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1. The aim of this study was to investigate if male-to-female aggression of common pheasants in the course of the breeding season was related to the concentration of plasma testosterone and/or other biochemical plasma indicators in male pheasants housed in breeding cages. The influence of season on the concentration of testosterone and biochemical indicators was also investigated. 2. Males were divided into non-aggressive and aggressive groups during the breeding season based on ethological evaluation. At the beginning, in the middle and at the end of the breeding season, a blood sample was taken from all males on the same day and the concentration of selected biochemical indicators and the total circulating testosterone in the plasma were determined. 3. Male-to-female aggression during the breeding season of pheasants was not influenced by the total plasma testosterone of males. 4. The concentration of total plasma testosterone in males decreased gradually during the breeding season. 5. Male-to-female aggression of pheasants did not have a significant effect on any of the assessed biochemical indicators. 6. The influence of the breeding season affected the activities of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase as well as the concentrations of glucose, magnesium, potassium and chloride in the blood plasma of cage-housed male pheasants.

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.

The objective of this study was to determine and compare the levels of amino acids (AAs) in breast and thigh muscles of six species of feathered game of the same age. The experiment involved the following species: wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), guinea fowl (Numida meleagris), chukar partridge (Alectoris chucar), Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica), common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus) and grey partridge (Perdix perdix). The highest content of AAs was found in the chukar partridge (breast: 815.7 ± 47.71 g/kg; thigh: 771.4 ± 107.0 g/kg, on a dry matter basis), the lowest levels of AAs were found in Japanese quail (breast: 734.2 ± 45.07 g/kg) and grey partridge (thigh: 614.9 ± 49.66 g/kg). In all examined species, the level of histidine in breast muscles differed (P ≤ 0.01) from that in thigh muscles. In all investigated species, the levels of essential AAs in breast muscles were higher (P ≤ 0.01) than those in thigh muscles, whereas the levels of non-essential AAs in breast muscles were lower (P ≤ 0.01) than those in thigh muscles. Breast muscles are therefore more valuable than thigh muscles because of the content of essential AAs.

The present paper explores amino acid composition of breast and thigh muscles of common pheasant and compares it with that in broiler chickens. The experimental feeding of both pheasant and broiler chickens proceeded for a period of 42 days at the identical conditions employing the same diet and rearing technology. Muscles were analysed for the content of following amino acids: Asp, Thr, Ser, Glu, Pro, Gly, Ala, Val, Met, Ile, Leu, Tyr, Phe, His, Lys, and Arg. The results show that the levels of most amino acids in thigh and breast muscles of pheasants (related to dry matter content) were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.01) than those in broiler chickens. In 42-day-old birds, the levels of individual amino acids in breast muscles (related to 100% of dry matter content) ranged from 8.02 to 127.32 g . kg-1 in pheasant chickens and from 19.77 to 110.33 g . kg-1 in broiler chickens while the corresponding average values in thigh muscles ranged from 14.77 g . kg-1 to 132.77 g . kg-1 in pheasant chickens and from 14.02 g . kg-1 to 93.53 g . kg-1 in broiler chickens. One interesting finding is that in the case of broiler chickens the levels of most amino acids in breast muscles were significantly higher (P ≤ 0.01) than those in thigh muscles. In the case of pheasant chickens, the difference between breast and thigh muscles was not confirmed which indicates that both muscles have high nutritive value. The results of amino acid composition of pheasant and broiler meat have proven a high nutritive value of pheasant meat in respect to human nutrition.

In our experiment, we deal with the phenomenon of radiation hormesis and improvements based on this phenomenon to different growing characteristics of the fast-growing, very feed-efficient, and with a high-yielding carcass hybrid of the Peking duck (Cherry Valley SM3 medium). In the first phase of the project, we exposed hatching duck eggs to low and middle doses of gamma radiation 60 Co (0.06–2.00 Gy) before placing them into a setter in the hatchery. We then followed the standards of artificial incubation. The treatment of our chosen doses of gamma radiation has no significant influence on the history and results of hatching (from 85.5% to 92.6%); it was influenced only by the basic management and husbandry of the parent stock. From our observations we confirm that the Peking duck, despite genetic progress, retained its vitality and robustness. Its embryos are not damaged even with a dose of 2 Gy, which is over the deterministic effect of ionizing radiation for vertebrates. At the end of the fatting period a significant drop in plasma phosphorus levels was measured in the ducks; however, it was dependent on the radiation dose to which the hatching eggs were exposed (r = –0.965). A positive effect of radiation hormesis may be expected in the case of 1 Gy dose where the highest values of mean corpuscular hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, combined hemoglobin, and drake weight were measured. Lower and higher doses of ionizing radiation used did not display these effects.

[EN] The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of breed on haematological and biochemical indicators in 3 dwarf rabbit breeds. In the experiment, 30 sexually intact dwarf rabbit females aged 6 mo were used. With the sole exception of white blood cells and haematocrit value, breed had the most significant effect on the majority of haematological indicators monitored. The red blood cell count was higher in the Dwarf Lop compared to the Netherland Dwarf (+1.91×1012 cells/L; P, The experimental procedures were approved by the Animal Welfare Committee of the University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences (UVPS) Brno (no. 15/2015/2230 / FVHE).

The effect of melamine and cyanuric acid contaminated diets on basic haematological and bio - chemical blood indicators in male broiler chickens (Ross 308) was studied. The chickens were divided into 6 experimental groups (30 birds per group) and fed diets with an addition of 50 or 100 mg of melamine or 50 or 100 mg of cyanuric acid per kg of feed, with the contaminants added separately (either melamine or cyanuric acid) or in combination (melamine + cyanuric acid). The control group (C) was fed a diet without melamine or cyanuric acid. At the end of the experiment (day 40), 8 birds per treatment group were randomly selected for haematological and biochemical examination of blood. Red blood cell count, haemoglobin concentration, haematocrit value, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular haemoglobin, mean cell volume, and total leukocyte count did not differ significantly among the respective groups of broiler chickens (P > 0.05). The concentrations of melamine and cyanuric acid used in the contaminated diet for broiler chick - ens led to highly significant changes in the content of total protein (TP), glucose (Glu), Ca, P, Na, and K ( P < 0.01) and to significant changes in the content of Mg ( P < 0.05) in their blood plasma. In comparison to the C group, the decrease in the content of TP, Glu, Ca, P, Na, K, and Mg in blood plasma was most pronounced in broilers fed the diets contaminated with cyanuric acid only or diets with the simultaneous contamination with melamine and cyanuric acid. On the basis of our results , it can be concluded that the contamination of feed with melamine and cyanuric acid, separately or in combination, results in impaired renal function and probably also in partial liver damage.

Selenium has been known for two centuries and its biological activities have been studied for nearly a hundred years, however the problem of Se deficit has still been persisting both in humans and animals. The cause of Se deficit in animals may be low Se level in soil. This mainly applies to cattle and sheep with their direct link to soil via roughage. The risk of Se deficit in pigs and poultry is lower due to lower dependence on soil Se level in the region and Se fortification in feed mixes. The present research focuses on the effects of Se on meat and egg quality, antioxidant activity of Se, effects on fatty acid levels, activity of glutathione-peroxidase, or the effect of Se on the immune system. Ensuring natural Se supply in human nutrition by food of animal origin, mainly poultry meat and eggs (the "functional foods"), is another area to which extensive attention has recently been paid.

The aim of this work was to investigate the behaviour patterns of a cage-housed breeding flock of pheasants during the day in the early stage of laying period, and evaluate the differences in behaviour patterns between male and female pheasants. Observations were carried out with a flock of common pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) consisting of 1 male and 5 female pheasants aged 2 years that showed a minimum rate of aggression in the previous laying. Behaviour patterns of birds were studied using a 15-minute video recording taken at each hour during the day (from 7 a.m. until 7 p.m.). The rates of activities such as feeding, movement, resting, scratching, preening, mating and aggression in female pheasants differed significantly from those in the male, as observed throughout the day. The rate of feeding had 2 peaks in hens (in early morning and late evening). Generally, the feed intake in females was observed throughout the day whereas the male received feed less frequently but at a higher rate, particularly in the afternoon. The highest rate of movement was observed for both male and female pheasants in morning hours followed by a decline in movement activities which was slow in hens and rapid in the cock, with the subsequent second peak before dark. Except for 7 a.m., resting was among behaviour patterns with the highest rate in both genders throughout day, with lower rates in females as compared to the male. The stereotype behaviour was observed in hens more frequently, with a peak in a period from 9 a.m. to 12 a.m. The highest frequency of mating was observed in the evening after 7 p.m.

The aim of the work was to evaluate the effect of age on the proportion of particular fatty acids in the whole bodies of pheasants fattened for up to 118 days of age. In the experiment, 232 chicks of common pheasants (Phasianus colchicus) were used. In the course of the experiment, the required number of pheasants was randomly selected for analysis at regular 10-day intervals. The age of pheasant chicks had a significant effect on the content of all fatty acids. Significant changes in the proportion of fatty acid groups were recorded mainly at 20, 40 and 60 days of age. By 20 days of age the proportion of monounsaturated fatty acids decreased considerably in relation to the increase in the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids, while the n6/n3 ratio decreased markedly. The content of monounsaturated fatty acids increased between day 20 and day 40, causing a simultaneous decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acids. From day 40, the monounsaturated fatty acid content increased gradually till the end of fattening, whereas the reverse trend was observed in the saturated fatty acid content in this period. As for polyunsaturated fatty acids, their presence increased from day 40 to day 60, followed by a gradual decrease till the end of fattening. The results of our work showed the different ability of pheasants to digest and utilize particular fatty acids with varying efficiency throughout their growth. The study brings new findings concerning changes in fatty acid composition of pheasants during fattening. Feathered game, fat composition, fattening, 10-day period

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 objective of this experiment was to replace soybean oil with glycerol in feeding mixtures for layers and assess its effect on performance, selected parameters of egg quality and health. Layers were divided into control (C) and experimental (E1, E2) groups of 24 layers each. The experiment was performed from week 20 until week 44 of layers’ age. Soybean oil replacement with glycerol reached 50 and 100 % in experimental feeding mixtures E1 and E2, as compared to the control. Oil replacement with glycerol in experimental groups resulted in a significant decrease (P≤0.01) in weight of eggs, as compared to the control group – C (65.5±5.780 g), E1 (64.53±4.640 g) and E2 (63.66±5.610 g), and egg shell stability (N/cm2) – C 33.79±6.557, E1 31.96±6.995 and E2 31.8±6.621. The difference in the weight of egg shell between groups C (7.13±0.687 g) and E2 (6.85±0.670 g) was highly significant (P≤0.01), the difference between E1 (7.00±0.820 g) and E2 groups for the same parameter was significant (P≤0.05). No significant differences were found between mean values of the weight of egg yolk and white. With regard to feed consumption, 50 % replacement of oil with glycerol did not increase significantly the daily consumption of a feeding mixture per layer (1 egg) – C 122 g (132 g) and E1 123g (136 g), as compared to 100 % replacement in E2 131 g (150 g). The analysis of blood plasma after the prolonged continuous administration of glycerol in a feed did not show any negative effect on layers’ health.

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 aim of this study was to compare the nutritional and dietetic values of the meat of chickens of the common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus L.) intensively fattened until 90 days of age to the meat of broiler chickens fattened until 40 days of age. Breast muscles in pheasants contained higher protein content on a dry matter basis (930.57 g·kg-1 in females, 937.23 g·kg-1 in males) and lower fat content (29.58 g·kg-1 in females, 29.92 g·kg-1 in males) as compared to thigh muscles (protein: 781.80 g·kg-1 in females, 810.07 g·kg-1 in males, fat: 163.74 g·kg-1 in females, 140.71 g·kg-1 in males). Breast muscles in both females and males contained less calcium (0.67 g·kg-1 in females, 0.57 g·kg-1 in males) and more phosphorus (10.16 g·kg-1 in females, 9.72 g·kg-1 in males) compared to the thigh muscles in which the mean calcium content was 1.28 g·kg-1 in females and 1.32 g·kg-1 in males, and the mean phosphorus content was 9.31 g·kg-1 in females and 9.23 g·kg-1 in males. Breast and thigh muscles in both female and male pheasants contained higher protein content and lower fat content compared to broiler meat. The calcium content in pheasant meat was lower whereas the phosphorus and magnesium contents were higher compared to broiler meat. Pheasant meat with high content of protein and low fat content is very valuable foodstuff and its dietetic value exceeds that of broiler meat. There is a lack of scientific literature on this subject which has not been studied in detail yet. This study extends the current scope of scientific knowledge in this field.

The present paper extends the current knowledge of biochemical and mineral profiles in selected species of feathered game such as helmeted guineafowl (Numida meleagris), common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica), chukar (Alectoris chucar), grey partridge (Perdix perdix) and wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo) reared in the Czech Republic and throughout Europe. The work evaluates potential interspecies differences among the values and compares the findings with the results reported for related domesticated species of birds. Indicators investigated in the individual species of feathered game such as total protein (TP), glucose (GLU), total cholesterol (CHOL), triacylglycerides (TAG), uric acid (UA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and Ca, P, Mg, Na, K, Cl varied in ranges typical for layers and broiler chickens. Except for wild turkey where mineral metabolism values reached or even exceeded the upper limit of the physiological range, which may indicate a specific interspecies difference. However, with regard to the wide physiological range of biochemical indicators in the blood of birds, significant (P ⪬ 0.05) and highly significant (P ⪬ 0.01) differences in most mean values for the monitored indicators can not be evaluated as interspecies differences.

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).

Selected parameters characterizing the chemical composition of bones were determined in 60 male and 60 female hybrid Ross 308 chickens aged 40 days at the end of the fattening period. The chickens received a complete feed mixture intended for pre-feeding (starter) in a period from the start of the experiment until Day 10, followed by the feed mixture intended for fattening until Day 30 (grower), and the feed mixture for the third phase of fattening, i.e. until Day 40 (finisher). The feed mixtures and drinking water were provided ad libitum. At the end of the experiment, chickens were slaughtered and the femur and the tibiotarsus from the right pelvic limb were collected and the following parameters were determined in wet tissue: dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) (N × 6.25), fat, ash, calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg) ; the content of organic matter was calculated. The resultant values were recalculated to 100% of DM. Differences between males and females in the chemical composition of retrieved bones were investigated. The content of CP in wet tissue from both bones ranged from 354.0 ± ; 11.8 to 365.1 ± ; 14.3 g/kg being significantly lower (P < 0.01) in the tibiotarsus. Differences between sexes were very small. The content of fat in the bones ranged from 16.12 ± ; 8.71 to 16.17 ± ; 8.85 g/kg, with higher levels of fat being detected in female chickens (17.16 ± ; 8.53 to 17.24 ± ; 8.28 g/kg) as compared to male chickens (15.01 ± ; 9.05 to 15.19 ± ; 9.12 g/kg. No statistically significant differences between the femur and the tibiotarsus were detected. The levels of ash ranged from 472.2 ± ; 13.1 to 480.1 ± ; 10.83 g/kg, being statistically higher in the tibiotarsus in both male and female chickens (P < 0.01 ; P < 0.001). The levels of Ca ranged from 180.4 ± ; 8.57 to 181.6 ± ; 12.32 g/kg, showing higher values in both bones from female chickens (181.7 ± ; 9.17 to 183.8 ± ; 14.71 g/kg), as compared to male chickens (179.2 ± ; 7.8 to 179.3 ± ; 8.91 g/kg. No statistically significant changes were found. The levels of P ranged from 83.17 ± ; 9.82 to 83.29 ± ; 7.42 g/kg, with higher levels being observed in female chickens(84.1 ± ; 9.21 to 89.8 ± ; 7.47 g/kg), as compared to male chickens (76.5 ± ; 6.93 to 82.5 ± ; 5.00 g/kg. The levels of P were significantly higher in the femur (P < 0.001) in female chickens and in the tibiotarsus (P < 0.001) in male chickens. The Ca:P ratios for both analysed bones was greater in males (femur 2.20, tibiotarsus 2.21, as compared to females (femur 1.98, tibiotarsus 2.09). The mean weight of male and female broiler chickens on Day 40 was 2 694 ± ; 32.6 g and 2 345 ± ; 23.9 g, respectively. In comparison with the expected performance parameters of ROSS 308 hybrid chickens, the weight increased in both male and female chickens by 8.2% and 10.6%, respectively. Although the chickens grew very quickly, no clinical signs indicating pathological changes in the bone system were found.

A 4-week experiment was carried out on 360 laying hens of the Hy Line Brown hybrid. Laying hens were divided into three groups (C, E1 and E2) with 120 hens in each group and kept in 24 cages. Hens were fed layer diets containing 18% of crude protein and 11.60 MJ ME. Hens in the control group C were fed diets that contained 0.2 mg/kg of inorganic selenium (sodium selenite). Experimental groups E1 and E2 were given diets with increased concentrations of selenium as follows: E1 = 0.4 mg/kg of selenium (sodium selenite), E2 = 0.4 mg/kg of organic selenium (Sel-Plex). Selenium concentration in diets affected significantly the content of selenium in albumen (P < 0.001) and yolk (P < 0.05). The highest concentration of selenium was determined in albumen and yolk of eggs produced in group E2 (345 ng/g and 783 ng/g, respectively), then in eggs of group E1 (230 ng/g and 757 ng/g, respectively), and group C had the lowest concentration of selenium in albumen and yolk (181 ng/g and 573 ng/g, respectively). After 28 days of storage at 4 °C, the eggs containing organic selenium had more freshness (VN: C = 32.9, E1 = 2.60, E2 = 2.11). It was concluded that higher concentration of organic selenium in eggs was a limiting factor in metabolic processes, which positively affected the indicators of egg freshness.

Strakova E., P. Suchý, L. Steinhauser, T. Krejci, R. Pospisil: Influence of Thermally Treated and Untreated Lupin Meal on the Indicators of Performance and Health Condition of Broilers. Acta Vet. Brno 2008, 77: 431-437. The objective of the study was to test the productive effectiveness of complex feeding mixtures for broiler chickens containing lupin meal thermally treated or untreated and to assess their influence on the utility indicators and health condition of broilers. A total of 161 sexed broiler chickens of Ross 308 type were included in the experimental study. The group of cocks (LNM) and hens (LNF) fed a diet containing 10% untreated lupin meal reached a higher mean weight in comparison with the groups consuming a diet with the content of 10% meal treated by heat (LTM and LTF). The cocks in the LNM group reached a higher live weight (2 680.26 g) on day 42 compared with the cocks in the LTM group (2 591.28 g). A significantly higher weight (p ≤ 0.01) was proven in the hens in the LNF group (2 357.25 g) compared with the hens in the LTF group (2 241.22 g) on day 42. Blood was taken from vena basilica on day 42 in order to perform haematological and biochemical tests. In the native blood, the total numbers of erythrocytes (Er), the haematocrit value (Hc), haemoglobin (Hb), the mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC), mean erythrocyte volume (MCV) and total leukocytes volume (Le) were determined. The assessed biochemical indicators in blood plasma included the total protein concentration (TP), glucose (Glu), cholesterol (Chol), catalytic concentration of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), plasmatic calcium (Ca), phosphorus (P) and magnesium (Mg). The results of haematological and biochemical tests ranged within physiological values. Some differences cannot be associated with the diets tested. The study results suggest the possibility of better utilization of thermally untreated lupin meal (compared with thermally treated lupin meal) for the nutrition of broiler chickens. The results achieved suggest both positive and economic effect (no costs for thermal treatment) in the case of no necessity of thermal treatment of lupin meal, when compared e.g. with soy meal, from the point of view of inactivation of anti-nutritional factors. Chicken feeding, lupin meal, live weight, haematological and biochemical indicators

The objective of this work was to verify the hepatoprotective effects of Silybum marianum seed cakes in feed mixtures used for the fattening of chicken broilers to heavier weights. Part of the experiment was to verify the preventive effect of such modified feed mixtures with the use of chlortetracycline medication. The experiment was carried out on 180 ROSS 308 broiler chickens. The chickens were fed complete feed mixtures containing 0.0% (K), 0.2% (P1 and 1.0% (P2) of Silybum marianum seed cakes. The cakes used contained 2.95% of silymarin. On the 44th day of fattening half of the chickens from every group were supplied with chlortetracycline medicated water at a dose of 2 g kg1 live weight. The selected biochemical indices were observed: cholesterol (Chol), glutamyl transferase (GMT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). On the 52nd day of the test, six chickens from each group were euthanized and their liver was taken for histological examination. Adding Silybum marianum seed cakes resulted in a non-significant decrease in the chickens' live weight and in the feed conversion in both experimental groups compared to the control group. The cholesterol levels were highly significantly lower (p < 0.01) on the 43rd day in group P2, and significantly lower (p < 0.05) on the 52nd day in group P1 when compared to the control group (K). Also the ALT and AST activity was lower (p < 0.01) in both experimental groups on the 22nd day of the experiment. On the 52nd day the lower activity (p < 0.01) was found only for AST in both experimental groups. In the chlortetracycline medicated group P2, cholesterol level (p < 0.05) as well as ALT activity and AST activity decreased (p < 0.01), compared to the medicated control group. Results of biochemical analyses were also confirmed by histological examination of the liver. Administration of silymarin reduced (p < 0.01) the content of lipids and increased the content of glycogen in the liver of both experimental groups.

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.

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

At present the laying hen rearing is transformed into alternative housing systems which include a deep litter system. As for the poultry nutrition, the replacement of animal protein with vegetable protein in poultry feed is applied. Therefore, in an experiment we evaluated the quality of eggs from laying hens in the cage system as compared to the deep litter system with vegetable protein substituted for animal protein in their feed. 72 ISA Brown laying hens were placed into the experiment. 36 laying hens were kept in the deep litter system and 36 laying hens were kept in conventional cages for laying hens. For the period of 9 months, 36 eggs from the group in the deep litter system were examined, always at intervals of five weeks (i.e. 8 × 36 eggs) and so were 36 eggs from the group in the cage system (i.e. 8 × 36 eggs). We found out that in the deep litter system the mean egg weight was higher (P 0.05), yolk cholesterol was higher (P 0.05), all in comparison with the cage system of laying hen keeping. The results of the experiment show that where vegetable protein was substituted for animal protein in the nutrition of laying hens, there were differences in the quality of eggs from laying hens kept in the deep litter system and eggs from laying hens kept in the cage system.

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

The paper presents the effects of temperature and feed composition on the stability of lipids in breast and thigh muscles of COBB 500 meat hybrids. The chickens were reared in accordance with the technological procedure. The diet of experimental groups contained Proenergol in combination with Energol; the diet of control group chickens contained Proenergol and soybean oil. In the control groups and in half of the experimental groups, the temperature was reduced in agreement with the technological procedure, while it was kept at the constant level of 31 °C in other groups. The feeding continued up to the age of 42 days. The level of lipid oxidation was determined using malondialdehyde assays. No differences between individual groups of chickens were found in the breast muscle. In the thigh muscle, the introduction of Energol resulted in non-significant differences between the control and chickens kept in heat stress conditions. Negative correlation between lipid oxidation and live weight was established in control chickens fed soybean oil (p < 0.05). This correlation was positive (p < 0.05) in young male chicks fed Energol and kept at constantly increased temperature. Malondialdehyde, feed supplement, temperature regimen, broiler chickens, breast and thigh muscles

The paper reports on the changes in the chemical composition of breast and thigh muscles in intensively fed chickens of common pheasant, discussing the results obtained from the perspective of the production of high-quality pheasant meat. Young pheasants were fed for 90 days. Unlike breast muscles, thigh muscles showed a significant (P ≤ 0.05) decrease in water content between Day 50 and Day 90 (falling from 757.20 to 728.61 g/kg) which was associated with increasing dry matter content in muscles (from 242.80 to 271.39 g/kg). From a dietetic point of view, one positive finding is that both breast and thigh muscles from young pheasants aged 40 - 90 days contained low levels of fat, ranging from 6.12 g/kg to 8.33 g/kg, and from 20.36 g/kg to 51.37 g/kg, respectively. However, at the end of the monitored period (i.e. between Day 70 and Day 90) fat content in muscles significantly increased (P ≤ 0.01). Differences between average levels of ash (minerals) in breast muscles during the monitored period were not statistically significant. The average levels of ash in thigh muscles decreased statistically very significantly (P ≤ 0.01) on Day 50 (11.75 g/kg). In breast muscles a statistically significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) was detected on Day 90 (11.67 g/kg). The above-mentioned changes in the chemical composition of muscles in young pheasants may arise due to qualitative age-related changes such as decreasing proteosynthesis and enhanced fat biosynthesis in muscles. This conclusion is supported by profound changes in the parameters of chemical composition related to muscle dry matter which are presented in this paper.

1. The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of melamine-contaminated feed (100 mg/kg) on the distribution of melamine and cyanuric acid in the tissues of laying hens. The effect of a 5-week melamine administration in feed on the egg quality and blood variables of layers was also investigated. 2. A total of twenty 36-week-old ISA Brown layers were used in the experiment. The layers were equally divided into an experimental melamine group (n = 10) and a control group without melamine (n = 10). At the end of the experiment, samples of liver, kidney, breast and thigh muscles were collected from all hens and analysed for the presence of melamine and cyanuric acid by gas chromatography and tandem mass spectrometry. 3. Layers receiving the melamine-contaminated diet laid eggs with decreased eggshell strength. The decrease in shell strength was found in weeks 3 and 4 compared to the initial state (week 0) and week 1. 4. Hens receiving the melamine-contaminated diet also exhibited a higher total red blood cell count and lower mean corpuscular haemoglobin compared to the control group. However, melamine at 100 mg/kg feed had no effects on the blood variables of layers. 5. Melamine was detected in all analysed tissues of layers fed on the melamine-contaminated diet, with its mean concentrations decreasing in the following order: kidney (7.43 mg/kg) > breast muscle (3.88 mg/kg) > liver (3.11 mg/kg) > thigh muscle (1.91 mg/kg). The kidney and liver of layers fed on the melamine-contaminated diet also exhibited the presence of cyanuric acid. 6. On the basis of our results, it can be concluded that the biotransformation of melamine into cyanuric acid proceeded mainly in the liver, and cyanuric acid was eliminated in urine.

Title of the paper: Cholesterol concentration in yolks and blood plasma in five species of game birds (short communication) Cholesterol concentrations were determined in yolks and blood plasma of five significant species of game birds (common partridge, wild turkey, common pheasant, guinea fowl, and chukar partridge). Two yolk samples and one blood plasma sample were collected from 15 female birds of each species. Dimensions, whole egg weight and weights of sheli, yolk, and white were recorded for each egg. Mean blood plasma concentrations were significantly higher (P < 0.01) in the common partridge (3.44 mmol/1), the wild turkey (3.78 mmol/1), and the common pheasant (3.67 mmol/1) than in the guinea fowl (2.61 mmol/1) and the chukar partridge (2.26 mmol/1). Mean yolk cholesterol concentrations in the wild turkey (1030 mg/100 g), the guinea fowl, and the chukar partridge (both 1010 mg/100 g) were significantly higher (P < 0.01) than in the common pheasant (960 mg/100 g) and the common partridge (930 mg/100 g/1). Mean blood plasma cholesterol concentrations exceeded mean yolk concentrations by a 7- to !2fold. Blood plasma cholesterol concentrations were near the lower limit of the normal range for domestic fowl, while yolk concentrations in the game birds were markedly lower than in the domestic chicken.

BACKGROUND: This study attempts to compare two possibilities of enhancing the colour of egg yolk. One of them is based on the ecological rearing of laying hens on natural green grass whereas the other uses a feeding dose supplemented with natural pigments in laying hens reared in individual cages. Is it possible to distinguish these two technologies using yolk colour determination in the CIELAB system? RESULTS: Yolk colour parameters such as L*, a*, and b* in the group of grazed hens are significantly different (α = 0.001) from those observed in hens reared in cages. The yolk colour shows a darker, redder and more yellow colour. The greatest difference was seen in the red colour parameter, a*, that increased more than twice. Visually, this means a shift towards a more orange colour. Compared to grazing in the meadow (ΔE* = 13.257), the addition of artificial pigments in the feed resulted in a more significant increase in the parameter ΔE* (CIE total colour difference), with the greatest value of ΔE* being observed with the use of both pigments (ΔE* = 24.265). CONCLUSION: Grazing increases the parameter a* whereas the values of the parameter C*ab remain relatively low. The parameter ΔE* is significantly lower in the case of grazing as compared to the supplementation of the feed with pigments. However, colourity parameters cannot be used as a specific standard to identify a particular grazing technology as their values vary during the laying period. Copyright © 2011 Society of Chemical Industry

The objective of the study was to determine the amino acid profile in protein from long bones of the pelvic limb (femur, tibiotarsus) in ROSS 308 hybrid broiler chickens, and to examine whether it is sex-dependent.The study material was obtained from 120 Ross 308 broiler chickens (60 males and 60 females) at the end of the fattening (40 days of age). The average weight of birds was 2 694 ± 32.6 g for cockerels and 2 345 ± 23.9 g for pullets. The study birds did not show any clinical signs of leg diseases. The long bones of the right pelvic limbs (femur and tibiotarsus) were collected after bird slaughter and after removal of soft tissues, they were used for laboratory analyses. The crude protein content and the amino acid (AA) composition were determined and the obtained values were recalculated to 100% dry matter. The chemical score (CS) and the essential amino acid index (EAAI) were calculated for each AA. As a standard, the hen egg ovalbumin was used. The crude protein content in 100% dry matter shows that the content of crude protein was significantly higher (P ≤ 0.01) in the femur (405.3 ± 17.21 g/kg) compared to the tibiotarsus (393.5 ± 12.68 g/kg). The same trends were found with regard to sex. Both males and females had significantly (P ≤ 0.01) higher crude protein content in the femur (406.6 ± 19.34 g/kg and 404.1 ± 15.09 g/kg, respectively) than in the tibiotarsus (395.0 ± 12.16 g/kg and 392.1 ± 13.21 g/kg, respectively). Both bones showed the highest contents of Gly, Glu and Pro, and the lowest contents of Met, Tyr and His. The same trends were found with regard to chicken sex. Collagenous protein has lower contents of most AA in comparison to the standard protein – ovalbumin; especially contents of Ser, Val, Met, Ileu and Phe are substantially lower. On the other hand, collagenous protein had higher contents of Gly, Pro, His and Arg. The collagenous protein EAAI for the femur and the tibiotarsus was 59.0% and 57.4%, respectively. The knowledge of amino acid composition in protein from long bones of the pelvic limb in broiler chickens is important because it can help us understand the origin of bone disorders. Femur, tibiotarsus, crude protein, chemical score, essentials amino acid index

120 selected layers (Bovans Goldline hybrid) aged 19 weeks with an average weight of 1 735 g were divided into two balanced groups: control group (Group C) and experimental (Group E). Layers were reared in three-tier cages with automatic watering, manual feeding, and at controlled light and temperature regimens. One cage accommodated two layers, the floor surface area was 0.1125 m2 per layer. The experiment started after a 20-day adaptation period with layers aged 22 weeks (Week 22) and ended when layers were 68 weeks old (Week 68). In a period of initiation (i.e. Weeks 19–38), layers were fed the complete feeding mixture N1. Then they received the feeding mixture N2 until the end of the experiment. Feeding mixtures in both groups (C and E) had the same composition ; the only difference between mixtures was that the feeding mixture in the experimental group was enriched with 1% clinoptilolite (i.e. the commercially available additive ZeoFeed). Layers received feeding mixtures and drinking water ad libitum. In the course of the experimental period, control layers laid 16 289 eggs while experimental layers laid 16 474 eggs. It follows from the results that the laying intensity in experimental layers was 1.7% higher as compared to control layers, i.e. the number of laid eggs in experimental layers increased by 5.6 eggs per layer. The mean weight of all laid eggs was 66.3 ± 6.25 g in the control group and 65.6 ± 5.44 g in the experimental group (P ≤ 0.01). Such performance was achieved at the consumption of feeding mixture being 141.7 g per laid egg in the control group and 137.6 g per laid egg in the experimental group. The consumption of feeding mixture in the experimental group was 4.1 g lower than that in the control group. The mean values of parameters monitored in blood plasma such as uric acid, cholesterol, glucose, lactose, calcium, phosphorus, ALP, and LDH in both groups of layers ranged within reference intervals, with no significant differences being detected between both groups.However, statistically significant differences between both groups were found in total plasma protein (P ≤ 0.01), triacylglycerol levels (P ≤ 0.05), and magnesium (P ≤ 0.01), which were elevated in the control group, and in AST (P ≤ 0.05) whose level in the control group was significantly lower than that in the experimental group. The results of haematological tests performed with layers’ blood revealed statistically significant changes in parameters such as the erythrocyte count (P ≤ 0.01), haemoglobin level (P ≤ 0.01), and MCHC (P ≤ 0.05), which were elevated in the experimental group, and in the leukocyte count (P ≤ 0.05), which was lower in the experimental group, as compared with the control. However, the values found varied within physiological ranges.