Spanish Journal of Agricultural Research
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Effect of environmental conditions and feed forms on the performance and feeding behavior of group-housed growing-finishing pigs
No full textAim of study: To investigate the influence of environmental conditions and feed forms on productivity and feeding behavior of growing-finishing pigs.
Area of study: Farm located in the North-East of Spain (42°03'11.0"N 2°06'59.5"E).
Material and methods: Two trials were conducted (n = 72 pigs each). In the Hot-Temperate/Pelleted trial (HT-P), pigs were half the time under hot conditions (average temperature Ta=28.1℃) and half the time under thermoneutral conditions (Ta=25.5℃) and were fed in pellet. In the Temperate-Hot/Mash trial (TH-M), pigs were half the time under thermoneutral conditions (Ta=23.5℃) and half the time under hot conditions (Ta=27.3℃) and were fed in mash. Productivity and feeding behavior were registered.
Main results: Hot conditions during the finishing period in TH-M trial reduced by 118 g/d growth rate and increased feed conversion ratio (2.28 vs. 2.07 kg/kg) compared to HT-P trial (p < 0.001) due to feed intake reduction. Growing pigs under hot conditions and fed in pellet increased total feeder visits (12.8 vs. 7.9 visits/d) and reduced visit size (147 vs. 230 g/visit, p < 0.001); whereas finishing pigs under hot conditions and fed in mash only tended to reduce visit size (308 vs. 332 g/visit, p = 0.08). Pigs fed with mash ate slower (22.8 vs. 34.8 g/min) than pelleted-fed pigs (p < 0.001), independently of environmental conditions.
Research highlights: Feed form and environmental conditions affect both feeding behavior and performance of growing-finishing pigs. Unfortunately, due to a design weakness, it was not possible to obtain the sharp effect of both factors
Effects of the encapsulation of Lactobacillus acidophilus and Spirulina platensis on carcass yield and meat quality of broilers under heat stress conditions
No full textAim of study: To evaluate the effects of adding Lactobacillus acidophilus (LA), Spirulina platensis (SP) and the encapsulation of LA on the relative weights of carcass parts and meat quality of broilers subjected to heat stress.
Area of study: The work was performed at the University of Jiroft, Iran.
Material and methods: Two hundred forty 1-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) were used in a completely randomized design, with six treatments and four replicates (cages, 10 birds per cage). Dietary treatments included: (i) corn-soybean as control diet (CON), (ii) 0.02% LA, (iii) 1% SP, (iv) 0.02% LA + 1% SP, (v) 0.02% of encapsulated LA, and (vi) 0.02% encapsulated LA + 1% SP.
Main results: The relative weight of the carcass increased in all experimental groups except in the 0.02% LA encapsulated group (p˂0.05). Birds fed diets containing LA+SP (0.02% LA+ 1%SP and 0.02% LA encapsulated+1% SP) had a significantly higher relative weight of the breast (p˂0.05). Dietary supplementation with SP, LA+SP, and encapsulated LA+SP significantly increased water holding capacity and decreased cook loss, respectively (p˂0.05), whereas dietary LA+SP and encapsulated LA+SP decreased drip loss (p<0.05), compared to the CON group. Moisture and pH were not significantly affected by the dietary treatments (p˃0.05). The malondialdehyde content of thigh and breast meat at 30 and 37 days after the slaughter was reduced (p˂0.05) in the SP, LA+SP, and LA encapsulated +SP groups.
Research highlights: Based on results, including LA, SP and encapsulated LA in broilerʼs feeds were effective in improving carcass yield, quality and oxidative stability of broiler meat under heat stress condition
Impact of different water regimes on maize grown at two distinctive pedo-climatic locations in Bosnia and Herzegovina
No full textAim of study: A two-year experiment (2021-2022) was conducted to assess the response of a local maize hybrid BL-43 to different water regimes (full irrigation, deficit irrigation and rainfed) at two distinguished pedo-climatic locations (Aleksandrovac and Butmir) in Bosnia and Herzegovina (BiH).
Area of study: The field experiment was located in Aleksandrovac (near Banja Luka) and Butmir (near Sarajevo) in BiH.
Material and methods: A randomized block design was adopted at both experimental locations with three replicates. An Excel-based irrigation tool was used to manage crop water requirements and irrigation scheduling.
Main results: Crop response to water was affected by site-specific agronomic management, the duration of phenological stages and their interconnection with precipitation events. At both locations, the effect of the water inputs on grain yield was statistically significant confirming the beneficial impact of irrigation. The effect of water stress on yield was particularly pronounced at Aleksandrovac, which was under water and temperature stresses during flowering time. During both seasons and for all water regimes, the total average grain yield was greater at Butmir than at Aleksandrovac for 38% and 27%, respectively.
Research highlights: This is the first experimental study conducted in BiH on the effect of irrigation on maize grain production under different pedoclimatic conditions. The study emphasizes the need for knowledge regarding the impacts that climate change is having on the productivity of one of the region's most important crops
Mecánica para la alimentación de plántulas en trasplantadoras de hortalizas: diseño y desarrollo de sistemas semiautomáticos
No full textAim of study: The seedling feeding mechanism is a significant element in transplanters. The current study designed and developed two semi-automatic mechanical seedling feeding mechanisms for the tractor mounted vegetable transplanter, revolving multi-chamber disc (FMRMD) and horizontal dragging magazines (FMHDM).
Area of study: The research was conducted in the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences & Technology of Jammu, Jammu, India.
Material and methods: The FMRMD consists of 12 chambers on the revolving disc, which move clockwise and drop the seedling at the guided hole, whereas FMHDM consists of six hollow pipes that drag the seedling to the dropping point. The theoretical planting frequency of the FMRMD and FMHDM was found to be 33.94 and 34.87 plants·min-1. The developed feeding mechanisms were installed on the semi-automatic vegetable transplanter and tested in the field to investigate the effect of seedling feeding method, plug type and age on the missing index percentage for tomato and eggplant.
Main results: The first-order interaction of feeding method and plug type in the tomato and plug type and seedling age in the eggplant crop were statistically significant on the missing index. At the same time, the main effect of the feeding method was also significant on the missing index for both crops. The missing index percentage was maximum for the FMHDM and minimum for the FMRMD for both crops. The field tests of the feeding devices were successful.
Research highlights: The created technologies may be employed on commercial transplanters or for research
Efecto de la transferencia fallida de inmunidad pasiva y la agammaglobulinemia sobre la ocurrencia de diarrea, neumonía y mortalidad antes del destete en becerras Holstein: English
No full textAim of study: To evaluate the effect of failed transfer of passive immunity (FPI; Brix% < 8, equivalent to serumimmunoglobulin G <10.1 g/L) and agammaglobulinemia (AG; Brix% ≤ 6.5, equal to 0 g/L serum immunoglobulin G) assessed with a digital Brix refractometer on the occurrence of pre-weaning diarrhea, pneumonia and mortality in Holstein female calves.
Area of Study: Hot-arid zone of northern Mexico (25 °N).
Material and methods: Health events and mortality records were obtained from Holstein calves (n = 4,349) in a large commercial dairy herd. Multiple logistic regression analyses were used to model the effect of the failure of passive transfer of maternal immunoglobulins or AG on preweaning diarrhea, pneumonia, and mortality of Holstein calves.
Main results: Calves with FPI 24 h post-calving had 1.9 greater odds of presenting preweaning diarrhea than herdmates not having FPI. Agammaglobulinemic calves were 2.6 times more likely to suffer preweaning diarrhea than calves not having this condition. Calves with FPI had 1.4 greater odds of having preweaning pneumonia than calves not presenting FPI. Calves with AG were 2.1 times more likely to get pneumonia than those with no AG. Episodes of diarrhea predisposed calves to pneumonia (odds ratio= 3.8). The odds of dying before 60 days of age were 1.9 times higher in calves with FPI.
Research highlights: These results reaffirm that FPI and AG 24 h post-calving increase the risk of preweaning diarrhea and pneumonia; also, diarrhea is a significant risk factor for pneumonia. These diseases alone or co-occurring in the calves markedly increase preweaning mortality.Objetivo del estudio: Evaluar el efecto de la transferencia fallida de inmunidad pasiva (TFIP; Brix% <8, equivalente a inmunoglobulina sérica G sérica <10.1 g/L) y agammaglobulinemia (AG; Brix% ≤ 6.5, igual a 0 g/L de inmunoglobulina sérica G) evaluado con un refractómetro Brix digital sobre la ocurrencia pre-destete de diarrea, neumonía y mortalidad en becerras Holstein.
Área de estudio: Zona caliente y árida del norte de México (25 °N).
Materiales y métodos: Se obtuvieron registros de eventos de salud y mortalidad de becerras Holstein (n = 4,349) en un hato lechero comercial extenso. Se llevaron a cabo análisis de regresión logística múltiple para modelar el efecto de la falla de la transferencia pasiva de inmunoglobulinas maternas o AG sobre la ocurrencia de diarrea, neumonía y mortalidad pre-destete de becerras Holstein.
Resultados principales: Las becerras con TFIP a las 24 h postparto fueron 1.9 más propensas de presentar diarrea pre-destete que las compañeras del hato sin TFIP. Las becerras con AG fueron 2.6 veces más propensas de sufrir diarrea antes del destete que las becerras que no padecían esta afección. Las becerras con TFIP fueron 1.4 veces más propensas de tener neumonía pre-destete que las becerras que no presentaron TFIP. Las becerras con AG tuvieron 2.1 veces más probabilidades de enfermarse de neumonía que las becerras sin AG. Los episodios de diarrea predispusieron a las becerras a enfermarse de neumonía (odds ratio = 3.8). Las probabilidades de morir antes de los 60 días de edad fueron 1.9 vecesmayores en las becerras con TFIP comparadas con las becerras sin TFIP.
Aspectos destacados de la investigación: Estos resultados reafirman que TFIP y AG 24 h postparto aumentan el riesgo de diarrea y neumonía pre-destete; además, la diarrea es un factor de riesgo importante de sufrir neumonía. Estas enfermedades solas o coexistentes en las becerras aumentaron notablemente la mortalidad de éstas antes del destete. 
The effect of diets containing different amounts of chasteberry seed on performance, carcass, meat quality and stress parameters of Japanese quails
No full textAim of study: To investigate the effects of diets containing different amounts of chasteberry seeds (Vitex agnus- castus L.) on the growing performance, slaughter characteristics, breast meat quality characteristics and stress parameters of Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica).
Area of study: Çakmar, Aydın, Türkiye.
Material and methods: A total of 240 one-day-old mixed-sex Japanese quail chicks (9.38 ± 0.02 g) were divided into three treatments with four replicates of 20 birds each in a completely randomized design. The groups were fed a control diet without chasteberry seeds (CS0), a diet containing 25 g/kg chasteberry seeds (CS25), and a diet containing 50 g/kg chasteberry seeds (CS50). The experiment lasted 35 days.
Main results: Body weight, body weight gain, and feed intake of the CS50 group were found to be lower than the other groups on days 0-35 (p<0.05). No statistically significant difference was found in carcass and internal organ weights (p>0.05). Except for breast meat water holding capacity, lightness, redness, and hue angle characteristics in females, the effects of diets containing different chasteberry seeds on the meat quality characteristics of male and female quails were not significant (p>0.05). CS25 and CS50 diets caused a statistically significant increase (p<0.05) in glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase values and a statistically significant decrease (p<0.05) in malondialdehyde values in male quail breast meat. Economically, although the lowest feed cost was obtained in the CS50 group, there was no difference in net profit between the groups.
Research highlights: The addition of 25 g/kg chasteberry seeds in quail diets can be used easily without any negative effects. However, further studies are needed to determine the effects of different doses of chasteberry seeds on performance and meat quality.
 
Maize yield and grain quality response to foliar-applied phosphorus in a soil testing high in P
No full textAim of study: To test the effect of foliar and granular P fertilizer application on maize performance planted under permanent beds from 2012 to 2019 in a soil testing high in P.
Area of study: This field experiment was located in the eastern region of the trans-Mexican volcanic belt.
Material and methods: Three P treatments, foliar and granular (band and broadcast), and a control (0P) plot were allocated in an randomized complete block design in six replications.
Main results: Year-P treatment interaction was significant for yield, agronomic efficiency (AE), and recovery efficiency (RE). Contrastingly, grain quality parameters measured as bulk density and thousand grain weight were only affected by year’s main effect. Yield, AE, and RE were generally more responsive to the foliar than the granular P application. These parameters varied in each treatment according to precipitation accumulated in 40 days during the bracketing-silking period (40d PP) and heat units during the grain filling stage [GDD(t-m)]. As 40d PP increased, yield and AE improved, while RE decreased; as GDD(t-m) increased, yield and grain quality improved. Initial soil available P (46 mg/kg) decreased 26% due to foliar P application.
Research highlights: Results suggest that replacing the granular P with foliar P fertilization is an option to mine soil to an acceptable P level without adverse effects on maize performance
Adjuvants used in fungicide spraying on soybean plants
No full textAim of study: An adjuvant is a material that is added to a spray carrier to improve the application technology's efficiency but lacks phytosanitary qualities. Our objective was to determine the best option of combining fungicides and adjuvants to control soybean (Glycine max) leaf diseases in three cropping seasons.
Area of study: The experiment was developed in the Campos Gerais region (PR - Brazil).
Material and methods: The five treatments consisted of 1) control (without applying fungicides on soybean plants); 2) fungicide application on soybean plants without adjuvant; 3) fungicide with adjuvant based on mineral oil; 4) fungicide with adjuvant based on lecithin and 5) propionic acid and fungicide with 50% of the dose of adjuvant based on mineral oil + 50% of the dose of surfactant adjuvant based on lecithin and propionic acid. The analyzed variables were the physicochemical characteristics of the spray carrier, the incidence and severity of diseases, and the yield components. A completely randomized design was used to study the physicochemical characteristics of the carrier and in randomized blocks for the field experiment. We used five replicates per treatment.
Main results: No foaming and mixing incompatibility of the spray carrier was observed in any treatment. The adjuvant based on lecithin and propionic acid further acidified the spray carrier and presented the same surface tension as mineral oil. The soybean plants that did not receive chemical treatment had a higher occurrence of diseases, which reduced the productive potential.
Research highlights: Adding adjuvants to the spray carrier did not increase the performance of fungicides in controlling diseases and did not affect the yield components
Efectos del enriquecimiento ambiental y la falta de recorte del pico en aspectos de salud, comportamiento y producción de pavos comerciales
No full textAim of study: The purpose of this study was to verify whether the insertion of a pecking object as an environmental enrichment (EE) would be sufficient to prevent the beak trimming (BT) process in turkeys.Area of study: Southern Brazil.Material and methods: A total of 3,116 female turkeys of the Nicholas Super Select line were equally distributed across four treatments in a 2 × 2 factorial scheme with the presence or absence of EE and BT or intact beak. The turkeys were housed at a density of 21 kg/m2 and were followed-up for 62 days until slaughter. Each week, the behaviour of the turkeys, body lesions, and performance indicators such as mortality, feed conversion, feed consumption, and weight were evaluated.Main results: The results regarding injuries and performance showed, in most cases, better results for beak trimmed animals (p>0.05). The addition of EE was not effective in reducing the number of injuries in either debeaked or non-debeaked turkeys (p>0.05). Injurious pecking of turkeys may result from vigorous investigative pecking.Research highlights: We can conclude that debeaking decreases the number of aggressive injuries in animals, and further research needs to be conducted to search for a possible alternative to EE to avoid BT, reduce injuries, and enhance performance.Objetivo del estudio: El propósito de este estudio fue verificar si la inserción de un objeto para picoteo como enriquecimiento ambiental (EA) sería suficiente para prevenir el proceso de recorte del pico (RP) en pavos.Área de estudio: Sur de Brasil.Material y métodos: Un total de 3,116 pavos hembras de la línea Nicholas Super Select fueron distribuidos de manera equitativa en cuatro tratamientos en un esquema factorial 2 × 2, con presencia o ausencia de EA y RP o pico intacto. Los pavos fueron alojados a una densidad de 21 kg/m² y se les realizó un seguimiento durante 62 días hasta el sacrificio. Cada semana se evaluaron el comportamiento de los pavos, las lesiones corporales y los indicadores de rendimiento, como mortalidad, conversión alimenticia, consumo de alimento y peso.Resultados principales: Los resultados sobre lesiones y rendimiento mostraron, en la mayoría de los casos, mejores resultados para los animales con pico recortado (p>0.05). La adición de EA no fue efectiva para reducir el número de lesiones en pavos con o sin recorte de pico (p>0.05). El picoteo lesionante en pavos puede resultar de un picoteo investigativo vigoroso.Aspectos destacados de la investigación: Podemos concluir que el recorte de pico disminuye el número de lesiones agresivas en los animales, y se necesita realizar más investigaciones para buscar una posible alternativa al EA que evite el RP, reduzca las lesiones y mejore el rendimiento