Ricardo de Albuquerque

Aflatoxin B1 residues in eggs of laying hens fed a diet containing different levels of the mycotoxin

The present study was carried out to evaluate the excretion of aflatoxin B1 residues in eggs of young laying hens fed aflatoxin B1-contaminated rations for 8 weeks. To this end, 96 twenty-week-old hens were randomly distributed into four experimental groups (24 birds per group) and given rations containing either 0 (controls), 100 μg, 300 μg or 500 μg aflatoxin B1/kg feed. Egg aflatoxin B1 residues were determined by thin layer chromatography; two samples per treatment per week were used for analysis. Egg production and average egg weights were not affected (p < 0.05) in the groups receiving aflatoxin B1-contaminated rations. Residues of aflatoxin B were detected only in the eggs 1 of hens given 500 μg/kg feed, at levels that ranged from 0.05 to 0.16 μg/kg (average: 0.10 μg/kg). The results indicate that the feed to eggs aflatoxin B transmission 1 ratio was approximately 5000:1, emphasizing the importance of controlling aflatoxin levels in rations for laying hens.

Mineral adsorbents for prevention of mycotoxins in animal feeds

Abstract Mycotoxins are toxic metabolites produced by several fungi species, with the aflatoxins, fumonisins, zearalenone, trichothecenes and ochratoxin A being the most important found in feedstuffs. The economic impact caused by mycotoxins motivated the investigation of detoxification strategies to reduce its bioavailability by enterosorption. Although there are several types of adsorbents, the efficiency of the adsorption depends on the physical and chemical characteristics of both the adsorbent and the mycotoxin. This review describes the most important types of mineral adsorbents [aluminosilicates, HSCAS, bentonites (montmorillonites), zeolites, sepiolite, diatomite and activated carbons] used in feeds, especially for poultry and pigs, and their adsorption mechanisms.

Performance of broilers fed diets with different dietary electrolyte balance under summer conditions

The aim of this study was to compare performance and carcass characteristics of broilers fed diets with different Dietary Electrolyte balances (DEB) during the summer season. A total of 1,280 one-day-old Ross sexed chicks were distributed in 32 experimental units according to a randomized block design in a 4x2 factorial arrangement (4 levels and 2 sexes) and 4 replicates per treatment (40 birds per replicate). Feed program consisted of 3 phases (1-21, 22-42, 43-49 days of age). Experimental diets were formulated based on corn and soybean meal and adjusted to 210, 250, 290 and 330 mEq/kg of Na + K - Cl through the addition of sodium carbonate, potassium carbonate and ammonium chloride. Weekly measurements of body weight gain and feed intake were done, and at 49 days, birds were slaughtered to evaluate the dressing percentage and parts yield. Weight gain during the starter phase increased linearly (p<0.01) as DEB increased. Different DEB levels did not affect feed intake or mortality. Carcass characteristics were not affected by treatments. Dietary electrolytic balance influenced weight gain and feed gain ratio from 1 to 21 days, and best results were observed when diets contained 290 and 330 mEq/kg.

Níveis de lisina digestível para frangos de corte machos no período de 37 a 49 dias de idade

One thousand and fifteen commercial male broilers from 37 to 49 days of age were used to evaluate different digestible lysine levels. A completely randomized trial was used, with five treatments (0.90, 0.95, 1.00, 1.05 and 1.10% of digestible lysine, respectively), seven repetitions and 35 experimental units, with 29 birds each. Lysine levels were added in isoenergetic (3,250 kcal of ME/kg) and isoproteic (18% of CP) corn and soy meal rations. Weight gain, feed intake, feed:gain ratio, carcass characteristics and cuts, body composition and nutrient deposition were measured. Digestible lysine levels influenced the feed:gain ratio, with decreasing linear effect. Quadratic effect was observed due to lysine levels used on carcass characteristics, cuts and abdominal fat deposition. The variable chemical composition of the carcass, empty body and mineral matter showed quadratic effect on the digestible lysine levels. The digestible lysine levels had no effect on the chemical composition of blood and offal fractions. However, evidences of linear increase in the protein deposition of carcass and empty body due to the increase in the digestible lysine level were observed. Considering performance, the digestible lysine level should be 1.10% or higher.

Influence of a probiotic on broiler performance

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of a probiotic product (composition: Lactobacillus acidophillus (3.5 × 1011 CFU), Streptcoccus faecium (3.5 × 1011 CFU) and Bifidobacterium bifidum (3.5 × 1011 CFU)) on broiler performance. A total of 1200 one-day-old broilers were reared until 42 days of age, and distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with 3 treatments (antibiotic, probiotic and control) with 10 replicates of 40 birds each. Weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and mortality were evaluated. Concerning weight gain, in the periods of 0-7 and 0-14 days of age, the group fed the antibiotic product presented higher values as compared with the other treatments. However, in the periods of 0-21, 0-28 and 0-35 days of age, birds fed the antibiotic presented higher weight gain only in relation to the control group. Feed intake differences were detected only in the initial period of 0-7 days of age, with the group fed the antibiotic product presenting higher feed intake as compared with that fed the probiotic product, although these groups were not different from the control group. No statistical difference was detected in feed conversion ratio among treatments in any of the evaluated age intervals. Mortality was different only in the period of 0-14 days of age, which was higher in the control group as compared with that of the birds fed the probiotic product, but it was not different from the group receiving the antibiotic. Treatment with probiotic product containing Lactobacillus acidophillus, Streptococcus faecium and Bifidobacterium bifidum does not affect broiler performance.

Dietary effects of chelated zinc supplementation and lysine levels in ISA Brown laying hens on early and late performance, and egg quality

It has been hypothesized that zinc (Zn) levels beyond those that are nutritionally required may favor the utilization of dietary lysine, and consequently reduce the level of its inclusion into the diet. Therefore, the possible effects of interaction between chelated Zn and the level of lysine (Lys) on egg production and egg quality of laying hens were evaluated. In total, 720 ISA Brown layer hens aged 24 to 36 wk (early phase) and 48 to 60 wk (late phase) were allotted in a completely randomized factorial design that used 3 Zn and 5 Lys levels (6 replications, 8 birds/replication). All birds aged 37 to 47 wk (between early and late phases) were fed a standard diet and maintained under the same experimental design. The Zn levels used were 137, 309, and 655 mg/kg; and the Lys levels were 0.560, 0.612, 0.677, 0.749, and 0.851%. The optimal levels of Lys digestibility were based on laboratory analyses with regard to the weighted average relationship between 83.5% digestibility and the total Lys from principal ingredients. There was no effect of interaction found between the dietary levels of Zn and Lys for most of the variables studied; however, each had an independent effect on the variables. An increase in Zn from 137 to 655 mg/kg had no significant effect (P > 0.05) on the performance of hens in both phases; however, it showed a significant effect on egg quality (P < 0.01), principally on mineral composition. Increased Zn resulted in decreased shell weight, percentage of ash, yolk ash deposition, and total ash deposition. On the other hand, an increase in Lys from 0.560 to 0.851% significantly affected (P < 0.002) several performance parameters and the chemical composition of the eggs, including feed intake, feed conversion efficiency, BW gain, egg weight, and production. In conclusion, there was no interaction found between Zn and Lys, but higher dietary levels of chelated Zn reduced bird performance and egg quality parameters, whereas higher Lys levels could be beneficial to bird performance and egg quality.

Effect of dietary fumonisin B1 on laying Japanese quail

1. A 28-d experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of fumonisin B1 (FB1) on egg production and egg quality of young laying Japanese quail fed on fumonisin-contaminated rations. 2. To this end, 128 7-week-old birds were randomly distributed into 4 experimental groups (32 birds per group) and given rations containing 0 (control), 10, 50 and 250 mg FB1/kg feed. Each treatment consisted of 4 replicates of 8 quail. Egg production and egg weight were checked daily. Feed consumption and feed conversion were determined weekly. Eggs laid on the last day of each 7-d period were collected and subjected to individual analysis for specific gravity, Haugh units and percentage eggshell. 3. Compared with controls, quail given ≥ 50 mg FB1/kg had reduced feed intake and lower body weight gain. Feed conversion was reduced only in birds given 250 mg FB1/kg. 4. Mean egg production and egg weight were lower in birds given 250 mg FB1/kg. Eggshell weight was reduced in birds given ≥ 50 mg FB1/kg. However, mean specific gravity, Haugh units and percentage eggshell were not affected by FB1. 5. No histopathological changes were observed in liver, kidney or heart samples from any treatment group. 6. The results indicated that exposure to FB1 at concentrations ≥ 50 mg/kg could adversely affect quail performance, emphasising the importance of controlling fumonisin contamination of quail rations.

Lisina digestível e zinco quelado para frangos de corte machos: desempenho e retenção de nitrogênio na fase pré-inicial

Two experiments were carried out to evaluate different levels of digestible lysine (0.90; 1.00; 1.10; 1.20; e 1.40%) combined with zinc chelate (43 and 253 ppm) to male broiler. The considered periods were: initial phase - performance (1 to 11 days old) and nitrogen retention (1 to 7 days old). A randomized block experimental design in a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement was used. In performance assay, 7 replications and 15 birds per experimental unit was used. In the digestibility essay, 6 replications 6 birds for experimental unit were used. The diets contained 2.960 kcal/kg ME and 21.0% crude protein. In the initial phase, there was no digestible lysine × zinc chelate interaction on performance study, however a quadratic effect of digestible lysine on final weight, weight gain, relative weight gain and crescent linear effect in feed intake was observed. In feed: gain ratio did not differ with digestible lysine level and zinc chelate in the diet. In the performance, the better digestible lysine level for broiler raised in concrete floor is 1.19%. From 1 at 7 days old, there was no influence of the combinations of digestible lysine and zinc chelate on nitrogen balance. The nitrogen retention linearly increased as digestible lysine increased in the diet. This response coincided with linear increase of weight gain and feed: gain ratio. A digestible lysine requirement for male broilers from 1 to 7 days old is equal or bigger then 1.40% for male broiler from one at seven days of age.

Níveis dietéticos de lisina digestível para frangos de corte machos no período de 1 a 11 dias de idade: desempenho e composição corporal

An experiment was carried out to evaluate digestible lysine requirement for male broilers chicks of Ross line from 1 to 11 days old. A total of 1050 one day old male chicks were fed with five isoenergetic (2,950 kcal ME/kg) and isoproteic (23% CP) diets, with digestible lysine levels of 1.12, 1.17, 1.22, 1.27 and 1.35%. A completely randomized bloc design was used with seven replications of 30 birds per experimental unit. A comparative slaughter technique was conducted to determine body nutrients depositions. A decreasing linear effects in final weight, weight gain, relative weight gain and feed intake were observed suggesting a probable amino acid excess in diet. The body chemical composition did not differ among birds, except for blood and offal ashes content, whish shown a quadratic response to digestible lysine levels in the diets. A decreasing linear response was observed for carcass water deposition. The best digestible lysine level for broilers from 1 to 11 days old must be equal to or lower than 1.12%, however further researches must be conducted with lower levels.

Avaliação das características seminais de galos selecionados para a reprodução pelo desenvolvimento da crista

A selecao de galos para a reproducao pelo desenvolvimento da crista vem sendo empregada rotineiramente na avicultura, sendo necessarios estudos para verificar a eficiencia deste metodo de selecao. Este trabalho teve por objetivo comparar as caracteristicas seminais de galos selecionados para a reproducao pelo desenvolvimento da crista. Foram utilizados 65 galos matrizes da linhagem AgRoss, selecionados na 20a semana de idade e divididos em dois grupos: grupo A, animais sem crista desenvolvida (n=33), e grupo B, animais com crista desenvolvida (n=32). Foram realizadas colheitas semanais de semen dos galos de 24 a 71 semanas de idade, para avaliar as caracteristicas seminais. Foram realizados os testes t de Student e de Wilcoxon para comparar os grupos e analises de perfis para verificar efeitos do grupo, idade e interacao grupo x idade. Os valores de volume seminal, concentracao espermatica, motilidade e vigor foram maiores (p < 0,01) para o grupo B no periodo de 24-31 semanas de idade. A percentagem de defeitos espermaticos para o grupo A foi maior nos periodos de 24-27 (p < 0,01) e de 32-35 semanas de idade (p < 0,05). O peso corporal foi maior (p < 0,05) para os animais do grupo B no periodo entre 24-39 semanas de idade e para os galos do grupo A no periodo de 60-71 semanas de idade. Foram observados efeitos da idade e interacao grupo x idade para as caracteristicas seminais, exceto para vigor. Em conclusao, a observacao do desenvolvimento da crista na 20a semana de idade e um metodo eficiente na selecao de galos para a reproducao.