The present study was carried out in the poultry sector of UNOESC Xanxerê to evaluate the effect of various inclusion levels of seaweed (Schizotrichium ssp.) in the diet of broiler chickens in terms of performance, carcass yield, organ profiles and fatty acids levels in meat. We studied 480 one-day-old Cobb chicks, distributed in a completely randomized experimental design, with four treatments and six replicates containing 20 birds each, totaling 24 experimental units. At 7, 21 and 35 days of age, the birds were weighed for performance evaluation (live weight, weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion and mortality). At 35 days of age, one chicken per experimental unit was sacrificed for evaluation of carcass yield and its parts, together with isolation of the left thigh for analysis of the fatty acid profile. The inclusion of seaweed in the diet did not alter the characteristics of performance or yield in carcass and organs; however, the supplement changed the profile of fatty acids of the meat, enriching the omega-3 series, primarily DHA. We conclude that marine algae of the genus Schizotrichium can be added to rations without compromising the development of the birds to improve the profile of fatty acids in the meat.

• Supplementation with biocholine powder (BP) had no effect on the performance in young female sheep to long-term. • But supplementation with BP in the first 30 days of ingestion potentiates weight gain. • Ingestion of BP modified the ruminal fermentation profile, and decreased the concentration of volatile fatty acids. • BP supplementation stimulated antioxidant, immunological and hepatoprotective activities.

The objective of this study was to evaluate whether there is an interaction between pepper extract (PE) supplementation and evaporative cooling regimens on the performance, thermal comfort, and metabolism of lactating cows. The experiment was designed as a double 4 × 4 Latin square using eight multiparous Holstein cows (days in milk 147 ± 43.8 days). Treatments were a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement; two evaporative cooling regimens [sprinkler cycles of 30 s on and 4.5 min off (R5) and 30 s on and 9.5 min off (R10)] were combined with no inclusion of pepper extract (CT) or 800 mg/cow daily of PE. The inclusion of PE allowed a greater reduction in the surface temperature of the coat, and the cows remained for longer periods in the feeding area. There was an interaction between the use of PE and the climate regimen for surface temperature, which was lower for PER5. Cows experiencing greater intermittency in the spraying cycles (R10) spent 35% more time at the feeding area. A significant interaction was observed for milk production, with greater production for CTR5 compared to the other treatments. The feed efficiency for R5 was higher than that for R10. The R5 treatment combined with PE reduced water intake. There was no significant difference in serum parameters other than gamma-glutamyl transferase, with an interaction between treatments and greater activity for PER10, and total protein and albumin, which had cooling effects that were higher for R10. The two factors tested interfered in different and dissociated ways. The evaporative cooling strategies were effective, and the R5 treatment resulted in higher feed efficiency and milk production. The inclusion of PE enhanced heat reduction in cows when they were subjected to a cooling regime.

Pepper extract (PE, 5 g capsaicin/kg PE) was added to the feed of the sheep during the lactation period (Day 75-93) to maintain production, improve milk quality, and preserve their health. The groups were: T0, control, (without PE); T200 (200 mg PE/kg concentrate) and T400 (400 mg PE/kg concentrate). The reduction in milk production (L) was smaller in the T400 ewes on days 0 to 18 and 14 to 18 than in the T0 group. Feed conversion was lower in sheep in groups T200 and T400 than in group T0. The interaction between the treatment and the day for protein, lactose and total milk totals was greater in ewes that consumed PE on day 18. The somatic cell counts in milk were lower in the T400 ewes. The levels of total protein and globulin were the highest in the blood of animals in the T400 group. There were lower levels of reactive oxygen species and lipoperoxidation in the serum and milk of animals in groups T200 and T400. On the 18th day, the serum of sheep that consumed PE increased levels of non-protein thiols and superoxide dismutase activities. The inclusion of PE (400 mg/kg) containing capsaicin in sheep concentrate in the middle of lactation (after the peak of lactation) minimized the reduction in milk production during the experiment and improved the quality of the milk, as well as stimulated an antioxidant response systemic.

The objective of this study was to evaluate performance, hematological parameters, leukocyte counts, and respiratory microbiota of broilers under heat stress receiving eucalyptus oil supplementation. Cobb broilers (n = 1200) were randomly distributed on the first day of life in a factorial arrangement with additional treatment (2 × 2 + 1) with two periods of oil administration via drinking water (daily, from 18 to 35 days of life) and two periods of oil administration via spray (daily, from 18 to 35 days of age) plus a control treatment, consisting of twelve replications, with 20 animals each. The birds were kept in a controlled environment with constant temperature at 32 °C to induce heat stress by infrared heaters. Eucalyptus oil was supplied by drinking water (1 L of oil to 4000 L of water) or by spray applications with a pump (1 L of oil to 200 L of water). Bird weight was recorded at 42 days of age, along with remaining feed, to determine weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion. In addition, one blood sample from each bird repetition was collected for hematological and leucocytic evaluation. To assess respiratory microbiota, a tracheal flushing was performed for bacteria counts. There was no difference in performance, hematological parameters, and leukocyte counts, except hematocrit, which was lower in birds that received eucalyptus oil after 18 days of age. No significant differences were observed in the respiratory microbiota comparing oil-treated and -untreated groups. Although it was not possible to verify statistical difference, the birds that received eucalyptus oil via spray plus spray from 18 days old showed lower bacterial counts and absence of isolation of Gram negatives, while the control group was the one with the highest number of Gram negatives. Therefore, eucalyptus oil can be used for heat-stressed broilers without impairing their development.