ABSTRACT: This study estimated the growth of body, carcass, primal cuts, edible offal, and feathers of Japanese quail reared in two thermal environments, receiving three nutritional plans, from one to 39 days of age. A total of 576 one-day-old female chicks (Coturnix japonica) with an average initial weight of 7.51±0.75g/bird were evaluated in a completely randomized design with a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement (three nutritional plans × two temperatures). The animals were housed in two climatic chambers, at 25 ºC and 35 ºC, using 12 replications with eight birds per experimental unit. Nutritional plans (NP) were as follows: NP1: one diet from 1-21days and another from 22-39 days; NP2: one diet from 1-14 days and another from 15-39 days; and NP3: a single diet from 1-39 days. The growth curves and growth rates of body, carcass, primal cuts, feathers, and edible offal were evaluated using the Gompertz mathematical model. Quail fed NP3 showed higher growth curves and rates for body, carcass, drumstick +thigh, and feather. There was an effect on maturity rate, which was lowest in quail housed at 35 ºC. Among the animals kept at 25 ºC, the group fed NP3 exhibited the highest growth rate and breast weight. The nutritional plan consisting of a single diet offered from 1 to 39 days, formulated based on the tables for Japanese and European quail, is the most suitable for estimating the growth curves (Gompertz model) of Japanese quail housed at 25 ºC or 35 ºC. ABSTRACT body carcass cuts environments age 57 onedayold day old Coturnix japonica 751075gbird gbird 7 51 0 75g bird g temperatures. temperatures . temperatures) chambers unit NP (NP follows NP1 121days 21days 2239 22 22-3 NP2 114 14 1-1 1539 15 15-3 139 1-3 model thigh +thigh feather 5 223 22- 11 1- 153 15- 13

RESUMO: Objetivou-se estimar o crescimento corporal, carcaça, cortes nobres, vísceras comestíveis e penas de codornas japonesas criadas em dois ambientes térmicos e alimentadas com três planos nutricionais de um a 39 dias. Foram utilizadas 576 pintainhas (Coturnix japônica), fêmeas, com um dia de idade, com peso médio inicial 7,51 ± 0,75g/ave, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado em esquema fatorial 3 × 2 (três planos nutricionais x duas temperaturas), alojadas em duas câmaras climáticas de 25º e 35 ºC, com 12 repetições e oito aves por unidade experimental. Os planos nutricionais foram: plano nutricional um (PN1) - uma dieta de 1-21 dias e uma dieta de 22-39 dias; plano nutricional dois (PN2) - uma dieta de 1-14 dias e uma dieta de 15-39 dias; e plano nutricional três (PN3) - dieta única de 1-39 dias. Foram avaliadas as curvas e taxas de crescimento corporal, carcaça, cortes nobres, penas e vísceras comestíveis, através do modelo matemático de Gompertz. Codornas alimentadas com PN3 apresentaram maiores curvas e taxas de crescimento corporal, de carcaça, coxa + sobrecoxa e penas. Houve efeito para taxa de maturidade, sendo inferior para codornas alojadas em 35 ºC. Nas aves mantidas em 25 ºC, observou-se maior taxa de crescimento e peso de peito nas codornas alimentadas com PN3. O plano nutricional composto por uma única dieta ofertada durante o período de um a 39 dias, formulado com base nas recomendações das tabelas para codornas japonesas e europeias, é o mais indicado para estimar curvas de crescimento no modelo de Gompertz de codornas japonesas alojadas em 25 ºC ou 35 ºC. RESUMO Objetivouse Objetivou se corporal carcaça nobres 57 Coturnix japônica, japônica , japônica) fêmeas idade 751 7 51 7,5 075gave gave 0 75g ave g 0,75g/ave temperaturas, temperaturas temperaturas) º 1 experimental foram PN1 PN (PN1 121 21 1-2 2239 22 22-3 PN2 (PN2 114 14 1-1 1539 15 15-3 (PN3 139 1-3 maturidade observouse observou europeias 5 75 7, (PN 1- 223 22- 11 153 15- 13

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate whether replacing corn starch (CS) energy with isolated soy protein (ISP) and soybean oil (SO) and the ambient temperature affect the protein and energy requirements for maintenance and gain of European quail. Thus, a total of 432 European quail from 10 to 30 days of age, distributed in a completely randomized design, were used to estimate the protein and energy requirements for maintenance through the comparative slaughter methodology. The treatments consisted of three diets formulated with the replacement of CS, corresponding to 15% of the metabolizable energy in the diet, with ISP and SO, two controlled temperatures (26 and 35 °C), and three levels of feed supply (ad libitum, and 70 and 40% of ad libitum intake), with four replicates of six birds. Protein and energy requirements for weight gain were determined from 160 European quail, slaughtered every five days at 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30 days of age. Birds were housed in four groups of 40 birds in a room with thermoneutral temperature (26 °C). The energy sources of the feed and temperatures studied affected protein and energy requirements for maintenance and gain of European quail. Replacing CS energy by 15% of dietary energy with SO results in lower protein and energy maintenance requirements for European quail at both temperatures. The protein and energy weight gain requirements of quail fed SO as an energy source is higher than CS and ISP.

RESUMO: O desempenho e as características de carcaça de suínos em terminação alimentados com dietas contendo diferentes níveis de fibra em detergente neutro (FDN) e fibra em detergente ácido (FDA) foram avaliados por meio de meta-análise. O banco de dados foi construído com informações de 24 artigos, 113 tratamentos e 2.507 animais. Análises de correlação e variância foram realizadas. O ganho de peso dos suínos apresentou correlação negativa (P < 0,01) com o teor de FDN da dieta e com o consumo de FDN. A taxa de conversão alimentar apresentou correlação positiva (P < 0,01) com a inclusão de FDA presente nos ingredientes testados e com o consumo de FDN e FDA. A espessura do toucinho apresentou correlação negativa (P < 0,05) com o teor de FDN das dietas. A análise de variância mostrou que o desempenho dos suínos em terminação não foi influenciado (P > 0,05) pela inclusão de ingredientes com alto teor de FDN. Da mesma forma, a inclusão de ingredientes com alto teor de FDA não alterou (P > 0,05) o consumo de ração e a conversão alimentar. Porém, o uso de ingredientes com alto teor de FDA reduziu (P < 0,05) em 4% o ganho de peso dos suínos. O uso de ingredientes com altas concentrações de FDN e FDA afetam negativamente o ganho de peso e conversão alimentar de suínos em terminação, porém fração relacionada a FDA tem relação positiva com a redução da espessura de toucinho.

ABSTRACT: Performance and carcass traits of finishing pigs fed diets containing different levels of neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) were evaluated through meta-analysis. The database was constructed using information from 24 papers, 113 treatments, and 2507 animals. Correlation and variance analyze were performed. The weight gain of the pigs showed a negative correlation (P < 0.01) with the dietary NDF content and with NDF consumption. The feed conversion ratio showed a positive correlation (P < 0.01) with the inclusion of ADF in the test ingredient and with the consumption of NDF and ADF. The backfat thickness showed a negative correlation (P < 0.05) with the NDF content in the diets. The analysis of variance showed that the performance of finishing pigs was not influenced (P > 0.05) by the inclusion of ingredients with high NDF content. Likewise, the inclusion of ingredients with high ADF content did not alter (P > 0.05) feed intake and feed conversion ratio. However, the use of ingredients with a high ADF content reduced (P < 0.05) by 4% the weight gain of the pigs. The use of ingredients with high concentrations of NDF and ADF negatively affect the weight gain and feed conversion of finishing pigs; however, the ADF-related fraction has a positive relationship with the reduction of the backfat thickness.

Abstract This work aims to evaluate the application of ultrasound and marinate with extract of acerola (Malpighia emarginata) residue on the tenderness and lipid oxidation of the meat pork. Samples of loin (Longissimus dorsi) containing approximately 90 g, 10 cm long, 5 cm wide, and 2 cm high were extracted from the pig carcass. The samples were coded and randomly allocated under a factorial scheme 2 (with and without antioxidant extract) x 3 (ultrasonic bath times 0, 5, and 10 minutes); each treatment had four replicates. The final extract volume was adjusted with distilled water, ensuring 200 mg of gallic acid equivalents per kilo of meat. Then, the samples were placed in the ultrasonic bath at a fixed frequency of 170 W, 35 kHz. During the ultrasound application, the bath temperature was maintained at 10 °C with ice/ice water addition when necessary. The acerola´s extract showed a significant effect (P < 0.05) on the meat Cohesiveness and to a lesser extent before rupture. With the modification of the microstructure in the meat, there was a decrease in elasticity. The application of ultrasound to meat (170 W, 35 kHz) in times (5 and 10 minutes) combined with the marinating in a natural antioxidant acerolas residue extract improves the meat's quality characteristics, decreasing the hardness and chewiness.

Abstract This study's objective was to evaluate the physical-chemical, microbiological, and sensory aspects of pork meat with different levels of salting. Pork from the Duroc and Landrace breeds, with an average live weight of 281 ± 15.72 kg, were used. The physicochemical data were analyzed following a completely randomized design with four salt addition levels (30, 50, 70, and 90%). Sensory analysis was performed through a completely randomized design, observing the influence of salt levels in meat. The physical-chemical and sensory variables did not significantly affect (P>0.05) salt addition, except for cooking loss and water retention capacity. It was concluded that the salt introduction levels of 30 and 50% are the most appreciated by consumers. The addition of salt levels in the pork meat does not modify the physical-chemical characteristics and the meat's sensory analysis.

RESUMO Foram realizados dois ensaios experimentais para avaliar a inclusão de biofermentado a base de plantas do semiárido na dieta de leitões na fase inicial. No ensaio I foi avaliado o valor nutricional e a digestibilidade dos nutrientes e os valores de energia digestível e metabolizável do biofermentado. Para tanto, foram utilizados oito leitões com peso médio inicial de 15,2 ± 2,7 kg, alojados em gaiolas de metabolismo, utilizou-se o método de coleta total de fezes e urina. O biofermentado apresentou 80,40% e 68,18% como coeficientes de digestibilidade para a matéria seca e fibra bruta, respectivamente; 10,08% de proteína bruta e 2.865 kcal/kg de energia metabolizável. No segundo ensaio foi avaliada a inclusão de 0; 3; 6 e 9% de biofermentado sobre o desempenho, incidência de diarreia, componentes plasmáticos, peso e comprimento de órgãos digestivos de leitões na fase inicial. Para tanto, foram utilizados 40 leitões com peso médio inicial de 12,6±3,5 kg, distribuídos em delineamento em blocos casualizados com quatro tratamentos, cinco repetições e dois animais por unidade experimental. A inclusão dos diferentes níveis de biofermentado não afetou (P>0,05) o desempenho, o peso e comprimento dos órgãos digestivos e parâmetros séricos. No entanto, a inclusão do biofermentado reduziu (P<0,01) a incidência de diarreia. Conclui-se que o biofermentado a base de plantas adaptadas ao semiárido apresenta potencial de ser utilizado em dietas para suínos na fase inicial.

ABSTRACT Two experimental tests were carried out to evaluate the inclusion of a biofermented semi-arid plant mix in diets of piglets in the initial weaning phase. In the first trial, the nutritional value and digestibility of nutrients and the digestible and metabolizable energy values of the bio-fermented plants mix were evaluated. To do so, eight piglets with an initial average weight of 15.2 ± 2.7 kg were used, housed in metabolic cages, and using the total collection of feces and urine. The bio-fermented plant mix diet presented 80.40% and 68.18% as digestibility coefficients for dry matter and crude fiber, respectively; 10.08% crude protein and 2,865 kcal/kg of metabolizable energy. In the second trial, the inclusion of 0, 3, 6 and 9% of bio-fermented plant mix was evaluated on performance, diarrhea incidence, plasma components, weight, and length of digestive organs of piglets in the initial weaning phase. To do so, 40 piglets with an initial average weight of 12.6 ± 3.5 kg were used, distributed in a randomized block design with four treatments, five replicates, and two animals per experimental unit. The inclusion of different levels of bio-fermented plant mix did not affect (P>0.05) the performance, weight, and length of digestive organs or serum parameters. However, the inclusion of bio-fermented plant reduced (P<0.01) the diarrhea incidence. It is concluded that bio-fermented plants adapted to the semi-arid region has the potential to be used in diets for pigs in the initial weaning phase.

RESUMO Foram realizados dois ensaios experimentais para avaliar a inclusão do farelo de palma forrageira em dietas para coelhos durante a fase de crescimento. No primeiro ensaio foram utilizados 14 coelhos machos Nova Zelândia vermelha, alojados em gaiolas metálicas, e distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com dois tratamentos e sete repetições com um animal por unidade experimental. Foram determinadas a digestibilidade dos nutrientes e a energia digestível do farelo de palma pelo método da coleta total de fezes. O farelo de palma forrageira apresentou 92,24% de MS, 5,63% de PB e 2.347 kcal de ED/kg. No segundo ensaio foi testada a inclusão de 0, 10, 20 e 30% de farelo de palma forrageira na dieta de coelhos e avaliado o desempenho produtivo, as características de carcaça, vísceras e a viabilidade econômica. Para tanto, foram utilizados 40 coelhos machos da raça Nova Zelândia vermelha, distribuídos em gaiolas metálicas, em delineamento inteiramente ao acaso, com quatro tratamentos, cinco repetições e dois animais por unidade experimental. Não se observou influência (P>0,05) da inclusão em níveis do farelo de palma sobre o desempenho produtivo, as características de carcaça e a viabilidade econômica. O farelo de palma pode ser incluído em até de 30% na dieta de coelhos em crescimento.

ABSTRACT Two experimental tests were carried out to evaluate the inclusion of forage cactus meal in diets for rabbits during the growth phase. In the first test 14 male New Zealand red rabbits were used, housed in metal cages, and distributed in a completely randomly design with two treatments and seven replicates with one animal per experimental unit. The digestibility of the nutrients and the digestible energy of the forage cactus meal were determined by the total feces collection method. The forage cactus meal presented 92.24% of DM, 5.63% of CP and 2,347 kcal of DE/kg. In the second test the inclusion of 0, 10, 20 and 30% forage cactus meal in the rabbit diet was tested for productive performance, carcass characteristics, viscera and economic viability. Thus, 40 male rabbits of the New Zealand red breed were used, distributed in metal cages, completely random designed with four treatments, five replicates and two animals per experimental unit. No influence of inclusion levels (P>0.05) on performance variables, housing characteristics or economic viability was observed. The forage cactus meal can be included in up to 30% in the diets of growing rabbits.

Abstract To evaluate the use of different lipid sources in diets of growing rabbits, 60 New Zealand White rabbits were evaluated on performance, carcass traits, meat composition, fatty acid profile and oxidative stability of refrigerated and frozen meat. The experiment was distributed in a randomized block design, in five treatments, with six replicates and two animals per experimental unit (one male and one female). The treatments consisted of five isonutritive diets, with 2.5% soybean oil (SO), sunflower oil (SFO), cottonseed oil (CO), beef tallow (BT) and poultry fat (PF). There was no effect (P > 0.05) of dietary lipid sources on animal performance, carcass traits and meat composition (P > 0.05). Dietary inclusion of beef tallow resulted in a lower proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids in meat compared to vegetable oils. The values of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) indicated higher oxidation in the frozen meat of the animals fed with sunflower oil, cottonseed oil and bovine tallow in their diets. In conclusion, vegetable oils and animal fats can be included in growing rabbit diets without impair performance and meat quality parameters. Dietary inclusion of soybean oil is more advantageous because it promotes the incorporation of polyunsaturated fatty acids and greater lipid stability of refrigerated and frozen rabbit meat.

ABSTRACT This work aimed to evaluate the performance and egg quality of lightweight laying hens supplemented with a high biological value mineral, carbo-amino-phospho-chelates (CAPC), compared with inorganic minerals (sulfates), at different recommended values. A total of 320 Dekalb White hens, between 53 and 77 weeks of age, were distributed in a completely randomized design into two treatments, 10 replicates of 16 birds each. The treatments consisted of a reference diet formulated according to breed manual recommendations, in which one group was supplemented with a trace mineral source, CAPC (Cu, 8.6; Fe, 43.7; Mn, 56.4; Se, 0.34; and Zn, 43.7 mg/kg) and the other with a sulfate source, using the levels recommended in the breed manual (Cu, 8; Fe, 60; Mn, 70; Se, 0.25; and Zn, 60 mg/kg). There was no effect of trace mineral supplementation on egg production variables, feed conversion ratio by mass or by dozen eggs, and eggs per housed bird. However, there was an increase in feed intake and weight and mass of eggs when birds fed diet supplemented with CAPC. Regarding egg quality, CAPC supplementation increased the albumen weight and percentage, shell weight, thickness, and strength, and Haugh unit. The eggs from birds fed CAPC supplementation showed higher levels of iron and zinc when compared with eggs from birds fed the sulfate source diet. Better quality rates were observed in variables related to shelf life for the group that received CAPC. Trace mineral sources and recommendations in the diets of high genetic potential laying hens need to be reassessed and allow us to conclude that totally replacing the sulfate for different recommendations of CAPC in laying hen diets helps to improve quality characteristics as well as the nutritional value of eggs.

ABSTRACT This research aimed to evaluate enzyme supplementation in diets with different nutritional levels for pigs in their feces excretion and anaerobic digestion. Fifty four gilts were placed on diets formulated to achieve 100 or 95 or 90 % of a pig's nutrient requirements, with the addition of an enzyme complex containing amylase, β-glucanase, cellulase, pectinase, xylanase, protease and phytase (diets 100E, 95E and 90E) or without the enzymes (diets 100, 95 and 90). The trial was divided into three periods (1, 1-2 and 1-3) based on the animal weight. The enzyme complex reduced (p < 0.05) excretions per period and per unit of weight gain (residue coefficients) of organic matter (OM) in Period 1, of N, Ca, Zn and Na in Period 1-2, and of Na excretions and residue coefficients in Period 1-3. Animals fed diet 95E had lower excretions (p < 0.05) of dry (DM), organic and mineral matters, N, Ca, Fe, Mn and Cu, and lower residue coefficients (p < 0.05) of DM, OM, P, Fe, Mn and Cu compared with the animals fed diet 95, in Period 1-3. Numerically, the enzyme complex improved biogas and methane production potentials in anaerobic digestion of the feces. The use of an enzyme complex in a diet formulated to provide 95 % of the gilts' nutrient requirements reduced fecal excretion and positively affected the anaerobic digestion of feces. These data show that pig nutrition and feeding are important tools for reducing the potential environmental impact of pig production.

Dietary fiber is an important component, which has a direct effect on intake, digestion, and absorption of nutrients; and also alters intestinal microbiota and morphology according to solubility. One digestibility trial and one performance experiment were performed to evaluate the effects of sources of fiber in diets for 21 day weaned piglets. The experimental diets used in both trials consisted of a control diet and diets with purified cellulose, soybean hulls or citrus pulp as a main source of dietary fiber. To evaluate the digestibility of nutrients (Assay 1), the total feces and urine collection method was used. The fiber sources did not affect nutrient digestibility, except for soluble fiber, which increased with the inclusion of citrus (Citrus sinensisL.) pulp. To evaluate performance, morphophysiology and microbiology of the digestive tract of weaned piglets, a total of 32 castrated male piglets was used. Slaughter of animals was implemented at 35 and 50 days of age. The use of soybean (Glycine max L.) hulls and citrus pulp in diets increased the number of goblet cells and the density of villi in the jejunum. The viscosities of stomach and cecum contents increased due to the addition of citrus pulp. Soybean hulls and the citrus pulp included in diets reduced the occurrence of E. coli in the small intestines of piglets slaughtered at 35 days of age. Among the fiber sources, purified cellulose in piglet diets promotes better performance of animals, due to the modulation of the small intestine microbiota, with lower E. coli occurrence resulting in higher villus density.

Objetivou-se avaliar os efeitos de níveis de polpa cítrica (PC), com ou sem adição de um complexo enzimático nas rações, sobre o desempenho dos suínos e as características de carcaça. Utilizou-se 72 suínos, com 25,71 ± 7,51 e 98,81 ± 10,64kg de pesos inicial e final, respectivamente. As dietas foram formuladas para as fases: 1 - 70 aos 101; 2 - 102 aos 130; 3 - 131 aos 143 dias de idade. Como não houve redistribuição dos animais nos blocos no início das fases 2 e 3, os dados foram avaliados nos períodos: 1 - 70 aos 101; 2 - 70 aos 130 e 3 - 70 aos 143 dias de idade. A inclusão de até 15% de PC, com ou sem a adição do complexo enzimático nas dietas, diminuiu o consumo diário de ração nos Períodos 1 e 2, e melhorou a conversão alimentar no Período 2, porém, os animais apresentaram respostas adaptativas no Período 3. O rendimento de carcaça e a relação gordura/carne diminuíram linearmente, na medida em que aumentaram os níveis de PC, na ausência do complexo enzimático. Na presença do produto, a relação gordura/carne apresentou comportamento quadrático, e o nível de 7,78% de PC determinou a menor relação. A inclusão de até 15% de PC com ou sem a adição do complexo enzimático nas dietas para suínos, não proporciona diferenças no desempenho e pode ser uma alternativa alimentar, sem afetar as características de carcaça.

The purpose is to evaluate the effects of levels of citrus pulp (CP), over the aperformance and the carcass characteristics, with or without the addition of an enzyme complex in the feed. Seventy-two pigs were used, at 25.71 ± 7.51kg initial body weight (BW) and 98.81 ± 10.64kg final BW. The diets were formulated for the stages: 1 - 70 to 101; 2 - 102 to 130; 3 - 131 to 143 days of age. Because there was no redistribution of the animals in blocks at the beginning of stages 2 and 3, the data were evaluated at the periods: 1 - 70 to 101; 2 - 70 to 130; and 3 - 70 to 143 days of age. The inclusion of up to 15% of CP, with or without the addition of an enzyme complex in the diets, decreased the daily feed intake in Periods 1 and 2, and improved feed:gain in Period 2; however, the animals showed adaptive responses in Period 3. In the absence of the enzyme complex, the carcass yield and the fat/meat ratio decreased linearly as the levels of CP increased. In the presence of the enzyme complex, the fat/meat ratio had a quadratic behavior, and the level of 7.78% of CP determined the lowest ratio. The inclusion of up to 15% of CP with or without the addition of the enzyme complex in diets no differences in performance; therewith, it can be a feed alternative, without effect on the carcass characteristics.

Objetivou-se avaliar a produção de fezes+urina por animal e teores de matéria seca, matéria mineral, matéria orgânica, nitrogênio, fósforo, potássio e enxofre nas fezes de suínos alimentados com dietas contendo concentrações crescentes (0, 5, 10 e 15 mg kg-1 de dieta) de ractopamina. Foram utilizadas 468 fêmeas suínas, alojadas em 36 baias de piso compacto. A cada semana foram realizadas duas colheitas diárias de fezes e urina, de quatro baias por tratamento e duas colheitas semanais, de nove baias por tratamento, para determinação da composição fecal. Utilizou-se o delineamento em blocos, em esquema de parcelas subdivididas, sendo as parcelas as concentrações de ractopamina e as semanas como subparcelas. Não houve redução na quantidade de nitrogênio excretado. Observou-se interação entre concentração de ractopamina e semana, para a produção de fezes+urina por animal e para os teores de fósforo, potássio e enxofre nas fezes. A ractopamina na dieta reduz a produção de fezes+urina e a excreção de nitrogênio e fósforo nas duas semanas iniciais. Foram encontrados maiores valores estimados para o teor de potássio nas fezes de animais alimentados com dietas contendo 10 e 15 mg de ractopamina kg-1 entre a segunda e terceira semanas. O aumento na concentração de ractopamina de 5 até 15 mg kg-1 promove maior excreção de enxofre em função das semanas.

A study was conducted to evaluate the feces+urine produced per animal (FUPA), dry matter, mineral matter, organic matter, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and sulfur in feces of gilts fed diets with increasing levels of ractopamine (0, 5, 10 and 15 mg kg-1 of diet). A total of 468 finishing gilts were allotted into 36 pens. In two days of each week, feces and urine were daily sampled in four pens per treatment, quantifying the feces+urine. To determine the characterization of feces, two samples per week were taken daily, in nine pens per treatment. It was used a split plot design, considering the ractopamine level as the plot and the weeks as the subplots. There was no reduction in nitrogen amount in feces. An interaction was detected between ractopamine concentrations and weeks for FUPA and phosphorus, potassium and sulfur in feces. Ractopamine addition in diets for gilts has reduced the feces+urine production and nitrogen and phosphorus excretion. Higher values estimated for potassium content in feces of animals fed diets with 10 and 15 mg of ractopamine kg-1 were found between the second and third week. Increasing levels of ractopamine from 5 to 15 mg kg-1 promoted higher excretion of sulfur over the weeks of supply.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of diets supplemented with plasma and/or yeast extract on performance (daily weight gain [DWG], daily feed intake [DFI] and feed conversion [FC]) and intestinal morphology of piglets from 7 to 63 days of age. A total of 288 piglets aged 7 days and weighing 2.57±0.05 kg were studied. A randomized block design consisting of four experimental diets, six repetitions and 12 piglets per experimental unit was adopted. The pre-starter I (7 to 21 days), pre-starter II (22 to 35 days) and starter I (36 to 49 days) diets were supplemented as follows: control diet (CD): no plasma or yeast extract; plasma (PL) diet: addition of 6%, 4% and 2% plasma; yeast extract (YE) diet: addition of 6%, 4% and 2% yeast extract; plasma + yeast extract (PL+YE) diet: addition of 3%, 2% and 1% plasma and yeast extract each. From 50 to 63 days of age all piglets received the same diet. No difference in performance was observed from 7 to 21 days and from 7 to 28 days of age, whereas DWG was higher from 7 to 35 days in piglets receiving the PL+YE diet (268, 278, 271 and 288 g/day for CD, PL, YE and PL+YE, respectively). From 7 to 49 days and from 7 to 63 days, DWG (330 and 519 g/day, respectively) and DFI (307 and 647 g/day) were higher in animals receiving the PL-YE diet when compared with those consuming CD (DWG: 295 and 486 g/day; DFI: 266 and 594 g/day). No significant differences in intestinal morphology were observed between piglets receiving the different diets. The combination of plasma and yeast extract elevates DWG, but does not affect the intestinal morphology of piglets from 7 to 63 days of age.

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of purified cellulose, soybean hulls and citrus pulp in the diet of weaned piglets. A total of 72 piglets (36 castrated males and 36 females) weaned at 21 days of age (BW 6.45±0.66 kg) was distributed according to a randomized block design, for evaluation of performance, transit time, diarrhea incidence and blood parameters of piglets which received diets containing different sources of fiber. The experimental diets were: control diet - diet composed of corn, soybean meal and a source of lactose; control + 1.5% purified cellulose; control + 3% soybean hull and control + 9% citrus pulp. The inclusion of purified cellulose, soybean hulls and citrus pulp in diets of weaned piglets did not affect the performance or transit time of diets in the gastrointestinal tract. However, the use of purified cellulose reduced incidence of diarrhea. The use of purified cellulose, soybean hull and citrus pulp in the diet of weaned piglets does not affect performance or gastrointestinal transit time. The addition of purified cellulose promotes a beneficial effect to control the diarrhea in weaned piglets.