@article{swaggerty_malheiros_lahaye_salgado_byrd ii_genovese_he_santin_kogut_2023, title={Addition of a protected complex of biofactors and antioxidants to breeder hen diets confers transgenerational protection against Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis in progeny chicks}, volume={102}, ISSN={["1525-3171"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.psj.2023.102531}, abstractNote={Addition of vitamins and antioxidants has been long associated with increased immunity and are commonly used in the poultry industry; however, less is known regarding their use in broiler breeder hens. The objective of this study was to determine if feeding a complex of protected biofactors and antioxidants composed of vitamins and fermentation extracts to broiler breeder hens conferred resistance against Salmonella enterica serovar Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) in the progeny chicks. Three-day-old chicks from control- and supplement-fed hens were challenged with S. Enteritidis and necropsied 4- and 11-days postchallenge (dpc) to determine if there were differences in invasion and colonization. Serum and jejunum were evaluated for various cytokine and chemokine production. Fewer (P = 0.002) chicks from supplement-fed hens had detectable S. Enteritidis in the ceca (32.6%) compared to chicks from control-fed hens (64%). By 11 dpc, significantly (P < 0.001) fewer chicks from supplement-fed hens were positive for S. Enteritidis (liver [36%]; ceca [16%]) compared to chicks from the control hens (liver [76%]; ceca [76%]). The recoverable S. Enteritidis in the cecal content was also lower (P = 0.01) at 11 dpc. In additional to the differences in invasion and colonization, cytokine and chemokine production were distinct between the 2 groups of chicks. Chicks from supplement-fed hens had increased production of IL-16, IL-6, MIP-3α, and RANTES in the jejunum while IL-16 and MIP-1β were higher in the serum of chicks from the control-fed hens. By 11 dpc, production of IFN-γ was decreased in the jejunum of chicks from supplement-fed hens. Collectively, these data demonstrate adding a protected complex of biofactors and antioxidants to the diet of broiler breeder hens offers a measure of transgenerational protection to the progeny against S. Enteritidis infection and reduces colonization that is mediated, in part, by a robust and distinct cytokine and chemokine response locally at the intestine and systemically in the blood.}, number={4}, journal={POULTRY SCIENCE}, author={Swaggerty, Christina L. and Malheiros, Ramon D. and Lahaye, Ludovic and Salgado, Hector H. and Byrd II, J. Allen and Genovese, Kenneth J. and He, Haiqi and Santin, Elizabeth and Kogut, Michael H.}, year={2023}, month={Apr} }
 @article{carvalho_malheiros_lima_mani_pavanini_malheiros_silva_2023, title={Determination of the Optimal Dietary Amino Acid Ratio Based on Egg Quality for Japanese Quail Breeder}, volume={13}, ISSN={["2077-0472"]}, DOI={10.3390/agriculture13010173}, abstractNote={The objective of this study was to determine the ideal amino acid ratio for Japanese quail based on egg quality. In total, 120 Japanese quail were used. A completely randomized design was used with 12 treatments and 10 replicates per treatment. The treatments consisted of a balanced protein (BP) and the subsequent 11 diets were obtained by the 40% deletion of the BP a specific test for Lys, Met + Cys, Thr, Trp, Arg, Gly + Ser, Val, Ile, Leu, His, and Phr + Tyr. The trial lasted for 25 days. At the end of the trial, egg weight (EW), albumen height, albumen diameter, albumen index, yolk height, yolk diameter, yolk index, Haugh unit, eggshell weight (ESW), and eggshell percentage were measured. The ideal ratio was calculated when a statistical difference was detected using Dunnett’s test. Only the EW and ESW variables differed from those of BP. The ideal amino acid ratios considering Lys as 100 for EW and ESW were Met + Cys 82 and 83, Thr 60 and 68, Trp 18 and 21, Arg 109 and 112, Gly + Ser 99 and 102, Val 77 and 87, Ile 61 and 67, Leu 155 and 141, His 34 and 37, Phe + Try 134 and 133, respectively.}, number={1}, journal={AGRICULTURE-BASEL}, author={Carvalho, Lizia C. and Malheiros, Dimitri and Lima, Michele B. and Mani, Tatyany S. A. and Pavanini, Jaqueline A. and Malheiros, Ramon D. and Silva, Edney P.}, year={2023}, month={Jan} }
 @article{alig_malheiros_anderson_2023, title={Evaluation of Physical Egg Quality Parameters of Commercial Brown Laying Hens Housed in Five Production Systems}, volume={13}, ISSN={["2076-2615"]}, url={https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2615/13/4/716}, DOI={10.3390/ani13040716}, abstractNote={This study evaluates the effect of housing environment on the egg quality characteristics of brown egg layers as many different environments are currently used in the industry. Battery cages, barren colony cages, enriched colony cages, cage-free, and free-range environments were evaluated. Overall, all egg quality measurements were affected by housing environment (p < 0.01) except for vitelline membrane strength, elasticity, and egg solids. Eggshells and yolks were lightest in barren colony cages and darkest from free-range hens (p < 0.0001). Free-range eggs were heavier than eggs from all other environments (p < 0.0001). Cage-free eggs had lower albumen height and Haugh units than other environments (p < 0.0001). Lastly, cage-free and free-range eggs had stronger eggshells than the other environments (p < 0.0001), and free-range eggs had more elastic eggshells than eggs from conventional battery cages and barren colony cages (p < 0.01). Access to the range seemed to give free-range hens different nutritional advantages, which allowed for the darker yolks and shells. Furthermore, eggs from barren colony cages seemed to exhibit more negative characteristics. Simply adding enrichments to colony cages did not improve or detract from egg quality. From this research, it appears that, as the industry moves toward extensive environments, the egg quality of brown egg layers will improve.}, number={4}, journal={ANIMALS}, author={Alig, Benjamin N. and Malheiros, Ramon D. and Anderson, Kenneth E.}, year={2023}, month={Feb} }
 @article{alig_ferket_malheiros_anderson_2023, title={The Effect of Housing Environment on Commercial Brown Egg Layer Production, USDA Grade and USDA Size Distribution}, volume={13}, ISSN={["2076-2615"]}, DOI={10.3390/ani13040694}, abstractNote={Consumer demand for retail cage-free eggs is driving the layer industry towards greater use of extensive housing environments. However, there is limited research on how these environments affect egg production characteristics of brown egg layers, as was the focus of this study. Five housing environments were evaluated under typical industry conditions, including conventional cages, enrichable colony cages, enriched colony cages, cage-free and free-range. Three different brown egg laying strains were housed in the different housing environments and managed according to standard husbandry practices and stocking densities. Data collection for the strains began at 17 weeks of age, with a base period of 28 days for feed weigh backs and egg quality assessments. Housing environment had a highly significant (p < 0.0001) effect on all egg production characteristics measured, including egg production rates (% hen-day and % hen-housed), feed consumption (g/bird/day), feed conversion (egg g/feed g), and mortality rate (%) as well as percent grade A, B, and loss. Previous research revealed better egg production metrics for white egg layers in caged environments than extensive environments. In contrast, we observed brown egg layers had optimum production results for the free-range housing environments, and the poorest performance in enrichable colony cages.}, number={4}, journal={ANIMALS}, author={Alig, Benjamin N. and Ferket, Peter R. and Malheiros, Ramon D. and Anderson, Kenneth E.}, year={2023}, month={Feb} }
 @article{malheiros_moraes_anderson_castro_ferrel_2022, title={Influence of dietary dacitic tuff breccia on laying hen performance and egg quality parameters and bone structure at 85 weeks of age after a non-anorexic molt program at 73 to 77 weeks}, volume={101}, ISSN={["1525-3171"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.psj.2022.101718}, abstractNote={The objective of the study was to assess the efficacy of AZOMITE (AZM), a dacitic tuff breccia, in laying hens through egg quality and production parameters. A total of ninety six 73-wk-old Hy-Line W-36 commercial laying hens were randomly assigned to 2 dietary treatments, a control diet and the same diet containing 0.25% AZM, with 24 replicates of 2 hens/replication. From 73 to 77 wk, hens went through nonanorexic molt, and, from 77 to 85 wk, the hens were evaluated for egg production, eggshell quality, and bone health. At wk 85, tibiotarsi were collected for ash and mineral composition, ileal contents were collected for calcium, phosphorus, apparent metabolizable energy corrected for N (AMEn), and apparent nitrogen retention (ANR) evaluation. AZM-fed hens tended to have higher body weight (P = 0.07) from 82 to 83 and 84 to 85 wk, and higher hen day egg production than control (90.54 vs. 79.51%, P = 0.005) from 84 to 85 wk. In general, no differences were reported in feed intake, eggshell color, egg weight, albumen height, Haugh units, or eggshell thickness (P > 0.05). However, shell strength and elasticity were improved (P < 0.02) and yolk color was decreased (P = 0.03) in AZM-fed hens than control. Moreover, the digestibility of Ca, AMEn, and ANR was increased with 0.25% AZM compared to control (P < 0.01). Tibiotarsi P and Ca percentage were lower in AZM-fed birds than control (P < 0.01), without affecting bone strength and mineral density (P > 0.36). Therefore, the use of 0.25% AZM showed a potential in improving egg production and eggshell strength, while maintaining bone quality in post-molt laying hens.}, number={4}, journal={POULTRY SCIENCE}, author={Malheiros, R. D. and Moraes, V. M. B. and Anderson, K. E. and Castro, F. L. S. and Ferrel, J. E.}, year={2022}, month={Apr} }
 @article{redhead_azman_nasaruddin_vu_santos_malheiros_hussin_toomer_2022, title={Peanut Skins as a Natural Antimicrobial Feed Additive To Reduce the Transmission of Salmonella in Poultry Meat Produced for Human Consumption}, volume={85}, ISSN={["1944-9097"]}, DOI={10.4315/JFP-21-205}, abstractNote={Salmonella is the leading cause of bacterial foodborne zoonoses in humans. Thus, the development of strategies to control bacterial pathogens in poultry is essential. Peanut skins, a considerable waste by-product of the peanut industry is discarded and of little economic value. However, peanut skins contain polyphenolic compounds identified that have antimicrobial properties. Hence, we aim to investigate the use of peanut skins as an antibacterial feed additive in the diets of broilers to prevent the proliferation of Salmonella Enteritidis (SE). One hundred sixty male hatchlings (Ross 308) were randomly assigned to, (1) PS: peanut skin diet without SE inoculation (2) PSSE: peanut skin diet and SE inoculation 3) CON: control diet without SE inoculation (4) CONSE: control diet with SE inoculation. Feed intake and body weights were determined at week 0 and 5. On days 10 and 24 post hatch, 3 birds/pen (24 total) from each treatment group were euthanized and the liver, spleen, small intestine, and ceca were collected. The weights of the liver, spleen and ceca were recorded. Organ invasion was determined by counting SE colonies. Each pen served as an experimental unit and was analyzed using a t-test. Performance data was analyzed in a completely randomized design using a general linear mixed model to evaluate differences. There were no significant differences ( P > 0.05) in weekly average pen body weight, total feed consumption, bird weight gain and feed conversion ratio between the treatment groups. There were no significant differences in SE CFU/g for fecal, litter or feed between treatment groups CONSE and PSSE. However, for both fecal and litter, the PSSE treatment group tended (P ≤0.1) to have a lower Salmonella CFU/g compared to the CONSE treatment group. The results indicate that peanut skins may have potential application as an antimicrobial feed additive to reduce the transmission or proliferation of SE in poultry environments or flocks.}, number={10}, journal={JOURNAL OF FOOD PROTECTION}, author={Redhead, Adam k. and Azman, Nur Fatin Inazlina Noor and Nasaruddin, Anis Izzaty and Vu, Thien and Santos, Fernanda and Malheiros, Ramon and Hussin, Anis Shobirin Meor and Toomer, Ondulla T.}, year={2022}, month={Oct}, pages={1479–1487} }
 @article{toomer_vu_sanders_redhead_malheiros_anderson_2021, title={Feeding Laying Hens a Diet Containing High-Oleic Peanuts or Oleic Acid Enriches Yolk Color and Beta-Carotene While Reducing the Saturated Fatty Acid Content in Eggs}, volume={11}, ISSN={["2077-0472"]}, DOI={10.3390/agriculture11080771}, abstractNote={We investigated the dietary effects of high-oleic peanuts (HOPN) or oleic fatty acids (OA) on older production hen performance, egg mass and quality, and lipid composition. A total of 99 laying hens were divided between three treatments and fed ad libitum for 8 weeks: (1) Conventional diet; (2) HOPN diet; (3) OA diet. Body weight (BW) was measured at weeks 1 and 8, and feed, egg weights (EW), and egg quality parameters were collected. Data was analyzed by analysis of variance at p < 0.05 significance level. There were no treatment differences in 8 week BW, feed conversion ratio, or average weekly egg quality parameters. The 8 week average EW of eggs from the HOPN group had reduced EW relative to the other treatment groups (p = 0.0004). The 8-week average yolk color score (p < 0.0001) was greater in eggs from the HOPN group relative to the other treatments. Overall, the β-carotene (p < 0.006) and OA content (p < 0.0001) was greater in eggs from the HOPN group, with reduced saturated fats in eggs from the HOPN group relative to the other treatments. These results suggest that HOPN and/or OA may be a useful layer feed ingredient to enrich eggs, while significantly reducing egg size in older production hens.}, number={8}, journal={AGRICULTURE-BASEL}, author={Toomer, Ondulla T. and Vu, Thien Chuong and Sanders, Elliot and Redhead, Adam Karl and Malheiros, Ramon and Anderson, Kenneth E.}, year={2021}, month={Aug} }
 @article{ventura_lima_barbosa_polycarpo_denadai_costa_madeira_malheiros_cruz-polycarpo_2021, title={Microencapsulated and uncoated butyric acid as alternative additives to the regeneration of intestinal mucosa in broilers challenged with Eimeria spp.}, volume={62}, ISSN={["1466-1799"]}, DOI={10.1080/00071668.2021.1900541}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT 1. The effect of microencapsulated and uncoated butyric acid as an alternative to antibiotics on performance, intestinal morphology and regeneration of intestinal mucosa was studied in birds experimentally infected with Eimeria spp. 1 to 42 d-old. 2. A total of 1,320 male Cobb® broiler chicks were allocated to one of five treatments in a completely randomised design, comprising a negative control, uncoated butyric acid (UA), microencapsulated butyric acid (MA), combined U + M butyric acid and a positive control (antibiotic+anticoccidial) in six replications. At 16 d-old, the birds were inoculated orally with 0.5 ml of a solution containing an Eimeria spp. pool. 3. At 21 d of age, the birds receiving butyric acid alone had higher body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) compared to those supplemented with the blend of acids. For the total rearing period, in all variables, the positive control performed best (P < 0.001). 4. At 14 d of age, birds that received diets containing UA had a deeper crypt depth in the jejunum than those fed diets containing microencapsulated acid (P = 0.0194). At 21 d of age, the birds fed the acids had higher villi (P = 0.0058) in the duodenum, compared to the negative control group. 5. Supplementation with microencapsulated acid contributed to the intestinal health and recovery of post-challenge birds, but did not result in improvements in performance.}, number={5}, journal={BRITISH POULTRY SCIENCE}, author={Ventura, G. and Lima, G. A. and Barbosa, B. F. S. and Polycarpo, G. V. and Denadai, J. C. and Costa, V. E. and Madeira, A. M. B. N. and Malheiros, R. D. and Cruz-Polycarpo, V. C.}, year={2021}, month={Sep}, pages={717–725} }
 @article{toomer_vu_wysocky_moraes_malheiros_anderson_2021, title={The Effect of Feeding Hens a Peanut Skin-Containing Diet on Hen Performance, and Shell Egg Quality and Lipid Chemistry}, volume={11}, ISSN={["2077-0472"]}, DOI={10.3390/agriculture11090894}, abstractNote={Peanut skins are a considerable waste product with little current economic value or use. We aimed to determine the dietary effects of peanut skins on layer production performance and egg quality and chemistry of the eggs produced. Two hundred commercial hens were randomly assigned to four treatments (five replicates) and fed ad libitum for 8 weeks: conventional control diet, diet containing 24% high-oleic peanut (HOPN), diet containing 3% peanut skin (PN Skin), and a diet with 2.5% oleic acid (OA). Hens fed the HOPN diet had significantly reduced body weights relative to the control and PN Skin treatments, producing fewer total eggs over the 8-week experimental period. Eggs weights were similar between the control and PN Skin treatments at weeks 2 and 4, while eggs from the PN Skin treatment group were heavier than other treatments at weeks 6 and 8 of the experiment. Eggs produced from the HOPN treatment had reduced saturated fatty acid (FA) content in comparison to the other treatment groups, while similar between PN Skin and control eggs at week 8 of the experiment. This study suggests that PN skins may be a suitable alternative layer feed ingredient.}, number={9}, journal={AGRICULTURE-BASEL}, author={Toomer, Ondulla and Vu, Thien and Wysocky, Rebecca and Moraes, Vera and Malheiros, Ramon and Anderson, Kenneth}, year={2021}, month={Sep} }
 @article{harding_vu_wysocky_malheiros_anderson_toomer_2021, title={The Effects of Feeding a Whole-in-Shell Peanut-Containing Diet on Layer Performance and the Quality and Chemistry of Eggs Produced}, volume={11}, ISSN={["2077-0472"]}, DOI={10.3390/agriculture11111176}, abstractNote={The abundance of peanut and poultry production within the state of North Carolina and the US Southeast, led us to conduct a layer feeding trial to determine the utilization of whole-in-shell high-oleic peanuts (WPN) and/or unblanched high-oleic peanuts (HOPN) as an alternative feed ingredient for poultry. To meet this objective, we randomly assigned 576 shaver hens to 4 dietary treatments (4 rep/trt). The dietary treatments consisted of a conventional control diet (C1), a diet containing 4% WPN, an 8% HOPN diet, and a control diet containing soy protein isolate (C2). Feed and water were provided for 6 weeks ad libitum. Pen body weights (BW) were recorded at week 0 and week 6 (wk6), and feed weights were recorded bi-weekly. Shell eggs were collected daily and enumerated. Bi-weekly 120 eggs/treatment were collected for quality assessment and egg weight (EW), while 16 eggs/treatment were collected for chemical analysis. There were no significant differences in BW or EW at week 6. Hens fed the C2 produced more total dozen eggs relative to C1 hens over the feeding trial (p < 0.05). Hens fed the C1 diet consumed less total feed relative to the other treatments with the best feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05). Most eggs produced from each treatment were USDA grade A, large eggs. There were no differences in egg quality, with the exception of yolk color, with significantly higher yolk color scores in eggs produced from the C1 and C2 treatments relative to the other treatments (p < 0.05). Eggs produced from the HOPN treatment had significantly reduced stearic and linoleic fatty acid levels relative to the other treatments (p < 0.05). Eggs produced from hens fed the WPN diet had significantly greater β-carotene content relative to eggs from the other treatment groups (p < 0.05). In summary, this study suggests that WPN and/or HOPN may be a suitable alternative layer feed ingredient and a dietary means to enrich the eggs produced while not adversely affecting hen performance.}, number={11}, journal={AGRICULTURE-BASEL}, author={Harding, Kari L. and Vu, Thien and Wysocky, Rebecca and Malheiros, Ramon and Anderson, Kenneth E. and Toomer, Ondulla T.}, year={2021}, month={Nov} }
 @article{redhead_sanders_vu_malheiros_anderson_toomer_2021, title={The effects of high-oleic peanuts as an alternate feed ingredient on performance, ileal digestibility, apparent metabolizable energy, and histology of the small intestine in laying hens}, volume={5}, ISSN={["2573-2102"]}, DOI={10.1093/tas/txab015}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={1}, journal={TRANSLATIONAL ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Redhead, Adam K. and Sanders, Elliot and Vu, Thien C. and Malheiros, Ramon D. and Anderson, Kenneth E. and Toomer, Ondulla T.}, year={2021}, month={Jan} }
 @article{givisiez_moreira filho_santos_oliveira_ferket_oliveira_malheiros_2020, title={Chicken embryo development: metabolic and morphological basis for in ovo feeding technology}, volume={99}, ISSN={["1525-3171"]}, DOI={10.1016/j.psj.2020.09.074}, abstractNote={Broiler embryonic development depends on the nutrients that are available in the egg, which includes mostly water, lipids, and proteins. Carbohydrates represent less than 1%, and free glucose only 0.3%, of the total nutrients. Considering that energy requirements increase during incubation and metabolism is shifted toward the use of glycogen stores and gluconeogenesis from amino acids, extensive muscle protein degradation in the end of incubation can compromise chick development in the initial days after hatch. Significant prehatch changes occur in embryonic metabolism to parallel the rapid embryonic development. Oral consumption of the amniotic fluid begins around 17 d of incubation and promotes rapid development of the intestinal mucosa, which is characterized by morphological changes and increased expression and activity of enzymes and transporters. Furthermore, ingested substrates are stored as nutritional reserves to be used during hatching and in the first week after hatch. At hatch, this limited-nutrient store is directed to the functional development of the gastrointestinal tract to enable assimilation of exogenous nutrients. In ovo feeding is an alternative to deliver essential nutrients to chick embryos at this critical and challenging phase. The improved nutritional status and physiological changes triggered by in ovo feeding can resonate throughout the entire rearing period with significant health and economic gains. The present review addresses the main changes in metabolism and intestinal development throughout incubation, and also addresses scientific advances, limitations and future perspectives associated with the use of in ovo feeding that has been regarded as an important technology by the poultry industry.}, number={12}, journal={POULTRY SCIENCE}, author={Givisiez, Patricia E. N. and Moreira Filho, Alexandre L. B. and Santos, Maylane R. B. and Oliveira, Heraldo B. and Ferket, Peter R. and Oliveira, Celso J. B. and Malheiros, Ramon D.}, year={2020}, month={Dec}, pages={6774–6782} }
 @article{ferket_malheiros_moraes_ayoola_barasch_toomer_torrent_2020, title={Effects of functional oils on the growth, carcass and meat characteristics, and intestinal morphology of commercial turkey toms}, volume={99}, ISSN={0032-5791}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.psj.2020.03.050}, DOI={10.1016/j.psj.2020.03.050}, abstractNote={Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effects of functional oils containing cashew nutshell and castor oil on turkey performance and intestinal morphology. In experiment 1, 585 hatchlings were randomly placed in 15 replicate floor pens, (13 poults/pen) with recycled litter and provided feed and water ad libitum. Birds were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments from 1 to 12 wk: nonmedicated control, 0.15% functional oils, and 66-ppm monensin. From wk 13 to 20, each initial treatment group was further divided into 3 treatments—control (no additive), 0.15% of functional oils, or 20 ppm of virginiamycin to produce 9 different treatments, 5 replicate pens per treatment. Data on feed weights were collected weekly, and body weight bi-weekly. At termination (20 wk), birds were euthanized, and their meat was processed to determine mass of carcass sections and meat quality, while intestinal samples were collected for histology. In experiment 1, toms fed monensin or functional oils were 10.5 and 4.5% heavier (P < 0.05), respectively, than the controls at 12 wk. Birds fed monensin had a 4% improvement (P < 0.05) in feed conversion as compared to the other treatments. Neither virginiamycin nor the functional oils affected bird performance when fed from 13 to 20 wk. The jejunum villi surface area at 3 wk was most enhanced (P < 0.05) for the poults fed monensin. Supplementation with functional oils significantly reduced leg yield and thiobarbituric-acid reactive substances of white meat after 7 D of storage (P < 0.05). There were no effects on performance or carcass characteristics in experiment 2. While additional confirmatory studies are needed, functional oils in the diet of turkey toms may be a viable alternative to antibiotic growth promotants.}, number={7}, journal={Poultry Science}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Ferket, P.R. and Malheiros, R.D. and Moraes, V.M.B. and Ayoola, A.A. and Barasch, I. and Toomer, O.T. and Torrent, J.}, year={2020}, month={Jul}, pages={3752–3760} }
 @article{vieira_ferket_malheiros_hannas_crivellari_moraes_elliott_2020, title={Feeding low dietary levels of organic trace minerals improves broiler performance and reduces excretion of minerals in litter}, volume={61}, ISSN={0007-1668 1466-1799}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00071668.2020.1764908}, DOI={10.1080/00071668.2020.1764908}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT 1. This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effect of organic and inorganic trace minerals in diets fed to 1872, one-day-old male Ross 708 broiler chicks. Two sources of supplemental trace minerals (inorganic or organic) and four trace minerals levels (12.5%, 25.0%, 37.5% or 50.0%) plus a positive control containing inorganic minerals at 100% of recommended levels according to Brazilian industry standards, were used in the diets. 2. When analysed with mineral source as the main factor, broilers fed diets containing organic minerals had better feed conversion (FCR) throughout the trial, until 48 d of age (1.754 organic vs. 1.783 inorganic; P < 0.05), improved liveability at 48 d (95.8% organic vs. 93.6% inorganic; P < 0.05) and higher weight gain at 48 d (3.941 kg organic vs. 3.881 kg inorganic; P < 0.05) compared to the inorganic trace mineral diets. At lower dietary inclusion levels (12.5% and 25%) the organic mineral-fed birds had a four-point improvement in FCR (P < 0.05). 3. Feeding organic minerals improved tibial ash at 48 d from 49.5% to 51.25% (P < 0.05). The P and Ca in the tibia at 48 d were significantly (P < 0.05) higher for the birds fed organic minerals (Ca: 17.4% vs. 18.7%; P: 8.8% vs. 9.4%, respectively). The lower levels of trace minerals in feed reduced the mineral concentration of Zn, Cu and Mn in the faeces and, hence, in the litter (P < 0.05). 4. Feeding organic minerals promoted a small, but statistically significant, drop in pH of breast meat compared to inorganic minerals at 48 d (5.83 vs. 5.86, respectively; P < 0.05). The organic mineral diets reduced drip loss in breast meat compared to inorganic trace mineral supplementation at 32 d of age, but not in older birds (2.46% vs. 3.77%, respectively; P < 0.05). 5. Oxidation status, measured by superoxide dismutase activity in breast muscle at 48 d of age, significantly increased with mineral inclusion levels (P < 0.001), irrespective of source. 6. It was concluded that the use of organic minerals, even at low levels in the diet, is beneficial for broiler performance and reduces the excretion of minerals in litter.}, number={5}, journal={British Poultry Science}, publisher={Informa UK Limited}, author={Vieira, R. and Ferket, P. and Malheiros, R. and Hannas, M. and Crivellari, R. and Moraes, V. and Elliott, S.}, year={2020}, month={Jun}, pages={574–582} }
 @article{toomer_sanders_vu_livingston_wall_malheiros_carvalho_livingston_ferket_anderson_2020, title={Potential Transfer of Peanut and/or Soy Proteins from Poultry Feed to the Meat and/or Eggs Produced}, volume={5}, ISSN={2470-1343 2470-1343}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.9b03218}, DOI={10.1021/acsomega.9b03218}, abstractNote={Previous studies have demonstrated that allergenic feed proteins from peanuts in the diets of layer hens are not detected in the eggs produced. Hence, in this study, we aimed to determine if soy and/or peanut proteins in poultry feed rations of broiler chickens or layer hens would be transferred or detectable in the meat or eggs produced. To meet this objective, 99 layer hens and 300 broiler chickens were equally divided into treatment groups and fed one of three experimental diets: control soybean meal and corn diet, whole unblanched high-oleic peanut and corn diet (HO PN), or a control diet spiked supplemented with oleic acid (OA) oil. At termination, broiler chickens were processed, and chicken breast samples of the left pectoralis muscle were collected, and eggs were collected from layers. Total protein extracts from pooled egg samples and chicken breast samples were subjected to enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods and immunoblotting analysis with rabbit antipeanut agglutinin antibodies and rabbit antisoy antibodies for the detection of peanut and soy proteins. Peanut and soy proteins were undetected in all pooled egg samples and individual chicken breast meat samples using immunoblotting techniques with rabbit antipeanut agglutinin and rabbit antisoy antibodies. Moreover, quantitative ELISA allergen detection methods determined all pooled egg samples and individual meat samples as “not containing” peanut or soy allergens. Therefore, this study helps to evaluate the risk associated with the potential transfer of allergenic proteins from animal feed to the products produced for human consumption.}, number={2}, journal={ACS Omega}, publisher={American Chemical Society (ACS)}, author={Toomer, Ondulla T. and Sanders, Elliot and Vu, Thien C. and Livingston, Matthew L. and Wall, Brittany and Malheiros, Ramon D. and Carvalho, Luiz Victor and Livingston, Kim A. and Ferket, Peter R. and Anderson, Kenneth E.}, year={2020}, month={Jan}, pages={1080–1085} }
 @article{toomer_sanders_vu_malheiros_redhead_livingston_livingston_carvalho_ferket_2020, title={The effects of high-oleic peanuts as an alternative feed ingredient on broiler performance, ileal digestibility, apparent metabolizable energy, and histology of the intestine}, volume={4}, ISSN={["2573-2102"]}, DOI={10.1093/tas/txaa137}, abstractNote={Abstract}, number={3}, journal={TRANSLATIONAL ANIMAL SCIENCE}, author={Toomer, Ondulla T. and Sanders, Elliot and Vu, Thien C. and Malheiros, Ramon D. and Redhead, Adam K. and Livingston, Matthew L. and Livingston, Kim A. and Carvalho, Luiz Victor and Ferket, Peter R.}, year={2020}, month={Jul} }
 @article{sigmon_malheiros_anderson_payne_beckstead_2019, title={Blackhead Disease: Recovery of Layer Flock After Disease Challenge}, volume={28}, ISSN={1056-6171}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.3382/japr/pfz029}, DOI={10.3382/japr/pfz029}, abstractNote={SUMMARY Blackhead disease, caused by the protozoan Histomonas meleagridis, is commonly found in layer pullets raised on the floor. We examined the effects of blackhead disease during the pullet-rearing period and on subsequent productivity during the first 8 wk of the laying cycle. Treatments were (1) uninfected controls and (2) H. meleagridis -infected pullets, with 4 replicate pens/treatment, 32 pullets/pen (Hy-LineW-36). Pullets in the challenge treatment were infected with H. meleagridis on day 18. Four birds/pen were necropsied on days 23 and 28 for lesion scores and day 176 for detection of H. meleagridis. Hens were moved to individual layer cages on day 120 and observed daily for feed consumption, date of first lay and egg production parameters. Pullets were positive for signs of blackhead disease in 83%–90% of infected birds necropsied on days 23 and 28, with average cecal lesion scores of 2.5 and 2.9. No liver lesions were observed. On day 176, 40% of infected birds were positive for H. meleagridis in the ceca. During the laying cycle, there were no significant differences (P ≤ 0.05) between treatments in terms of date of first lay, hen-day egg production, egg weight, feed conversion, egg mass/hen, or other reproduction measurements. These results showed that while there was no long-term effect of blackhead infection on layer productivity under laboratory conditions, H. meleagridis persisted in the flock, providing a reservoir for infection.}, number={3}, journal={Journal of Applied Poultry Research}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Sigmon, C.S. and Malheiros, R.D. and Anderson, K.E. and Payne, J.A. and Beckstead, R.B.}, year={2019}, month={Sep}, pages={755–760} }
 @article{toomer_hulse-kemp_dean_boykin_malheiros_anderson_2019, title={Feeding high-oleic peanuts to layer hens enhances egg yolk color and oleic fatty acid content in shell eggs}, volume={98}, ISSN={0032-5791}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.3382/ps/pey531}, DOI={10.3382/ps/pey531}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT Previous studies have identified normal‐oleic peanuts as a suitable and economical broiler feed ingredient. However, no studies to date have examined the use of high‐oleic (HO) peanut cultivars as a feed ingredient for laying hens and determined the impact of feeding HO peanuts on performance and egg nutritive qualities. This project aimed to examine the use of HO peanuts as a feed ingredient for layer hens to determine the effect on performance, egg lipid chemistry, and quality of the eggs produced. Forty‐eight 40‐wk‐old layer hens were fed a conventional soybean meal + corn control diet or a HO peanut + corn diet for 10 wk in conventional battery cages. Body and feed weights were collected weekly. Pooled egg samples were analyzed for quality, lipid analysis, and peanut protein allergenicity. There were no significant differences in hen performance or egg quality as measured by USDA grade quality, egg albumen height, or egg Haugh unit between the treatment groups. However, eggs produced from layer hens fed the HO peanut + corn diet had reduced egg weights relative to the controls (P = 0.0001). Eggs produced from layer hens fed the HO peanut diet had greater yolk color scores (P < 0.0001), HO fatty acid (P < 0.0001), and &bgr;‐carotene (P < 0.0001) levels in comparison to the controls. Eggs produced from hens fed the control diet had greater palmitic and stearic saturated fatty acids (P < 0.0001), and trans fat (P < 0.0001) content compared to eggs produced from hens fed the HO peanut diet. All egg protein extracts from all treatments at each time point were non‐reactive with rabbit anti‐peanut agglutinin antibodies. This study identifies HO peanuts as an abundant commodity that could be used to support local agricultural markets of peanuts and poultry within the southeastern United States and be of economic advantage to producers while providing a potential health benefit to the consumer with improved egg nutrition.}, number={4}, journal={Poultry Science}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Toomer, Ondulla T and Hulse-Kemp, Amanda M and Dean, Lisa L and Boykin, Deborah L and Malheiros, Ramon and Anderson, Kenneth E}, year={2019}, month={Apr}, pages={1732–1748} }
 @article{toomer_livingston_wall_sanders_vu_malheiros_livingston_carvalho_ferket_2019, title={Meat quality and sensory attributes of meat produced from broiler chickens fed a high oleic peanut diet}, volume={98}, ISSN={0032-5791}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.3382/ps/pez258}, DOI={10.3382/ps/pez258}, abstractNote={Previous studies have identified peanut meal prepared from normal-oleic peanuts as a suitable and economical ingredient for broiler feed. However, to date, no studies have examined the use of new, high-oleic peanut (HO-PN) cultivars as a feed ingredient for poultry. This project aimed to determine the effect of HO-PNs as a feed ingredient for broiler chickens on the quality and sensory attributes of the meat produced. To test 3 experimental diets, male broiler chicks were randomly placed, at hatch, in raised-wire cages, in 10 replicate pens per treatment with 10 chicks per cage. For 6 wk, chicks were fed, ad libitum, one of the three isocaloric, isonitrogenous diets: (1) a conventional soybean meal plus corn control diet, (2) 10 to 12% HO-PN + corn diet, or (3) a control corn diet spiked with ≈6.0% oleic fatty acid oil (OA). At 42 D, 3 broilers per pen (30 per treatment) were processed to determine meat quality and for consumer evaluation. Carcass weights and breast yields were reduced in broilers fed HO-PN, while leg carcass yields were greater in broilers fed HO-PN in comparison to the other groups. Chicken breast from broilers fed HO-PN had reduced meat-pH, reduced L* color values, and increased cooked loss compared to other treatments. Nevertheless, a group of 100-consumer panelists scored all 3-treatment groups similar in terms of sensory attributes for cooked chicken. While additional studies must be performed, this study suggest that HO-PN may be a suitable broiler feed ingredient.}, number={10}, journal={Poultry Science}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Toomer, Ondulla T and Livingston, Matthew L and Wall, Brittany and Sanders, Elliot and Vu, Thien C and Malheiros, Ramon D and Livingston, Kim A and Carvalho, Luiz Victor and Ferket, Peter R}, year={2019}, month={Oct}, pages={5188–5197} }
 @article{eberle_martin_shah_malheiros_livingston_anderson_2018, title={A novel non-invasive method for evaluating electroencephalograms on laying hens}, volume={97}, ISSN={0032-5791}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.3382/ps/pex391}, DOI={10.3382/ps/pex391}, abstractNote={Abstract The use of electroencephalograms (EEG) to study the avian brain relative to behavior was conducted as early as the 1960's. EEG readings, combined with visual cues, provide the ability to elucidate and correlate behaviors to neurological and physiological changes in a chicken. The use of EEG recordings in animal models require access to the brain to implant electrodes. Having the ability to observe EEG activity on sensible birds without surgical implantation could broaden the research in this area and give further insight related to the hen's state of awareness. The development, construction, and implementation of a minimally invasive EEG electrode placement method is described. After implementation, test animals were exposed to extreme environmental stressors as part of a concurrent depopulation methods study and EEG placement withstood the condition changes and corresponding animal physical activity. Sixteen white commercial laying hens had three monopolar 32‐gauge needle electrodes inserted subcutaneously and secured to their head and body. Electrodes were attached to a pre‐amplifier which transferred EEG signals to a laptop based recording system. Once the electrodes were in place, the hens were placed in individual treatment/observation chamber then various environmental stressors were applied. Verification that the observed brainwave activity was neural and not muscular was done using a photic stimulation validation test. Behavior observations were recorded to correlate sensible and insensible brainwave activity. The validation test and behavior observations demonstrated the method was successful in measuring EEG in sensible laying hens. The use of a non‐surgical method for recording EEG will broaden research capabilities and enhance the understanding of a hen's response its environment, eliminate the need for invasive surgical procedures, and minimizes the confounding components of anesthesia, brain surgery, and recovery. With further refinements, the method could open new avenues in avian behavioral and physiological research.}, number={3}, journal={Poultry Science}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Eberle, Krista N and Martin, Michael P and Shah, Sanjay and Malheiros, Ramon D and Livingston, Kimberly A and Anderson, Kenneth E}, year={2018}, month={Mar}, pages={860–864} }
 @article{park_pasquetti_malheiros_ferket_kim_2018, title={Effects of supplemental L-methionine on growth performance and redox status of turkey poults compared with the use of DL-methionine}, volume={97}, ISSN={0032-5791}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.3382/ps/pex259}, DOI={10.3382/ps/pex259}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT This study was conducted to test the effects of dietary supplementation of feed grade L‐Met on growth performance and redox status of turkey poults compared with the use of conventional DL‐Met. Three hundred and eighty five newly hatched turkey poults were weighed and allotted to 5 treatments in a completely randomized design and the birds were fed dietary treatments for 28 d, including a basal diet (BD), the BD + 0.17 or 0.33% DL‐Met or L‐Met (representing 60, 75, and 90% of the requirement by National Research Council (NRC) for S containing AA, respectively). Increasing Met supplementation from 0 to 0.33% increased (P < 0.05) weight gain (690 to 746 g) and feed intake (1,123 to 1,248 g) of turkey poults. Supplementing L‐Met tended (P = 0.053) to reduce feed to gain ratio (1.70 to 1.63) compared with DL‐Met. The relative bioavailability of L‐Met to DL‐Met was 160% based on a multilinear regression analysis of weight gain. Supplementing Met regardless of its sources decreased (P < 0.05) malondialdehyde (3.29 to 2.47 nmol/mg protein) in duodenal mucosa compared with birds in the BD. Supplementing L‐Met tended (P = 0.094) to decrease malondialdehyde (1.27 to 1.16 nmol/mg protein) and increase glutathione (3.21 to 3.45 nmol/mg protein) in the liver compared with DL‐Met. Total antioxidant capacity, protein carbonyl, and morphology of duodenum and jejunum were not affected by Met sources. In conclusion, dietary supplementation of 0.33% Met to a diet with S containing AA meeting 60% of the NRC requirement enhanced weight gain, feed intake, and redox status by reducing oxidative stress in the gut and liver of turkey poults during the first 28 d of age. Use of L‐Met tended to enhance feed efficiency and was more effective in reducing oxidative stress and increasing glutathione in the liver compared with the use of DL‐Met. The use of L‐Met as a source of Met replacing DL‐Met seems to be beneficial to turkey poults during the first 28 d of age.}, number={1}, journal={Poultry Science}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Park, I. and Pasquetti, T. and Malheiros, R.D. and Ferket, P.R. and Kim, S.W.}, year={2018}, month={Jan}, pages={102–109} }
 @article{moreira filho_ferket_malheiros_oliveira_aristimunha_wilsmann_givisiez_2018, title={Enrichment of the amnion with threonine in chicken embryos affects the small intestine development, ileal gene expression and performance of broilers between 1 and 21 days of age}, volume={98}, ISSN={0032-5791 1525-3171}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.3382/ps/pey461}, DOI={10.3382/ps/pey461}, abstractNote={ABSTRACT The effects of in ovo feeding with threonine (Thr) on intestinal morphology, ileal gene expression and performance of broiler chicken between 1 and 21 d of age (d) were assessed. On day 17.5 of incubation, fertile eggs were randomly allotted to 5 treatments of Thr injection in the amniotic fluid (0; 1.75; 3.5; 5.25; 7%, corresponding to 17.5; 35; 52.5 and 70 mg Thr/mL). After hatch, chicks were given a commercial corn‐soybean diet up to 21 d. Daily feed intake (FI), body weight (BW), and food conversion ratio (FCR) were measured from 1 to 7, 14, and 21 d of age. The ileal gene expression of mucin (MUC2), peptide transporter (PepT1), and aminopeptidase enzyme (APN) were evaluated on day of hatch and at 21 d, as well as intestinal morphometric traits. In ovo feeding with threonine significantly increased final weight (FI) and weight gain (WG) and decreased FCR in the period from 1 to 21 d. Threonine levels affected beneficially the villus height, vilo: crypt ratio and villus area on day of hatch and at 21 d. At hatch, all Thr levels increased the expression of MUC2 and PepT1 compared to the control group. APN expression also increased, but for the lowest and the highest threonine levels (1.75 and 7%). At 21 d, there was no effect of threonine on the expression of MUC2, PepT1, and APN. In conclusion, in ovo threonine feeding beneficially affected the morphological and functional development of the intestinal mucosa, which ensured improved performance of chicks at hatch and at 21 d.}, number={3}, journal={Poultry Science}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Moreira Filho, A L B and Ferket, P R and Malheiros, R D and Oliveira, C J B and Aristimunha, P C and Wilsmann, D E and Givisiez, P E N}, year={2018}, month={Oct}, pages={1363–1370} }
 @article{eberle-krish_martin_malheiros_shah_livingston_anderson_2018, title={Evaluation of Ventilation Shutdown in a Multi-level Caged System}, volume={27}, ISSN={1056-6171 1537-0437}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.3382/japr/pfy036}, DOI={10.3382/japr/pfy036}, abstractNote={SUMMARY In 2015, the United States experienced an extensive outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza resulting in the depopulation of 42.1 million commercial egg‐laying hens. Existing mass depopulation methods in multilevel caged systems utilized throughout the egg industry provide a challenge for producers and emergency personnel. An alternative depopulation method with potential for use in the egg industry is ventilation shutdown (VSD), which uses a combination of increasing heat and carbon dioxide (CO2) levels to promote death by hyperthermia and hypoxia. This proof‐of concept study was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of VSD, VSD with supplemental heat (VSDH), and VSD with CO2 (VSDCO2) as alternative mass depopulation methods in a multilevel caged system. Assessment parameters included ambient and core body temperatures, time to death, and survivability. Time to death for VSD, VSDH, and VSDCO2 were 3.75, 2, and 1.5 h, respectively. Survivability in VSD did not meet the flock depopulation standard of 100% lethality. Based on 100% lethality and time to death, VSDH and VSDCO2 are equivalent in their ability to effectively depopulate hens in a multi‐level caged system. Air mixing should be used to prevent stratification of heat or CO2 concentrations between the top and bottom levels of a caged system. While the data emulate a commercial layer environment, application of the techniques in this study still need to be evaluated in a commercial setting.}, number={4}, journal={The Journal of Applied Poultry Research}, publisher={Oxford University Press (OUP)}, author={Eberle-Krish, Krista N and Martin, Michael P and Malheiros, Ramon D and Shah, Sanjay B and Livingston, Kimberly A and Anderson, Kenneth E}, year={2018}, month={Jul}, pages={555–563} }
 @article{heflin_malheiros_anderson_johnson_raatz_2018, title={Mineral content of eggs differs with hen strain, age, and rearing environment}, volume={97}, ISSN={0032-5791}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.3382/ps/pey025}, DOI={10.3382/ps/pey025}, abstractNote={&NA; Egg nutrient quality is strongly influenced by hen diet but is also affected by rearing environment, hen strain, and hen age. The objective of the current study was to determine the effect of: 1) conventional battery cages, 2) enrichable cage systems, 3) enriched colony housing, 4) cage‐free, and 5) free‐range rearing systems on mineral concentrations of whole, dried egg (yolk and albumen combined) from TA Tetra White (TW) and Hy‐Line Brown (HB) hens at 44, 68, and 88 wk of age. We hypothesized that mineral concentration of eggs would differ among rearing systems but not between strains or with hen age. Hens held in enriched colony housing systems produced eggs with 10% lower Mg and 11% lower Mn levels than conventional hens. Concentrations of Ca and Cu were higher (7 and 8%, respectively) in eggs from TW hens than from HB hens. Eggs from HB hens had 8% higher concentrations of Fe, 6% higher Mg and 5% higher Mn than TW hens. Mn was higher in eggs from 44‐wk hens than from 68‐ or 88‐wk hens (16 and 11%, respectively). Interaction effects between rearing environment and hen age were observed for K and Mn concentrations. Eggs from 68‐wk hens in conventional rearing systems contained 14 to 21% more K than eggs from conventional hens at 44‐ and 88 wk and 14 to 18% more than eggs from 68‐wk hens in other rearing systems. At 88 wk of age, hens in conventional rearing systems produced eggs with higher Mn concentration than hens in enrichable or enriched colony housing systems (22 and 23%, respectively). Interactions between rearing environment, hen strain, and hen age were observed for egg Zn levels among 44‐ and 68‐wk hens but were not detectable among 88‐wk hens regardless of rearing system or hen strain. Observed differences in egg mineral content in our study were small and are unlikely to have substantial impact on human nutrition.}, number={5}, journal={Poultry Science}, publisher={Elsevier BV}, author={Heflin, Laura E. and Malheiros, Ramon and Anderson, Kenneth E. and Johnson, LuAnn K. and Raatz, Susan K.}, year={2018}, month={May}, pages={1605–1613} }
 @article{hada_malheiros_silva_marques_gravena_silva_moraes_2013, title={Effect of protein, carbohydrate, lipid, and selenium levels on the performance, carcass yield, and blood changes in broilers}, volume={15}, DOI={10.1590/s1516-635x2013000400014}, abstractNote={The objective of this study was to evaluate the performance, carcass and parts yield, and blood changes in broilers fed different protein, carbohydrate, and lipid levels. Birds were fed a commercial diet until seven days of age. On day 8, birds were distributed according to a completely randomized experimental design in a 4 x 2 factorial arrangement (control diet, low protein diet, low carbohydrate diet or low lipid diet vs. supplementation of 0 or 0.3ppm organic selenium) with four replicates of 15 birds each. Broilers fed low protein presented lower body weight, feed intake, and worse feed conversion ratio on day 42, as well as lower carcass and breast yields, higher leg and abdominal fat yields, higher triglyceride and lower uric acid blood levels. Broilers fed the low carbohydrate diets presented low glucose levels on days 14 and 42.Creatine-kinase (CK) levels increased as birds aged. The livability of broilers fed the low protein diets improved and of those fed low carbohydrate diets worsened with dietary selenium addition on days 35 and 42. Selenium supplementation increased glucose levels in 42-d-old broilers. Changes in dietary protein caused more impact on broiler performance compared with carbohydrates and lipids. Changes in macronutrients caused metabolic changes in broilers. Selenium affected broiler livability as measured on days 35 and 42, and glucose blood levels.}, number={4}, journal={Brazilian Journal of Poultry Science}, author={Hada, F. H. and Malheiros, R. D. and Silva, J. D. T. and Marques, R. H. and Gravena, R. A. and Silva, V. K. and Moraes, V. M. B.}, year={2013}, pages={385–394} }
 @article{moraes_oviedo-rondon_leandro_wineland_malheiros_eusebio-balcazar_2011, title={Broiler breeder trace mineral nutrition and feeding practices on embryo progeny development}, volume={4}, ISSN={["1758-1567"]}, DOI={10.3184/175815511x13147937995611}, abstractNote={ This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of breeder feeding programme, feeder space change from rearing to lay, and trace mineral (TM) source on the development of embryo progeny. Cobb 500 broiler breeders were raised in a blackout pullet house. At 23 weeks, females that represented the body weight (BW) distribution from each pen were transferred to a laying house divided into pens with either same or more feeder space than in rearing. From 14 to 29 weeks, either a late fast or a late slow FP was used. Breeders were fed corn based diets during rearing and lay and from 56 to 62 weeks of age, these diets contained either 100% inorganic TM or an organic TM source to replace 30% of Cu, Zn, and Mn. Embryo BW, residual yolk, and gastrointestinal tract (GIT) development from 19 to 21 days of incubation were evaluated in 62-weeks-old breeder offspring. Allometric coefficients were determined for each GIT component. All possible interactions of this 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design were evaluated at each embryo age. Results indicated treatment effects on relative weights of GIT organs for only two-way and main effects. Allometric coefficients suggested that progeny of breeders fed diets with 100% inorganic TM or according to late fast (LF) had faster development of gizzard + proventriculus and gut, respectively. In breeder feeding practices and TM nutrition may affect GIT development of embryo progeny. }, number={3}, journal={AVIAN BIOLOGY RESEARCH}, author={Moraes, Vera M. B. and Oviedo-Rondon, Edgar O. and Leandro, Nadja S. M. and Wineland, Michael J. and Malheiros, Ramon D. and Eusebio-Balcazar, Pamela}, year={2011}, pages={122–132} }
 @article{leandro_ali_koci_moraes_malheiros_wineland_oviedo-rondon_2011, title={Effects of broiler breeder genetic, diet type, and feeding program on maternal antibody transfer and development of lymphoid tissues in chicken progeny}, volume={20}, ISSN={1056-6171 1537-0437}, url={http://dx.doi.org/10.3382/japr.2010-00268}, DOI={10.3382/japr.2010-00268}, abstractNote={SUMMARY Maternal antibody (MatAb) transfer is important for early chicken survivability. Diet composition and the amount of feed given to breeder pullets during rearing may affect the development of immunity and the transfer of MatAb to progeny, and could affect progeny performance and resistance to disease. The effects of broiler breeder nutrition and feeding management practices were evaluated for the transfer of MatAb to progeny and for spleen and bursa development at hatching in 2 genetic strains (A and B). In this experiment, the levels of MatAb against Newcastle disease virus were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in serum samples taken of pedigreed chicken progeny from hatching to 13 d of age. Chickens were fed corn- and wheat-based diets, as were their parents. The breeder feeding program and diet type altered the Newcastle disease virus MatAb found in progeny at hatching and affected how long these antibodies were maintained in circulation. Bursal follicle size at hatching was influenced by an interaction among all factors evaluated. Percentage of white pulp in the spleen was affected mainly by genetic strain and diet type, but responses varied according to the breeder feeding program. It was concluded that breeder feeding programs influence MatAb transfer and half-life, and may also affect the early development of lymphoid tissues.}, number={4}, journal={The Journal of Applied Poultry Research}, publisher={Oxford University Press (OUP)}, author={Leandro, N. M. and Ali, R. and Koci, M. and Moraes, V. and Malheiros, R. D. and Wineland, M. J. and Oviedo-Rondon, E. O.}, year={2011}, month={Dec}, pages={474–484} }
 @article{leandro_ali_koci_moraes_eusebio-balcazar_jornigan_malheiros_wineland_brake_oviedo-rondon_2011, title={Maternal antibody transfer to broiler progeny varies among strains and is affected by grain source and cage density}, volume={90}, ISSN={["0032-5791"]}, url={http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?eid=2-s2.0-81555201984&partnerID=MN8TOARS}, DOI={10.3382/ps.2011-01573}, abstractNote={Two experiments were conducted to examine the effects of broiler breeder dietary grain source and cage density on maternal antibody (MatAb) transfer to progeny in 2 genetic strains (A and B). Broiler breeders were assigned to 16 litter floor pens and fed either corn- or wheat-based diets. Breeders were administered 4 live vaccines against Newcastle disease virus (NDV). At 23 wk of age, pullets and cocks, which reflected the full BW distribution from each treatment, were moved to a cage breeder house and placed at 1 or 2 hens/cage. Breeders were artificially inseminated at 44 wk (experiment 1) and 52 wk of age (experiment 2). Eggs were collected for 8 d, incubated, and placed in individual pedigree bags at d 19 of incubation. Blood samples from 5 chicks per treatment combination were collected at hatch in both experiments. Spleen and bursa were collected from the same chicks for histomorphometry analyses in experiment 2. In the second experiment, 12 chicks per treatment were placed in cages. Progeny were provided diets based on the same grain (corn or wheat) as their parents. Serum samples were collected at 5, 9, and 13 d of age and analyzed for anti-NDV MatAb. Data were analyzed as a 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design considering strain, dietary grain source, and cage density as main factors. Interaction effects were observed in breeders and progeny. Experiment 1 showed that strain A chicks had lower levels of MatAb when hens were housed at 2 hens/cage rather than 1 hen/cage. The MatAb levels of strain B chickens were not affected by cage density in either experiment. Experiment 2 demonstrated similar effects of cage density on MatAb levels and the area of bursa follicles for both strains. Progeny of breeders fed corn-based diets had smaller spleen white pulp only when hens were housed at 2 hens/cage compared with 1 hen/cage. The results of these experiments suggest that breeder strain and cage-density conditions affected MatAb transfer to progeny and embryo development of spleen and bursa.}, number={12}, journal={POULTRY SCIENCE}, author={Leandro, N. M. and Ali, R. and Koci, M. and Moraes, V. and Eusebio-Balcazar, P. E. and Jornigan, J. and Malheiros, R. D. and Wineland, M. J. and Brake, J. and Oviedo-Rondon, E. O.}, year={2011}, month={Dec}, pages={2730–2739} }