This study evaluated the effects of dietary Pracaxi (Pentaclethra macroloba) oil inclusion on productive performance, egg quality, nutrient metabolizability, yolk fatty acid composition, serum biochemical parameters, organ biometry, and intestinal morphometry in laying Japanese quails. A total of 175 84-day-old quails were assigned to five dietary treatments containing 0%, 0.045%, 0.090%, 0.180%, and 0.360% Pracaxi oil in a completely randomized design with seven replicates of five birds over two consecutive 28-day experimental periods. Productive performance, egg quality, serum biochemical parameters, and organ biometry were not affected by dietary treatments, although feed conversion per dozen eggs increased linearly with increasing dietary Pracaxi oil inclusion. Crude protein and mineral matter metabolizability increased linearly. Among yolk fatty acids, only α-linolenic acid showed a quadratic response, with a maximum predicted concentration of 0.182% at a dietary Pracaxi oil inclusion level of 0.170%. Duodenal crypt depth decreased linearly, whereas the remaining intestinal morphometric variables were unaffected. Overall, dietary Pracaxi oil produced limited biological responses under the conditions evaluated, with no improvements in productive performance despite increases in crude protein and mineral matter metabolizability, changes in yolk α-linolenic acid concentration, and reduced duodenal crypt depth. Further studies are warranted before practical recommendations can be established.

This research was carried out with the objective of evaluating the effects of using a chilling water sprinkler system during the cooling process of swine carcasses on the quantitative and qualitative parameters of carcass and meat. A total of 220 swine carcasses were divided in a completely randomized experiment and two treatments: (1) CONTROL, no water spraying; (2) SPRAY, with water spraying during cooling. Surface and internal temperature of carcasses throughout the cooling process, initial and final pH, and microbiological analyses of carcass surface were evaluated. Samples of the Longissimus lumborum (LL) were collected for analysis of color, cooking loss (CL), shear force (SF), and drip loss (DL). Data were submitted to analysis of variance through the SAS MIXED procedure adopting the most adequate model with treatments as fixed effects and pertinent random effects for each data set. The use of spray-chilling in the initial cooling process accelerates the surface and internal temperature decrease of swine carcasses, which may be a viable technological resource in swine industry.

The trend of replacing antimicrobials as growth promoters in animal nutrition is growing. Functional oils emerge as an alternative because of their richness in bioactive compounds and bioavailability. The present study aims to evaluate the fatty acid profile, antioxidant capacity, composition of phenolic compounds, and toxic capacity in Wistar rats of pracaxi oil (Pentaclethra macroloba). DDPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), FRAP (Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power), and ABTS (6-hydroxy-2,5,7,8-tetramethylchroman-2-carboxylic acid) were performed to assess antioxidant capacity. The composition of phenolic compounds was determined by specific reagents. For the evaluation of subchronic oral toxicity, 40 Wistar albino rats (20 males and 20 females) were randomized into 10 groups with different levels of pracaxi oil administered orally. The doses administered were 0, 300, 600, 1200 and 2400 mg/kg (Group 1 to 5 females and Group 6 to 10 males). The animals were submitted to evaluations described in the OECD manual (Guide 407). The analytical results showed that pracaxi oil has different fatty acids in its chemical composition: oleic, linoleic, arachidic, and behenic acids, which account for more than 90% of its composition. In a smaller percentage, lauric acid (0.17%), myristic (0.09%), palmitic (1.49%), stearic (3.45%), and linolenic acid (1.39%) were also found. According to the results of the antioxidant tests, pracaxi oil has a high antioxidant capacity and is a product with a high presence of phenolic compounds. Regarding the toxicity assessment, there were no alterations in the clinical signs and weight of organs. However, in histology, there were mild alterations of a possible toxic process with the increase in the oil dose. This research is extremely valuable since pracaxi oil is a product with little information about its potential use in animal nutrition.

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of including levels of calcareous seaweed flour in replacement for calcite limestone on the diet under egg conservation at different storage periods. 140 Japanese quails were used in a completely randomized experiment consisting of a 4x4 factorial design. The factorial design was four inclusions of calcareous seaweed (0%, 10%, 20%, and 30%) and four storage periods (zero, seven, 14, and 21 days) with ten replications of three eggs each. The egg quality variables were evaluated. Data were subjected to analysis of variance using Tukey test and polynomial regression at a 5% significance level. There was no interaction effect between the factor's storage time and inclusion of calcareous seaweed (p>0.05). There was an increasing linear effect on shell weight and thickness in relation to inclusion levels of calcareous seaweed. There was an individual effect of egg storage time (p>0.05) on egg weight, yolk color, albumen and yolk height, yolk weight and percentage, albumen, yolk index, yolk diameter, specific gravity, and Haugh unit. The inclusion of up to 30% of calcareous seaweed in replacement for calcite limestone in the diet of Japanese quails improves the weight and thickness of eggshells but does not influence the conservation of the eggs up to 21 days of storage.

This study considered the parameters of the halal market to evaluate different protocols for broiler electronarcosis regarding time to return of consciousness, bleeding efficiency, and carcass and meat quality at a broiler slaughterhouse. One hundred and eighty-four 43-day-old male broilers of the Cobb® strain were used. The experimental design used was completely randomized with 46 broilers for each protocol. The protocols used 80 V and 600 Hz, 50 V and 1000 Hz, 60 V and 1000 Hz, and 70 V and 1000 Hz. Time to return of consciousness, bleeding efficiency, bruising, presence of broken bones in pectoral muscle, and meat quality were evaluated. Birds subjected to stunning by the 50 V and 1000 Hz protocol showed the shortest time to return of consciousness after electronarcosis, and high incidence of breast hemorrhage. Birds subjected to the 60 V and 1000 Hz protocol had a higher percentage of broken bones in the pectoralis minor. The 50 V and 1000 Hz electronarcosis protocol fits better to the halal market due to the shorter time to return of consciousness and improved bleeding efficiency. This study suggests new proposals for stunning protocols to serve the halal market.

Introduction: The purpose of this trial was to assess the influence of homeopathy products on the diet of quails based on egg quality when submitted to different storage periods. Methodology: Two hundred, 45 day old Japanese quails and 80% of production were used, in a completely randomized design comprised of a 4x3 factorial, and 4 diets (basal feed, inert vehicle and 2 homeopathic products: Fertsigo® (Sulphur 10 CH, Sepia 15CH ) and Ovosigo® (Belladonna 12CH,Silicea 12 CH, Natrum mur. 30CH, Calcarea phos. 30CH, Sulphur 12CH) and 3 storage periods (0 days, 7 days and 14 days) with ten repetitions of three eggs per treatment. The weight, percentages of yoke, albumen and shell, albumen height and yolk color, specific gravity, Haugh unit, yolk index and shell thickness were evaluated. The data were submitted to variance analysis to verify whether there was a interaction effect between homeopathy factors and storage time, and when absent, the isolated effects. Results: An interaction between the homeopathic products and time was found for the parameters of albumen height and yolk, Haugh unit and yolk index, which reduced over time. For egg weight, yolk, albumen and shell, a significant effect (p<0.05) was found only in the case of homeopathy for the percentages of albumen and shell. For egg and albumen weights, yolk and albumen percentages, specific gravity and colorimetry there was an effect for time, however these parameters reduced over the storage time in days. The addition of the homeopathic based products Ovosigo® and FertSigo® are indicated for the diets of Japanese quail during the laying phase since it resulted in better weights for the egg and its components. Conclusion: The different homeopathic products did not have an influence on conserving the quality of the Japanese quail eggs during the periods evaluated.

This study aimed to evaluate the use of seaweed Lithothamnium calcareum for Japanese quails to replace the inorganic calcium source commonly used (limestone) and verify its influence on quails' productive performance and egg quality. A total of 168 Japanese quails were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design, with 4 treatments: control feed and diets containing the inclusion of 3 different levels of calcareous seaweed (10%, 20%, and 30%) to replace limestone. Regarding performance, the lowest feed intake by using the equation was 16.24% of inclusion. The inclusion of calcareous seaweed showed a quadratic effect for the parameters egg weight, albumen height, and albumen weight, and from the derivative of the equations, the best performance point for these variables were obtained at 15.61%, 16.06%, 15.65% respectively. Regarding shell thickness and strength, there was an increasing linear effect (p < 0.05) for the levels used, the higher level of calcareous seaweed in the diet, the greater thickness and force applied to break the shell. The inclusion of 15% of calcareous seaweed flour in Japanese quails' diet results in heavier eggs and when up to 30% is added there is an increase in shell thickness and strength.

This study aims to evaluate the effects of the inclusion of different homoeopathic products on the diet of laying quails. We used 200 Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) distributed in a completely randomized design consisting of the adoption of four experimental diets, with eight replicates of five quails each. The treatments were control (without additives), calcium carbonate (vehicle used in the products), Fertsigo®, and Ovosigo®. We determined the performance, egg quality, and blood biochemical profile of quails. The data were submitted to Tukey test at 5% probability. There was a significant effect of the homeopathic products Fertsigo® and Ovosigo® on the variables egg weight, yolk, albumen, and shell percentage. It did not affect the performance and blood biochemical profile (p > 0.05). The addition of the homoeopathic product Ovosigo® and FertSigo® in diets of Japanese quails at the laying phase is recommended because they resulted in the better weight of the egg and its components. Thus, the application of homoeopathy in the production of quails is a viable practice, since it is easy to manage, has a reduced cost, and exerts positive effects on the performance of quails.

This study aimed to evaluate the influence of homeopathic products in diets of quails in the egg quality when submitted to different storage periods. In the trial we used 200 Japanese quails in a completely randomized design with 4 diets: reference diet, vehicle used in homeopathic products and 2 homeopathic products - Fertsigo® and Ovosigo® with ten replicates of three eggs in each. Egg quality parameters were evaluated during 3 storage periods. Data were evaluated as repeated measures in time, the effects of the interactions between treatments and time as well as their isolated effects were verified. There was the interaction between homeopathic products and storage time in the parameters of albumen and yolk height, Haugh unit, and yolk index, in which a reduction was obtained over time. For egg weight, yolk, albumen and shell, percentage of albumen, and percentage of eggshell there was a significant effect only for homeopathy. The inclusion of homeopathic additives increased egg weight. It is indicated the addition of the product with homeopathic basis Ovosigo® and FertSigo® in diets of Japanese quails in the laying phase resulting in better egg and components but did not influence the quality maintenance of eggs of Japanese quails in the periods evaluated.

Objetivou-se avaliar o impacto da utilização de dois tipos de cama de aviário com a inclusão de níveis de feno de gramínea nestes materiais sobre a qualidade de carne de frangos de corte. Foi utilizado o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com um arranjo fatorial de 3 x 2 (três níveis de gramínea e dois materiais de cama), com seis repetições cada, totalizando 36 boxes, e 30 aves cada. Os tratamentos avaliados foram: 100% maravalha; 100% casca de arroz; 25% feno de gramínea na maravalha; 25% feno de gramínea na casca de arroz; 50 % feno de gramínea na maravalha; 50% feno de gramínea na casca de arroz. Aos 42 dias de idade as aves foram abatidas para extração do músculo do peito. As médias encontradas de cada um dos tratamentos para as variáveis estudadas foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey ao nível de significância de 5%. A inclusão do feno de gramínea nas camas de maravalha e casca de arroz interferiu significativamente no pH da carne de peito, sendo que a inclusão de 25% apresentou maior pH, quando comparada com o material puro. Houve interferência (p<0,05) do tipo de cama em relação à força de cisalhamento (p<0,05) sendo que o material de maravalha obteve menor força de cisalhamento. Com relação às demais variáveis não houve efeito dos tratamentos (p>0,05). A cama de maravalha apresentou melhores resultados em relação à qualidade cárnea, quando comparada à cama de casca de arroz, independentemente da inclusão ou não de níveis de feno de gramínea.

Objetivou-se avaliar o impacto da utilizacao de dois tipos de cama de aviario com a inclusao de niveis de feno de graminea nestes materiais sobre a qualidade de carne de frangos de corte. Foi utilizado o delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, com um arranjo fatorial de 3 x 2 (tres niveis de graminea e dois materiais de cama), com seis repeticoes cada, totalizando 36 boxes, e 30 aves cada. Os tratamentos avaliados foram: 100% maravalha; 100% casca de arroz; 25% feno de graminea na maravalha; 25% feno de graminea na casca de arroz; 50 % feno de graminea na maravalha; 50% feno de graminea na casca de arroz. Aos 42 dias de idade as aves foram abatidas para extracao do musculo do peito. As medias encontradas de cada um dos tratamentos para as variaveis estudadas foram comparadas pelo teste de Tukey ao nivel de significância de 5%.  A inclusao do feno de graminea nas camas de maravalha e casca de arroz interferiu significativamente no pH da carne de peito, sendo que a inclusao de 25% apresentou maior pH, quando comparada com o material puro. Houve interferencia (p 0,05). A cama de maravalha apresentou melhores resultados em relacao a qualidade carnea, quando comparada a cama de casca de arroz, independentemente da inclusao ou nao de niveis de feno de graminea.

A produção e o consumo de carne de frango tem crescido muito durante os últimos anos. Com isso os consumidores e os produtores de frango passaram a se preocupar mais com cada processo produtivo da cadeia avícola, visando assim um produto final de boa qualidade. Assim, objetivou-se avaliar o perfil dos produtores e consumidores de frangos tipo caipira da Região do Alto São Francisco – MG. A pesquisa foi realizada no município de Bambuí – MG, situado no centro oeste mineiro. Participaram do questionário 60 bambuienses abordados em diferentes supermercados da cidade, feiras-livres, e nas próprias residências, onde foram utilizados questionários já pré-definidos. A análise dos dados foi realizada com o auxílio de planilhas eletrônicas, sendo utilizado o Microsoft Office Excel® 2007. Os consumidores de carne de frango caipira estão interessados em saber a origem do produto, bem como a garantia de um produto saudável, com preço acessível, e de qualidade. O sabor do frango caipira ainda é o fator determinante pra quem procura esse tipo de alimento. Pode-se observar com a pesquisa que a produção de frango caipira é uma atividade com grande potencial de venda, mas ainda carece de ferramentas relacionadas a melhoria do processo produtivo, que impulsionem os criadores a trabalharem com mais qualidade. A produção de qualquer produto de origem animal precisa cada vez se adequar as normas de bem-estar, uma realidade que poucos produtores conhecem.

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar a influencia de produtos homeopaticos na dieta de codornas sob a conservacao da qualidade dos ovos, submetidos a diferentes periodos de armazenamento. Foram utilizadas 200 codornas japonesas (Coturnix coturnix japonica), com 45 dias de idade e 80% de producao, em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado composto por um fatorial 4x3 sendo 4 dietas (Calcaria, Fertsigo, Ovosigo e racao controle) e 3 periodos de armazenamento (0 dia, 7 dias e 14 dias) com dez repeticoes de tres ovos por tratamento. Foram avaliados peso e porcentagem de gema, albumen e casca, altura do albumen e gema cor da gema, gravidade especifica, uni- dade Haugh, indice de gema e espessura da casca. Os dados foram analisados estatisticamente quanto a normalidade pelo teste o teste de Shapiro-Wilk e as variâncias comparadas pelo Teste de Levene, considerando o nivel de significância a 5%. Houve interacao entre as doses homeopaticas e o tempo nos parâmetros de altura de albumen e gema, unidade Haugh e indice de gema, onde para todos os parâmetros obteve uma reducao com o passar do tempo. Ja para o peso do ovo, gema, albumen e casca, porcentagem de albumen e porcentagem de casca foi significativo apenas para a homeopatia, sendo o tratamento Ovosigo o que obteve maiores valores. Para peso do ovo e peso do albumen, porcentagem de gema e albumen, gravidade especifica e colorimetria foi significativo para o tempo onde teve uma reducao destes parâmetros com o passar dos dias de estocagem. Conclui-se que os produtos homeopaticos melhoraram o peso dos ovos, atuando na formacao de gema e casca, mas nao influenciaram na conservacao da qualidade dos ovos de codornas Japonesas no periodo avaliado.