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ABSTRACT Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) refers to a group of positional and geometric isomers of linoleic acid. Hens fed a diet supplemented with CLA exhibit increased levels of saturated fatty acids, which may influence the quality characteristics of eggs and the offspring lipid metabolism. The present study, aimed to evaluate the effect of the dietary inclusion of CLA for broiler breeders on the residual yolk sac fatty acid profile, egg quality, and hatchability. Two 58-week-old Cobb500® broiler breeder commercial flocks were fed diets supplemented with 0% or 0.025% CLA (trans-10, cis-12). After 26 days, 300 eggs from each treatment group were collected, and among these eggs, 30 were subjected to egg quality assessment and egg yolk fatty acid profile analysis. The remaining 270 eggs were subjected to incubation analysis. The quality of the chicks was evaluated at hatch. The residual yolk sac content and weight at hatch were also evaluated. Unhatched eggs were subjected to residual analysis. The supplementation of the breeders’ diet with 0.025% CLA did not influence the incubation parameters and the weight of the chicks at hatch. However, the egg yolk and residual yolk sac fatty acid profile were altered and CLA accumulation was increased in the residual yolk sac at hatch in this treatment group. In conclusion, CLA supplementation in the diet of breeders did not influence the incubation parameters and the weight of the chicks, although it did alter the profiles of omega-6, palmitoleic, linoleic, and arachidonic acids in both egg yolk and residual yolk sac.

Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of protease addition to the diet of broilers at a higher level (1× or 2×) than the nutritional value proposed for the enzyme. The first experiment, 1280 day-old chicks (Cobb500®) were randomly allocated (randomized block design, 2×2+1 factorial arrangement), five treatments, eight replicates containing 32 birds/replicate. Treatments consisted: control diet without protease (CD); CD + 1× nutritional value of the enzyme (CDM1); CD + 2× nutritional value of the enzyme (CDM2); CDM1 + protease; and CDM2 + protease. The experimental period was 42 days. The mean weight (AFW), feed intake (FI), weight gain (WG), feed conversion, and carcass yield were evaluated. Significant differences were observed for AFW, WG, FI, abdominal fat yield, and feet percentage in the carcass. In the second experiment, 120 Cobb500® chicks at 14 days of age were allotted in a completely randomized design, 2×2+1 factorial arrangement, five treatments, six replicates with four birds/replicate. The treatments were consistent with the first experiment. Significant improvements in the nitrogen balance were observed for the broilers that received protease. The use of the enzyme tested is recommended with the recommended nutritional matrix, improving the zootechnical indices of broilers.

This study aimed to assess the influence of glycosaminoglycan (chondroitin and glucosamine sulfates) supplementation in the diet on the performance and incidence of locomotor problems in broiler chickens. A completely randomized design was carried out in a 3 × 3 factorial scheme (3 levels of chondroitin sulfate −0, 0.05, and 0.10%; and 3 levels of glucosamine sulfate −0, 0.15, and 0.30%). Each treatment was composed of 6 replications of 30 broilers each. The performance of broilers (average weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion, and productive viability) was assessed at 7, 21, 35, and 42 d of age, whereas the gait score, valgus and varus deviations, femoral degeneration, and tibial dyschondroplasia were assessed at 21 and 42 d of age. Increasing levels of glucosamine sulfate inclusion linearly increased the weight gain from 1 to 35 and from 1 to 42 d of age of broilers (P = 0.047 and P = 0.039, respectively), frequency of broilers with no femoral degeneration in the right and left femurs, and the proliferating cartilage area of proximal epiphysis at 42 d of age (P = 0.014, P

ABSTRACT Two experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of digestible valine supplementation in pre-starter and starter diets on the productivity, nutrient metabolizability coefficient (NMC), and immune response of broilers from breeders of different ages. Experiments I and II were conducted with broilers in the pre-starter (1 to 7 days of age) and starter (8 to 21 days of age) phases, respectively. Broilers were fed diets that differed in their digestible valine content. In each trial, 400 male Cobb 500® chicks were randomly housed in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement with eight treatments and five replicates of 10 birds each. The main effects were breeder age (37 vs. 52 weeks) and the digestible valine level in pre-starter (9.2, 10.2, 11.2, and 12.2 g/kg) and starter (8.3, 9.3, 10.3, and 11.3 g/kg) diets. Productive performance, intestinal histology, and immune response of broilers were evaluated. Supplementation with 11.2 g/kg valine in pre-starter diets improved NMC and increased villus height and villus:crypt ratio in the duodenum, jejunum development, and lymphocyte proliferation in the spleen of broilers at seven days of age, without improving performance (body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio). In the starter phase, valine supplementation reduced feed intake but did not affect NMC, intestinal development, or immune response. The present results suggest that the same level of digestible valine should be used in the diet of broilers born to breeders of different ages, and the use of 9.2 and 8.3 g/kg digestible valine in pre-starter and starter diets, respectively, is sufficient to ensure satisfactory broiler performance. However, to improve the duodenum and jejunum development and immune response of broilers in the pre-starter phase, higher digestible valine levels are required.

ABSTRACT: Eggshell quality is directly linked to the good acceptability of the product by consumers, whereas the industry is concerned with economic losses. Prolonged periods of laying, diseases, nutrition, bird age and genetics can influence egg quality. This study aimed to examine the influence of the environment, bird age and storage period on the physical characteristics of the shell of eggs from commercial laying hens. The experiment involved 288 eggs from Hy-line hens, which were distributed in a completely randomized design with a triple 3×2×4 factorial arrangement represented by three ages (31, 62 or 88 weeks), two storage temperatures (ambient or refrigerated), and four storage periods (one, 10, 20 or 30 days), totaling 24 treatments. Four replications were used with three eggs each. Eggshell strength, percentage and thickness were measured. Differences were observed, with the eggs stored at room temperature exhibiting lower shell strength. Laying eggs at an advanced age (88 weeks) resulted in decreased eggshell strength as compared with the other ages, whereas the eggs from young layers (31 weeks) had a thicker shell. The advancing age of the laying hens reduced eggshell quality, regardless of the storage environment. Nonetheless, the eggs stored in the refrigerator showed better eggshell quality and integrity than those stored at ambient temperature.

Um experimento foi realizado com o objetivo de avaliar o desenvolvimento do sistema digestório em frangos de corte de crescimento lento de diferentes linhagens. Foram utilizados 544 pintos com um dia de idade, sendo 136 de cada genótipo sendo: Label Rouge Pesadão, Label Rouge Pescoço Pelado, Carijó e Carijó Pescoço Pelado. Distribuídos em um delineamento inteiramente casualizado com quatro tratamentos (genótipo) e oito repetições de 17 animais cada. As variáveis estudadas foram peso vivo, desenvolvimento do trato digestório e medidas histomorfométricas intestinal em diferentes idades. Houve diferença (p < 0,05) entre as linhagens no peso vivo, peso relativo e comprimento dos órgãos do trato digestório e medidas histomorfométricas intestinal com um, sete e 28 dias de idade. A linhagem Carijó apresentou maior peso e desenvolvimento de órgãos digestórios comparada a linhagem Carijó Pescoço Pelado. Houve diferença (p < 0,05) para medidas histomorfométricas do intestino delgado entre as linhagens nas idades avaliadas. As linhagens Carijó Pescoço Pelado e Label Rouge Pescoço Pelado apresentaram maior altura de vilo e relação vilo:cripta do duodeno, jejuno e íleo. As linhagens de crescimento lento apresentam diferenças entre si no desempenho peso relativo e comprimento de órgãos do trato digestório e nas medidas histomorfometricas do intestino.

ABSTRACT An experiment was conducted aiming to evaluate the effect of different levels of crude protein, based on the ideal protein concept and two rearing systems, on productive performance of brown laying hens. A total of 400 Hisex Brown laying hens between 30 and 45 weeks of age were distributed in a completely randomized design and a 2×4 factorial arrangement, with main effects including two rearing systems (cage and floor) and levels of crude protein (140, 150, 160, and 180 g kg−1), totalizing eight treatments. Five replicates with 10 birds each were used per experimental unit. The following parameters were evaluated: egg production, feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and quality traits such as dirty, cracked, or broken eggs. No interaction effect was observed between dietary protein levels and rearing systems for body weight gain, feed intake, egg production, egg weight, and feed conversion ratio. Feed intake and egg production were higher in the floor rearing system. Feed conversion ratio (kg/dz) was improved in birds reared in the cage system. The rate of cracked and broken eggs was higher in the cage system. The layers reared in the floor system produced a higher percentage of dirty eggs. The dietary protein level did not affect the evaluated parameters. Thus, we conclude that a floor rearing system is an option for layers, and the dietary protein level can be reduced up to 140 g kg−1 for Hisex Brown hens from 30 to 45 weeks of age.

The study was performed with the objective of verifying raw soy feed, oxidized oil feed, and a control group. Performance evaluation was done at 7, 14, and 21 days of age. Metabolism assay was carried out between the 17th and 20th days for nutrient digestibility analysis. On the 21st day, two birds per repetition were sent for necropsy and collection of intestine fragments (duodenum and jejunum) for histomorphometric analysis. Eight to 14 days after treatment with Salmonella, individuals showed lower feed intake and feed conversion than the control group. Treatment with coccidiosis decreased all performance parameters in the control. Raw soybeans and oxidized oil induce lower weight gain and higher feed conversion compared to the control feed. Unlike after 14 days, at 21 days treatment with salmonella a decrease in weight gain was noted. For the group challenged by coccidiosis feed intake, the feed conversion remained lower than the control group. Undesirable effects on performance in the groups fed raw soybean and oxidized oil remained at up to 21 days. In the evaluation of digestibility, it was observed that raw soy had lower values for digestibility of dry matter, ether extract, and nitrogen balance due to intake. In addition, a lower ratio of villus:crypt measurements was observed. Lower villus height was found in the duodenum of the group challenged by coccidiosis. This group presented a positive correlation between the digestibility of ether extract and the duodenum, indicating that increased villus height implies an increased digestibility of ether extract. The results obtained for the jejunum showed a positive correlation with villus height in groups challenged by coccidiosis, raw soybeans, and oxidized oil; and to crypt depth in the group challenged with oxidized oil. The information obtained in the present study demonstrates that nutrient digestibility parameters can be useful tools for the analysis of the intestinal health of broiler chickens.

It was intended to evaluate the supplementation of Lafoensia pacari standardized in tannins extract in the diet of laying hens on the performance, internal and external quality of eggs and metabolism of the feed nutrients. A total of 168 Isa Brown laying hens, aged 24 weeks, with the mean weight of 2.6 kg and the mean posture rate of 87% were used during 4 periods of 28 days each. The treatments consisted of Halquinol performance-enhancing antibiotic, Mannanoligosaccharide (MOS) prebiotic and three levels of pacari extract – 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 mg kg-1of feed. The experimental design was completely randomized, with six treatments and seven replicates of four hens each. The pacari standardized in tannin extract presented a percentage of albumen and an egg weight similar to the antibiotic (p < 0.04). The supplementation with the extract improved the shell quality, verified by the specific gravity (p < 0.03) and promoted the metabolizability of ether extract similar to antibiotic and MOS (p < 0.04), allowing its indication as a phytogenic additive.

The experiment evaluated the influence of isolated or associated phytogenic additives (PA) and organic acids (OA) on nutrient digestibility, performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. Two experiments were conducted in a completely randomized design with a 2 × 2 + 1 factorial arrangement of treatments (with or without PA × with or without OA + antibiotic performance enhancer and anticoccidial). In the first experiment, two metabolic tests were conducted to determine the metabolizability coefficients of the nutrients of starter and growth diets. In the second experiment, 2520 one-day-old chicks were housed in 40 experimental units to evaluate the performance and carcass characteristics. The phytogenic additives and organic acids, isolated or associated, improve the nutrient digestibility of the diet and replace the growth- promoting antibiotics. The use of organic acids isolated or associated with phytogenic additives in broiler diets improves broiler performance in comparison with free antibiotic performance enhancer at 42 days of age. Isolated or associated phytogenic additives and organic acids provided better carcass characteristics.

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effect of two digestible lysine levels and four digestible arginine levels on laying hens from 24 to 48 weeks of age. Three hundred and twenty Lohmann LSL laying hens were allotted in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement, with two levels of digestible lysine (700 and 900 mg/kg of diet) and four digestible arginine levels (700, 800, 900 and 1000 mg/kg of diet). Results indicated requirement of 884 and 830 mg of digestible arginine/kg of diet, considering an average feed intake of 95 g/hen/day and an average hen weight of 1.5 kg, aiming at lesser feed intake and better nutritional balance of nitrogen, respectively. High digestible lysine levels in the diet require higher digestible arginine supplementation for a better performance of hens.

Neste experimento foram avaliados os efeitos de níveis de lisina digestível no desempenho, no balanço de nitrogênio e na digestibilidade de extrato etéreo em poedeiras Lohmann LSL entre 16 e 25 semanas de idade. Foram avaliados quatro níveis de lisina digestível (0,6; 0,7; 0,8 e 0,9% da ração) utilizando-se 160 poedeiras durante o período de 16 até 25 semanas de idade. As dietas foram isonutritivas, com 17% de PB e 2.800 (pré-postura) e 2.750 kcal (pré-pico) EM/kg. O delineamento inteiramente casualizado foi adotado com quatro níveis de lisina digestível avaliados em quatro repetições. Os níveis de lisina digestível não influenciaram o ganho de peso, os consumos de ração e de proteína e energia, a idade ao primeiro ovo, a produção e o peso dos ovos, os índices de conversão alimentar, a massa do ovo e os balanços de nitrogênio e extrato etéreo. Houve aumento linear positivo do consumo de lisina de acordo com os níveis dietéticos de lisina digestível. Os níveis de lisina utilizados não interferem no desempenho nem no balanço de nutrientes. Sugere-se o uso de 0,6% de lisina por quilograma de ração.In this experiment, the effects of digestible lysine levels on performance, nitrogen balance and fat digestibility in Lohmann LSL hens 16 to 25 weeks of age were evaluated. Four levels of digestible lysine (0.6, 0.7, 0.8 and 0.9% in ration) were assessed by utilizing 160 16-year-old laying hens 16 to 25 weeks of age. The diets were isonutritive with 17% CP and 2800 (pre laying) and 2750 (pre peak) kcal/kg. A completely randomized design was used with four lysine levels assessed in four replicates. The lysine levels did not influence weight gain, feed intake, protein and energy intake, age at first egg laying, egg production, egg weight, feed conversion indexes, egg mass, nitrogen balance or crude fat. There was positive linear increase on lysine intake according to the dietary levels of digestible lysine. Lysine levels do not influence the performance or the nutrients balance, and 0.6% of lysine per kilogram of feed is recommended.

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance, digestibility of nutrients of the diet and biometry of the gastrointestinal tract of chicks from eggs inoculated with prebiotic or butyric acid, submitted to water and food fasting. The fertile eggs were inoculated with a solution containing prebiotic (experiment I) or water (placebo group), in the allantoic sac on the 16th day of the incubation. In experiment II, the fertile eggs were inoculated with water (placebo group) or organic acid (sodium butyrate). After hatching, 200 chicks were selected and classified by weight and distributed according to the treatments in battery cages. A randomized complete block design in 2x2 factorial scheme (inoculants x fasting time) was used, totaling four treatments and 10 replicates. The fasting times evaluated were eight (control group) and 36 hours after hatching. The inoculation of butyric acid did not affect the performance of chicks and nutrients digestibility, but the gastrointestinal biometry was increased (P

Objetivou-se determinar os melhores níveis de lisina digestível para poedeiras em produção. Avaliaram-se o desempenho, o consumo de nutrientes, o metabolismo, a qualidade de ovos, os parâmetros sanguíneos e o desenvolvimento do aparelho reprodutor de 160 poedeiras Hy-Line W-36 com 25 semanas de idade. As aves foram distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, com quatro níveis de lisina digestível (600, 700, 800 ou 900 mg de lisina/kg de ração) e quatro repetições, utilizando-se o esquema de parcelas subdivididas na avaliação do balanço de nitrogênio, dos parâmetros sanguíneos e do aparelho reprodutor. Os níveis de lisina da dieta influenciaram os consumos de alimento, proteína e energia, cujo ponto de máximo foi observado no nível de 720 mg de lisina. Para produção de ovos, o melhor nível foi 800 mg de lisina; para conversão alimentar, 900 mg; e, para balanço de nitrogênio, 700 mg. A digestibilidade de extrato etéreo, a qualidade dos ovos, o desenvolvimento do aparelho reprodutor e os parâmetros sanguíneos não foram influenciados pelos níveis de lisina digestível da dieta. Recomendam-se níveis de 700 a 800 mg de lisina digestível para metabolismo e desempenho e 600 mg para qualidade dos ovos e melhor desenvolvimento do aparelho reprodutor.In this experiment it was aimed to determine the best levels of digestible lysine for laying hens in production period. Performance, nutrients intake, metabolism, egg quality, blood parameters and development of reproductive tract for 160 Hy-Line W-36 hens at 25 weeks of age. Hens were distributed in a completely randomized design with four levels of digestible lysine (600, 700, 800 or 900 mg of Lys/kg) and four replicates by using a split spot scheme was used at evaluation of nitrogen balance, blood parameters and reproductive tract. Lysine levels in the diet affected food, protein and energy intakes whose maximum point was noted at the level of 720 mg of Lysine. For egg production, food conversion, and nitrogen balance, the best levels of lysine was 800 mg, 900 mg, and 700 mg, respectively. The digestibility of ethereal extract, egg quality, development of reproductive tract and blood parameters were not affected by levels of digestible lysine in the diet. It is suggested 700 and 800 mg of digestible lysine for metabolism and performance, respectively, and 600 mg for egg quality and better development of the reproductive trait.

Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho (25 a 44 semanas de idade) e o balanço de nitrogênio de poedeiras comerciais alimentadas com rações contendo níveis de lisina digestível (0,700; 0,800 e 0,900%) combinados com os de treonina (0,500; 0,550 e 0,600%).O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso em esquema fatorial 3x3 (níveis de lisina x de treonina), com cinco repetições de oito aves cada. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey. Observou-se aumento naingestão de lisina e de treonina (p < 0,05) com o acréscimo desses aminoácidos na ração. Os níveis de lisina e treonina não influenciaram a produção de ovos (p > 0,05), no entanto, o peso do ovo piorou com a inclusão de 0,550% de treonina digestível. Houve interação entre níveis de lisina e de treonina (p < 0,05) para conversão alimentar (kg kg-1). O balanço de nitrogênio piorou com o aumento de treonina na ração, somente para poedeiras com 35semanas de idade. Para produção e massa de ovos, os níveis recomendados são de 0,700 e 0,500% de lisina e treonina digestível na ração. Para se otimizar a conversão alimentar (kg kg-1), recomendam-se 0,800 e 0,550% de lisina e treonina digestível na ração.This research had the objective of evaluating the performanceand nitrogen balance of commercial laying hens between 25 and 44 weeks of age, fed diets containing different levels of digestible lysine (0.700, 0.800 and 0.900%) and combined with digestible threonine (0.500, 0.550 and 0.600%). The diets contained 16% crude protein. A randomized experimental design was used in a 3x3 factorial scheme (three levels of lysine x three levels of theronine), with five replicates. The experiment unit consisted of a cage witheight hens. Data were submitted to analysis of variance using the statistical software SAS. The different levels of lysine and theronine did not influence (p > 0.05) production, weightof the eggs and nitrogen balance. An interaction was verified between the levels of lysine and theronine (p < 0.05) in the diets regarding feed conversion (kg kg-1). The levels of 0.800 and 0.550% of digestible lysine and threonine, respectively, enhanced the feedconversion (kg kg-1) in diets of hens.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a influência da linhagem e da idade de poedeiras comerciais sobre a qualidade interna e da casca do ovo recém-posto. Utilizaramse 48 ovos brancos de quatro linhagens de poedeiras comerciais leves (Babcock B 300, Hy Line W36, Lohmann White e Hisex) de três diferentes idades (29, 60 e 69 semanas). O delineamento utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado em um esquema fatorial 4 x 3 (linhagem x idade). Avaliaram-se o peso do ovo, a percentagem de gema e albume, a altura de albume, a gravidade específica e unidade Haugh. A linhagem Babcock B 300 mostrou melhor resultado ( P< 0,05) para unidade Haugh ( 97,23) e altura de albume ( 9,28 mm) comparado à Hisex (89,46 e 8,19 mm, respectivamente). Para percentagem de gema, ovos da linhagem Hy Line W36 (29,63%), com 69 semanas de idade, foram superiores (P

Realizaram-se dois experimentos, em que no primeiro avaliou-se a qualidade de ovos brancos de granja, comercializados em supermercados, mercados de varejo, feiras e na própria granja e no segundo, compararam-se os ovos brancos, caipiras e ovos especiais (enriquecidos com ômega 3), provenientes de diferentes tipos de estabelecimentos. Os ovos brancos do dia (da granja) e os comercializados em supermercados apresentaram melhores resultados (P0,05) em relação ao peso dos ovos, percentagem de albume e gema e para as características externas (% de trincados, sujos e pequenos). Os ovos especiais e caipiras apresentaram os piores resultados para a qualidade interna. Conclui-se que ovos de pior qualidade foram adquiridos na feira e os de melhor qualidade, na própria granja, ovos do dia. Os ovos especiais foram os de pior qualidade interna, independente do estabelecimento comercial. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Comercialização, componentes do ovo, qualidade do ovo.

Objetivou-se avaliar o desempenho (25 a 44 semanas de idade) e o balanço de nitrogênio de poedeiras comerciais alimentadas com rações contendo níveis de lisina digestível (0,700; 0,800 e 0,900%) combinados com os de treonina (0,500; 0,550 e 0,600%). O delineamento experimental foi inteiramente ao acaso em esquema fatorial 3x3 (níveis de lisina x de treonina), com cinco repetições de oito aves cada. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância e as médias comparadas pelo teste de Tukey. Observou-se aumento na ingestão de lisina e de treonina (p < 0,05) com o acréscimo desses aminoácidos na ração. Os níveis de lisina e treonina não influenciaram a produção de ovos (p > 0,05), no entanto, o peso do ovo piorou com a inclusão de 0,550% de treonina digestível. Houve interação entre níveis de lisina e de treonina (p < 0,05) para conversão alimentar (kg kg-1). O balanço de nitrogênio piorou com o aumento de treonina na ração, somente para poedeiras com 35 semanas de idade. Para produção e massa de ovos, os níveis recomendados são de 0,700 e 0,500% de lisina e treonina digestível na ração. Para se otimizar a conversão alimentar (kg kg-1), recomendam-se 0,800 e 0,550% de lisina e treonina digestível na ração.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi verificar a influência da linhagem e da idade de poedeiras comerciais sobre a qualidade interna e da casca do ovo recém-posto. Utilizaramse 48 ovos brancos de quatro linhagens de poedeiras comerciais leves (Babcock B 300, Hy Line W36, Lohmann White e Hisex) de três diferentes idades (29, 60 e 69 semanas). O delineamento utilizado foi inteiramente casualizado em um esquema fatorial 4 x 3 (linhagem x idade). Avaliaram-se o peso do ovo, a percentagem de gema e albume, a altura de albume, a gravidade específica e unidade Haugh. A linhagem Babcock B 300 mostrou melhor resultado ( P< 0,05) para unidade Haugh ( 97,23) e altura de albume ( 9,28 mm) comparado à Hisex (89,46 e 8,19 mm, respectivamente). Para percentagem de gema, ovos da linhagem Hy Line W36 (29,63%), com 69 semanas de idade, foram superiores (P

Realizaram-se dois experimentos, em que no primeiro avaliou-se a qualidade de ovos brancos de granja, comercializados em supermercados, mercados de varejo, feiras e na própria granja e no segundo, compararam-se os ovos brancos, caipiras e ovos especiais (enriquecidos com ômega 3), provenientes de diferentes tipos de estabelecimentos. Os ovos brancos do dia (da granja) e os comercializados em supermercados apresentaram melhores resultados (P0,05) em relação ao peso dos ovos, percentagem de albume e gema e para as características externas (% de trincados, sujos e pequenos). Os ovos especiais e caipiras apresentaram os piores resultados para a qualidade interna. Conclui-se que ovos de pior qualidade foram adquiridos na feira e os de melhor qualidade, na própria granja, ovos do dia. Os ovos especiais foram os de pior qualidade interna, independente do estabelecimento comercial. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Comercialização, componentes do ovo, qualidade do ovo.

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was the evaluation of egg quality of 30 to 45-week-old brown layers, raised in cages or on floor, supplemented with amino acids, using the ideal protein concept with levels of 14, 15, 16, and 18% crude protein. A total of 400 birds (Hy-sex Brown) were used, distributed into two breeding systems (conventional cage or floor). The evaluated variables were the yolk relative weight, yolk height, albumen relative weight, albumen height, specific gravity, eggshell thickness, and eggshell weight. Treatments consisted of reduced levels of crude protein and were provided to both groups equally. We adopted a completely randomized design, in a factorial scheme, composed of two breeding systems and four levels of crude protein, totaling eight treatments. Five replicates per treatment and 10 birds per experimental unit were used. The breeding system on floor was configured as an option in the breeding of brown layers, of Hy-sex Brown commercial lineage, in the period between the 30th and the 45th week of age, since it presents results equivalent to the ones obtained in the breeding system in cages, having the egg quality as parameter. The system of production on floor is configured as an option in the farming of brown layers, of the commercial lineage Hy-sex Brown.