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This study evaluated litter performance, behavioral and physiological parameters, and milk characteristics of sows submitted to different thermal environments. Fifty sows were distributed in a completely randomized design with two treatments: an evaporative cooling system (ECS) and a conventional system (CS). Sow and its litter were characterized as an experimental unit. The animals were weighed at equalization and weaning. Feed intake, milk production, and bromatological characteristics of milk were measured; the sows respiratory rate, rectal, and surface temperature were monitored. Litter uniformity was determined at equalization and weaning. Behaviors of the sows and litters were monitored for 24 h on the 7th and 15th day of lactation. Temperature and relative humidity inside the maternity was 25.00 to 28.00 °C and 26.00 to 32.55 °C and 30.00 to 70.00% and 70.00 to 88.00%, respectively, considering ECS and CS. Nutritional quality of the milk remained stable during lactation in both systems evaluated. ECS improved the average weight of the piglets, weaning weight, and daily milk production by 0.038, 0.699, and 2.31 kg/day, respectively. Sows housed in the ECS had a reduction in physiological parameters and, increase in inactive alert behavior (1.79 percentage points) and breastfeeding behavior. Piglets showed a decrease of 2.43% in the range of feedings at night and 0.15% during the day. ECS provided better comfort to the sows at the expense of the CS and, consequently, better litter performance.

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The objective was to evaluate the effect of phytogenic supplementation in the feed of lactating sows on the performance parameters of sows and suckling piglets. Ninety-three lactating sows of commercial lines (sows TN70) were distributed in a completely randomized design. The treatments adopted were a control diet without phytogenics (control) and a control diet with phytogenic supplementation in the feed. Performance parameters and the behaviors of sows and piglets were evaluated, in addition to milk composition and the biochemical parameters of the animals. The use of phytogenics did not affect the feed intake or tissue mobilization of the sows. However, it improved the production and quality of milk and reduced the possibility of light piglets at weaning by 22.16 percentage points. Regarding biochemical parameters, phytogenics improved animal recovery in the lactation period, as proven by an increase in the serum concentration of total protein and urea. Sows that received phytogenics exhibited increased behaviors of inactivity (3.16%), breastfeeding (1.15%), and water consumption (0.95%). In conclusion, using phytogenics in the feed of lactating sows improves the performance of the litters without affecting the body condition of the sows, with increased milk production and enhanced protein and lactose concentration.

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Objetivou-se, com este trabalho, avaliar o efeito da utilização de complexo enzimático em rações para leitões sobre o desempenho zootécnico nas fases pré-inicial e inicial. Foram utilizados, para isso, 292 leitões, machos castrados e fêmeas, de linhagem comercial. O período de suplementação da enzima, na maternidade, foi do sétimo ao vigésimo primeiro dia de idade, e, na creche, foi do desmame até a saída para a fase de crescimento. O delineamento utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado, sendo a matriz e sua leitegada consideradas a unidade experimental durante a maternidade e uma baia com dez leitões na creche. Na maternidade, os tratamentos consistiram em: T1 - ração controle, sem complexo enzimático; T2 - ração controle com adição on top do complexo enzimático com inclusão de 5%. Na creche, foram definidos três tratamentos: T1 - ração controle; T2 - ração controle com inclusão on top de 5% do complexo enzimático na fase de maternidade; T3 - ração controle com inclusão de 5% de complexo enzimático nas fases de maternidade e creche. A suplementação durante a lactação não influenciou o desempenho da leitegada na maternidade até o 21º dia. Na creche, leitões alimentados com ração controle apresentaram maior peso inicial em relação aos suplementados na fase de maternidade e creche. Ao término da fase, os leitões mostraram desempenho semelhante, independente da dieta. Conclui-se que a inclusão do complexo enzimático na forma on top em dietas para leitões não influenciou parâmetros de desempenho na maternidade, porém, favoreceu a recuperação de leitões desmamados com menor peso.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of using an enzymatic complex in piglet feeds on the zootechnical performance in the pre-starter and initial phases. For this purpose, 292 piglets, castrated males and females, of commercial lineage were used. The enzyme supplementation period in the maternity hospital was from the seventh to the twenty-first day of age, and in the nursery, it was from the waning until the exit for the growth phase. The design used was completely randomized, with the mother and her litter considered the experimental unit during maternity and a stall with 10 piglets in the nursery. In maternity, the treatments consisted of: T1 - control feed, without the enzymatic complex; T2 - control diet with on top addition of the enzymatic complex with 5% inclusion. Three treatments were defined at the nursery: T1 - control feed; T2 - control diet with inclusion on top of 5% of the enzymatic complex in the maternity phase; T3 - control feed with the inclusion of 5% enzymatic complex in the maternity and nursery phases. Supplementation during lactation did not influence litter performance in the maternity unit until 21 days. In the nursery, piglets fed with control feed had higher initial weight compared to those supplemented in the maternity and nursery phases. At the end of the phase, the piglets showed similar performance, regardless of diet. It is concluded that the inclusion of the enzymatic complex used in the on top form in diets for piglets did not influence performance parameters in maternity; however, it favored the recovery of weaned piglets with lower weight.

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White-lipped peccary (Tayassu pecari) is a neotropical mammal that plays a fundamental role in maintaining the integrity of tropical forest systems. However, due to hunting and deforestation the species is currently classified as vulnerable. As there are reports of difficulties in captive reproduction, it was proposed to use assisted reproduction techniques for later reintroduction into their natural habitat. Therefore, the objective was to describe the physical, chemical, morphological and functional characteristics of its semen. Sixteen adult male, white-lipped peccary, aged between three and seven years old, distributed in three groups, were used in this study. After physical and chemical retainment, semen was collected by electroejaculation from 16 individuals. It was evaluated by computer analysis (CASA). The mean values recorded were as follows: volume 0.5 ± 0.6 ml, pH 7.2 ± 0.3, sperm concentration 967.2 ± 947.3 × 106 spermatozoon/ml and total motility of 75.4 ± 16.2. The average sperm reactive to the hypo-osmotic test was 85.3% ± 21.0%, and 62.4% ± 43.9% of the cells presented intact membranes in the structural integrity test. Additionally, the semen showed milky consistency (80%), yellowish colour (40%) and sui generis odour (100%). The sperm parameters of the white-lipped peccary are within the desirable standards, allowing them to be considered as potentially fertile for the development of assisted reproduction techniques that may contribute to the conservation of the species.

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Two experiments were carried with broilers from 29 to 42 days of age for the nutritional evaluation of dietary chia. Thus, the nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolizable energy (AMEn) and the apparent metabolizability coefficients of gross energy and ether extract of chia seeds and oil, toasted soybean grain (TSG), and soybean oil were determined in the experiment I, by total excreta collection method, using 120 broilers. Each experimental diet (reference diet [RD] and four diets with the tested feedstuffs) was evaluated in eight replicates of three broilers. The TSG and chia seeds replaced the RD in 250 g/kg, whereas soybean and chia oils replaced the RD in 100 g/kg. Simultaneously, a second experiment was carried subdivided into two trials. In the performance trial, we evaluated the dietary feedstuffs effects on performance, carcass and cut yields, blood parameters, and activity of lipogenic enzymes. The nutrient metabolizability coefficients and AMEn were evaluated in the metabolism trial. The AMEn values of 37.49, 37.35, 15.85, and 8.43 MJ/kg of dry matter were determined for chia oil, soybean oil, TSG, and chia seeds, respectively (experiment I). In the second experiment, the best feed conversion was observed in broilers fed diets containing chia oil and TSG. However, the diet formulated with chia seeds worsened broiler feed conversion, exhibited the smaller energy value and apparent metabolizability coefficient of the ether extract, and increased the activity of the malic enzyme and serum total cholesterol level. There was no difference for glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase activity and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level. In general, chia oil showed to be efficient in replacing soybean oil in broiler diets.(AU)

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The objective of this study was to evaluate the economic viability of L-arginine supplementation in diets for sows during the lactation phase. A descriptive case study was carried out to identify the economic viability of the supplementation of L-arginine in the lactation ration, in relation to the control diet, on the productive performance of hyper prolific sows and their litters. The study was carried out on a commercial farm located in the state of Minas Gerais. It analyzed feasibility criteria such as the marginal physical product (MPPg) and gross margin (GM) in the scenario of technical and economic efficiency, which were compared to the GM in the control group. Technical efficiency was established at 0.71% of L-arginine in daily feed intake according to previous fieldwork by the authors, while economic efficiency obtained in this study was 0.43% supplementation. The relationship between the L-arginine price and the sale price of the piglets directly determined the economic viability, compared to the control group. Thus, initially considering the price of a piglet as R$ 9.76/kg, the cost of L-arginine should not exceed 6.61 times this value; that is, it is estimated at up to R$ 64.50. Therefore, at the final price of L-arginine of R$ 54.88, a piglet should be sold at a price of R$ 8.30/kg to make the supplementation of L-arginine in the diet of lactation-phase swine economically possible.

O objetivo com o trabalho foi avaliar a viabilidade econômica da suplementação de L-arginina em dietas para matrizes suínas durante a fase de lactação. Um estudo de caso descritivo foi realizado para identificar a viabilidade econômica da suplementação de L-arginina na ração de lactação, em relação à dieta controle, sobre o desempenho produtivo de matrizes suínas hiperprolíficas e suas leitegadas. O estudo foi realizado em uma granja comercial localizada no estado de Minas Gerais. Analisou critérios de viabilidade como o produto físico marginal (MPPg) e margem bruta (GM) no cenário de eficiência técnica e econômica, que foram comparados com o GM no grupo controle. A eficiência técnica foi estabelecida em 0,71% de L-arginina no consumo diário de ração de acordo com trabalho de campo prévio realizado pelos autores, enquanto a eficiência econômica obtida neste estudo foi de 0,43% de suplementação. A relação entre o preço da L-arginina e o preço de venda dos leitões determinou diretamente a viabilidade econômica, comparado ao grupo controle. Assim, considerando inicialmente o preço de um leitão como R$ 9,76/kg, o custo da L-arginina não deve exceder 6,61 vezes esse valor; isto é, estima-se em até R$ 64,50. Portanto, ao preço final de L-arginina de R$ 54,88, um leitão deve ser vendido ao preço de R$ 8,30/kg para tornar a suplementação de L-arginina na dieta de matrizes suínas em fase de lactação economicamente viáveis.

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RESUMO

The objective of this study was to evaluate the economic viability of L-arginine supplementation in diets for sows during the lactation phase. A descriptive case study was carried out to identify the economic viability of the supplementation of L-arginine in the lactation ration, in relation to the control diet, on the productive performance of hyper prolific sows and their litters. The study was carried out on a commercial farm located in the state of Minas Gerais. It analyzed feasibility criteria such as the marginal physical product (MPPg) and gross margin (GM) in the scenario of technical and economic efficiency, which were compared to the GM in the control group. Technical efficiency was established at 0.71% of L-arginine in daily feed intake according to previous fieldwork by the authors, while economic efficiency obtained in this study was 0.43% supplementation. The relationship between the L-arginine price and the sale price of the piglets directly determined the economic viability, compared to the control group. Thus, initially considering the price of a piglet as R$ 9.76/kg, the cost of L-arginine should not exceed 6.61 times this value; that is, it is estimated at up to R$ 64.50. Therefore, at the final price of L-arginine of R$ 54.88, a piglet should be sold at a price of R$ 8.30/kg to make the supplementation of L-arginine in the diet of lactation-phase swine economically possible.(AU)

O objetivo com o trabalho foi avaliar a viabilidade econômica da suplementação de L-arginina em dietas para matrizes suínas durante a fase de lactação. Um estudo de caso descritivo foi realizado para identificar a viabilidade econômica da suplementação de L-arginina na ração de lactação, em relação à dieta controle, sobre o desempenho produtivo de matrizes suínas hiperprolíficas e suas leitegadas. O estudo foi realizado em uma granja comercial localizada no estado de Minas Gerais. Analisou critérios de viabilidade como o produto físico marginal (MPPg) e margem bruta (GM) no cenário de eficiência técnica e econômica, que foram comparados com o GM no grupo controle. A eficiência técnica foi estabelecida em 0,71% de L-arginina no consumo diário de ração de acordo com trabalho de campo prévio realizado pelos autores, enquanto a eficiência econômica obtida neste estudo foi de 0,43% de suplementação. A relação entre o preço da L-arginina e o preço de venda dos leitões determinou diretamente a viabilidade econômica, comparado ao grupo controle. Assim, considerando inicialmente o preço de um leitão como R$ 9,76/kg, o custo da L-arginina não deve exceder 6,61 vezes esse valor; isto é, estima-se em até R$ 64,50. Portanto, ao preço final de L-arginina de R$ 54,88, um leitão deve ser vendido ao preço de R$ 8,30/kg para tornar a suplementação de L-arginina na dieta de matrizes suínas em fase de lactação economicamente viáveis.(AU)

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The study assessed the effects of dietary L-arginine supplementation from days 85 to 115 of gestation on sow performance, litter quality, piglet physiology and survival variables in the first 24 hr of life. Twenty multiparous sows, with a history of hyperprolificacy (more than 14 piglets per litter), were used. A completely randomized experimental design was used, consisting of two treatments: feed supplemented or not with 1% L-arginine from days 85 to 115 of gestation. The experimental unit consisted of the sow and its respective litter, using 10 replicates per treatment. The sows were distributed into the treatments based on body condition and parity. Supplementation with L-arginine reduced the within-litter standard deviation and the within-litter coefficient of variation of piglet weight at 24 hr by 54 g and 4.14 percentage points respectively (p = .029; p = .035). Supplementation with 1.0% L-arginine decreased the percentages of piglets weighing less than 800 g by 5.60 and 5.08 points at birth and at 24 hr of life respectively. Piglets from sows supplemented with L-arginine had higher (p = .088) average rectal temperatures at birth and lower (p = .030) rectal temperature at 24 hr of life in comparison with control piglets. No significant differences in placental weight or estimated colostrum production and intake were observed in the first 24 hr of life. At 24 hr of life, piglets weighing less than 1,000 g and from supplemented sows had lower (p = .048) surface/mass ratios and higher body mass index (p = .070). Piglets from supplemented sows and who weighed 1601 to 1,800 g had lower body mass index and ponderal index (p = .002; p = .003). Supplementation with L-arginine during the final third of gestation reduces the incidence of unviable piglets (<800 g) and improved litter uniformity and piglets' body conformation within the first 24 hr of life.

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The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of litter size and supplementation of functional amino acids on the piglet birth weight variability through of a systematic review and meta-analysis. PubMed, ISI Web of Science, Science Direct, Scopus and SciELO are the main used databases and were searched in January 2019 by using the following keywords and their combinations: within-litter birth, weight variability, piglets, litter size, sow, amino acids, gestation, uniformity, CV and/or SD. Of the 64 pre-selected articles, only articles presenting the coefficients of variation and/or standard deviations according to the litter size and different levels of amino acid supplementation in the sow diets during gestation were selected. The average birth weights of total and live piglets were 43% lower in litters from sows with high prolificacy than those from sows with low prolificacy. The weight variability was affected by high prolificacy sows, with increases of 4.04% and 4.54% in the coefficients of variation of total and born alive piglets respectively (p = .074; p = .009). The standard deviation increased by 180 g in born alive piglets to high prolificacy sows. The coefficients of variation of total and live piglets born from high prolificacy sows showed an increase of 4.04% and 4.54% respectively (p = .07; p < .05). There was a tendency for reduced weight variability with amino acids supplementation when considering the standard deviation of total born (p = .072). However, reproductive performance was not significantly influenced (p > .05). In conclusion, the average litter weight and the number of piglets born influence weight variability. Amino acids supplementation may reduce the birth weight variability between piglets. However, this effect depends on the amino acid used, the levels of supplementation and on other factors not completely addressed in this study. Thus, more research is necessary to fully elucidate this topic.

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The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of spray-dried porcine plasma (SDPP) on performance, measurement of thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), body temperature and relative organ weights of weaned piglets exposed to a heat stress or a thermoneutral environment. One hundred and forty-four piglets with initial BW of 5.82 ± 0.33 kg (28 d old) were used. The experimental design was a 4 x 2 factorial arrangement, four plasma levels (0.0, 2.5, 5.0 and 7.5%) and two environments (34º [heat stress (HS)] and 24°C [thermoneutral (TN)]). SDPP was fed from weaning (28 d of age) to the end of the trial (piglets were weighed at the beginning, 7, 21 and 35 days of trial). Rectal, neck, shoulder and leg temperatures were measured every seven days. At 21 days of trial, one piglet per pen was slaughtered to determine the weight of the carcass and organs. Blood samples were collected at 18 and 35 days of trial to determine levels T3 and T4. The rectal, neck, shoulder and leg temperatures were increased (p < 0.05) 0.4, 1.5, 1.0 and 1.3ºC, respectively, and relative weight of the lungs (p < 0.05) and total T3 (p < 0.05) were decreased 0.001 kg/kg and 0.19 ng/dl, respectively, for pigs in the HS environment. The estimated inclusion of 5.1% of SDPP had the greatest (p < 0.05) weight gain during the first week, and throughout the nursery phase, the 5% of inclusion had a tendency of improvement (p = 0.075), regardless of ambient temperature. For the entire period, pigs reared in the HS environment had the greatest (p < 0.05) estimated feed intake by the quadratic regression with the inclusion of 4.3% of SDPP.

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