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The aim of this study was the assessment of an influence of dietary humic acids and dietary herbal additive (clove (Syzygium aromaticum), lavender (Lavendula angustifolia) and black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) on carcass parameters of Ross 308 broiler chicken (n=60). Broiler chicken were divided into 3 treatments (n=20). The chicken of the control group were fed with complete feed mixtures without any additives. Chicken in treatments T1 were fed a diet containing 1% of humic acid and drank a water containing 150 mg/l of dietary herbal additive, chicken in treatments T2 were fed with complete feed mixture without any additives and drank a water containing 150 mg/l of herbal additive. The carcass weight, weight of heart, liver, gizzard and neck without skin and carcass yield were evaluated. The carcass weight was in the treatment T2 statistically significantly higher (P=0.05) in compare with control group (values in the order of the groups: 1293.1±179.0; 1429.3±156.1 and 1531.6±282.3 g±SD). In the treatment T1 was weight of gizzard (43.7±7.5 g±SD) significantly higher (P=0.05) compared to control group (34.9±5.2 g±SD). In the treatment T2 was weight of liver (72.8±11.4 g±SD) significantly higher (P≤0.05) compared to control group (49.3±10.3 g±SD). In indicators weight of heart, weight of neck without skin and carcass yield were recorded nonsignificant different (P≥0.05) compared to the control group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of present study was to investigate the effect of feed additive on base of L-carnitine (30%) on some parameters of egg quality. Totally 40 White Leghorn laying hens were divided in two groups: control group (n=20) received drinking water without any additives and experimental group (n=20) received feed additive in dose 1 ml per 1.2 l of drinking water for a period of 5 days in 2 week intervals from 26 to 56 week of age. Hens in both groups were feeding ad libitum with commercial layer diet. A total of 200 eggs (100 eggs from both group) were collected to study for external and internal quality of eggs. Albumen index and Haugh unit were improved (p<0.05), while yolk index and yolk color were not affected by administration of L-carnitine (p>0.05). The albumen percentage increased (p<0.05) and that yolk percentage decreased (p<0.05) in response to supplementation of L-carnitine. Addition of L-carnitine did not influence egg weight, egg shape index and egg shell quality (shell percentage, shell thickness, shell strength). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper was to examine the influence of different heavy chicken breeds on carcass characteristics after reproductive period. The Brahma, Cochin and Orpington cocks and hens were feeding ad libitum with commercial layer diet. At the end of reproduction period, the randomly sampled cocks and hens were slaughtered for examination of major carcass parts (breast, things, wings and back), edible giblets and abdominal fat. The results obtained were used to calculate carcass yield and the percentage of carcass components. Differences in the percentage of wings, back, abdominal fat and edible giblets among cocks of tested heavy breeds were small and statistically no significant (P>0.05). The Brahma and Cochin cocks had significant (P<0.05) higher percentage of things compared with Orpington cocks. Difference in percentage of breast was statistically significant (P<0.05) higher in Cochin and Orpington cocks There were similar percentages of carcass yield in Brahma (72.59%), Cochin (72.21%) and Orpington (72.88%) breed. In hens, breed had influence only on percentage of breast, namely Orpington hens had significant higher percentage breast then hens so Brahma and Cochin. Carcass yield was statistically non significant (P>0.05) among breeds (71.78% in Brahma, 71.84% in Cochin and 72.05% in Orpington). We recorded that sex had statistically significant (P<0.05) effect on some carcass characteristics -percentage of breast and abdominal fat in benefit of hens and percentage of things in benefit of cocks. The results from this study show that carcass yield cocks and hens of Brahma, Cochin and Orpington were higher in comparison with STN 46 64 15. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed at evaluating egg traits, fertility and hatchability of Brahma, Cochin and Orpington breeds. The hens were feeding ad libitum with commercial layer diet. A total of 300 eggs (100 eggs from each breed) were collected to study for egg weight, egg shape index, percentage of yolk, albumen and shell. Fertility and hatchability were assessed in 392 eggs from Brahma, 388 egg from Cochin and 416 eggs from Orpington. There was no significant difference (P<0.05) in egg weight and shape egg index. Orpington hens had significantly higher average egg number (138.41 egg) than Brahma (121.62 eggs) and Cochin (119.94 eggs) hens. Differences in percentage of yolk, albumen and shell in eggs of tested heavy breeds were statistically no significant (P>0.05). The average fertility was 59.81%, 57.36% and 58.81% for Brahma, Cochin and Orpington respectively. Average hatchability varied significantly at P<0.05 (80.08% in Brahma, 82.54% in Cochin and 89.86% in Orpington). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbs, spices and their extracts (botanicals) have a wide range of activities. They may have a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal micro flora of animals, performance and quality of animal products. In this experiment the effects of supplementation of the diet for laying hens with different doses of thyme or oregano essential oil addition on body weight, feed consumption and egg production were studied. Hens of laying hybrid Hy-Line Brown (n=50) were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=10) and fed for 20 weeks with diets with thyme or oregano essential oil supplemented. In the control group hens received feed mixture with no additions. The diets in the first and second experimental groups were supplemented with 0.5 ml/kg or 1.0 ml/kg thyme essential oil. The diets in the third and fourth experimental groups were supplemented with 0.5 or 1.0 ml/kg oregano essential oil. Average body weight for the whole period was in the order of the groups 1791.2±80.83; 1809.0±66.88; 1742.6±65.43; 1819.1±78.54 and 1803.9±98.00 g (p>0.05). In the feed consumption per feeding day, per egg, or in the feed conversion were observed statistically non-significant differences compared to the control group (p>0.05). Number of eggs per hen during the reporting period was in order of the groups: 135.6; 140.7; 139.1; 137.3 and 138.5 pcs at an average intensity of laying 90.4; 93.80; 92.73; 91.53 and 92.33%. The results suggest that the body weight, feed consumption, feed conversion, egg production, egg mass and egg weight were not significantly influenced with thyme or oregano oil addition (p>0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbs, spices and their extracts (botanicals) have a wide range of activities. It may have a beneficial effect on the gastrointestinal micro flora of animals, performance and quality of animal products. In this experiment the effects of supplementation of the diet for laying hens with different doses of thyme or oregano essential oil addition on egg shell quality parameters were studied. Hens of laying hybrid Hy-Line Brown (n=50) were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=10) and fed for 20 weeks with diets with thyme or oregano essential oil supplemented. In the control group hens received feed mixture with no additions. The diets in the first and second experimental groups were supplemented with 0.5 ml/kg or 1.0 ml/kg thyme essential oil. The diets in the third and fourth experimental groups were supplemented with 0.5 ml/kg or 1.0 ml/kg oregano essential oil. The egg shell weight (g), specific egg shell weight (g/cm³), percentage of egg shell (%), egg shell strength (N/cm²) and egg shell thickness (µm) were evaluated. The egg shell weight for the whole period was in the order of the groups 5.70±0.52; 5.65±0.44; 5.54±0.42; 5.62±0.38 and 5.49±0.48 g±S.D (P>0.05). Egg shell strength during the reporting period was in order of the groups: 27.81±6.00; 27.63±6.43; 27.17±6.36; 27.76±6.27 and 28.41±6.36 (N/cm2±S.D). Similarly, in the egg shell specific weight (g/cm³), egg shell percentage ratio (%) and egg shell thickness (µm) were observed statistically nonsignificant differences compared to the control group (P>0.05). The results suggest that the qualitative parameters of egg shell were not significantly influenced with thyme or oregano oil addition (P>0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of housing system slaughter age and sex on performance and carcass parameters of broiler ducks. The experiment was carried out in half-operation conditions experimental base of Department of Poultry Science and Small Animal Husbandry of Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra. A total of 60 one day old ducklings (type Peking Duck White) were randomly divided to 2 housing groups: three-floor cage system and deep litter system, both under uniform microclimate conditions. The housing system, slaughter age and sex significantly affected the slaughter weights of broiler ducks in 49 and 56 day of fattening. The results of this study showed the influence of housing system, sex and slaughter age on slaughter and carcass parameters. The slaughter and carcass parameters were statistically higher (P<0.05) in three-floor cage system in comparison with the deep litter system. Breast, things, back and wings weights and carcass yield were significantly affected (P<0.05) by slaughter age. Sex no significantly affected carcass yield (P>0.05). The some slaughter and carcass parameters of male ducks were statistically higher (P<0.05) compared with female ducks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of probiotic addition in drinking water on body weight and body measurements of broiler chickens. The experiment was carried out in half-operation conditions experimental base of Department of Poultry Science and Small Animal Husbandry of Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra in three -floor cage system. A total of 180 one day old chickens (Ross 308) were randomly divided to 3 groups: experimental chickens of E1 group received a probiotic in drinking water with concentration of 1x109 colony forming units (CFU) of Lactobacillus fermentum CCM 7158 in 1 g of nutrient medium and experimental, chickens of E2 group concentration of 2x109 CFU of Enterococcus faecium M 74 in 1 g of nutrient medium. The control group of chickens received drinking water without any additives. The fattening period lasted 42 days. Data of body weight and body measurements (body length, body circumference, keel length, thigh length, and shank length) were recording at ages in 42 day. The results of this study showed that body weight was significantly affected (P<0.05) by addition of probiotic strains Lactobacillus fermentum and Enterococcus faecium, between experimental groups we found statistically not significant difference (P>0.05). The body measurements was not significantly affected (P>0.05) by addition of probiotic in drinking water. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim this work was to analyse factors affecting on the somatic cells count in Slovak Simmental dairy cows. Data were analysed using the SAS version 9.1.3. and linear model with fixed effects of herd, years and months controls, sire and breeding types. The analyses by the effect on somatic cells count was the highest effect of herd-yearsmonths of control R2 = 0.151316 and effect of sire R2 = 0.054182. These effects were high statistical significant P<0.01. Correlation coefficients between milk in kg, fat, protein, lactose in % with somatic cells count were r= - 0.25096, r= 0.02593, r= 0.22321and r=-0.39567. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was optimization molecular genetic method for sex determination of superorder Neognathae from class Aves. The basis of the molecular-genetic methods was the amplification of a chromo-helicase DNA binding 1 (CHD) gene region, which is located in both sex chromozomes Z and W. Genomic DNA was isolated from whole blood and feathers by using commercial column kit QIAamp DNA Mini kit. The intron regions of CHDW and CHDZ genes were amplified by sex specific primers P2 and P8. The PCR method used in this study was based on two differences between CHDW and CHDZ genes. The one of these differences is restriction site for endonuclease HaeIII located only in CHDZ and the second is the lenght polymorphism between CHDW and CHDZ where for the males was detected one band and for the females were detected two bands in 3.5 % agarose gel. These moleculargenetics methods were successfully used for sex determination in 36 species from superorder Neognathae. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this experiment, ejaculates were sampled from cocks of three pure chicken breeds: Brown Leghorn, Oravka and Brahma. The 5 cocks from each breed were housed individually and the ejaculate was sampled regularly five times during the laying period of hens. We determined the volume, concentration of spermatozoids, total amount of produced spermatozoids, pH ejaculate, colour ejaculate and morphological changes of sperm cell. The motility of spermatozoa of the cocks was 64.48% (Brown Leghorn), 62.25% (Oravka) and 57.51% (Brahma). The highest volume of ejaculate was found in Brown Leghorn (0.72 cm³), the lowest in Brahma (0.49 cm³). The White Leghorn and Oravka had an intermediate colour between the opaque and the creamy-white, the Brahma had opaque colour. The ejaculate pH for all the breeds ranged from 7.01 for Oravka to 7.04 for Brahma. The highest sperm concentration was in Oravka (2.59×106/mm³), the lowest in Brahma (1.91×106/mm³). We found higher number of morphologically abnormal sperm cells in Brahma (46.32%), in Brown Leghorn and Oravka had similar value (42.75%, respectively 42.88%). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this work was the assessment of genetic diversity and analysis of production and reproduction traits in different breeding types of Slovak Simmental cattle in the period 2002 - 2012. The number of Slovak Simmental cows is maintained on a relatively stable level in recent years. In the last period, there was also a reduction in the number of Slovak Simmental breed, but not as strong as after 1990 (85 518), where in 2002 it was 17 485. The number of purebred Simmental cows was 12 428 in 2010; 12 307 in 2011 and 12 573 in 2012. The average annual increase in milk production between the years 2002 to 2012 was + 122.92 kg of milk, + 3.45 kg of fat and +4.56 kg of protein. Positive growth of milk production in recent years is partly comparable with the trend of breeding improvement. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim this work was to evaluate the associations between calving interval and milk production traits in population of dairy cows of Slovak Simmental cattle in the period 2003-2009. The basic statistical analysis was performed using the SAS version 9.1.3. The average length between calving intervals was 413.34 days in population of dairy cows of Slovak Simmental cattle. Correlation between evaluated calving interval and traits of milk production (milk, fat, protein) were lower negative r=-0.00924, r=-0.00539, r=-0.0238, respectively and correlation between calving interval and protein in kg was statistically high significant (P<.0001). The most important factor affecting the length of calving interval was the effect of herd-years-season (R²= 0.212786), other effects were the effect of father (R²= 0.028230) and the effects of codes of milk production (R²= 0.001353). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this experiment with three pure chicken breeds the effect of oviposition on egg quality parameters was investigated. Laying hens of the Brown Leghorn, Oravka and Brahma from 20 to 64 weeks of age were housed in pens with deep litter. The collection time was at 6.00, 10.00 and 14.00 h. Eggs were gathered at the start, middle and end of the laying period. In Brown Leghorn time of oviposition had no significant (P>0.05) affected yolk percentage, yolk index and egg weight. However, in shell thickness, albumen index and Haugh Units we detected significant (P<0.05) differences among collection times. In Oravka hens, the time of oviposition had no significant (P>0.05) effect on egg weight, albumen index and Haugh Units. We recorded significantly (P≤0.05) higher value of shell thickness in 06:00 h in comparison with 10:00 and 14:00 h, but other eggshell quality parameters as shell percentage and shell strength were no significantly (P>0.05) affected in the eggs laid at 6:00, 10:00 and 14:00 h. In Brahma, the egg weight, shell percentage, shell thickness and shell strength were significant (P<0.05) affected by time of oviposition. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this the work was evaluated effect of disinfection of Oravka hatching eggs by formalin gas (20 g KMnO4 + 30 g formaldehyde of 40 % concentration to 1 m³ of a space) and ozone (0.450 ppm in time 12 hours) on fertility, hatchability, spontaneity of chickens hatching and embryonal mortality during incubation. The hatching was realised in Bios Midi incubator at a standard technology process of the hatching. We recorded a positive effect of disinfection of ozone on hatchability from fertilised eggs (91.79%) compared with disinfection of formalin (91.10%) A totally embryonal mortality of chickens had not record any difference between two methods of disinfection but we recorded positive effect of ozone on embryonic mortality of chicks to 7 day of incubation and from 15 to 21 day of incubation. We searched more spontaneous chicks hatching from hatching eggs disinfected by ozone in 510 hours of incubation. It is possible to recommend disinfection of hatching eggs by ozone, as an alternative way of disinfection of hatching eggs usable in hatching practice, on the base of obtained experimental results. This way of disinfection hatching eggs is more ecological not only from the point of environment, but also of the healthy of employees of the hatchery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hatchability is affected by a variety of factors. Eggshell quality plays very important role among these factors. In this work we analysed eggshell quality, hatchability and embryonic mortality of pure chicken breeds New Hampshire, Oravka, Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island Red and Sussex Light. Hatchability was significantly lower (P>0.05) in Sussex Light in comparison with New Hampshire. The eggshell quality for Sussex Light was significantly decreased (P>0.05) in eggshell thickness (398.73 vs. 356.07 μm) and eggshell percentage compared with New Hampshire (10.36 vs. 8.79 %). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective of the research was to compare population size, eggs and meat production of the locally adapted chicken breed - Plymouth Rock of different varieties (white, barred and buff) in Slovakia reared in extensive system. From the view of population size in conditions of Slovak Republic, most numerous of Plymouth Rock variety is white (average effective population size 118.96), while the lowest numerous we recorded for buff variety (21.62). The highest eggs and meat production we noted in case of White Plymouth. For this reason, this variety of Plymouth Rock was used in hybridisation for development of modern hybrid combination for production of broiler chickens. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted in order to evaluate effect of organic acids on broiler performance. Totally 180 chickens of Ross 308 hybrid were divided to three groups. Experimental group no. 1 (n=60) received acetic acid in drinking water with concentration 0.25% from day 1 to day 42. Experimental group no. 2 (n=60) received citric acid in drinking water with concentration 0.25% from day 1 to day 42. Control group (n=60) received drinking water without any additives. The average body weight, feed consumption, mortality and carcass characteristics were analyzed and compared finally. The results showed no significant effects of diets with addition of organic acids (P<0.05) on body weight. Supplementation of citric acid caused decrease in total feed consumption. Addition of organic acids affected positive total mortality of broiler chickens. There were no significant effects of organic acids supplementation on carcass characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim this work was to evaluate relationships between traits of milk production and reproduction traits in breeding herds of Slovak spotted breed in the period 1992-2010 the results for 10 514 Slovak cows. The basic statistic analysis were analysed using the SAS version 9.1. In the first lactation of dairy cows produced 4 685.18 kg of milk, 193.82 kg of fat and 156.51 kg of proteins. Correlation between evaluated traits of milk production and age at first calving were lower negative and statistically high significant (P<0.0001), scilicet between kgs of milk age at first calving = - 0.06731and correlation between milk in kg with calving interval 1 (r= - 0.06945) and with calving interval 2 (r= - 0.04554) were statistically high significant (P<0.0001). The analyses by the effect on age of first calving was the highest effect of HYS R2= 0.4478 and on calving interval was the highest effect of HYS R2= 0.1526. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the work were evaluation of selected morphological and carcass traits in broiler rabbits. The selected morphological traits were length of heads, cross size of heads, length of ears, cross size of breast, depth of breast, under-voltage, length of skillet, cross size of skillet, length of trunk, circumference of breast, semi-circumference. For analyse carcass traits was selected rabbits with morphological traits. The analyses carcass traits were weight of skin, weight of body, weight of head, weight of thigh, recovery and slaughter age. Traits of morphological and carcass were analysed using the Statistical Analysis System version 9.3.1. Between morphological traits was the high of variability in district of breast (6.18 %), district of breast (6.91%) and the lowest in length of ears (3.43 %), cross size of skillet (3.82 %). The high variability of carcass traits was in weight of skin (9.43 %), the lowest in weight of head (2.26 %) and recovery (2.5 %). The high of significant correlation was between weight of thigh and length of heads (0,188++), cross size of heads (0,227++). Obtained results will be exploitable for future rabbits breeding in the Slovak Republic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of addition of Enterococcus faecium M74 in drinking water on performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. Totally 120 chickens (60 of hybrid Hybro, 60 of Ross 308) were divided to two groups. Experimental chickens of Hybro (n=30) and Ross 308 (n=30) received a probiotic preparation in drinking water from day 1 to day 42 with concentration of 2x109 CFU of Enterococcus faecium M 74 in 1 g of nutrient medium with dextrose. The control group of Hybro (n=30) and Ross 308 (n=30) received water in same total amount as experimental group without any additives. The feeding period lasted 42 days. In case of Hybro, we showed higher effect of Enterococcus faecium M74 supplementation on slaughter weight (1807.51 vs. 1929.08 g; P<0.05) in comparison with Ross 308 (2126.63 vs. 2199.31g; P>0.05). Differences in percentage of valuable parts (thigh and breast) and carcass yield of Hybro and Ross 308 were not statistically significant (P>0.05) by addition of probiotic On the end of fattening, Ross 308 broiler chickens fed diet with probiotic strain Enterococcus faecium had significantly less (P<0.05) abdominal fat than those fed without the probiotic. In Hybro broiler chickens we recorded not significant difference between groups (P>0.05). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim this work was analyse factors effecting on the milk production in select breeding herds of the Slovak spotted breed. Data were analysed using the Statistical Analysis System version 9.3.1 and linear model with fixed effects of herd-year-season of calving, genetic group, father, number of lactation and cod of milk production. Average of traits of milk production was 5266.4 kg of milk, 222.19 kg of fat, 177.79 kg of proteins and 251.37 kg of lactose. The linear model to represent coefficient determination R2 = 0.598099 for milk production with all fixed effects. The analysis by the effect was the highest effect of herd-years-season of calving (0.3724) than effect of father (0.3017). Correlation coefficients between milk, fat, protein, lactose in kgs (r=0.90826, r= 0.98260, r= 0.98830), were statistically high significant. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this study was to perform analysis genetic trends of traits of milk production in select herds of the Slovak spotted breed. The genetic gain for milk, fat and proteins production in kg was calculated by different methods. Genetic trends were between 68.31 - 109.11 kg for milk production, 2.98 - 5.44 kg for fat production and 2.26 - 3.46 kg for proteins production. Increase of inbreeding was estimate 1.520 - 1.860 - 3.190 % behind generation. Prediction genetic trends by &ldquor;Truncation" selection was 12.2 to 111.6 kg for milk at fathers of daughter and 29.2 to 96.1 kg for milk at mothers of daughter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

we want to find replacement to use of antibiotics, we must search more naturally alternative methods. Such method can be also used with probiotics in poultry nutrition. By the help of them we can achieve better health state and higher increase of live and slaughter weight. We tested the effect of probiotic Propoul in the experiment. We applied two different doses of probiotic at three hybrid combinations broiler chicks (Ross 308, Hubbard JV, Cobb 500). We watched difference among live weight, body symmetry and feed conversation. In all hybrids we found statistically significant difference (P<0,05) between experimental groups and control group, only experimental group 2 and control group at hybrid Ross 308 we found statistically significant difference (P<0,05). We did not find the difference between experimental groups. With the application of probiotics are reached better feed conversation in experimental groups against control group. We did not find statistically significant difference in body symmetry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim this work was to estimate the genetics improvement in selected herds of the Slovak spotted breed. The genetics gain for fat and proteins production in kg was calculated by different methods. Genetics gain was between 3.91 - 5.79 kg for fat production and 3.35 - 4.71 kg for proteins production. Increase of inbreeding was estimated to be 0.867 - 1.098 - 1.987 % behind generation. Prediction genetic gain by "Truncation" selection was 0.327 to 1.038 kg for fat, 0.710 to 1.127 kg for proteins in fathers of daughter and 0.476 to 1.184 kg for fat, 1.007 to 1.452 kg for proteins in mothers of daughter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was conducted in order to evaluate the effects of beta glucan on selected breeding properties of broiler rabbits. The goal was to compare the results in two groups of animals, which were administered different beta glucan doses, during a period of time between weaning (day 42 after the birth) and day 84 after the birth. Control group K was administered per oral suspension of Sulfacox, preparation against coccidiosis. Experimental group E1 was served a per oral water suspension of beta glucan powder, in concentration 5 g/L for every 5 kg of body weight. Experimental group E2 was served a per oral water suspension of beta glucan powder, in concentration 10 g/L for every 5 kg of body weight. At day 84 after the birth, control group C average body weight was 2515.75g, compared to 2459.88g in group E1 and 2455.77g in group E2. Two mortalities were noted in control group C between day 49 and 63, compared to two mortalities in group E1 and one mortality in group E2 during the same period of time. In all cases, coccidiosis was the reason for mortalities. In all animals, no statistically significant differences in selected breeding properties were observed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this experiment was to determine the effect of egg size on weight losses during incubation and hatchability of Muscovy duck. A total of 150 hatching eggs comprising of small (70.0-76.99g), medium (77.0- 83.99g) and large (84.00-90.99g) size categories. There were high difference in the results recorded for hatchability between medium (89.83%) and large (84.62) eggs. In contrast, result of hatchability between low and medium eggs was comparable (88.38 vs. 89.83%). When comparing the length of incubation, hatching eggs of Muscovy duck we recorded that the first ducklings hatched from eggs with lower weight. Ducklings from heavier eggs longer to hatch. Results obtained on egg weight loss were comparable among groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The live weight of Oravka and other pure hen's breed (New Hampshire, Plymouth Rock, Rhode Island) have been detecting in monthly periods. We found statistically significant (P<0.05) difference of higher live weight of New Hampshire from the 8 week of age and statistically significant (P<0.05) lower live weight of Rhode-Island from the 12 week with Oravka. The breed Plymouth Rock had no statistically significant (P>0.05) difference with Oravka. Growth tendency remained unchanged till the end of rearing period at the age of 24 weeks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research paper was evaluated the meat performance cocks and hens of breed Oravka after reproductive and laying period. The results from this study show that carcass yield cocks and hens of Oravka were higher in comparison with STN 46 64 15 (72.84, respectively 71.02%). We recorded that sex had statistically significant effect on some carcass characteristics (live weight, carcass weight, breast weight, things weight and back weight). Anyhow, we found that sex affected abdominal fat weight (in profit of hens) and percentage of some carcass parts - percentage of breast (in profit of hens) and percentage of things and back (in profit of cocks). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of supplementation of the probiotic preparations with different probiotic strain on the basic fattening parameters of broiler duck males. The experiment was carried out in halfoperation conditions experimental base of Department of Poultry Science and Small Animal Husbandry of Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra in three-floor cage technology. Totally 45 one day broiler duck males of hybrid PKB divided into three groups: control group - without addition of probiotic preparation, experimental group 1 - addition of probiotic preparation of Propoul with strain Lactobacillus fermentum in powder form into drinking water in dose of 0,90 g daily during all experiment, experimental group 2 - addition of probiotic preparation Protexin Concetrate with strain Enterococcus faecium in powder form into drinking water in dose of 0,24 g daily during all experiment. The results from this study showed that supplementation of pro-biotic Propoul and Protexin Concentrate in drinking water caused improvement of basic fattening parameters of broiler duck males. Probiotic preparation Propoul manifested as prepared with higher effect on fattening parameters (live weight, average daily weight gain, feed consumption, mortality) in comparison with probiotic Protexin Concentrate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract. Knowledge of the genetic diversity and structure is particularly important in the case of endangered breeds. The preliminary characterization of the genetic diversity and structure were assessed in two critically endangered national goose breeds Suchovska and Slovak, based on 6 microsatellite loci analysis in a total population of 50 birds. A total of 31 alleles were found across 6 microsatellite loci with a mean number of 5.17 alleles per locus. The mean observed heterozygosity was 0.33 in Suchovska and 0.39 in Slovak. The degree of inbreeding of Suchovska and Slovak calculated as a mean FIS was 0.13 and 0.15 respectively. The FST value between Suchovska and Slovak breeds was 0.058. Nei's genetic distance between Suchovska and Slovak goose was 0.093. The low level of diversity indicated as heterozygosity deficiency coupled with low population size confirm, that Slovak national breeds of geese are critically endangered and required attention for the preservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The chicken egg is a food product with a rich content of nutrients, such as proteins, vitamins, lipids, and minerals with high bioavailability. Furthermore, eggs are easy to prepare and a relatively inexpensive component of the human diet. The aim of this study was to compare the quality of eggs from an organic and a conventional farm and their content of Na and K. Material and methods. The research material consisted of eggs from laying hens reared in two different systems - organic (according to standards for organic farming and with access to a chicken run) and cage. Forty eggs from each group were analysed. Egg quality traits were divided into destructive and non-destructive. In addition, potassium (K) and sodium (Na) contents were determined in the whole egg, yolk and albumen. Results. The research results indicated slightly better quality of eggs from organic farming compared to eggs from cages in the case of most physical properties. The data clearly show that the content of sodium and potassium in the albumen, yolk and whole egg was higher in the eggs of chickens raised organically compared to the eggs of chickens reared in cages (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions. The research results indicate a slightly better quality of eggs from the organic farm compared to eggs from cages in the case of most physical properties, as well as the content of macro-elements. Eggs in both systems are produced following scientific management practices. There are many myths among consumers regarding the nutritional quality of eggs produced in different systems. This information can be useful for raising awareness among consumers selecting eggs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]