ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary nucleotide supplementation on growth performance, serum immunoglobulin G (IgG) and uric acid levels, immune-related organs, and intestinal morphometric parameters of broiler chickens under pre- and post-inflammatory challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Ninety-six seven-day-old male broiler chicks were randomized in a 2×2 factorial design composed of two dietary types (supplemented with 0 and 0.3 g of purified nucleotides/kg of feed) and two inflammatory conditions (with and without LPS administration) with eight replicates per treatment and three birds per cage. The experimental period was divided into two phases: 7-20 days of age (pre-LPS challenge) and 21-35 days of age (post-LPS challenge). Data were analyzed using one-way and two-way ANOVA for the pre- and post-challenge phases, respectively. During the pre-challenge phase, dietary nucleotide supplementation improved body weight (982 vs. 1009 g/bird), daily weight gain (58.1 vs. 60.1 g/bird), feed conversion rate (1.28 vs. 1.25 g/g), and serum concentration of IgG (1.17 vs. 1.76 mg/mL) of broilers. During the post-challenge phase, nucleotide supplementation increased serum IgG of broilers at 28 days of age (3.01 vs. 4.34 mg/mL). For the intestinal morphometric parameters, nucleotide supplementation increased villus height (299.3 vs. 315.6 μm). Dietary nucleotide supplementation improves the performance of broilers from seven to 20 days of age (pre-LPS challenge). However, from 21 to 35 days of age, supplementation of 0.3 g of purified nucleotides/kg of feed, independent of inflammatory challenge, does not contribute to improve performance of broilers. Additionally, nucleotide supplementation increases IgG production and villus height in the jejunum of broilers.

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: Com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito dos níveis de energia metabolizável (EM) sobre o desempenho de codornas de corte de 15 a 35 dias de idade, foi conduzido um experimento com 560 aves aos 15 dias de idade, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com cinco tratamentos (2.850; 2.950; 3.050; 3.150 e 3.250kcal de EM kg-1 de ração), oito repetições com 14 aves por unidade experimental. Verificou-se redução linear (P<0,01) no consumo de ração, de proteína, de lisina e na conversão alimentar, com o aumento dos níveis de EM da ração. O consumo de energia metabolizável, o peso corporal, o ganho de peso, viabilidade das aves não foram influenciados (P>0,05) pelos níveis de EM utilizados. Os níveis de EM das dietas não influenciaram (P>0,05) a matéria seca, o teor de umidade e a proteína nas carcaças. Foi observado efeito quadrático (P<0,04) dos níveis de EM sobre o teor de gordura nas carcaças. Conclui-se que o nível de EM de 3.250kcal kg-1 de ração, correspondendo à relação de energia metabolizável:proteína bruta de 139,24, possibilita melhor desempenho das codornas de corte.

ABSTRACT: This trial was carried out to evaluate the effects of dietetic metabolizable energy levels on performance and carcass traits of meat quails from 15 to 35 days old. Five hundred sixty, 15-d old, meat quails were randomly assigned to five treatments (2.850; 2.950; 3.050; 3.150 e 3.250kcal of ME kg-1 of diet), with eight replicates and fourteen birds per experimental unit. Feed intake, protein and lysine intake and feed conversion decreased linearly as the metabolizable energy content of diets increased (P<0.01), whereas metabolizable energy intake, body weight, weight gain and viability were not affected (P>0.05) by the treatments. Diets did not influence (P>0.05) carcass traits as dry matter, moisture and protein content in carcass. However a quadratic effect (P<0.04) were observed on carcass fat content. Based on these results, the adequate metabolizable energy level to ensure better meat quails' growth is 3.250kcal of ME kg-1 diet, that corresponds to a metabolizable energy: crude protein ratio of 139,24.

Resumo Foram avaliados os efeitos da adição de diferentes níveis de betaína (0,0%, 0,1%, 0,2%, 0,3%) sobre a morfologia do intestino delgado. Foram utilizados 52 leitões desmamados aos 23 dias de idade e peso médio de 5,4 kg, quatro níveis de betaína e cinco épocas de abate. Foram efetuados cinco abates, com intervalos de três dias, considerando o dia da desmama como o dia zero. Foram avaliadas altura de vilosidade e profundidade de criptas. Foram observadas diferenças significativas (P<0,05) entre os tratamentos para altura das vilosidades no duodeno e para profundidade de criptas do íleo. Em relação aos dias pós-desmama, ocorreram diferenças significativas (P< 0,05) para altura de vilosidades e profundidade de criptas nos três segmentos intestinais analisados.

Abstract We evaluated the effects of increasing levels of betaine (0.0%, 0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%) on small intestine structure. Fifty-two weaned piglets at 23 days of age and average weight of 5.4 kg were used. We studied four betaine levels and five slaughtered times with three days of interval, considering the weaning day as the initial day (zero day). We evaluated villi height and crypt depth. We observed significant differences (P<0.05) among treatments for villi height in duodenum and for crypt depth in ileum. Regarding post-weaning days, significant differences (P<0.05) in villi height and crypt depth occurred in the three intestinal segments analyzed.

ResumoEste estudo foi realizado com o objetivo de determinar as digestibilidades aparente e estandardizada de fosfatos para suínos em fase de crescimento, empregando duas metodologias. Foram usados 42 machos castrados, mestiços, com peso inicial de 37 ± 1,1kg em delineamento de blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial 2 x 7, com dois métodos de coleta: coleta total de fezes e uso de indicador (cinza insolúvel em ácido [AIA ]) × sete tratamentos, que consistiram de uma dieta controle (CTR); três dietas contendo fosfato na forma de pó (PP): PPA = CTR + fosfato pó A, PPB = CTR + fosfato pó B, e PPC = CTR + fosfato pó C; e mais três dietas contendo o fosfato microgranular (MP): MP15 = CTR + fosfato microgranular 15%, MP45 = CTR + fosfato microgranular 45% e MP75 = CTR + fosfato microgranular 75%). Os valores de 15, 45, e 75% correspondem à solubilidade em água dos fosfatos. Foram seis repetições, e o animal foi considerado como unidade experimental. Os coeficientes de digestibilidade estandardizada dos fosfatos avaliadas pelo método de coleta total, em valores percentuais, foram: PPA = 86,9, PPB = 84,9, PPC = 81,9, MP15 = 89,4, MP45 = 88,8, e MP75 = 92,6. Os coeficientes de digestibilidade total estandardizada dos fosfatos avaliados pelo método do indicador, em valores percentuais foram: PPA = 75,9, PPB = 75,4, PPC = 75,6, MP15 = 84,9, MP45 = 78,0, e MP75 = 79,4. Considerando as duas metodologias avaliadas no presente trabalho, os fosfatos microgranulares constituem a melhor alternativa para a alimentação de suínos em fase de crescimento.

AbstractThis study was realized with the objective to determine the apparent and standardized digestibilities of phosphates to pigs in growing phase, employing two methodologies. Forty-two crossbred barrows with an initial weight of 37 ± 1.1kg were used in a randomized-block design in a 2 × 7 factorial arrangement, with two collection methods: total fecal collection and the use of a indicator (acid insoluble ash [AIA]) × seven treatments, which consisted of a control diet (CTR); three diets containing phosphate in powder form (PP): PPA= CTR + powder phosphate A, PPB= CTR + powder phosphate B, and PPC= CTR + powder phosphate C; and another three diets containing the microgranular phosphate (MP): MP15= CTR + microgranular phosphate 15%, MP45 = CTR + microgranular phosphate 45% and MP75= CTR + microgranular phosphate 75%). The values of 15, 45, and 75% correspond to the water-solubility of the phosphates. There were six replicates, and the pig was considered as experimental unit. The standardized digestibility coefficients of the phosphates assessed by the total collection method, in percent values, were: PPA = 86.9, PPB = 84.9, PPC = 81.9, MP15 = 89.4, MP45 = 88.8, and MP75 = 92.6. The standardized-digestibility coefficients of the phosphates evaluated by the indicator method (AIA) in percent values were: PPA = 75.9, PPB = 75.4, PPC = 75.6, MP15 = 84.9, MP45 = 78.0, and MP75 = 79.4. Considering the two methodologies evaluated in the present work, the microgranular phosphates constitute the best alternative for feeding pigs in the growth phase.

Foram conduzidos dois experimentos para avaliar o efeito da adição de glutamina, óleo de peixe ou parede celular de levedura à dieta de leitões desmamados sobre a expressão da enzima ornitina descarboxilase (ODC), o conteúdo de proteína e DNA em amostras de intestino delgado e o desempenho. No primeiro experimento foram utilizados 24 leitões desmamados para medir o desempenho nas fases pré-inicial, inicial 1 e inicial 2. Foram testadas quatro dietas (T1 -dieta basal (DB); T2 - DB + 1% de glutamina; T3 -DB + 0,2% de parede celular de levedura; T4 -DB + 5% de óleo de peixe). No segundo experimento foram utilizados 45 leitões desmamados e distribuídos num delineamento em blocos casualizados, em esquema fatorial, com quatro dietas e três idades de abate (ao desmame, sete e 14 dias pós-desmame). As dietas testadas não alteraram o desempenho dos leitões em nenhuma das fases. Houve redução da expressão da enzima ODC, da concentração de proteína e da relação proteína/DNA aos sete dias pós-desmame, com aumento dos valores aos 14 dias, evidenciando um estado de hipotrofia da mucosa, sugerindo que o processo de síntese protéica no intestino delgado ficou comprometido na primeira semana após o desmame, e apresentou sinais de recuperação na segunda semana.

Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the effect of adding glutamine, fish oil or yeast cellular wall to the diet of weaned piglets on the expression of the enzyme ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the protein content and DNA in small intestine samples and on performance. In the first experiment, 24 weaned piglets were used to measure the performance at the phases prestarter, starter 1 and starter 2. Four diets were tested (T1 -basal diet (BD); T2 -BD + 1% of glutamine; T3 -BD + 0,2% of yeast cellular wall; T4 -BD + 5% of fish oil). At the second experiment 45 weaned piglets were used and distributed in a randomized block design, in factorial outline with four diets and three slaughter ages (on the day of weaning, on the seventh and fourteenth days postweaning). The tested diets did not alter the piglets' performance in none of the phases. There was reduction of the expression of the ODC enzyme, of the protein concentration and of the relationship protein/DNA to the seven days postweaning, with increase of the values on the 14th day, evidencing a state of hypotrophy of the mucous membrane, suggesting that the process of protein synthesis in the small intestine was diminished in the first week after weaning, but it presented recovery signs in the second week.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the inclusion of yeast extract as a partial replacemer of blood plasma in piglet diets and its effect on the performance and intestinal morphometry of pigs weaned at 21 days of age. One hundred and twenty animals were randomized into blocks, with five diets (4.0% blood plasma; 2.0% blood plasma with 0.0; 1.0; 2.0 or 3.0% yeast extract), six replicates and four pigs per experimental unit. At 35 days of age, one pig per experimental unit was slaughtered in order to evaluate duodenal and jejunal morphometry. The levels of yeast extract had a quadratic impact on daily feed intake and final weight, which increased up to the estimated level of 1.91%. Daily weight gain and feed conversion rate were not affected. A comparison between diets containing different levels of yeast extract and the basal diet showed that the diets containing 2.0% and 1.0% yeast extract provided the highest final weight and the worst feed conversion rate, respectively. Duodenal villus height and crypt depth were quadratically affected by yeast extract levels and the best results were achieved with the estimated levels of 1.64 and 1.16%, respectively. The levels of yeast extract provided a linear increase in the duodenal villus:crypt ratio, but did not change the morphometric variables of the jejunum. No difference was found in the morphometric variables of the duodenum and jejunum when diets containing different levels of yeast extract were compared with the basal diet. The results suggest that the inclusion of 1.91% yeast extract allows for a partial replacement for plasma in the diet, decreasing plasma inclusion from 4.0 to 2.0%.

Foram conduzidos dois experimentos para avaliar a suplementação enzimática (amilase, pentosanase, celulase, protease e a-galactosidase) em rações à base de milho e farelo de soja para suínos. No Exp 1, foram determinadas as digestibilidades aparentes da energia, matéria seca, proteína e das fibras das rações, com ou sem o complexo enzimático, para suínos machos castrados, com 19,96 ± 2,90 kg de peso vivo. Foi utilizado o método da coleta total de fezes e as rações foram formuladas com níveis reduzidos de energia, proteína e aminoácidos. No Exp 2, foram mensurados o desempenho, a excreção de sólidos totais e voláteis, matéria mineral, nitrogênio, macro e microminerais nas fezes, em relação ao desempenho, de suínos machos castrados dos 50 aos 151 dias de idade, com peso médio inicial de 18,34 ± 1,35 kg. Foram utilizadas três dietas, sendo uma ração formulada para atender ou exceder as exigências nutricionais dos animais, de acordo com o NRC (1998), e outras duas com níveis reduzidos de energia, proteína e aminoácidos, suplementadas ou não com o complexo enzimático. Foi utilizado o delineamento em blocos casualizados. A suplementação enzimática em rações contendo milho e farelo de soja não promoveu incrementos na digestibilidade de nutrientes, não melhorou o desempenho dos animais e também não reduziu a excreção de resíduos pelas fezes. Mais estudos são necessários para testar novas matrizes e diferentes níveis do complexo enzimático.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate dietary enzyme supplementation (amylase, pentosanase, celulase and a-galactosidase) in corn-soy diets for swine. In the Exp 1, the apparent digestibilities of energy, dry matter, protein and fibers of the feeds were determined, using a nutritional matrix with or without enzyme supplementation for barrows with 19.96 ± 2.90 kg body weight. The total feces collection method was used and the diets were formulated with reduced energy, protein and amino acids levels. In the Exp 2, growth performance, production and composition of feces in total solids, volatile solids, nitrogen, macro and micro minerals, in relation to growth performance, were measured in barrows from 50 to 151 days of age and 18.34 ± 1.35 kg initial body weight. Three experimental diets were used, one formulated to meet or exceed the nutritional requirements of swine according to NRC (1998) and the others with reduced energy, protein and amino acids levels, with or without the enzyme complex. It was used a complete randomized block design. Dietary enzyme supplementation in feeds based mainly on corn and soybean meal did not improve nutrient digestibilities and growth performance neither reduced nutrient excretion in feces. More research is necessary to test new nutritional matrix and different levels of the enzyme complex.

O experimento foi realizado para avaliar o efeito da utilização de soja integral fermentada (SIF), soja integral extrusada (SIE) e farelo de soja (FS), em substituição ao leite em pó (LP) da dieta, sobre desempenho e alterações morfológicas do sistema digestivo de leitões dos 14 aos 35 dias e dos 14 aos 56 dias e o seu efeito residual dos 36 aos 56 dias de idade. Foram utilizados 96 leitões machos, mestiços (Landrace x Large White), desmamados aos 14 dias de idade, em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos, quatro repetições e seis animais por unidade experimental. A fonte de proteína influenciou o desempenho dos leitões dos 14 aos 35 e dos 14 aos 56 dias de idade. Os animais que receberam dieta com LP apresentaram maior ganho de peso nas três primeiras semanas após o desmame e no período total. No entanto, no período de 36 aos 56 dias, não se observou influência dos tratamentos sobre o desempenho dos animais. Verificou-se efeito da fonte de proteína na altura de vilosidade (AV), na relação vilosidade: cripta dos leitões abatidos aos 21 dias de idade e na AV dos animais abatidos com 35 dias de idade. Os animais que receberam dieta com LP apresentaram maior AV que os dos demais tratamentos. Concluiu-se que o LP pode ser substituído pela SIE e pelo FS nas dietas de leitões desmamados aos 14 dias de idade e os altos níveis de fatores antitripsina na SIF comprometeram os resultados.

The experiment was carried out to evaluate the effect of the use of whole fermented soybean (WFS), whole extruded soybean (WES) and soybean meal (SBM) in replacement to the dried milk (MD) of the diet on the performance, feed intake and morphological alterations on the digestive system of piglets from 14 to 35 day and from 14 to 56 days, and its residual effects from 36 to 56 days of age. Ninety-six crossbreed (Landrace x Large White) piglets weaned at 14 days of age were allotted to a completely randomized experimental design with four treatments, four replicates and six animals per experimental unit. The protein source affected the piglets performance from 14 to 35 days and from 14 to 56 days of ages. The piglets that were fed MD based diet showed better weight gain on the first three weeks after weaning and on the total period. However, from 36 to 56 days of age it was not observed the influence of the treatments on the piglets performance. It was observed effect of protein source on villus height (VH) and villus: cripta ratio of pigs slaughtered at 21 days of age, and on the VH of the piglets slaughtered at 35 days of age; pigs fed MD based diets showed higher VH than other treatments. Whole extrude soybean and SBM can replace the MD in diets of piglets weaned at 14 days of age and that the high level of anti-trypsin factors in the WFS compromised the results.

RESUMO - Este experimento foi realizado para determinar a exigência de proteína bruta para suínos mestiços (Landrace x Large White), machos, castrados dos 15 aos 30 kg, mantidos em ambiente de conforto térmico. Durante o período experimental, a temperatura da sala manteve-se em 23,1±1,19°C, com umidade relativa de 80,6±4,59% e índice de temperatura do globo e umidade de 69,85±1,38. Foi usado um total de 60 leitões mestiços, machos castrados, com peso médio inicial de 14,8±0,85kg e final de 29,3±2,42 kg. Foi usado delineamento de blocos ao acaso, com cinco tratamentos (17,0; 18,0; 19,0; 20,0; e 21,0% de proteína bruta), seis repetições e dois animais por unidade experimental. O nível de proteína bruta na ração influenciou o ganho de peso diário e os consumos de proteína e lisina diários, que aumentaram linearmente. Entretanto, a conversão alimentar diminuiu linearmente. Não houve efeito do nível de proteína sobre os consumos de ração e energia diários. A taxa de deposição de gordura não foi influenciada, enquanto a taxa de deposição de proteína aumentou quadraticamente até o nível de 20,0% de proteína bruta. Os pesos absolutos do fígado e do intestino e o peso relativo do fígado aumentaram linearmente com o crescente nível de proteína bruta da ração. A concentração de uréia plasmática não foi influenciada pelos níveis de proteína bruta da ração. Suínos mestiços, machos, castrados de 15 a 30 kg, mantidos em ambiente de conforto térmico exigem 20,0% de proteína bruta na ração, correspondente a 0,90% de lisina total ou 57 g de proteína/Mcal ED. O nível de uréia no plasma sangüíneo não foi um parâmetro adequado para estimar a exigência de proteína bruta.

ABSTRACT - This experiment was carried out to evaluate the requirement of crude protein for initial growing crossbred barrows (Landrace x Large White), from 15 to 30 kg, maintained in thermal comfort. During the experimental period, the room temperature was maintained at 23.1±1.19°C, with relative humidity at 80.6±4.59% and Black Globe Index Humidity at 69.8±1.38. Sixty crossbred barrows with initial average weight of 14.8±0.85 kg and final weight of 29.3±2.4 2kg, were used. A completely randomized blocks design, with five treatments (17.0, 18.0, 19.0, 20.0 and 21.0% of crude protein), six replicates and two animal per experimental unit was used. The dietary crude protein level influenced the daily weight gain and protein and lysine daily intakes that linearly increased. However, the feed:gain ratio linearly decreased. There was no effect of crude protein level on diet and digestible energy daily intakes. The fat deposition rate was not affected, while the protein deposition rate in a quadratic way increased up to the crude protein level of 20.0%. The absolute and relative weight of liver linearly increased as dietary crude protein level increased. The urea plasma concentration was not affected by the dietary crude protein level. Crossbred barrows pigs, from 15 to 30 kg, maintained under thermal comfort, require 20.0% of dietary crude protein, corresponding to 0.901% of total lysine or 57 g of protein/Mcal DE. The plasma urea concentration did not constitute to be an adequate parameter to estimate the crude protein requirement.

Vinte e cinco leitoas dos 30 aos 60 kg PV, mantidas em temperatura ambiente baixa, foram usadas para avaliar o efeito de níveis de energia digestível de 3100 a 3700 kcal/kg de ração sobre desempenho, composição da carcaça e níveis séricos de hormônio da tireóide. O ganho de peso diário não foi influenciado pelo nível de energia digestível (ED) da ração, porém influiu de forma linear decrescente nos consumos de ração e proteína. A conversão alimentar melhorou de forma linear com o aumento do nível de ED da ração. O consumo de ED aumentou linearmente com a inclusão de óleo de soja na ração. Foi observado efeito do nível de ED da ração sobre a taxa de deposição de gordura e proteína, que aumentou e reduziu linearmente, respectivamente. As concentrações séricas de triiodotironina livre das leitoas aumentaram linearmente com o nível de energia da ração. O nível de energia da ração não influenciou os pesos absoluto e relativo dos órgãos avaliados.

Twenty-five gilts, from 30 to 60 kg LW, maintained in cold environment, were used to evaluate the effect of levels of digestible energy (DE) from 3100 to 3700 kcal/kg of diet on the performance, carcass composition and blood serum concentrations of free T3. The daily weight gain was not influenced by the dietary DE level, however, linearly influenced the dietary and protein intakes. The feed:gain ratio linearly improved with the increased of the dietary ED level. The DE intake linearly increased with the inclusion of the soybean oil in the diet. Effect of dietary DE level on the fat and protein deposition rate, that linearly increased and decreased, respectively, was observed. The blood serum concentrations of free T3 linearly increased with the dietary DE level. Dietary DE level did not influence the relative and absolute weights of evaluated organs.