No presente estudo foram conduzidos dois experimentos, com o objetivo de avaliar doses e fontes de suplementos múltiplos para bovinos de corte recriados em pastagens durante o período das águas. Adicionalmente, estudou-se o impacto dessa tecnologia sobre a terminação desses animais em confinamento, bem como a rentabilidade dos tratamentos. No experimento 1, foi testado o efeito de 4 doses diárias de suplementos em função do peso vivo (PV) dos animais: T0 (0% do PV), T0,3 (0,3% do PV), T0,6 (0,6% do PV) e T0,9 (0,9% do PV). O suplemento utilizado continha 20% de proteína bruta na matéria natural. Foram utilizados 72 bovinos machos inteiros, cruzados, com aproximadamente 222 kg de PV inicial, distribuídos em blocos casualizados (2 blocos, 4 tratamentos e 4 períodos). Foi observado aumento linear (P<0,05) no ganho de peso diário (0,595; 0,673; 0,810; 0,968 kg dia-1), na taxa de lotação da pastagem (4,50; 5,33; 5,58; 6,12 UA ha-1) e na produção total de arrobas na fase de pasto (16,34; 22,78; 25,86; 33,82 @ ha-1) com doses crescentes do suplemento. Na fase de confinamento não foram observados efeitos (P<0,05) dos tratamentos sobre o consumo de matéria seca, conversão alimentar, ganho de PV e peso da carcaça quente. Os animais do T0,9 apresentaram maior (P<0,01) acabamento de gordura (6,07 e 3,93 mm) e menor tempo de confinamento (143,1 e 169,3 dias) que os do T0,0. O rendimento de carcaça foi maior (58,1; 58,0) (P<0,01) para os animais do T0,6 e T0,9 que para os do T0 (55,6%). De acordo com a avaliação econômica, a taxa interna de retorno (TIR) foi maior para o T0,6 que para os demais tratamentos. No experimento 2, foram utilizados 80 bovinos machos inteiros, cruzados, com aproximadamente 244 kg de PV inicial. Foram comparados 4 suplementos diferentes, fornecidos na dose de 0,6% do PV: TSE (suplemento energético, rico em subprodutos, com 11,32% de PB); TSFA (suplemento protéico rico em subprodutos e farelo de algodão, com 20,35% de PB); TSU (suplemento protéico rico em subprodutos e uréia protegida, com 20,51% de PB); TAFA (suplemento protéico, rico em amido e farelo de algodão, com 20,96% de PB na MS). Não foram observadas diferenças (P>0,05) no ganho de peso diário (kg cab-1) na taxa de lotação (UA ha-1) e produtividade (kg PV ha-1) entre os tratamentos na fase de pasto. Na segunda etapa deste experimento, os animais foram confinados. Não houve efeito (P>0,05) dos tratamentos aplicados na fase de pasto sobre o consumo de matéria seca, conversão alimentar durante o confinamento, porém houve diferença (P<0,05) quanto ao ganho de PV diário (1,67 e 1,42 kg dia-1), PV final (547,75 e 509,23 kg) e peso da carcaça quente (294,55 e 270,60 kg) entre o TSU, quando comparado ao TAFA respectivamente. O TSU apresentou a maior taxa interna de retorno (TIR). / Two trials were conducted to evaluate supplement sources and doses for growing cattle maintained on tropical pastures during the rainy season and finished in feedlot. In trial 1, four supplement doses were compared: T0 (0% of LBW), T0.3 (0.3% of LBW), T0.6 (0.6% of LBW) and T0.9 (0.9% of LBW). The supplement had 20% crude protein (CP) (AF basis). Seventy two crossbred yearling bulls (222 kg average initial LBW) were used in a randomized block design. Animals were kept in pasture for 109 days. Thereafter they were finished in feedlot for 184 days, fed a single ration. There were linear increases (P<0,05) with increasing supplement dose on ADG (0.595; 0.673; 0.810; 0.968 kg day-1), pasture stocking rate (4.50; 5.33; 5.58; 6.12 AU ha-1) and total weight gain on pasture (490.20; 683,50; 775.80 and 1014.60 kg LBW ha-1). During feedlot no treatment effects were observed on dry matter intake, feed efficiency, ADG and hot carcass weight. Animals on T0.9 showed greater (P<0.01) subcutaneous fat thickness (6.07 and 3.93 mm) and shorter feedlot period (143.1 and 169.3 days) compared to T0. Animals on T0.3 and T0.9 showed greater (P<0.01) dressing percentage (58.1; 58.0) than animals on T0 (55.6%). Economic evaluation showed greatest internal tax return (ITR) for T0.6.In trial 2, with similar design eighty crossbred bull calves (244 kg initial LBW) were kept in pasture for 149 days and finished in feedlot during 91 days. Four supplemets were fed at 0.6% of LBW (AF basis): TSE (energy supplement, high in fibrous by-products, 11.32% CP); TSFA (protein supplement, high in fibrous by-products and cottonseed meal, 20.35% CP); TSU (protein supplement, high in fibrous by-products and encapsulated urea, 20.51% CP); TAFA (protein supplement, high in starch and cottonseed meal, 20.96% CP). There were no differences (P>0.05) on ADG (0.903; 0.909; 0.868 and 0.826 kg BW animal-1), pasture stocking rate (9.40; 9.58; 9.09 and 9.21 AU ha-1) and productivity (1772.30; 1846.50; 1631.80 and 1629.80 kg LBW ha-1) among treatments during the grazing period. During the finishing period there were no treatment effects (P>0.05) on dry matter intake and feed efficiency; ADG (P<0.05) (1.67 and 1.42 kg day-1), final BW (547.75 and 509.23 kg) and hot carcass weight (294.55 and 270.60 kg) were higher for TSU compared to TAFA. TSU showed the highest ITR.

O objetivo geral desta pesquisa foi avaliar o bem-estar de aves poedeiras em dois diferentes sistemas de criação (gaiola e cama) e a qualidade desses sistemas em relação aos aspectos comportamentais, fisiológicos e produtivos utilizando ferramentas da zootecnia de precisão. O experimento foi desenvolvido no Setor de Avicultura do Departamento de Zootecnia da Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ/USP) em Piracicaba, SP. A pesquisa constou de cinco períodos experimentais de 28 dias cada. Foram utilizadas 64 poedeiras da linhagem Isabrown e 64 poedeiras da linhagem Hy-Line W-36 com 19 e 21 semanas de idade respectivamente. O regime de luz adotado foi de 16 horas claro e 8 horas de escuro. Foram estabelecidos 2 tratamentos, sendo Tratamento 1: criação em gaiolas convencionais; Tratamento 2: sistema de criação em cama. O delineamento experimental adotado foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2x2 (2 linhagens e 2 sistemas de criação) com 4 repetições cada. A pesquisa abordou diferentes parâmetros: análise bioclimática; análise fisiológica; análise do desempenho zootécnico; análise da qualidade dos ovos; análise dos comportamentos; análise das condições de empenamento e aplicação da lógica Fuzzy na avaliação dos dados. A avaliação térmica foi realizada mediante a análise dos dados de temperatura do ar seco, da temperatura de globo negro e da umidade relativa, utilizando os índices de Temperatura de Globo e Umidade (ITGU) e Entalpia Específica (H) (KJ/kg ar seco). A análise das condições meteorológicas mostrou que a maior parte dos períodos experimentais ocorreu em condições de conforto térmico para as aves. A avaliação do comportamento permitiu identificar atividades de preferência e atividades indicativas de estresse, possibilitando a determinação das necessidades ambientais importantes ao bem-estar das aves. A avaliação comportamental por meio de imagens de vídeo permitiu uma análise mais apurada, fornecendo um banco de dados mais confiável do que a observação direta. O sistema de criação em cama, quando devidamente projetado, pode ser compatível ao sistema de criação em gaiolas no que diz respeito ao desempenho zootécnico e à qualidade de ovos produzidos; além disso, mostrou estimular a realização dos comportamentos naturais das aves e dessa forma, maior adequação às exigências de bem-estar. Porém, a melhor condição de bem-estar do sistema de criação em cama não apresentou melhor resultado no desempenho produtivo. A aplicação da lógica Fuzzy na obtenção de parâmetros indicativos das condições de bem-estar das aves nos diferentes sistemas de criação forneceu um modelo de fácil interpretação, permitindo a integração dos parâmetros avaliados, tornando-se uma ferramenta importante na interpretação das condições de bem-estar das aves. / The objective of this study was to evaluate the welfare of laying hens in two different rearing systems (cages and floor) and the quality of these systems concerning with the behavioural, physiological and productive aspects, using tools of precision animal production. The trial was conducted for five experimental periods of 28 days each. Sixty four pullets of the laying strain Isabrown and 64 pullets of the laying strain Hy-Line W-36, with ages of 19 and 21 weeks, respectively, were used. The treatments consisted of a combination of two rearing systems (conventional cages system and floor system with litter) and the two layer strains in a completely randomized design, with a 2x2 factorial arrangement, and four replicates. Different evaluation parameters were studied including bioclimatical; physiological; productive performance; behavioural; egg quality; feathering conditions and application of Fuzzy logic in data evaluations. The thermal evaluation was carried by analysis of dry air and black globe temperature and relative humidity, using the indices Temperature of Globe and Humidity (ITGU) and Enthalpy (H) (KJ/kg dry air). The analysis of the meteorological conditions showed that most of the experimental periods occurred in conditions of thermal comfort for the birds. The evaluation of the bird&#39;s behaviour allowed identifying preference activities and those indicative of stress, making possible the determination of bird&#39;s environmental necessities, important to their welfare. The behavioral evaluation through video images allowed more refined analysis, supplying a more trustful data base than direct observations. The floor system, when properly projected, can be comparable to the cage system with respect to the productive performance and the egg quality; moreover, it was shown to stimulate the accomplishment of natural behaviours, thus providing greater adequacy to the welfare requirements. However, the improved welfare conditions resulting of the floor system did not produce better results in the productive performance. The application of Fuzzy logic in the attainment of indicative parameters of the conditions of laying hens welfare in different rearing systems supplied an easy model, allowing the integration of the evaluated parameters, becoming an important tool in the interpretation of welfare conditions.

O objetivo geral desta pesquisa foi avaliar o bem-estar de aves poedeiras em dois diferentes sistemas de criação (gaiola e cama) e a qualidade desses sistemas em relação aos aspectos comportamentais, fisiológicos e produtivos utilizando ferramentas da zootecnia de precisão. O experimento foi desenvolvido no Setor de Avicultura do Departamento de Zootecnia da Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz (ESALQ/USP) em Piracicaba, SP. A pesquisa constou de cinco períodos experimentais de 28 dias cada. Foram utilizadas 64 poedeiras da linhagem Isabrown e 64 poedeiras da linhagem Hy-Line W-36 com 19 e 21 semanas de idade respectivamente. O regime de luz adotado foi de 16 horas claro e 8 horas de escuro. Foram estabelecidos 2 tratamentos, sendo Tratamento 1: criação em gaiolas convencionais; Tratamento 2: sistema de criação em cama. O delineamento experimental adotado foi o inteiramente casualizado, em esquema fatorial 2x2 (2 linhagens e 2 sistemas de criação) com 4 repetições cada. A pesquisa abordou diferentes parâmetros: análise bioclimática; análise fisiológica; análise do desempenho zootécnico; análise da qualidade dos ovos; análise dos comportamentos; análise das condições de empenamento e aplicação da lógica Fuzzy na avaliação dos dados. A avaliação térmica foi realizada mediante a análise dos dados de temperatura do ar seco, da temperatura de globo negro e da umidade relativa, utilizando os índices de Temperatura de Globo e Umidade (ITGU) e Entalpia Específica (H) (KJ/kg ar seco). A análise das condições meteorológicas mostrou que a maior parte dos períodos experimentais ocorreu em condições de conforto térmico para as aves. A avaliação do comportamento permitiu identificar atividades de preferência e atividades indicativas de estresse, possibilitando a determinação das necessidades ambientais importantes ao bem-estar das aves. A avaliação comportamental por meio de imagens de vídeo permitiu uma análise mais apurada, fornecendo um banco de dados mais confiável do que a observação direta. O sistema de criação em cama, quando devidamente projetado, pode ser compatível ao sistema de criação em gaiolas no que diz respeito ao desempenho zootécnico e à qualidade de ovos produzidos; além disso, mostrou estimular a realização dos comportamentos naturais das aves e dessa forma, maior adequação às exigências de bem-estar. Porém, a melhor condição de bem-estar do sistema de criação em cama não apresentou melhor resultado no desempenho produtivo. A aplicação da lógica Fuzzy na obtenção de parâmetros indicativos das condições de bem-estar das aves nos diferentes sistemas de criação forneceu um modelo de fácil interpretação, permitindo a integração dos parâmetros avaliados, tornando-se uma ferramenta importante na interpretação das condições de bem-estar das aves. / The objective of this study was to evaluate the welfare of laying hens in two different rearing systems (cages and floor) and the quality of these systems concerning with the behavioural, physiological and productive aspects, using tools of precision animal production. The trial was conducted for five experimental periods of 28 days each. Sixty four pullets of the laying strain Isabrown and 64 pullets of the laying strain Hy-Line W-36, with ages of 19 and 21 weeks, respectively, were used. The treatments consisted of a combination of two rearing systems (conventional cages system and floor system with litter) and the two layer strains in a completely randomized design, with a 2x2 factorial arrangement, and four replicates. Different evaluation parameters were studied including bioclimatical; physiological; productive performance; behavioural; egg quality; feathering conditions and application of Fuzzy logic in data evaluations. The thermal evaluation was carried by analysis of dry air and black globe temperature and relative humidity, using the indices Temperature of Globe and Humidity (ITGU) and Enthalpy (H) (KJ/kg dry air). The analysis of the meteorological conditions showed that most of the experimental periods occurred in conditions of thermal comfort for the birds. The evaluation of the bird&#39;s behaviour allowed identifying preference activities and those indicative of stress, making possible the determination of bird&#39;s environmental necessities, important to their welfare. The behavioral evaluation through video images allowed more refined analysis, supplying a more trustful data base than direct observations. The floor system, when properly projected, can be comparable to the cage system with respect to the productive performance and the egg quality; moreover, it was shown to stimulate the accomplishment of natural behaviours, thus providing greater adequacy to the welfare requirements. However, the improved welfare conditions resulting of the floor system did not produce better results in the productive performance. The application of Fuzzy logic in the attainment of indicative parameters of the conditions of laying hens welfare in different rearing systems supplied an easy model, allowing the integration of the evaluated parameters, becoming an important tool in the interpretation of welfare conditions.

Objetivou-se, com esta pesquisa, inserir no mercado de produção intensiva de suínos, um método não invasivo para quantificar o bem-estar animal, por intermédio dos níveis de pressão sonora (ruídos) emitidos por suínos em fases de pré-creche e creche. Foram realizados três experimentos, a fim de estudar a utilização da pressão sonora (ruído) emitida por um grupo de suínos como resposta às condições ambientais as quais foram submetidos, em ambiente controlado e de produção intensiva, e estabelecer as faixas de pressão sonora de acordo com as faixas de temperatura e umidade para conforto e estresse. No experimento I o objetivo foi estudar a influência da distribuição dos decibelímetros na captação automática dos níveis de pressão sonora em ambiente de produção intensiva. Foi conduzido em uma granja comercial de suínos, sendo utilizada uma sala do galpão, que foi dividida em dez quadrantes idênticos, e os decibelímetros instalados no centro geométrico de cada quadrante. Os níveis de pressão sonora do ambiente foram registrados em todos os equipamentos, ao mesmo tempo, e, por intermédio da análise geoestatística, foi possível verificar que os decibelímetros não apresentaram dependência espacial entre si, e essa afirmação pôde ser confirmada pela análise de correlação entre cada decibelímetro testado para cada um dos layouts avaliados. No experimento II avaliou-se a influência das variáveis ambientais no nível de pressão sonora emitido por leitões em ambiente controlado. Os leitões foram confinados em uma câmara climática e submetidos à variação da temperatura e umidade do ambiente. O comportamento foi avaliado por intermédio do nível de atividade dos leitões, utilizando análise de imagens. Os níveis de pressão sonora emitidos pelos leitões foram registrados utilizando decibelímetros, e a extração do ruído de fundo foi possível após a retirada dos leitões da câmara. Foi possível concluir que os níveis de pressão sonora emitidos pelos leitões em câmara climática apresentaram correlação negativa com a variável temperatura e com o índice de conforto entalpia Foi possível predizer as faixas de níveis de pressão sonora emitidos pelos leitões, em relação às faixas de conforto e estresse existentes para a temperatura e o índice de conforto entalpia para as condições do presente experimento. O experimento III foi conduzido em uma granja comercial de produção de suínos, tendo como objetivo avaliar a influência das variáveis ambientais nos níveis de pressão sonora emitidos pelos leitões em confinamento intensivo. Foram instalados decibelímetros para a captação automática dos níveis de pressão sonora e loggers para coletar dados de temperatura e umidade do ar em uma sala do galpão de suínos. Para a captação do nível de pressão sonora de fundo, foram instalados, na área externa à sala de creche, decibelímetros para posterior subtração. Os dados foram submetidos à análise correlação e regressão entre as variáveis estudadas. Verificou-se que os níveis de pressão sonora emitidos pelos leitões apresentaram tendência de acréscimo, quando em desconforto térmico, sendo possível predizer as faixas de pressão sonora emitidas pelos leitões em relação às condições ambientais. / The objective of this research was to insert in the market of intensive swine production, a non invasive method to quantify animal welfare, through sound pressure levels (noises) emitted by swine in pre-nursering and nursering phases. Were realized three experiments to study the appliance of sound pressure (noise) emitted by a group of swine as an answer to the environment conditions that they were submitted in a controlled and in a intensive production environment, and to establish the bands of sound pressure according to the bands of temperature and humidity to comfort and stress. In experiment I, the objective was to study the influence of the distribution of the decibelimeters on the automatic capturing of sound pressure levels in a intensive production environment. It was conducted in a commercial swine farm, where a sheds room was used, which was divided in ten identical quadrants and the decibelimeters installed in the geometric centre of each quadrant. Environments sound pressure levels were registered in all equipments, at the same time, and through geostatistical analysis, it was possible to verify that the decibelimeters did not show spatial dependence amongst, and this affirmation could be confirmed by correlation analysis between each decibelimeter tested to each of the evaluated layouts. In experiment II the influence of environment variables on sound pressure levels emitted by piglets in a controlled environment was evaluated. Piglets were confined in a climatic chamber and submitted to a variation of environments temperature and relative humidity. Behaviour was evaluated through piglets activity level using image analysis. Sound pressure levels emitted by piglets were registered by decibelimeters, and backgrounds noise extraction was possible after the removing of piglets of the chamber. It was possible to conclude that sound pressure levels emitted by piglets in a climatic chamber showed a negative correlation with temperature variable and with the enthalpy comfort index. It was possible to predict sound pressure levels bands emitted by piglets, related to comfort and stress bands existents to temperature and enthalpy comfort index to the conditions of the present experiment. Experiment III was conducted in a farm of swines commercial production, and the objective was to evaluate the influence of environment variables on sound pressure levels emitted by piglets in a intensive confinement. Decibelimeters were installed to the automatic capture of sound pressure levels and loggers to collect temperature and air humidity data in a room of swines shed. To the capturing of backgrounds sound pressure level, were installed decibelimeters in the external área to nurserings room to a posterior subtraction. Data were submitted to correlation and regression analysis among the studied variables. It was verified that sound pressure levels emitted by piglets showed a raise tendency when in thermal discomfort, and it was possible to predict bands of sound pressure emitted by piglets in relation to environmental conditions.

Cette thèse s'intéresse à la diversité génétique de six races locales de poulet à Taiwan. Le premier objectif est de combiner les données de performances d'élevage (croissance, réponse immunitaire) et les données moléculaires (marqueurs microsatellites, ADN mitochondrial, gène MC1R, marqueur LEI0258 pour le CMH) pour analyser la diversité génétique de six races de poules conservées à l'Université nationale de Chung-Hsing depuis 1982. Une méthode d'analyse multivariée est proposée pour combiner les variables continues (performances) et les fréquences alléliques (données moléculaires). L'analyse combinée discrimine clairement toutes les races à l'exception des races Ju-chi et Quemoy qui apparaissent très semblables sauf pour la réponse immunitaire. Un processus de sélection est mis en évidence sur le gène MC1R, contrôlant la couleur du plumage. Le second objectif cible le polymorphisme du complexe majeur d'histocompatibilité, décrit par le marqueur hypervariable LEI0258, et ses effets sur la réponse immunitaire. Sur un total de dix-sept allèles, sept allèles sont nouveaux. Le polymorphisme du CMH peut être un indicateur utile pour la surveillance de la diversité génétique de petites populations. Une épreuve d'infection expérimentale par un virus d'influenza aviaire faiblement pathogène a montré des différences significatives entre races, avec une réponse immunitaire plus rapide pour la race Quemoy, qui montre un effet significatif du CMH, et une sensibilité relativement plus forte à l'infection pour la race Hsin-Yi. Les races différaient aussi pour la réponse secondaire à plusieurs vaccins, avec une réponse généralement plus forte dans la race Quemoy. Une caractérisation des allèles du CMH avec une puce SNP dédiée est recommandée.

Le développement des activités d'élevage dans le monde fait actuellement l'objet de nombreuses interrogations, notamment en ce qui concerne leurs impacts sur l'environnement. Dans un tel contexte, les éleveurs peuvent être amenés à vouloir reconcevoir leurs systèmes d'élevage afin de mieux intégrer les exigences du développement durable. La modélisation systémique est un bon outil pour acquérir une vision holistique des systèmes ; j'interroge donc ses capacités à accompagner de telles dynamiques. Ma question de recherche est la suivante : " Comment modéliser le fonctionnement des systèmes d'élevage pour accompagner les éleveurs dans des processus de reconception de leurs systèmes d'élevage ? ". Pour y répondre, je mets en place une démarche comprenant deux volets complémentaires: (i) une analyse des modèles de systèmes d'élevage disponibles dans la littérature afin d'identifier leurs intérêts et leurs limites pour accompagner les éleveurs dans de telles dynamiques ; (ii) la proposition d'une méthode pour construire des modèles conceptuels du fonctionnement des systèmes d'élevage qui soient réellement structurés par la participation d'éleveurs. Cette méthode a été conçue et testée avec des groupes d'éleveurs laitiers convertis et en cours de conversion à l'agriculture biologique dans le Parc Naturel Régional du Pilat (42). Les résultats montrent : (i) qu'une modélisation participative du fonctionnement des systèmes d'élevage réalisée en petits groupes d'éleveurs est un bon moyen pour stimuler leurs réflexions individuelles et collectives, et donc pour accompagner les processus de reconception de leurs systèmes d'élevage ; (ii) que les modèles co-construits avec les éleveurs via cette démarche participative présentent, par rapport aux modèles de systèmes d'élevage disponibles dans la littérature, des qualités en matière d'intégration de différents sous-systèmes, différents points de vue disciplinaires et différentes échelles de temps. Ainsi, ma thèse offre des pistes pour renouveler les cadres d'analyse de la zootechnie des systèmes d'élevage et pour resserrer les liens entre ses deux objectifs que sont " comprendre le fonctionnement des systèmes d'élevage " et " accompagner leurs évolutions vers davantage de durabilité ". En ce sens, il s'agit de renforcer la contribution de la discipline aux innovations systémiques en élevage.

Les possibilités d'application de la modélisation mécaniste en sciences animales sont nombreuses, autant dans la pratique que pour la recherche et l'enseignement. L'une des potentialités importantes est la prédiction des lois de réponse de l'animal à son environnement. Cette approche permet la prise en compte simultanée de la croissance, la qualité des produits, l'excrétion, etc. y compris dans des conditions non standard. Chez le porc, la plupart des modèles publiés à ce jour concernent la croissance des animaux. Ces modèles intègrent les principaux déterminants de la partition des nutriments entre les fonctions d'entretien et de croissance, mais la prise en compte de l'étape digestive est peu détaillée. En outre, le pas de temps considéré est généralement la journée, ce qui ne permet pas une modélisation satisfaisante du métabolisme puisque la dynamique des apports alimentaires peut être importante. Quelques modèles décrivent partiellement certains aspects de la digestion (évacuation gastrique, transit, dégradations), mais aucun ne couvre l'ensemble de cette fonction. Un modèle simple de la digestion chez le porc a été élaboré à partir des données disponibles dans la bibliographie. Il comporte quatre compartiments anatomiques (estomac, 2 portions d'intestin grêle, gros intestin) entre lesquels le transit des digesta est représenté. Dans ces compartiments, les principaux événements digestifs (dégradations, absorption, sécrétions endogènes) sont décrits pour les différentes fractions (protéines, amidon, triglycérides, fibres, minéraux). En outre, les fermentations microbiennes sont prises en compte dans le gros intestin. Le nombre total de compartiments est de 44. Le pas de temps utilisé étant de 1 min., le modèle permet de simuler l'évolution du niveau et de la composition de chaque compartiment au cours du temps, ainsi que la cinétique d'absorption des nutriments. La comparaison des sorties du modèle avec des résultats de la bibliographie montre que le comportement global du modèle est cohérent. La structure proposée peut servir de base pour des développements ultérieurs et la prise en compte de nouveaux facteurs de variation de la digestion. Une application du modèle est l'étude de la sécrétion endogène d'azote. La littérature comporte des résultats variables et parfois contradictoires sur le passage d'azote d'origine endogène à l'iléon. Ce paramètre est important pour l'interprétation des données de digestibilité iléale des acides aminés. Une étude quantitative sur une centaine de résultats publiés montre toutefois que certains grands facteurs de variation (niveau d'ingestion, teneur en NDF) peuvent être identifiés et quantifiés en prenant en compte les différences dues aux techniques d'investigation. Le profil des protéines endogènes passant à l'iléon est par contre moins variable et une estimation de la partie de l'endogène non spécifique à l'aliment est proposée. Une approche complémentaire a consisté à recenser les sources d'apport de l'azote endogène dans le tube digestif et à adapter notre modèle de digestion pour en suivre le transit, la dégradation et l'absorption. Les résultats permettent de retrouver un certain nombre de résultats de la compilation bibliographique. De plus, la simulation donne une estimation de grandeurs difficilement mesurables expérimentalement : cinétique de l'absorption des acides aminés d'origine endogène, suivi dans le temps des quantités de protéines endogènes présentes aux différents niveaux de l'intestin. Des perspectives de développement et d'amélioration de ce type de modèle sont ensuite discutées : comment conserver une représentation simple du transit qui rende compte le plus précisément possible de la cinétique des événements en en particulier du temps minimal nécessaire au franchissement de l'intestin grêle; dans quelle mesure un modèle de digestion peut-il servir à la prédiction de la digestibilité des aliments; quelles sont les perspectives d'utilisation de cette approche dans des modèles de croissance et de métabolisme des animaux, et dans la modélisation de l'excrétion.

The nutritional value of faba beans (Vicia faba), Australian sweet lupins (Lupinus angustifolius), white lupins (Lupinus albus) and peas (Pisum sativum) grown in New Zealand for broilers were evaluated in terms of their nutritional characteristics, protein quality (protein efficiency ratio), apparent metabolisable energy, apparent ileal digestibility coefficient of amino acids and the effects on bird performance. The effects of dehulling and extrusion cooking on the nutritive value of legumes were also investigated. The first experiment discussed in Chapter 3 evaluated the effect of cultivars on the nutrient profile and protein quality of chickpeas (Cicer arietinum), Australian sweet lupins, peas and soybeans (Glycine max). With the exception of white lupins, cultivars had no effect on the proximate and fibre composition of grain legumes. Starch was the primary carbohydrate component of chickpeas and peas, whilst non-starch polysaccharides were the major carbohydrates in lupins. The legume proteins were deficient in lysine, methionine, cystine and threonine. No differences were found in protein quality between cultivars of the different grain legume species. The lowest weight gain and protein efficiency ratio, in addition to the highest relative pancreatic weight and mortality rate was found in raw soybeans, suggesting that soybeans contained high a concentration of anti-nutritional factors, such as protease inhibitors. Birds fed chickpeas, lupins and peas had a low mortality rate and relative pancreatic weight, confirming that the level of anti-nutrients in these legume seeds was low. The apparent metabolisable energy and apparent ileal digestibility coefficient of amino acids of faba beans, Australian sweet lupins, white lupins and peas were determined in the second experiment (Chapter 4). Cultivar effect on the apparent metabolisable energy values was observed only for faba beans and white lupins. Faba beans, white lupins and peas had comparable apparent metabolisable energy values, but these values were higher than those of Australian sweet lupins, and lower than that of soybean meal. No cultivar differences were found in the apparent ileal digestibility coefficient of amino acids of grain legumes. The apparent ileal digestibility coefficient of amino acids of both lupin species was found to be comparable to that of soybean meal. The effects of feeding diets containing 200 g/kg faba beans, lupins or peas on the performance, digestive tract development and litter quality of broilers were investigated in the third and fourth trials. In the cage trial (Chapter 5), the results showed that the weight gain of birds fed diets containing grain legumes was similar to that of control diet. Feed intake and feed per gain of birds fed diets containing the majority of grain legume cultivars did not differ from those fed the maize-soy diet. Birds fed diets containing faba beans had more dry and friable excreta compared to other treatment diets. The performance of birds fed diets containing 200 g/kg grain legumes during the 35 d grow-out period, in the floor pen trial (Chapter 6), confirmed the results of the cage trial. In this trial, weight gain and feed per gain of birds fed diets without meat meal were superior to those with meat meal. In cage trials, the modification of some segments of digestive tract development was probably due to the dietary NSP. Whilst in floor pen trial, digestive tract development was not influenced by the inclusion of grain legumes. The effect of methodology of determination (direct vs. difference method) on the apparent ileal digestibility coefficient of amino acids of wheat, maize, Australian sweet lupins, peas and soybean meal for broilers was evaluated in the fifth study (Chapter 7). The influence of methodology on apparent ileal digestibility coefficient of amino acids was found to vary amongst the feed ingredients. In general, the apparent ileal digestibility coefficient of amino acids of test ingredients determined by the difference method was higher than those determined by the direct method, suggesting that the use of the direct method may underestimate the apparent ileal digestibility coefficient of amino acids in low and medium protein ingredients. Data reported in Chapter 8 shows that dehulling increased the apparent metabolisable energy values of faba beans and Australian sweet lupins, but it had no beneficial effect on peas. The increase of apparent metabolisable energy values may be attributed to the decrease in non-starch polysaccharides of these legume seeds after dehulling. The removal of hulls increased the amino acid concentrations, but it had no effect on the apparent ileal digestibility coefficient of most amino acids. These results suggest that dehulling of grain legumes would be nutritionally beneficial and, likely to be economical in view of the improved amino acid concentrations and energy values. The final experiment (Chapter 9) demonstrated that extrusion of peas markedly influenced the content of crude protein, non-starch polysaccharides, starch, and trypsin inhibitors. The soluble non-starch polysaccharides and trypsin inhibitor contents of the majority of extruded pea samples were higher than those of raw peas, but insoluble and total non-starch polysaccharides decreased with extrusion. Extrusion had no effect on the apparent ileal protein digestibility and the apparent metabolisable energy of peas, but it increased ileal starch digestibility.

This thesis defines digestion kinetics for perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.), which is the main component of diets fed to dairy cows in New Zealand. Chemical composition and digestion kinetics were measured in fresh minced ryegrass as it matured and leaf, stem and inflorescence of several grass species. In sacco and in vitro incubations were used to define rates of degradation and nutrient release. Two short-term grazing trials were used to evaluate contrasting silages as supplements for cows fed restricted amounts of summer pasture. The minced preparation of ryegrass resulted in a similar distribution of dry matter (DM) between particle size fraction and rumen digesta from cows fed pasture. Mincing released 0.46 – 0.80 of crude protein into the soluble fraction, with highest proportions for mature grasses which had low CP concentrations (about 8 g CP/100 g DM). In contrast, the majority of fibre remained in the insoluble fraction but rates of degradation (k) approximately halved as grass matured. In vitro yield of VFA was similar for immature and mature minced ryegrass (after 12 hours VFA was equivalent to about 30% of DM), even though ammonia concentration declined to very low values for stem and mature grass. This suggests the rapid initial microbial growth was able to sustain a high level of DM degradation to VFA with mature grass. The summer pasture used for silage supplementation was of uncharacteristically good quality so the expected contrasts between maize, pasture, sulla (Hedysarum coronarium), lotus (Lotus corniculatus) and sulla/maize silage mixtures were less than expected. Milk responses to lotus silage supplements were greater than other silages (e.g.: 290 g milksolids from 54 MJ ME by lotus versus 110 g milksolids from about 50 MJ ME supplied by other silages). Pasture substitution was low (0.06 – 0.33). The Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) was chosen for evaluation of cow trial data because it uses feed degradation parameters as input variables to estimate nutrient supply. Model prediction of milk yield matched observed values when cows maintained liveweight. Milk yield was underestimated at low intakes and overestimated at high intakes because no allowance is made for nutrient partitioning between milk production and liveweight change.

Organic dairying is growing in popularity in New Zealand and the demand for knowledge is ever increasing. Many more farmers are considering organics as an alternative to their current conventional system. However, limited information is available on organic dairying in a New Zealand pastoral situation particularly in relation to its effect on fertility. The New Zealand dairy industry requires the dairy cow to become pregnant every year at the same time to maximise milk production and utilise the high pasture production in spring. A cow requires 40 to 60 days for uterine involution to occur and for resumption of oestrous cycles. It is critical that the cow becomes pregnant within the six to eight week mating period, however, this can be difficult for late calvers or those cows that had or still have a uterine infection, to undergo uterine involution and be successfully mated. These cows will often not become pregnant and as a consequence be culled for infertility. During the first few weeks postpartum, the bacterial composition of the uterus fluctuates as a result of spontaneous contamination, elimination and recontamination. Most cows are able to eliminate these bacteria, however, 10 to 17% of cows are unable to do this. In these cows, the bacteria persist, cause infection and inflammation, and delay uterine involution. The main objective of this present study was to investigate the effect of different management systems (Organic and Conventional) on productivity and reproduction, particularly the process of uterine involution and its relationship with reproductive outcomes. Uterine involution will be studied through the following measurements: cervical diameter as assessed by measurement per rectum, plasma concentrations of glucocorticoids and bacteriology of the uterus. Lactation characteristics: milk yield, cumulative milk yield, milksolids production and somatic cell count will also be investigated. From the results, it can be concluded that Organic cows have reduced milk yield (P=0.05) and milksolids production (P<0.01) through there were no major differences at peak lactation or in the rate of decline after. However, overall somatic cell count was not affected by management system though the Conventional cows had high somatic cell counts in early lactation (P=0.925). Cervical diameter was affected by the management system with the difference between Organic and Conventional cows almost significant (P=0.06). Cortisol concentrations were significantly higher in Organic cows (0.68 ± 0.08 ng/ml) when compared to Conventional cows (0.95 ± 0.06 ng/ml) (P=0.01). Cortisol concentrations decreased over time postpartum (P<0.01). Additionally Organic cows had a shorter interval from calving to AI (P=0.017). However, none of the other reproductive outcomes were affected by management system. Simple correlations established that reproductive outcomes and bacterial counts, reproductive outcomes and cortisol at Day seven, and cortisol and milk production characteristics, were not independent of each other. Aerobic bacterial counts on Day 28 and the interval from calving to AI were found to be significantly correlated (r= 0.615). Stepwise partial regression analysis, plus analysis of variance calculated on the relationships between uterine involution parameters and reproductive outcomes found multiple weak correlations. It found that cervical diameter, and aerobic and anaerobic bacterial counts on Day 28 were significantly correlated with the interval from calving to first AI (P=0.018). The differences in lactation characteristics are related to the lower pasture production on the organic farmlet reducing the maximal potential milk production and the possibly earlier calving dates of the Conventional cows. The differences in bacterial counts and almost significant difference in cervical diameter may be related to the lower cortisol levels and thus suggest that the Organic cows may be less stressed. As stress suppresses the immune system, it may be possible that the higher bacterial counts are indicitative of a less efficient or slightly weakened immune system which takes longer to eliminate bacteria in the uterus; however this is open to conjecture. The shorter interval from calving to AI suggests that Organic cows may be exhibiting oestrus behaviour earlier postpartum or the Conventional cows are having “silent heats” but this difference is possibly related to human factors. The correlation between parameters of uterine involution and interval from calving to AI, and the lower values for uterine involution parameters in Organic cows suggest the possibility of faster uterine involution and this may result in better fertility in the Organic cows. More research needs to be carried out to further investigate the effect of organic dairying on uterine involution and reproduction outcomes but organic dairying at the very least does not negatively impact on uterine involution and fertility.