RESUMO

A total of 1.500 male Cobb 500 broilers were used to determine the optimal digestible lysine level for 18 to 40-day-old broilers. The experimental period started when broilers were 18 days old and had an initial average weight of 737 ± 20 g. A completely randomized experimental design was applied, with five lysine levels, totaling five treatments with 10 replicates of 30 birds each. The experimental diets contained equal energy and protein levels, and 0.86, 0.95, 1.04, 1.13, and 1.22% digestible lysine. The following parameters were evaluated: average body weight at 40 days of age, daily weight gain, daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, carcass yield and parts yield, and abdominal fat percentage. There was a quadratic effect (p 0.05) of digestible lysine levels on average body weight at 40 days of age, daily weight gain, and breast yield, and a cubic effect on feed conversion ratio and abdominal fat. There was no influence of lysine levels of daily feed intake, carcass yield, leg, or wing yields. It was concluded that digestible lysine requirements for male broilers during the evaluated period was 1.22% for performance and 1.04% for carcass yield.

RESUMO

In this study, 600 one-day-old male Cobb 500 broilers were distributed according a completely randomized experimental design into the different dietary treatments. Broilers were fed the following dietary treatments: positive control diet (PC), containing 54 ppm zinc bacitracin; negative control diet (NC), with no inclusion of performance enhancers and 3% reduction in metabolizable energy, crude protein, and amino acid levels; PC up to 33 days and then NC, with the dietary addition of 75, 150, or 225 ppm plant extracts, until day 42 days of age. Broiler performance and carcass yield were evaluated. Data were analyzed using the Statistical Analysis System package (SAS Institute Inc., 2008), and submitted to polynomial regression analysis using the GLM procedure at 5% significance level. There was no influence of treatments on feed intake or weight gain, but feed conversion ratio of the broiler fed the plant extract was significantly higher (p 0.05) compared with those fed the antibiotic. There was no significant effect (p>0.05) of the applied treatments on carcass yield. We concluded that the replacement of performance-enhancing additives by plant extracts, at the evaluated inclusion levels, does not promote positive performance results.

RESUMO

An experiment was carried out with 1200 23-week-old white Dekalb commercial laying hens to investigate production responses, egg quality, and energy utilization of laying hens fed different dietary energy levels at the beginning of lay. Birds were housed and divided in five groups of 240 birds according to dietary apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEn): 2700 kcal/kg; 2775 kcal/kg; 2850 kcal/kg; 2925 kcal/kg; and 3000 kcal/kg, with six replicates of 40 birds each. Birds were fed the experimental diets based on corn and soybean meal for 17 weeks. Diets were iso-nutritive, except for energy level. Increasing AMEn levels had a negative effect on egg production and egg mass (p0.05). AMEn levels did not influence body weight, egg weight, or livability (p>0.05). Increasing AMEn levels increased (p0.05) feed intake and AMEn conversion ratio and feed conversion ratio. AMEn intake remained constant, independently of dietary AMEn level (p>0.05). There were no differences in albumen height, yolk total solids content, or egg component percentages (p>0.05). Egg specific weight improved with increasing AMEn levels (p0.05). Therefore, the energy level of 2700 kcal/kg of feed may be fed to young laying hens.

RESUMO

A total of 1.500 male Cobb 500 broilers were used to determine the optimal digestible lysine level for 18 to 40-day-old broilers. The experimental period started when broilers were 18 days old and had an initial average weight of 737 ± 20 g. A completely randomized experimental design was applied, with five lysine levels, totaling five treatments with 10 replicates of 30 birds each. The experimental diets contained equal energy and protein levels, and 0.86, 0.95, 1.04, 1.13, and 1.22% digestible lysine. The following parameters were evaluated: average body weight at 40 days of age, daily weight gain, daily feed intake, feed conversion ratio, carcass yield and parts yield, and abdominal fat percentage. There was a quadratic effect (p 0.05) of digestible lysine levels on average body weight at 40 days of age, daily weight gain, and breast yield, and a cubic effect on feed conversion ratio and abdominal fat. There was no influence of lysine levels of daily feed intake, carcass yield, leg, or wing yields. It was concluded that digestible lysine requirements for male broilers during the evaluated period was 1.22% for performance and 1.04% for carcass yield.

RESUMO

An experiment was carried out to evaluate different criteria in feed formulation based on digestible amino acids for broilers during the grower phase. Diets were formulated according to the recommendations for digestible methionine, methionine + cysteine, lysine, and threonine. A total number of six hundred Cobb 500 male day-old chicks were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design, with three formulation criteria supplying the recommendations established by Baker & Chung (1992), Degussa (1997), and Rostagno et al. (2000), with 4 replicates of 50 birds each. No significant differences were observed for weight gain and feed intake. However, feed conversion ratio improved when birds were fed the diets containing the profiles recommended by Baker & Chung (1992) and Degussa (1997). No difference was observed in terms of leg, wings, back, and head yields. Broilers fed with the profile of Baker & Chung (1992) presented worst breast yield, whereas those fed the Degussa (1997) standard had better carcass yield.

RESUMO

An experiment was carried out to evaluate different criteria in feed formulation based on digestible amino acids for broilers during the grower phase. Diets were formulated according to the recommendations for digestible methionine, methionine + cysteine, lysine, and threonine. A total number of six hundred Cobb 500 male day-old chicks were distributed in a completely randomized experimental design, with three formulation criteria supplying the recommendations established by Baker & Chung (1992), Degussa (1997), and Rostagno et al. (2000), with 4 replicates of 50 birds each. No significant differences were observed for weight gain and feed intake. However, feed conversion ratio improved when birds were fed the diets containing the profiles recommended by Baker & Chung (1992) and Degussa (1997). No difference was observed in terms of leg, wings, back, and head yields. Broilers fed with the profile of Baker & Chung (1992) presented worst breast yield, whereas those fed the Degussa (1997) standard had better carcass yield.

RESUMO

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of the enzyme phytase in diets formulated with different phosphorus sources on performance, eggshell quality and excretion of commercial laying hens. Two hundred and eighty-eight commercial Hyssex Brown laying hens were evaluated during two production phases, which included eight twenty-eight-day cycles, using a completely randomized design in a 3x2 factorial with six replicates of eight birds per treatment. Three phosphorus sources (calcium and sodium phosphate, micro-granulated dicalcium phosphate and triple super phosphate) and two phytase levels (0 or 1000 FTU/kg diet) were tested in the composition of the diets. After the post-peak period, triple super phosphate decreased bird performance and eggshell quality. It was possible to reduce the levels of phosphorus supplementation when phytase was added to the diet. Besides, phytase supplementation reduced phosphorus, calcium and nitrogen excretions, but affected mean egg weight at production peak.

RESUMO

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance and carcass yield of broilers at 55 days of age fed diets with different levels of metabolizable energy and lysine. Evaluated data of performance were weight gain, feed intake, energy intake, lysine intake, caloric conversion and feed conversion. Carcass assessment was performed based on data from carcass yield, breast weight, whole wings, whole legs, back, head + neck, feet and abdominal fat. A 3 x 3 factorial arrangement was used, with 3 levels of metabolizable energy (3,200; 3,400 and 3,600 kcal ME/kg) and 3 lysine levels (0.95%; 1.05% and 1.15%). There was no interaction between the two factors. Nevertheless, increasing levels of metabolizable energy improved weight gain (745 g; 841 g and 910 g, respectively) and feed intake was higher in broilers receiving the diets with 3,200 and 3,600 kcal ME/kg. Overall performance was not affected by lysine levels. Feed conversion values were 2.69, 2.42 and 2.14 for birds fed diets with 3,200; 3,400 and 3,600 kcal ME/kg, respectively. Carcass yield and breast weight increased with higher levels of energy and lysine in the diets.

RESUMO

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance and carcass yield of broilers at 55 days of age fed diets with different levels of metabolizable energy and lysine. Evaluated data of performance were weight gain, feed intake, energy intake, lysine intake, caloric conversion and feed conversion. Carcass assessment was performed based on data from carcass yield, breast weight, whole wings, whole legs, back, head + neck, feet and abdominal fat. A 3 x 3 factorial arrangement was used, with 3 levels of metabolizable energy (3,200; 3,400 and 3,600 kcal ME/kg) and 3 lysine levels (0.95%; 1.05% and 1.15%). There was no interaction between the two factors. Nevertheless, increasing levels of metabolizable energy improved weight gain (745 g; 841 g and 910 g, respectively) and feed intake was higher in broilers receiving the diets with 3,200 and 3,600 kcal ME/kg. Overall performance was not affected by lysine levels. Feed conversion values were 2.69, 2.42 and 2.14 for birds fed diets with 3,200; 3,400 and 3,600 kcal ME/kg, respectively. Carcass yield and breast weight increased with higher levels of energy and lysine in the diets.

RESUMO

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of the enzyme phytase in diets formulated with different phosphorus sources on performance, eggshell quality and excretion of commercial laying hens. Two hundred and eighty-eight commercial Hyssex Brown laying hens were evaluated during two production phases, which included eight twenty-eight-day cycles, using a completely randomized design in a 3x2 factorial with six replicates of eight birds per treatment. Three phosphorus sources (calcium and sodium phosphate, micro-granulated dicalcium phosphate and triple super phosphate) and two phytase levels (0 or 1000 FTU/kg diet) were tested in the composition of the diets. After the post-peak period, triple super phosphate decreased bird performance and eggshell quality. It was possible to reduce the levels of phosphorus supplementation when phytase was added to the diet. Besides, phytase supplementation reduced phosphorus, calcium and nitrogen excretions, but affected mean egg weight at production peak.

RESUMO

An experiment was carried out to evaluate different formulated feeds for broilers from 43 to 49 days of age. Six hundred male Cobb broilers were distributed in a completely at random experimental design with 3 treatments (3 different criteria of feed formulation) and 4 repetitions per treatment, with 50 birds each. Diets were formulated with different criteria of digestible amino acid inclusion (methionine, methionine+cystine, lysine and threonine), according to the profiles recommended by Baker and Chung (1992), Degussa (1997) and Rostagno (2000) Live performance and carcass yield were evaluated in birds fed the different diets from 43 to 49 days of age). The profile established by Degussa (1997) resulted in best live performance. All profiles supplied the nutritional requirements of the birds for adequate carcass yield, but Degussa (1997) profile resulted in highest breast yield.

RESUMO

An experiment was carried out to evaluate different formulated feeds for broilers from 43 to 49 days of age. Six hundred male Cobb broilers were distributed in a completely at random experimental design with 3 treatments (3 different criteria of feed formulation) and 4 repetitions per treatment, with 50 birds each. Diets were formulated with different criteria of digestible amino acid inclusion (methionine, methionine+cystine, lysine and threonine), according to the profiles recommended by Baker and Chung (1992), Degussa (1997) and Rostagno (2000) Live performance and carcass yield were evaluated in birds fed the different diets from 43 to 49 days of age). The profile established by Degussa (1997) resulted in best live performance. All profiles supplied the nutritional requirements of the birds for adequate carcass yield, but Degussa (1997) profile resulted in highest breast yield.

RESUMO

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of feed restriction and different sodium levels in the diet on the performance and hematological values (erythrocyte, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin, mean cell hemoglobin concentration and white blood cell) of broilers from 22 to 42 days of age. A completely randomized design was used in a 4 x 2 x 2 factorial (levels of sodium: 0.16%, 0.19%, 0.22% and 0.25%; with or without feed restriction; male and female), and two replicates of thirty broilers each. Sodium levels did not affect performance (p>0.05). Feed restriction resulted in increased feed intake and affected weight gain and feed conversion negatively (p 0.05). Better weight gain and feed conversion (p 0.05) were seen in male broilers. Hematological values were not affected by sodium levels, feed restriction or sex (p>0.05).

RESUMO

The experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of feed restriction and different sodium levels in the diet on the performance and hematological values (erythrocyte, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin, mean cell hemoglobin concentration and white blood cell) of broilers from 22 to 42 days of age. A completely randomized design was used in a 4 x 2 x 2 factorial (levels of sodium: 0.16%, 0.19%, 0.22% and 0.25%; with or without feed restriction; male and female), and two replicates of thirty broilers each. Sodium levels did not affect performance (p>0.05). Feed restriction resulted in increased feed intake and affected weight gain and feed conversion negatively (p 0.05). Better weight gain and feed conversion (p 0.05) were seen in male broilers. Hematological values were not affected by sodium levels, feed restriction or sex (p>0.05).

RESUMO

Fourteen hundred and forty day-old male chicks were used to evaluate the use of meat and bone meal (MBM) on performance and carcass yield of broilers. The experimental design was a 2 x 2 x 2 factorial random arrangement: inclusion levels of MBM (3 and 6%), types of MBM (37.51 and 41.58% of crude protein), metabolizable energy values for MBM according to prediction equations (NRC, 1994) or by Rostagno et al.(1994), plus a control diet without MBM, with four replicates of forty chickens each. Feed intake and body weight gain (WG) were influenced by inclusion levels of MBM, with higher WG when MBM was not used. The remaining performance characteristics were not altered by the factors studied. There was reduction in abdominal fat when MBM was not used. It was concluded that the performance was impaired due to the use of diets containing up to 6% of MBM when compared to corn-soybean meal diets.

Um mil quatrocentos e quarenta pintos de um dia, machos, foram utilizados com o objetivo de avaliar a utilização da farinha de carne e ossos (FCO) sobre o desempenho e rendimento de carcaça de frangos de corte. Foi utilizado o delineamento inteiramente ao acaso em esquema fatorial 2 x 2 x 2, com os fatores: níveis de inclusão da FCO (3 e 6%), tipos de FCO (37,51 e 41,58% de proteína bruta), valores de energia metabolizável da FCO conforme equações de predição sugerida pelo NRC (1994) ou tabela de Rostagno et al. (1994), mais um tratamento controle sem a inclusão de FCO, com quatro repetições de 40 aves cada. O consumo de ração e ganho de peso (GP) foram influenciados pela inclusão de FCO, sendo verificado maior GP quando a FCO não foi utilizada. As demais características de desempenho não foram afetadas pelos fatores estudados. A gordura abdominal foi reduzida quando a FCO não foi utilizada. Concluiu-se que dietas de frangos de corte contendo até 6% de FCO proporcionam pior desempenho quando comparadas com aquelas a base de milho e farelo de soja.

RESUMO

Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the performance and calcium excretion of broilers fed the diets with different amino acids (AA) and calcium (Ca) levels in the initial phase. In each experiments, male broilers, Cobb or Avian Farms, were randomly assigned to six treatments in a three X two factorial arrangement, considering the factors AA (100, 125 and 150% NRC, 1994) and Ca (75 and 100% NRC, 1994), in three replications of 30 birds each. The studied AA were methionine, methionine + cystine, lysine and threonine. The performance of the birds was analyzed according weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion. The lower calcium level reduced calcium excretion and increasing amino acids levels reduced weight gain in Avian Farms strain. The Cobb strain was not affected by treatments.

Dois experimentos foram realizados com o objetivo de avaliar os efeitos de diferentes níveis de aminoácidos e de cálcio sobre o desempenho e excreção de cálcio de duas linhagens de frangos de corte (Cobb e Avian Farms) na fase inicial de criação. Foram avaliados os dados de desempenho (consumo de ração, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar) e excreção de cálcio. Foram utilizadas 540 aves, em cada experimento, distribuídas em delineamento inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 3x2, ou seja, 3 perfis de aminoácidos (metionina, metionina+cistina, lisina e treonina - 100%, 125% e 150% dos níveis do NRC,1994) e 2 níveis de cálcio (75% e 100% dos níveis do NRC,1994), com 30 aves por repetição. Analisou-se o cálcio excretado das aves, e para tanto, utilizou-se 72 aves, em cada experimento, alojadas em gaiolas, seguindo o mesmo delineamento descrito anteriormente. Não houve interação entre os tratamentos estudados. Para a linhagem Avian Farms, o ganho de peso diminuiu com a elevação dos níveis de aminoácidos e ocorreu menor excreção de cálcio com menor nível de cálcio da dieta. A linhagem Cobb não foi influenciada pelos tratamentos em nenhum dos parâmetros estudados.

RESUMO

Two experiment were carried out using 520 one-day old male broilers to evaluate the effect of crude protein and of electrolytic balance ( Na+K-Cl) in starter diet on broilers performance. The experiment I (1 to 7 days of age) was accomplished in batteries, being used 160 one-day old male 'Cobb", in the experiment II (1 to 21 days of age), used 360 one-day old male "Avian Farms" that were housed in an shed experimental, divide in box. In the two experiments, the birds were heated with infrared lamps and they received water and ration at large. Experimental designs were completely randomized factorial 2x2 (proteins levels and Mongin of number) with five replications of eight birds each for experiment I and factorial 2x3 (proteins levels and Mongin of number) with three replications of twenty birds each for experiment II. The level of potassium was maintained constant, the levels of Na and Cl were varied to obtain the electrolytic balance. The performances parameters (feed intake (g), weight gain (g) and feed:gain) were analyzed in the end of each experimental phase. In both experiments there was no interaction between crude protein and electrolytic balance. The crude protein levels (21 and 23,5 %) did not influenced the broilers performance. In pre-starter and starter diets the best performance was obtained with electrolytic balance of 260 mEq/kg.

Foram realizados dois experimentos utilizando-se 520 pintos machos de um dia para avaliar o efeito da proteína bruta (PB) e do balanço eletrolítico (Na + K- Cl) sobre o desempenho de frangos de corte no período inicial. O Experimento I (1 a 7 dias de idade das aves) foi realizado em baterias, utilizando-se 160 pintos machos "Cobb", no Experimento II (1 a 21 dias) foram utilizados 360 pintos machos "Aviam Farms" que foram alojados em um galpão experimental dividido em box. Nos dois experimentos as aves foram aquecidas com lâmpadas infravermelhas e receberam água e ração à vontade. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado, em um esquema fatorial 2 x 2 (PB x balanço eletrolítico - BE), com 5 repetições e 8 aves por unidade experimental no Experimento I e fatorial 2 x 3 (PB x BE), com 3 repetições e 20 aves por unidade experimental no Experimento II. Os níveis de K foram mantidos constantes, oscilando-se o Na e o Cl para obter os balanços eletrolíticos desejados. Os parâmetro de desempenho (consumo de ração, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar) foram analisados no final de cada fase experimental. Em ambos os experimentos não houve interação entre PB e BE. Os níveis de 21,0 e 23,5% de PB não afetaram o desempenho das aves. Em dietas pré-iniciais e iniciais o melhor desempenho foi atingido com 260 mEq/kg.

RESUMO

Two experiments were conducted with the objective of evaluate different criterion of feed formulation based on total and digestible amino acids for broilers from 1 to 21 days of age. The diets were formulated to attend methionine, methionine+cystine, lysine and threonine recommendations. In the first experiment, eight hundred males birds, Hubbard, were allocated in experimental design with four formulations criterions, for attempt recommendations in total amino acids - NRC (1994), Rostagno et al. (1992), Degussa (1997) e AEC (1993), with 4 replications of 50 broilers each, profiles of amino acids (methionine, methionine+cystine, lysine and threonine) for broilers. In experiment two, six hundred males birds, Cobb, were allocated in experimental design with three formulations criterions, for attempt recommendations in digestible amino acids - Rostagno et al. (2000), Baker & Han (1994) and Degussa (1997), with 4 replications of 50 broilers each, profiles of amino acids (methionine, methionine+cystine, lysine and threonine) for broilers. Weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion were evaluated. The obtained results demonstrated that there is no difference in performance of broilers fed with different criterion formulation based on total amino acids. Diets formulated with digestible amino acids, the standard established for Baker & Han (1994) resulting in best performance of broilers in the available period.

Dois experimentos foram realizados com o objetivo de avaliar diferentes critérios de formulação de rações, baseados em aminoácidos totais e digestíveis, para frangos de corte no período de 1 a 21 dias de idade. As dietas foram formuladas para atender às exigências de metionina, metionina+cistina, lisina e treonina. No primeiro experimento, foram utilizados 800 pintos machos, Hubbard, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com 4 critérios de formulação, para atender às exigências em aminoácidos totais - NRC (1994), Rostagno et al. (1992), Degussa (1997) e AEC (1993), com 4 repetições de 50 aves. No segundo experimento, foram utilizados 600 pintos machos, Cobb, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com 3 critérios de formulação, para atender às exigências em aminoácidos digestíveis - Rostagno et al. (2000), Baker & Han (1994) e Degussa (1997), com 4 repetições de 50 aves. Foram avaliados ganho de peso, consumo de ração e conversão alimentar. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram não haver diferença no desempenho das aves ao serem alimentadas com diferentes critérios de formulação baseados em aminoácidos totais. Ao formular dietas com aminoácidos digestíveis, o padrão estabelecido por Baker & Han (1994) resultaram em melhor desempenho das aves no período avaliado.

RESUMO

Two experiments were conducted with the objective of evaluate different criterion of feed formulation based on total and digestible amino acids for broilers from 1 to 21 days of age. The diets were formulated to attend methionine, methionine+cystine, lysine and threonine recommendations. In the first experiment, eight hundred males birds, Hubbard, were allocated in experimental design with four formulations criterions, for attempt recommendations in total amino acids - NRC (1994), Rostagno et al. (1992), Degussa (1997) e AEC (1993), with 4 replications of 50 broilers each, profiles of amino acids (methionine, methionine+cystine, lysine and threonine) for broilers. In experiment two, six hundred males birds, Cobb, were allocated in experimental design with three formulations criterions, for attempt recommendations in digestible amino acids - Rostagno et al. (2000), Baker & Han (1994) and Degussa (1997), with 4 replications of 50 broilers each, profiles of amino acids (methionine, methionine+cystine, lysine and threonine) for broilers. Weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion were evaluated. The obtained results demonstrated that there is no difference in performance of broilers fed with different criterion formulation based on total amino acids. Diets formulated with digestible amino acids, the standard established for Baker & Han (1994) resulting in best performance of broilers in the available period.

Dois experimentos foram realizados com o objetivo de avaliar diferentes critérios de formulação de rações, baseados em aminoácidos totais e digestíveis, para frangos de corte no período de 1 a 21 dias de idade. As dietas foram formuladas para atender às exigências de metionina, metionina+cistina, lisina e treonina. No primeiro experimento, foram utilizados 800 pintos machos, Hubbard, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com 4 critérios de formulação, para atender às exigências em aminoácidos totais - NRC (1994), Rostagno et al. (1992), Degussa (1997) e AEC (1993), com 4 repetições de 50 aves. No segundo experimento, foram utilizados 600 pintos machos, Cobb, distribuídos em delineamento inteiramente casualizado com 3 critérios de formulação, para atender às exigências em aminoácidos digestíveis - Rostagno et al. (2000), Baker & Han (1994) e Degussa (1997), com 4 repetições de 50 aves. Foram avaliados ganho de peso, consumo de ração e conversão alimentar. Os resultados obtidos demonstraram não haver diferença no desempenho das aves ao serem alimentadas com diferentes critérios de formulação baseados em aminoácidos totais. Ao formular dietas com aminoácidos digestíveis, o padrão estabelecido por Baker & Han (1994) resultaram em melhor desempenho das aves no período avaliado.

RESUMO

Two experiment were carried out using 520 one-day old male broilers to evaluate the effect of crude protein and of electrolytic balance ( Na+K-Cl) in starter diet on broilers performance. The experiment I (1 to 7 days of age) was accomplished in batteries, being used 160 one-day old male 'Cobb", in the experiment II (1 to 21 days of age), used 360 one-day old male "Avian Farms" that were housed in an shed experimental, divide in box. In the two experiments, the birds were heated with infrared lamps and they received water and ration at large. Experimental designs were completely randomized factorial 2x2 (proteins levels and Mongin of number) with five replications of eight birds each for experiment I and factorial 2x3 (proteins levels and Mongin of number) with three replications of twenty birds each for experiment II. The level of potassium was maintained constant, the levels of Na and Cl were varied to obtain the electrolytic balance. The performances parameters (feed intake (g), weight gain (g) and feed:gain) were analyzed in the end of each experimental phase. In both experiments there was no interaction between crude protein and electrolytic balance. The crude protein levels (21 and 23,5 %) did not influenced the broilers performance. In pre-starter and starter diets the best performance was obtained with electrolytic balance of 260 mEq/kg.

Foram realizados dois experimentos utilizando-se 520 pintos machos de um dia para avaliar o efeito da proteína bruta (PB) e do balanço eletrolítico (Na + K- Cl) sobre o desempenho de frangos de corte no período inicial. O Experimento I (1 a 7 dias de idade das aves) foi realizado em baterias, utilizando-se 160 pintos machos "Cobb", no Experimento II (1 a 21 dias) foram utilizados 360 pintos machos "Aviam Farms" que foram alojados em um galpão experimental dividido em box. Nos dois experimentos as aves foram aquecidas com lâmpadas infravermelhas e receberam água e ração à vontade. O delineamento foi inteiramente casualizado, em um esquema fatorial 2 x 2 (PB x balanço eletrolítico - BE), com 5 repetições e 8 aves por unidade experimental no Experimento I e fatorial 2 x 3 (PB x BE), com 3 repetições e 20 aves por unidade experimental no Experimento II. Os níveis de K foram mantidos constantes, oscilando-se o Na e o Cl para obter os balanços eletrolíticos desejados. Os parâmetro de desempenho (consumo de ração, ganho de peso e conversão alimentar) foram analisados no final de cada fase experimental. Em ambos os experimentos não houve interação entre PB e BE. Os níveis de 21,0 e 23,5% de PB não afetaram o desempenho das aves. Em dietas pré-iniciais e iniciais o melhor desempenho foi atingido com 260 mEq/kg.