The Effect of the Supplementation of Humic Substances and Fermented Products in the Feed on the Content of Salinomycin Residues in Poultry Tissues.

The presence of antimicrobial residues in products of animal origin is a constant problem for consumer health. The aim of this study was to observe the effect of the addition of humic substances (H), fermented products (F) and a mixture of both (FH) to feed supplemented with the coccidiostat salinomycin, compared with a control group (C), on the content of salinomycin residues in the edible tissues of broiler chickens using two microbial inhibition screening methods, Explorer 2.0 test and the Screening Test for Antibiotic Residues (STAR), and a confirmatory competitive enzyme immunoassay analysis (Salinomycin ELISA Kit). The results of the microbial inhibition tests showed a gradual decline in the positive results in the tissue samples from the last day of salinomycin administration (30th day) tothe last day of fattening (37th day, day of slaughter) in group C and no positive results in the tissue samples from experimental groups H, F and FH slaughtered on the last day of fattening. Using the Salinomycin ELISA Kit, salinomycin was detected in the chicken muscle tissues of all the control and experimental groups. However, no sample from any group contained salinomycin at a concentration exceeding the maximum residue limits set by European law. The high level of significance (p < 0.001) confirmed the positive influence of the administration of humic substances and fermented products on the content of salinomycin residues in chicken tissues.

Effect of Broilers Chicken Diet Supplementation with Natural and Acidified Humic Substances on Quality of Produced Breast Meat.

This study was conducted to examine the effect of two humic substances (HS) supplemented in broilers' diet on the breast meat quality of broiler chickens. In this experiment, 120 pieces of one-day-old COBB500 broiler chickens were used. Broilers were divided into three groups, each containing 40 birds with three replications (13, 13, and 14 per one pen). Fattening lasted 38 days. The first experimental diet was supplemented with 0.7% of HS (HS0.7) and the second was enriched with 0.7% of acidified HS (HSA0.7). The control group of broilers (C) was fed a basal diet without the addition of any supplements. HS0.7 samples had the highest total protein content and the lowest content of fat (p < 0.01). The effects of broiler diet and storage had a significant impact on the pH of breast samples, p < 0.001 and p < 0.05, respectively. Supplementation of HS in broiler diet positively affected the lipid oxidation of breast meat samples, as indicated by the lower malondialdehyde content (p < 0.05). HSA0.7 samples had significantly better juiciness after the storage period (p < 0.001). The quality of meat produced with supplementation of HS in broilers' feed can be considered as valuable in human nutrition due to improved protein and fat content with decreased lipid oxidation.

Multiple factorial analysis of physicochemical and organoleptic properties of breast and thigh meat of broilers fed a diet supplemented with humic substances.

Multiple factor analysis was used for the examination of meat quality of broilers, the diet of which was supplemented with 0.8 and 1.0% addition of humic substances (HS). One hundred fifty COBB 500 one-day-old male broilers chicks were randomly divided into 3 different groups: one control and 2 experimental (n = 50), and they were fattened for 35 D. Subsequently, the meat quality was analyzed and defined by physicochemical and sensory quality, supplemented with analysis by instrumental methods. We observed changes in dry matter, fat, water, and protein content in experimental samples of breast and thigh meat (P < 0.001). In both experimental groups, the concentration of phosphates and pH decreased in breast meat (P < 0.001) and in thigh meat (P < 0.05). The smell of experimental chicken breast meat samples after cooking was evaluated by a sensory panel, which scored a higher point score than that of the control group (P < 0.05). Sensory evaluation of taste indicated a positive response with respect to the perception of meat quality in relation to a greater supplementation of HS in the diet. Thigh meat samples showed a variable extent of water loss after cooking, but lower values of water loss were generally obtained from thigh meat samples of poultry fed with higher HS supplementation, than in chicken breast meat samples. Significant differences in evaluated variables between both experimental groups were not observed. The color of breast meat samples changed, when considering the variables of lightness and redness, with the addition of 1% HS (P < 0.05). The main advantage of the breast meat of broilers fed a diet supplemented with HS was observed in the final meat quality, which was positively affected by increased protein and decreased fat content. Because of its nutritional composition, it can be considered to be rather a valuable type of meat in human nutrition than ordinarily.

Effects of vacuum packaging conditions on the quality, biochemical changes and the durability of ostrich meat.

In this study, the effects of vacuum packaging conditions on the concentrations of lactic acid, malondialdehyde, pH, microbial and sensory analysis were determined during chilled storage of ostrich meat. Meat was packed as follows: vacuum packed from 1st day (VP-1), vacuum packed from 3rd day (VP-3) and non-vacuum packed (NVP). Analysis were performed at 1st, 7th, 14th, 21st day after slaughter. Meat consisted of 74.69% water, 2.29% fats, 20.95% proteins. Package conditions had significant effect on the pH (NVP: 6.54 on the 14th day, VP-1: 6.05 and VP-3: 6.07 on the 21th day p<0.001), amount of malondialdehyde (NVP: 8.62mg/kg on the 14th day; VP-1: 1.95 and VP-3: 2.55 on the 21th day; p<0.001) and total microbial count (NVP: 7.4 log CFU/g on the 14th day; VP-1: 6.7 and VP-3: 6.8 on the 21th day p<0.01). Based on these results we can assess that vacuum packed from 1st day is necessary for the 21 days storage of ostrich meat.

Concentrations of selected trace elements in organs and tissues of livestock from a polluted area.

The occurrence of cadmium (Cd), nickel (Ni) and lead (Pb) from industrial emissions were determined in the muscle and liver of cattle from agricultural farms near an industrial plant in Eastern Slovakia. In this study cows (n = 25) were slaughtered and the concentrations of Cd, Ni, Pb were analyzed with a the atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Levels reaching the highest permissible hygiene limits for toxic metals Cd, Pb and Ni were determined in 50 samples. The maximum levels of Cd, Pb and Ni were recorded in the liver (0.865; 2.324; 1.140 mg/kg, respectively) and muscle (0.300; 0.854; 0.700 mg/kg, respectively). It was concluded that the exposure to an industrial plant significantly increases the levels of contaminants in the muscle and organs of cattle, as the most susceptible livestock.

The effects of long-term cadmium exposure in turkeys: accumulation and zinc prevention.

Experiments with turkeys were conducted to determine the effects of long-term ingestion of Cd (2.0 mg Cd/day/turkey) on its accumulation in the tissues and organs. The cadmium was found especially in the muscles, livers and kidneys. The highest average content of cadmium was found in the kidneys (1.09 mg/kg). The contents of Cd in the kidneys and livers were 19 times and 14 times (respectively) higher compared to the muscles. The administration of Zn (72 mg / day / turkey) along with high doses of Cd, significantly (P < 0.001) reduced the concentrations of Cd in the organs of the experimental animals. The average concentrations of cadmium in the kidneys and livers of turkeys from the CdZn group were 43 % and 48 % (respectively) lower than the average concentrations in the same organs in the turkeys from the group which received only Cd.

Effect of quantum therapy on pork quality.

In this study the impact of quantum therapy on meat quality of slaughtered pigs was investigated. For this purpose the pigs were treated with different doses of magnet-infrared-laser (MIL) radiation. Animals were divided into four groups according to radiation doses (4096, 512, and 64 Hz, and control without application), which were applied in the lumbar area of musculus longissimus dorsi (loin) at various time intervals prior to the slaughter (14 d, 24 h, and 1 h). Animals were slaughtered and the meat quality was evaluated by determining of pH value (1, 3, and 24 h post slaughter), drip loss, colour, and lactic acid and phosphoric acid amounts. MIL therapy can be used in various fields of veterinary medicine as are surgery and orthopaedics, internal medicine, dentistry, pulmonology, gastroenterology, gynaecology, urology, nephrology, and dermatology. The results achieved showed that MIL radiation used in a short period before slaughter (1 h) can cause a change in the meat quality, as reflected by the non-standard development of pH values, increases in drip loss, and changes of meat colour.

Post-mortem changes in the concentration of lactic acid, phosphates and pH in the muscles of wild rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) according to the perimortal situation.

In this study changes in the concentrations of lactate, phosphates, and pH values of water extracts of muscles of transported and hunted rabbits during ripening were determined. Concentrations of lactate were higher in the muscles of hunted rabbits. The highest differences were obtained 24h after kill/hunt. Concentrations of lactate in the muscles of hunted rabbits were decreasing, while in the muscles of transported rabbits we observed it to increase in the 7th day and then decrease in the 14th day. Higher concentrations of phosphates were found in the muscles of transported wild rabbits. During the ripening process concentrations of phosphates were decreasing in muscles of both groups. Muscles of hunted rabbits had lower pH values during the whole ripening process. Our research showed that concentrations of lactate, phosphates and pH value post-mortem depended on the perimortal situations.

Effect of oral cadmium and zinc application on leukocytes biological activity in Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica).

Objective of this study was to investigate changes in biological activity of blood leukocytes in Japanese quails, caused by zinc and cadmium administration. Four groups of Japanese quails were used. Three experimental groups of quails were exposed either to Cd (0.12 mg Cd/quail), Zn (4 mg Zn/quail) or a combination of Cd and Zn (0.12 mg Cd, 4 mg Zn/quail), which were added daily to the drinking water. The fourth group was the control group. The metabolic activity of phagocytes and mitogenic activation of lymphocytes to phytohemaglutinine (PHA) were determined on day 37, 58 and 118 of exposure. The numbers of peripheral blood leukocytes of Japanese quail after cadmium and zinc addition in all groups of birds were without significant differences, however, the functional activities of phagocytes and lymphocytes in the Cd-group of quails were significantly decreased. The metabolic activity of phagocytes decreased significantly at all time points analysed (P < 0.05-0.001) in comparison to the control group and the Cd-Zn group. Similarly, the response of lymphocytes to PHA activation in the Cd exposed group of quails decreased significantly on day 58 and 118 of exposure when compared to the control group (P < 0.05) and Zn-group of quails (P < 0.01). Zn in combination with Cd eliminated the immunotoxic effect of Cd on metabolic activity of phagocytes and improved lymphocyte answer to PHA, when compared to the Cd-group on day 58 and 118 of metal administration. The results of the present study indicate that cadmium caused a significant decrease of metabolic activity of phagocytes and mitogenic activation of lymphocytes in peripheral blood of Japanese quails. Simultaneous administration of Zn and Cd eliminated the immunotoxic effect of Cd on functional activity of phagocytes and lymphocytes, and zinc improved both investigated functional parameters of immune cells.

The effect of cadmium in combination with zinc and selenium on ovarian structure in Japanese quails.

In this study the effect of cadmium, cadmium+selenium and cadmium+zinc administration on the ovarian structure in Japanese quails was studied. The morphometric analysis of the relative volume of primary follicles detected the highest value in control group with a similar value in the group with administration of cadmium with selenium. Lower relative volume is reported in group with cadmium and zinc administration and the group with simple cadmium administration (P < 0.05). The relative volume of growing follicles was very similar in all studied groups (11.33-15.35%), and the relative volume of stroma was very stable (82.59-86.45%). In the evaluation of the number of follicles undergoing atresia detected significantly higher number of atretic primary follicles as well as atretic growing follicles in the group with cadmium administration and cadmium with selenium administration in comparison with control group. In comparison of normal and atretic follicles we report the most negative effect of single cadmium administration on ovarian structure. Selenium co-administration shows protective effects but only the co-administration with zinc prevent significant cadmium ovarian alterations.

Seminal concentration of trace elements in fox and relationships to spermatozoa quality.

Concentrations of copper, zinc, iron, cadmium, lead, and nickel in the semen of foxes (Vulpes vulpes, n = 10), microscopic analysis of occurrence of pathological spermatozoa, and correlations of these elements with pathological forms were studied. Samples were analyzed by using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. For analysis of pathological spermatozoa semen samples fixed with Hancock's solution and stained with Giemsa were prepared. For each fox at least 1000 spermatozoa were evaluated. The concentrations of copper, zinc, and iron in semen of foxes were found to be 2.16+/-0.53 mg/kg, 13.09+/-5.22 mg/kg, and 33.16+/-24.36 mg/kg, respectively, on wet weight basis. Concentration of cadmium was low (0.07+/-0.05 mg/kg). The levels of lead and nickel in the semen of foxes were 0.08+/-0.06 mg/kg and 0.35+/-0.24 mg/kg, respectively. The total percentage of pathological spermatozoa was 7.76+/-1.33% with predominancy of knob twisted flagellum, separated flagellum, and broken flagellum. In relation to trace elements the analysis showed significant (p < 0.05) correlation between copper and lead (r = -0.85), copper and other forms of pathological spermatozoa (r = -0.72), zinc and broken flagellum (r = -0.69), iron and retention of cytoplasmic drop (r = 0.87), cadmium and separated flagellum (r = -0.68), and between cadmium retention of cytoplasmic drop (r = 0.87).

Concentration of copper, iron, zinc, cadmium, lead, and nickel in boar semen and relation to the spermatozoa quality.

The concentration of copper, iron, zinc, cadmium, lead, and nickel as well as its relation to spermatozoa quality was investigated. The semen samples were analyzed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AAS). The concentration of copper in boar semen was 1.64 +/- 0.28 mg kg(-1) and of iron 16.14 +/- 10.35 mg kg(-1). The concentration of zinc in boar semen reached an average value of 171.74 +/- 64.72 mg kg(-1) and the level of cadmium reached 0.01-0.16 mg kg(-1) with the average value of 0.05 mg kg(-1). The analysis of lead showed that the concentration of this element in boar semen was 0.02 +/- 0.03 mg kg(-1) and the average level of nickel was 0.06 +/- 0.08 mg kg(-1). The total percentage of pathological spermatozoa was 9.82 +/- 1.47%. Detail analysis determined 3.18% of separated flagellum, 2.26% knob twisted flagellum, 0.88% flagellum torso, 0.85% flagellum ball, 0.42% broken flagellum, 0.23% retention of the cytoplasmic drop, 0.14% small heads, 0.03% large heads, and 1.83% forms other of pathological changes. Correlation analysis showed significant (p < 0.05) positive correlation between copper and lead (r = 0.52). High correlation between small head and knob twisted tail (r = 0.67), small head and broken flagellum (r = 0.88) as well as between small head and total number of pathological spermatozoa (r = 0.73) was determined.