Decontamination by anaerobic stabilisation of the environment contaminated with enteronematode eggs Toxocara canis and Ascaris suum.

Investigations were carried out under operating conditions of Field Composting Factory in Brezno (Slovak Republic) to determine the effect of anaerobic stabilization of organic wastes from public areas on the survival of model helminth Toxocara canis and Ascaris suum eggs. Due to anaerobic conditions, low temperature, low C:N ratio and changes in physical and chemical properties of organic waste, less than 64% of A. suum eggs remained viable after 150 days of stabilisation. The anaerobic stabilisation had a greater effect on the viability of T. canis eggs than on A. suum eggs. The infectivity of T. canis eggs was confirmed by a follow-up experiment in laboratory mice. A small number of T. canis larvae were found in their brain and muscles on day 28 after infection. The results refer to the risks of dissemination, survival and potential spread of endoparasitic developmental stages in the environment through organic wastes subjected to low temperature stabilisation.

Application of peracetic acid and quarternary ammonium disinfectants as a part of sanitary treatment in a poultry house and poultry processing plant.

Hygiene and sanitation play a major role in any effective disease control programme for poultry production and processing premises. Various deficiencies in disinfection may induce that chains of infections are not broken from one stock to another. The present study investigated the efficacy of disinfection on a broiler farm and in a plant processing poultry from the investigated farm. Besides inspection of disinfection, the influence of contamination on broiler carcasses and consequences of this contamination on sanitation of the processing lines were studied. Swabs from surfaces coming into contact with the handled raw material were taken and evaluated. The results obtained by a standard microbiological swab method were evaluated and compared with an ATP-bioluminescence method. The investigations included determination of total counts of microorganisms, coliform bacteria and moulds. When employing the standard plate-count method, the total counts of microorganisms (TCM) reached <1, 1-100 and >100 CFU in 0, 12 and 88% swabs on poultry farm and in 22%, 36% and 42% swabs in the processing plant, respectively. The bioluminescence method was used only in the processing plant and contamination corresponding to <100, 100-300 and >300 relative light units (RLU) was detected in 80%, 10% and 10% swabs respectively.

Evolution of temperature and chemical parameters during composting of the pig slurry solid fraction amended with natural zeolite.

A 3-month experiment was conducted at a 300 kg scale to observe decomposition processes in pig slurry solids amended with two different doses of natural Slovak zeolite-clinoptilolite (substrates S1 and S2, 1% and 2% of zeolite by weight, respectively) in comparison with the control (unamended solids). The experimental and control substrates were stored outdoors in sheltered static piles at ambient temperatures ranging from 8.0 to 34.7 degrees C. The solid fraction (SF) of pig slurry was obtained by separation on vibration sieves prior to slurry treatment with activated sludge. The initial water content of the SF was 77.1% and no water was added to the piles during the storage. The temperature in the core of the piles was recorded throughout the experiment. By day 3 and 5 of storage (1% and 2% zeolite, resp.), the temperature in the substrates S1 and S2 exceeded 55 degrees C and remained above this level for 15 days while the highest temperature recorded in the control during the experiment was 29.8 degrees C. Samples from the core of the piles were taken periodically to determine pH, dry matter at 105 degrees C (DM), ash (550 degrees C/4 h), ammonia nitrogen (N-NH(4)(+)), nitrate nitrogen (N-NO(3)(-)), total nitrogen (N(t)), total phosphorus (P(t)); total organic carbon (TOC) was computed. The results showed that pH levels in S1 and S2 remained below that in the control for most of the thermophilic stage. This may be related to water-soluble ammonia and the affinity of zeolites to ammonium ions. A significant decrease in the level of ammonia nitrogen in water extracts from S1 and S2 was observed between days 5 and 35 in comparison with the control. The values of ash also differed and corresponded to the intensity of the decomposition processes in the respective substrates.

The effect of summer and winter seasons on the survival of Salmonella typhimurium and indicator micro-organisms during the storage of solid fraction of pig slurry.

AIMS: Investigations were carried out to observe the influence of winter/spring and summer periods on the survival of Salmonella typhimurium and indicator bacteria (psychrophilic, mesophilic, coliform and faecal coliform bacteria and faecal streptococci) in the solid fraction of pig slurry from agricultural wastewater treatment plant. METHODS AND RESULTS: Leather squares and PVC bottles with openings served as test carriers. They were inoculated with broth culture of Salm. typhimurium and introduced directly into the solid fraction. During the experiment, quantitative and qualitative examinations were carried out to determine the presence of Salm. typhimurium and observe the dynamics of indicator bacteria in the solid fraction. CONCLUSIONS: Salmonella typhimurium survived for 26 d in summer and for 85 d in winter/spring. The T90 values of indicator bacteria in summer ranged from 35.44 d (coliform bacteria) up to 100.29 d (mesophilic bacteria). The winter T90 values of indicator bacteria ranged from 74.58 d (faecal coliform bacteria) to 233.07 d (coliform bacteria). SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: The present study demonstrated that it is necessary to pay increased attention to the manipulation of slurry solid fraction.

[The effect of various doses of zeolite on counts of salmonellae, coliform and fecal coliform microorganisms in pig slurry in laboratory conditions]. / Vplyv rôznych dávok zeolitov na pocty salmonel, koliformných a fekálnych koliformných mikroorganizmov v hnojovici osípaných za laboratórnych podmienok.

The possibilities of utilization of two types of natural zeolite and three samples of synthetic zeolite in the treatment of pig slurry in various stages of waste water treatment process were investigated from the microbiological and chemical points of view at various amounts of zeolite and different contact time. Results obtained indicate that the addition of zeolites resulted in a decrease in the number of microorganisms in the supernatant during the period of investigation in all types of zeolites tested. Per cent of decrease varied considerably in dependence on the time of contact. This observation gains an importance in connection with a considerable decrease in chemical pollution.

[Survival of Salmonella typhimurium in the solid fraction from a farm waste water treatment plant]. / Prezívanie Salmonella typhimurium v pevnej frakcii z pol'nohospodárskej cistiarne odpadových vôd.

Survival of Salmonella typhimurium pathogens was followed in the slurry solid fraction from a pig farm waste water treatment plant. The tested S. typhimurium pathogens have survived for 117 days. The solid fraction was kept in the laboratory at 20-23 degrees C. Indicatory microorganisms at the beginning of the experiment numbered 10(8)-10(9) CFU in 1 ml sample. This number decreased by 4-5 series throughout the experiment, except for faecal coliform bacteria, which were not detected after 43 days of cultivation. Enterobacteria showed a decreasing tendency until day 83, however, on the final sampling (day 117) their count was almost double. Of physico-chemical parameters, pH showed the most striking variations. Its initial value of 6.9 increased to 8.1 at day 30, then decreased to 7.2 at day 43, and increased to 7.7 at the end of the experiment. Ammoniacal nitrogen in solid fraction was almost twice as high as the initial level. Other physico-chemical parameters were not changed significantly throughout the experiment. On the results of this experiment, decimal reduction times T90 were determined for indicatory microorganisms during the storage of solid fraction under constant conditions: psychrophilic bacteria 31.25; mesophilic bacteria 38.12; coliform bacteria 27.49; faecal streptococci 24.57 and enterobacteria 30.46 days. These data suggest a relatively long time of survival for indicatory microorganisms in the solid fraction from agricultural waste water treatment plants.

[Use of hydrated lime for disinfection of sewage sludge containing Salmonella typhimurium and Ascaris suum as model pathogens]. / Vyuzitie vápenného hydrátu na dezinfekciu modelových patogénov Salmonella typhimurium a Ascaris suum v cistiarenských kaloch.

Hydrated lime was lethal to the strain of Salmonella typhimurium (Sk 14/39) after 60 min of exposure. In the control without addition of hydrated lime this strain was still viable after 168 hours, counting 6.1 x 10(5) pathogens/l ml sludge. 168-hr disinfection of primary sludges with 10 g/l hydrated lime showed no significant reduction in the viability of Ascaris suum eggs. In three experiments, the number of viable eggs was reduced only by 3.6%. Indicator microorganisms, except psychrophilic ones that survive for only 24 hr, were destroyed after 60 min of exposure. The temperature of stabilized sludges did not vary considerably during experiments, ranging between 21 and 25 degrees C. With the addition of Ca(OH)2, sludge pH increased to the values for COD, organic matters and total nitrogen were reduced throughout the experiments. The values for sludge dry residues remained unchanged.

[Mineral metabolism in young beef cattle during the period of changing from winter feed rations to grazing]. / Minerálny metabolizmus mladého výkrmového dobytka v období prechodu zo zimnej krmnej dávky na pasu.

Concentrations of calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, sodium and potassium were observed in the blood serum of beef bullocks after their transfer from winter feed ration to grazing and in the successive grazing cycles within two years. Blood samples were taken by puncture from the vena jugularis from the identical six bullocks. In the first year of observation, blood collection took place a week before transfer to grazing while in the second year of observation twice in weekly intervals before grazing. In the period of grazing, the biological material was sampled in weekly intervals from week 1 to week 5 (May--Ist cycle, June--IInd cycle), then in week 10 (July--IIIrd cycle) and in week 14 (August--IVth cycle of grazing). Calcium concentrations in the blood serum of beef bullocks (Fig. 1) decreased after transfer from stable feeding to grazing while this drop was significant in the second year of observation (P < 0.05). That period was followed by an increase in serum calcium concentrations in both target groups. The concentrations of inorganic phosphorus in the serum of beef bullocks (Fig. 2) dropped after transfer to grazing but a gradual increase in the values was recorded in week 4 in the first year of observation and in week 5 of grazing in the 2nd year of observation. These changes were not statistically significant. The concentrations of serum magnesium in beef bullocks (Fig. 3) statistically significantly dropped (P < 0.05) after transfer from stable feeding to grazing in week 3 in the first year of observation and in week 4 of grazing in the second year of observation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Study of the efficacy of sewage treatment systems for fluid waste on pig farms in Slovakia]. / Prieskum efektívnosti niektorých systémov cistiarní odpadových vôd pri farmách osípaných na Slovensku.

Bacteriological, helminthological and physico-chemical examinations were carried out to investigate the technological procedure in three water treatment plants treating slurry from large-capacity pig farms (Kosická Polianka, Spisské Vlachy, Vel'ký Dur). Our investigations were focused on the testing of effectiveness of mechanical, chemical and biological treatment system most frequently used in Slovakia. Our investigations revealed that water-treatment plants, operating on pig farms, fulfil only the supplies management requirements concerning the treated water, discharged into the recipient. From the hygienic viewpoint further processing or utilization of the solid fraction remains unsolved. This fraction contains considerable concentrations of bacteria and parasitic germs (Ascaris suum, Trichuris suis, Isospora sp., Eimeria sp.) most of which exhibit high tenacity in the environment. It is recommended to process this solid fraction by composting before it is applied as a manure. However, the measured values did not exceed the reference hygienic limits. The technological stage of chemical treatment, which follows after the separation and utilizes some coagulants (aluminium sulphate, ferrous sulphate), can increase the chemical load of water stripped of crude organic pollutants, by some undesirable chemical elements.

Volatile fatty acid concentrations, enzyme activities and microflora in the rumen contents of heifers during transition to pasture.

Observations were carried out on volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations, enzyme activities and the microflora of the rumen contents in heifers during transition from winter to pasture feeding and in the subsequent gazing cycles. After turn-out to pasture, total VFA concentrations in the rumen contents of heifers significantly decreased from 107.7 to 88.7 mmol.l-1 (P < 0.01). After subsequent increase the total VFA concentrations reached their highest value (117.0 mmol.l-1) in the 8th week of grazing. The proportion of the molar acetic acid concentration in the rumen content increased insignificantly whereas that of propionic acid decreased insignificantly. In the molar proportion of butyric acid no significant differences could be stated. In the subsequent weeks the molar proportions of acetic acid were rather balanced and ranged within 66.2 and 68.0 mol%; the molar proportion of propionic acid insignificantly increased in the 4th week (18.7 mol%). Molar proportions of butyric acid on pasture insignificantly increased in week 3 (15.2 mol%) and appeared as balanced, later acquiring values between 14.0 and 14.8 mol%. The energetic yield of VFA production in the rumen of heifers decreased insignificantly from 73.6 to 72.15; the acetate: propionate ratio revealed an insignificant increase from 3.66 to 4.18. The enzyme activity of cellulase (endoglucanase E.C.3.2.1.4 and cellobiohydrolase E.C.3.2.1.91.) decreased significantly from 17.83 to 16.64 micrograms.ml-1 (P < 0.01); in the subsequent weeks, however, a significant increase could be observed. The enzyme activity of alpha-amylase (E.C.3.2.1.1.) decreased significantly (P < 0.05). In the 4th week a significant increase of the former occurred. The numbers of cellulolytic bacteria in the rumen content decreased significantly from 8.08 to 7.61 log 10.ml-1 (P < 0.01) and then a significant increase to 8.39 log 10.ml-1 was observed again in the 3rd week of grazing (P < 0.05). During pasture, a significant increase of the numbers of lactate-utilizing bacteria was recorded. As to the numbers of lactobacilli a significant decrease (P < 0.05) with a subsequent insignificant increase during grazing could be observed. Throughout the grazing season, the numbers of Streptococci reached values that surpassed those recorded during the winter feeding period. After transition from winter feeding to pasture the adaptation of rumen fermentation took four weeks.

[The effect of experimental aerobic stabilization of swine slurry on survival of Salmonella typhimurium and Ascaris suum]. / Vplyv aeróbnej stabilizácie tekutých exkrementov osípaných v laboratórnych podmienkach na vitalitu zárodkov Salmonella typhimurium a Ascaris suum.

Laboratory aerobic mesophilic stabilisation (fermentation) of pig slurry reduced the survival time of S. typhimurium, compared with their prevalence in anaerobic excrements. The decimation time T90 for S. typhimurium, was 32 hours. The effect of aerobic stabilisation on the survival of nonembryoed eggs of the model helminth A. suum was lower than that observed in Salmonella. After 54 hours of aerobic stabilization of slurry only 32% of eggs were devitalized. Stabilized control group did not develop 13% of eggs into their embryonated stage.

The effect of diet composition on the development of rumen digestion in lambs.

The effect of composition of feed concentrate on the development of rumen digestion in suckling lambs was investigated. The experimental group of lambs was offered special concentrate diets (SCD I and SCD II), which, compared to routinely produced commercial mixtures CCD 1 and CCD 2, were completely cleared of milk protein, enriched with legumes and alfalfa meal and supplemented with cut alfalfa of the particle size 1 cm. Significantly higher concentrations of total volatile fatty acids (VFA) were recorded in experimental lambs at the age of 7, 9 and 11 weeks. The highest concentration of total VFA was observed at the age of 11 weeks (118.2 mmol.l-1 in the experimental group and 110.2 mmol.l-1 in the control group). The cellulase activity (endoglucanase E.C.3.2.1.4. and cellobiohydralase E.C 3.2.1.91.) of the rumen content of experimental lambs was significantly higher at the age of 9, 11 and 15 weeks, in comparison with the control animals, reaching the highest values at 11 weeks of age (19.32 micrograms.ml-1 in the experimental group, 15.84 micrograms.ml-1 in the control group), while the increase of number of cellulolytic bacteria in experimental lambs was insignificant. Scanning electron microscopy showed more pronounced colonization of the rumen epithelium by adherent rumen microflora in experimental lambs. Average daily weight gains over the whole investigated period reached 0.235 kg in the experimental group and 0.221 kg in the control group.

[Dissemination and survival of endoparasite embryos in the environment]. / Diseminácia a prezívanie zárodkov endoparazitov v zivotnom prostredí.

Pig farms with the annual capacity from five to 20 thousand head represent one of the crucial fields of agriculture influencing the environment in the CSFR. Daily production of large amounts of liquid excrements (150-300 m3), as a result of high concentrations of animals, poses not only technical but also sanitary problems closely related to the animal and man's health. In a long-term (267 days) field study the authors followed the development and survival of eggs of the model helminth Ascaris suum, contamination of the environment with the propagative stages of pig enteronematodes and possibility of their devitalization in a mechanico-chemico-biological waste-water treatment plant. Eggs of A. suum placed in the soil to the depth of 10 to 60 cm in November (1987) did not develop in winter months. Their development continued in spring months--at soil temperatures of 8.6 degrees C (at 5 cm depth) or 8.9 degrees C (at 20 cm depth). The embryonated eggs were found out at the beginning of the 20th decade of the experiment (May, 1988). The most positive samples on the investigated pig farm were found out in the vicinity of the central reservoir for waste water, showing the presence of both unembryonated and embryonated eggs of A. suum and Trichuris suis, with sporadic occurrence of Oesophagostomum dentatum L3 larvae. As demonstrated by our results, the tested waste-water treatment system complies only with the requirements of water management--with respect to the absence of the endoparasite propagative stages in the treated water.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

[Hygienic problems of slaughterhouse wastewaters (author's transl)]. / Hygienische Probleme der Abwässer von Schlachthäusern.

Physical, chemical and bacterial qualities of total wastewaters from slaughterhouse and meat processing plants and individual departments has been followed. Obtained results are indicating the significance of wastewaters in contamination of living environment and stressing the importance of their treatment.