Effect of Feed Additives Supplementation on the Growth Performance, Gastrointestinal Tract Characteristics, and Carcass Composition in Turkey Hens.

In order to increase growth performance and carcass composition, including meat quality, as demanded by modern customers, alternative feed additives are sought after as a result of the withdrawal of antibiotics employed as growth promoters in poultry feeding. Therefore, we conducted a study to see how effective three feed additives added to the diets and water of turkey hens were. The experiment consisted of 200 Big 6 turkey hens divided into two equinumerous groups (C and E), with five subgroups in each. The 14-week-long growth performance study comprised five feeding periods. Both groups of birds were fed complete feed rations with mineral and vitamin supplements. The factor differentiating the groups were effective microorganisms and Humokarbowit added to the birds' diets and garlic extract added to the drinking water in the experimental group (E) only. It was demonstrated that the included feed additives in the diets and water of turkey hens significantly increased (by 10%) the FBW and decreased (by 14%) the FCR throughout the rearing period. Birds from the E group scored significantly higher (by 3.6%) on the dressing percentage, and their muscularity and fattening grade were improved. Turkey fed rations containing the evaluated feed additives had a smaller share of the gastrointestinal tract in the body weight and a shorter duodenum and caecum (p ≤ 0.05). The muscles of turkey hens from group E featured a lower pH24 and were of lighter colour (p ≤ 0.05). To sum up, the use of effective microorganisms and Humokarbowit in the diets and garlic extract in the drinking water of turkey hens should be recommended in view of improved growth performance and carcass composition.

Efficiency of Soybean Products in Broiler Chicken Nutrition.

The study aimed to determine the overall effect of replacing soybean meal completely with soybean expeller cake or extruded full-fat soybean in feed rations for broiler chickens on their carcass composition and meat quality. The experiment involved one hundred and twenty Ross 308 broiler chickens randomly allocated to three equinumerous groups (SBM, SEC, EFS). Each group was divided into five subgroups-each consisting of eight birds of both sexes (1:1). From Day 1 to Day 21 of life the birds were fed with loose starter rations, and from Day 22 to Day 42 they were fed grower rations based on a wheat meal, protein products and mineral and vitamin admixtures. The experimental factor was a protein raw material comprising: SBM group-soybean meal from GM (genetically modified) seeds, SEC-soybean expeller cake from n-GM seeds, and EFS-extruded full-fat soybean from n-GM seeds. The experimental diets were isocaloric and isonitrogenous. It was demonstrated that replacing soybean meal with SEC or EFS in feed rations for broiler chickens led to a significant (p < 0.05) weight gain on Day 42 of rearing by 4.57% and 2.88%, respectively. The chickens fed diets with EFS had worse (more than 4.14%) feed conversion rate (FCR) in comparison to the others (p < 0.05). Broiler chickens from the SBM and SEC groups showed a higher share of breast and leg muscles (by 4.74% and 7.54%) and a lower share of abdominal fat (by 31.1%) and skin with subcutaneous fat (by 18.8% and 13.4%) in comparison with birds from the EFS group (p < 0.05). The highest content of intramuscular fat with the best fatty acids profile was determined in the muscles of birds fed with diets containing EFS, while the muscles of chickens receiving SEC scored the highest. The results provide grounds for recommending SEC in broiler chicken nutrition as it allowed for obtaining the best production and slaughter results, whereas-from the point of view of the human diet-EFS should be recommended since it best modified the lipid fraction of muscles.

Carcass Composition and Quality of Meat of Pulawska and Pulawska x PLW Crossbred Pigs Fed Rations with Naked Oats.

The study aimed to determine the impact of a 60% inclusion of naked oats in feed rations for Pulawska pigs and Pulawska x Polish Large White (PLW) crossbreds on the fattening performance, carcass composition, and meat quality. It was demonstrated that-independent from their diet-Pulawska pigs showed a daily weight gain about 14.5% lower (p ≤ 0.05), with about 15% higher feed conversion rate. The experimental factors showed no impact on the dressing percentage, meatiness, and backfat thickness, except that the "eye" of the loin was significantly smaller (by 4.55 cm2) in Pulawska pigs. There was no interaction effect (diet/breed) for the pigs' performance results and carcass composition. A 60% inclusion of naked oats in the pigs' diet did not affect the weight of primal cuts in the right-side half-carcass. Compared to Pulawska pigs, crossbreds featured a significantly lower weight of bacon and ribs (by 1.17 kg) but a higher (p ≤ 0.05) weight of fillet (by 1.0 kg) and ham with shin (by 0.43 kg). The diet had no impact on the evaluated muscles, except a reduction (by 2.3 points) in colour lightness (L) of musculus semimembranosus in fattening pigs receiving feed rations with a 60% share of oats. Both muscles in Pulawska pigs showed significantly better (p ≤ 0.05) water-holding capacity and reduced colour lightness (L) in comparison to crossbred pigs. Moreover, the longissimus lumborum muscle of Pulawska pigs had a higher chroma (C) and a lower hue (H). The contents of essential nutrients in the evaluated muscles did not depend on the pigs' diet and breed, except that a higher by 0.3% (p ≤ 0.05) intramuscular fat content was found in the longissimus lumborum muscle of Pulawska pigs. Neither of the experimental factors showed significant impact on the total saturated fatty acids (SFA) and total unsaturated fatty acids (UFA), or on neutral or hypocholesterolemic (DFA) and hypercholesterolemic fatty acids (OFA) in the evaluated muscles. The muscles of Pulawska x PLW pigs contained more (by 1.77% FA in the longissimus lumborum and 1.16% in the semimembranosus) polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) than the muscles of the Pulawska breed (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, naked oats included in the pigs' diet increased (p ≤ 0.05) the share of PUFA in intramuscular fat. The muscles of Pulawska pigs, in comparison to the muscles of crossbreds, showed a significantly improved ratio: by 66% and 69% in the longissimus lumborum and the semimembranosus muscles, respectively. To sum up, a 60% inclusion of naked oats is recommended in the rations of both Pulawska pigs and Pulawska x PLW crossbreds, since it allows satisfactory carcass composition and meat quality to be maintained. Pulawska pigs had worse productivity ratios but showed improved meat quality traits in terms of the n-6/n-3 ratio.

Health-Promoting Properties of the Wild-Harvested Meat of Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus L.) and Red Deer (Cervus elaphus L.).

The present studies aimed to analyse and assess the health-promoting properties of the musculus semimembranosus (MS) of roe and red deer harvested in the wild. The experimental materials comprising the carcasses of roe deer (15 does and 15 bucks) and red deer (15 hinds and 15 stags) were selected for analysis based on the following criteria: age of animals at harvest-3-4 years; time that passed from the harvest of animals to carcass cutting-48-54 h. After chilling the carcasses for 24 h at +2 °C, the haunches were cut from the carcasses and transported to the laboratory in isothermal ice-packed containers. Samples of the musculus semimembranosus were analysed to determine the chemical composition (proximate components, energy value, Fe, Pb, Cd, fatty acids). More (p ≤ 0.05) dry matter and total protein and less (p ≤ 0.05) crude fat was found in the musculus semimembranosus of roe deer in comparison to red deer. No significant influence of the animal's sex was observed in the content of the evaluated nutrients, apart from crude fat content, which was increased in the haunch of females from both species. The energy content in the muscle of roe deer was 10% higher than the energy value of MS in red deer (p ≤ 0.05). The content of iron was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher (6.64 mg/kg) in the meat of red deer compared to the meat of roe deer (31.68 mg/kg). Roe deer haunch contained more lead but less cadmium than red deer haunch. Irrespective of sex, the lipid fraction of red deer muscle contained more saturated fatty acids (SFA). Intramuscular fat (IMF) in roe deer meat contained a higher percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The atherogenicity (AI) and thrombogenicity (TI) index values were significantly lower in roe deer haunch, and the hypocholesterolaemic-to-hypercholesterolaemic fatty acids ratio (HH) was lower (p ≤ 0.05) in red deer meat. To sum up, the evaluated roe deer and red deer haunch featured high dietary value as it contained a high protein and low fat content and had an advantageous fatty acids composition. As regards the content of cadmium and lead, roe deer and red deer haunch can be considered safe for consumers.

Slaughter value and meat quality of broiler chickens fed with rations containing a different share of pea seed meal.

BACKGROUND: The study aimed to evaluate the effect of feed rations with a different share of pea seed meal on the slaughter value, physicochemical and organoleptic characteristics of breast muscles in broiler chickens. METHODS: A growth experiment was carried out involving 120 Ross 308 broiler chickens allocated randomly to three feeding groups each consisting of 40 birds of both sexes. Each group was divided into five subgroups each consisting of eight chickens. Until the 21st day of life the birds were fed ad libitum with loose starter rations, and from day 22 to day 35 with grower rations based on corn, post-extraction soybean meal, soy oil and mineral and vitamin additives. In starter and grower rations in experimental groups (II and III) post-extraction soybean meal was replaced with pea seed meal in the amount of 10% and 20% (II) and 15% and 25% (III). On day 35 the chickens were slaughtered, and their meat was analysed. Samples of breast muscles were collected in order to determine their dietary value and physical and sensory characteristics. RESULTS: Pea seed meal in feed rations for experimental chickens had no influence on the body weight and dressing percentage, but it increased their muscularity and decreased the fattening grade in comparison to chickens fed with rations in which the only protein feed was post-extraction soybean meal. The breast muscles of chickens receiving feed rations containing pea (group II and III, respectively) contained significantly (P ≤ 0.05) less crude fat - about 30% and 27% less. Pea added to feed rations significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased (by about 19% and 27%) the share of linoleic acid C18:3n-3 in the lipids of the breast muscle. The lowest (P ≤ 0.05) content of saturated fatty acids (23.43%) and at the same time the highest (P ≤ 0.05) content of unsaturated fatty acids (76.42%) was noted in the breast muscles of chickens receiving feed rations containing 15/25% of pea seed meal. More hypocholesterolemic acids (DFA) and less hypercholesterolemic acids (OFA) were found in the muscles of chickens from groups II and III (P ≤ 0.05). After 24 hours of cooling the carcasses, it was demonstrated that the pH in the muscles of chickens fed with rations containing pea was significantly (P ≤ 0.05) higher than in chickens from the control group. Irrespective of the share of pea in the diet, the muscles of these birds were of a significantly lighter colour (51.37 and 52.45 vs 44.18). In addition, muscles of birds from groups II and III were characterised by less (P ≤ 0.05) redness (a*) and yellowness (b*). The values of psychometric colour saturation (C*) lower by 29% and 48% were identified in the muscles of chickens from groups II and III in comparison to the muscles of birds fed with corn and soy rations. The breast muscles of chickens fed with rations containing a smaller share of pea were characterised by the highest (P ≤  0.05) water holding capacity (WHC) in comparison to others. The muscles of chickens from group III scored the highest for all flavour traits, but a statistically significant difference was noted only for tenderness. CONCLUSIONS: Considering the slaughter value and quality of the breast muscles of chickens, the results provide a basis for recommending pea seed meal as a partial substitute for post-extraction soybean meal in feed rations for broilers. An improvement in muscularity and fattening grade was noted in comparison to carcasses of birds receiving corn and soy rations. In addition, the breast muscles of chickens fed rations with peas contained less intramuscular fat with a more favourable, healthy fatty acids profile (significantly more C18:3n-3, PUFA and DFA). In terms of the physical properties of muscles no deterioration in their quality was noted depending on the feed. Also, the results of sensory evaluation provide a basis for recommending peas as a component of broiler feed rations.

Impact of Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum [L.] Gaertn.) Seeds in Broiler Chicken Diets on Rearing Results, Carcass Composition, and Meat Quality.

The studies aimed to evaluate the impact of milk thistle seeds in broiler chicken feed rations on rearing results, carcass composition and meat quality. The experiment involved 120 broiler chickens randomly allocated to three equinumerous groups (C, MT02, MT23). Each group was divided into five subgroups of eight chickens each. Over the first 21 days of life the birds were fed starter rations, and over the following 21 days received grower rations. Chicken starter/grower diets in groups MT02 and MT23 were supplemented with ground seeds of milk thistle in the amount of 0/2% (MT02) and 2/3% (MT23). It was demonstrated that Silybum marianum added to feed rations over the whole rearing period (group MT23) increased above 3% the birds' body weight on rearing day 42. (p < 0.05) and decreased about 7% the feed conversion ratio (p < 0.05) in comparison to group C. No effect of feeding on the carcass composition was observed, including on muscularity and fattening grade, although diets containing milk thistle reduced (by 15% and 19% in group MT02 and MT23, respectively) the content of crude fat in chicken leg muscles (p < 0.05). The highest (p < 0.05) content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) was determined in the breast (38.06%) and leg (37.63%) muscles of chicken receiving feed rations containing Silybum marianum throughout the rearing period. No effect of nutrition on the evaluated physical properties of muscles was observed, except on the decrease in lightness color (L*) and increase in values a* and C as well as a decrease of water holding capacity of the breast muscles. It was found that Silybum marianum in chicken diets had a positive effect on the evaluated meat flavor characteristics of the muscles. To sum up, based on the study results, including ground seeds of milk thistle in broiler chickens nutrition can be recommended in the amount of 2/3% in starter/grower diets, respectively.

Gut-bone axis response to dietary replacement of soybean meal with raw low-tannin faba bean seeds in broiler chickens.

It seems that faba bean (FB) seeds could be a good protein-energy component in animal feed, but the presence of anti-nutritional substances limits their use as a substitute of soybean meal. The aim of the study was to examine the influence of different concentrations of raw, low-tannin, FB seeds on the gut-bone axis in Ross 308 broilers. One-day old chickens were randomly subjected to one of the 3 dietary treatments: the control group was fed standard diet based on soybean meal and without FB seeds, and two groups were fed 8%/15% and 16%/22% of raw low-tannin FB seeds in the starter and grower, respectively. On the 35th day, hematological and serum biochemical analyses as well histomorphometry of the small intestine and liver tissue and bone mechanical tests were performed. The diet type had no effect on the body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. However, the basal intestinal structures were significantly reduced in birds fed the lower concentration of FB. The enlargement of nerve plexuses was dependent on the concentration used in the diet and, additionally, on the kind of plexus and location in the intestinal tract. The liver was characterized by an increase in non-hepatocytes. There was no influence of the low-tannin FB seeds on most of the analyzed serum parameters in the 35-day-old broiler chickens, except the decreased concentration of total cholesterol and Ca in both experimental groups, triglycerides in group I, and P and uric acid in group II. Furthermore, the increasing concentration of the dietary low-tannin FB did not influence the activities of AspAT (except the group fed the higher amount of FB), ALAT, and LDH. The broiler chickens had no visible leg lesions and no problem in the locomotor function, but the tibiae were lighter mainly in birds fed the higher concentration of FB seeds. Geometric analysis revealed reduction of the cross section area and wall thickness, indicating a decline in the bone midshaft, which influenced the densitometric parameters and the results of mechanical tests. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of raw low-tannin FB seeds had no negative effects on broiler growth, but disturbed the intestine structure and tibia characteristics. Therefore, all these negative effects necessitate additional examinations before inclusion of raw low-tannin FB seed into poultry diet.

A drastic superoxide-dependent oxidative stress is prerequisite for the down-regulation of IRP1: Insights from studies on SOD1-deficient mice and macrophages treated with paraquat.

Iron regulatory protein 1 (IRP1) is a cytosolic bifunctional [4Fe-4S] protein which exhibits aconitase activity or binds iron responsive elements (IREs) in untranslated regions of specific mRNA encoding proteins involved in cellular iron metabolism. Superoxide radical (O2.-) converts IRP1 from a [4Fe-4S] aconitase to a [3Fe-4S] "null" form possessing neither aconitase nor trans-regulatory activity. Genetic ablation of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), an antioxidant enzyme that acts to reduce O2.- concentration, revealed a new O2.--dependent regulation of IRP1 leading to the reduction of IRP1 protein level and in consequence to the diminution of IRP1 enzymatic and IRE-binding activities. Here, we attempted to establish whether developmental changes in SOD1 activity occurring in the mouse liver, impact IRP1 expression. We show no correlation between hepatic SOD1 activity and IRP1 protein level neither in pre- nor postnatal period probably because the magnitude of developmental fluctuations in SOD1 activity is relatively small. The comparison of SOD1 activity in regards to IRP1 protein level in the liver of threeSOD1 genotypes (Sod1+/+, Sod1+/- and Sod1-/-) demonstrates that only drastic SOD1 deficiency leads to the reduction of IRP1 protein level. Importantly, we found that in the liver of fetuses lacking SOD1, IRP1 is not down-regulated. To investigate O2.--dependent regulation of IRP1 in a cellular model, we exposed murine RAW 264.7 and bone marrow-derived macrophages to paraquat, widely used as a redox cycler to stimulate O2.-production in cells. We showed that IRP1 protein level as well as aconitase and IRE-binding activities are strongly reduced in macrophages treated with paraquat. The analysis of the expression of IRP1-target genes revealed the increase in L-ferritin protein level resulting from the enhanced transcriptional regulation of the LFt gene and diminished translational repression of L-ferritin mRNA by IRP1. We propose that O2.--dependent up-regulation of this cellular protectant in paraquat-treated macrophages may counterbalance iron-related toxic effects of O2.-.

Biological Response of Broiler Chickens to Decreasing Dietary Inclusion Levels of Zinc Glycine Chelate.

The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Zn-Gly supplementation on the selected antioxidative enzymes and on the mineral composition in the liver and faeces as well as the biochemical and haematological parameters of chicken blood. Two hundred and fifty-one-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments, each of which was replicated five times (10 birds in each cage). Five experimental groups were formed: control negative (CN)-without Zn, control positive supplemented with 100 mg ZnO, and three groups supplemented with 100, 50, and 25 mg Zn-Gly. An increase (P < 0.05) was recorded in the concentration of Cu and Zn in chicken livers after Zn-Gly supplementation, irrespective of the level of supply with the diet. The addition of 100 mg·Zn-Gly improved the activity of SODCuZn (P < 0.05) and reduced the MDA value (P < 0.05) in chicken livers. The addition of 100, 50, and 25 mg Zn-Gly reduced the concentration of zinc in the birds' droppings, compared to the CN and 100 mg ZnO group. Zn-Gly at the level of 50 mg increased the concentration of Cu and Ca in chicken blood. The results indicate that the addition of Zn-Gly increased the antioxidative capacity of the body and storage of Zn and Cu in the liver; it also reduced the amount of Zn excreted with faeces. Zn-Gly can be an alternative to ZnO in providing a good source of Zn to enrich feed mixtures for broilers.

Vertical bone growth following autotransplantation of the developing maxillary third molar to replace a retained mandibular permanent molar: a case report.

A retained permanent mandibular first molar caused arrested development and a defect of the alveolar bone in a 16-year-old girl. Extraction of the ankylosed tooth was immediately followed by autotransplantation of the developing maxillary third molar. At the 3-year follow-up examination the interproximal bone level at the autotransplanted molar was equal to that of the neighboring teeth. Cone beam computed tomography showed bone at the labial aspect of the transplant. The eruption of the autotransplanted tooth stimulated vertical alveolar bone development and repaired the bone defect. Additionally, there was closure of the posterior open bite that was initially present at the ankylosed molar site.

Analysis of annual fluctuations in the content of phenol, chlorophenols and their derivatives in chlorinated drinking waters.

PURPOSE: Chlorophenols are widely represented, toxic, and persistent environmental pollutants. In this work, we analyzed annual fluctuations in the content of phenol, guaiacol, chlorophenols, chlorocatechols, and chlorinated methoxyphenols in drinking water collected in Warsaw and Tomaszów Mazowiecki (Poland). Moreover, the effect of dissolved organic matter content on the occurrence of phenolic compounds in drinking water was studied. METHODS: The compounds were adsorbed on octadecyl C18 solid-phase discs, separated by the use of gas chromatography, and analyzed using mass spectrometry. The content of organic matter was evaluated by the analysis of UV absorption at 254 nm by water samples. In Warsaw, raw water (derived from infiltration intakes situated in the Vistula River) and treated water (subjected to coagulation, filtration, and disinfection with chlorine dioxide) were collected in order to analyze phenols. In Tomaszów Mazowiecki, raw water (taken directly form the river) and treated water (subjected to coagulation, sand filtration, ozonation, and disinfection with gaseous chlorine) were taken to determine phenolic substances. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: The obtained results showed the occurrence of phenol, guaiacol, 2,4,6-trichlorophenol (2,4,6-TCP), tetrachlorophenol (TeCP), and pentachlorophenol in drinking water of both cities. Occasionally, in the waters studied, the appearance of chloroguaiacols, 3-chlorosyringol, and some chlorocatechols were noted. It was also observed that the content of dissolved organic matter in river waters may have contributed to the formation of some phenols, e.g., phenol, guaiacol, 2,4,6-TCP, and TeCP in drinking water. Finally, it was found that there were no annual (seasonal) fluctuations in phenolic compounds contents in drinking waters examined.