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Sea-buckthorn pomace is a very valuable product which contains not only important nutrients but also high-quality oils. The question addressed in the present study was to what extent the diet containing the sea-buckthorn pomace would affect the viscosity and colour of egg yolk measured in the CIELAB system. The feeding mixture for laying hens was supplemented with 20; 50 and 100 g∙kg-1 of sea-buckthorn pomace. As a result, colour indices of the egg yolk such as L*, a* and b* changed significantly (α = 0.01). The greatest relative enhancement was observed for indicator a* for the red colour. Visually, this corresponds to the more intense orange colour of the egg yolk. The addition of sea-buckthorn pomace to the diet for laying hens resulted in a larger increase in indicator ∆E* (CIE total colour difference) compared to the control group. Colour indicator hab is the only indicator whose value oscillated around that determined for the control group. The addition of sea-buckthorn pomace to the diet resulted in an increase in colour indices a*, b* and C*ab. Indicator ∆E* also increased significantly with an increasing amount of sea-buckthorn pomace in a diet. Egg yolks were darker, had more intense red and yellow colours, and showed lower viscosity which are all features preferred by the consumer.

The objective of our study was to assess the effect of replacing soybean meal with the meal from whole white lupin seeds (Lupinus albus) of the Zulika variety in diets on selected haematological indicators in 40-day-old fattened hybrid mallard ducks. A total of 180 Cherry Valley ducks were divided into three groups (E1, E2, and control). The control group was fed a diet containing soybean meal. Soybean meal replaced with 50% and 100% meal of white lupin seeds were used in group E1 and group E2, respectively. At the end of the fattening, 12 ducks (6 males and 6 females) were randomly selected from each group for a haematological examination. From the result of this study, it is clear that the effect of the diet was found only on the slightly varying number of white blood cells and on the proportion of monocytes. Ducks of group E2 showed a slight increase in the total number of leukocytes which was accompanied by a decrease in the percentage share of monocytes (P< 0.05). Based on the results, it can be claimed that the replacement of soybean meal with meal from the Zulika variety of whole white lupin seeds in the diet did not have a negative effect on the determined blood indicators. Therefore, whole white lupin seeds were successfully used as the important protein component of the diet for fattening hybrid mallard ducks.

This study focuses on the determination of apparent digestibility of pasture vegetation nutrients in horses of the Old Kladruber breed through a balance indicator method (determination of acid insoluble ash). When evaluating the nitrogenous substances, their determination was based on the content of pure protein (sum of amino acids) which is more accurate than crude protein. There were differences in the chemical composition of dry matter from pasture vegetation and horse excrements. Regarding crude fat, crude fibre, acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre, acid detergent lignin, ash, P and Mg, the average values in dry matter of horse excrements were significantly (P ≤ 0.01) higher; on the contrary, we found significantly (P ≤ 0.01) lower mean values of nitrogen-free extract, organic matter and Ca in the dry mass of pasture grass. The highest coefficient of apparent digestibility for organic nutrients was determined in the nitrogenfree extract (73%) followed with organic matter (71%), pure protein (68%), crude protein (65%) and crude fat (61%). In case of fibre and its fractions, the apparent digestibility coefficients decreased as follows: crude fibre (66%), neutral detergent fibre (66%), acid detergent fibre (63%) and acid detergent lignin (42%). Significantly lower values were determined for coefficients of apparent digestibility for minerals P (16%) and Mg (50%), which highlights the need for their regular supplementation in horses on pasture. This study extends the current state of knowledge regarding the apparent digestibility of pasture vegetation which is a prerequisite for optimal nutrition of horses. Equine nutrition, grazing, forage, chemical composition, excrements, indicator method

The aim of our study was to evaluate the nutritional value of the breast and thigh muscle of chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar) under intensive fattening conditions. Commercial feeding mixtures for broilers were used. Live weight of 60 partridges (birds were not sexed) was controlled during 90 days of fattening. After the fattening was finished, 30 birds were selected to monitor the carcass yield. Breast and thigh muscle were used for chemical analysis of crude protein (Kjeldahl method), total lipids (fat analyser ANKOMXT10), ash (Muffle furnace - 550° C) and gross energy (calorimetry). Average values ​​of live weight were increasing in the course of fattening; at the end of fattening the live weight reached 0.452 kg. The carcass yield, breast muscle yield and thigh yield were evaluated (73.72%, 18.09%, 20.80%, respectively). Chemical analysis showed a highly significant difference (P ≤ 0.01) between the breast and thigh muscle for crude protein, fat, ash and gross energy. The ash content demonstrated a significant difference (P ≤ 0.05) between the breast and thigh muscle. This study brings new data on the nutritional value of the meat of chukar partridge that can be used for reccomendation of a suitable feeding mixture.

The aim of this study was to compare the effect of two different types of oils in diet on the fatty acid profile in the eggs of layers and to include a particular type of oil as a supplement of feeding mixtures for layers in order to support the development of functional foodstuffs. Thirty layers fed a diet containing soybean oil constituted the control group (soybean oil is the most frequently used oil added to feeding mixtures). In the experimental group (thirty layers), soybean oil was replaced with linseed oil at the same amount (3 kg of oil per 100 kg of feeding mixture). Feeding was providedad libitumfor all days of the month. After one month, egg yolks were analysed and the fatty acid profile was compared. Significant differences (P≤ 0.05) were found in the concentration of myristic acid that belongs to the group of saturated fatty acids. Eggs in the experimental group showed higher concentrations of myristic acid compared to the control group (0.20 g/100 g of fat and 0.18 g/100 g of fat, respectively). Highly significant differences (P≤ 0.01) were found for heptadecanoic acid but the trend was opposite to that of myristic acid; concentrations of heptadecanoic acid in the experimental group were lower than those in the control group. Highly significant differences (P≤ 0.01) were found for n-9 monounsaturated fatty acids where egg yolks in eggs from layers fed linseed oil contained higher concentrations of oleic acid, myristoleic acid, and palmitoleic acid. Lower concentrations of n-6 fatty acids (P≤ 0.01) were found after the addition of linseed oil in eggs. Linseed oil showed a positive effect on n-3 fatty acids (α-linolenic acid), its concentration in the control and experimental group was 0.82 g/100 g of fat and 5.63 g/100 g of fat, respectively. The possibility of influencing the fatty acid profile in eggs is very important for the development of functional foods.

The aim of this work was to verify the impact of feed supplemented with selected inorganic and organic zinc compounds on the total cholesterol concentrations and other blood plasma indices in breeding cocks. A total of 250 RIR 05 breeding cocks, 9 weeks old, were used. The cocks were divided into 5 groups of 50 animals each (four experimental groups and one control group). Cocks were fed a commercial feed mixture specifically for breeding cocks, containing 30.4 mg·kg-1 of zinc. The feed for experimental groups of cocks was fortified to 100 mg Zn·kg-1: zinc sulphate in first group, zinc oxide in second group, fodder yeast (Minvital Zn) in third group and Bioplex Zn in fourth group. Blood samples for biochemical examination were taken from the basilic vein. The contents of total cholesterol (Chol), total proteins (TP), glucose (Glu), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) in blood plasma were spectrophotometrically measured using a biochemical analyser, Cobas EMira, and commercial kits (Biovendor a.s., Czech Republic). In the 15th week of age, third and fourth groups showed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) and highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) decrease of total cholesterol in blood plasma compared to the control. In the 20th and 25th week of age, all of the experimental groups showed a significantand highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) decrease of total cholesterol in blood plasma compared to the control. Other monitored indices (total proteins, glucoses, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium) did not reveal any significant changes between the experimental and the control groups. The presented work provides the first available experimental evidence regarding the impact of zinc supplementation on the cholesterol levels in blood plasma of breeding cocks.

The objective of this study was to verify the possibility of replacing soybean oil in a diet with glycerol, and investigate the effect of glycerol on performance indicators and health in broiler chickens. The experiment was performed on 122 one-day-old chickens that were divided based on sex into two control groups (30 females and 31 males) and two experimental groups (30 females and 31 males). Half (50%) of the soybean oil in diets used in the experimental groups was replaced with glycerol at a ratio of 1:2. On 15, 32 and 38 day of age chickens of both sexes in the experimental group that were fed with diets containing glycerol showed significantly higher (p ≤ 0.01) mean body weight compared to the control group. At the end of the experiment, the mean weight of chickens in the control group was 2.078 kg, whereas the mean weight of chickens in the experimental group was 2.341 kg. In females, the overall consumption of diets within 38 days of fattening was 3.588 kg in the control group and 4.011 kg in the experimental group, in males, it was 3.915 kg in the control group and 4.366 kg in the experimental group, i.e. it was higher in experimental chickens. Feed conversion in chickens in experimental groups was better, being 1.84 kg in the control group and 1.81 kg in the experimental group in females, and 1.73 kg in the control group and 1.72 kg in the experimental group in males. It follows from our results that the optimum amount of glycerol in feed for poultry is 5%.This study presents an original solution to optimize feed formula by replacing plant oil with glycerol. The results of the study can improve production indicators and economy in broiler fattening.

The main objective of this work was to compare the effect of six vegetable oils added to feeding mixtures that were administered to broiler chickens on the content of major fatty acids in chicken meat. The experiment started with 90 one-day-old Ross 308 meat hybrid male chickens that were divided into six groups. Chickens were fed complete feeding mixtures for the prefattening (BR1), fattening (BR2), and post-fattening (BR3) of broiler chickens. The BR1 feeding mixture was administered to chickens aged 1-10 days, the BR2 feeding mixture was given from Day 11 to Day 30, and the BR3 feeding mixture was then administered until Day 42. The BR1 feeding mixture that was administered to all six groups during the first ten days of the experiment was supplemented with soybean oil. BR2 and BR3 feeding mixtures used to feed chickens aged 11-42 days were fortified with soybean oil (SO Group), rapeseed oil (RO Group), sunflower oil (SFO Group), flaxseed oil (FO Group), olive oil (OO Group), and evening primrose oil (EPO Group). The vegetable oils used differed by the composition of fatty acids, particularly by the content of oleic acid, linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid. The use of the above-described experimental diets in young broilers from Day 11 to 42 had a significant effect on the content of fatty acids in the fat from breast and thigh muscles. The content of α-linolenic acid in breast and thigh muscles of broilers that received the feed containing flaxseed oil (21.16 g/100 g of oil and 17.13 g/100 g of oil, respectively) significantly increased (p ≤ 0.01). The highest content of linoleic acid (p ≤ 0.01) in breast and thigh muscles was found in chickens that were fed the feed containing primrose oil (59.13 g/100 g and 51.71 g/100 g). A significant increase (p ≤ 0.01) in the level of oleic acid was detected in both breast and thigh muscles of broilers that received olive oil fortified feed (52.44 g/100 g and 43.70 g/100 g of oil). No significant variation was found in the content of palmitic acid and palmitooleic acid. The levels of oleic acid, linoleic acid and α-linolenic acid in feeding mixtures correlated with those found in breast and thigh muscles (r = 0.88; 0.94 and 0.99; r = 0.99; 0.98 and 0.99). The fattening of chickens, oleic acid, linoleic acid, α-linolenic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, palmitoleic acid, arachidonic acid Fat as one of the essential substances in human and animal nutrition is an integral component of most foodstuffs and feeds. Fat is particularly regarded as energy-yielding nutrient. In recent years, attention has been focused on the dietetic and health effects of fat. Dietetic effects of fat and oil depend primarily on the levels of individual fatty acids and on the mutual ratios of fatty acids. The World Health Organization (WHO 2003) recommends that for humans fat should represent 15-30% of the overall energy intake, of which saturated fatty acids should account for less than 10%, polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) for 6-10%, PUFAs n-6 for 5-8%, PUFAs n-3 for 1-2%, and trans fatty acids for less than 1%. WHO recommendations are based on confirmed correlation between the diet and the occurrence of lifestyle diseases. One of the possible approaches that allow to increase the dietetic value of fat in a foodstuff originating from animals is to modify the composition of fatty acids in fat through a diet designed for the respective animal species intended for human nutrition. Fat and oil in poultry diets serve as a source of energy. Their energy value is approximately twice as high as that of other nutrients present in feeding mixtures. Feeding mixtures usually

We investigated the effects of feeding diets with different starch sources on fermentation in the rumen, duodenal nutrient flow and nutrient digestibility. The basis of the diets was maize silage and alfalfa hay supplemented with wheat meal in diet W, or maize meal in diet M. The experiment was performed on four Black-Spotted bulls with mean live weight of 525 kg, which were fed twice daily at 06.30 and 18.30 h. Experimental animals were fitted with ruminal fistulae and duodenal T-shaped cannulae. Cr2O3 was used as a marker of nutrient flow to the duodenum. Rations were formulated so that the ratio of starch to crude fibre (CF) was 2.1:1 and the percentage of CF was maintained at 17% (DM). Duodenal chymus was collected at 2-h time intervals. Starch origin significantly affected ruminal fermentation. Concentration of propionic, butyric and lactic acid was higher with wheat than with maize meal. When the maize meal was the source of starch there was a significantly higher flow of fat, CF, nitrogen-free extract, and starch into duodenum. Differences in duodenal flow of crude protein were not significant across the starch sources. Intake of wheat meal or maize meal increased duodenal flow relative to intake by 33% or 42 % respectively. The apparent digestibility of dry matter (76 ± 2%), crude protein (67 ± 0.9%), CF (64 ± 1.9%), nitrogen-free extract (82 ± 1.5%) and organic matter (76 ± 1.3%) was significantly higher by offering wheat meal. Concentrates, carbohydrate, digestion, ruminants, duodenum

A total of 72 laying hens (ISA BROWN hybrid combination) were divided into two groups. Thirty-six layers in the first group were reared on litter while the second group of layers was reared using the cage rearing system. Samples of eggs were collected from both groups for a period of seven months. Yolk colour was determined using a portable spectrophotometer using a newly developed method, which complied with the CIELAB system. Yolk colour indicator L* decreased for the rearing system on litter, i.e. egg yolk colour became darker in the course of the whole experiment (α = 0.05). Indicator a* showed a distinct increase in the case of the rearing system on litter, with the differences being significant (α = 0.05) over the last three months of the experiment. Differences for the whole experiment were highly conclusive (α = 0.01), as seen from the increasing red colour intensity. Similarly, indicator b* also increased, i.e. egg yolk was of more distinct yellow colour. In the case of the cage-rearing system, egg yolk colour indicators correlated well with egg weight indicators, as compared to the rearing system on litter. The rearing system on litter resulted in significantly increased intensity of orange colour compared to the cage rearing system. CIELAB, spectrophotometer, food colour, litter, cage Quality indicators of eggs depend not only on the nutrition of laying hens and intravital factors but also on the rearing system used. According to Wan Den Brandt et al. (2004), it is more difficult to maintain stable quality of eggs in the outdoor rearing system than in the cage rearing system. He investigated the effect of two rearing systems (outdoor vs. cages) on indicators such as egg weight, egg white, egg yolk, the content of the egg shell, the level and the pH of the white, and dry matter content of the white and the yolk. Characteristics such as egg weight, the content of the shell, the level and the pH of the white, and the levels of dry matter in the white and the yolk correlated with the age of layers and the rearing system. Yolk colour of eggs from layers reared outdoors was significantly darker. The quality of eggs from white (LSLs) and brown layers (LTs) reared in three different housing systems (cages, aviaries, and intensive outdoor rearing) were compared. LSLs gave eggs of better quality as compared to LTs. LSLs showed significantly higher levels of Haugh units (HU) (91.62), egg yolk weight, strength and density of the shell but had significantly lower values for egg yolk colour (12.9) and the occurrence of eggs with meat and blood spots was lower. The comparison of egg quality traits for the rearing systems investigated revealed that none of the systems had superior advantages over the others. The egg yolk weight was increased in the cage system. The highest colour intensity of egg yolk was found in the outdoor rearing system with LSLs and in the cage rearing system with LTs (Leyendecker et al. 2001). Quality indicators of eggs were also monitored in the ISA Brown layers in the cage rearing system, on deep litter and in the outdoor rearing system in the course of one year. These three rearing systems differed significantly in the following indicators: the average egg weight, egg length, egg width, colour score of the shell and the score of shell cleanliness (Pavlovski et al. 1994a).

The objective of this study was to compare the quality indicators of chicken breast meat depending on sex, to evaluate individual quality indicators and to find relationships between them. Three groups (A, B and C) of commercial meat-type hybrid broilers ROSS 308 (10 males and 10 females from each group) were used for colour measurement (CIE L*a*b*), pH, chemical analysis (amount of dry matter, fat and collagen) and texture (shear force, hardness, cohesiveness). Cooked meat indicators (texture, colour, pH and chemical indicators) were measured after heat treatment (80 °C, 30 min). In all groups we were able to prove raw meat differences between sexes only in the following indicators: carcass weight (A group P < 0.01, B and C group P < 0.001), breast weight (A group P < 0.01, B and C group P < 0.001) and pH value (A group P < 0.05, B group P < 0.001, C group P < 0.01). Differences were found (P < 0.05) between sexes in texture indicators (hardness or cohesiveness), breast meat of males was more tender. The cooked breast meat was significantly (P < 0.05) lighter, redder and more yellow than the raw meat. Raw meat pH had a significant negative correlation (r = -0.41, P < 0.001) with raw meat lightness. Cooked meat pH had a significant correlation with cooked colour indicators. The amount of collagen had significant correlations with shear force (P < 0.001), hardness (P < 0.001) and cooking loss (P < 0.01).

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different biological and biochemical additives on the final nutritive quality, fermentation process and concentration of mycotoxins of ensiled high moisture crimped corn. We created four variants for the experiment: control (UC), A1, and A2 (biological stimulators with the active principle of lactic acid bacteria) and variant B (combined additives with the active principle of lactic acid bacteria, benzoate sodium and active enzymatic complex of cellulases). After 6 months of storage in laboratory conditions, we determined in experimental silages the content of dry matter ranging from 608.9 to 613 g kg-1. The significantly lower content of crude fibre was detected in silages with additives. In silages ensiled with additives we detected the highest content of nitrogen-free extract in variant B (834.3 g kg-1 of DM, P < 0.05). A similar effect was determined also in the content of starch; significant differences were detected in variants A1 and B (P < 0.05) compared to the control variant. We detected a significantly (P < 0.05) higher content of total sugars in trial silages; the highest content was in variant A2 (6.1 g kg-1 of DM). In the trial variants we determined significantly the lowest content of acetic acid in variant B (2.82 g kg-1 of DM). In case of butyric acid, whose content in the control variant was 0.22 g kg-1 of DM, we detected the lowest content in variant A1 conserved with homo- and heterofermentative species of lactic acid bacteria. The lowest content of ammonia was determined in silages of variant B (0.074 g kg-1 of DM). We found lower concentrations of DON and FUM (P > 0.05) after the application of biological and biochemical silage additives. In concentration of T-2 toxin we detected a significantly (P < 0.05) lower value in variant A1. In concentration of AFL we found significant differences between variants A1 and B, as well as in concentration of OT between untreated control variant (UC) and variants conserved by additives. Application of silage additives influenced the nutritive and hygienic quality of the conserved fodders.

The research was carried out to assess the possibility of egg yolk enrichment with n-3 PUFA through supplementation of fish oil (FO) and linseed oil (LO) to layer diet. A total of 84 ISA Brown laying hens were divided into three groups. Each group consisted of seven cages with four hens per cage. Groups received diets differing in combinations of oils. The diet fed to group E1 contained 1.50% LO and 3.5% FO, group E2 had diets with 2.5% LO and 2.5% FO, and group E3 was fed diets with 3.5% LO and 1.5% FO. Contents of fatty acids in oils, diets and egg yolks were analyzed. The egg yolk content of α-linolenic acid (α-LNA) and omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n-3 PUFA) in total fatty acids was increased (P < 0.001) due to the increased content of linseed oil in hen diet and it was the most favourable in group E3. In groups E1, E2 and E3, the α-LNA content was 3.25%, 4.33% and 5.18%, respectively, and the n-3 PUFA content was 6.80%, 7.22% and 8.50%, respectively. The content of eicosapentaenoic acid was higher (P < 0.05) in egg yolks of group E1 than that of groups E2 and E3. No significant differences (P > 0.05) were found among groups in the docosahexaenoic acid content. The omega-6/omega-3 PUFA ratio in groups E1, E2 and E3 was 2.96, 2.93 and 2.49, respectively. Increased concentration of linseed oil and reduced concentration of rapeseed oil in diets resulted in less SFA (P < 0.001) and more n-3 PUFA in egg yolks. It was determined that laying hens have the ability to synthesize EPA and DHA from α-LNA if they receive enough α-LNA through their diets.

Strakova E., R. Pospisil, P. Suchý, L. Steinhauser, I. Herzig: Administration of Clinoptilolite to Broiler Chickens During Growth and Its Effect on the Growth Rate and Bone Metabolism Indicators. Acta Vet Brno 2008, 77: 199-207. The growth rate and bone metabolism indicators were monitored in broiler chickens receiving the feed supplemented with clinoptilolite. One-day-old broiler chickens ROSS 308 were divided into control (C) and experimental (E) groups with 100 males and 100 females per group. The chickens received the complete feed mixture BR1 from 1 to 10 days of age, followed by the feed mixture BR2 until the age of 30 days, and the feed mixture BR3 until the end of the experiment (40 days). The feed mixtures of the experimental group were supplemented with clinoptilolite (commercial additive ZeoFeed) at a level of 0.5% (BR1), 1.5% (BR2) and 2.5% (BR3), replacing the corresponding portion of wheat. Feed mixtures and drinking water were provided ad libitum. The live weight of broiler chickens in both the control and experimental group increased steadily during the experiment. At the end of the experiment, live weights of experimental females (2,416 g) and males (2,829 g) were higher than those of control females (2,345 g) and males (2,694 g) by 3% and 5%, respectively. Significant differences in the live weight between groups were found from the age of 30 days (P  0.05 and P  0.01). At the age of 40 days, the chickens were slaughtered and the femur and tibiotarsus of the right leg were analysed for the content of dry matter, ash, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium. The ash content in dry matter ranged from 53.0 to 54.1% in group C and from 51.7 to 53.2% in group E. The Ca and P contents in dry matter in group E were lower than those in group C, except for Ca and P in the male tibiotarsus. In both groups, regardless of sex, the ash content was higher in the tibiotarsus than in the femur. Since fat levels in bones of the experimental group were increased (females by 19.5% in the femur and 21.3% in the tibiotarsus; males by 22.0% in the femur and 26.3% in the tibiotarsus), which could affect the values obtained, ash, calcium, phosphorus and magnesium were determined in the fat-free dry matter. The trends found in the originally determined dry matter were maintained, i.e. lower levels of ash, Ca, and P in the experimental group, except for male Ca in both kinds of bones. The corresponding levels in the fat-free dry matter were relatively higher as compared to the original dry matter. The results of the study showed that up to 2.5% of clinoptilolite in the diet had no adverse effect on performance and bone metabolism indicators of growing broiler chickens. Thus, it can be used as a suitable feed additive to broiler diets due to its positive effect on nutrient utilization, mechanism of digestion and pollutant elimination in connection with food safety issues.

Dvofiak P., E. Strakova, J. Kunova, V. Kunova: Egg Yolk Colour Dependis upon the Composition of the Feeding Mixture for Laying Hens. Acta Vet Brno 2007, 76: 121-127. The aim of this study was to verify the possibility of replacement of fish meal by specially treated meal made of yellow lupin seed in relation to the yolk colour. The experiment was performed with 72 laying hens divided into two groups. The experimental group including 36 laying hens received a feeding mixture containing meal made of yellow lupin seed (the JUNO variety) which replaced fish meal used as an animal protein component in feeding mixtures in the control group. Samples of eggs were collected monthly in the course of seven months to determine the colour of egg yolk. Yolk colour was determined by the spectrophotometric method using the CIELAB system. Measurement with the exclusion of gloss was carried out using a portable spectrophotometer. The average values of parameter L* decreased significantly (α = 0.05), which confirmed the darkening of eggs. Parameters a* showed a significant increase (ANOVA α = 0.01), whereas the differences in the individual months ranged from 1.1 to 3.9. Yolk had distinct red-orange colour. Parameters b* did not show significant differences, however, the yolk tended to have an intensive yellow colour. The presence of yellow lupin seed meal in the feeding mixture resulted in a more distinct yellowred colour of egg yolk. CIELAB, lupin seeds, pigments, food colour, spectrophotometer, fish meal

Blahova J., R. Dobsikova, E. Strakova, P. Suchý: Effect of Low Environmental Temperature on Performance and Blood System in Broiler Chickens (Gallus domesticus). Acta Vet. Brno 2007, 76: S17-S23. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of low environmental temperature on growth, feed conversion, performance and selected biochemical and haematological indicators in broiler chickens. The decrease in air temperature since the 22nd day of growth influenced significantly (p < 0.05) the level of total proteins, uric acid, phosphorus (in female broiler chickens), glucose (in male broiler chickens), haemoglobin (in female broiler chickens) and liver weight (in male broiler chickens). The temperature influenced significantly ( p < 0.01) the level of triiodothyronine, haemoglobin (in male broiler chickens), haematocrit, abdominal fat content (in male broiler chickens), and heart weight too. The results have clearly confirmed that during growth, the decrease in environmental temperature (cold stress) negatively influenced some indices of performance and blood system in broiler chickens. Poultry, ambient temperature, stress, biochemical and haematological indicators, carcass efficiency

Voslafiova E. , Z. Hanzalek, V. Veaerek, E. Strakova, P. Such : Comparison between Laying Hen Performance in the Cage System and the Deep Litter System on a Diet Free from Animal Protein. Acta Vet. Brno 2006, 75: 219-225. Battery cage systems for housing laying hens are being replaced by alternative systems including the deep litter system. At the same time, the substitution of meat and bone meal by vegetable matter in poultry feed mixtures is sought in the nutrition of laying hens. In the experiment, we compared the performance of laying hens of the ISA BROWN hybrid in both the cage system and the deep litter system, on a diet with the meat and bone meal content replaced by vegetable feeds (based on lupin). In the first group, 36 laying hens were kept in the deep litter system; in the second group, 36 laying hens were kept in cages. Over the period of nine months, the number of eggs laid, their weight, shell quality, the clinical state of the laying hens and incidence of their mortality were monitored daily. We found that in the cage system a higher number of eggs was obtained; a lower mean egg weight (p 0.05), and the number of laying hens which died was lower (p < 0.05) in comparison with the deep litter system. The results of the experiment demonstrate that, with the substitution of meat and bone meal by vegetable matter in the feed mixtures for laying hens, there are differences between the performance of laying hens from the deep litter system as compared to the laying hens from the cage system. The deep litter system better meets the requirements for the welfare of laying hens; however, it provides a lower yield. Rearing technology, vegetable feeds, number of eggs, egg weight, cracked eggs, mortality The traditional battery cage systems for the rearing of laying hens are being replaced by alternative systems to promote and increase laying hen welfare. Savory (2004) states that Council Directive 1999/74/EC laying down minimum standards for the protection of laying hens abolishes battery cage systems within the European Union from 2012. This Directive responds to public opinion requirements concerning the welfare of laying hens. However, scientific knowledge, in evaluating the battery cage system for laying hen rearing particularly in regard to production indicators, is not so unequivocal. This is due to the fact that the alternative systems often include higher risks to both the production and the health of laying hens. This is especially applicable to non-cage systems. The main issues requiring control in larger group floor housing are: parasitic disorders; the outbreak and spread of cannibalistic pecking; increased feed intake; misplaced eggs; the catching of spent hens; and air quality (Tauson 2005). Duncan (2001) cites the advantages of the battery cage system. He regards as positive the low incidence of disease, the low incidence of social friction, and the absence of problems resulting from litter. As disadvantages, he cites: the lack of physical space for laying hens; the lack of space for daily activities and nesting; the absence of opportunities for dust-bathing; the higher incidence of foot lesions. ACTA VET. BRNO 2006, 75: 219–225 Address for correspondence: Ing. Eva Voslafiova, Ph.D. University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno Department of Public Veterinary Medicine and Toxicology Palackeho 1 3, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic Phone: 00420 541 562 773 E-mail: voslarovae@vfu.cz http://www.vfu.cz/acta-vet/actavet.htm Petermann (2003) found an increased incidence of mortality in alternative housing systems. De Boer and Cornel issen (2002) consider the battery cage system, particularly from the perspective of production and some health indicators, to be more beneficial than the aviary systems. Changes relating to the diet of laying hens are being promoted in the present practice of rearing laying hens. The animal protein in poultry feed, provided by meat and bone meal, is being replaced by vegetable protein from selected vegetable products. Such et al. (2002) and Mala et al. (2004) described the replacement of animal protein by vegetable protein based on lupin in broilers. Hadorn et al. (2000) focused on the replacement of animal protein in the diet of laying hens. The yield of laying hens, particularly in the number of eggs, can also be influenced by the incidence of mortality in laying hens. Petermann (2003) claims that the incidence of mortality in the deep litter systems, is high. Alternative systems, despite their benefit for welfare, thus encounter problems which remain unresolved. Taylor and Hurnik (1996) compared the long-term performance of laying hens in the battery cage systems and aviary systems. They did not detect any evidential differences in egg weight, in the total daily egg production per hen, in the production of egg mass per hen per month and in the number of cracked eggs. Vits et al. (2005) analysed the effect of furnished cages and two different small group systems on the production traits and egg quality traits of laying hens. The authors reported that the housing system and group size influenced egg production per hen, egg weight and the number of cracked eggs. Tauson et al. (1999) studied the number of cracked eggs in the battery cage system and the aviary system. They discovered that the number of cracked eggs was lower in the aviary system in comparison with the battery cage system. Abrahamsson and Tauson (1998) monitored the incidence of mortality in the rearing of laying hens. In the aviary system, they discovered a significant variation from 4.0 to 20.9% and explained this as the consequence of unpredictable cases of cannibalism. Sommer and Vasicek (2000) cite mortality in free-range poultry flocks at the level of 0 to 32%. Tauson et al. (1999) monitored the incidence of mortality in laying hens kept in cages and in laying hens kept in the aviary system. In laying hens in the aviary system, they detected mortality at the level of 21 to 27%, caused mainly in result of bacterial infections due to the pecking at naked skin by more aggressive laying hens. In the battery cage system, the mortality level did not exceed 7%. Similarly, Weitzenburger et al. (2005) reported that the incidence of mortality was greater in floor-reared laying hens than in the laying hens reared in conventional cages. The aim of our study was to compare the performance of laying hens of ISA BROWN hybrid in both the cage and deep litter systems, on a diet with the meat and bone meal content replaced by vegetable feeds (based on lupin). Materials and Methods A comparison was made between the egg yields of laying hens kept in two rearing technologies: the deep litter system and the cage system, on the same level of nutrition without animal protein. 72 ISA BROWN hybrid laying hens were divided into two groups at the age of 16 weeks. The first group of 36 laying hens was kept in the deep litter system; the second group was kept in conventional cages for laying hens. The microclimate and lighting conditions for rearing followed the technological standard for the rearing of this hybrid. Feed mixtures N1 and N2, in which animal protein was replaced by vegetable protein based on lupin, were supplied ad libitum using automatic feeders. The composition of the feed mixtures N1 and N2 is provided in Table 1. Water was supplied ad libitum using automatic drinkers. The experimental investigation, along with the collection of eggs, commenced at the 19th/20th week. The laying hens were observed for nine months (from 20 to 56 weeks of age). The number of eggs laid and their weight was monitored during this period on a daily basis. From the data collected, the mean egg weight, the mean number of eggs laid per hen per day, and the mean egg-mass production per hen per day were calculated monthly and then for the 220

Mala S., I. Slezaakova, E. Strakova, P. Such˘, V. Veaerek: Plant-Based Diets Containing Ca-Salts of Fatty Acids and Their Influence on Performance, Carcass Characteristics, and Health Status of Broiler Chickens. Acta Vet. Brno 2004, 73: 321-328. The main goal of the study was to test two plant-based diets designed according to our own procedure and to compare their production efficiency. Furthermore, the effect of both diets on the carcass parameters and chickens’ state of health was evaluated in order to explore the possibility of replacing vegetable oils by Ca-salts of fatty acids. The experiment was carried out with 140 chickens divided into 2 groups each consisting of 70 chickens (35 males and 35 females). As the source of energy specially treated oils - Ca-salts of fatty acids - were used in diet of experimental group while the soy oil was used in control group. The experiment was terminated on the 42nd day of the fattening. The mean live weight of female and male chickens in the experimental group on the 42 nd day was 2.11 kg and 2.20 kg, respectively; the weight of control females and males was 2.18 kg and 2.50 kg, respectively. Significantly lower live weight of males (p ≤ 0.01) was also reflected in the carcass yield 1448.70 g ( p ≤ 0.05), in the weight of skinned thighs 444.01 g (p ≤ 0.01) and thighs without skin 395,68 g ( p ≤ 0.01), and in the weight of upper thighs 204.54 (p ≤ 0.01) and lower thighs 191.14 g (p ≤ 0.05). No significant differences were found in the weight of breast muscles and abdominal fat. Despite the above differences in weights, no conclusive differences between the experimental and control groups of chickens were found in the yield of carcass and the yield of individual parts of carcass. Chickens’ state of health examined on the basis of haematological and biochemical analyses of blood plasma were also evaluated in this study. The results of these analyses showed that either diet had no negative effect on chickens’ metabolism and that both plant-based diets were suitable for the feeding of chickens. It was also found that the substitution of vegetable oils with Ca-salts of fatty acids in a feeding mixture produced no negative effects on the carcass characteristics or health status of chickens. However, the composition of a diet must reflect the difference between the energy values of oils and Ca-salts of fatty acids. Chickens, fattening, carcass yield, haematology, blood biochemistry