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The purpose of this study was to examine the work integrity relationship between behaviors directly influenced by integrity of employers and employees, and variables that may enhance or hinder the integrity levels in the relationships between industrial and organizational psychology. The study included one sample of 121 participants tested in the Czech Republic, using an integrity test, personality tests, morality assessments, a social desirability scale, and tests focusing on undesirable and deviant work behaviors. The linear regression model proposed significant predictors of integrity with a positive effect: work years, Openness to new experiences, Conscientiousness, and Impression management, thus representing enhancing integrity factors. Non-clinical psychopathy was found to be the only significant predictor of a negative effect, hence demonstrating a hindering integrity factor. Although integrity predicts work-related undesirable behavior and moral disengagement, testing during the recruitment process is costly. Our findings illustrate a set of variables that enhance or hinder integrity levels. Therefore, this study may provide alternative means for measuring or re-evaluating integrity test results.

The experiment aimed to determine the effect of substituting 50% of soy protein for lupin protein in feed mixtures intended for the nutrition of high-yield Isa Brown laying hens, on selected biochemical blood plasma indicators. The trial was designed as a long-lasting feeding experiment (51 weeks) and involved a total of 180 hens divided in three experimental groups (control group C and experimental groups WLS and WDLS). At the end of the laying cycle, blood samples were taken from the hens by puncture of the vena basilica and subsequently, the required blood plasma indicators were analysed in the laboratory. The results demonstrated that the long-term feeding of white lupin (variety Zulika) did not affect the molar concentration of plasma inorganic phosphorus (P), magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na), potassium (K), chloride (Cl), uric acid (UAC) and the activity of alanine aminotransferase (AST). By contrast, the substitution of soy protein for lupin protein in the diets of the experimental groups of laying hens led to the statistically significant (p ≤ .05) decrease of total plasma protein (TP), total cholesterol (Chol), calcium (Ca) and triacylglycerides (TAG) and to an increase (p ≤ .05) of alkaline phosphatase activity (ALP).Highlights Replacement of soya protein with white lupin protein reduced cholesterol and triacylglycerides in blood plasma Feedstuff including white lupin protein did not affect negatively the health status of the layers

Fish farming has a long tradition in Central Europe. Aquaculture is highly developed here and even so, freshwater fish meat consumption is still very low. Freshwater fish meat is an important source of n–3 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA), principally eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) which have an indisputable effect on human health and prevent the genesis of human coronary disease. Previous researches revealed many aspects affecting the PUFA quantity. In general, the fatty acid composition of fish lipids affects age, seasonal change, nutrition, sex, reproductive cycle, geographical location, etc. This review represents a step towards the characterization of the fatty acid composition of economically important freshwater fish species from different points of view, including the above-mentioned factors and taking into consideration the way of stunning and differences of lipid composition in individual fish body sections.

© The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer-Verlag GmbH Germany 2022., Objective: Our objective was to assess cognitive functioning across multiple cognitive domains using a standardised neuropsychological battery in patients with motor functional neurological disorders (mFND). Methods: Thirty patients with clinically established mFND and 30 age-, sex- and education-matched control subjects underwent a thorough neuropsychological assessment evaluating (1) attention including processing speed, (2) executive functions including working memory, (3) short-term memory, (4) speech and language and (5) visuospatial functions. Performance validity tests (PVT) and self-report measures of depression, anxiety and cognitive complaints were included in the assessment. Only patients with valid test performance were included in the analysis. Results: Three patients scored below the cut-off scores in PVT. Patients performed significantly worse than controls in the following areas: (1) the attention domain which included a slow processing speed (p = 0.005, Cohen's d = 0.89), (2) executive functions (p = 0.01, Cohen's d = 0.88) and (3) speech and language domains (p = 0.025, Cohen's d = 0.77). Patients with mFND showed greater intra-individual variability in cognitive performance (p = 0.005, Cohen's d = 0.94). Cognitive impairments were independent of depressive symptoms, which were higher in mFND patients. Conclusion: This study revealed both subjective and objective cognitive impairment in patients with mFND. The neuropsychological profile in mFND was characterised primarily by attentional impairment including a slow processing speed and a high intra-individual variability in cognitive performance. Cognitive impairment was associated with a valid test performance, highlighting that the deficits observed were not likely to be explained by a lack of effort in the patient group. Attention is considered to play a key role in mFND pathophysiology, and the results suggest that such impairments are objectively measurable., The study was supported by the Ministry of Health of the Czech Republic, AZV No. 16-29651A.

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 the study was to compare the chemical composition and fatty acid profile in ten clinically healthy bulls of similar weight from eight meat cattle breeds. The animals were raised by extensive grazing under the same geographical conditions. Significant differences were observed between the monitored genotypes in terms of the dry matter content, nitrogenous matter and fats (P ≤ 0.05) in the musculus longissimus thoracis. The concentration of fats ranged from 68.5 ± 18.81 g (Galloway cattle) to 171.6 ± 43.3 g (Aberdeen Angus) per kg of dry matter. The total content of unsaturated fatty acids ranged from 20.0 ± 2.25 g (Aberdeen Angus) to 42.4 ± 7.87 g (Gascon); the total sum of monounsaurated fatty acids ranged from 17.0 ± 2.26 g (Aberdeen Angus) to 33.8 ± 3.61 g (Gascon); and the total sum of polyunsaturated fatty acids ranged from 3.0 ± 1.42 g (Aberdeen Angus) to 5.1 ± 3.99 g (Limousin) per 100 g of fat. The total content of n-6 fatty acids ranged from 2.4 ± 1.28 g (Aberdeen Angus) to 4.2 ± 3.59 g (Limousin) and the total content of n-3 fatty acids from 0.5 ± 0.16 g (Salers) to 1.1 ± 0.04 g (Gascon) per 100 g of fat. The properties we studied may predict the biological, dietetic, and culinary value of the meat.

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

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

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 development of new varieties of lupin, so-called “sweet lupinsˮ with low alkaloid (bitter substances) and high protein content has resulted in a renewed interest in utilization of lupin as source of proteins in human and animal nutrition. The nutraceutical potential of lupin can be applied in the prevention from various pathological states in humans; by suppressing appetite and affecting energy balance, by its positive effect on glycaemia and indicators of blood lipids, by its positive influence on hypertension and by improving defecation. In the field of animal nutrition, lupin seeds can positively affect both production indicators and the biological value of food of animal origin. Nutrients, anti-nutritional substances, legumes, nutraceutical potential The Lupinus genus includes approximately 300 species of annual and perennial herbs. A number of them had been grown and had been part of human diet, as well as feed for animals in the Mediterranean region for centuries. At the beginning of the last century, new, so-called “sweet” lupin varieties low in alkaloids (bitter substances) and high in proteins were developed. That was an impulse for renewed interest in its utilization and lupin became the source of proteins in the nutrition of both humans and animals (Dijkstra et al. 2003). So in the 20 th century, lupin became part of modern agriculture

The paper provides an overview of results obtained in the study of variation in free amino acid levels in the blood plasma of breeding roosters (RIR 05 line) during sexual maturation (in the 10th, 15th, 20th and 25th weeks of age). The results prove that dynamic changes in free amino acid concentrations in blood plasma are connected with the sexual maturation of breeding roosters. During this period the concentrations of each particular free amino acid varied at a significance level of P ≤ 0.05 and P ≤ 0.01. Furthermore, in most cases the plasma concentrations of free amino acids in the 10th and 15th week were higher in comparison with those in the 20th and 25th week. Interestingly, the concentrations of individual free amino acids ranged over a wide interval (units, tens and hundreds of μmol/l). In this respect the free amino acids in plasma can be divided into three groups. The first group consisted of amino acids that occurred at low molar concentration (up to 100 μmol/l): cysteic acid, aspartic acid, α-aminoadipic acid, methionine, isoleucine, γ-aminobutyric acid, 3-methylhistidine, tryptophan and ornitine. The second group included amino acids occurring at medium to high molar concentration (100–300 μmol/l): taurine, glutamine, 1/2 cystine, valine, leucine, tyrosine, phenylalanine, histidine, lysine and arginine. Finally, the third group contained threonine, serine, glutamic acid, proline, glycine and alanine that were present at high molar concentrations (above 300 μmol/l). Analyses of plasma in the period from the 10th to 25th week detected dynamic changes in levels of individual free amino acids and showed that the total content of these amino acids gradually decreased to the following mean values: 5 685.00 μmol/l in the 10th week, 5 076.21 μmol/l in the 15th week, 4 384.78 μmol/l in the 20th week and 4 793.30 μmol/l in the 25th week.

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 colour and viscosity of egg yolk are among major indicators assessed by consumers and food technology. This study attempts to evaluate the colour and viscosity of yolk in laying hens’ eggs after the addition of dried beetroot (Beta vulgaris L. ssp. esculenta var. rubra) at the amount of 1% and 2% per feeding dose (in July and August 2012). The experiment was performed on 24 hens that were divided into three groups of 8 laying hens. The preparatory phase lasted one week (standard diet), followed by four weeks during which experimental layers received a diet enriched with beetroot. Then, all layers were fed a mixture without beetroot for the following four weeks. Eggs were collected during the whole period of 8 weeks. In total, 30 eggs from each group were subjected to analysis. The colour of eggs was determined using spectrophotometry, by the Colour-guide sphere spex portable colorimeter. The results showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in value L* of yolk colour in experimental groups whereas values a* and b* (indicators of the international colorimetric scale CIELAB) did not vary significantly. Similarly, specific purity C*ab did not show a significant difference (P < 0.05) between the control and experimental groups. The egg yolk viscosity was lower in experimental groups compared to the control group but the difference was not significant. The addition of dried beetroot at the amount of 1 and 2% per feeding dose had no effect on colour and viscosity. This paper supported the null hypothesis that the addition of dried beetroot to the feeding dose at the amount of 1% and 2% has no effect on the colour and viscosity of egg yolk. Antioxidants, CIELAB, Beta vulgaris, poultry nutrition, food technology The colour and viscosity of egg yolk are among major indicators assessed by consumers when they evaluate the quality of eggs. Egg yolk contains 35% of lipids, 16% of proteins and most 0.2% of lipophilic pigments including carotenoids (Kriz 1997). All egg yolk components contribute to its final colour. The effect of diet administered to laying hens is manifested by a number of colour tones, ranging from light yellow to dark orange (Lomakina and Mikova 2006). The colour of egg yolk is also affected by carotenoids, particularly lutein and zeaxanthin, and xanthophyls with their antioxidant effects. Beta vulgaris L. ssp. esculenta var. rubra contains among others also flavonoids, betanin, quercetin, and polyphenols (Lichtenthaler et al. 2005). The term „chromaticity“ has been used to describe the properties of the source of light and express colour properties (spectral composition). Unlike the subjective perception of colour, colorities can be compared using spectrophotometric instruments with defined parameters (Dvorak et al. 2009). The results of reflection and absorption are expressed using the international colorimetric scale CIELAB (Commission Internationale de l’Eclairage 1986) which is based on differences between three elementary complementary colour pairs: red-green (value a*), yellow-blue (value b*) and black-white (value L*). The third indicator, specific lightness L*, is the function of reflectance, i.e. the ratio between the intensity of reflected light and the intensity of incident light from 0 (black) to 100 (white). The other indicators are defined by ACTA VET. BRNO 2014, 83: 039–044; doi:10.2754/avb201483010039 Address for correspondence: Vladimir Kopřiva Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno Palackeho tř. 1/3, 612 42 Brno, Czech Republic Phone: +420 541 562 610 E-mail: koprivav@vfu.cz http://actavet.vfu.cz/ calculations: The distance between the two points represented by ΔE* (CIE total colour difference); specific purity C*ab (the chroma of the colour) is the value by which particular colority differs from grey; the specific angle of the colour tone hab (hue) is described as the name of colority in relation to colour (Dvorak et al. 2009; 2012). The diet composition is a major factor affecting the colour of egg yolk. Viscosity as a physical indicator depends on the age of an egg, storage temperature, the pH value, specific weight, water content and egg stress. When assessing the viscosity of the whole egg, one should particularly consider the viscosity of egg yolk since it is usually × 8 greater than the viscosity of egg white (Simeonovova et al. 2003). The aim of this study was to find if the addition of beetroot to poultry feed affects yolk colour detected by the SIELAB system, and whether the addition of beetroot to the diet of laying hens affects the viscosity of egg yolk. Materials and Methods Experimental design The experiment was performed in the accredited enclosure of the Faculty of Veterinary Hygiene and Ecology, University of Veterinary and Pharmaceutical Sciences Brno. The laying hens were reared using enriched cage technology. The experiment was performed (in July and August 2012) on 24 Isabrown hybrid hens aged 28 weeks that were divided into three groups of 8 laying hens. The groups of hens were housed in separate cages. During the experiment, laying hens received a complete commercial feeding mixture ad libitum (crude protein 159.0 g·kg-1, fat 25.8 g·kg-1, fibre 26 g·kg-1, ash 104.5 g·kg-1, Ca 33.2 g·kg-1, P 4.9 g·kg-1, Mg 3.1 g·kg-1 and metabolic energy 11.7 MJ·kg-1). Water was administered continually ad libitum using automatic feeders. Two experimental groups received homogenized dried beetroot (Beta vulgaris L. ssp. esculenta var. rubra) at the amount of 1% (group 1) and 2% (group 2) in their feeding mixture. The last group was control that received only the feeding mixture without the addition of beetroot. One week before the start of the experiment the hens were fed a standard diet. This week was followed by 4 weeks of diet enriched with beetroot. Afterwards all layers were fed a mixture without beetroot for the following 4 weeks. Eggs were collected during the whole period of 8 weeks. In total, 30 eggs (that were allowed to stand at 6 °C for 96 h) from each group were subjected to analysis. Methods Egg yolk colour was determined first, followed by determination of yolk viscosity. Prior to measurement, egg yolk was separated from egg white and placed on a Petri dish with a diameter of 50 mm. Then, it was mixed and covered using a thin plastic foil for wrapping food. The colour was determined using a spectrophotometric method in the CIELAB system, using the Colour-guide sphere spex portable spectrophotometer (Byk Gardner), without gloss, with the following set-up: spherical geometry d/8°, the source of light D65, standard observer’s angle 10°, and the diameter of aperture 8 mm. All measurements were carried out × 3; the mean of all three measured values was calculated to give the resultant value. In order to compare the results, the mean values of L*, a*, b* coordinates were used to calculate further parameters of the CIELAB system. The distance between the two points ΔE* (CIE total color difference) was calculated according to the following formula: DE* = [(DL*)2 + (Da*)2 + (Db*)2]1/2. Chroma C*ab is the value by which the particular colority differs from grey; it was calculated according to the following formula: C*ab = (a* 2 + b*2)1/2. Hue hab is described as the name of a colour. Its value is calculated according to the following formula: hab = tg -1 (b*/a*). Egg yolk viscosity was determined using the Rheo-viscometer. Samples in a cuvette KZ 100 were allowed to reach 20 °C. The determination of viscosity of substances in a range of 0.05 to 106 Pa·s. Due to the size of the cuvette, two homogenized and tempered yolks were measured at the same time. The sample was poured into the cuvette and mixed × 10 by moving a ball inside the cuvette. A total of 15 samples from each group were analysed on a particular date of collection. Viscosity was measured × 3 for each sample of yolks and the arithmetic mean obtained from three measurements was used in further evaluation. A period of 40 s was allowed between individual measurements. Statistical analysis Data were statistically processed for each indicator (L*, a*, b*) and viscosity (Table 1 and Figs 1–3). The dependence of egg yolk colour indicators and viscosity on the addition of beetroot in a feeding dose was tested by using one-factor ANOVA (MS EXCEL 2003). Dependences of the above-mentioned factors on the laying period were based on the mean values in individual collection cycles using two-factor ANOVA. Since we did not expect large differences among experimental groups, null hypothesis (feeding the laying hens with a diet supplemented with beetroot does not affect colour or viscosity of egg yolk) was established for the level of significance α = 0.05. 40

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

The aim of the research was to enrich eggs with n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids by using plant oils and fish oil as dietary supplements in laying hens’ feed. The focus was put on the effect of the daily consumption of 100 g of egg yolk, i.e. 100 g of egg mass, on the human health. The 1st group of laying hens was fed a diet containing soybean and fish oil, and the 2nd group was given feed containing a combination of linseed, rapeseed, soybean, and fish oils. Eggs laid by the 2nd group contained 4.73% α-linolenic acid, 0.20% eicosapentaenoic acid and 2.37% docosahexaenoic acid (% of total fatty acids in yolk lipids, P < 0.001), which marks an increase of × 4.04 for α-linolenic acid, × 3.33 for eicosapentaenoic acid, and × 1.75 for docosahexaenoic acid compared to eggs laid by the 1st group. Total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids in eggs of the 2nd group were × 2.8 higher than in the 1st first group. Calculated per 100 g of eggs of the 2nd group, the intake for the human body corresponds to 435 mg α-linolenic acid, 18.43 mg eicosapentaenoic acid, and 218.2 mg docosahexaenoic acid.

The aim of our study was to determine the effects of selenium supplementation to broiler feed on the content of selenium, total fatty acids in lipids and on the oxidative stability of broiler thigh muscle tissue. The experiment involved 40 broilers fattened for 42 days. During the first three weeks, all broilers consumed starter diet containing 22% crude protein. After three weeks, broilers were divided into two groups and fed finisher diets containing 18% crude protein and supplemented with 3% sunflower oil and 3% linseed oil. Group 1 was not administered artificial selenium; Group 2 was supplemented with organic selenium at the amount of 0.5 mg Se/kg of feed. Significantly higher (P < 0.05) content of selenium was observed in the thigh muscle tissue of Group 2 compared to Group 1 (1.071 and 0.511 mg/kg of dry matter, respectively). The increase of selenium content in feed to 0.5 mg/kg resulted in an increase of total n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (from 5.27% to 6.25%), and in reduction of total monounsaturated fatty acids (from 39.60% to 36.74%) in the lipids of thigh muscle tissue. The increase in total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids induced significant (P < 0.05) lowering of the n6/n3 polyunsaturated fatty acids ratio (4.62 and 5.01 for the first and second group, respectively). The increase of selenium content in broiler feed led to a decrease of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (P > 0.05) and increase of linolenic acid and total n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (P < 0.05) in thigh muscle tissue of broilers. Since selenium and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids are nutricines, our results show that the produced broiler meat may be considered as functional food.

The aim of our study was to compare nutritional quality of oils of legumes (soybean, pea, faba bean and lupin) and oil plants (rape, sunflower, poppy and flax) grown in the Czech Republic. Individual seeds of legumes and oil seeds were analysed for fat content and fatty acid profile. Fatty acids were detected by gas chromatography, following fat extraction. The fatty acid profile was evaluated for contents of fatty acids saturated, unsaturated, monounsaturated, polyunsaturated, n-3 and n-6 fatty acids. The highest proportion of fat in the dry matter of seed was found in poppy, followed by sunflower, flax, rape, soybean, lupin, pea, and faba bean. Differences in fat contents between individual plants were highly significant (P ≤ 0.01), except for differences between flax and rape (P ≤ 0.05), pea and faba bean and poppy and sunflower (non-significant). Apart from rapeseed, markedly higher proportions of polyunsaturated fatty acids were found in other oils but rapeseed had the least content of saturated fatty acids. Legumes had a favourable ratio of n-3:n-6 fatty acids, especially lupin oil (1:4.3), which is in accordance with the recommended ratio 1:5. Sunflower oil is less suitable, with n-3 present in trace concentration. The most significant source of n-3 is flaxseed oil. The study brings new findings regarding oil composition in a wide range of feed components. These data may be used for development of diets for specific purposes and for production of functional food. Fat content, fatty acid, PUFA, n-3, n-6, n-9 Legume seeds contain small amounts of fat and are not grown for the purpose of fat extraction like oilseeds, with the exception of soybean. The fat content in legumes has been studied by a number of authors (Karaaslan 2008; Campos-Vega et al. 2010; Chiofalo et al. 2012); and so has the composition of oilseeds (Eriksson et al. 1994; Bozan and Temelli 2003, 2008; Ozcan and Atalay 2006). Oils contained in legumes, although less discussed, might perform an important nutritional role regarding their fatty acid (FA) profile. An important criterion for oil assessment for dietary purposes is represented by the contents and mutual proportions of fatty acids (FA): saturated fatty acids (SFA) and unsaturated fatty acids (UFA). The quality of fat is most revealed by monounsaturated (MUFA) and polyunsaturated (PUFA) fatty acid contents. These groups include essential fatty acids which are important for both human and animal nutrition. Recommendations for human diet are as follows: fat should represent 15–30% of the overall energy intake, of which saturated fatty acids should account for less than 10%, polyunsaturated fatty acids for 6–10%, n-6 for 5–8%, n-3 for 1–2%, and trans fatty acids for less than 1% (Krejci-Treu et al. 2010). Special emphasis is laid on sufficient intake of n-3 FA and mutual proportion of n-3 FA:n-6 FA in the diet. The recommended ratio is 1:5 (Strakova et al. 2008). Fatty acid profiles of various oils are monitored but a more extensive survey of fatty acid profiles of legumes and oil plants grown in the moderate climate of central Europe is still missing. Different authors have analysed profiles of fatty acids in different oilseeds. Perez et al. (2004) and Sabudak (2007) analysed sunflower seeds, Bayrak et al. (2010) analysed different cultivars of flax, while El-Beltagi and Mohamed

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 study was to monitor the carry-over of melamine and its metabolite cyanuric acid from melamine-contaminated feed administered to layers into eggs. Ten experimental Isa Brown layers (36 week of age) were fed melamine-contaminated feed containing 100 mg of melamine per kg of feed. The duration of the experiment was 6 weeks. Eggs were collected during whole experiment. Analysis of eggs was done by a simple extraction of melamine and cyanuric acid residues, using a water-acetonitrile mixture and analysed by gas chromatography - triple quadrupole mass spectrometry. Melamine and cyanuric acid residues were detected in all eggs collected from the experimental layers, immediately after the first administration of melamine-contaminated feed. The mean concentrations of melamine in the egg yolk and egg white recalculated on a dry matter basis were 1.90 mg·kg-1 ± 0.158 and 10.84 mg·kg-1 ± 3.951 (P ≤ 0.01); the cyanuric acid contents were 6.54 mg·kg-1 ± 0.2.466 and 4.07 mg·kg-1 ± 0.909, respectively. Melamine and cyanuric acid were not detected in eggs from control layers. Concentrations of melamine and cyanuric acid in eggs decreased quickly after melamine feeding was stopped. Our results indicate that melamine undergoes biotransformation to cyanuric acid in the layer’s body that also passed into the eggs. The results verified the presence of distribution metabolic pathway of melamine and its easiest transfer into egg yolk. Moreover, the biotransformation of melamine into cyanuric acid in eggs of layers was confirmed.

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

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

The experiment was performed with a total of 180 day-old, ROSS 308 combination, meat-type hybrid chickens that were divided according to sex into the control group (C1 and C2 with 30♀ and 30♂, respectively) and two experimental groups: GLY-P1 and P2 with pure glycerol (30♀ and 30♂), and GLY-R1 and R2 with raw glycerol (30♀ and 30♂). The chickens received three feeding mixtures during the experiment: the pre-fattening mixture (BR 1) until Day 14, the fattening mixture (BR 2) from Day 15 to Day 30, and the post-fattening mixture from Day 31 to Day 40 (BR 3). 50 % of the soybean oil in feeding mixtures used in the experimental groups (GLY-P and GLY-R) was replaced with pure or raw glycerol at a ratio of 1:2. The feed and water were available ad libitum for consumption. The mean live weight of both male and female chickens in experimental groups on Days 15 and 40 was statistically significantly higher (P≤0.05, P≤0.01) than that in the control group. The consumption of the feeding mixture during the entire 40-day fattening period was higher in female and male chickens in experimental groups. The differences in the mean weight of processed carcass between the control and experimental groups were very significant (P≤0.01). Glycerol obtained during rapeseed processing is a suitable source of energy and can be added in feeds designed for farm animals.

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

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

The 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 aim of this work was to compare gross energy (GE) in breast and thigh muscles in the following six species of feathered game reared in Europe: guineafowl (Numida meleagris), common pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), Japanese quail (Coturnix coturnix japonica), chukar (Alectoris chucar), grey partridge (Perdix perdix) and wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo). Calorimetric analysis revealed significant (P ≤ 0.05) and highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) differences between individual species in the content of energy in breast and thigh muscles. The highest content of energy (recalculated to dry matter) was found in breast muscles from wild turkey (24.75 MJ·kg-1) and Japanese quail (24.57 MJ·kg-1) whereas the highest content of energy (recalculated to dry matter) in thigh muscles was found in Japanese quail and grey partridge. Highly significant (P ≤ 0.01) differences in the energy content were also found between breast and thigh muscles in all studied game species except for wild turkey. Differences in the content of energy in muscles between individual species occur mainly due to different contents of fat in muscles. This is also confirmed by high correlation coefficients between the content of energy and the content of fat in breast (r = 0.912) and thigh muscles (r = 0.878). Our study provides more specific data on the amount of energy in muscles of major species of feathered game reared in Europe and significantly extends current knowledge in this field.

This study was designed to verify the effect of diets containing lupin meal on the composition of fat in meat from fattened broiler chickens. It follows from the results that an increasing level of lupin meal (E1 and E2) resulted in a gradual decrease in the average level of saturated fatty acids (SFAs) in fat in breast and thigh muscles from experimental chickens as compared to the control group. This decrease was charac - terized by a significant ( P ≤ 0.05) to highly significant ( P ≤ 0.01) reduction in the level of palmitic acid, which is the most common fatty acid. Diets containing lupin meal showed an increase in monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs). Particularly oleic acid contributed significantly to an overall increase in MUFAs ( P ≤ 0.01). Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) from the n-6 group showed only a slight decrease in fat in meat from chickens in the experimental group. Linoleic acid as the most common PUFA found in the fat from chicken muscles showed a significantly lower level in breast muscles in the E2 group ( P ≤ 0.05) as compared to the control and the E1 group. A similar trend was also observed for γ-linolenic acid in fat from breast muscles. The level of arachidonic acid in fat from muscles in experimental groups also decreased. The levels of PUFAs n-3 in fat from chicken muscles were found to increase in experimental groups. Of all PUFAs n-3 examined in fat from breast and thigh muscles, α-linolenic acid was found at the highest levels. Its levels in fat from muscles varied with an increasing amount of lupin meal in a diet. However, a highly significant increase (P ≤ 0.01) was confirmed only in thigh muscles. A rise in PUFAs n-3 which is associated with the dietary supplementation of lupin meal is particularly beneficial as it affected the Σ PUFAs n-3:Σ PUFAs n-6 ratio, thereby enhancing the nutritional value of chicken meat with regard to human nutrition.

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

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.

The present paper extends the knowledge of selected blood indicators in six 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 Europe. The red blood cell (RBC) values in individual species of feathered game ranged as follows: the mean RBC counts varied in a range of 2.10 - 2.58 T/l; haematocrit values were in a range of 0.33 - 0.39 1/1; haemoglobin concentration varied in a range of 101.20 - 129.13 g/l; mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) ranged from 28.63 to 35.44%; mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) varied in a range of 46.15 - 62.07 pg and the mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was 147.66 - 178.20 fl. Except for the total concentration of haemoglobin and the mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, no significant differences were found between the mean values of RBC values in individual species of feathered game. However, some differences between species were found in white blood cell (WBC) values, ranging as follows: the total WBC count ranged from 13.55 to 26.90 G/l, basophil granulocytes from 0.011 to 0.110 G/l, eosinophil granulocytes from 0.011 to 0.593 G/l, neutrophil granulocytes from 1.868 to 6.661 G/l, lymphocytes from 10.937 to 20.922 G/l and monocytes from 0.034 to 0.199 G/l. Most values showed significant (P ⪬ 0.05) to highly significant (P ⪬ 0.01) interspecies differences. The main goal of the study was to investigate selected haematological indicators in six major species of feathered game.

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of dietary supplementation with rapeseed and linseed oils on changes of the fatty acid profile in porcine meat. The research was conducted on 45 fattening pigs divided into three groups. Group 1 was given a diet with 2% of sunflower oil, group 2 was given a diet with 2% of rapeseed oil and group 3 was given a diet supplemented with 2% of linseed oil. The highest content of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and the most favourable ratio of n-6/n-3 PUFA was determined in the meat of pigs that were fed diets with linseed oil (P < 0.001), whereas the meat of pigs that were fed diets with sunflower oil had an unfavourable ratio of these acids. The results point out the necessity of finding out optimal portions of forages rich in PUFA to improve the ratio of fatty acids in porcine muscle tissue. Pigs, fatty acids, PUFA, n-6/n-3 ratio The content and composition of saturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in human nutrition is important for human health protection. A high content of saturated fatty acids (SFA) contained in food, and an unfavourable ratio of n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) can be a cause of many cardiovascular diseases. Porcine meat contains