The Effect of Phytogenic Additive in Broiler's Diet on Production Results, Physicochemical Parameters, and the Composition of Volatile Organic Compounds of Broiler Meat Assessed by an Electronic Nose System.

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the impact of a phytogenic additive (PA) in broiler chickens' diet on production, physiochemical parameters, and the profile of volatile organic compounds present in broiler chickens' meat. The experiment was conducted in a commercial chicken house, where Ross 308 broiler chickens were divided into two groups, each consisting of 65,000 broilers. One group was fed a diet supplemented with 100 ppm of PA throughout the rearing period. The primary chemical composition of the meat and its physicochemical parameters were determined. A visual assessment of breast muscles for defects and volatile organic compounds were evaluated using an electronic nose system. No statistically significant differences were shown in the production performance of the chickens; while summarizing all production parameters, a higher EPEF index of 31 points in the experimental group was highlighted. Breast muscle quality showed differences in drip loss and WHC (p ≤ 0.01) in favor of the experimental group, and a lower cutting force value (p ≤ 0.05) was found for breast muscles from the experimental group. The group also had a lower proportion of muscles with a white striping defect, and the results of volatile organic compound profiling showed the most aroma units.

Farnesol and Selected Nanoparticles (Silver, Gold, Copper, and Zinc Oxide) as Effective Agents Against Biofilms Formed by Pathogenic Microorganisms.

Purpose: Biofilms, which are created by most microorganisms, are known for their widely developed drug resistance, even more than planktonic forms of microorganisms. The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of agents composed of farnesol and nanoparticles (silver, gold, copper, and zinc oxide) in the degradation of biofilms produced by pathogenic microorganisms. Methods: Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Candida albicans were used to create the biofilm structure. Colloidal suspensions of silver, gold, copper, and zinc oxide (Ag, Au, Cu, ZnO) with the addition of farnesol (F) were used as the treatment factor. The size distribution of those composites was analyzed, their zeta potential was measured, and their structure was visualized by transmission electron microscopy. The viability of the microorganism strains was assessed by an XTT assay, the ability to form biofilms was analyzed by confocal microscopy, and the changes in biofilm structure were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy. The general toxicity toward the HFFF2 cell line was determined by a neutral red assay and a human inflammation antibody array. Results: The link between the two components (farnesol and nanoparticles) caused mutual stability of both components. Planktonic forms of the microorganisms were the most sensitive when exposed to AgF and CuF; however, the biofilm structure of all microorganism strains was the most disrupted (both inhibition of formation and changes within the structure) after AgF treatment. Composites were not toxic toward the HFFF2 cell line, although the expression of several cytokines was higher than in the not-treated group. Conclusion: The in vitro studies demonstrated antibiofilm properties of composites based on farnesol and nanoparticles. The greatest changes in biofilm structure were triggered by AgF, causing an alteration in the biofilm formation process as well as in the biofilm structure.

Effects of the Addition of Crude Fibre Concentrate on Performance, Welfare and Selected Caecal Bacteria of Broilers.

The study evaluated the effects of crude fibre concentrate supplementation on final body weight, mortality, feed conversion ratio, European Production Efficiency Factor, European Broiler Index, welfare parameters, colony-forming units of selected caecal bacteria (Enterobacteriaceae and lactic acid bacteria) and pH of broiler faeces and litter. The study comprised 990 Ross 308 male chicks divided into three groups, a control and two experimental groups, which were given crude fibre concentrate as a feed supplement. On the thirty-fifth day of rearing, the birds' welfare scores were evaluated, and 2 g of cecum was collected post-mortem from six chickens in each group. Subsequently, a series of ten-fold dilutions of the material was prepared, followed by cultures and measurement of pH in the faeces and litter. The inclusion of crude fibre concentrate resulted in a beneficial impact on the ultimate body mass (p ≤ 0.001), welfare standard (p ≤ 0.001), and quantity of colony-forming units of lactic acid bacteria (p ≤ 0.05) within the cecum. Furthermore, it had a positive influence on lowering the pH levels of both faeces and litter (p ≤ 0.05).

Nano-Sized Selenium Maintains Performance and Improves Health Status and Antioxidant Potential While Not Compromising Ultrastructure of Breast Muscle and Liver in Chickens.

The poultry industry is looking for the most effective sources of selenium (Se) for commercial use. Over the past five years, nano-Se has attracted a great deal of attention in terms of its production, characterisation and possible application in poultry production. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary levels of inorganic and organic Se, selenised yeast and nano forms of selenium on breast meat quality, liver and blood markers of antioxidants, the ultrastructure of tissue and the health status of chickens. A total of 300 one-day-old chicks Ross 308 were divided into 4 experimental groups, in 5 replications, with 15 birds per replication. Birds were fed the following treatments: a standard commercial diet containing inorganic Se in the form of inorganic Se at the level of 0.3 mg/kg diet and an experimental diet with an increased level of Se (0.5 mg/kg diet). The use of other forms of Se (nano-Se) versus sodium selenate significantly influences (p ≤ 0.05) a higher collagen content and does not impair physico-chemical properties in the breast muscle or the growth performance of the chickens. In addition, the use of other forms of selenium at an increased dose versus sodium selenate affected (p ≤ 0.01) the elongation of sarcomeres in the pectoral muscle while reducing (p ≤ 0.01) mitochondrial damage in hepatocytes and improving (p ≤ 0.05) oxidative indices. The use of nano-Se at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg feed has high bioavailability and low toxicity without negatively affecting the growth performance and while improving breast muscle quality parameters and the health status of the chickens.

The Effects of Seven-Day Exposure to Silver Nanoparticles on Fertility and Homeostasis of Zebrafish (Danio rerio).

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) are found in open waters, but the effect of their low concentrations on an organism's homeostasis is not fully understood. The aim of the study was to determine the short-term exposure effects of AgNPs coated by PvP (polyvinylpyrrolidone) on the homeostasis of livers and gonads in zebrafish. Sexually mature zebrafish were exposed for seven days to silver ions (0.01 mg/dm3) or AgNPs (0.01; 0.05; 0.1; 0.5; 1.0 mg/dm3). On the last day, the liver, testes, and ovaries were subjected to a histology analysis. In the liver, we analyzed the expression of the cat, gpx1a, gsr, sod1, and cyp1a genes. On the last day of the experiment, the lowest survival rate was found in the AgNPs 0.05 mg/dm3 group. The histological analysis showed that AgNPs and silver ions cause an increase in the area of hepatocytes. The highest proliferation index of hepatocytes was found in the AgNP 0.05 mg/dm3 group. Furthermore, AgNPs were found to interfere with spermatogenesis and oogonesis as well as reduce the expression levels of the cat, gpx1a, and sod1 genes in the liver compared with the control group. Based on the results, it can be concluded that exposure to AgNPs causes cytotoxic changes in zebrafish, activates the immune system, negatively affects the process of meiosis in the gonads, and generates oxidative stress.

Comparison of the Toxicity of Pristine Graphene and Graphene Oxide, Using Four Biological Models.

There are numerous applications of graphene in biomedicine and they can be classified into several main areas: delivery systems, sensors, tissue engineering and biological agents. The growing biomedical field of applications of graphene and its derivates raises questions regarding their toxicity. We will demonstrate an analysis of the toxicity of two forms of graphene using four various biological models: zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryo, duckweed (Lemna minor), human HS-5 cells and bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus). The toxicity of pristine graphene (PG) and graphene oxide (GO) was tested at concentrations of 5, 10, 20, 50 and 100 µg/mL. Higher toxicity was noted after administration of high doses of PG and GO in all tested biological models. Hydrophilic GO shows greater toxicity to biological models living in the entire volume of the culture medium (zebrafish, duckweed, S. aureus). PG showed the highest toxicity to adherent cells growing on the bottom of the culture plates-human HS-5 cells. The differences in toxicity between the tested graphene materials result from their physicochemical properties and the model used. Dose-dependent toxicity has been demonstrated with both forms of graphene.

Calcium Carbonate Nanoparticles-Toxicity and Effect of In Ovo Inoculation on Chicken Embryo Development, Broiler Performance and Bone Status.

The use of intensive selection procedure in modern broiler chicken lines has led to the development of several skeletal disorders in broiler chickens. Therefore, current research is focused on methods to improve the bone quality in birds. In ovo technology, using nanoparticles with a high specificity to bones, is a potential approach. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of in ovo inoculation (IOI) of calcium carbonate nanoparticles (CCN) on chicken embryo development, health status, bone characteristics, and on broiler production results and bone quality. After assessing in vitro cell viability, the IOI procedure was performed with an injection of 500 µg/mL CCN. The control group was not inoculated with CCN. Hatchability, weight, and selected bone and serum parameters were measured in embryos. Part of hatchlings were reared under standard conditions until 42 days, and production results, meat quality, and bone quality of broilers were determined. CCN did not show cytotoxicity to cells and chicken embryo and positively influenced bone parameters of the embryos and of broilers later (calcification) without negatively affecting the production results. Thus, the IOI of CCN could modify the molecular responses at the stage of embryogenesis, resulting in better mineralization, and could provide a sustained effect, thereby improving bone quality in adult birds.

Effect of in ovo application of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles on chicken embryo development, oxidative status and bone characteristics.

Intensive selection in modern lines of fast-growing chickens has caused several skeletal disorders. Therefore, current research is focused on methods to improve the bones of birds. A new potential solution is in ovo technology using nanoparticles with a high specificity for the bone tissue. Thus, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of in ovo application of hydroxyapatite nanoparticles (HA-NP) in different concentrations (50, 100 and 500 µg/ml colloids) on chicken embryo development, with a particular focus on the oxidative status and bone characteristics of the embryo. The results showed that in ovo treatment with HA-NP did not negatively affect hatchability and body weight. However, bone weight was reduced in 500 µg/ml group. The concentrations of calcium, phosphorus and crude ash were not affected. The modulatory effect of HA-NP was observed on the basis of antioxidative markers - superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant status, malondialdehyde in serum and selected tissues. Glutathione concentration in serum suggested higher metabolic stress. Among bone turnover markers, the concentration of osteocalcin was found to be significantly affected by HA-NP injection. Thus, the in ovo application of HA-NP could modify the molecular responses at the stage of embryogenesis but these changes were not reflected in embryo growth and even slowed down bone development. Nevertheless, the question for the follow-up research is whether in ovo administration of HA-NP would affect the antioxidative status and bone turnover resulting in improved bone conditions and body gain in post hatch chickens.