The Effect of Carbamazepine on Performance, Carcass Value, Hematological and Biochemical Blood Parameters, and Detection of Carbamazepine and Its Metabolites in Tissues, Internal Organs, and Body Fluids in Growing Rabbits.

Antiepileptic drugs (e.g., carbamazepine; CBZ) are widely prescribed for various conditions beyond epilepsy, including neurologic and psychiatric disorders. These medications can have both favorable and unfavorable impacts on mood, anxiety, depression, and psychosis. CBZ has been found at low concentrations (in the unit of nanograms per liter) in rivers, surface water, and even drinking water. As a result, when reclaimed wastewater is used for irrigation in agricultural ecosystems, CBZ can be reintroduced into the environment. That is why we tested different doses of CBZ in rabbits' feed as the meat is consumed in every community, has no religious barriers, and the potential risk of consuming meat which has been exposed to CBZ treatment is not known. Also, the evidence of the effect of CBZ on rabbits is missing. Mainly, the CBZ doses affected the count of leukocytes and other blood traits, meaning the higher the dose, the higher the reduction. Moreover, there were only low amounts of CBZ in rabbits' meat or tissues when they were exposed to the treatment.

Dietary Inclusion of Crickets (Acheta domesticus) and Yellow Mealworm Meal (Tenebrio molitor) in Comparison with Soybean Meal: Effect on the Growth, Total Tract Apparent Digestibility, and Nitrogen Balance of Fattening Rabbits.

Three diets were formulated, i.e., soybean meal (SM diet), adult Acheta domesticus (AD diet), and Tenebrio molitor larvae (TM diet), as the main crude protein (CP) sources. A total of 45 rabbits (Hyplus, weaned at 32 days of age) were divided into three groups (15 per treatment) and fed one of the three diets for 42 days. A higher daily weight gain (p = 0.042), as well as daily feed intake (p = 0.022), was observed in rabbits fed the AD and TM diets than in rabbits fed the SM diet within 21 days after weaning. The coefficients of total tract apparent digestibility (CTTAD) of gross energy were higher (p = 0.001) in rabbits fed the SM diet than in rabbits fed the other diets. The CTTAD of CP (p = 0.040) and starch (p = 0.041) was higher in rabbits fed the SM diet compared to those fed the AD diet. There were non-significantly higher losses of nitrogen in the urine (an average by 0.227 g/day; p = 0.094) in rabbits fed the TM diet than in rabbits fed the other diets. It can be concluded that the growth of rabbits and nitrogen output were not detrimentally affected by the insect meal (AD or TM) used in this study.

Effects of Genotype and Housing System on Rabbit Does' Aggressive Behaviors and Injuries in Smallholding Conditions.

The objective of the study was to investigate the effects of housing (deep litter + concrete floor vs. deep litter + ground soil with the possibility to dig burrows), and genotype (Mecklenburg or Hyplus) on aggressive behaviour, social contacts, does' and kits' injuries, and progeny mortality. Twelve groups of six rabbit does (n = 72) were assigned to four treatments (two housing systems and two genotypes). Aggressive behaviour of does, number of injuries on does and kits, and postnatal kit mortality were recorded. The effects of housing and genotype were tested using multivariate GLMM Models. We found that the housing treatment in interaction with the genotype had a significant effect on aggressive behaviours in group housed does (F3,12 = 14.34, p = 0.0003), where the lowest incidence of aggression was in Mecklenburg does housed on ground soil. Reduced aggression was reflected in a lower number of injuries in does (F3,68 = 10.51, p < 0.0001), number of injuries in kits, and kit mortality (F3,1 = 4.59, p < 0.0001, F3,54 = 43.94, p < 0.0001). The results indicate that the proper combination of genotype and housing should be carefully considered for breeding to reduce aggression and injury in group housed does.

Comparison of Commercial Poultry Semen Extenders Modified for Cryopreservation Procedure in the Genetic Resource Program of Czech Golden Spotted Hen.

Spermatozoa cryoconservation represents an important strategy for partial in vitro or rescue programs designed for threatened livestock populations. The procedure for the semen cryopreservation of the Czech Golden Spotted Hen was proposed due to the lower fertilization rate of poultry semen compared to mammalian species. The aim of this study was to compare commercial extenders designed for liquid storage preservation with the use of a predefined cryoprotectant, and, thus, to propose an important tool for the procedure of the semen cryopreservation of the Czech Golden Spotted Hen. Ejaculates were sampled from four roosters during five semen collection days. The samples were frozen in Poultry media®, Raptac® and NeXcell® extenders supplemented with a 9% N-methylacetamide (NMA) cryoprotectant. Sperm parameters of the total motility (MOT; %), plasma membrane and acrosome intactness (PAI; %), plasma membrane damage (%), acrosome damage (%) and cells with plasma membrane and acrosome damage (%) were assessed using a mobile mCASA analyzer and flow cytometer after the cryopreservation of the insemination doses (IDs). For Poultry media® (PAI = 51.11%; MOT = 23.58%) and Raptac® (PAI = 52.04%; MOT = 23.13%) extenders with the addition of an NMA cryoprotectant, the comparable results were detected after thawing. For NexCell® media, the results were poor (PAI = 7.07%; MOT = 3.83%). Our results indicated two extenders suitable for the cryopreservation procedure, with the applied modification.

The effect of housing system on rabbit growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality characteristics of different muscles.

The present study analysed the effect of housing system (caged versus penned) on the growth performance, carcass traits, and meat quality of rabbits. The physiochemical quality of five muscles was evaluated, together with the chemical composition and fatty acid profile of the meat from the hind leg. Sensory properties of the longissimus lumborum (LL) was also assessed. The LL yields were higher in caged rabbits. According to the results, meat from rabbits raised in cages had higher b* values for the LL (i.e., meat was yellower) than rabbits raised in pens. In addition, the quadriceps femoris from penned rabbits had higher a* and b* values (i.e., were redder and yellower) than caged rabbits. The MUFAs (18:1 n-9 and 20:1 n-9) and ash contents of the hind leg meat were higher in caged rabbits. In conclusion, while housing system influenced the physiochemical traits of rabbit meat, the sensory properties were not influenced.

Laying hens under smallholder conditions: laying performance, growth and bone quality of tibia and femur including essential elements.

The study aimed to assess laying performance, growth rate, and bone quality properties of tibia and femur bones of various genotypes of laying hens, including determining essential element composition at the end of the laying cycle in smallholder conditions. The study included three genotypes of laying hens; Czech golden spotted (CGS), White Leghorn (LE) and Dominant Partridge D300 (D300) hens. In total, 180 hens (60/genotype) were used in 3 replications (20 hens/replication). The eggs were collected to determine egg lay and hen-day egg production. Additionally, feed consumption was recorded to determine feed consumption per day or egg, resp. The mortality rate was recorded. Hens were individually weighed every 10 wk to analyze the growth performance and body weight changes during the laying cycle. The differences in performance characteristics were observed as significant in all studied parameters. The bone quality analysis consisted of the determination of bone weight, length, width, and fracture toughness. Furthermore, dry matter, ash, and selected elements, which included boron (B), calcium (Ca), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), sodium (Na), phosphorus (P), lead (Pb), and zinc (Zn) were assessed. Regarding the results of tibia and femur bones, the effect of genotype was determined as significant in all evaluated properties. In terms of element composition, all evaluated elements significantly differed among the genotypes in the tibia (with one exception of Cu) and in the femur (with one exception of Cd). In conclusion, our results showed that hens' performance, production quality, mortality and bone properties significantly differed among genotypes under smallholder conditions. Thus, every genotype needs to be carefully considered, when the rearing conditions are set.

The Effect of Housing System and Gender on Relative Brain Weight, Body Temperature, Hematological Traits, and Bone Quality in Muscovy Ducks.

The study was conducted during the summer season (June-August 2020). Two hundred sixty-four 5-week-old sexed Muscovy ducklings were randomly divided into four equal experimental groups by housing system and by gender. Each group had three replicates (22 birds/replicate) in a randomized design experiment. Regarding the hematological traits, the volume of leukocytes was higher in the D group (by 0.34 × 109/L; p < 0.05) than in the S group. Furthermore, body temperature was found to be higher in ducks (by 0.84 °C; p < 0.05) and in the D group (by 0.5 °C; p < 0.05) in comparison with drakes and birds from the S group. Considering relative brain weight, drakes had higher values than ducks (by 0.56 g; p < 0.05), and birds from the S group also manifested higher values (by 0.78 g; p < 0.05). In terms of bone quality, there were no differences in studied parameters of tibia and femur bones regarding housing systems. The results provide valuable evidence of differences in the fattening of intensively bred Muscovy ducks within the housing system but also regarding gender.

Changes in Fatty Acids Profile, Health Indices, and Physical Characteristics of Organic Eggs from Laying Hens at the Beginning of the First and Second Laying Cycles.

The present study compared the fatty acid profile and some physical parameters of eggs from hens reared according to the organic system at the beginning of the first and second laying cycle. A total of 1080 eggs were analysed at the beginning of the first (from the 28th to 30th week of age) and the second (from the 78th to 80th week of age) laying cycle. It was found that the hen ages influenced the egg weight, egg surface area, yolk proportion, and eggshell colour. Albumen and eggshell proportion, albumen, yolk index, Haugh unit score, and eggshell strength were lower in eggs from older hens compared with those produced from younger layers. Monounsaturated fatty acids were found in higher amounts than saturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids in egg yolks of eggs from layers only at the beginning of the second laying cycle. The PUFAn-6/n-3 ratio, saturation, atherogenic, and thrombogenic indices were significantly lower in the egg yolks from older hens compared to younger layers. These findings (regarding the eggs from the older ones) prove that it is practical to utilize them in the organic farming system during a period of two years.

Guinea fowl (Numida meleagris) eggs and free-range housing: a convenient alternative to laying hens' eggs in terms of food safety?

The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of the genotype (guinea fowl, native breed Leghorn, and commercial hybrid hens), storage time (0, 14, 28 d) and storage temperature (fresh, 5, 20°C) on eggshell quality traits and microbiological contamination of eggshell, eggshell membranes, and albumen. A total of 150 hens (50 hens per genotype-divided into 2 equal groups because of the results replication) were used. There were 150 eggs (50 per genotype) used for microbial analysis and 600 eggs used for the analysis of eggshell quality. The effects of genotype, storage time, and storage temperature were observed. Moreover, interactions between these factors were calculated. The significant effect of genotype (P = 0.0001) was found in egg weight, in all observed parameters of eggshell quality (proportion, thickness, strength, surface, and index), eggshell contamination of Escherichia coli (EC) and total number of micro-organisms (TNM), penetration of TNM into eggshell membranes (P = 0.0014), and penetration of TNM into albumen (P = 0.0019). Storage time significantly affected egg weight and all parameters of eggshell quality except the eggshell strength and index. It also significantly affected count of Enterococcus (ENT) on eggshell, TNM in eggshell membranes and TNM in albumen. Storage temperature significantly influenced egg weight (P = 0.0001) and all parameters but eggshell thickness and surface. Regarding the microbial contamination, storage temperature significantly affected a count of ENT on shell, TNM in shell membranes, and TNM in albumen. Concerning significant interactions, the interaction among genotype and storage time was found significant (P = 0.0148). Fresh and 28-day-old commercial hybrid eggs were the most contaminated, whereas guinea fowl eggs (fresh and 14 d old) and Leghorn hen eggs (fresh, 14, 28 d old) had the lowest level of contamination by EC. When looking for an alternative to laying hens, guinea fowls should be taken into consideration due to their higher resistance to diseases, ability of adaptation to different environmental conditions, and especially in terms of eggshell quality and therefore egg safety.

Determination of selected biochemical parameters in blood serum and egg quality of Czech and Slovak native hens depending on the housing system and hen age.

The objective of this study was to determine and evaluate the impact of the age and housing system on blood indicators (triacylglycerides, total cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase, total proteins, albumin, glucose) and physical egg quality parameters (egg weight, shape index and surface area, eggshell proportion, thickness, strength, and color, albumen proportion and index, Haugh units, yolk proportion, index and yolk-to-albumen ratio) in selected native breeds of the Czech Republic (the Czech Golden Spotted hens) and Slovakia (the Oravka hens). Furthermore, the concentration of cholesterol in the yolk was determined. A total of 132 animals were used. There were 60 eggs collected from each breed at each monitored period for the evaluation of egg quality. Blood samples were taken by puncture of a wing vein. The assessments were made when the hens were of 34, 42, and 50 weeks old. Enriched cages and floor pens with litter were used as housing systems. The effects of breed, housing system, and age were observed. Furthermore, interactions among these factors were calculated. The significant effect of housing system was found in total cholesterol (P = 0.098) and aspartate aminotransferase (P = 0.0343) and the significant effect of age in total protein (P = 0.0392). The significant effect of breed (P = 0.0199), housing system (P = 0.0001), and age (P = 0.0001) was found in concentration of cholesterol in the yolk. Regarding the egg quality, the significant effect of breed (P = 0.0001) was found in eggshell color, albumen index and Haugh units, whereas the significant effect of housing system was found in egg weight (P = 0.0002), egg surface area (P = 0.0003), eggshell proportion (P = 0.0460), thickness (P = 0.0216), strength (P = 0.0049), and color (P = 0.0009). The significant effect of age was determined in all parameters except for the eggshell proportion and strength. The results represent an interesting comparison of changes in biochemical blood and egg quality parameters. It is necessary to further evaluate these indicators, especially in other genetic resources of hens, where the data are often nonexisting.

Differences in the growth rate and immune strategies of farmed and wild mallard populations.

Individuals reared in captivity are exposed to distinct selection pressures and evolutionary processes causing genetic and phenotypic divergence from wild populations. Consequently, restocking with farmed individuals may represent a considerable risk for the fitness of free-living populations. Supportive breeding on a massive scale has been established in many European countries to increase hunting opportunities for the most common duck species, the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos). It has previously been shown that mallards from breeding facilities differ genetically from wild populations and there is some indication of morphological differences. Using a common-garden experiment, we tested for differences in growth parameters between free-living populations and individuals from breeding facilities during the first 20 days of post-hatching development, a critical phase for survival in free-living populations. In addition, we compared their immune function by assessing two haematological parameters, H/L ratio and immature erythrocyte frequency, and plasma complement activity. Our data show that farmed ducklings exhibit larger morphological parameters, a higher growth rates, and higher complement activity. In haematological parameters, we observed high dynamic changes in duckling ontogeny in relation to their morphological parameters. In conclusion, our data demonstrate pronounced phenotype divergence between farmed and wild mallard populations that can be genetically determined. We argue that this divergence can directly or indirectly affect fitness of farmed individuals introduced to the breeding population as well as fitness of farmed x wild hybrids.

Domestic Fowl Breed Variation in Egg White Protein Expression: Application of Proteomics and Transcriptomics.

Avian egg white is essential for protecting and nourishing bird embryos during their development. Being produced in the female magnum, variability in hen oviduct gene expression may affect egg white composition in domestic chickens. Since traditional poultry breeds may represent a source of variation, in the present study we describe the egg white proteome (mass spectrometry) and corresponding magnum transcriptome (high-throughput sequencing) for 20 hens from five domestic fowl breeds (large breeds: Araucana, Czech golden pencilled, Minorca; and small breeds: Booted bantam, Rosecomb bantam). In total, we identified 189 egg white proteins and 16391 magnum-expressed genes. The majority of egg white protein content comprised proteins with an antimicrobial function. Despite general similarity, Between-class Principal Component Analysis revealed significant breed-specific variability in protein abundances, differentiating especially small and large breeds. Though we found strong association between magnum mRNA expression and egg white protein abundance across genes, coinertia analysis revealed no transcriptome/proteome costructure at the individual level. Our study is the first to show variation in protein abundances in egg white across chicken breeds with potential effects on egg quality, biosafety, and chick development. The observed interindividual variation probably results from post-transcriptional regulation creating a discrepancy between proteomic and transcriptomic data.

Different breeds, different blood: Cytometric analysis of whole blood cellular composition in chicken breeds.

While haematological variation is well known in birds, variation in avian breeds (distinct morphotypes of the same species) remains unexplored. Poultry breeds, in particular, may show interesting evolutionary patterns and economically-relevant physiological differences. We performed a comparative examination of blood cellular composition in five chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus) breeds: Araucana, Booted bantam, Czech, Minorca and Rosecomb bantam. In standard-environment-reared hens whole-blood flow cytometry revealed remarkable differences in most erythrocyte- and leukocyte-related parameters. We identified two extremes: Czech, a European breed, with a low heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio and high CD4+ levels, and Araucana, a South-American breed, with a high H/L ratio and high relative monocyte count. Such variation may reflect a combination of artificial and natural selection acting on health- and stress-related traits in domestic populations. Different breeds have evolved different immunological adaptations reflecting their original need to fight pathogens and physiological constraint resulting from dissimilar physiological trade-offs.