In the critical period of neurodevelopment (gestation and lactation), maternal consumption of essential fatty acids (FAs) can alter the offspring cognitive function permanently causing damage. Lipids can regulate neurotrophin and compose brain tissue. However, the effects of maternal consumption of a mixture of conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) on an offspring nervous system are not completely clear. We aimed to investigate the impacts of different CLA concentrations mixed into the maternal diet during early life on neonatal reflex maturation and cognitive functions of the offspring. Three groups were formed: control (CG): receiving a standard diet; CLA1: receiving a diet containing 1% of CLA, and CLA3: receiving a diet containing 3% of CLA, offered during gestation and lactation. After birth, the reflex responses of the offspring were observed from the 1st to the 21st day. After weaning, the animals’ anxiety and memory were assessed using open field (OF) and novel object recognition tests. Fatty acids in the breast milk and the offspring’s brain were also quantified. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA and the Kruskal–Wallis test. CLA1 presented accelerated palmar grasp disappearance versus CLA3 and negative-geotaxis versus CG; and the CLA3 presented increases for most reflexes (cliff-avoidance, vibrissa-placing, negative-geotaxis, and auditory-startle response), and decrease in reflexes palmar grasp and free-fall righting versus CG ( p < 0.05). CLA3 group explored less of the OF in the second exposure. CLA1 and CLA3 presented an increased exploration ratio for new objects, which indicates memory improvement. The milk tested from CLA3 demonstrated an increase in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), and a decrease in monounsaturated fatty acids. The amount of CLA in milk was greater in CLA1 and CLA3 and in the brain offspring both presented moderated amounts of CLA. Maternal treatment with the CLA mixture induced anticipated reflex maturation and improved memory in the offspring. Even though CLA was detected in the brains in only trace amounts, offspring’s brain PUFA and SFA levels were increased. Further studies aimed to delineate the effect of maternal CLA supplementation on offspring’s brain lipid metabolism and long-term neurologic outcome are needed to confirm these findings.

Two experiments were conducted in order to evaluate the effect of dietary inclusion of guava extract on laying performance and lipid stability of egg of Japanese quails. For the fi rst experiment, 384 Japanese quails with 42 days old were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments (0.0; 3.0; 6.0; 9.0 g.kg -1 guava extract), 6 replicates, and 16 birds/replicate. The experimental period lasted 84 days, divided into 4 cycles of 21 days. The parameters evaluated were: feed consumption, egg production, egg mass, feed conversion ratio, egg weight, and egg internal and external qualities. On the second experiment, 400 eggs from Japanese quails fed with diets containing four levels of guava extract were distributed in a completely randomized design with a 4x4 factorial arrangement (guava extract levels and storage time: 0, 9, 18, 27 days) with 5 replicates. Analysis of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances was performed on egg yolks. Data were submitted to regression analysis, using α=0.05. On the fi rst experiment, the laying performance parameters were not infl uenced by the inclusion of guava extract in the feed, and eggshell thickness decreased linearly. On the second experiment an interaction was observed between the studied factors, affecting lipid oxidation in egg yolks. At nine days of storage, there was a quadratic effect of levels of dietary guava extract on lipid oxidation of yolk, being observed that using 4.8 g.kg -1 of guava extract on feed results in less lipid oxidation.

Different chilling treatments are used before meat storage. The effect of spray chilling (SC) on meat quality appears to vary. Here, we investigated the effects of SC on beef carcass weight loss and meat quality during subsequent storage. The 2-h SC program tested involved 180-s initial spraying, followed by 60-s spray cycles at 540-s intervals. Deboned chuck tender (IMPS 116B) beef cuts were vacuum-packaged and stored for up to 60 d. Purge and cooking losses, Warner-Bratzler shear force, meat colour [CIE L*, a*, b*], and microbiological quality were evaluated. SC reduced carcass weight loss (P<0.001) compared with conventional chilling. However, storage time affected the purge and cooking losses, and Warner-Bratzler shear force. CIE a* and b* values increased (P<0.05) after 30-d aging in both chilling treatments. Pronounced psychrotrophic growth was observed during storage after both treatments. In conclusion, SC can be used to reduce the economic losses associated with meat chilling, without affecting meat quality attributes.

Brasil. 2. Produção animal. I. Ruiz, Valeska Regina Reque. II. Série. CDD 636.089025 Elaborado por Maurício Amormino Júnior-CRB6/2422 O conteúdo dos artigos e seus dados em sua forma, correção e confiabilidade são de responsabilidade exclusiva dos autores. 2019 Permitido o download da obra e o compartilhamento desde que sejam atribuídos créditos aos autores, mas sem a possibilidade de alterá-la de nenhuma forma ou utilizá-la para fins comerciais. www.atenaeditora.com.br APRESENTAÇÃO As cadeias produtivas têm ganhado destaque na economia nacional havendo necessidade de se promover melhoria do desempenho dos diversos setores envolvidos, especialmente aqueles que envolvem a produção animal. Dentre as cadeias produtivas de maior destaque temos as criações de ruminantes (bovinos, ovinos e caprinos), a piscicultura (que tem aumentando consideravelmente), a avicultura, a suinocultura e a criação de animais não convencionais (como codornas e coelhos). Para que produtores possam continuar com este crescimento, há necessidade de aperfeiçoamento nas áreas da ciência, tecnologia e inovação. Pensando nisto a Editora Atena traz esta compilação de artigos sobre produção animal, como forma de aprofundar o entendimento sobre as cadeias da produção animal, separados de forma a facilitar a busca e a leitura, destacando as principais produções, produções não convencionais e a agricultura familiar.

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