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The main microbial contaminants of rooms in which laboratory rodents are housed are bacteria and fungi. Restriction of microbial growth to below threshold levels requires the application of various sophisticated antimicrobial techniques that must be effective and safe for the animals. Some of the most commonly used techniques, including chemical disinfection, ventilation, filtration, sterilization and radiation, are not always sufficiently effective. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the efficacy of a modern technique (i.e. radiant catalytic ionization (RCI)) on the microbiological status of an animal care facility, and the health of the mice housed therein. The experiment, conducted over seven days, compared an experimental room with an RCI system permanently turned on with a negative control room. At the completion of the experiment, the number of bacteria in the RCI room air and on its walls was lower than that in the control room ( p

Modern poultry production looks for feed and water additives that improve the welfare of chickens. The utilization of herbs as additives in feed or drinking water is becoming increasingly well known. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of milk thistle extract (

This study aims to compare the quality of fat extracted from different priced dry pet food for adult cats through classical and instrumental methods: pressure differential scanning calorimetry (PDSC), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) or gas chromatography (GC). Fat extracted from pet food was examined for induction time (IT), fatty acid composition, free fatty acid (FFA) content and peroxide value with the use of PDSC, GC, acid–base and iodometric titration, respectively. FT-IR data from the selected spectral regions correlate with the value of oxidation IT or the content of FFA. This resulted in construction of a reference model for IT with the following statistical features: Rcalibration = 0.917 (RMSEC = 28.0) and Rvalidation = 0.841 (RMSEP = 34.6). For fatty acid content, model statistics were as follows: Rcalibration = 0.912 (RMSEC = 0.61) and Rvalidation = 0.856 (RMSEP = 0.75). Discriminant model that uses spectral data alone, calculated with performance index 83.7 allowed distinguishing the studied pet food samples due to the price. Studies conducted proved PDSC and IR as reliable analytical techniques to control and monitor the quality of dry pet food for cats. Considering quality of the studied samples, it was proved that low-priced pet foods can be stored longer than premium-priced ones, while former is nutritionally more beneficial for adult cats.

Opoka is a silica-calcite sedimentary rock chemically and structurally similar to diatomaceous earth (DE), composed mainly of silicon dioxide (SiO2), calcium carbonate (CaCO3), amorphous SiO. Opoka occurs predominantly in South Eastern Europe and Russia. Due to these specific properties investigation on the effect of opoka-enriched diet on chemical composition and overall quality of breast and leg muscles of broilers was initiated. Working samples showed a statistically significant increase in ash content or water content and a decrease in lipid content in the leg muscles of both male and female broilers (P

The hygienic practices on farms should reduce pathogenic microorganisms while simultaneously not harming the animals themselves, they must also not degrade the products’ quality. We assessed the effect of covering feed tables with paint containing silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and the periodic spraying of effective microorganisms (EM) on production indicators and basic chemical composition, mineral content and fatty acid profiles in the bodies of Cornu aspersum aspersum snails. The animals were divided into four groups: (1) control, (2) with feed tables covered with AgNPs paint, (3) with EM spray applied and (4) with both factors—AgNP paint and EM spray. The highest increase in Ag, Zn, Fe and Ca retention, and the remodelling of the fatty acid profile in the carcasses of snails was found to be in the group of animals in contact with the feed tables covered with AgNP paint. In the group of animals exposed to the action of EM, an increased retention of Fe, Cu, P, Mg and Zn was found.

Ageing is a complex physiological process characterized by a gradual decline in cell, tissue and organ function. Consequently, ageing is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders. Altered nervous system function can lead to behavioural or psychological disorders. Recent research has shown that alpha ketoglutarate (AKG) is a key intermediate in the Krebs cycle that extends the lifespan of adult animal organisms. The objective of this study was to assess the effect of AKG on the behaviour of laboratory mice in an open field test. The Na-AKG form was found to enhance perceptual-motor exploration in the mice (expressed as the number of rearings), and at the same time to suppress anxiety-related behaviour.

Background Elaeagnus umbellata is a plant commonly used in traditional Asian medicine for its many health benefits and strong antioxidative activity. Its therapeutic potential is believed to be connected to its effect on fibroblasts. This study aimed to investigate E. umbellata methanol-acetone extract’s (EUE) defense against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced fibroblast damage. Methods Because the main biologically active compounds of E. umbellata are water-insoluble, we evaluated the effects of methanol-acetone fruit extracts using liquid chromatography (for ascorbic acid and beta-carotene) and spectrophotometry (for lycopene and total phenolics). The extract’s antioxidative activity was measured using DPPH radical inhibition, and EUE’s effect on human fibroblasts was also evaluated. We assessed the metabolic activity and apoptosis of HFFF-2 fibroblasts exposed to EUE and/or H2O2using the XTT test and flow cytometry, respectively. Superoxide dismutase activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were evaluated using colorimetric and fluorometric assays, respectively. We measured pro-inflammatory cytokine (MIF, fractalkine, MCP-4, BLC, GCP-2, NAP-2, Eotaxin-2, and Eotaxin-3) expression in HFFF-2 cells using immunocytochemistry. Result The extract increased HFFF-2 cell proliferation and reduced cell death caused by H2O2-induced stress. H2O2-treated fibroblasts had greater ROS production than cells treated with both H2O2 and EUE. Additionally, the group treated with H2O2 alone showed higher pro-inflammatory cytokine (MIF, MCP-4, NAP-2, Eotaxin-2, and Eotaxin-3) expression. Conclusion EUE protected human fibroblasts from H2O2-induced oxidative stress and reduced the fibroblast-mediated inflammatory response triggered by ROS.

The hypothesis was that owing to their high bioavailability, zinc oxide nanoparticles (NanoZnO) can effectively replace (Zn) salts and reduce Zn excretion with faeces. The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of NanoZnO on the development of chicken embryos, the growth of broiler chickens, and Zn excretion with faeces. At day 1 of incubation, 120 eggs were randomly divided between a control group (not injected) and groups injected with a hydrocolloid of NanoZnO in increasing concentrations (50, 100, 500 mg/L). At day 19 of incubation, no differences were observed in the bodyweight, but 100 and 500 mg/L affected liver and heart weights, indicating that high levels of NanoZnO may induce differential organ development. In the subsequent experiment, 308 chickens were randomly divided into six groups. The control diet was supplemented with 55 mg Zn/kg (standard level), the 0 group received no Zn supplement, and groups fed NanoZnO received 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% of the standard level. The 100% replacement of ZnO with NanoZnO increased the chickens’ bodyweight compared with the standard level of ZnO, but to the same level as the diet without ZnO supplementation. Furthermore, NanoZnO did not reduce the content of Zn in faeces, which was only significantly lower in the group without ZnO supplementation in comparison with other groups. The results indicate that the replacement of ZnO with NanoZnO had no negative effects on chicken growth. Compared with ZnO, NanoZnO did not reduce Zn excretion with faeces. Keywords: broiler, development, excretion, mineral, nanonutrition

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of Ag nanoparticles (nano-Ag) used in the paint covering feed tables or a multimicrobial preparation applied to feed tables on the microbiological composition of the feed table environment, the growth and mortality of snails, and selected parameters for assessing the quality of carcasses and snail shells. The research was carried out in a farm of Cornu aspersum (M&uuml, ller) snails. In the control (K) group, paint without nano-Ag was used. In two other groups (N-Ag and N-Ag + effective microorganisms (EM)), the feed tables were covered with the same paint as in the control group but with the addition of 100 mg/L of nano-Ag it (N-Ag group). Additionally, multimicrobial preparation (EM Bokashi&reg, ) at a concentration of 10% was spread on the tables in the N-Ag + EM group. In the last group (EM), the feed tables were covered with paint without nano-Ag, and only multimicrobial preparation was applied at a concentration of 10%. During the tests, the body weight of snails was measured three times, and swab samples were taken from the feed tables for the examination of microbiological composition. At the end of the experiment, the snails were killed, and the weight of the carcass and the size of the shell were measured. The content of Ag and the degree of lipid oxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)) in the carcasses were analyzed, and the content of Ca and the crushing strength of the shells were determined. In the N-Ag and N-Ag + EM groups, a significant reduction in the total number of bacteria, fecal streptococci, and Escherichia coli was found, while there was also a reduction in mold and fungi in the N-Ag + EM and EM groups. In the K and EM groups, the mortality of animals was higher than in the nano-Ag groups. In subsequent weight checks, the highest body weight was found in the EM group and the lowest in the N-Ag and N-Ag + EM groups. In addition, the carcass weight and shell size in the N-Ag group was significantly lower compared to the K and EM groups. In the N-Ag and N-Ag + EM groups, a higher Ag content in the carcasses and a greater degree of lipid peroxidation were found. The Ca content of the shells was the highest in the N-Ag group, and the hardness of shells was the highest in the N-Ag and N-Ag + EM groups.

This paper presents the results of an interdisciplinary study aimed at assessing the possibility of using duckweed to purify and recover nutrients from the effluent remaining after struvite precipitation and ammonia stripping from a liquid fraction of anaerobic digestate in a biorefinery located at a Dutch dairy cattle production farm. The nutritional value of duckweed obtained in a biorefinery was assessed as well. Duckweed (Lemna minuta) was cultured on a growth medium with various concentrations of effluent from a biorefinery (EFL) and digested slurry (DS) not subjected to the nutrient recovery process. The study’s results showed that duckweed culture on the media with high contents of DS or EFL was impossible because they both inhibited its growth. After 15 days of culture, the highest duckweed yield was obtained from the ponds with DS or EFL contents in the medium reaching 0.39% (37.8 g fresh matter (FM) and 16.8 g FM per 8500 mL of the growth medium, respectively). The recovery of N by duckweed was approximately 75% and 81%, whereas that of P was approximately 45% and 55% of the growth media with EFL0.39% and DS0.39%, respectively. Duckweed obtained from the biorefinery proved to be a valuable high-protein feedstuff with high contents of α-tocopherol and carotenoids. With a protein content in duckweed approximating 35.4–36.1%, it is possible to obtain 2–4 t of protein per 1 ha from EFL0.39% and DS0.39% ponds, respectively.

Manganese in animal organisms is responsible for proper bone formation and many biochemical processes. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of manganese oxide nanoparticles (NanoMn2O3) as a mineral additive to the feed mixture on the growth, slaughter characteristics, femur bone strength, mineral content of tissues and Mn excretion. The male chickens were randomly divided between a control group without Mn2O3 in a premix, three groups receiving NanoMn2O3 (nano group 30, 60 and 100 % of the standard level) and three groups receiving Mn2O3 (30, 60 and 100 % of the standard level). Each group consisted of seven birds. The highest feed intake and body weight at 42 day was in the 60 % nano group, but there were no differences in the feed conversion rate. Slaughter characteristics, physicochemical properties, bone morphometry, the content of Mn in tissues and health status evaluated by blood parameters were not affected by supplying different forms of Mn2O3. Furthermore, the excretion of Mn was lower in NanoMn2O3 than in Mn2O3 groups. The results indicate that the application of NanoMn2O3 had no negative effects on chicken growth and development, but reduces Mn excretion, suggesting that commercial Mn2O3 can be replaced by NanoMn2O3 in broiler diets. However, follow-up research at farm conditions is necessary to validate the results.

We hypothesised that copper nanoparticles (NanoCu), because of their high physicochemical reactivity and bioavailability, could be used in much smaller quantities than bulk Cu, consequently reducing excretion of Cu into the environment. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effects of various levels of NanoCu on the development and growth of broiler chickens, in order to establish an optimum level of NanoCu dietary supplementation. Broiler chickens were randomly divided into five groups of 10 birds each. The control group received 7.5 mg Cu/kg feed (standard level) as CuSO

Increased carotenoid and dry matter content in new varieties of pumpkin ( Cucurbita maxima D.) make it a valuable fresh feed and a good material for ensiling. The study used the ambar variety of pumpkin ( C. maxima D.), which was ensiled with dried sugar beet pulp at a 80:20 ratio of fresh matter. Silages were prepared with or without a commercial bacterial-enzyme inoculant. Silages were made in 20-L mini-silos, 10 for each treatment. The effect of ensiling and the addition of inoculants on fatty acid composition, carotenoids content (β-carotene, α-carotene, violaxanthin, zeaxanthin), α-tocopherol content, total polyphenol content and antioxidant potential of the silages (TAS, FRAP) was studied. Compared to fresh material, silages had a significantly higher proportion of SFA and a significantly lower proportion of PUFA. Inoculant-treated silages were characterized by higher proportions of SFA and a lower proportion of MUFA compared to untreated silages. As a result of ensiling, the content of carotenoids (β-carotene, α-carotene, violaxanthin, zeaxanthin) and α-tocopherol decreased significantly in silages in comparison with fresh material. Comparison of the silages showed that untreated silage had a significantly lower content of β-carotene, α-carotene and α-tocopherol. In comparison with the pre-ensiled material, silages had a higher content of total polyphenols (TPC). The antioxidant potential of the silages (TAS, FRAP) was similar to that of the fresh material and there were no significant differences between silage treatments.

Forty Simmental cows were divided into four groups with 10 per group to investigate the effect of a transition diet supplemented with synthetic β-carotene and natural carotenoid-rich feed (pumpkin silage) on chemical composition of the colostrum. The control group (I) was fed grass and maize silage and supplemental concentrates, group II additionally received 400 mg/day/cow of synthetic β-carotene, in group, III 40% DM of maize silage was replaced with pumpkin silage to increase β-carotene intake by 400 mg in relation to group I, and in group IV 60% DM of maize silage was replaced with pumpkin silage without adjusting for β-carotene. Colostrum was collected from the cows within 5 hr of calving to determine colostrum composition, the content of immunoglobulins and carotenoids, total antioxidant status (TAS), the content of some bioactive proteins and the composition of fatty acids. The study showed that the experimental diets had no effect on the gross composition of colostrum. The content of α-carotene, β-carotene and violaxanthin was significantly higher in group IV than in group I and that of lutein higher in group IV than in groups I and II. Total antioxidant status of colostrum in group IV was significantly higher than in group I. Groups III and IV were characterized by a higher concentration of immunoglobulin IgG in relation to group I. IgM level in groups II, III and IV was significantly higher than in group I and that in groups III and IV was also higher than in group II. The highest IgA concentration was observed in group IV and the lowest in group I. Lysozyme concentration was higher in group IV compared to groups I and II. The diets had no effect on the total content of SFA, MUFA and PUFA in colostrum.

The objective of the experiment was to study the nutritive value and meat quality aspects of domestic cattle (Bos taurus), zubron (Bos taurus × Bison bonasus) and European bison (Bison bonasus) meat. The bulls and zubrons were fattened to 600–650 kg of body weight using the same feeding regimen. The European bison meat was from selective shooting of males. The meat was analysed for chemical composition, fatty acid composition, meat quality characteristics and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) value. Compared to beef, zubron and European bison meat had a lower content of crude fat, crude ash and a higher moisture content. The meat of the zubrons and European bison showed a lower content of saturated fatty acids and a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids compared to beef. The shear force of meat was highest for European bison meat and lowest for beef. Higher a* and b* colour parameters were established in European bison and zubron meat. The highest TBARS value was found in beef.

The objective of this study was to evaluate the quality and nutritive value of meat of bulls receiving wheat or maize DDGS (distillers dried grains with solubles) as a source of protein in a feed ration. The Hereford bulls were fed maize silage, hay and concentrates. The factor differentiating the feeding of experimental groups was the composition of concentrates. All concentrates contained cereal meals, rapeseed cake, and additionally - depending on the group: soybean meal (group CC), wheat DDGS (group EC-1), and maize DDGS (group EC-2).The feed ration was found not to affect the chemical composition of Longissimus thoracis muscle. All feeding groups were characterised by a similar total content of SFA, MUFA and PUFA. The EC-2 group was characterised by a significantly higher content of C18:1 n-7 acid as compared to the two other groups and of CLA when compared to EC-1 group. L. thoracis muscle of animals from CC group was characterised by the highest content of C14:1, C 16:1 n-9, C 17:1 and C20:1 n-9 acids, with the differences being statistically significant when compared to EC-2 group. In group EC-2 analyses demonstrated a statistically higher n-6/n-3 PUFA ratio, in respect of the other groups. Muscle of the animals from EC-2 group, compared to that of CC group, was characterised by a significantly higher content of α-tocopherol. Out of the analysed quality parameters of meat, only pH value in group EC-1 was higher than in EC-2 group.

Effect of Pasture or Maize Silage Feeding on the Nutritional Value of BeefThe objective of this study was to evaluate the nutritional value of beef from different production systems. The study was conducted with Hereford bulls on organic and conventional farms. On the organic farm, fattening was mainly based on roughages, including pasture forage in the summer season, when the end of fattening occurred. On the conventional farm the bulls were fed maize silage and concentrate. On both farms, the animals were aged 7-9 months at the beginning of fattening. The bulls were fattened to a final body weight of 550-600 kg. Samples oflongissimus thoracismuscle were collected from half-carcasses of slaughtered bulls originating from each farm to analyse fat content, fatty acid profile, and content of selected minerals and vitamin E. Muscle samples were additionally analysed for the concentration of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances 3 and 7 days after slaughter. Analyses showed a lower fat content inlongissimus thoracismuscle of bulls from the pasture feeding system. The fatty acid profile was also characterized by a lower content of C 14:0, and a higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), including C18:3n-3, conjugated linoleic acid, C 20:5n-3, and C 22:5n-3, as well as by a lower ratio ofn-6/n-3 PUFA. The total content of monounsaturated fatty acids was significantly higher in animals fed maize silage and feed concentrate. In turn, the muscle of pasture fed animals had higher levels of Na, Zn and Fe as well as of vitamin E.