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Today, a few differing sources of selenium (Se), i.e. inorganic, organic, and nano forms of Se, are used as feed supplements for poultry. Published research indicates that nano-Se and organic Se possess comparable efficiency to inorganic Se in increasing GSH-Px activity of plasma and various tissues, but they deposit at higher rates in various tissues. However, there are principal differences in absorption mechanisms, metabolism, and efficiency of these three forms of Se. The aim of this review was to analyze the available literature on the effects of different Se sources and levels in the diet on glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, tissue Se distribution and growth performance in poultry. Higher levels of Se increase GSH-Px activity in the body, but this reaches a plateau even if Se concentrations in diet increase further, while the deposition of Se in tissues increases as Se content in diet increases. In addition, many studies have shown the positive effects of adding Se to diet on growth performance in poultry. Optimal Se supplementation is necessary not only for good poultry health but also to ensure and preserve meat quality during storage and to provide human beings with this microelement.

The aim of this study was to evaluate the differences between concentrations of heavy metals (cadmium, copper, zinc, iron, and manganese) in terrestrial gastropods, Helix pomatia, collected in four different environment locations in Pančevo city, Serbia. Metal concentrations in the foot and in the digestive gland were measured. Heavy metals cadmium, copper, zinc, iron, and manganese were measured in triplicate by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Also, this study investigated correlations between the trace element content in the soft tissues and different seasons (summer and fall). The results showed that heavy metal concentrations of the measured elements in both snail tissues were significantly higher in polluted sites when compared to the background levels in the city. In digestive gland tissues, the concentration of heavy metals was higher compared with that in foot tissues. The bioaccumulation (heavy metal concentrations in soft tissues) of heavy metals (Cd, Cu, Zn, Fe, and Mn) in snails, Helix pomatia, has been assessed and related to seasons and sites. Heavy metal accumulation in the soft tissues of snails could provide a powerful monitoring tool for the assessment of environmental heavy metal pollution.

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of heavy metals/metalloids (Pb, Cd, Hg, Cu, Fe, Zn, As) in the muscle tissue of fish from the Danube River (two locations: Zemun and Grocka). For the purpose of heavy metal determination in fish muscle, 120 samples of six different fish species, Prussian carp, barbel, bream, carp, pike perch, and catfish were collected. For determining heavy metals, we used microwave oven digestion and atomic absorption spectrometer methods. The highest average content of Pb (0.084 ± 0.004 mg kg -1 ), Cd (0.082 ± 0.003 mg kg -1 ), Hg (0.466 ± 0.006 mg kg -1 ), and As (0.333 ± 0.007 mg kg -1 ) was found in the muscle of carp (an omnivorous fish) from Grocka, while the highest average level of Fe (13.60 ± 0.03 mg kg -1 ) was deposited in bream (also omnivorous) from Zemun. Also, the average Cu level (1.62 ± 0.13 mg kg -1 ) was the highest in catfish muscle (a carnivorous fish) from Grocka, while the highest Zn content (11.16 ± 0.17 mg kg -1 ) was determined in muscle of Prussian carp (an omnivorous fish) from Zemun. The highest content of heavy metals (Cu, Fe, and Zn, respectively) in muscle of the six different types of fish from both locations was symmetrically arranged by species (catfish, barbel, and Prussian carp, respectively). Concentrations of Pb, Hg, and As in the Danube River fish muscle were under the maximum residual levels prescribed by the European Union (EU) and the maximum allowed concentrations (MAC) for Serbia. On the other hand, in all fish muscle from both locations (Zemun and Grocka), higher concentrations of Cd than prescribed (MAC) were found, with the exception of bream and pike perch.

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of metal contamination in water, sediments and three different fish species. All samples were taken from the Danube River in Belgrade Region, a location upstream from Grocka. Concentrations of Cd, Hg and Pb in water samples were not detected, while concentrations of Zn, Fe, Cu and As were in the range of 0.004-0.41 mg L(-1). Iron was the most deposited metal in sediment samples (17,530.00 mg kg(-1)). For the purpose of heavy metal determination in fish tissue, silver carp, common carp and wels catfish were collected. Concentrations of Pb, Cd and As were determined in muscle, digestive tract and liver by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrophotometry (IPC-OES). The highest concentration of Pb was in the digestive tract of all three fish species, while Cd was mostly deposited in the liver. The highest concentration of Hg was in the muscle tissue of wels catfish, and these values are above the maximum residual levels prescribed by the European Union and the maximum allowed concentrations (MACs) for Serbia. Concentration of As was mostly deposited in the liver, but under the MAC.

This trial was designed in order to evaluate the incidence of subacute rumen acidosis (SARA) during early lactation and to investigate the possibilities for its prevention by use of a buffering mineral mixture. On the beginning of the trial it was found that the pH value of rumen fluid in 4 animals was lower than normal (pH < 6.0) and that 20% of animals have had SARA. The control and the experimental group of cows were fed the same meal with exception of concentrated feed which in the experimental group contained the mineral mix with buffering activity in amount of 1%. Continuous addition of buffering mineral mixture in the amount of 1% in concentrated feed for early lactation cows successfully prevents SARA formation and leads to increased milk production, as well as increased milk fat and protein content.