou-se determinar a exigência de metionina + cistina total para frangas na fase inicial e verificar seu efeito sobre a fase de postura. Na primeira fase experimental, 720 aves (50% Lohmann LSL e 50% Lohmann Brown) com uma semana de idade foram distribuídas em delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 5 x 2 (níveis de met + cis e linhagens), com quatro repetições e 18 aves por repetição. Os níveis de met + cis total estudados foram 0,536; 0,616; 0,696; 0,776; e 0,856 %. Ao atingirem 22 semanas de idade, iniciou-se a segunda fase experimental, sendo utilizadas 240 aves (50% Lohmann LSL e 50% Lohmann Brown) provenientes da primeira fase experimental. A ração fornecida às aves nesta fase foi igual para todos os tratamentos. Na fase de produção avaliaram-se os efeitos residuais das dietas fornecidas no período inicial sobre os parâmetros produtivos. As exigências de metionina + cistina recomendadas para aves leves e semipesadas, no período de 1 a 6 semanas de idade, são de 0,778% de met + cis total (correspondendo a 0,700% de met + cis digestível) e 0,739% de met + cis total (correspondendo a 0,665% de met + cis digestível), respectivamente.

Abstract An experiment was carried out to evaluate the requirement of methionine +cystine for growing pullets at starter phase (1 to 6 weeks old) and its effect on the laying phase. In the first experiment, 720 birds (50% Lohmann LSL and 50% Lohmann Brown) at one week of age were distributed on a completely randomized design, 5 x 2 factorial arrangement (levels of met + cys and strain), with four replications and 18 birds each. The levels of total methionine + cystine studied were 0.536; 0.616; 0.696; 0.776; and 0.856 %. At 22 weeks of age, 240 birds were used for the second experimental phase. The diets given to birds at this phase was the same for all the treatments. In the production phase, the residual effects of the experimental diets provided during the initial phase on the production parameters were evaluated. The level of methionine + cystine recommended for white-egg and brown-egg pullets in the period from 1 to 6 weeks of age are 0.778 % of total methionine + cystine (0.700% met + cis digestible) and 0.739% of total methionine + cystine (0.665% of digestible methionine + cystine), respectively.

Resumo Objetivou-se determinar a exigência nutricional de cálcio e a melhor relação cálcio:fósforo em rações para poedeiras leves de 24 a 40 semanas de idade. Foram utilizadas 324 aves Hy-Line W-36, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, esquema fatorial 3x3, sendo três níveis de cálcio (3,9; 4,2 e 4,5 %) e três relações cálcio/fósforo (9,3; 10,53 e 12,12/1), totalizando nove tratamentos, seis repetições e seis aves por unidade experimental. Avaliou-se o desempenho produtivo, a qualidade do ovo, as características ósseas, o balanço de cálcio e fósforo e a mortalidade. Não houve interação (P>0,05) entre os níveis de cálcio e as relações cálcio/fósforo para nenhuma das variáveis, porém os níveis de cálcio promoveram efeito (P<0,05) sobre o peso e porcentagem da casca, cálcio na casca, ovos perdidos, consumo de cálcio e fósforo, cálcio e fósforo na excreta, cálcio e fósforo retido. A relação cálcio/fósforo influenciou significativamente (P<0,05) o consumo de ração, ganho de peso, conversão alimentar, consumo de cálcio e fósforo, fósforo na excreta e fósforo retido. Rações contendo 4,5% de cálcio e relação cálcio:fósforo de 12,12:1, correspondendo ao consumo de cálcio de 3,71 g/ave/dia e de fósforo de 306 mg/ave/dia, garantem desempenho satisfatório em rações para poedeiras leves no período de 24 a 40 semanas.

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine the nutritional requirement for calcium and the best calcium:phosphorus ratio in the diet for laying hens from 24 to 40 weeks of age. 324 Hy-Line W-36 birds were distributed in a completely randomized design in 3x3 factorial scheme, consisting of three levels of calcium (3.9, 4.2, and 4.5%) and three calcium:phosphorus ratios (9.3, 10.53, and 12.12:1) totaling nine treatments, six replicates and six birds each. We evaluated performance, egg quality, bone characteristics, balance of calcium and phosphorus, and mortality. There was no interaction (P> 0.05) between calcium levels and calcium:phosphorus ratio for the variables, but levels of calcium affected (P <0.05) weight and shell percentage, calcium in the shell, lost eggs, consumption of calcium and phosphorus, calcium and phosphorus excretion, and retained calcium and phosphorus. The calcium:phosphorus ratio affected significantly (P <0.05) feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion per dozen eggs, egg mass, calcium and phosphorus intake, phosphorus excretion, and retained phosphorus. Diets containing 4.5% calcium and the calcium:phosphorus ratio of 12,12:1, corresponding to a calcium intake of 3.71 g/hen/day and phosphorus of 306 mg/bird /day, guarantee satisfactory performance in diets for laying hens from 24 to 40 weeks.

Avaliou-se o efeito dos níveis de inclusão da associação de glutamina e ácido glutâmico (AminoGut: AmG) nas rações sobre o desempenho, morfo-fisiologia gastrintestinal e incidência de diarréia de leitões desmamados aos 21 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 120 leitões com peso inicial de 6,24±1,00 kg, distribuídos em delineamento de blocos casualizados, distribuídos de acordo com o peso, cinco tratamentos, seis repetições e quatro leitões por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos foram: controle negativo (0% AmG); 0,5% AmG; 1,0% AmG; 1,5% AmG; controle positivo (0% AmG, 4% de inclusão de plasma suíno). A inclusão de 1,0% de AmG, quando comparada com a dieta controle positivo, melhorou o ganho de peso, consumo de ração e conversão alimentar. O menor índice de diarréia foi observado com 1,0% de AmG. Os melhores resultados de altura de vilosidade intestinal e relação vilosidade:cripta foram obtidos com 0,82% de AmG. Altura de vilosidade, profundidade de cripta e relação vilo:cripta com 1,0% de AmG foram similares aos obtidos com a dieta controle positivo, no entanto, a relação vilo:cripta foi maior para a dieta 1,0% de AmG no período de 21 a 28 dias. A suplementação de 0,5 e 1,0% de AmG alterou o peso dos órgãos e reduziu o pH da região pilórica e do íleo do intestino delgado em relação ao controle positivo. A suplementação de 1% de glutamina associada ao ácido glutâmico na ração melhora o desempenho e a morfo-fisiologia gastrintestinal de leitões desmamados aos 21 dias de idade.

The effects of dietary inclusion levels of the association of glutamine with glutamic acid (AminoGut: AmG) on the performance, gastrointestinal morphophysiology, and diarrhea incidence of piglets weaned at 21 days of age were evaluated. In the experiment, 120 piglets with 6.24 ± 1.00 kg initial weight were distributed according to a randomized block experimental design into five treatments with six replicates of four animals each. The following treatments were applied: negative control diet (0% AmG); 0.5% AmG; 1.0% AmG; 1.5% AmG; positive control diet (0% AmG, 4% inclusion of porcine plasma). The inclusion of 1.0% AmG, as compared to the positive control diet, improved weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio. The lowest diarrhea score was observed when 1.0% AmG was included, whereas the best villus height and villus:crypt ratio were obtained with the inclusion of 0.82% AmG. Villus height, crypt depth, and villus:crypt ratio values obtained with 1.0% AmG were similar to those obtained with the positive control diet, except in the period of 21 to 28 days, when the diet with 1.0% AmG promoted higher villus:crypt ratio. The supplementation of 0.5 and 1.0% AmG affected organ weights, and reduced digestive content pH in the pylorus and in the ileum relative to the positive control diet. The dietary supplementation of 1% glutamine associated with glutamic acid improves the performance and the morphophysiology of piglets weaned at 21 days of age.

Em vista da constante evolução do melhoramento genético de frangos de corte, torna-se necessária a determinação das exigências nutricionais dessas aves, para assegurar seu desempenho. Assim sendo, dois experimentos foram realizados, com o objetivo de avaliar diferentes relações de metionina + cistina / lisina digestível sobre o desempenho de frangos de corte, nas fases de 11 a 21 e 22 a 35 dias de idade. O delineamento experimental nas duas fases avaliadas foi o de blocos casualizados, em arranjo fatorial 2x5+2, (2 sexos e 5 diferentes relações met+cis/lis digestível e um tratamento controle para cada sexo), com oito repetições de 23 e 20 aves (COBB 500) por unidade experimental, nas fases descritas. As dietas atenderam às exigências, exceto para metionina + cistina e lisina. Para evitar o excesso de lisina digestível, seu nível foi calculado para 97% do recomendado para todas as fases. O tratamento controle foi adequado em lisina e metionina + cistina. As relações metionina + cistina/lisina digestível, para máximo desempenho de frangos de corte, machos e fêmeas, respectivamente, são de 75,53 e 78,23%, na fase de 11 a 21 dias, e 78,83 e 79,82%, na fase de 22 a 35 dias.

The continual evolution of poultry breeding brings about the need to determine the nutritional requirements of these birds to ensure performance. Therefore, this study carried out two experiments to evaluate different methionine + cystine / digestible lysine ratios on the performance of broiler growing phases starter (11 - 21 days) and growth (22 - 35 days). The experiment evaluated the two phases using a randomized block design in a factorial arrangement 2x5 +2, (2 sexes and 5 different Met + Cys / digestible Lys ratios and a control treatment for each sex) with 8 repetitions of 23 and 20 birds (COBB 500) per experimental unit in the two phases. The diets met the requirements except for methionine + cysteine and lysine. To avoid excess lysine, its level was calculated to be 95% of the recommended level for all phases. The control treatment was adequate in lysine and methionine + cystine. The methionine + cystine / digestible lysine ratios for maximum performance of male and female broiler chicks, respectively, are 75.53 and 78.23% in the phase 11 to 21 days and 78.83 and 79.82% in the phase 22 to 35 days.

Two-hundred sixteen white laying hens were used to assess the ideal ratio of digestible threonine:lysine in diets for laying hens at 24 to 40 weeks of age. Birds were assigned to a randomized block design, with six treatments, six replicates per treatment and six birds per experimental unit. The cage was used as the blocking criterion. Experimental diets contained different digestible threonine:digestible lysine ratios (65, 70, 75, 80, 85 and 90%) with 142 g/kg of crude protein. Experimental diets were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric with different contents of L-glutamic acid. Feed intake (g/hen/d), egg production (%), egg weight (g), egg mass (g/hen/d), feed conversion ratio (kg/dozen and kg/kg egg), eggshell weight (g), albumen weight (g), yolk weight (g) and body weight gain (g) were assessed. The maximum egg production was observed at 78% digestible threonine:digestible lysine ratio, while the best values of feed conversion ratio (kg/dozen egg) and feed conversion ratio (kg/kg of egg) were observed at 77.6% and 75%, respectively. Feed intake, egg mass and egg contents (yolk, albumen and eggshell) were not affected by treatments. The estimated digestible threonine:digestible lysine ratio of Hy-Line W36 laying hens at 24 to 40 weeks of age is 78%, corresponding to 5.70 g/kg of dietary digestible threonine.

The experiment was conducted to determine the nutritional requirement of calcium and the best calcium:available phosphorus ratio for commercial layers at the post-laying peak. A total of 324 Hy-Line W-36 laying hens were utilized in the period from 42 to 58 weeks of age, distributed in a completely randomized design in a 3 × 3 factorial arrangement, composed of three levels of calcium (39, 42 and 45 g/kg) and three calcium:phosphorus ratios (12.12:1; 10.53:1; and 9.30:1), totaling nine treatments with six replications and six birds per experimental unit. There was no significant effect from the calcium levels × calcium:phosphorus ratio interaction for any of the variables studied. The calcium levels and the calcium:phosphorus ratios did not affect the variables performance or egg and bone quality. At the evaluation of the calcium:phosphorus balance, as the levels of calcium of the diet were raised, the intake of calcium and phosphorus and the contents of mineral matter and calcium in the excreta increased linearly, and the retention of calcium by birds decreased linearly. With the reduction of the calcium:phosphorus ratios of the diet, intake, retention and excretion of phosphorus by layers increased. Diets containing calcium at 39 g/kg and a calcium:phosphorus ratio of 12.12:1, corresponding to an increase in calcium of 3.51 g/bird/day and available phosphorus of 289 mg/bird/day, meet the requirements of calcium and available phosphorus of white egg layers in the period from 42 to 58 weeks of age.

Four trials were conducted to determine the requirements of available phosphorus (aP) of female broiler chicks from 1 to 10 (exp.1), 11 to 21 (exp.2), 22 to 33 (exp.3), and from 34 to 46 (exp.4) days of age, keeping the calcium:available phosphorus ratio equal to 2:1. In each trial, 480 Cobb broilers were randomly allotted in a completely randomized design with 6 treatments, 8 replicates and 10 birds per pen. The levels of aP ranged from 2.0 to 5.5 g/kg (Exp. 1), 1.9 to 5.4g/kg (exp. 2), 1.8 to 5.3 g/kg (exp. 3) and 1.7 to 5.2 g/kg of diet (exp. 4), in increments of 0.7 g/kg. The experimental diets were formulated using corn and soybean meal and the available phosphorus was considered 33% of total phosphorus. The characteristics evaluated were body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and bone parameters. For female broiler chicks from 1 to 10; 11 to 21; 22 to 33; and from 34 to 46 days of age, the levels of available phosphorus and calcium recommended are 4.59 and 9.18; 3.88 and 7.76; 3.58 and 7.16; and 2.56 and 5.12 g/kg of diet, respectively.

Four experiments were conducted to study the requirements of available phosphorus (aP) for commercial male broilers of 1-10 day of age (exp.1), 11-21 days of age (exp. 2), 22-33 day of age (exp. 3) and 34-46 days of age (exp. 4), at a constant calcium:aP ratio. A complete randomized design was used in each experiment. The experimental diets were fed ad libitum to 8 replicate groups of ten broilers in each. The increments in the levels of aP ranged from 2.0 to 5.5 g/kg (exp. 1), 1.9 to 5.4 g/kg (exp. 2), 1.8 to 5.3 g/kg (exp. 3) and 1.7 to 5.2 g/kg (exp. 4), in 0.7 g/kg. The parameters evaluated were body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and bone parameters. The level of aP in the diet influenced the performance of broilers of 1-10 and 11-21 days of age, but did not affect the performance of broilers at 22-33 and 34-46 days of age. Feed intake was not affected. The requirements of aP and Ca for male broilers from 1-10, 11-21, 22-33 and 34-46 days of age are 4.82 and 9.64 g/kg, 4.10 and 8.20 g/kg, 3.95 and 7.90 g/kg and 3.19 g.kg and 6.38 g/kg, respectively. The results indicate that low levels aP were required because the requirements of the mineral reduced as birds aged. Provided there is no excess of dietary levels of Ca, using a Ca:aP ratio of 2:1 may reduce the dietary levels of aP.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate different digestible isoleucine/lysine ratios on diets for broiler chickens in the starter (7 to 21 days) and finishing (30 to 43 days) phases. For the tests, the experimental design was of randomized blocks with seven treatments (six different digestible isoleucine/lysine ratios and a control treatment) and eight repetitions of 25 and 20 birds (COBB males) per experimental unit in the starter and finishing phases, respectively. The diets met the requirements, except for isoleucine and lysine. To avoid excess lysine in the experimental diets, the digestible lysine content was calculated to be 87% and 89% of the recommended for the starter and finishing phases, respectively. The control treatment was adequate in lysine and isoleucine. Feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion and carcass yield in the two phases were evaluated. There was quadratic effect of different ratios on feed intake in the finishing phase and on weight gain and feed conversion rate in both phases. There was quadratic effect on breast meat yield and breast fillets in the starter phase, but there was no significant effect on carcass yield in the finishing phase. The digestible isoleucine/lysine ratio recommended for broilers in the starter phase (7 to 21 days) is 66% and for the finishing phase (30 to 43 days), it is 68%.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of feeding herbal extracts for broilers on performance and histology of the intestinal mucosa and its effects on the profiting from the metabolizable energy of experimental diets. For so, two experiments were conducted. In experiment I, the inclusion of different herbal extracts in diets on performance and intestinal histology of broilers was evaluated, and in experiment II, the values of apparent metabolizable energy and metabolizable energy corrected by the nitrogen balance of the experimental diets were studied. Treatments consisted of: positive control diet; positive control + avilamycin; negative control; negative control + 100 ppm of a complex containing three different herbal medicines (pepper, cinnamon and oregano); negative control + 75 ppm garlic extract; negative control + 150 ppm garlic extract. In the performance experiment, which comprised the period of 1 to 40 days of age, 960 male broilers were distributed in a randomized block design, with six treatments and eight replicates, with 20 birds per experimental unit. In experiment II, the method adopted was the traditional of total excreta collection with male broiler chicks in the age of 14 to 24 days, in a completely randomized design, with six treatments and eight replicates with five birds per experimental unit. The intestinal villus height was improved with addition of the composite containing the three herbal extracts; however, crypt depth and villus/crypt ratio were not affected. The use of herbal extract in diets for broilers promotes performance similar to that with the use of antibiotics. Herbal extracts can be incorporated into diets replacing antibiotics without compromising the metabolizable energy of diets, performance or intestinal mucosa for broilers in the period of 1 to 40 days of age.

The assay was carried out to determine the effect of phytase supplementation on performance of broilers from 1 to 21 and 1 to 40 days of age. Twelve hundred and fifty male broilers (Ross) were distributed in a randomized experimental design, with five treatments, 10 repetitions and 25 birds per experimental unit. The treatments consisted of evaluating the phytase supplementation in diets with reductions in nutritional levels, compared with the positive control. The nutrient contents in negative controls one and two were reduced progressively and these diets were supplemented with phytase levels of 250 and 500 ftu/kg of the diet, respectively. Two diets were formulated: pre-starter/starter, 1-21 days, and growth/finishing, from 21 to 40 days). In both phases, with the phytase supplementation in diets that had their nutritional levels reduced (negative control one + 250 ftu and negative control two + 500 ftu), feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion of the birds were similar to the positive control. In the period from 1 to 40 days of age, with the diets supplemented with phytase, the productive efficiency index of the birds was similar to that of the positive control group. Supplementation with 250 ftu/kg and 500 ftu/kg phytase in diets with reduced nutritional levels improved broiler performance, resulting in parameters similar to those shown by broilers fed with the diet with normal levels of nutrients.

The objective of this study was to estimate the values of apparent metabolizable energy and apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance and determine the chemical composition of the following feedstuffs: babassu meal, sunflower meal, corn gluten meal, babassu starch flour, meat and bones meal, beans, millet, cookies residue, pasta residue and bread-making residue. The traditional method of excreta collection was used with broilers in the period of 14 to 24 days of age, which were distributed in a completely randomized design with eleven treatments and six replicates of six birds each. Each feedstuff replaced the reference diet at levels of 30 or 40% depending on the type of feedstuff. Chicks were housed in cages fitted with trays to collect the excreta. The apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (kcal/kg) on the natural matter of feedstuffs were: babassu meal, 1,116; sunflower meal, 1,607; corn gluten meal, 3,826; babassu flour starch, 1,731; meat and bone flour, 2,524; common beans, 693; millet, 3,046; cookies residue, 3,351; pasta residue, 3,543 and bread-making residue, 3,494.

O experimento foi conduzido com o objetivo de avaliar a influência que diferentes relações treonina:lisina digestíveis e suplementação ou não de glicina exercem sobre o desempenho de frangos de corte na fase inicial. Foram utilizados 560 pintos de corte, machos, da linhagem Cobb, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualisado, em arranjo fatorial 3 x 2 +1, sendo três relações de treonina:lisina digestíveis (55; 65 e 75%), suplementados ou não com glicina mais um adicional, que continha proteína de origem animal, com relação treonina:lisina digestíveis de 65%. Utilizaram-se oito repetições e 10 aves por unidade experimental. O consumo de ração, o ganho de peso e a conversão alimentar não foram influenciados pelos níveis de treonina. A suplementação de glicina reduziu o consumo de ração, aumentou o ganho de peso e melhorou a conversão alimentar das aves. Não houve interação entre os níveis de treonina e a suplementação de glicina sobre o desempenho das aves. A suplementação de glicina foi essencial para melhorar o desempenho de pintos de corte. Concluise que a relação de 55% de treonina digestível: lisina digestível (0,631% de treonina digestível), suplementada com glicina é suficiente para atender as exigências de pintos de corte de 8 a 21 dias de idade.

The experiment was conducted with the objective evaluating the different digestible threonine: digestible lysine ratio and supplementation or not of glycine on the performance of broilers in the period from eight to 21 days of age. Five hundred and sixty male broiler chicks of the Cobb strain were used, distributed in a completely randomized design, in a factorial arrangement of 3 x 2 + 1, with three digestible threonine:lysine ratio (55, 65 and 75%), supplemented or not with glycine plus an additional treatment, containing animal protein, with digestible threonine:lysine ratio of 65%. Eight replicates were used per treatment and 10 birds were used per experimental unit. The feed intake, the weight gain and the feed conversion were not influenced by the levels of threonine. The supplementation of glycine reduced the feed intake, increased the weight gain and improved the feed conversion of the birds. There was no interaction between the levels of threonine and the supplementation of glycine on the broilers performance. The supplementation of glycine was essential to improve the broiler chicks performance. The digestible threonine: lysine ratio of 55% (0.631% of digestible threonine), supplemented with glycine is sufficient to meet the requirements of broiler chicks from 8 to 21 days of age.