The Effect of a Diet Supplemented with Organic Minerals and l-Carnitine on Egg Production and Chemical Composition and on Some Blood Traits of Pheasant Hens (Phasianus colchicus).

The study aimed to determine the effect of replacing 75% of inorganic calcium, iron, zinc, and copper salts with organic forms (glycine chelates of these elements) with or without the addition of l-carnitine on some reproductive traits and the blood lipid and mineral profile, as well as mineral and fatty acid profile of pheasant egg yolk. The study was performed on three groups of pheasant hens using glycine chelates with calcitriol (group II) or analogical treatment with the addition of l-carnitine at the level of 100 mg/kg of feed (group III) instead of Ca, Fe, Cu, and Zn salts (control). The replacement of inorganic forms with glycinates contributed to an increase in the number of laid eggs with a concomitant lower share of rejected eggs. The supplementation of organic forms of minerals improved mineral absorption and bioavailability in blood serum as well as in the egg yolk of experimental groups. Egg yolk fat was characterized by a higher proportion of polyunsaturated fatty acids and a favorable ratio of PUFA ω-3/ω-6. The proposed nutritional supplementation of the pheasant's diet might be a good strategy for increasing the nutritional reserves of poultry and improving their reproduction.

Barley, Triticale, or Rye? The Type of Grain Can Affect the Growth Performance and Meat Quality of Sustainable Raised Pigs.

The effect of high level of barley, triticale, or rye as base of complete mixtures for growing-finishing pigs on growth performance, carcass traits, meat quality, and fatty acid profile in meat and backfat was investigated. The 100-day experiment involved 72 pigs, assigned into three groups (24 animals each). Pigs of each group were kept in six pens (two gilts and two barrows per pen). Diets offered to pigs differed in the proportion of cereals as the leading ingredients in the mixture formulation: I-barley, II-triticale, III-rye. The results showed diversified grain influence on the production results and meat quality. Triticale- and barley-based diets ensured better weight gain and lower carcass fatness than rye (p ≤ 0.05). The basic nutrients digestibility of mixtures containing triticale was comparable to that containing barley and higher than that of rye (p ≤ 0.05). The meat and backfat of pigs receiving diet with triticale or barley was characterized by more favorable fatty acids profile in respect to the health-promoting indicators (atherogenicity and thrombogenicity indexes; hypocholesterolemic/hypercholesterolemic ratio). The cholesterol level in various tissues was the lowest in pigs fed with rye diet, and their meat characterized by better water holding capacity and more SFA. Higher fat saturation indicate better resistance to oxidation during storage and longer meat shelf life. It seems that the supplementation of triticale to diet may improve the growth efficiency of pigs and the health-promoting value of meat, while the supplementation of rye may be better for the production of traditional or long-matured meat products.

Antioxidant status in the blood, liver, and muscle tissue of turkey hens receiving a diet with alfalfa protein concentrate.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of the oxidative potential of turkeys fed a diet with alfalfa protein concentrate (APC), used throughout the rearing period or periodically at 2-wk intervals. The research material consisted of 6-wk-old BIG 6 turkey hens kept in pens, 5 birds per pen in 6 replicates. The experimental factor was the addition of APC to the diet in the amount of 15 or 30 g/kg of diet. APC was administered in 2 ways: birds received a diet with APC throughout the experiment or periodically. In the latter case, the birds received the diet with APC for 2 wk, and then for 2 wk they received the standard diet without APC. Levels of nutrients in the diet; flavonoids, polyphenols, tannins, and saponins in APC; uric acid, creatinine, bilirubin, and some antioxidants in the blood; and enzyme parameters in the blood and tissues of turkeys were determined. The use of APC in the diet stimulated antioxidant processes, which could be seen in the values of the pro-oxidant-antioxidant parameters of the tissues and blood plasma of turkeys. The significant reduction in the H2O2 level (P = 0.042) and slight reduction in the MDA level (P = 0.083), accompanied by an increase in catalase (P = 0.046) activity in the turkeys continuously receiving APC in the amount of 30 g/kg of diet, as well as the increase in plasma antioxidant parameters (vitamin C, P = 0.042 and FRAP, P = 0.048) in these birds, reflects improvement in their antioxidant status. Thus continuous use of the APC supplement in the amount of 30 g/kg of diet proved to be a better feeding practice to optimize oxidative potential than periodic inclusion of APC.

Effect of Microbial Phytase on Ileal Digestibility of Minerals, Plasma and Urine Metabolites, and Bone Mineral Concentrations in Growing-Finishing Pigs.

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of added phytase in the diet of pigs on utilization of minerals and to determine the essential levels of this supplement in compound feed. An additional aim of the study was a critical assessment of current recommendations regarding the level of phosphorus in the diet of pigs, taking into account the use of phytase. A total of 432 pigs were allotted to six dietary treatments, with nine replicate pens per treatment according to body weight (BW) and sex. The treatments included a negative control (NC) with reduced content of digestible phosphorus; the NC diet supplemented with 6-phytase produced by a genetically modified strain of Aspergillus oryzae in the amount of 250 (NC + 250), 500 (NC + 500), 1000 (NC + 1000), or 1500 (NC + 1500) FTU/kg of feed; and a positive control (PC) diet formulated to meet NCR nutrient requirements for pigs. The results showed that, the higher the phytase activity in the diet (NC+), the lower the concentration of P, Ca, and Mg in the chyme (p < 0.05). Pigs fed the PC and NC+ diets had higher plasma levels of P and Ca than group NC in both fattening periods (p < 0.05). The content of phosphorus in the femur of pigs increased with the level of phytase added to the diet (p < 0.05). The content of Cu and Zn in the femur of pigs in the growing period was higher in groups NC + 500 and NC + 1000 than in the remaining experimental groups (p < 0.001). The content of P and Ca in the feces was higher in pigs fed the PC diet in comparison to the remaining experimental groups in both fattening periods (p < 0.001). There was a decrease in the content of P, Ca, and Mg in the excreta of pigs fed NC+ diets in both fattening periods (p < 0.05). A linear decrease in excretion of zinc in the feces was noted in the case of high levels of phytase, i.e., 1000 and 1500 FTU (p < 0.001). Increasing the level of phytase decreased the Cu (p < 0.001) content in the urine of growing−finishing pigs. In conclusion, the analysis of the effects of the use of phytase in a range of 0−1500 FTU/kg in low-phosphorus diets for fattening pigs indicates that 1000 FTU is the most effective level of phytase for increasing utilization of minerals and reducing excretion of elements into the environment.

Occurrence of Cephenemyia Stimulator Larvae in Male Roe Deer (Capreolus Capreolus L.) in The Lublin Upland, Poland, and Their Impact on Particular Animal Health Indicators.

INTRODUCTION: The aim of the study was to carry out epizootic assessment of male roe deer to detect the presence of Cephenemyia stimulator larvae and determine the influence of the parasite on the carcass and antler weight in animals living in different habitats. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The investigations were based on post-mortem analysis of Cephenemyia stimulator infestations of the nasal passages and throat of 177 male roe deer culled between May 11 and September 30, 2020 in hunting districts of the Lublin region in Poland. The individual quality of the animals was assessed by weighing the gutted carcasses after cooling, and the antlers were weighed after dissection and their total weight was determined. RESULTS: The parasite prevalence ranged from18 to 48% according to habitat type, with a mean value of 33%. The highest prevalence was detected in bucks living in grassland ecosystems. The presence of the parasites exerted influence on the individual condition of the animals, which was reflected in reduced carcass and antler weight. The differences were found both in young individuals and in somatically fully developed animals, but they were not statistically significant in all age groups. CONCLUSION: Although the parasitic infestations impaired the individual condition traits, their parametric values in most cases were not lower than those reported from other regions of Poland. Despite the Cephenemyia stimulator infestation, male roe deer from the Lublin region are characterised by high carcass and antler weight.

Effect of Inulin Source and a Probiotic Supplement in Pig Diets on Carcass Traits, Meat Quality and Fatty Acid Composition in Finishing Pigs.

In this experiment, we investigated the effect of the supplementation of probiotic bacteria in the diet with inulin or dried Jerusalem artichoke tubers on the performance, meat quality, and fatty acid composition in the meat and backfat of fatteners. One hundred and forty-four crossbred pigs (PIC × Penarlan P76) were divided into six groups and fattened from 30 to 114 kg. The meat proximate composition, pH, color, texture, shear force, water-holding capacity, sensory attributes, and thiobarbituric-acid-reactive substances were measured. Normal post-mortem meat glycolysis was demonstrated and no meat defects were present. The chemical constituents in muscle tissues were similar, except for intramuscular fat (IMF). The addition of the prebiotics resulted in a higher IMF level, whereas a significantly lower content was found after the probiotic supplementation. Meat from both prebiotic groups was lighter, less red, and more yellow and showed a higher hue angle. The addition of both prebiotics significantly improved the antioxidant status of meat (by approximately 16% and 18%) and the water-holding capacity (less free water and higher M/T ratios), but reduced shear force (by 17%, p ≤ 0.05) and hardness (by 39% and 35%, respectively, p ≤ 0.05). The addition of the prebiotics and probiotics had no effect on any of the evaluated sensory attributes.

The effects of a fermented rapeseed meal or/and soybean meal additive on the blood lipid profile and immune parameters of piglets and on minerals in their blood and bone.

The aim of the study was to assess the effect of the inclusion of dried fermented soybean and/or rapeseed meal in piglet feed on immune parameters, blood lipid parameters, and mineral content in the blood and metacarpal bones. The study was conducted on 150 28-day-old piglets divided into 5 groups. Piglets in the control group (C) received a standard diet with soybean meal. Animals in group FR (group receiving a diet with 8% FRSM) received a diet in which a portion of the soybean meal was replaced with 8% dried fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM). Animals in group FR/FS received a diet in which a portion of the soybean meal was replaced with 6% FRSM and 2% fermented dried soybean meal (FSBM). The piglets in group FS/FR received a diet with 6% FSBM and 2% FRSM. Group FS received a diet in which a portion of the soybean meal was replaced with an 8% share of FSBM. The inclusion of 8% or 6% fermented rapeseed meal (group FR or FR/FS) in the diet of piglets had a beneficial effect on their immune status, as evidenced by the increase in plasma levels of IgG and IgA and the decrease in IL-6 relative to the control group. It also significantly increased the concentrations of minerals, i.e. P, Ca and Zn, in the blood plasma and metacarpal bones of piglets and improved the availability of iron, a key bioelement involved in haemoglobin. The use of 8% or 6% fermented soybean meal in the diet (groups FS and FS/FR) of piglets had a positive effect on blood lipid parameters, reducing CHOL and LDL-cholesterol in the plasma. In conclusion, the fermentation process enables better utilization of rapeseed or soybean meal by pigs. Dried fermented rapeseed meal could partially replace protein components from GMO (genetically modified ogranism) crops (soybean meal) used in diets for pigs.

The Effect of Replacement of Soybean Meal with Corn Dried Distillers Grains with Solubles (cDDGS) and Differentiation of Dietary Fat Sources on Pig Meat Quality and Fatty Acid Profile.

The aim of the study was to investigate mixtures comprising corn distillers dried grain with solubles as a partial replacer for soybean meal (SBM) and different dietary fat sources, in order to determine their effect on the meat quality and fatty acid profile. Thirty-two crossbred fatteners were divided into four groups: I-SBM + rapeseed oil, II-cDDGS + rapeseed oil, III-cDDGS + beef tallow, IV-cDDGS + coconut oil. The experiment took place from 60 to 118 kg. At the end of fattening, all pigs were slaughtered and samples of meat (musculuslongissimus lumborum) were taken. The fatty acid profile, texture, and quality traits were analyzed. Corn DDGS affected drip loss. Beef tallow and coconut oil improved water holding capacity and drip loss and increased fat content, compared to the control group. The dietary fat type affected the fatty acid composition, iodine value, and consequently some quality traits of meat. However, these relationships varied. Fat content in the meat was inversely correlated with shear force and texture parameters, but positively with tenderness and juiciness. The fatty acid profile significantly influenced cohesiveness, chewiness, resilience and sensory traits, which were the most beneficial in meat with higher fat content and higher fat saturation index.

Effects of Fish Oil and Dietary Antioxidant Supplementation on Bone Health of Growing Lambs.

The aim of the present study was to assess the effects of partial replacement of rapeseed oil (RO) with fish oil (FO) combined with dietary supplementation of various antioxidants on the characteristics of lamb femur. Thirty male lambs were assigned to five dietary treatments and fed isoproteinous and isoenergetic diets for 35 days. The control diet was enriched with 3.0% RO, while the experimental diets were enriched either only with 2.0% RO and 1.0% FO or additionally with 0.1% carnosic acid, 0.1% carnosic acid and 0.35 ppm Se as selenized yeast, or 0.1% carnosic acid and 0.35 ppm Se as sodium selenite. After 35 days, the lambs were slaughtered, and the femur was dissected from the carcass of each animal and analyzed for morphometric, geometric, densitometric, and biomechanical properties. The dietary modifications, specifically the supplementation of FO and selenized yeast, significantly improved the geometric, densitometric, and biomechanical properties of lamb femur.

Nutritional and Anti-Nutritional Factors in Vicia sativa L. Seeds and the Variability of Phenotypic and Morphological Characteristics of Some Vetch Accessions Cultivated in European Countries.

Agricultural research has traditionally focused on staple crops, while relatively little attention has been given to minor crops. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the nutrient contents and some anti-nutritional factors in the seeds of common vetch (Vicia sativa L.) and the variation of phenotypic and morphological traits in field studies of 44 European accessions, originating from Russia, Ukraine, Poland (east and east-central Europe), the Czech Republic, the Slovak Republic, Hungary (south-central Europe), and Germany (west-central Europe) and grown in the same soil-climate conditions. A three-year field study was conducted from 2010 to 2012. Accessions originating from west-central Europe flowered three days earlier than those from south-central Europe. They also had the lowest seed number per pod (5.9) but the highest thousand seed weight (58 g) (p < 0.05). Vetch lines coming from south-central Europe contained the highest level of crude protein in comparison with vetch seeds originating from west-central Europe (353 vs. 324 g kg-1, respectively) (p < 0.05), but the latter had the highest essential amino acid index value (75 vs. 71 in west-central Europe and south-central Europe, respectively) (p < 0.05). The highest protein level was noted in the seeds of Slovak origin (average 358 g kg-1), whereas the lowest protein level (324 g kg-1) was determined in the Russian and German lines. Vetch grain fat was rich in linoleic (53%) and linolenic (14%) acids. The best n-6/n-3 fatty acid ratio (4) and the highest α-linolenic acid level were exhibited by the Slovak and Polish accessions (p < 0.05). The seeds of vetch accessions from east, east-central, and south-central Europe contained higher levels of (p < 0.05) iron than those originating from west-central Europe. The concentration of tannins, trypsin inhibitors, and hydrogen cyanide reached on average 8, 3, and 81 mg kg-1, respectively. The highest hydrogen cyanide (HCN) levels was determined in the accessions of German and Russian origin (126 and 119 mg kg-1, respectively), and the lowest values were noted in the Slovak and Polish lines (50 and 67 mg HCN kg-1, respectively). Furthermore, the Polish accessions contained the lowest levels of tannins and trypsin inhibitors. Common vetch seeds may be valuable protein feed/food stuff, but their nutritional usefulness is limited by the presence of anti-nutritional factors, especially HCN, which is difficult to remove. Further selection in this direction may be postulated.

Nutritional Composition and Heavy Metal Content in Breast and Thigh Muscles of Wild and Intensively Reared Common Pheasants (Phasianus Colchicus).

INTRODUCTION: Differing conditions in captive breeding and in the wild have impact on the mineral profile of the pheasant carcass and its heavy metal contents. This may be an indicator of environmental contamination. The study evaluated the nutritional composition and selected macro- and trace element contents (heavy metals in particular) in usable sections of pheasant breast and thigh muscles originating from captive breeding and wild birds. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The tests were performed on the breast and thigh muscles of 20 wild and 20 farm bred birds from around Lublin, Poland, with equal sex representation. The nutrient and lead, cadmium, chromium, and nickel contents were determined using inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy. RESULTS: The farmed pheasants had a higher proportion of breast muscle. The thigh muscles of all birds had a higher fat content than the breast muscles (5.1 g vs. 3.4 g per kg of natural weight). The macroelement level depended on the muscle type and bird origin. The trace element content also did and gender dependence was also evident. The wild birds contained more cadmium in the breast muscles and lead in both muscles than the farm-raised ones. CONCLUSION: The high quality and usefulness of wild and farmed pheasant meat is confirmed. It has advantageous macro- and trace element contents and permissible heavy metal contents except for lead in wild birds. The heavy metal level can be a bioindicator of their environmental occurrence. In wild birds, the lead level may also reflect birdshot remnants.

Effect of Maternal Diet and Medium Chain Fatty Acids Supplementation for Piglets on Their Digestive Tract Development, Structure, and Chyme Acidity as Well as Performance and Health Status.

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of oils for sows during late pregnancy and lactation on offspring performance. In addition, the effect of caprylic acid (C8) or medium-chain triglyceride oil (MCT) in piglets' feed on their gut development, performance, and health status was determined. The experiment was conducted on 24 sows allocated to two treatments: diet with rapeseed oil or with coconut oil. Newborn piglets were randomly allocated to three treatments: feed with no supplement or supplemented with 0.3% MCT or with 0.3% C8. The results showed that both oils had no effect on sow reproductive rates; however, fatty acid patterns of milk differed significantly and the number of lost piglets was lower in sow fed with coconut oil. Both caprylic and MCT oil significantly improved piglet performance and villus height. These additives did not change triacylglycerol content in blood, but C8 lowered total cholesterol and MCT increased IgG content. It can be concluded that coconut oil fed to pregnant and lactating sows can markedly reduce the mortality of piglets and that caprylic acid and medium-chain fatty acid oil can be a good supplement in weaned piglet feed.

Influence of Phytase Supplementation at Increasing Doses from 0 to 1500 FTU/kg on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility, and Bone Status in Grower-Finisher Pigs Fed Phosphorus-Deficient Diets.

The objective of the current study is to assess the effects of the inclusion of 6-n phytase to a phosphorous-deficient diet on the growth performance (feed intake, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio), apparent digestibility of calcium and phosphorus, and bone characteristics of grower-finisher pigs. The experimental diets included a phosphorus-deficient diet containing 0 (negative control), 250, 500, 1000, or 1500 FTU/kg of 6-phytase, and a diet formulated to meet the phosphorus nutrient requirements of pigs (positive control). Pigs were fed the experimental diets from the time they were ~35 kg body weight until they reached slaughter weight of ~110 kg. Bone status of the metacarpal (ash, mineral content) and femur (mineralization, geometry, and mechanical strength) bones were assessed. There was no effect of dietary treatment on feed intake. Feed conversion ratio was improved following inclusion of phytase at a dose of 500 FTU/kg or higher. Phytase inclusion at a dose of 1000 FTU/kg increased the average daily weight gain of grower-finisher pigs. Phytase inclusion at a dose of 500 FTU/kg was sufficient to increase metacarpal phosphorus content. Femur mid-diaphysis ash percentage was significantly increased even after the inclusion of the lowest dose of phytase. Analysis of structural parameters of femur mechanical strength (Young's modulus, yield stress, yield strain, ultimate stress, ultimate strain) showed that the inclusion of a phytase dose of 500 FTU/kg in growing/finishing diets was sufficient to significantly improve bone status of grower-finisher pigs at slaughter.

The Role of Dietary Antioxidants in the Pathogenesis of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Their Impact on Cerebral Oxidoreductive Balance.

Neurodegenerative diseases are progressive diseases of the nervous system that lead to neuron loss or functional disorders. Neurodegenerative diseases require long-term, sometimes life-long pharmacological treatment, which increases the risk of adverse effects and a negative impact of pharmaceuticals on the patients' general condition. One of the main problems related to the treatment of this type of condition is the limited ability to deliver drugs to the brain due to their poor solubility, low bioavailability, and the effects of the blood-brain barrier. Given the above, one of the main objectives of contemporary scientific research focuses on the prevention of neurodegenerative diseases. As disorders related to the competence of the antioxidative system are a marker in all diseases of this type, the primary prophylactics should entail the use of exogenous antioxidants, particularly ones that can be used over extended periods, regardless of the patient's age, and that are easily available, e.g., as part of a diet or as diet supplements. The paper analyzes the significance of the oxidoreductive balance in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Based on information published globally in the last 10 years, an analysis is also provided with regard to the impact of exogenous antioxidants on brain functions with respect to the prevention of this type of diseases.

Nutrient and Mineral Profile of Chosen Fresh and Smoked Fish.

In the present study, were determined the basic nutrients (dry matter, crude ash, crude protein, ether extract, and energy) and mineral elements content in chosen species of raw and smoked freshwater and sea fish. The content of dry matter, and basic nutrients and Na+, K+, Ca+2, Mg+2, P+2, Zn+2, and Cu+2 in the fish samples was determined. The dietary intake of several macro- and microconstituents per one serving (150 g fresh or smoked fish) was calculated. The fresh fish contained on average 220.2 to 283.7 g·kg-1 of dry matter, 12.4 to 10.7 g·kg-1 of crude ash, 176.2 to 173.5 g·kg-1 of crude protein, 32.6 to 78.6 g·kg-1 of ether extract, and 104.6 to 119.1 kcal (freshwater and sea fish, respectively). Thermal treatment reduces the water and fat content in fish meat. Reduction of the K, Ca, Mg, P, Zn, and Cu levels was observed most frequently. The one serving of fish covers approximately 23% and 12% of the recommended dietary amount of K, 7.5-5.0% of Ca, ~12% of Mg, 6.8 to 12.5% of Zn, and about covered 6.7% of Cu. The smoking process increased the concentration of some basic nutrients and reduced the fat and mineral content. Whitefish, trout, halibut, mackerel, and herring had the highest levels of the analyzed minerals.

The Influence of the Partial Replacing of Inorganic Salts of Calcium, Zinc, Iron, and Copper with Amino Acid Complexes on Bone Development in Male Pheasants from Aviary Breeding.

This study analyzed the effects of partial replacing of Ca, Fe, Zn, and Cu salts with glycine chelates on the measures of bones health in 16-week-old captive-reared male pheasants, allocated to one of the three experimental groups supplemented with Ca, Fe, Zn, and Cu in forms of inorganic salts (the control group) or groups receiving from the ninth week 25% and 50% of supplemented elements as glycine chelates. At the end of rearing birds receiving chelates were heavier (p < 0.001) and their tibia showed an increase of numerous mechanical parameters: yield and ultimate force (p = 0.028, p < 0.001, respectively), stiffness (p = 0.007), Young modulus (p < 0.001), compared to the control animals. The bones of birds receiving chelates in 50% were also heavier (p < 0.001) and longer (p = 0.014), with thinner cortical bone in midshaft (p = 0.027) and thicker proximal trabeculae (p < 0.001) compared to the control. While both doses of chelates increased mineral density in midshaft (p = 0.040), bone content of Cu and Zn decreased (p = 0.025, p < 0.001, respectively). The content of immature collagen in cancellous bone and articular cartilage increased in groups receiving chelates (p < 0.001, p = 0.001, respectively). In conclusion, glycine chelates probably enhanced development of the skeletal system in male pheasants as bones were denser and more resistant to mechanical damage.

A fermented rapeseed meal additive: Effects on production performance, nutrient digestibility, colostrum immunoglobulin content and microbial flora in sows.

This study was to assess the effect of fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) in the diet of sows, taking into account the physiological period (pregnancy or lactation) and reproductive cycle (primiparous or multiparous sows), on production performance, nutrient digestibility, colostrum immunoglobulin content, and microbial flora in sows. The experimental material included 30 primiparous gilts and 30 multiparous sows after their second lactation. The animals in the control groups CG (gilts) and CS (sows) received a standard diet for pregnant or lactating sows, depending on the reproductive period. Experimental groups EG and ES comprised gilts and multiparous sows, respectively, receiving a diet with a 4% share of FRSM in place of soybean meal up to 100 d of gestation. In addition, from 100 d of gestation to 7 d of lactation, the sows in experimental groups received a diet with a 9% share of FRSM, and then again a diet with a 4% share of FRSM until the end of lactation. The addition of 4% to 9% share of a FRSM component in feed significantly improves production parameters, mainly in primiparous gilts, leading to an increase in litter size and in litter weight at 28 d of age. It also helps to improve the digestibility of crude protein, fat, and crude fiber, and positively affects the gut microbiota of sows. Fermentation of rapeseed meal is an effective way to reduce anti-nutrients and to increase the level of lactic acid in the diet. It also stimulates the immune system, which improves piglet health, reducing the severity of diarrhoea and mortality.

Effect of dietary supplementation with Yarrowia lipolytica or Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast and probiotic additives on growth performance, basic nutrients digestibility and biochemical blood profile in piglets.

The objective of the study was to compare the efficiency of dietary supplementation of two species of yeast, Yarrowia lipolytica (YL) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC), with or without the addition of a probiotic, on growth performance, basic nutrients digestibility and blood profile in piglets. The experiment was conducted on 360 weaned piglets (180 barrows and 180 gilts). Each treatment comprised 60 piglets. The piglets (27-day-old) were assigned to the following dietary treatments: (a) basal control (C) diet, (b) C diet + probiotic (Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis-2 × 109  CFU/kg of feed), (c) C diet + 3% Y. lipolytica (YL-2 × 1010  CFU/g), (d) C diet + 3%YL + probiotic, (e) C diet + 3% S. cerevisiae (SC-3 × 1010  CFU/g) and (f) C diet + 3% SC + probiotic. Blood for analysis was collected from a total of 36 piglets at the end of the experiment, that is, 56 days after weaning. During the entire experiment, significantly greater weight gain was observed in the piglets receiving YL. The addition of the probiotic supplement and SC yeast reduced the daily feed intake during day 16-56 and from day 0 to 56 of the experiment. A better feed conversion ratio (FCR) during day 0-56 of the experiment was noted after addition of the probiotic and yeast. The use of YL yeast in diets for piglets had a more beneficial effect on weight gain and FCR than SC. Moreover, the addition of YL modulates lipid metabolism in piglets, as indicated by the reduced levels of TCH, LDL and TG and increased level of HDL in the plasma. The combined use of either YL or SC with a probiotic is not recommended in piglet rearing, as it does not substantially improve growth performance and health in comparison with yeast alone.

Comparative effect of different dietary inulin sources and probiotics on growth performance and blood characteristics in growing-finishing pigs.

The study was focused on assessment of the effect of an extract of long-chain inulin (LCI) and dried tubers of Jerusalem artichoke (JA) and a multispecies probiotic preparation as well as a combination thereof on growth performance and blood parameters of fattening pigs. In total, 144 pigs (initial body weight 30.0 ± 0.5 kg) were used in a 98-d experiment. The six dietary treatments consisted of the control diet (Con), diet Con supplemented with probiotics (ConP) and four diets supplemented with LCI or JA alone or with probiotics (diets LCIP and JAP). Throughout the fattening period, there was a beneficial effect of the probiotic supplementation to the inulin-containing diets and the average daily gain (ADG) was increased by supplementation of probiotics in combination with inulin sources (p < 0.05). At the end of the fattening period, ADG and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were higher after supplementation of LCI only (p < 0.05). Compared with group ConP, in groups LCI and JA, the ADG and FCR were improved (p < 0.05). Only in the first fattening stage, the addition of the prebiotics and/or probiotics had an impact on the level of white blood cells and some biochemical indices in pigs. In younger animals, probiotic or LCI supplementation increased the IgG level (p < 0.05). There was also an interaction between the probiotics and JA resulting in increased IgG and IgA concentrations (p < 0.05). In the finishing period, LCI addition increased the IgM level (p < 0.05), whereas JA addition increased IgG and IgM levels as well (p < 0.05). In conclusion, both dietary sources of inulin and probiotic supplementation can improve the fattening performance and health status of growing pigs.

Content of Minerals and Fatty Acids and Their Correlation with Phytochemical Compounds and Antioxidant Activity of Leguminous Seeds.

The aim of the study was to determine the mineral composition and fatty acid profile in the seeds of selected Fabaceae species and cultivars and to assess their correlations with phytochemicals and antioxidant activity. The Andean lupine was characterised by a particularly high level of Mg and K as well as Cu, Zn, and Fe (P < 0.05). There were various correlations (P < 0.05) between the total phenols and tannins and these elements. The highest contribution of α-linolenic acid (ALA, 18:3, n-3) in total fatty acids was noted in the lentil (13.8 in 100 g-1 fat), common bean (11.9 in 100 g-1 fat), and pea seeds (10.4 in 100 g-1 fat) (P = 0.028). In turn, the white lupine contained the highest content of ALA-0.67 g 100 g-1 seeds; its lowest level was determined in the broad bean-0.03 g 100 g-1 seeds. The seeds exhibited a high proportion of hypocholesterolemic fatty acids (on average 86%). The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl antiradical activity was positively correlated with UFA and PUFA (P < 0.05). This indicates great protective potential of legume seeds for prevention and treatment of diet-dependent diseases.