Abstract Species of the genus Opuntia are of great importance in Mexico.In Jalisco, a state located in western Mexico, there are 29 recognized species of Opuntia, but only four of them are grown for consumption as vegetables and fruit, three are used for ornamental purposes, andtherest (22 species) are not exploited. The objective of this research was to evaluate morphological and chemical characteristics of fruit fromwildOpuntiaspeciesgrown at two municipalities of Jalisco, Mexico (Lagos de Moreno and Ojuelos de Jalisco). The variability in size, total fresh weight, edible portion weight, shell thickness and postharvest characteristics (moisture, ashes, total acidity, °Brix and pH), and pigment concentration (betaxanthins and betacyanins) was analyzed in 15 species of eight species of the genus Opuntiafrom both regions. Ten to fifteen fruits of each specieswere analyzed; parameters of descriptive statistics were obtainedfrom the results; and were subjected to analysis of variance and to the Tukey test (α = 0.05). A greater diversity of wild specieswas collected at the municipality of Lagos de Moreno. Only three species: "memela" (O. cantabrigiensis), "cardona" (O. streptacantha) and "cascarona" (O. hyptiacantha) were present in both regions. O. ficus-indicaspecies presented the highest values of fruit size, total weight and pulp weight. Moisture content in all samples tested was in the range from 80 to 90%, the ash content values ranged between 0.3 and 1.0%. The fruits showed low acidity (pH> 4.5) and high content of soluble sugars (11-14 ° Brix). The species collected in Lagos de Moreno presented the highest contents of betalains, highlighting Opuntia icterica "larguita" with the highest content of total betalains (32.44 mg/100g). Results show the high variability in morphological and chemical characters of Opuntia species fruits from two semiarid regions in the state of Jalisco, Mexico. This information is important in order of making proposals for the use and conservation of wild species and highlight its value as genetic resources in regions of Jalisco.

Resumen Las especies del género Opuntia son de gran importancia en México en diversos aspectos. El estado de Jalisco, ubicado en el occidente de la República Mexicana, cuenta con 29 especies reconocidas de Opuntia, de las que únicamente cuatro se cultivan para su consumo como verdura y fruto, otras tres se utilizan solo con fines ornamentales; y el resto no son aprovechadas. El objetivo de la presente investigación fue evaluar los caracteres morfológicos y químicos de frutos de variedades silvestres de Opuntiade dos municipios de Jalisco, México (Lagos de Moreno y Ojuelos de Jalisco). La variabilidad de tamaño, peso fresco total, peso de la porción comestible, grosor de la cáscara de los frutos, así como características químicas (humedad, cenizas totales, acidez total, °Brix y pH), y la concentración de pigmentos (betaxantinas y betacianinas) fue analizada en 15 variedades de ocho especies del género Opuntia de ambas regiones. Se analizaron de 10 a 15 frutos de cada variedad, los datos obtenidos se sometieron a análisis de varianza, se obtuvieron los parámetros de la estadística descriptiva y se realizó una prueba de comparaciones múltiples de medias (Tukey, α=0.05). En el municipio de Lagos de Moreno, se encontró y recolectó una mayor diversidad de variedades silvestres. Únicamente tres variedades: “memela” (O. cantabrigiensis), “cardona” (O. streptacantha)y “cascarona” (O. hyptiacantha) estuvieron presentes en ambas regiones. Las variedades de O. ficus-indica presentaron los valores más altos de tamaño de fruto, peso total y peso de pulpa. El contenido de humedad en todas las muestras analizadas estuvo en el intervalo de 80 a 90 %, los valores para contenido de cenizas oscilaron entre 0.3 y 1.0 %. Los frutos presentaron baja acidez (pH > 4.5) y elevado contenido de azúcares disueltos totales (11-14 °Brix). Las variedades recolectadas en Lagos de Moreno presentaron los mayores contenidos de betalaínas, destacando Opuntia icterica “larguita” con el mayor contenido de betalaínas totales (32.44 mg/100g). Los resultados muestran la alta variabilidad existente en los caracteres morfológicos y químicos de frutos de variedades de Opuntia de dos regiones semiáridas en el estado de Jalisco, México; esta información es importante con fines de realizar propuestas de aprovechamiento y conservación de variedades silvestres y resaltarsu valor como recursos fitogenéticos en regiones de Jalisco.

Introduction: There are different techniques for carrying out tonsillectomy. Among the mostcommon ones are the "cold technique" (scalpel, scissors and handle), and the monopolar electrocautery technique. No consensus is available to define which technique is less painful. Aim: To assess the effect of the surgical technique ("cold" vs monopolar electrocautery) on post-operative pain perception. Material ana method: Prospective blind randomized clinical trial. 17 patients with tonsillectomy indication (34 tonsils) over 5 years old, without major surgical risk, and after randomization and obtaining an informed consent, received a tonsillectomy using cold technique and the contra lateral side was removed using monopolar electrocautery technique. Pain perception was measured with visual analogue scale (VAS) during the firstseven days after surgery. Patients and relatives were unaware ofthe technique used on each side. Results: There were differences in pain perception between day 3 and 7 (p <0.05). Assessing evolution across time, pain was higher with the electrocautery technique (no significant difference was found in the first 2 days). Conclusion: Based on our results tonsillectomy using cold technique appears to be associated with less post-operative pain, starting on the third post-surgery day.

Introducción: Existen diferentes técnicas para realizarla amigdalectomía. Dentro de las más frecuentes está la técnica fría (bisturí frío, tijera y asa), y la técnica con electrobistrurí monopolar. No hay consenso que alguna de estas técnicas sea claramente superior a la otra respecto al dolor posoperatorio. Objetivo: Evaluar si la técnica quirúrgica (técnica fría-electrobisturí monopolar) repercute sobre la percepción de dolor posoperatorio. Material y método: Ensayo clínico prospectivo, ciego y randomizado. Se Incluyeron 17 pacientes (34 amígdalas), mayores de 5 años sin antecedentes de riesgo, con indicación de amigdalectomía. A cada paciente, previo consentimiento informado y randomización, se le extrajo una amígdala con técnica fría y la contralateral con técnica electrobisturí monopolar. La percepción del dolor se midió con escala visual análoga (EVA) durante los primeros siete días posquirúrgicos. Paciente y familiares fueron enmascarados respecto a la técnica usada a cada lado. Resultados: Se encontraron diferencias en la percepción del dolor entre los días 3 a 7 (p <0,05) y al evaluarse la evolución del dolor en función del tiempo, ésta fue mayor con la técnica de electrobisturí (sin diferencias significativas en los 2 primeros días). Conclusión: En los casos evaluados en este estudio, la amigdalectomía con técnica fría se asocia a menor dolor a contar del tercer día posquirúrgico.

Background: Hamman syndrome or spontaneous pneumomediastinum is uncommon and its clinical manifestations are chest pain, dyspnea and subcutaneous emphysema. Aim: To report a series of patients with spontaneous pneumomediastinum. Material and methods: Medical records of patients with the diagnosis of pneumomediastinum, managed between 2002 and 2007 in a public hospital, were retrieved and reviewed. Results: Eight patients aged between 16 and 41 years (five males) were identified. The most common symptom was chest pain and the most common sign was subcutaneous emphysema. A chest X ray was performed in all and a chest CT scan in seven. AH were managed conservatively with oxygen, analgesia and rest. No patient required surgery and the evolution was favorable. Conclusions: The most common presenting complaint of spontaneous pneumomediastinum is chest pain and its management does not require surgery.

The performance of 216 Leghorn layers and the sensory evaluation of their eggs were studied as a result of using different marine lipid sources (fish meal, oleine, crude fish oil and a refined fish oil, Alkitol-R-15®), in their diets. The birds were distributed randomly in 4 treatments: Tl= control, soy bean meal based diet; T2 = 4% fish meal plus 3% oleine; T3 = 4% fish meal plus 6% crude fish oil and T4 = 4% fish meal plus 6% of refined fish oil concentrate ALKITOL-R-15®. Food and water were supplied ad libitum. The evaluated variables controlled were: laying percentage (LP), food consumption (FC), live weight (LW), egg weight (EW), egg mass (EM), feed conversion efficiency (FCE), mortality (M), gross margin, feeding cost per egg produced , egg flavour and aromatic quality, egg acceptability and preference. Diets with marine oils had a higher (P < 0.05) EPA + DHA concentration than the Tl control. Main results showed that LP, LW, EW, EM, FCE and FC were similar between treatments (P > 0.05) that included marine oils irrespective of the level in which they were included. Also, all these treatments had higher performances (P < 0.05) than the control MS. The sensory evaluation indexes did not show any statistical differences (P > 0.05) between the treatments tested. The inclusion of lipids from marine resources did not affect the layer performance nor the sensory evaluation of eggs and it should produce economic benefits to the producer

Se evaluó el efecto sobre: porcentaje de postura (PP), consumo (CA), peso vivo (PV), peso del huevo (PH), masa de huevo (MH), conversión alimentaria (ECA), mortalidad (M), margen bruto (MB) y costo alimentario (Cali) del empleo de: harina de pescado: HP; oleina: O; aceite crudo de pescado: ACP y aceite de pescado refinado: ALKITOL-R-15®: ALK, en dietas de gallinas ponedoras comerciales. Además, se efectuó una evaluación sensorial de los huevos incluyendo: aroma, sabor, aceptabilidad y preferencia. Se utilizaron 216 gallinas Leghorn Shaver, durante 8 semanas, distribuidas en cuatro tratamientos: TI = 0% HP y aceites, T2 = 4% HP + 3% O; T3 = 4% HP + 6% ACP; T4 = 4% HP + 6% ALK. El índice de peróxidos (IP) fue de 1,5; 7,5 y 21,7 meq 0(2)/kg para O, ACP y ALK, respectivamente. La HP "prime" presentó un IP de 3,6. Las dietas mostraron porcentajes de EPA + DHA de 0,00 - 0,83 - 1,16 y 0,87, desde TI a T4, respectivamente. Los indicadores PP, CA, PV, PH, ECA y MH fueron semejantes entre T2, T3 y T4 (P > 0,05) siendo superiores, en general (P < 0,05) al TI. El T2 generó el mayor MB y el menor Cali. La evaluación sensorial de los huevos (duros y revueltos) no mostró diferencias significativas (P > 0,05) entre los tratamientos para ambas preparaciones. Se concluye que la incorporación de lípidos marinos no afecta el rendimiento productivo de las aves ni provoca efectos sensoriales adversos en los huevos y ofrecería ventajas económicas al productor

Aplicou-se restrição alimentar qualitativa em frangos de corte, em diferentes fases do crescimento, para reduzir a infiltração gordurosa do fígado e os triglicerídeos plasmáticos, sem influir nas respostas produtivas. Distribuíram-se aleatoriamente 176 pintos machos em quatro tratamentos. As aves foram alojados em baterias (16 gaiolas com 11 aves cada) e foram criados de 1 a 49 dias de idade. No grupo controle as aves foram alimentadas com dieta inicial (1-28 dias) com 3.300kcal EM/kg/dieta e 22,5% de proteína bruta (PB; dieta de crescimento (29-42 dias) com 3.300kcal EM/kg/dieta e 20,9% de PB; dieta de acabamento (43-49 dias de idade) 3.300kcal EM/kg/dieta e 18,2% de PB. As aves nos três grupos sob restrição foram alimentadas com dieta com 2.800kcal de EM/kg/dieta e 24% de PB de 7 aos 14 dias de idade (tratamento 2), de 7 aos 21 dias de idade (tratamento 2) e de 22 aos 35 dias de idade (tratamento 3). Todas as aves dos tratamentos sob restrição foram alimentadas com a dieta controle antes e depois do período de restrição alimentar. Ao final de cada período de restrição foi observada uma maior infiltração gordurosa no fígado (representado pela composição química e escore histológico). Também não houve diferenças entre os triglicerídeos plasmáticos, quando comparado com o controle. Aos 49 dias de idade, o ganho de peso total e a infiltração gordurosa no fígado, foram menores nos grupos restritos. Os níveis de triglicérides plasmáticos, entretanto, foram semelhantes entre os tratamentos, mas reduziram nas aves com aplicação de jejum de 12 horas, quando comparados com aves sem jejum. A baixa relação energia/proteína da dieta afetou o ganho de peso e a infiltração gordurosa no fígado, mas não alterou os valores de triglicérides plasmáticos.

A trial was carried out to evaluate the effect of qualitative restriction at different rearing phases on liver fatness and plasma triglycerides without impairing the productive performance of broiler chickens. One hundred and seventy-six male chicks were randomly assigned to four treatments and reared in battery brooders (16 pens with 11 birds each) from 1 to 49-day-old. In the control group, chicks were fed a starter diet (1 to 28-day-old) with 3,300kcal ME/kg of diet and 22.5% CP; grower diet (29 to 42-day-old) 3,300kcal ME/kg of diet and 18.2% CP; and the finisher diet (43 to 49-day-old) 3,300kcal ME/kg and 18.2% CP. Three restrict groups were fed a low 2,800kcal ME/kg of diet and 24% CP from 7 to 14-day-old (treatment 1); from 7 to 21-day-old (treatment 2); and from 22 to 35-day-old (treatment 3). All treatments were fed control diet before and after the feed restriction period. Feed intake was not affected during the feed restriction period; nevertheless, weight gain was lower (P<0.05) for chicks fed restricted diet from 7 to 21 and from 21 to 35-day-old. At the end of each restriction period, scores of liver for fatty infiltration were higher in restricted birds compared to control birds, although no changes were detected in plasma triglyceride levels. On the 49th day of age, less intracellular fatty infiltration was observed in the liver of previously restricted birds compared to control birds, and weight gain was also lower in the restricted groups. Moreover, triglyceride plasma levels were similar among treatments, but decreased in 12-hour-fasted broilers compared to non-fasted birds. The low energy:protein ratio diet affected weight gain and fatty infiltration in the liver, but had no effect on plasma levels of triglycerides.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of sex and two periods of feeding with a diet that included astaxanthin on productive performance, color and pigmentation of coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch) at harvest. The trial was carried out in sea cages (5x5x10 m). A total of 1368 coho salmon were assigned to 4 cages with 342 salmons in each, two cages for the experimental group (80 ppm of astaxanthin for 105 days) and two for the control group (80 ppm of astaxanthin for 55 days). The variables registered were weight, feed efficiency, condition factor, carcass yield, hepatosomatic and gonadosomatic indexes, color and pigmentation of steak and fillet. The color was evaluated with Roche® Color chart and Salmo-Fan and Minolta Chroma Meter. The pigment level in the steak and fillet was determined with NIR. The productive performance was quite similar in both treatments, with a high gonadosomatic index. The correlations determined were low with different levels of significance. The color and pigmentation of steaks and fillets were greater (P 0.05) in the control treatment that was fed for 105 days with pigmented diet. The males were more colored and pigmented (P 0.05) than females in steaks and fillets. The fillets of both treatments registered the value of 15 in Roche® Color chart that was the commercial minimum for this cut, but those from the experimental group were below the minimum of 30 when the assessment was made with the Roche® Salmo-Fan. According to the conditions of this study, a feeding period of 53 days with a pigmented diet was not appropriate to obtain a commercial color in coho salmons fillets, when the comparison was made with the more sophisticated Salmo-Fan method

El objetivo del presente trabajo fue evaluar el efecto del sexo y de dos tiempos de incorporación de astaxantina (AXT) en la dieta sobre indicadores productivos, la coloración y pigmentación del salmón coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch) a la cosecha. La experiencia se efectuó en balsas jaula (5x10x10) con 1368 salmones coho distribuidos al azar en cuatro jaulas con 342 peces cada una, asignados a dos tratamientos: control (80 ppm AXT por 105 días) y experimental (80 ppm AXT por 53 días). Las características controladas fueron: peso, factor de condición, rendimiento de la canal, índices hepatosomático y gonadosomático, color y pigmentación del filete y steak. El grado de coloración se evaluó con Carta Color Roche®, Abanico Colorimétrico Salmo-Fan Roche® y Minolta Chroma Meter CR-200. La pigmentación en steaks y filete se registró con NIR (Near Infrared Reflectance). La respuesta productiva fue similar para ambos tratamientos, destacó un importante crecimiento gonadal en ambos tratamientos, lo que se reflejó en el alto índice gonadosomático alcanzado, superior a 5,5%. Las correlaciones encontradas fueron bajas y presentaron distintos niveles de significación. La coloración y pigmentación de steaks y filetes fueron mayores (P £ 0,05) para el tratamiento que recibió pigmento por 105 días. El efecto sexo originó diferencias significativas tanto en steaks como en filetes a favor de los machos. Los filetes de ambos tratamientos lograron la coloración mínima comercialmente exigida para ese corte, correspondiente a 15 según Carta Color Roche®, pero aquéllos del tratamiento experimental lograron un valor bajo el mínimo exigido con el abanico colorimétrico Roche®. De acuerdo a las condiciones de este ensayo los salmones coho alimentados con una dieta pigmentada por un periodo de 53 días no fue suficiente para lograr una apropiada coloración de sus filetes, cuando la evaluación se efectúa con una pauta más refinada como el abanico colorimétrico

The chemical composition and biological value of two dicalcium phosphates, a dihydrated one (FA) and a monohydrated product (FB), were assessed in a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement of treatments: two phosphates (A and B) and three levels of available P (aP) in the diets (0.22, 0.31 and 0.49%). One hundred and ninety two day-old male broiler chicks (Hubbard) were distributed between 6 treatments with 4 replicates each. During the experimental period (1-42 days), the birds were fed 2 diets: "starter" (1 to 21 days) and "finisher" (22 to 42 days). Feed and water were supplied ad libitum. The phosphates were chemically analyzed for Ca, P, V, Cd, Al and F. FB had a higher P content than FA; and contained concentrations of the contaminants F, Cd, V and Al that were not detected in FA. Body weight, feed intake and feed conversion index were determinal in the chicks on days 21 and 42. At the completion of the study the absolute biological values of the phosphates were calculated, and the length, width, breaking strength and ash contents of the tibias of each bird were determined. There were no differences (P > 0,05) in body weight, feed intake, feed conversion, tibia length and tibia width between FA_ and FB_ fed chicks for the whole experiment. Significant (P < 0.05) differences in body weight, feed intake, tibia length, tibia width, tibia ash content, tibia breaking strength and absolute biological value were present betweer different dietary levels of aP. The two higher levels evaluated did not show significantly different effects (P > 0,05). The similarity of results obtained between the 2 higher levels of aP, showed that the 0.31% level is sufficient under practical conditions which has commercial and environmental importance

Se evaluaron las respuestas productivas de 192 pollos broiler machos (Hubbard) de 1 a 42 días de edad en un experimento factorial de 2x3: dos fosfatos (FA, dihidratado control y FB, monohidratado para uso animal) y tres niveles de fósforo disponible dietario (Pd) (0,22; 0,31 y 0,49%). Se utilizaron 6 tratamientos con 4 repeticiones cada uno. Se analizó el contenido de P, Ca, F, Cd, Al y V en ambos fosfatos. No se encontraron elementos contaminantes en el FA y el FB tuvo niveles inferiores a los máximos permisibles en todas las dietas. Esto demuestra que es necesario evaluar químicamente los fosfatos rocosos previo a su empleo en dietas de aves. Las variables productivas evaluadas fueron: peso vivo, consumo de alimento y eficiencia de conversión alimenticia (ECA) a los 21 y 42 días de edad. Al término del estudio se calculó el Valor Biológico Absoluto (VBA) de ambos fosfatos y en las tibias se midió contenido de cenizas, longitud, ancho y resistencia a la fractura por flexión estática. No hubo diferencias significativas (P > 0,05) en peso vivo, consumo de alimento, ECA, longitud y ancho de las tibias entre los fosfatos. Sí hubo diferencias (P < 0,05) entre niveles de Pd en peso vivo, consumo de alimento, longitud, ancho y contenido de cenizas en tibias, resistencia de las tibias a la fractura y VBA. Los niveles más altos de Pd dietario (0,31 y 0,49%) no mostraron diferencias en sus respuestas, indicando que 0,31% de Pd permite obtener resultados productivos satisfactorios, lo que tiene importantes proyecciones aplicadas a la alimentación de estas aves y a la menor contaminación del medio ambiente

The color in salmonids is the main condition for an appropriate trading. This color is a result of the retained pigment incorporated to their diets. The present study was conducted to evaluate the pigmentation degree, color, costs of diets and the productive performance of rainbow trouts fed 25 and 80 ppm of astaxantin (AXT), respectively. A total of 200 chilean trouts (Cofradex variety), with an initial weight of 180 g, were used. They were randomly assigned to 2 treatments with 100 fishes each. The group fed 80 ppm of AXT, was considered the control one, because this was the more common level of inclusion when the assay was run. The productive performance was evaluated considering the average weight, feed consumption, feed conversion efficiency, specific growth rate, mortality, factor of condition, growth percentage and pigment retention percentage. The color intensity was evaluated using the "Colour Chart" and "Colour Salmo-Fan by Roche Lab." The pigmentation, the pigment concentration in the flesh, was evaluated by high resolution liquid chromatography (HPLC). The productive performance results were similar between both treatments (p>0,05), but the pigment retention in the flesh throughout the assay was double in the group fed 25 ppm of AXT as compared with controls (p<0,05). At the end of the trial, the pigmentation values obtained were 20 and 15 ppm of AXT for groups fed 80 and 25 ppm, respectively (p<0,05). The color obtained with both levels of pigment in the diets, were within the minimum required levels for normal commercialization of rainbow trouts fillets. The lower incorporation of AXT allowed a the reduction of 2,2 times in the cost of pigment incorporation in the diets, this result could be an excellent alternative for the producers to improve their efficiency in the world market of cultivated salmonid.

Este trabajo tuvo como objetivo evaluar el grado de pigmentación, coloración, costo económico y la respuesta productiva de truchas arco iris frente al empleo de dos niveles de astaxantina (AXT) en sus dietas, utilizándose 200 truchas nacionales (variedad Cofradex) con un peso inicial de 180 g. Los peces se asignaron al azar a dos tratamientos con 100 truchas cada uno. Un tratamiento utilizó una dieta que incluía 25 ppm de AXT y a los otros se le suministró una dieta con 80 ppm de AXT, siendo este último el tratamiento testigo. La respuesta productiva se evaluó por medio del peso promedio, consumo de alimento, eficiencia de conversión alimenticia, tasa de crecimiento específico, mortalidad, factor de condición, porcentaje de crecimiento y porcentaje de retención. El grado de coloración se evaluó con la Carta Color Roche® y el Abanico Colorimétrico Salmo-Fan Roche®. La pigmentación, concentración de pigmento en el filete, se midió utilizando cromatografía líquida de alta resolución (HPLC). Las respuestas productivas fueron iguales en ambos tratamientos, salvo el porcentaje de retención que aumentó al doble con 25 ppm de AXT. Se alcanzó una pigmentación de 20 y 15 ppm de AXT con los aportes dietarios de 80 y 25 ppm de AXT, respectivamente, la coloración obtenida con los dos tratamientos, se enmarcó dentro de la coloración comercial mínima exigida para truchas arco iris. La incorporación de 25 ppm de AXT en las dietas permitió disminuir 2,2 veces el costo de la incorporación de pigmentos, lo que es una buena alternativa para los productores frente al desafío de elevar su competitividad en el mercado mundial de salmónidos de cultivo

The effect of pelletization or extrusion of a fattening diet fed to rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) from 60 ± 5 g up to 270 ± 10 g live weight on productive performance, carcass yield, hepatosomatic index, chemical composition of edible part (fillet ) and economic advantage of both diets was studied. The productive performance was evaluated by the live weight, feed consumption (FC), feed efficiency (FE), specific growth rate and total mortality. The fish fed the extruded diet presented lower FC and a better FE than those fed the pelleted diet (p<0.05), the others parameters were rather similar between the treatments assayed. The carcass yield, hepatosomatic index and chemical composition were not affected (p0.05) by feeding extruded or pelleted diet. The extruded diet presented a lower cost for each kg of live weight or net kg (live weight corrected by carcass yield ) of rainbow trout produced when the FE and the cost of diet were included, with no consideration of the cost of the processes . Feeding an extruded diet to pan size rainbow trout could have some productive advantages expressed by a better FE and a relative lesser cost per total or net kg of trout gained compare to a pelleted diet. Finally as the feed consumption of extruded diet was lower than the pelleted one a lesser amount of residues can be expected with a lower negative environmental impact as well

The biological value of three phosphate feeds and the tissue concentration of some potentially toxic elements were assessed using two raw rock tricalcium phosphates (RRPA and RRPC ), a dicalcium dehydrated phosphate (DPB) and two levels of available P (0.40 and 0.45%), in a 3x2 factorial arrangement of treatments, with one to twenty-one day old broiler chicks. There were no interactions (p 0.05) for the variables measured. DPB was associated, without statistical significance, with faster growth rate and better feed conversion efficiency. DPB had also the highest biological value of the three phosphates. It also presented the highest (p < 0.05) tibia ash and the greatest (p < 0.05) breaking strength. The dietary supplementation of RRPA and RRPC incorporated levels of vanadium (V) in the diets which are considered toxic for poultry. The concentration of V in the kidneys was higher in birds fed RRPC as compared to RRPA and DPB. Based on these and on previous results, the use of raw rock tricalcium phosphates as the only inorganic P supplement in poultry diets is not recommended

Se realizó un estudio tendiente a comparar las respuestas productivas y las concentraciones tisulares de algunos elementos minerales potencialmente tóxicos, cuando pollos broiler machos se alimentaron durante los primeros 21 días de vida con dietas suplementadas con fosfatos rocosos crudos (tricálcicos) o con un fosfato dicálcico monohidratado tratado químicamente. Además, el diseño consideró el empleo de dos niveles de inclusión dietaria de P disponible: 0.40 y 0.45%. Los pollos que recibieron la suplementación de P con fosfato dicálcico mostraron una tendencia a obtener una mayor velocidad de crecimiento y una mejor eficiencia de conversión alimenticia. Así mismo, lograron un valor biológico mayor que el obtenido por las aves alimentadas con los fosfatos tricálcicos rocosos crudos (p0.05). Los pollos alimentados con el producto tratado químicamente, lograron mineralizar mejor sus tibias, las que a su vez presentaron mayor resistencia a la fractura, que las de pollos suplementados con los otros fosfatos (p<0.05). La suplementación dietaria con fosfatos tricálcicos rocosos crudos, incorporó niveles de V a las dietas considerados tóxicos para las aves. La concentración de elementos minerales "contaminantes" en los fosfatos fue directamente replicada en los tejidos estudiados (tibias y riñones), mostrando valores más altos en los fosfatos rocosos crudos. Se concluye que en base a estos resultados y otros previos, no se debería usar un fosfato crudo tricálcico como único suplemento de P en dietas de pollos broiler, sino con otras fuentes de P de alta seguridad y biodisponibilidad