Effects of dietary alfalfa protein concentrate supplementation on performance, egg quality, and fatty acid composition of raw, freeze-dried, and hard-boiled eggs from Polbar laying hens.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of addition of alfalfa protein concentrate (APC) at the dose of 15 g or 30 g per 1 kg of complete feed ration for the native Polbar breed on selected production traits and the fatty acid profile in the yolk of raw, hard-boiled or freeze-dried eggs. Laying hens were assigned randomly to 3 experimental groups, each comprising 30 birds. The control group received a standard diet without the APC addition and the experimental groups received APC, which partially replaced postextraction soybean meal. Egg laying performance, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were controlled throughout the experiment. At 33 wk of age, 45 eggs were randomly selected for assessment of the quality of the egg content and eggshell, and 30 eggs were taken for each of the cooking and freeze-drying treatments. The fatty acid composition was determined in the yolks of hard-boiled, freeze-dried, and raw eggs. There was no effect of the APC addition on the laying performance, feed intake and feed conversion ratio, and a majority of egg quality traits. Hens fed with the APC laid eggs with a darker colored eggshell and yolk and a slightly lower breaking strength. The yolks in the eggs from hens receiving the APC addition were characterized by distinctly higher content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). The group fed with a higher dose of APC produced eggs with a substantially lower level of saturated fatty acids (SFA). Boiling resulted in an increase in the SFA content and a decline in the level of PUFAs and carotenoids. Freeze-drying led to an increase in the total SFA content and a decrease in the level of n-3 PUFA. The APC addition to feed can replace the genetically modified soybean meal without reducing the values of production traits and egg quality and with a beneficial effect on the yolk color and fatty acid profile.

The effect of zinc, iron, calcium, and copper from organic sources in pheasant diet on the performance, hatching, minerals, and fatty acid composition of eggs.

The paper presents findings about how the substitution of calcium, iron, zinc, and copper salts with glycine chelates affects specific reproductive parameters of pheasants, the hatching potential and nutritional components of pheasant eggs, and the fatty acid profiles and cholesterol content in pheasant yolk. 4 groups were created for the experiment: the control, in which the birds received a feed containing standard calcium, iron, zinc, and copper salts, and 3 experimental groups in which chelates were used to replace 25, 50, and 75% of the mineral salts. The group with the 75% chelate share was not supplemented with the salts, and cholecalciferol was replaced with calcitriol. The groups included pheasant females (7 birds) and 1 male, respectively, and were maintained in outdoor aviaries. The birds were administered granulated feed mixes ad libitum, with free access to water. Their feed intake was recorded each day. The birds were weighed at the beginning and end of the egg-laying period. The eggs were collected throughout the egg-laying period, and the eggs gathered at the culmination of the egg-laying period were used for hatching. The eggs were morphometrically analyzed and the hatching process and subsequent hatchling survival rates were investigated. Nutritional components in the eggs were determined, and the fatty acid profiles and cholesterol content were assayed in the yolk. The results showed the use of Ca, Fe, Zn, and Cu chelates in place of salts in the pheasant brood hen diet had contributed to enhancing the egg-laying performance, with a concurrent fall in the size and weight of the eggs. The highest egg-laying performance, with the lowest egg weight, was observed in the group that consumed the highest (75%) share of mineral chelates and received calcitriol supplementation. This corresponded with the highest incubation yield and hatchling survival. The thickest shells and highest crude ash percentages were identified in the eggs of the pheasant group that received a 50% by 50% proportion of salts and glycine chelates. In comparison with the control birds that received the mineral salts, the yolk of the pheasants that consumed the feed with the 75% share of calcitriol and Ca, Fe, Zn, and Cu chelates had a higher percentage of n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), with a far more advantageous n-6/n-3 proportion. No differences related to the source and levels of Ca, Fe, Zn, and Cu in the feed were observed in the cholesterol content of the pheasant yolk.

Intestinal mucosa develops in a sex-dependent manner in Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) fed Saccharomyces cerevisiae.

1. The aim of study was to investigate whether the impact of the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the histological structure of the intestine, innervation of the small intestine wall, and basal biochemical serum parameters in Japanese quail was sex dependent. 2. One-day-old healthy male and female Japanese quail were fed either a basal diet containing no yeast (control group) or the basal diet plus 1.5% (15 g/kg of diet) of yeast (S. cerevisiae inactivated by drying). Samples from the duodenum and jejunum were taken from each bird at the age of 42 days. Blood samples were collected at this age and the concentrations of glucose, total protein, creatinine, uric acid, lipid profile (total cholesterol, low density lipoproteins (LDL), high density lipoproteins (HDL) and triacylglycerols (TG)), alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), aspartate aminotransferase (AspAT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), amylase (AMY), calcium, phosphorus and iron were determined. 3. Female quail fed diets supplemented with yeast had significantly lower total cholesterol and amylase activity than the control females. The concentration of HDL was higher in the male quail than in the females, irrespective of the treatment. An opposite effect was observed in LDL. The diet treatments influenced the activity of AspAT, which was significantly less in the male quail fed diets with 1.5% yeast. 4. Supplementation with S. cerevisiae increased the myenteron, submucosa and mucosa thickness, villus length and thickness and size of absorptive surface, while the number of villi and enterocytes were decreased in the duodenum in males. Female quail showed an increased absorptive surface in the jejunum. The Meissner (submucosal) plexuses were influenced by the feeding and sex to a greater extent than the Auerbach plexus (in the muscularis propria). 5. The results demonstrated that S. cerevisiae (1.5%) in the diet caused significant positive effects in Japanese quail, exerting an effect on the morphology of the small intestine in a sex-dependent manner.

The effect of feeding system and sex on the performance and selected gastrointestinal features of fattening pigs.

The aim of the study was to evaluate the efficiency of two feeding systems for fattening pigs (wet and dry), taking into account their sex, on performance, nutrient digestibility, and some histological and microbiological parameters of the gut. The study was conducted on 450 fattening pigs, divided into 6 groups (n = 75) and housed in pens with 15 pigs per pen. The first three groups, divided according to sex, i.e. gilts, barrows and boars subjected to immunocastration (B-I), received complete dry feed, while the next three, divided in the same manner according to sex, were fed a fermented liquid diet. The nutritional value of the feeds, calculated on a dry weight basis, was similar for the two feeding systems in both stages of the fattening period. The best weight gains were observed in the group B-I pigs which received the liquid diet, and the poorest in the gilts fed the dry feeds. The best feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed in the boars treated with Improvac®, especially those receiving the liquid diet. The feeding system significantly influenced the digestibility of nutrients, with higher apparent digestibility coefficients for crude protein, fat and fibre noted in the animals fed in the wet system. The liquid feeding system caused an increase in crypt depth in the colon in all groups of pigs, as well as an increase in the width of the muscular layer. A significant decrease in the total bacterial count was observed in the calcium, especially in the animals fed in the wet system.

Long-bone properties and development are affected by caponisation and breed in Polish fowls.

1. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of caponisation on bone development of males of two native breeds in Poland. 2. The weight, length and cross-sectional area of tibiae and femora were measured, densitometric measurements and tests of strength were determined and dimensions were calculated. 3. Breed and caponisation did not influence bone weight and length. Higher mechanical strength of the femur was found in entire males, mainly in the Polbar breed. Tibial strength was reduced in capons of the Green Partridge breed. Maximum elastic strength was greater in the Polbar, irrespective of caponisation. Bone cross-sectional area was influenced by breed, while caponisation reduced femoral bone mineral density in both breeds. 4. Caponisation thus increased growth rate but had adverse effects on bone development. 5. Caponisation had fewer negative effects in the Polbar than in the Greenleg Partridge.

Comparative Effects of Inulin with Different Polymerization Degrees on Growth Performance, Blood Trace Minerals, and Erythrocyte Indices in Growing-Finishing Pigs.

There are numerous reports of the effect of inulin on the bioavailability of mineral compounds. However, there are no conclusive reports concerning its beneficial impact (or lack thereof) in the case of such essential trace elements as iron, copper, or zinc. The aim of the study was to compare the effects of inulin addition with different degrees of polymerization (DPs) on growth performance in fatteners as well as on blood plasma concentrations of iron, copper, and zinc and selected hematological indices. The experiment was conducted throughout the fattening period (up to a body weight of approximately 115 kg) on 112 weaners with an initial weight of 25.0 ± 0.5 kg divided into 7 groups. The first group served as a control, while the other groups received increasing doses (1, 2, and 3 %) of standard inulin (SI; DPav ≥ 10) or long-chain inulin (LCI, DPav ≥ 23) in complete mixtures. Compared with the control, the supplementation of the mixtures with inulin increased the average daily gains, the final body weight, and the plasma content of trace elements (P < 0.05). An increased plasma zinc concentration was noted after application of inulin with a lower polymerization degree (P < 0.05). In turn, at a higher inulin polymerization degree, a higher final body weight and increased copper (P < 0.05), iron (P < 0.1), hemoglobin, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), and packed cell volume (PCV) levels were detected in animal blood (P < 0.05). The inulin addition was found to have modified the analyzed indices, and the optimal supplementation level was estimated at 20  g·kg-1 diet. Inulin with the higher DP exerted a more pronounced effect on the analyzed properties.

Effect of humic-plant feed preparations on biochemical blood parameters of laying hens in deep litter housing system.

An influence of various humic-plant feed additives based on some herbs (nettle, chamomile, yarrow, perforatum), lucerne and humic materials on biochemical indices of Lohmann Brown (LB) layers blood plasma was estimated. Hens were housed in deep litter system, 20 birds in a group. Four groups were formed: control (C - standard feeding), and experimental, supplemented with prepara- tions: E-1 herbal-humic, E-2 humic-herbal and E-3--humic-lucerne. Hens were placed in the pens on the 16th week of life, addition of preparations with standard food mixture started at the 22nd wk and lasted until 66th wk of life. Blood for analyses was collected four times in the following periods: 27, 37, 54 and 65th wk of life. The applied humic-plant preparations to a limited degree affected the values of examined biochemical parameters in serum: total protein (TP), albumins (Albs), glucose (Glu), urea, triacylglycerols (TAG), total cholesterol (TCh), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminot- ransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). It is difficult to determine based on these study, which preparation is one the most active biologically, however is seems that humic-lucerne prepara- tion affected the examined blood parameters to the highest degree. The reference values ranges in hens blood serum LB hens were proposed for: TP (43-65 g/l), Albs (15-22 g/l), urea (0.5-1.2 mmol/l), Glu 10-15 mmol/l), TCh (2.2-4.5 mmol/l), TAG (10-24 mmol/l), AST (4-12 U/l), ALT (150-280 mmol/l) and ALP (190-350 U/l).

Correlations between cholesterol content, fatty acid composition and health lipid indices in fat of chosen tissues and organs of finishing pigs.

The aim of this study was to estimate fatty acid composition, health related lipid indices (atherogenic-AI and thrombogenic-IT indices, h/H ratio) and the correlation between these traits and cholesterol content in various tissues of fatteners. The experiment involved 60 crossbred pigs (PL x PLW) x Duroc. The animals were slaughtered at 115 +/- 2.0 kg body weight. The tissue samples (backfat, m. longissimus, liver, heart) were collected to analyze fatty acid profile and cholesterol content. The highest PUFA level was determined in the fat of the heart and liver. Weak to moderate correlations were observed between cholesterol content and most of the studied indices of fatty acid profile of the analyzed tissues. Importantly, the most significant correlations were established between the examined traits in the heart fat. Generally, irrespective of tissue type, the cholesterol level was negatively correlated with total PUFA, n-3 and n-6 FA content and h/H ratio.

Effect of inulin extracts or inulin-containing plant supplement on blood lipid indices and fatty acid profile in fattener tissues.

The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of inulin or dandelion, chicory and Jerusalem artichoke powder on lipid indices and fatty acid profile in fattener tissues. The experiment involved 120 crossbred pigs (PL x PLW) x Duroc with an initial body weight of 25.0 +/- 0.5 kg. Animals were assigned into 6 groups. A diet for group I (control) did not comprise an inulin additive, group II and III received 2% inulin (water or water-alcohol extraction of inulin from chicory root, respectively), while the mixtures for group IV, V and VI contained 4% root powder from Jerusalem artichoke (topinambur), chicory or dandelion, respectively. The animals were slaughtered at 115 kg body weight. The samples of blood, liver and the muscle longissimus dorsi tissues as well as whole hearts were collected for analysis. Fatty acid profile, some lipid indices and crude fat and cholesterol content were evaluated. Dietary supplement of 40 g dandelion powder resulted in preferable significant changes in the blood lipid indices and fatty acids composition (increased PUFA share and decreased n-6/n-3 ratio).

Performance, pork quality and fatty acid composition of entire males, surgically castrated or immunocastrated males, and female pigs reared under organic system.

This study was carried out on the farm specializing in organic pig production on 80 fatteners of the Polish native Pulawska breed, allocated into 4 groups (20 pigs each): EM--entire (uncastrated) males, IM--immunocastrates--males vaccinated with Improvac, CM--surgically castrated males and G--gilts. The highest average daily gains were achieved by the IM group, slightly lower by EM, whereas the lowest by CM and G groups. Content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) in intramuscular fat and backfat (10.19% and 10.68%, respectively) of IM was lower (P < 0.05) than in fat of EM (11.4% and 13.20%, respectively), but higher (P < 0.05) in comparison to CM (8.43% and 8.71%, respectively). Vaccination of boars against GnRH has not decreased quality traits of organically produced pork. Furthermore, comparing to meat from surgically castrated males, it resulted in better qualities (lower fat content in carcass, higher PUFA level in fat, better physicochemical meat properties).

The effect of supplementing organic diets with fish meal and premix on the performance of pigs and some meat and blood characteristics.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of fish meal and mineral-vitamin premix, supplementing organic diets, on the performance of pigs and some meat and blood characteristics. The experiment was conducted on an organic pig fattening farm. The study involved 120 pigs with an approximate 25 kg body weight. Animals were divided into 3 groups, kept in pens, 10 animals each. Group I (control) animals were fed with plant feedstuffs of organic origin. Diets for group II and III were enriched with fish meal or fish meal and vitamin-mineral premix, respectively. The experiment was carried out till pigs reached a weight of 115 kg. Feed samples were subjected to laboratory analyses. Body weight (3 times) and feed intake were recorded. Blood samples were collected (2 times) to determine hematological and biochemical indices. Some parameters in meat samples were also determined. The fish meal addition improved (P < or = 0.05) the average daily gains as well as feed conversion ratio during fattening period and mineral-vitamin premix significantly (P < or = 0.05) fortified fish meal influence. Fish meal supplement improved (P < or = 0.05) also some carcass characteristics. Supplementation of the diet with premix additionally decreased (P < or = 0.05) backfat thickness and increased share of meat in carcass. Fish meal improved (P < or = 0.05) some meat characteristics and elevated content of some polyunsaturated fatty acids. An increase in hemoglobin, red blood cell, white blood cell and cholesterol level in blood of animals from both experimental groups were also found. The results obtained proved the usefulness of fish meal and mineral-vitamin premix in the fatteners nutrition based on organic diets.

Efficacy of mannanoligosaccharides additive to sows diets on colostrum, blood immunoglobulin content and production parameters of piglets.

The present results suggest that mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) included in a sow nutrition may affect its immune system and humoral antibody production in colostrum and milk, and thus increase the piglet immunity at the postnatal period. The studies involved sows of the Polish Landrace breed mated with boars (Hampshire x Duroc). In each experiment, the sows were assigned to two groups: control and experimental (MOS). Each group consisted of 16 sows managed in pens (2 animals in each) during pregnancy, whereas at farrowing and lactation period they were placed in individual pens. The basal diet during pregnancy (PR-S) and lactation (LC-S) period contained wheat (40% in experiment I--groups 1 and 2) or triticale (40% in experiment II--groups 3 and 4), as well as barley, soybean meal, soybean oil and mineral-vitamin premix. Throughout both experiments, the sows from the experimental group had a dietary supplement of mannanoligosaccharides (MOS) preparation for 4 of weeks prepartum and 4 weeks of post partum period. A level of the MOS supplementation (8 g of MOS per sow daily) based on the recommendations of the manufacturer. Blood samples were collected from the sows on days 84 (the start of trial) and 110 of pregnancy, after farrowing, and on day 21 of lactation period, while from the piglets at birth and on day 21 of age. Colostrum was collected between 1-3, 12, 24 and 48 h after farrowing. The blood samples taken from sows and piglets as well as the samples of sow colostrum and milk were evaluated for the presence of IgG, IgA and IgM antibodies. The present study has provided considerable evidence that MOS supplementation of sows feedstuff before and after farrowing (4 weeks before and 4 weeks after) exerts a positive effect on IgG content in the colostrum and plasma of sows and following this on serum IgG level in the suckling piglets. Higher level of colostral (passive) immunity influences positively body weight gain and survival rate of the piglets at weaning.

Effect of protein-xanthophylls (PX) concentrate of alfalfa supplementation on physico-chemical properties of turkey breast and thigh muscles during ageing.

The objective was to evaluate the effects of a dietary protein-xanthophylls (PX) concentrate of alfalfa to turkey diets (at 15 and 30 g kg(-1) feed) on the physico-chemical properties of breast and thigh muscles during ageing. The experiment involved 120 turkeys (Big-6 type) allotted to 3 groups (group I-control group; group II--with 1.5% supplementation of the protein-xanthophylls (PX) concentrate; group III--with 3% supplementation of the protein-xanthophylls (PX) concentrate). Measurements of pH, water holding capacity, color, oxymyoglobin content, TBARS and oxidation-reduction potential showed that the addition of protein-xanthophylls (PX) concentrate of alfalfa to a turkey diet did not cause deterioration of breast and thigh meat quality. In addition, changes in color, oxymyoglobin content, TBARS and oxidation-reduction potential values suggested that the inclusion of the concentrate to turkey diets acts as an antioxidant in the raw meat.

Some physicochemical bone parameters of sows fed microbial phytase-supplemented diet.

The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of microbial phytase addition to sow diets on a mineral content, mineralization level and geometric parameters of femoral and humeral bone. The studies were done on 75 sows assigned to 3 feeding groups. The animals from group I (positive control) were fed a diet of standard calcium and phosphorus dietary contents which complied with the requirements of the Polish Norms for Pig Nutrition (1993). The sows from group II (negative control) received a diet without an inorganic phosphorus content and finally, group III was provided with a diet without an inorganic phosphorus additive, but supplemented with microbial phytase (500 PU kg(-1)) and formic acid. After lactation completion and piglet weaning, 4 sows were selected from each group for slaughter and laboratory evaluation of femoral and humeral bone samples. The bone samples were examined for a content of dry matter, crude ash and minerals (phosphorus, Ca+2, Mg+2, Mn+2, Zn+2, Cu+2). The isolated femurs were analyzed for a mineralization degree and geometric parameters. A combined microbial phytase with formic acid supplementation significantly increased manganese and zinc concentration in femoral bone and a level of phosphorus, calcium, zinc and iron in humeral bone of sows. There was also observed significantly higher trabecular bone mineral density (Td) in the femoral bone as well as the bone volume. The evaluation of geometric parameters and bone cortical indices showed a significant influence of the sow feedstuff supplementation with microbial phytase and formic acid on the parameters studied.

Current trends in pig nutrition at intensive or organic-farm management.

The paper presents some current problems related to pig nutrition at the intensive and organic rearing systems. Issues shared by both sectors of the pig management as well as specific organic feeding regimes are discussed. A growing concern in nutrient balance has been emphasized, especially protein digested in the caudal segment of the small intestine. Besides, the problems of animal welfare in both management systems were addressed along with the ban on growth promoter application (hormones and antibiotics) that appear to be redundant or even hazardous for human health.