Improving nutrient digestibility and health in rabbits: effect of fermented rapeseed meal supplementation on haematological and lipid parameters of blood.

BACKGROUND: Many studies conducted on livestock point to fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) as a component that provides adequate quality and quantity of protein. Additionally, it is a very good source of probiotics, prebiotics, enzymes, and antioxidants. A study was undertaken to assess the impact of a feed supplemented with FRSM fermented with Bacillus subtilis strain 87Y on production parameters, nutrient digestibility, and haematological and lipid indicators of the blood in growing rabbits. Forty New Zealand White rabbits (body weight 816,25 ± 24,98 g) aged 35 days were used in this study. The animals were divided into four groups, a control group (C) was fed a standard diet, while in the diet of three experimental groups, soybean meal (SBM) was replaced with FRSM at 4% (FR4 group), 8% (FR8 group), or 12% (FR12 group). RESULTS: Detailed analysis revealed that the contribution of FRSM in the rabbit feed, regardless of the amount, had a significant effect on body weight gain (BWG), as well as average daily gain (ADG), compared to the control group (C), (P = 0.017). All groups receiving FRSM had a significantly lower (P = 0.05) feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control group. In rabbits fed a diet containing 8% FRSM, the blood haematological parameters, such as red blood cells (RBC), haematocrit (HCT), haemoglobin (HGB), and mean corpuscular volume (MCV), were significantly higher compared to the control group (P = 0.037). In addition, a significant reduction in the plasma levels of the low-density lipoprotein fraction (LDL-chol), the ratio of total cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein (CHOL/HDL), (P = 0.001), and triacylglycerols (TG), (P = 0.004) were observed in the experimental groups compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the encouraging outcomes, it is possible to recommend domestically produced FRSM as a viable substitute for genetically-modified (GM) SBM in rabbit feed.

Exposure to chemical pollutants and biological aerosol in indoor facilities for recreational and sport horses.

BACKGROUND: Due to the increasing prevalence of equine non-infectious respiratory disease, the air contamination in equine housing (Stables A-C) and training facilities (indoor riding arenas A - C) was investigated. The aim of the study was to monitor gaseous pollutants, bioaerosols, and dust concentrations at three different sites (stables and riding halls), where different floor materials were used in the riding halls. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Air quality was monitored in housing for horses and in riding halls in terms of dust concentration, the presence of gaseous chemical pollutants, and concentrations of biological aerosol. Statistical analysis was performed using analysis of variance (ANOVA). The levels obtained were compared with acceptable limits. RESULTS: Among the gaseous pollutants identified, the highest concentration was obtained for ammonia in stables B and C (16.37 and 22.39 mg/m3, respectively). Standards for total dust were exceeded in stables B and C and in riding halls B and C. The highest numbers of bacteria and fungi were recorded in stables A and C and in riding hall B. Ulocladium sp. had the highest percentage share among the moulds identified. CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm that the wrong choice of bedding in the stable and indoor riding arenas may contribute, even in short training periods, to equine non-infectious respiratory disease (equine asthma). Bioaerosol suspended in the air together with released gaseous pollutants can exacerbate this phenomenon, which even in the case of short training periods can lead to equine asthma of varying degrees of severity. For this reason, the choice of floor material in riding halls should be treated as a priority, as the wrong decision can shorten the period during which the horse can be used for recreational purposes.

Assessment of health safety of pigs taking natural sorbents with feed.

BACKGROUND: The study assessed the effect of smectites (bentonite and zeolite) used as natural sorbents in the diet of pigs on feed digestibility, health parameters, the severity of anatomo-histological changes in organs, and the accumulation of volatile pollutants in organs. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study was conducted using fattening pigs (crossbreds from multiple breeds) assigned to three groups - a control (C) and two experimental groups (A and B), with 240 pigs in each group (3 replicates × 80). The animals in group C received a standard complete diet, while groups A and B received diets with 1.5% composed smectite sorbents. The feed and faeces were analysed for content of dry matter, crude ash, crude protein, ether extract, and crude fibre. The content of P was determined using a Helios Alpha UV-VIS spectrophotometer. Whole blood was analysed for haematological parameters and serum for biochemical parameters. Tissue samples were collected for analysis of volatile substances and histological analysis. After slaughter, samples of the lungs, liver, kidneys and jejunum were collected for morphological evaluation, and samples of the perirenal fat, liver, kidneys, lungs and brain for headspace gas chromatography (GC) to determine the levels of volatile toxic substances. RESULTS: A statistical increase in the digestibility of crude fibre and an increase in that of P were observed in both experimental groups (A and B) in comparison to the control. The whole blood and serum of the pigs from the control group had statistically significantly higher levels of creatinine, urea, and Mg and a higher WBC count compared to both experimental groups (A and B). CONCLUSIONS: The feed additives were not shown to have a negative effect on the health parameters analysed or on accumulation of pollutants in selected tissues. No significant effect on the digestibility of most nutrients was observed; only an increase in the digestibility of crude fibre and a decrease in P digestibility were noted in the experimental groups.

Translocation of intestinal bacteria as a cause of subcutaneous abscesses of the neck and head in American mink (Neovison vison) - a case report.

BACKGROUND: The problem of transmission of intestinal microorganisms to tissues occurs when intestinal epithelial cells do not adhere tightly (tight junction), which is caused by improper nutrition, usually associated with poor mucosal status. The impact on maintaining its proper condition in the case of animals also depends on the proper preparation and fragmentation of the ingredients of the feed. Intestinal microbiota disorders are increasingly indicated as one of the causes of many autoimmune, neurodevelopmental and metabolic diseases. However, there are no studies indicating damage to the intestinal barrier of animals resulting in the penetration of microorganisms from the gastrointestinal tract directly into the bloodstream which may result in the development of chronic inflammation. CASE PRESENTATION: On a mink (Neovison vison) farm with a foundation stock of 4,000 females, abscesses were observed in the head, followed by progressive deaths. Antibiotic treatment with amoxicillin and clavulanic acid added to the animals' feed was not successful. Macroscopic and microscopic changes indicated local suppurative inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue with the presence of purulent fistulas. Microbiological analysis showed a significant increase in Escherichia coli in all samples taken from the abscesses. The results indicate the migration of intestinal bacteria through disturbance of the permeability of the intestinal barrier and their transfer to the blood. Symptoms were alleviated in all animals following changes in the feed components and in feed particle size. CONCLUSIONS: It is necessary to take into account the possibility of transmission of intestinal bacteria in the etiology of inflammatory diseases in animals. Conducting more research in this field will improve the understanding of the relationship between intestinal microbes and the health of the body as a whole.

Staphylococcus aureus carriage state in healthy adult population and phenotypic and genotypic properties of isolated strains.

INTRODUCTION: At present, infections induced by staphylococci, especially methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) are one of key therapeutic and epidemiological problems. AIM: The assessment of Staphylococcus aureus carrier state occurrence among a healthy adult population as well as determination of phenotypic and genotypic properties of the isolated strains. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study included 100 healthy individuals. Material for bacteriological evaluation was collected from the posterior pharyngeal wall and tonsils, nasal vestibule and the skin of anterior nares using a sterile swab. The isolates identified as Staphylococcus aureus were analysed further, towards slime-forming capacity and the presence of genes mecA and nuc. RESULTS: The analysis included 300 samples obtained from the posterior vault of the pharynx and tonsils, nasal vestibule and the skin of nares. Pharyngeal and vestibular S. aureus carriage was determined in 20% of the examined adults, whereas in 11 people with recognized positive throat colonization, the concurrent presence of golden staph was detected in the vestibule of the nose and on the skin, in the nose region. Identification process indicated the occurrence of strains defective in clumping factor synthesis (5% of isolates) and lack of the coa gene (11% of examined isolates). The PCR technique used to screen for the presence of the mec gene, did not confirm it in any of the strains under study. All the isolates had the gene encoding the thermostable nuclease nuc. CONCLUSIONS: S. aureus is a pervasive pathogen in community settings with constantly changing trends.

Evaluating bioaerosol exposure among bus drivers in the public transport sector.

Occupational hazards and consequent health problems suffered by drivers in the public transport sector require preventive measures. The aim of this study was to assess the exposure of drivers to microbiological air contamination (airborne bacteria and fungi) in buses. The air in public transport vehicles was examined in autumn, winter and spring. To evaluate the exposure of drivers to bioaerosols, air samples were collected and examined for the total number of bacteria and fungi in the air, the number of mesophilic aerobic bacteria specified by the number of colony forming units (CFU) per 1 m3 of air. The results of the research show that public transport as a workplace can be considered to be a significant risk to health.

Removal of ammonia from poultry manure by aluminosilicates.

The aim of the study was to test the possibility of using aluminosilicates as natural sorbents of ammonia from poultry manure. The ammonia-absorbing properties of sodium bentonite and zeolite were confirmed in ex situ conditions. The most significant reduction in the level of ammonia with respect to the control was noted for 2% bentonite and 1% zeolite. The mean reduction for the entire period of the experiment ranged from 26.41% to 29.04%. The aluminosilicates tested can be used to neutralize ammonia released on poultry farms.

Effect of Fermented Rapeseed Meal in Feeds for Growing Piglets on Bone Morphological Traits, Mechanical Properties, and Bone Metabolism.

Quality feed is essential for correct bone development and proper functioning of animals. Post-weaned piglets experience a radical change in eating behaviour that can influence their feed intake. For this reason, functional feed additives and ingredients that can be used in post-weaning feeds are needed. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of partially replacing wheat with rapeseed meal fermented using Bacillus subtilis strain 87Y on overall bone quality and bone metabolism in weaner piglets. From the 28th day of life, barrows were fed either a standard wheat-based diet or a diet containing 8% fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) with or without a feed additive containing enzymes, antioxidants, probiotics, and prebiotics. The experimental period lasted 60 days, after which femur quality indices were assessed. Differences in bone length and weight were observed, but there were no changes in bone mineralization or bone mid-diaphysis morphometrical traits between treatments. FRSM inclusion reduced bone mid-diaphysis biomechanical properties, but these changes were dependent on feed-additive supplementation. Analysis of the levels of serum bone turnover markers suggests the intensification of bone resorption in FRSM-fed groups as deoxypyridinoline levels increase. The results obtained warrant further research on what the disturbances in bone mechanical properties and metabolism observed in FRSM-fed weaners means for the subsequent fattening period.

Enzymatic Activity of Prototheca zopfii Strains Isolated from Cows with Mastitis.

Bovine mastitis caused by Prototheca spp. can be a disease of high significance because of economic losses and the potential risk to public health. The aim of our study was to evaluate enzymatic activity of Prototheca zopfii. For this study, we used 15 P. zopfii strains previously isolated from cows with clinical and subclinical mastitis in Poland. We determined enzymatic profile of Prototheca species using the API ZYM system. Of the enzymatic activities detected during the study, acid phosphatase, leucine arylamidase, naphthol-as-bi-phosphohydrolase, esterase, lipase esterase, valine arylamidase, alkaline phosphatase, and lipase C14 were found in high percentage of strains.

Effect of Fermented Rapeseed Meal in Diets for Piglets on Blood Biochemical Parameters and the Microbial Composition of the Feed and Faeces.

The study assessed the influence of rapeseed meal (RSM) fermented using Bacillus subtilis 87Y on the feed microbiota, intestinal microbiota, blood biochemical parameters, and content of minerals in the blood plasma and faeces of piglets. Modulation of the microbial composition of feed containing fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) and of the faeces of pigs consuming it was observed. There was a significant increase in the number of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) and a decrease in the total number of coliforms and Clostridium perfringens in the faeces of animals from the experimental groups. FRSM in the diet of piglets was shown to improve the mineral balance by increasing the levels of P, Ca, and Mg in the blood plasma and reducing their amount in the faeces. A beneficial effect on parameters of protein and lipid metabolism was also noted, resulting in an increase in the levels of total protein (TP) and albumins (ALB) and a reduction in triacylglycerols (TG) and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood plasma of the piglets. The research results indicate that the presence of FRSM in the diet of weaners can be a preventive factor in intestinal dysbiosis and support the maintenance of homeostasis.

Effect of Raw Chickpea in the Broiler Chicken Diet on Intestinal Histomorphology and Intestinal Microbial Populations.

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of partial replacement of SBM protein with CPR-derived protein in the broiler rearing period from 22 to 42 days of age on the intestinal histomorphology and the composition of the intestinal microbial population. Male broiler chicks aged 1 day were assigned to two groups with different nutrition schemes (n = 100 in each, 5 cages of 20 chicks in each). The chickens were reared for 42 days. All birds were fed isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets: starter (1 to 21 d), grower (22 to 35 d), and finisher (36 to 42 d). From rearing day 22, different diets were provided to the birds: the SBM group received feed with 100% soybean meal protein, and the diet of the CPR group the protein originated from soybean meal was replaced by 50% chickpea protein. The study results indicated a significant impact of the inclusion of CPR in the diet on the basic intestinal structures (thickness of myenteron: submucosa, jejunum and duodenum mucosa, and jejunum transversal lamina). The addition of CPR led to shortening of intestinal villi, an increase in villus thickness, and reduced intestine absorptive surface in the duodenum and jejunum. The CPR group exhibited a significantly lower villus length-to-crypt depth ratio in the jejunum (p < 0.001). The inclusion of chickpeas in the diet increased the total count of mesophilic bacteria and coliforms in the intestinal contents (p < 0.05). In summary, it has been demonstrated that the inclusion of CPR in the diet induced considerable disturbances in metabolism and intestinal structure. Although CPR is a cheap protein source, its use in poultry diet does not ensure development of the intestinal structure comparable to that in the case of an SBM-only diet.

Effect of fermented rapeseed meal in the mixture for growing pigs on the gastrointestinal tract, antioxidant status, and immune response.

The ban on the use of zinc oxide has increased interest in probiotics, prebiotics, synbiotics and organic acids, as well as fermented components in the diet of weaned piglets. This study assessed the effect of 8% fermented rapeseed meal in weaner diets on characteristics of the gastrointestinal tract, the small intestinal microbiota, and immune and antioxidant status. The effects were determined by measuring biochemical and haematological blood parameters, levels of class G, A and M immunoglobulins and IL-6, and the antioxidant potential of the plasma. After slaughter, the gastrointestinal tract was measured, the viscosity of the digesta was determined, and microbiological tests were performed. The results showed that the fermented component reduced the viscosity of the digesta and the length of segments of the gastrointestinal tract. It caused a statistically significant increase in lactic acid bacteria and a decrease in total bacteria. The haematological and biochemical analyses of the blood confirmed the biological activity of the fermented component. Pigs from group FR had significantly higher haemoglobin levels (p = 0.001), RBC count (p = 0.015), and haematocrit (Ht) value (p < 0.001) than the control animals. A diet including 8% rapeseed meal fermented using Bacillus subtilis strain 87Y benefits gastrointestinal function by stabilizing and improving the function of the bacterial microbiota, inhibiting growth of certain pathogens, and strengthening immunity.

The use of selected herbal preparations for the disinfection of Japanese quail hatching eggs.

The aim of study was to evaluate microbial and hatchability traits as well as chicks quality after hatching eggs disinfection with aqueous solutions of ginger (GR), garlic (GC), oregano (O), and cinnamon (C) extracts. The experiment was divided into 2 stages, at preliminary in vitro stage antimicrobial susceptibility of plant extracts (PEs) was tested against reference strains from the American Type Culture Collection. O and GC extracts had the best antimicrobial properties (P < 0.05). Then in in vivo stage 2,400 Japanese quails hatching eggs were divided into 6 groups, 400 eggs each. Eggs from first group were not disinfected (NC, negative control), eggs from second group were disinfected by formalin fumigation (C, positive control), in other groups 5% aqueous solutions of plant extracts of GR, GC, O, C were applied by spraying respectively. After standard incubation fertility, hatchability and periodical embryonic mortality were calculated as well as the body weight and livability of chickens during 14 d of rearing. Egg disinfection by aqueous solution of PEs led to maintain the hatchability, chick weight at hatch and post hatch body weight and early mortality of birds. Exclusion of any fungal isolates on eggshell surface was induced by GC followed by O and C groups (P < 0.05). In case of the bacteria colonies reduction only GR extract was effective. Chosen plant extracts may be treated as safe and alternative substances to traditional disinfectants of hatching eggs.

Fatty Acid Composition of Muscle and Adipose Tissue in Pigs Fed with Addition of Natural Sorbents.

The fatty acid composition of meat and fat was studied in Choice Genetics line pigs fed a diet with three natural sorbents. Control (C1 and C2), biochar (D, 0.5%), bentonite-montmorillonite (A, 1.5%) and zeolite-clinoptilolite (B, 1.5%) diets were used in two trials. The samples of back fat, kidney fat and Longissimus lumborum (MLL) and Semimembranosus (MSM) muscle were examined. All sorbents (D, A and B) had no effect on fatty acid composition in MLL, whereas in MSM turned out to be very limited and inconsistent. Although A and B sorbents had a significant impact on the fatty acid profile of kidney fat, their effect was often opposite. Sorbent B's effects were less beneficial due to a significantly higher proportion of saturated fatty acids, higher value of thrombogenic and atherogenic indexes, n-6/n-3 ratio but lower h/H ratio. Sorbent A's effects significantly increased polyunsaturated fatty acids, and positively influenced lipid health quality indices. In summary, the feeding of natural sorbents slightly modified the fatty acid profile of muscle tissue, kidney fat and back fat; however, it did not have a negative effect on the indices of nutritional and pro-health quality of adipose tissue of pigs during fattening.

The Prevalence of Virulence Determinants and Antibiotic Resistance Patterns in Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus in a Nursing Home in Poland.

Nursing homes (NH) contribute to the regional spread of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Moreover, residents are vulnerable to the colonization and subsequent infection of MRSA etiology. We aimed at investigating the molecular and phenotypic characteristics of 21 MRSA collected from the residents and personnel in an NH (Lublin, Poland) during 2018. All MRSA were screened for 20 genes encoding virulence determinants (sea-see, eta, etb, tst, lukS-F-PV, eno, cna, ebpS, fib, bbp, fnbA, fnbB, icaADBC) and for resistance to 18 antimicrobials. To establish the relatedness and clonal complexes of MRSA in NH we applied multiple-locus variable-number tandem-repeat fingerprinting (MLVF), pulse field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing. We identified four sequence types (ST) among two clonal complexes (CC): ST (CC22) known as EMRSA-15 as well as three novel STs-ST6295 (CC8), ST6293 (CC8) and ST6294. All tested MRSA were negative for sec, eta, etb, lukS-F-PV, bbp and ebpS genes. The most prevalent gene encoding toxin was sed (52.4%; n = 11/21), and adhesins were eno and fnbA (100%). Only 9.5% (n = 2/21) of MRSA were classified as multidrug-resistant. The emergence of novel MRSA with a unique virulence and the presence of epidemic clone EMRSA-15 creates challenges for controlling the spread of MRSA in NH.

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.

Effect of Natural Sorbents in the Diet of Fattening Pigs on Meat Quality and Suitability for Processing.

The effect of three natural sorbents added to the diet of pigs on the composition and physicochemical properties of two skeletal muscles-the musculusLongissimuslumborum (MLL) and musculussemimembranosus (MSM) of crossbred pigs were evaluated. The experiment was carried out on a farm in two production cycles. The addition of biochar (trial 1) significantly influenced instrumental color parameters, shear force and energy, and the oxidative stability of the skeletal muscles, while the proximate composition, pH, texture, and water-holding capacity (WHC) parameters did not differ significantly between groups in either of the two muscles. Similarly, no statistical differences were noted in the proximate chemical composition, texture parameters, or WHC of the meat in trial 2. The addition of both sorbents was associated with a significantly (p ≤ 0.01) lower content of haem pigments in the MLL and MSM, which was accompanied by a significantly (p ≤ 0.05) higher lightness (L*). Moreover, the MLL muscle of the pigs had higher oxidative stability, as well as lower drip loss (DL). In turn, the MSM of pigs had a significantly lower pH compared to the control group, however, the ultimate pH (48 h) in all groups was within the acceptable range (5.50-5.80). Summing up, the sorbents used are a safe ingredient in the diet of pigs, however, there is a need to continue and strengthen this line of research, including the relationships linking the future production goals of pig farming and processing potential in the meat industry with current climate policy.

Fermented Rapeseed Meal as a Component of the Mink Diet (Neovison vison) Modulating the Gastrointestinal Tract Microbiota.

Fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) was used in the diet of American mink (Neovison vison). An advantage of this product is its prebiotic and functional properties, which can modify the bacterial microbiota of the GIT. A control group and three experimental groups were formed, with 60 animals in each group. The control group received a basal diet and the experimental groups received a diet with a 2%, 4% or 6% of FRSM as a replacement of extruded wheat. Bacillus subtilis strain 87Y was used to ferment the rapeseed meal (RSM). The study was conducted on mink from the age of 16-17 weeks until slaughter. Changes in the microbiota were analysed in samples of the animals' faeces and intestinal contents. The analyses included determination of the total number of bacteria and fungi, the number of coliforms and Escherichia coli, the total number of anaerobic Clostridium perfringens, and the presence of Salmonella spp. In animals receiving 4% and 6% FRSM (groups II and III), the content of microscopic fungi and the number of C. perfringens bacteria was significantly (p ≤ 0.05) lower than in the animals from the control group (group 0). A decrease in E. coli was observed in all experimental groups (I, II and III), although these differences were not statistically significant. The inclusion of FRSM in the feed ration did not affect the number of lactic acid intestinal bacteria. Analysis of the results obtained from the stool samples showed that the inclusion of FRSM in the ration did not significantly affect the number of microorganisms in each group. However, as in the case of the intestinal contents, in these samples there was a decrease in the total number of C. perfringens in the experimental groups (I, II and III), with a simultaneous increase in the number of mesophilic bacteria in relation to the control. There was no detection of Salmonella bacteria in any of the analysed material.

Effect of Fermented Rapeseed Meal on the Gastrointestinal Microbiota and Immune Status of Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus).

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of the use of varying amounts of fermented rapeseed meal in diets for rabbits on the immune status and microbiota of segments of the GIT. Forty 35 day old rabbits used in the experiment were assigned to four groups: the control group (group C) were fed a standard diet and the experimental received 4%, 8% or 12% fermented rapeseed meal (included in place of standard soybean meal). Class A, G and M immunoglobulins were determined in the blood plasma. In the food content collected after slaughter, microbiological parameters were determined for individual sections of the digestive tract. Rabbits from the groups receiving a diet with an increased proportion of fermented rapeseed meal (8% or 12%) had lower concentrations of anaerobic bacteria and Escherichia coli in the intestinal contents. Research has shown that the increase in intake of fermented rapeseed meal was correlated with an increase in the correlations between the immunoglobulin level and the size of the microbial population in the GIT. In light of the presented results fermented rapeseed meal, by supplying valuable bioactive substances, appears to be a good component in the diet of rabbits, enhancing immune system development and helping to prevent disturbances of the gut microbiota.

Assessment of the Level of Organic Dust and Mould Spores in the Work Environment of Baker.

AIM: This study was conducted to determine the level of fungal contamination of the air in bakeries to assess health hazards for workers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six bakeries producing traditionally baked goods were selected for the study. After a background survey, samples of exhaled air were collected to test for fungal aerosols. The inhalable and respirable fraction in the bakery air environment was measured by the gravimetric method. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: All data analyses were performed using Statistica software (v 8.0). RESULTS: The mean concentration of fungi and particles in the bakeries did not exceed the recommended levels. The air in the bakeries had a low level of microbial contamination. The identified fungi included biological agents from hazard group 2. CONCLUSIONS: Proper employee training and the introduction of preventive measures (including both individual and group protection) can significantly reduce employees' exposure and thus their occupational risk.