Effect of Density and Lineage on Dorsal Surface Temperature, Performance, and Carcass Condemnation of Broiler Grillers.

The aims of this study were (i) to evaluate the effect of density, lineage, age, and time of day on dorsal surface temperature and (ii) to evaluate the effect of density and lineage on performance and carcass condemnations in broiler grillers. The evaluations were carried out in barns with the Dark House system, with two densities, 17 and 19 chickens/m and two lineages, Cobb and Ross. The dorsal surface temperature of the chickens was measured by infrared thermography at 7, 14, 21, 23, 25 and 27 days of age, four times a day.

Use of chorionic gonadotropins during lactation to optimize postpartum sow reproductive performance: a review.

Treating lactating sows with chorionic gonadotropins may allow controlling their post-weaning reproductive function, despite the occurrence of anestrous during lactation. This article reviews the potential effectiveness of treatment with both equine and human chorionic gonadotropins (eCG and hCG, respectively) during lactation on the control of estrus expression and ovulation in weaned sows. The use of 1,000 IU hCG at 24 and 48 h postpartum may induce ovulation in the treated sows, but the ovulation rate may be variable.

Strategies to alleviate heat stress on performance and physiological parameters in feedlot-finished cattle under heat stress conditions. A systematic review-meta-analysis.

Strategies to alleviate heat stress on live performance - dry matter intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG), and feed conversion efficiency (FCE) - and on physiological parameters - respiratory rate (RR) and panting score (PS) - of feedlot-finished cattle were evaluated by systematic review-meta-analysis. Using the PICO framework were identified 3813 records, with 31 publications and 6729 cattle being considered in the meta-analysis (MA). The comparison most reported was sun vs.

Reproductive performance in gilts submitted to non-steroidal therapies to prolong the luteal phase of the estrous cycle.

Synchronized cyclicity of replacement gilts is crucial to optimize breeding herd management, however, protocols with oral progestogen are expensive and require daily administration. This study tested two synchronization protocols without progestogens during the luteal phase in gilts. In Experiment I, on the day of the expression of the third estrus (D0), gilts were assigned to three groups (n = 6, each): control, with no treatment; PGF25: in which gilts received two doses of hCG (1,500 IU each) on D12 and D15 and two doses of a prostaglandin F2α (PGF) analogue (sodium cloprostenol; 250 µg) 6-h apart, on D25; and PGF30: in which gilts received two doses of hCG (1,500 IU each) on D12 and D15 and two doses of the PGF analogue (sodium cloprostenol; 250 µg) 6-h apart, on D30.

Evaluation of different percentages of Duroc genes and gender on growth, carcass and meat quality traits for pigs.

The effect of different percentages of Duroc genes in crossbreeding (5, 50 and 100%), the gender (immunocastrated males - ICM and females) and their interaction was evaluated on growth, carcass and meat quality traits for pigs. Crossbreds (50% Duroc) had greater average daily feed intake, hot carcass weight and backfat thickness but lower meat yield when compared to 5% Duroc crossbreds and purebred (100% Duroc) animals (P < 0.05).

Successful lactation induction in non-pregnant gilts.

A protocol to induce lactation was applied to non-pregnant gilts. In Experiment I, five gilts with oestrus synchronized through oral supplementation of 20 mg altrenogest for 18 days received: 10 mg oestradiol cypionate (EC) on the last day of oestrous expression (D0); 10 mg EC and 300 mg long-acting progesterone (P4) on D26; and two 0.53 mg doses of a prostaglandin F2α analogue (PGF) 12 h apart on D36.

Metabolic profile of transition period in ewes and its influence on passive immunity transference in lambs.

The intensification of ewe production, focusing on increasing prolificity, results in a higher incidence of metabolic disorders, especially in the transition period, which can lead to production losses with consequences for the health of the animals. The objective of this study was to evaluate the metabolic profile in transition period Lacaune ewes according to the parity and litter size born and its influence on the transference of passive immunity. Nineteen Lacaune ewes, with initial mean body weight of 76.

Assessment of phytotoxicity and impact on the enzymatic activity of soil microorganisms caused by veterinary antibiotics used in Brazilian farms.

This work aimed to evaluate the impact of veterinary antibiotics on biomass phytoproductivity and soil enzyme activity. The soil was sampled in the city of Camboriú (state of SC, Brazil). The soil enzyme activity was assessed through hydrolysis of fluorescein diacetate (FDA), while phytotoxicity was tested using (lettuce).

Carry-over and contamination of veterinary drugs in feed production lines for poultry and pigs.

The current model of pigs and poultry production has increased stocking density and reduced downtime between lots. This scenario may favour a rise of infection and disease risk in animals. To avoid this problem, routine use of drugs has been made, intensifying the possibility of residues in animal products and antimicrobial resistance.

Effects of supplying omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids to gilts after weaning on metabolism and ovarian gene expression.

Omega-3 PUFA may benefit sow reproductive performance, but effects on weaned gilts are unknown. This study evaluated the effects of supplementing omega-3 PUFA to gilts after weaning on growth, metabolic markers, and gene expression of steroidogenic enzymes and hormone receptors. For 52 d, gilts in the control group were fed 100 g/d of regular diets, whereas gilts in the omega-3 group were fed 75 g/d of such diets plus 25 g/d of the microalgae Schizochytium sp.

Optimization of animal manure vermicomposting based on biomass production of earthworms and higher plants.

The goal of this study was to optimize the mixture of swine manure (SM) and cattle manure (CM) used in the vermicomposting process, seeking to increase the manure biodegradation rate and enhance the biomass production of both earthworms and higher plants. To achieve this goal, physico-chemical parameters were determined to assess the final compost quality after 50 days of vermicomposting. The different manure ratios used to produce the composts (C) were as follows (SM:CM, % m/m basis): C1 100:0, C2 (75:25), C3 (50:50), C4 (25:75), and C5 (0:100).

Female lifetime productivity in a swine integration system using segregated gilt development units.

This study evaluated female lifetime productivity in a swine integration system of Brazil that combines segregated gilt development units called fourth sites (4S) and sow farms (SF). Records of 5,013 culled females from 3 4S and 10 SF were evaluated. The most frequent culling reasons were locomotor problems, in 4S, and litter performance, in SF.

Risk factors for stillbirths in two swine farms in the south of Brazil.

We evaluated stillbirth risk factors in two commercial swine farms of the Rio Grande do Sul State (south of Brazil). The study was conducted during 1 month in Farm A and during 2 months in Farm B, both during 1999. Data for all farrowings that occurred during the study period were recorded (101 for Farm A and 373 for Farm B), without interference in the farm management.