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This research investigates the effects of phytogenic feed additives (PFAs) on the growth performance, gut microbial community, and microbial metabolic functions in weaned piglets via a combined 16S rRNA gene amplicon and shotgun metagenomics approach. A controlled trial was conducted using 200 pigs to highlight the significant influence of PFAs on gut microbiota dynamics. Notably, the treatment group revealed an increased gut microbiota diversity, as measured with the Shannon and Simpson indices. The increase in diversity is accompanied by an increase in beneficial bacterial taxa, such as Roseburia, Faecalibacterium, and Prevotella, and a decline in potential pathogens like Clostridium sensu stricto 1 and Campylobacter. Shotgun sequencing at the species level confirmed these findings. This modification in microbial profile was coupled with an altered profile of microbial metabolic pathways, suggesting a reconfiguration of microbial function under PFA influence. Significant shifts in overall microbial community structure by week 8 demonstrate PFA treatment’s temporal impact. Histomorphological examination unveiled improved gut structure in PFA-treated piglets. The results of this study indicate that the use of PFAs as dietary supplements can be an effective strategy, augmenting gut microbiota diversity, reshaping microbial function, enhancing gut structure, and optimising intestinal health of weaned piglets providing valuable implications for swine production. Key points • PFAs significantly diversify the gut microbiota in weaned piglets, aiding balance. • Changes in gut structure due to PFAs indicate improved resistance to weaning stress. • PFAs show potential to ease weaning stress, offering a substitute for antibiotics in piglet diets.

Diets supplemented with halquinol and/or nanoencapsulated essential oils (N-EOs) have shown positive effects on the productive parameters of broiler chickens. However, there is limited comparative evidence between these two products. This study aimed to investigate and compare the efficacy of N-EOs blends with halquinol as dietary supplements for broiler chickens. A total of 500 male Cobb 500 broiler chickens were randomly assigned to five dietary groups. The control group received a conventional diet supplemented with halquinol (60%), while the experimental groups received supplementation with N-EOs blends derived from soursop (S), lemon (L), and eucalyptus (E) in different proportions: T1 (S:33.33%, L:33.33%, E:33.33%), T2 (S:50%, L:25%, E:25%), T3 (S:25%, L:50%, E:25%), and T4 (S:25%, L:25%, E:50%). The trial lasted for 42 days. The results showed that the T1 and T4 groups obtained the highest values (p < 0.05) for average daily growth rate and breast yield. The feed conversion ratio was significantly lower in groups T1 and T4 (p < 0.05). All N-EOs supplemented groups exhibited higher carcass yield (p < 0.05). At day 42, the T1 group displayed increased villus height and villus height/crypt depth ratio in the duodenum (p < 0.01), while all experimental groups showed increased villus width in the jejunum and ileum (p < 0.05). Texture analysis revealed that N-EOs-treated groups had texture values similar to halquinol, except for the T1 group, which significantly increased hardness (p < 0.05). Bromatological analysis showed that the T4 group significantly improved the percentage of crude protein, fat, and ash compared to the halquinol-supplemented group (p < 0.05). Additionally, the T1 and T4 groups exhibited lower levels of lipid peroxidation (p < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with N-EOs holds promise as a potential alternative to halquinol, with the added advantage of improved oxidative stability.

The current study evaluated the effect of different dietary plant soot supplementation levels on the intestinal health status of American eels (Anguilla rostrata) cultured in concrete tanks. Nine concrete fish tanks were randomly divided into three groups and fed the diets with plant soot (PS) supplementation levels at 0, 3 g/kg, and 5 g/kg, respectively. After a feeding trial for 60 days, the intestinal tissues were sampled to measure health status parameters. The D-lactate level and DAO activity in the serum of the PS5 group were significantly lower than those of the PS0 group (P <0.05). Compared with the PS0 group, the villi length of the intestine in both PS3 group and PS5 group increased significantly (P<0.05). The muscular thickness of the intestine of the PS5 group was significantly higher than the PS0 group (P<0.05). The microvillus density of the intestine of the American eel was increased obviously in the PS5 group. The intestinal microbiota composition of plant soot groups was beneficially regulated with certain probiotics' higher relative abundances and some pathogenic bacteria' lower relative abundance. In conclusion, dietary 5 g/kg plant soot supplementation could benefit the intestinal health of farmed American eels.

Th e aim of this study was to evaluate the eff ect of adding diff erent dosages of live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in diet on growth performance, carcass characteristics, intestinal morphology, and gut microfl ora of broilers. Th e study was conducted on 270 oneday old chickens (Ross 308) during a 42-day period. Broilers were randomly allocated to one of three dietary treatments that diff ered in the content of added yeast: no additional yeast; with 0.25 g/kg; and with 0.65 g/kg of added yeast. Each experimental group contained 90 animals. Th e results from our study showed that diet supplemented with 0.25 g/kg of yeast resulted in better growth performance and carcass quality (P<0.05), improved intestinal morphology (P<0.001), higher development of beneficial microfl ora (Lactobacillus spp.) (P<0.01), and reduction of pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli) in guts of broilers than in the group fed only with the basic diet (P<0.05). On the other hand, the group with the highest inclusion of yeast in diet (0.65 g/kg) achieved similar results for the examined parameters as did the group with no added yeast. Th erefore, the adequate dose of S. cerevisiae in diet was 0.25 g/kg of yeast, while higher dose of live yeast in broiler diet (0.65 g/kg) did not achieve better results.

The addition of dietary proteases (PRO) to weaner diets hydrolyzes soybean-based anti-nutritive factors and improves weaned pig's dietary digestibility and growth performance. Therefore, this study explores the effects of PRO in a lower crude protein (CP) level diet than that in a commercial diet on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal morphology of weaned pigs. A total of 90 weaned pigs were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments with 6 pigs per pen and 5 replicated pens per treatment using a randomized complete block design (block = body weight [BW]): 1) a commercial weaner diet as a positive control (PC; phase1 CP = 23.71%; phase2 CP: 22.36%), 2) lower CP diet than PC as a negative control (NC; 0.61% less CP than PC), and 3) an NC diet with 0.02% PRO. Pigs fed PC and PRO had higher (p < 0.05) final BW, average daily gain, and/or gain to feed ratio for the first three weeks and the overall experimental period than NC. The PC and PRO groups had greater (p < 0.05) apparent ileal digestibility of dry matter, CP, and energy than the NC group. Moreover, pigs fed PC and PRO increased (p < 0.05) apparent total tract digestibility of CP compared with those fed NC. In addition, the PRO group had a higher number of goblet cells than the PC and NC groups. However, pig fed PC and PRO increased (p < 0.05) villus height and height to crypt depth ratio in the ileum compared with those fed NC. In conclusion, PRO supplementation in a commercial weaner diet with low CP levels improves growth rate and nutrient digestibility by modulating the intestinal morphology of weaned pigs.

Th e aim of this study was to evaluate the eff ect of adding diff erent dosages of live yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) in diet on growth performance, carcass characteristics, intestinal morphology, and gut microfl ora of broilers. Th e study was conducted on 270 oneday old chickens (Ross 308) during a 42-day period. Broilers were randomly allocated to one of three dietary treatments that diff ered in the content of added yeast: no additional yeast; with 0.25 g/kg; and with 0.65 g/kg of added yeast. Each experimental group contained 90 animals. Th e results from our study showed that diet supplemented with 0.25 g/kg of yeast resulted in better growth performance and carcass quality (P<0.05), improved intestinal morphology (P<0.001), higher development of beneficial microfl ora (Lactobacillus spp.) (P<0.01), and reduction of pathogenic bacteria (Escherichia coli) in guts of broilers than in the group fed only with the basic diet (P<0.05). On the other hand, the group with the highest inclusion of yeast in diet (0.65 g/kg) achieved similar results for the examined parameters as did the group with no added yeast. Th erefore, the adequate dose of S. cerevisiae in diet was 0.25 g/kg of yeast, while higher dose of live yeast in broiler diet (0.65 g/kg) did not achieve better results.

The aim of this study was to investigate differences in growth, hematology, metabolism, small intestine (SI) morphology, and enzyme activity of sow-reared piglets (SOW) compared to artificially reared piglets (MILK) given milk replacers in two different environments. Thirty-six piglets were selected at birth based on their birth weight; eighteen were kept on a commercial farm, another eighteen transferred to an animal research facility for artificial rearing. Differences were observed in enzymatic activity, with a larger amount of sucrase in the SOW compared with MILK group across the SI. SOW piglets also had a body composition with a larger amount of fat, muscle, and bone mass content. Differences in hematology were observed, suggesting environmental influences, biochemistry differences reflective of the diets given, and finally, an increased dry matter (DM) intake in SOW piglets was estimated. No differences were observed in immune function and only small differences in the gut integrity were found between the two groups. It can be concluded that body composition and enzyme activity can be manipulated through dietary intervention and that an increase in DM during lactation is beneficial for gut function. The study warrants further investigation into what this means for the subsequent weaning period.

An imbalance in the production and detoxification of reactive oxygen species and other oxidants can disrupt all types of cellular compounds, and lead to a state of oxidative stress. Preventing this state is essential to improve growth and health in animal production. Therefore, the aim of this work was to assess if the dietary supplementation of curcumin could improve the antioxidant status and intestine structure and functionality of gilthead seabream postlarvae, with the global objective of improving fish growth performance and robustness. Two experimental diets supplemented with different doses of curcumin (LOW and HIGH diets), and a commercial diet were fed to quadruplicate groups of postlarvae, for 20 days. At the end of the feeding trial fish fed the supplemented diets significantly improved their antioxidant status compared to CTRL fed fish. LOW and HIGH fed fish presented lower protein oxidative damage (P < 0.05) and higher total antioxidant capacity (P < 0.05). Moreover, postlarvae fed curcumin supplemented diets also presented an upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2 – related factor 2 (nrf2) and glutathione-disulfide reductase (gr) in HIGH (P < 0.05) and heat shock protein 70 (hsp70) in LOW treatments (P < 0.05). No differences were observed in growth performance, intestine morphometry, and digestive enzymes activities among treatments (P > 0.05). In conclusion, dietary curcumin supplementation was able to enhance gilthead seabream postlarvae robustness through a modulation of the oxidative status, increasing total antioxidant capacity and decreasing protein oxidative damage. This data provide evidence that curcumin can be a suitable feed additive to promote heath status and robustness of fish at early stages of development, therefore contributing for the development and sustainability of marine fish hatchery production.

The aim of this study was to investigate differences in growth, hematology, metabolism, small intestine (SI) morphology, and enzyme activity of sow-reared piglets (SOW) compared to artificially reared piglets (MILK) given milk replacers in two different environments. Thirty-six piglets were selected at birth based on their birth weight; eighteen were kept on a commercial farm, another eighteen transferred to an animal research facility for artificial rearing. Differences were observed in enzymatic activity, with a larger amount of sucrase in the SOW compared with MILK group across the SI. SOW piglets also had a body composition with a larger amount of fat, muscle, and bone mass content. Differences in hematology were observed, suggesting environmental influences, biochemistry differences reflective of the diets given, and finally, an increased dry matter (DM) intake in SOW piglets was estimated. No differences were observed in immune function and only small differences in the gut integrity were found between the two groups. It can be concluded that body composition and enzyme activity can be manipulated through dietary intervention and that an increase in DM during lactation is beneficial for gut function. The study warrants further investigation into what this means for the subsequent weaning period.

Botanicals, phytogenic feed additives, and essential oils may have potential benefits in swine production for their health, immunity, and growth promoting effects. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary botanical supplementation on blood profiles and intestinal morphology of weaned piglets experimentally infected with a pathogenic F18 Escherichia coli (E. coli). Sixty weaned piglets (around 21 days old; 7.15 ± 0.97 kg) were individually housed and randomly allotted to one of five dietary treatments (n = 12): negative control (NC), positive control (PC), high dose of botanicals blend 1 (BB1, 100 mg/kg), and low or high dose of botanicals blend 2 (BB2, 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg). Both botanical blends were comprised of capsicum oleoresin but different garlic extract varieties. The experiment lasted 28 days from day -7 to +21 relative to E. coli inoculation. All piglets except the NC group were orally inoculated with F18 E. coli (1010 cfu per dose, 3 doses) for 3 consecutive days. Growth performance and diarrhea scores were recorded throughout the experiment. Blood samples were collected on d 0, 5, 14, and 21 post-inoculation (PI) for complete blood count test. Intestinal segments were collected on d 5 and 21 PI for intestinal morphology analysis. Data were analyzed by ANOVA in PROC MIXED of SAS with a randomized complete block design. E. coli infection reduced (P < 0.05) pig body weight and growth rate throughout the experiment and reduced (P < 0.05) neutrophils and lymphocytes but increased (P < 0.05) monocytes on d 4 PI. No differences in weight gain or average daily gain were observed among the botanical blend treatments compared with the control. Supplementation of high dose BB1 or BB2 reduced (P < 0.05) frequency and severity of diarrhea of challenged pigs during the experimental period. Pigs supplemented with 100 mg/kg of BB2 had less (P < 0.05) lymphocytes than pigs in PC on d 4 PI. Pigs fed with 50 mg/kg of

Botanicals, phytogenic feed additives, and essential oils may have potential benefits in swine production for their health, immunity, and growth promoting effects. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary botanical supplementation on blood profiles and intestinal morphology of weaned piglets experimentally infected with a pathogenic F18 Escherichia coli (E. coli). Sixty weaned piglets (around 21 days old; 7.15 ± 0.97 kg) were individually housed and randomly allotted to one of five dietary treatments (n = 12): negative control (NC), positive control (PC), high dose of botanicals blend 1 (BB1, 100 mg/kg), and low or high dose of botanicals blend 2 (BB2, 50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg). Both botanical blends were comprised of capsicum oleoresin but different garlic extract varieties. The experiment lasted 28 days from day -7 to +21 relative to E. coli inoculation. All piglets except the NC group were orally inoculated with F18 E. coli (1010 cfu per dose, 3 doses) for 3 consecutive days. Growth performance and diarrhea scores were recorded throughout the experiment. Blood samples were collected on d 0, 5, 14, and 21 post-inoculation (PI) for complete blood count test. Intestinal segments were collected on d 5 and 21 PI for intestinal morphology analysis. Data were analyzed by ANOVA in PROC MIXED of SAS with a randomized complete block design. E. coli infection reduced (P < 0.05) pig body weight and growth rate throughout the experiment and reduced (P < 0.05) neutrophils and lymphocytes but increased (P < 0.05) monocytes on d 4 PI. No differences in weight gain or average daily gain were observed among the botanical blend treatments compared with the control. Supplementation of high dose BB1 or BB2 reduced (P < 0.05) frequency and severity of diarrhea of challenged pigs during the experimental period. Pigs supplemented with 100 mg/kg of BB2 had less (P < 0.05) lymphocytes than pigs in PC on d 4 PI. Pigs fed with 50 mg/kg of

Hyperprolific sows rear more piglets than they have teats, and in order to accommodate this, milk replacers are often offered as a supplement. Milk replacers are based on bovine milk, yet components of vegetable origin are often added. This may reduce growth, but could also accelerate maturational changes. Therefore, we investigated the effect of feeding piglets a milk replacer with gradually increasing levels of wheat flour on growth, gut enzyme activity and immune function compared to a diet based entirely on bovine milk. The hypothesis tested was that adding a starch component (wheat flour) induces maturation of the mucosa as measured by higher digestive activity and improved integrity and immunity of the small intestines (SI). To test this hypothesis, piglets were removed from the sow at day 3 and fed either a pure milk replacer diet (MILK) or from day 11 a milk replacer diet with increasing levels of wheat (WHEAT). The WHEAT piglets had an increased enzyme activity of maltase and sucrase in the proximal part of the SI compared with the MILK group. There were no differences in gut morphology, histopathology and gene expression between the groups. In conclusion, the pigs given a milk replacer with added wheat displayed immunological and gut mucosal enzyme maturational changes, indicatory of adaptation toward a vegetable-based diet. This was not associated with any clinical complications and future studies are needed to show whether this could improve responses in the subsequent weaning process.

Hyperprolific sows rear more piglets than they have teats, and in order to accommodate this, milk replacers are often offered as a supplement. Milk replacers are based on bovine milk, yet components of vegetable origin are often added. This may reduce growth, but could also accelerate maturational changes. Therefore, we investigated the effect of feeding piglets a milk replacer with gradually increasing levels of wheat flour on growth, gut enzyme activity and immune function compared to a diet based entirely on bovine milk. The hypothesis tested was that adding a starch component (wheat flour) induces maturation of the mucosa as measured by higher digestive activity and improved integrity and immunity of the small intestines (SI). To test this hypothesis, piglets were removed from the sow at day 3 and fed either a pure milk replacer diet (MILK) or from day 11 a milk replacer diet with increasing levels of wheat (WHEAT). The WHEAT piglets had an increased enzyme activity of maltase and sucrase in the proximal part of the SI compared with the MILK group. There were no differences in gut morphology, histopathology and gene expression between the groups. In conclusion, the pigs given a milk replacer with added wheat displayed immunological and gut mucosal enzyme maturational changes, indicatory of adaptation toward a vegetable-based diet. This was not associated with any clinical complications and future studies are needed to show whether this could improve responses in the subsequent weaning process.

The experiment aimed to evaluate the performance, relative weight of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract and morphometry of the jejunum of broilers at 21 days, fed with different amounts of pre-starter diet. 576 broiler chick were assigned in a completely randomized experimental design to four treatments, which consisted of providing different amounts of pre-starter diet (100, 200, 300 and 400 grams), and six replications and 24 birds per experimental unit. At the end of the consumption of the respective quantities of feed the birds in each experimental unit began to receive a ration based on corn and soybean meal, until the 21 days of age. The results were submitted to analysis of variance and polynomial regression to the 5% level of probability. The feed conversion rate linearly increased (P < 0.05) with increasing the quantity of pre-starter ration. The supply of 100 grams of pre-starter ration provided better feed conversion to 21 days of age, without interfering in the development of gastrointestinal tract of birds., O experimento teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho, peso relativo dos órgãos do trato gastrointestinal e morfometria do jejuno de frangos de corte aos 21 dias, alimentados com diferentes quantidades de ração pré-inicial. Foram utilizados 576 pintos de corte distribuídos em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, contendo quatro tratamentos, que consistiram do fornecimento de diferentes quantidades de ração pré-inicial (100, 200, 300 e 400 gramas), com seis repetições. Ao término do consumo das respectivas quantidades de ração, as aves de cada unidade experimental passaram a receber uma ração inicial única, a base de milho e farelo de soja, até os 21 dias de idade. Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos à análise de variância e regressão polinomial ao nível de 5% de probabilidade. Houve efeito linear crescente (P

The experiment aimed to evaluate the performance, relative weight of the organs of the gastrointestinal tract and morphometry of the jejunum of broilers at 21 days, fed with different amounts of pre-starter diet. 576 broiler chick were assigned in a completely randomized experimental design to four treatments, which consisted of providing different amounts of pre-starter diet (100, 200, 300 and 400 grams), and six replications and 24 birds per experimental unit. At the end of the consumption of the respective quantities of feed the birds in each experimental unit began to receive a ration based on corn and soybean meal, until the 21 days of age. The results were submitted to analysis of variance and polynomial regression to the 5% level of probability. The feed conversion rate linearly increased (P < 0.05) with increasing the quantity of pre-starter ration. The supply of 100 grams of pre-starter ration provided better feed conversion to 21 days of age, without interfering in the development of gastrointestinal tract of birds., O experimento teve como objetivo avaliar o desempenho, peso relativo dos órgãos do trato gastrointestinal e morfometria do jejuno de frangos de corte aos 21 dias, alimentados com diferentes quantidades de ração pré-inicial. Foram utilizados 576 pintos de corte distribuídos em um delineamento experimental inteiramente casualizado, contendo quatro tratamentos, que consistiram do fornecimento de diferentes quantidades de ração pré-inicial (100, 200, 300 e 400 gramas), com seis repetições. Ao término do consumo das respectivas quantidades de ração, as aves de cada unidade experimental passaram a receber uma ração inicial única, a base de milho e farelo de soja, até os 21 dias de idade. Os resultados obtidos foram submetidos à análise de variância e regressão polinomial ao nível de 5% de probabilidade. Houve efeito linear crescente (P

This study was conducted to evaluate effects of dietary protease (PR) on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal morphology of weaned pigs. A total of 75 weaned pigs [7.06 ± 0.18 kg of average body weight (BW); 28 day old] were randomly allotted to 3 dietary treatments in a randomized complete block design (blocks = BW and sex): a diet based on corn and soybean meal to meet the requirement of crude protein (CP) as a positive control (PC; CP = 24.49%), a low protein diet as a negative control (NC; CP = 22.51%), and NC + 0.02% PR. The PR used in this study was a commercial product containing 75,000 protease units/g derived from Nocardiopsis prasina produced in Bacillus licheniformis. Pigs were fed the dietary treatments for 6 weeks and the diets containing 0.2% chromic oxide for the last week of this study. Blood, feces, ileal digesta, and ileum samples were collected from randomly selected two pigs in each pen on respective time points. Measurements were growth performance, apparent ileal digestibility (AID) and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of dry matter (DM), CP, and energy, frequency of diarrhea, packed cell volume (PCV), and ileal morphology of weaned pigs. Pigs fed PC and PR had higher (p < 0.05) final BW, average daily gain (ADG), and gain to feed ratio (G:F) during overall experimental period than those fed NC. Pigs fed PC and PR had higher (p < 0.05) AID or ATTD of DM, CP, or energy than those fed NC. Moreover, pigs fed PR had higher ratio between villus height and crypt depth (p < 0.05) and number of goblet cells (p < 0.05) than those fed NC. Addition of PR decreased (p < 0.05) frequency of diarrhea for the first two weeks after weaning compared with PC and NC. In addition, pigs fed PR had lower (p < 0.05) PCV on d 14 after weaning than those fed PC and NC. In conclusion, addition of PR in nursery diets with a low protein level significantly improved growth performance, nutrient digestibility, and intestinal m

Background: Kaolin may improve quail performance by maintaining intestinal integrity and improving nutrient absorption. Objective: To evaluate the overall performance, egg quality, moisture, nitrogen and calcium content in the excreta, intestinal morphology and financial analysis of kaolin in Japanese quail feed during the production phase. Methods: A total of 192 Japanese quails, distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments and six repetitions with eight birds each, were used. Kaolin levels added to the diet were 0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5%. Results: Kaolin reduced feed consumption. Additionally, egg production, feed conversion and viability increased. Moisture, nitrogen and calcium in the excreta decreased. Height and width of the intestinal villi increased with increasing levels of kaolin in the diet. Kaolin had no effect on egg quality. Inclusion level of 1.5% kaolin allowed for greater economic gains. Conclusion: Kaolin improved performance, intestinal morphology, and reduced the moisture, nitrogen and calcium contents in the excreta. Egg quality remained unchanged with the addition of kaolin, and the best economic response resulted with the addition 1.5% kaolin., Antecedentes: O caulim pode melhorar o desempenho de codornas mantendo a integridade intestinal e maior absorção de nutrientes. Objetivo: Avaliar o desempenho global, a qualidade do ovo, a umidade, o teor de nitrogênio e cálcio na excreta, a morfologia intestinal e a análise financeira do caulim em codornas japonesas durante a fase de produção. Métodos: Foram utilizadas 192 codornas japonesas, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos e seis repetições, com oito aves cada. Os níveis de caulim adicionados à dieta foram 0; 1,5; 3,0; 4,5%. Resultados: O consumo de ração foi reduzido, houve melhora na porcentagem de ovos produzidos, conversão alimentar e viabilidade, os níveis de umidade, nitrogênio e cálcio nas excretas diminuíram, a altura e a largura das vilosidades intestinais aumentaram com a inclusão de níveis crescentes de caulim. Não houve efeito na qualidade do ovo. Os níveis de inclusão de 1,5% de caulim permitiram maiores ganhos econômicos. Conclusão: O caulim melhorou o desempenho, a morfologia intestinal e reduziu os teores de umidade, nitrogênio e cálcio na excreta. A qualidade dos ovos produzidos permaneceu inalterada com a adição de diferentes níveis de caulim, e o melhor nível de caulim, de acordo com a análise econômica, foi de 1,5% como aditivo para as codornas japonesas., Antecedentes: El caolín puede mejorar el rendimiento de la codorniz al mantener la integridad intestinal y una mayor absorción de nutrientes. Objetivo: Evaluar el rendimiento general, calidad del huevo, humedad, contenido de nitrógeno y calcio en la excreta, morfología intestinal, y realizar un análisis financiero de la inclusión de caolín en el alimento de codorniz japonesa durante la fase de producción. Métodos: Se utilizaron un total de 192 codornices japonesas, distribuidas en un diseño completamente al azar con cuatro tratamientos y seis repeticiones con ocho aves cada una. Los niveles de caolín agregado a la dieta fueron 0; 1,5; 3,0; y 4,5%. Resultados: El caolín redujo el consumo de alimento, hubo una mejora en el porcentaje de huevos producidos, la conversión del alimento y la viabilidad, Los niveles de humedad, nitrógeno y calcio en la excreta disminuyeron, la altura y el ancho de las vellosidades intestinales aumentaron con la inclusión de niveles crecientes de caolín. No hubo efecto sobre la calidad del huevo. Los niveles de inclusión de 1,5% de caolín permitieron mayores ganancias económicas. Conclusión: El caolín mejoró el rendimiento, la morfología intestinal y redujo los contenidos de humedad, nitrógeno y calcio en las excretas. La calidad de los huevos producidos se mantuvo sin cambios con la adición de diferentes niveles de caolín, y el mejor nivel de inclusión de caolín -según el análisis económico- fue de 1,5%.

In the broiler industry, chicks are often deprived of feed and water up to 48 h posthatch. This delayed access to feed (DAF) has been found to inhibit small intestinal development, compromising growth of the chick. To further understand the impact of DAF on small intestines at the molecular level, many developmental genes that regulate intestinal development were investigated. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of DAF on early posthatch broiler small intestinal morphology, which includes villus height (VH) and crypt depth (CD), and to quantify changes in regulatory genes, such as Olfactomedin 4 (Olfm4), Marker of Ki-67 (Ki-67), Peptide Transporter 1 (PepT1), and Mucin 2 (Muc2), in response to DAF. The Olfm4 mRNA can clearly identify stem cells in the intestinal crypt, which allows VH and CD to be measured, while Ki-67 marks the proliferating cells. The peptide transporter PepT1 is located on intestinal epithelial cells and plays a critical role in transporting di- and tripeptides. Muc2, which is secreted from goblet cells, forms mucus that lines the intestinal epithelial cells acting as a layer of protective coating. Cobb 500 chicks, hatching within a 12 h window, were randomly allocated into three experimental groups: control with no feed delay (ND), 24 h feed delay (D24), and 36 h feed delay (D36). Quantification of Olfm4, Ki-67, PepT1, and Muc2 mRNA abundance were investigated by quantitative PCR, in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum at 0 h, 24 h, 36 h, 72 h, 120 h, and 168 h posthatch. Additionally, localization of cells expressing each gene was visualized using in-situ hybridization at all listed times except 168 h posthatch. Statistical analysis was performed using JMP Pro 14, and significant differences between treatments within a collection day were determined by t-test and one-way ANOVA (P < 0.05). In the ND group, duodenal CD at 0 h was greatest compared to all other time points. With DAF, the duodenal VH of D36 chicks was lower at 36 h (P

Background: Kaolin may improve quail performance by maintaining intestinal integrity and improving nutrient absorption. Objective: To evaluate the overall performance, egg quality, moisture, nitrogen and calcium content in the excreta, intestinal morphology and financial analysis of kaolin in Japanese quail feed during the production phase. Methods: A total of 192 Japanese quails, distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments and six repetitions with eight birds each, were used. Kaolin levels added to the diet were 0, 1.5, 3.0, and 4.5%. Results: Kaolin reduced feed consumption. Additionally, egg production, feed conversion and viability increased. Moisture, nitrogen and calcium in the excreta decreased. Height and width of the intestinal villi increased with increasing levels of kaolin in the diet. Kaolin had no effect on egg quality. Inclusion level of 1.5% kaolin allowed for greater economic gains. Conclusion: Kaolin improved performance, intestinal morphology, and reduced the moisture, nitrogen and calcium contents in the excreta. Egg quality remained unchanged with the addition of kaolin, and the best economic response resulted with the addition 1.5% kaolin., Antecedentes: O caulim pode melhorar o desempenho de codornas mantendo a integridade intestinal e maior absorção de nutrientes. Objetivo: Avaliar o desempenho global, a qualidade do ovo, a umidade, o teor de nitrogênio e cálcio na excreta, a morfologia intestinal e a análise financeira do caulim em codornas japonesas durante a fase de produção. Métodos: Foram utilizadas 192 codornas japonesas, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro tratamentos e seis repetições, com oito aves cada. Os níveis de caulim adicionados à dieta foram 0; 1,5; 3,0; 4,5%. Resultados: O consumo de ração foi reduzido, houve melhora na porcentagem de ovos produzidos, conversão alimentar e viabilidade, os níveis de umidade, nitrogênio e cálcio nas excretas diminuíram, a altura e a largura das vilosidades intestinais aumentaram com a inclusão de níveis crescentes de caulim. Não houve efeito na qualidade do ovo. Os níveis de inclusão de 1,5% de caulim permitiram maiores ganhos econômicos. Conclusão: O caulim melhorou o desempenho, a morfologia intestinal e reduziu os teores de umidade, nitrogênio e cálcio na excreta. A qualidade dos ovos produzidos permaneceu inalterada com a adição de diferentes níveis de caulim, e o melhor nível de caulim, de acordo com a análise econômica, foi de 1,5% como aditivo para as codornas japonesas., Antecedentes: El caolín puede mejorar el rendimiento de la codorniz al mantener la integridad intestinal y una mayor absorción de nutrientes. Objetivo: Evaluar el rendimiento general, calidad del huevo, humedad, contenido de nitrógeno y calcio en la excreta, morfología intestinal, y realizar un análisis financiero de la inclusión de caolín en el alimento de codorniz japonesa durante la fase de producción. Métodos: Se utilizaron un total de 192 codornices japonesas, distribuidas en un diseño completamente al azar con cuatro tratamientos y seis repeticiones con ocho aves cada una. Los niveles de caolín agregado a la dieta fueron 0; 1,5; 3,0; y 4,5%. Resultados: El caolín redujo el consumo de alimento, hubo una mejora en el porcentaje de huevos producidos, la conversión del alimento y la viabilidad, Los niveles de humedad, nitrógeno y calcio en la excreta disminuyeron, la altura y el ancho de las vellosidades intestinales aumentaron con la inclusión de niveles crecientes de caolín. No hubo efecto sobre la calidad del huevo. Los niveles de inclusión de 1,5% de caolín permitieron mayores ganancias económicas. Conclusión: El caolín mejoró el rendimiento, la morfología intestinal y redujo los contenidos de humedad, nitrógeno y calcio en las excretas. La calidad de los huevos producidos se mantuvo sin cambios con la adición de diferentes niveles de caolín, y el mejor nivel de inclusión de caolín -según el análisis económico- fue de 1,5%.

The impact of two dietary organic acids (OAs) on nutrient digestibility and intestinal morphology was determined in Nile tilapia under conditions of dissolved oxygen in the water: normoxia and hypoxia. Four diets designated as control (0 g/kg organic acid salt), KDF (2 g/kg potassium diformate), CAB (2 g/kg calcium butyrate) and their combination (4 g/kg of a mixture of KDF and CAB, ration 1:1) were formulated with 520 g/kg of soybean meal in order to produce soybean meal enteritis-like symptoms. The four diets were tested first under normoxic conditions (6 mg/L) for a period of 5 weeks, followed by a test period under hypoxic conditions (3 mg/L). The results showed that OAs were unable to significantly improve growth and nutrient digestibility under normoxic conditions but under hypoxic conditions, there was a significant enhancement of the growth and nutrient digestibility. Fish fed OA-supplemented diets showed improvements in the intestinal morphology under the normoxic conditions, and these effects were more pronounced under the hypoxic conditions. Experimental findings suggest that OAs can improve the nutrient digestibility and intestinal morphology under hypoxic conditions. A synergistic effect by the combination of formic and butyric acid on growth, digestibility and intestinal morphology was not found.

The present study assessed the effect of different feed ingredients on nutrient apparent digestibility coefficients (ADC), nitrogen/energy balance and morphology changes in the intestine of Nile tilapia; using a control diet and six test diets, in which the following six ingredients were included at 30%: hydrolysed feather meal (HFM), soybean meal (SBM), rice bran (RB), rapeseed meal (RM), sunflower meal (SFM) and dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS). The proximal, middle and distal intestine was processed for quantitative histology counting the number of goblet cells (GC), and measuring the thickness of lamina propria (LP) and submucosa (SM). The study showed that the ADC of protein in raw materials were highest in SBM (92.2%), followed by SFM (90.2%), DDGS (89.2%), RM (87.8%), HFM (86.9%) and RB (84.0%). The nutrient ADCs had no correlation with intestinal morphology changes. Only the SBM diet caused noticeable changes in intestinal morphology such as an increase the thickness of SM and LP and the number of GC. The diet composition, however, altered the protein efficiency and the maintenance energy requirement. Protein retention efficiency was the lowest in fish fed HFM and the highest in RB. The highest maintenance energy requirements were observed in HFM and SBM treatments.

BackgroundStress causes inflammation that impairs intestinal barrier function. Dietary spray-dried plasma (SDP) has recognized anti-inflammatory effects and improvement of gut barrier function. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of dietary SDP on intestinal morphology of mated female mice under stress condition.ResultsVillus height, width, and area of small intestines were low on gestation day (GD) 3 or 4 under stress conditions, and higher later (Time, P < 0.05). Crypt depth of colon was low on GD 4 and higher later (Time, P < 0.05). Meanwhile, the SDP treatments improved (P < 0.05) intestinal morphology, indicated by increased villus height, villus width, villus area, and ratio between villus height and crypt depth of small intestines and crypt depth of colon, and by decreased crypt depth of small intestines, compared with the control diet. The SDP treatments also increased (P < 0.05) the number of goblet cells in intestines compared with the control diet. There were no differences between different levels of SDP.ConclusionDietary SDP improves intestinal morphology of mated female mice under stress condition.

A 90-day feeding trial was conducted on milkfish, Chanos chanos with an initial mean body weight of 3.07 ± 0.17 g (mean ± standard error of mean). Six treatment diets were formulated to contain 0 g/kg (Diet 1), 150 g/kg (Diet 2), 25 g/kg (Diet 3), 300 g/kg (Diet 4), 350 g/kg (Diet 5) and 450 g/kg (Diet 6) distiller's dried grain with soluble (DDGS). All the dietary treatments were isonitrogenous (350 g/kg crude protein) and isolipidic (6% crude lipid). Result of the feeding trial indicated that growth rates, feed intake and feed efficiency were not significantly (p > .05) affected by inclusion levels of DDGS by up to 450 g/kg in the feed. Proximate body composition (crude protein, crude lipid, ash, fibre) in fish fed the dietary treatments were not significantly (p > .05) affected as well. The DDGS when used as a milkfish ingredient has a protein digestibility of 910 g/kg, fat disgetsibility of 850 g/kg, carbohydrate digestibility of 750 g/kg and a dry matter digestibility of 520 g/kg Results from the intestinal morphology displayed no apparent pathological changes in the digestive tract of fish fed all dietary treatments. These results indicate that DDGS can be efficiently utilized by milkfish by up to 450 g/kg without negatively affecting performance parameters and intestinal morphology.

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of dietary inclusion of rye, a model ingredient to increase gut viscosity, between 14 and 28 d of age on immune competence-related parameters and performance of broilers. A total of 960 day-old male Ross 308 chicks were weighed and randomly allocated to 24 pens (40 birds per pen), and the birds in every 8 replicate pens were assigned to 1 of 3 experimental diets including graded levels, 0%, 5%, and 10% of rye. Tested immune competence-related parameters were composition of the intestinal microbiota, genes expression in gut tissue, and gut morphology. The inclusion of 5% or 10% rye in the diet (d 14 to 28) resulted in decreased performance and litter quality, but in increased villus height and crypt depth in the small intestine (jejunum) of the broilers. Relative bursa and spleen weights were not affected by dietary inclusion of rye. In the jejunum, no effects on number and size of goblet cells, and only trends on microbiota composition in the digesta were observed. Dietary inclusion of rye affected expression of genes involved in cell cycle processes of the jejunal enterocyte cells, thereby influencing cell growth, cell differentiation and cell survival, which in turn were consistent with the observed differences in the morphology of the gut wall. In addition, providing rye-rich diets to broilers affected the complement and coagulation pathways, which among others are parts of the innate immune system. These pathways are involved in eradicating invasive pathogens. Overall, it can be concluded that inclusion of 5% or 10% rye to the grower diet of broilers had limited effects on performance. Ileal gut morphology, microbiota composition of jejunal digesta, and gene expression profiles of jejunal tissue, however, were affected by dietary rye inclusion level, indicating that rye supplementation to broiler diets might affect immune competence of the birds.

This 70 day trial was conducted to investigate the effects of surfactin on intestinal morphology and intestinal microflora of growth retarded marbled eels (Anguilla marmorata). A total of six hundred and forty marbled eels at elver stage were randomly allocated to 4 treatment groups on the basis of body weight. There were 4 replicate tanks in each treatment group with 40 fish per tank. Four diets were formulated with four levels of dietary surfactin: 0, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, respectively. Fish were fed twice daily to apparent satiation for 70 days. Retarded marbled eels fed diets with surfactin supplementation had enhanced mucosa folds in their intestines (P<0.05). It seems that the quantity of mucosa folds increased with the increasing surfactin levels in the diet. Dietary surfactin supplementation decreased the E. coli population significantly (P<0.05), and increased the Lactobacillus population significantly (P<0.05), but had no effect on total bacterial population in intestines of marbled eels (P>0.05). Results of the present study indicate that surfactin improves intestinal function in retarded elvers of marbled eels.

de Azevedo R.V., Ramos A.P. de S, Carvalho J.S.O. & Braga L.G.T. [Inclusion of cassava leaf meal for juvenile Nile tilapia.] Inclusão do farelo da folha da mandioca para juvenis de tilápia do Nilo. Revista Brasileira de Medicina Veterinária 38(3):305-310, 2016. Instituto Capixaba de Pesquisa, Assistência Técnica e Extensão Rural, Av. Conde D’Eu 344, Centro, Ibiraçu, ES 29670-000, Brasil. E-mail: azevedorv84@gmail.com This work examined the performance, intestinal morphology and viability of including cassava leaf bran (CLB) in diets for Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. It was distributed 160 fish (41.30±1.46 g) into 20 hapas (0.60 x 0.50 x 0.30 m), installed within ten polyethylene tanks (310 L) in a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replications. The treatments consisted of a diet free of CLB and three diets with inclusion (10, 20 and 30%) of the CLB. Performance were evaluated as feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG), feed conversion rate (FCR) and survival (SUR). In morphometric analysis, was measured the height (HEI) and width of intestinal villi. For the economic analysis of diet were analyzed the cost of feed per kg weight gain (CFK) and economic efficiency index (EEI). Data were subjected to analysis of variance at 5% probability and polynomial regression. There were significant negative effects (P<0.05) of the inclusion of CLB on FI, WG and FCR, with increasing inclusion of CLB, does not influence (P>0.05) SUR. It was observed a significant effect (P<0.05) of level of inclusion of the CLB in the diet of tilapia on HEI, observing decreased linearly with increasing inclusion of CLB. It was observed that the inclusion of CLB increased significantly with increasing linear behavior, CFK, and hence worsened the EEI. It is concluded that the inclusion of the CLB is not feasible on the performance and economically, besides affecting the absorptive capacity of Nile tilapia, degraded performance., Este trabalho verificou o desempenho zootécnico, a morfometria intestinal e a viabilidade econômica da inclusão do farelo da folha da mandioca (FFM) em rações para tilápia do Nilo, Oreochromis niloticus. Foram distribuídos 160 peixes (41,30±1,46g) em 20 hapas (0,60 x 0,50 x 0,30 m), instaladas no interior de dez caixas de polietileno (310 L), em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de uma ração isenta do FFM e três rações com inclusão (10; 20 e 30%) do FFM. Como desempenho zootécnico foram avaliados: consumo de ração (CR), ganho de peso (GP), conversão alimentar aparente (CAA) e sobrevivência (SOB). Na análise morfométrica foram medidas altura (AVI) e largura das vilosidades intestinais (LVI). Para a análise econômica das rações, foram analisados o custo de ração por kg de ganho em peso (CRK) e o índice de eficiência econômica (IEE). Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à aná- lise de variância em nível de 5% de probabilidade e regressão polinomial. Houve influência negativa (P<0,05) da inclusão do FFM sobre as variáveis CR, GP e CAA e o aumento da inclusão do FFM não influenciou (P>0,05) a SOB. Houve efeito (P<0,05) do nível de inclusão do FFM na ração sobre a AVI, observando-se comportamento linear decrescente com o aumento da inclusão do FFM. Observou-se que a inclusão do FFM aumentou significativamente, com comportamento linear crescente, o CRK e piorou o IEE. Conclui-se que a inclusão do FFM não é viável zootecnicamente e economicamente, além de afetar a capacidade absortiva da tilápia do Nilo, prejudicando o seu desempenho.

de Azevedo R.V., Ramos A.P. de S, Carvalho J.S.O. & Braga L.G.T. [Inclusion of cassava leaf meal for juvenile Nile tilapia.] Inclusão do farelo da folha da mandioca para juvenis de tilápia do Nilo. Revista Brasileira de Medicina Veterinária 38(3):305-310, 2016. Instituto Capixaba de Pesquisa, Assistência Técnica e Extensão Rural, Av. Conde D’Eu 344, Centro, Ibiraçu, ES 29670-000, Brasil. E-mail: azevedorv84@gmail.com This work examined the performance, intestinal morphology and viability of including cassava leaf bran (CLB) in diets for Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus. It was distributed 160 fish (41.30±1.46 g) into 20 hapas (0.60 x 0.50 x 0.30 m), installed within ten polyethylene tanks (310 L) in a completely randomized design with four treatments and five replications. The treatments consisted of a diet free of CLB and three diets with inclusion (10, 20 and 30%) of the CLB. Performance were evaluated as feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG), feed conversion rate (FCR) and survival (SUR). In morphometric analysis, was measured the height (HEI) and width of intestinal villi. For the economic analysis of diet were analyzed the cost of feed per kg weight gain (CFK) and economic efficiency index (EEI). Data were subjected to analysis of variance at 5% probability and polynomial regression. There were significant negative effects (P<0.05) of the inclusion of CLB on FI, WG and FCR, with increasing inclusion of CLB, does not influence (P>0.05) SUR. It was observed a significant effect (P<0.05) of level of inclusion of the CLB in the diet of tilapia on HEI, observing decreased linearly with increasing inclusion of CLB. It was observed that the inclusion of CLB increased significantly with increasing linear behavior, CFK, and hence worsened the EEI. It is concluded that the inclusion of the CLB is not feasible on the performance and economically, besides affecting the absorptive capacity of Nile tilapia, degraded performance., Este trabalho verificou o desempenho zootécnico, a morfometria intestinal e a viabilidade econômica da inclusão do farelo da folha da mandioca (FFM) em rações para tilápia do Nilo, Oreochromis niloticus. Foram distribuídos 160 peixes (41,30±1,46g) em 20 hapas (0,60 x 0,50 x 0,30 m), instaladas no interior de dez caixas de polietileno (310 L), em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos e cinco repetições. Os tratamentos consistiram de uma ração isenta do FFM e três rações com inclusão (10; 20 e 30%) do FFM. Como desempenho zootécnico foram avaliados: consumo de ração (CR), ganho de peso (GP), conversão alimentar aparente (CAA) e sobrevivência (SOB). Na análise morfométrica foram medidas altura (AVI) e largura das vilosidades intestinais (LVI). Para a análise econômica das rações, foram analisados o custo de ração por kg de ganho em peso (CRK) e o índice de eficiência econômica (IEE). Os dados obtidos foram submetidos à aná- lise de variância em nível de 5% de probabilidade e regressão polinomial. Houve influência negativa (P<0,05) da inclusão do FFM sobre as variáveis CR, GP e CAA e o aumento da inclusão do FFM não influenciou (P>0,05) a SOB. Houve efeito (P<0,05) do nível de inclusão do FFM na ração sobre a AVI, observando-se comportamento linear decrescente com o aumento da inclusão do FFM. Observou-se que a inclusão do FFM aumentou significativamente, com comportamento linear crescente, o CRK e piorou o IEE. Conclui-se que a inclusão do FFM não é viável zootecnicamente e economicamente, além de afetar a capacidade absortiva da tilápia do Nilo, prejudicando o seu desempenho.

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementing glutamine and nucleotides on growth performance and develop- ment intestinal morphology in broiler chicks. In the trial, 600 male broiler chicks distributed in randomized blocks in a 3x2 factorial arrangement (consisting of a uniform basal diet supplemented with: 0.0, 0.5 or 1.0% glutamine, and 0.0 or 0.04% nucleotides), for a total of 6 treatments with 25 birds each. Means of performance (weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion and mortality) were obtained 7, 21 and 42 days of age. At the end of the experiment 4 broilers per treatment were used to determine organs weight and development intestinal morphology. Glutamine supplementation (1%) improved the body weight, feed intake and feed conversion in the first week. Glutamine and nucleotides supplementation did not affect perfor- mance in broiler chicks in the period one to 21 and one to 42 days of age. In conclusion, it was de- monstrated that feeding 1.0% glutamine improved growth performance of broiler birds at 21 days of age., Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da suplementação com glutamina e nucleotídeos na dieta sobre o desempenho e morfologia da mucosa intestinal de frangos de corte criados no sistema alternativo. Foram utilizados 600 pintos de corte machos distribuídos em delineamento em blocos casualizados, no esquema fatorial 3x2 (três níveis de glutamina: 0,0; 0,5 e 1,0% e dois níveis de nucleotídeos purificados na dieta: 0,0 e 0,04%), totalizando 6 tratamentos, com 4 repetições de 25 aves cada. Foram obtidos os dados de desempenho (peso corporal, ganho de peso, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar e mortalidade) aos 7, 21 e 42 dias de idade. Ao final do experimento foram abatidas 4 aves/tratamento para avaliação do peso de órgãos e da morfologia intestinal. A adição de 1% na dieta melhorou o ganho de peso, consumo de raçao e conversão alimentar na primeira semana de idade. Não sendo encontra- dos resultados positivos nos períodos de 21 e 42 dias de idade. A suplementação de glutamina e nucleotídeos em dietas de frangos de corte cria- dos no sistema alternativo não influencia o desempenho e a morfologia intestinal, a inclusão de 1,0% de glutamina no período de 1 a 21 dias de idade, favorece o desempenho das aves.

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of supplementing glutamine and nucleotides on growth performance and develop- ment intestinal morphology in broiler chicks. In the trial, 600 male broiler chicks distributed in randomized blocks in a 3x2 factorial arrangement (consisting of a uniform basal diet supplemented with: 0.0, 0.5 or 1.0% glutamine, and 0.0 or 0.04% nucleotides), for a total of 6 treatments with 25 birds each. Means of performance (weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion and mortality) were obtained 7, 21 and 42 days of age. At the end of the experiment 4 broilers per treatment were used to determine organs weight and development intestinal morphology. Glutamine supplementation (1%) improved the body weight, feed intake and feed conversion in the first week. Glutamine and nucleotides supplementation did not affect perfor- mance in broiler chicks in the period one to 21 and one to 42 days of age. In conclusion, it was de- monstrated that feeding 1.0% glutamine improved growth performance of broiler birds at 21 days of age., Objetivou-se avaliar o efeito da suplementação com glutamina e nucleotídeos na dieta sobre o desempenho e morfologia da mucosa intestinal de frangos de corte criados no sistema alternativo. Foram utilizados 600 pintos de corte machos distribuídos em delineamento em blocos casualizados, no esquema fatorial 3x2 (três níveis de glutamina: 0,0; 0,5 e 1,0% e dois níveis de nucleotídeos purificados na dieta: 0,0 e 0,04%), totalizando 6 tratamentos, com 4 repetições de 25 aves cada. Foram obtidos os dados de desempenho (peso corporal, ganho de peso, consumo de ração, conversão alimentar e mortalidade) aos 7, 21 e 42 dias de idade. Ao final do experimento foram abatidas 4 aves/tratamento para avaliação do peso de órgãos e da morfologia intestinal. A adição de 1% na dieta melhorou o ganho de peso, consumo de raçao e conversão alimentar na primeira semana de idade. Não sendo encontra- dos resultados positivos nos períodos de 21 e 42 dias de idade. A suplementação de glutamina e nucleotídeos em dietas de frangos de corte cria- dos no sistema alternativo não influencia o desempenho e a morfologia intestinal, a inclusão de 1,0% de glutamina no período de 1 a 21 dias de idade, favorece o desempenho das aves.