RESUMO -Um experimento foi conduzido para se determinar o valor energético do óleo de soja refinado, do óleo de canola refinado, do óleo de girassol refinado, do óleo de frango, do óleo de peixe e da banha suína para frangos de corte. Foram utilizados 168 frangos de corte com 22 dias de idade, distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com sete tratamentos (seis fontes lipídicas e uma ração-referência) e quatro repetições de seis frangos por unidade experimental. O experimento teve duração de oito dias, sendo a coleta de excretas realizada nos últimos cinco dias. As fontes lipídicas testadas substituíram a dieta basal em 20% na matéria natural. Os valores de energia metabolizável aparente corrigidos para retenção de nitrogênio na matéria natural foram: 9.201 kcal/kg para o óleo de soja; 8.129 kcal/kg para o óleo canola; 9.561 kcal/kg para o óleo de girassol; 8.251 kcal/kg para o óleo de frango; 8.715 kcal/kg para o óleo de peixe e 8.366 kcal/kg para a banha suína.Palavras-chave: digestibilidade, energia metabolizável, gordura, óleos, valor energético Energetic Value of Some Fat Sources Determined for BroilersABSTRACT -One experiment was carried out to determine the energy value of feeding fats (refined soybean oil, refined canola oil, refined sunflower oil, poultry fat, fish oil and lard) for broilers. One hundred and sixty eight broilers averaging 22 days old were allotted to a complete randomized design with seven treatments and four replicates of six broilers. The experiment lasted 8 days, with three days for adaptation and five days for excreta collection. The control replaced 20% of basal diet, as-fed basis. The values of apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen, as-fed basis, were as follows: 9,201 kcal/kg for refined soybean oil, 8,129 kcal/kg for refined canola oil, 9,561 kcal/kg for refined sunflower oil, 8,251 kcal/kg for poultry fat, 8,715 kcal/kg for fish oil, and 8,366 kcal/kg for lard.

RESUMO -Três experimentos foram conduzidos com o objetivo de avaliar o efeito da utilização de probióticos na dieta de frangos de corte sobre as características da cama reutilizada e das lesões de peito, joelho e coxim plantar. Foram utilizados em cada experimento 800 pintos machos de um dia, da linhagem comercial Ross, alojados em 20 boxes, em densidade populacional de 10 aves/m 2 . O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado e os tratamentos distribuídos em esquema fatorial 2 × 2 (cama nova ou reutilizada × rações com ou sem probiótico). O probiótico utilizado nas dietas foi composto porBacillus subtilis e B. coagulans (2x10 9 e 1x10 7 ufc, respectivamente). Aos 42 dias de idade, quatro aves de cada boxe foram abatidas para análise das lesões de peito, joelho e coxim plantar. A cama de cada boxe foi amostrada para determinação dos teores de MS e nitrogênio, do potencial de volatilização de amônia e do pH. A cama reutilizada apresentou maior teor de MS, maiores valores de pH e potencial de volatilização de amônia e menor teor de nitrogênio. O probiótico usado nas rações resultou em maior potencial de volatilização de amônia. As lesões de coxim plantar e joelho foram maiores quando utilizada cama nova.As camas reutilizadas por dois, três e quatro ciclos causaram menores lesões de joelho e coxim plantar. O probiótico não promoveu efeito benéfico sobre a cama reutilizada.Palavras-chave: Bacillus, qualidade da cama de frango, pH, potencial de volatilização de amônia Evaluation of probiotics in diets for broilers raised on new or reused litterABSTRACT -Three experiments were conduced with the purpose of evaluating the effect of the addition of probiotics in the diet of broilers on the characteristics of reused litter and lesions of chest, knee and feet. Eight hundred male chicks, one day old, from Ross Commercial Breeding, were utilized in each experiment. The animals were housed in 20 pens in a populational density of 10 birds/m 2 . The experimental design was completely randomized and the treatments were organized in a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement (new or reused litter × diet with or without probiotic). The probiotic used in the feed was composed by Bacillus subtilis and B. coagulans (2x10 9 and 1x10 7 UFC respectively). When the animals were 42 days old, four birds from each box were slaughtered for determinations of DM and N contents and for measurements of potential for ammonia volatilization and pH. The reused litter presented higher DM content, pH value and potential for ammonia volatilization, and lower N content. The probiotic used in the diet promoted a higher ammonia volatilization potential.The feet lesions were bigger in broilers raised on new litter. It was concluded that litter reused for two, three and four cycles caused less knee and feet lesions and that the use of probiotic in the diet did not promote any beneficial effect on the reused poultry litter.Key Words: Bacillus, pH, poultry litter quality, potential for ammonia volatilization IntroduçãoEstima-se que a produção anual da cama proveniente da...

An experiment was conduced to evaluate the inclusion of sunflower meal (SBM) in commercial layer diets formulated on total or digestible amino acids basis. One hundred forty-four 41-week-old Lohmann LSL layers were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design in a 2 x 4 factorial arrangement with three replications of six birds each. Treatments consisted of a combination of four SBM inclusion levels SBM(0%, 4%, 8%, and 12%) and feed formulation according two amino acid recommendations (total or digestible). The experimental period was divided into five periods of fourteen days. Performance parameters (egg production, feed intake, feed conversion, egg mass) were evaluated for each period. In the last two days of each period, three eggs per replication were collected to evaluate egg quality (Haugh units, specific gravity, egg weight, eggshell thickness, and eggshell percentage). Hens fed on total amino acid recommendation presented the highest values for egg weight. Diets formulated on digestible amino acids basis showed an improvement in eggshell percentage and egg specific gravity. SBM addition in commercial layer diets did not influence performance; however, increasing SBM dietary levels SBM improved eggshell quality

KeywordsRice hulls, cottonseed hulls, soybean hulls, crude protein, egg production. ABSTRACTThis study aimed at evaluating diets containing different fiber sources and two crude protein levels on the performance, egg quality, and nitrogen metabolism of commercial layers. In total, 392 48-wk-old Isa Brown layers were distributed according to a completely randomized experimental design in a 3x2+1 (control) factorial arrangement, resulting in seven treatments with seven replicates of eight birds each. Treatments consisted of three fiber feedstuffs (cottonseed hulls, soybean hulls, and rice hulls) and two dietary crude protein levels (12% and 16%). Cottonseed hulls associated with the high crude protein level (16%) resulted in the worst feed conversion ratio per dozen eggs. Diets with 16% crude protein resulted in the highest feed intake, egg production, egg weight, egg mass values, and improved feed conversion ratio (kg eggs/kg feed). The dietary inclusion of soybean hulls determined low yolk pigmentation, and of rice hulls, low egg specific gravity. The 16% crude protein diet with rice hulls promoted the best feed conversion ratio. Hens fed the reference diet presented higher egg mass and better feed conversion ratio per kg eggs and per dozen eggs. Hens fed the diets with low crude protein level (12%) had reduced nitrogen excretion, but presented worse egg production.

This experiment was carried out to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of different levels of phytase on broiler performance, bone densitometry, and phosphorus and nitrogen excretion. Nine hundred and sixty one-day old broilers, 50% males and 50% females, were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design into five treatments and six replicates 32 birds each. The treatments consisted of a control diet and four diets with the addition 25, 50, 75, and 100 g/ ton of phytase (250, 500, 750 and 1000 FTU of phytase/kg fed). Diets were formulated to contain equal nutritional levels, and considered the phytase product nutritional levels. In general, the addition of phytase resulted in a linear decrease in broiler performance. However, the performance results obtained with the level of 250 FTU phytase/kg feed were not different from the control treatment. The best bone density results were observed in the control treatment, with no phytase. The results of this experiment indicate that the nutritional matrix of the phytase product needs to be reviewed when added in levels higher 250 FTU/kg to broiler diets. INTRODUCTIONAiming at lowering production costs, many current research studies have focused on improving the efficiency of feedstuff utilization and to reduce the impact of animal production on the environment (Payne et al., 2005).Phosphorus is one of the most expensive nutrient of poultry and swine feeds, second only to energy and protein (Borges, 1997). It is nutritionally essential, as shown by its several roles in the body, and it is particularly important during growth. However, two thirds of the phosphorus contained in cereal grains and oil seeds are in the form of phytate, which can bind to other nutrients, rendering them unavailable for poultry and pigs, thereby, requiring dietary inorganic phosphorus supplementation (Denbow et al., 1995).The production of industrial phytase is based on microorganisms, using DNA recombination techniques. This enzyme increases phosphorus (P) availability in plant feed ingredients, where P is usually present as phytate. The dietary supplementation of phytase allows poultry and pigs to more efficiently absorb phosphorus, reducing the amount of inorganic phosphorus supplementation, and promoting better weight gain, feed conversion ratio, feed intake, and bone mineralization, as well as reducing mortality (Qian et al., 1996).Along with calcium, phosphorus has an essential role in bone formation. In the animal, phosphorus comprises about 1% of live weight, and it is carefully considered when feeds and supplements are formulated. About 80% of phosphorus in the animal body is deposited 26in bones and teeth. Therefore, the inclusion of phytase in broiler diets may enhance their bone development. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of different levels of phytase on broiler performance, bone densitometry, and phosphorus and nitrogen excretion in the litter during the starter (1 to 21 days), grower (22 to 42 days), and t...

The experiment evaluated the effect of different calcium (Ca) levels in pre-laying and laying diets on the performance and egg quality of laying hens. Two hundred and fifty-six 16-week-old Brown Hisex pullets were housed in a conventional shed. The experiment had a completely randomized design with 4 x 2 factorial arrangement (four calcium levels-0.8, 1.3, 1.8 and 2.3% in pre-laying phase; two calcium levels-2.5 and 3.5% in laying phase), totaling eight treatments with four repetitions of eight birds per experimental unit. The experiment started with 16-week-old hens receiving pre-laying diets provided until they were 18 weeks old. At this period, the laying diets started. Four 28-day cycles were evaluated for the following variables: production and egg weight, feed intake, feed conversion, mass of eggs and eggshell quality. Results show that a good performance was obtained with 0.8% calcium level in the pre-laying phase, whereas in the laying phase the 3.5% calcium level provided greater weight egg and better eggshell quality.

Consumer demands for healthy foods have stimulated the research on the use of natural products in animal nutrition. Annatto can be used a pigmentation source to improve yolk color of commercial eggs. This study aimed at evaluating the effects of the inclusion of ground annatto seeds on the performance and egg quality of layers fed sorghum-based diets. A total of 336 40-w-old hens were distributed according to randomized blocks into seven treatments with six replicates of eight birds each. The following treatments were applied: T1- egg production feed based on corn and soybean meal; T2- egg production feed based on sorghum and soybean meal; T3, T4, T5, T6, and T7- egg production feed based on sorghum supplemented with 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5% ground annatto seeds, respectively. As to performance parameters, only egg production was influenced, with hens fed the corn-based diet producing more eggs than those fed the sorghum-based diet with inclusion of 1.5 and 2.5% de annatto. The only egg quality parameter affected by treatments was the color of yolk, which pigmentation increased with increasing levels of ground annatto seeds. It is concluded that ground annatto seeds can be supplemented in sorghum-based production feeds for layers, and that the inclusion level of 0.89% is sufficient to promote the same yolk pigmentation as that obtained with corn-based diets

Dois experimentos foram conduzidos para determinar a composição química, os valores de energia e os coeficientes de digestibilidade dos aminoácidos, do farelo de arroz integral (FAI) e da quirera de arroz (QA). No primeiro estudo, foram utilizadas 144 aves, com 21 dias de idade, machos, linhagem Cobb, que tiveram suas excretas totalmente coletadas para determinação da energia metabolizável aparente (EMA) e energia metabolizável aparente corrigida (EMAn). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente casualizado, com três tratamentos e seis repetições, com oito aves cada. No segundo experimento, foi utilizado o método de alimentação forçada para a determinação dos coeficientes de digestibilidade dos aminoácidos. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado, com dois alimentos e um jejum e seis repetições com um galo cada. Os valores de MS, PB, EE, FB, EMA e EMAn foram, respectivamente, para FAI: 88,6%; 11,8%; 15,3%; 10,2%; 2968kcal kg-1 e 2804kcal kg-1 e para QA: 93,5%; 9,1%; 0,73%; 0,45%; 3338kcal kg-1 e 3239kcal kg-1. Os valores médios encontrados dos coeficientes de digestibilidade de aminoácidos essenciais e não essenciais foram, respectivamente, de 75,9% e 73,9%, para FAI, e 77,9% e 76,5%, para QA. Embora tenham apresentado níveis inferiores de energia, FAI e a QA podem ser utilizados nas rações de aves em substituição ao milho, uma vez que tiveram níveis maiores de proteína bruta e aminoácidos digestíveis.