Concentration of Selected Essential and Toxic Trace Elements in Horse Hair as an Important Tool for the Monitoring of Animal Exposure and Health.

The main purpose of the study was to analyse the concentrations of selected essential and toxic trace elements in the hair of sports and recreational riding horses from studs located in central Poland and thus test the usefulness of this matrix for monitoring the exposure of these animals. We also measured the concentration of heavy metals in oats used as a basic component of the equine diet to investigate the interactions between these elements in the feed and hair. The basic chemical composition of oats was analysed. Elemental analysis was performed using an EcaFlow 150 GLP electrochemical analyser with an E-104L electrode and reference to a calibration curve. The chemical composition of oats was investigated by near infrared transmission (NIR) spectroscopy calibrated for an artificial neural network (ANN) using a Foss InfraXact spectrometer. Among all elements, the coefficient of variation was highest for Pb and lowest for Cd, regardless of the study group. The content of elements in horse hair was in the range of 153.56 to 185.79 mg·kg-1 for Zn, 6.10 to 11.99 mg·kg-1 for Cu, 0.578 to 0.813 mg·kg-1 for Pb and 0.011 to 0.015 mg·kg-1 for Cd (in kg of d.w.). For hair, we found a significant negative correlation for Zn-Cu (rxy = -0.539) and Cd-Cu (rxy = -0.676) at p ≤ 0.05. For feed, there was a highly significant positive correlation for Cu-Pb (rxy = 0.723) and Zn-Cd (rxy = 0.714) at p ≤ 0.01. We found significant negative oats-hair interactions for Cu-Zn, Pb-Cu, Cd-Cu and Zn-Pb, and a positive oats-hair interaction for Cu-Cu.

Effects of age and sex on the content of heavy metals in the hair, liver and the longissimus lumborum muscle of roe deer Capreolus capreolus L.

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of age and sex on the content of heavy metals (Pb, Cd, Zn and Cu) in the hair, liver and the longissimus lumborum muscle of roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.). In addition, correlations between heavy metals in individual tested matrices were studied as well as an attempt was made to explain the reasons for their accumulation in specific research matrices. The levels of Zn and Cu were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy (F-AAS). The levels of Pb and Cd were analysed by means of electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy (ET-AAS). In the own research, sex-related statistically significant differences in concentrations of analysed elements were confirmed. Higher levels of the elements were observed in samples collected from does (except for Cd in the liver samples of 6-7-month-old male fawns) but only in some cases, these values were statistically significantly higher. In some cases, age-related differences in the content of individual metals were also confirmed. Age-dependent increased Pb levels in the muscle and liver were reported in 6-7-month-old, <3-4-year-old, <5-6-year-old males. Similar relationships were confirmed for Zn in the bucks' muscles. In the group of does, the increase in heavy metal concentrations with aging was observed for Zn in the muscle and for Pb in the liver. In the other cases, the trend of age-related level changes regarding heavy metals was not clearly demonstrated. Significant positive correlations between Cu and Cd were found for all samples, and significant negative correlations of Cu with Pb were found for the hair and liver. There was a negative correlation of Zn with Cu in all matrices. The study also revealed a negative correlation between Zn and Pb in muscle and a strong significant negative correlation between Zn and Cd in hair and in the liver.

Spermatozoon head size - the main differentiating feature between spermatozoa of blue and white Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus).

Morphology and sperm morphometry, this is an important determinant of male reproductive capacity. Morphometric data may provide relevant information in studies focused on evolutionary biology, sperm quality assessment, including prediction of the potential fertility, semen cryopreservation, or the effect of reprotoxicants. The paper presents the morphometric analysis of spermatozoa from two colour morphs of Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus), and attempts to determine the relationship between selected quality indicators and dimensions and shape of spermatozoa. The research material consisted of ejaculates collected once by manual stimulation from 20 one-year-old Arctic foxes (10 individuals of the blue morph and 10 of the white morph). Ejaculates were analysed for standard parameters (volume, sperm concentration, total number of spermatozoa in the ejaculate) and used for the preparation of microscopic specimens. It was found that, the dimensions of spermatozoa from Arctic foxes depend on the male colour morphs. Spermatozoa from white Arctic foxes were significantly longer (by 1.82 µm) and had larger heads (0.32 µm longer and 0.15 µm wider) compared to spermatozoa from blue Arctic foxes (P<0.05). The interactions between particular sperm dimensions indicated the occurrence of gametes differing in shape. The all correlation coefficients between the morphometric traits of spermatozoa were statistically significant. Our research proved that in the blue Arctic foxes, sperm dimensions (tail length and total sperm length) can be related to the percentage of spermatozoa with primary changes (respectively: r = -0.68 and r = -0.75; at P <0.05). However, in the case of white Arctic foxes, these characteristics depend on the ejaculate volume (respectively: r = 0.65 and r = 0.68; at P <0.05).

Growth Performance, Carcass Characteristics and Meat Quality of Organically Reared Broiler Chickens Depending on Sex.

Given the growing interest of consumers in naturally produced meat, we decided to examine the muscles of Ross 308 broiler chickens kept in an ecological system, with the division into two research groups depending on sex. All the analyses were carried out using the appropriate methods recommended by the AOAC and in accordance with the Polish standards (PN), which are described in detail in the relevant section of the publication. The aim of the experiment was to investigate the effect of sex on the growth performance, carcass traits and meat quality, as well as the fatty acid profile and histological parameters, of the pectoral muscles from organic broiler chickens. A total of 60 one-day-old Ross 308 chickens (half males and half females) were divided into two groups, according to the sex, and reared under organic conditions (Org.) until 82 days of age (ten birds, i.e., five males and five females in each of three pens; replications for experimental groups). Compared with the female group, the male group had a higher final BW and carcass weight (p < 0.05). The males had a better growth and slaughter performance than the females. The meat quality traits and fatty acids content were also affected by sex. The meat from females showed a significantly higher (p < 0.05) protein, dry matter, fiber diameter and shear force and a significantly lower (p < 0.05) fat level than the male group. In this research, the suitability of these fast-growing broilers for natural and organic production systems has been researched with regard to the performance, meat quality and histological characteristics of the muscles.

The Levels of Mineral Elements and Toxic Metals in the Longissimus lumborum Muscle, Hair and Selected Organs of Red Deer (Cervus elaphus L.) in Poland.

The aim of the study was to analyse correlations and variability between the levels of mineral elements (Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, Na, K, Ca and Mg) and toxic metals (Pb and Cd) in the longissimus lumborum muscle, hair and selected organs of red deer (Cervus elaphus L.). The levels of mineral elements were measured using atomic absorption spectroscopy (F-AAS). The levels of Pb and Cd were analysed by means of electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy (ET-AAS). Of all analysed microelements, the highest concentration (in g·kg-1 of dry weight) was found for Fe in the liver. Considering all macroelements, the highest level was found for K in the longissimus lumborum muscle. Particularly remarkable was the high level of Pb in the muscle and hair of red deer. The level of Cd in the hair was four to five times lower than in other samples. The study revealed many significant correlations between the levels of certain elements in individual tissues and organs. There were significant correlations between Cu-Fe (rxy = 0.650; p ≤ 0.01), Pb-Cu (rxy = -0.863; p ≤ 0.01) and Cd-Ca (rxy = -0.743; p ≤ 0.01) in testicles. For kidneys, a significant negative correlation was found for K and Na (rxy = -0.779; p ≤ 0.01) and for Ca and Cd (rxy = -0.695; p ≤ 0.01), and a positive correlation between Cu and Mn (rxy = 0.693; p ≤ 0.01). In the liver, significant negative correlations were found between Ca-K (rxy = -0.654; p ≤ 0.05), Cd-Fe (rxy = -0.651; p ≤ 0.05) and Pb-Cu (rxy = -0.627; p ≤ 0.05). In the muscle, only single significant correlations were found between Cd and Mn (rxy = 0.648; p ≤ 0.05). The highest number of significant correlations were recorded for the hair, among others between Na-K (rxy = 0.760) and Ca-Zn (rxy = 0.709) at p ≤ 0.01. The study revealed high variability in the levels of mineral elements and selected toxic metals in tissues, organs and hair of red deer. Additionally, this research confirmed that the accumulation of a specific metal in a tissue or organ can reduce its concentration in another matrix or promote its increased content in another tissue or organ.

Effects of Effective Microorganisms on Meat Quality, Microstructure of the Longissimus Lumborum Muscle, and Electrophoretic Protein Separation in Pigs Fed on Different Diets.

The aim of the study was to determine how effective microorganisms influence meat quality, the microstructure of the longissimus lumborum muscle, and electrophoretic protein separation. The study group consisted of 150 piglets divided into three feeding groups: C, E1, and E2. The feeding groups included C-a standard fodder blend with a full share of post-extracted soya meal; E1-a 50%/50% mix of pea and lupine/soya bean in phase I of fattening and a 75%/25% mix of pea and lupine/soya bean in phase II of fattening; and E2-a 50%/50% mix of pea and lupine/soya bean in phase I of fattening and in 100% pea and lupine in phase II of fattening. The experimental factor was the addition of the EM Carbon Bokashi probiotic to the diet (C + EM, E1 + EM, E2 + EM). Influence of the feeding system on the following parameters was also estimated. After slaughter, the meat quality, LL muscle microstructure, and electrophoretic protein separation were assessed. In the C + EM group, a lower water-holding capacity was demonstrated. Meat from pigs fed the effective microorganism additive was much harder in the E1+EM group compared to meat from pigs from the E1 group. A beneficial effect of effective microorganism was found in the E2 + EM group, where less thermal leakage from the meat was demonstrated. A beneficial effect of the feeding system on thermal leakage and loin eye area in the E2 + EM group was demonstrated. In the C + EM group, a lower total number of muscle fibers was demonstrated. The addition of effective microorganism caused an increase in the diameter of fast twitch fibers in the E1 + EM group. In the same group of pigs, effective microorganisms caused a lower proportion of fiber fission. This nutritional variant appears to be the most appropriate for proteins as well, because it led to the most favorable percentage of individual proteins after effective microorganisms supplementation in the longissimus lumborum muscle.

Impact of breeding region and season on the content of some trace elements and heavy metals in the hair of cows.

The aim of the research was to determine the effect of the season and the breeding region on the content of selected minerals (Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, Pb, Cd) in the hair of dairy cows. The research material covered 114 Holstein-Friesian breed cows from three breeding centres in Poland, hereafterreferred to as A, B and C. Breeding centre A is located in Opolskie province, breeding centre B in Podlaskie province and breeding centre C in Kujawsko-Pomorskie province. The cows were kept in freestanding cowsheds with den boxes. Animal nutrition involved the use of the TMR system, considering division into nutrition groups. Hair was sampled in summer and in the period of winter and spring from the side of the body, directly behind the coastal arch. The Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe analysis was performed with atomic absorption spectrometry. The Pb and Cd content was assayed with the use of the electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The results demonstrated the effect of season and breeding region on the level of the minerals and heavy metals assayed in the hair of cows being in the period of drying-off. The hair sampled in winter from cows from C demonstrated a higher concentration of most elements except for Fe than in material derived in summer. Hair sampled in winter from cows from the B centre showed higher Zn, Cu and Pb concentrations as compared with summer. Higher Cu, Mn, Fe and Pb concentrations were determined in hair sampled during winter from cows from A than in the material obtained in summer. The Cd content in the cow hair did not exceed the admissible norm, however, normal levels were exceeded for Pb in hair sampled in winter from cows from breeding centre C.

Influence of age and sex on the CLA and other fatty acids content in roe deer meat (Capreolus capreolus L.).

Meat is an important source of animal protein but, at the same time, it includes saturated fatty acids, which makes it a potential cause of different cardiovascular diseases and still little is known about influence of age and sex on these parameters in roe deer muscles. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of age and sex on the CLA and other fatty acids content in the musculus longissimus lumborum in 67 roe deer (Capreolus capreolus L.). In the meat from the oldest individuals a higher content of CLA was noted (89.76 [mg/kg]) when compared to the fawns (42 [mg/kg]). In this research meat from roe deer does showed in general a higher percentage proportion of SFAs and MUFAs, but lower of PUFAs, than the meat from bucks. These results may provide an important source of information for consumers of roe deer meat because of differences between CLA and other fatty acids content depending on age and sex of the animals. Meat from roebucks is the most advantageous for dietary purposes.

Zn and Pb concentration in seminal plasma in reference to selected parameters of semiological assessment of bull semen.

The Zn and Pb concentration was determined in 45 samples of bull semen from three Artificial Insemination Stations (A,B,C) differing in degree of environmental pollution. Bull semen was diluted with Biociphos-Plus to such an extent as to obtain 16 million sperm cells in an insemination dose. The research aimed at assessing the correlation between zinc, lead and other parameters influencing the semiological assessment of bull semen. The content of zinc and lead was determined with the use of the flame method and an absorption spectrophotometer (AAS). Positive, statistically significant correlations between zinc concentration and semen motility were observed in station A at r = 0.61 and station C at r = 0.614. In station B these correspondences were not statistically confirmed. Positive correlation at r = 0.583 was observed in case of zinc and the ejaculate volume only in station B. No statistically significant correlation was observed between lead concentration and the analyzed parameters.