Ciência Animal Brasileira (Sep 2019)
EFFECT OF ANTIOXIDANT SUPPLEMENTATION IN DIETS OF ROOSTERS DURING THE POST-PEAK PHASE ON REPRODUCTION AND PRODUCTION CHARACTERISTICS OF OFFSPRING
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of antioxidant supplementation in diets of breeding roosters during the post-peak phase on reproduction characteristics and muscle performance of offspring in two similar breeder houses from a local company. Treatments consisted of a control diet and a diet supplemented with antioxidants (8 ppm canthaxanthin + 40 ppm lycopene + 150 ppm vitamin C). During the 66th week of age, eggs were incubated, and offspring were housed. Dietary supplementation of the blend of antioxidant resulted in higher (p0.05) of supplementation of the antioxidant blend on weight gain and breast weight and count and diameter of muscle fibers of offspring at 7 days of age. Feed conversion and weight gain from 14 to 35 days were better (p<0.05) in offspring from supplemented roosters. The supplementation of an antioxidant blend in roosters improved reproductive characteristics assessed and feed conversion and weight gain of offspring. Keywords: antioxidant; lipid peroxidation; plasmatic membrane of sperm; muscle fibers; perivitelline membrane