The objective of this study was to evaluate productive performance and egg quality of Japanese quails (Cortunix japonica) fed with synthetic and natural pigments. The treatments used were: 0.8% paprika extract (Capsicum annuum), 0.8% marigold flower extract, 4% paprika extract and 4% marigold flower extract and 0.045% synthetic pigment (Canthaxanthin) in feed. A total of 240 Japanese quails at 20 weeks of age were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design with five treatments and six replicates, with eight quails per experimental unit (30 experimental units). There was no difference (p > 0.05) for the evaluated parameters, except for yolk color which showed significant difference (p < 0.05) between the treatments used. The inclusion of 0.8% natural pigments in diet of Japanese quails can be used to substitute canthaxathin because it is effective on improving yolk color without affect performance and the quails egg quality.

The aim of this study was to verify the impact of adding vinasse as an acidifier in sows diet during the lactating period and its effect on litter. A total of 14 agroceres females were used from the first day of lactation until weaning. The vinasse was obtained in a mill near the experimental facility and was stored in sterilized barrels. Animals were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design into two treatments: control liquid diet and liquid diet with the inclusion of vinasse in each feed supply of the day. The diets were supplied four times a day, containing a mixture of ½ L of vinasse and ½ L of water. Feed leftovers were weighted daily. Feed intake was used to evaluate sows’ performance. The piglets were weighted every week after birth until weaning in order to obtain weight gain. Vinasse inclusion showed an increase (p < 0.05) in feed intake of lactating sows, improving diet palatability. Inclusion of acidifier in the diet did not show (p > 0.05) difference in weight gain of piglets. Vinasse consumption by sows did not influence litter performance. The inclusion of vinasse in the diet of lactating sows is beneficial because increases feed consumption.

The objective was to determine the values of apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen balance (AMEn) of roasted and in natura amaranth grains. A breeding stock of 108 female Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) with an initial age of 29 days was used. The birds were distributed in a completely randomized design with three treatments and six replications, with six quails per experimental unit. The treatments used were reference diet, reference diet + 30% in natura amaranth and reference diet + 30% roasted amaranth. The variables evaluated were feed intake, body weight variation, retained nitrogen, retained crude protein, dry matter digestibility and crude protein. Higher values of AME and AMEn were verified for the roasted amaranth grains, in relation to the in natura grains. There was no verification regarding the influence of amaranth grains, both roasted and in natura, for the variables feed intake, body weight variation, retained nitrogen, retained crude protein, dry matter and crude protein digestibility. It was concluded that the in natura amaranth grains provided 3888 kcal/ kg of AME and 3352 kcal/kg of AMEn, while the roasted amaranth grains provided 4044 kcal/kg of AME and 4028 kcal/kg of AMEn.

The present experiment was conducted to evaluate the productive performance, egg quality and behavioral patterns of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica) with and without beak trimming submitted to two stocking densities. The study was conducted for 84 days. In total, 196 Japanese quails were randomly allocated to a 2 x 2 factorial scheme: submitted or not to beak trimming procedure and low (237.5 cm²/bird) and high stocking density (316.7 cm/bird) and its interaction. Eight replicates per treatment were used, totaling 32 experimental units. Collected data were submitted to analysis of variance and, means of parametric data were compared by Tukey test (p<0.05); otherwise non-parametric analysis of variance were applied for non-parametric data of quail behavior. Lower feed intake was observed in the high stocking density group (p<0.05) but did not affect other parameters (p>0.05). There was no interaction (p>0.05) between beak trimming and stocking density over performance and egg quality. Quails without beak trimming housed in higher density showed more aggressiveness and stress. Egg quality as well as performance parameters of Japanese quails are not affected by applying 316.7 cm2/bird density.

Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho de codornas japonesas na fase de cria em função dos níveis de inclusão de DDG de milho na dieta. Foram utilizadas 720 codornas poedeiras (Coturnix japonica) com 1 dia de vida até 21 dias de idade, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com cinco tratamentos e seis repetições, com 24 codornas por unidade experimental. Os tratamentos utilizados foram: dieta controle com 0% de DDG, dieta com 5% de inclusão de DDG, dieta com 10% de inclusão de DDG, dieta com 15% de inclusão de DDG e dieta com 20% de inclusão de DDG. Foi avaliado o consumo de ração (g/ave/dia), o ganho de peso (g/ave/dia), conversão alimentar (kg/kg) e a viabilidade das aves. Os dados foram submetidos a análise de regressão a 5% de probabilidade e pelo teste de Dunnet. Foi observado efeito (P<0,05) para ganho em peso e para o consumo de ração e conversão alimentar não houve diferença entre as dietas (P>0,05). Conclui-se que a inclusão de 14,8% de DDG de milho na dieta de codornas japonesas maximizou o ganho de peso e não prejudicou o consumo de ração e conversão alimentar das aves.