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Influence of the genotype of the hen (Gallus gallus domesticus) on main parameters of egg quality, chemical composition of the eggs under uniform environmental conditions
Effect of prudent use of antimicrobials in the early phase of infection in pigs on the performance and meat quality of fattening pigs
Opracowanie i wdrożenie systemu do oceny jakości tusz wieprzowych z wykorzystaniem technik laserowych
Effects of hygiene methods on the microbiome and resistome of poultry litter
Abstract The inappropriate use of antibiotics in poultry farming and the presence of antibiotic residues in the environment significantly impact the development of resistance among microorganisms present in the production ecosystem. The environment of the henhouse, including chicken manure, creates excellent conditions for the spread of antibiotic-resistant bacteria (ARBs). The presence of ARBs in the litter often leads to the transfer of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) through horizontal gene transfer (HGT). Considering the risks associated with the agricultural use of manure, all sanitation treatments applied to poultry litter before its agricultural use should effectively eliminate physicochemical (antibiotic residues, heavy metals) and microbiological (ARBs, ARGs) hazards. This review aims to analyse the current practices in rational manure management, aligned with bio-economy principles, and evaluate their effectiveness in reducing the spread of antibiotic resistance and pathogens in the poultry production ecosystem. This review considered biological, chemical and physical processes for poultry litter treatment applicable in livestock settings, including the use of biopreparations, humic substances, and aluminosilicates during chicken rearing. Post-rearing methods such as the application of organic additives, minerals (calcium compounds), and silver-based nano preparations are also discussed, along with biological and physical methods such as storage, anaerobic digestion, composting and pasteurisation.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of alternative methods for controlling coccidiosis in broiler chickens: a field trial
Abstract Currently, coccidiostats are the primary and standard method of combating coccidiosis in poultry farms. However, consumer organizations still point to the need to phase out all chemotherapeutic substances from animal nutrition to protect human health. The research material consisted of 720 cocks of the Cobb 500 hybrid, which were divided into three groups (C – coccidiostat/control, V – vaccine, and H – herbals). The following parameters were analyzed: body weight (BW), feed conversion ratio (FCR), mortality, foot pad dermatitis (FPD), European Production Efficiency Factor (EPEF), and the number of oocysts per 1g of feces (OPG). On day 42, the BW of the C group was higher compared with the V and H groups. The C group was also characterized by the best FCR and the highest EPEF. In the V group, oocysts were noted in feces from the 14th day of rearing, and the highest oocysts content was observed on the 21st day of life. In the C and H groups, the highest number of oocysts was recorded in the feces on the 28th day. The investigated alternative methods to coccidiostats showed good antiparasitic potential. Therefore, combining a couple of anticoccidiosis methods in preventive programs may be the best solution in broiler chickens production.
Effects of low crude protein content and glycine supplementation on broiler chicken performance, carcass traits, and litter quality.
Neopterin Concentration in Umbilical Cord Blood as a Reflection of Maternal Insulin Resistance—A Pilot Study
Background/Objective: Insulin resistance (IR) during pregnancy, even in women with normal body mass index (BMI), may affect maternal and fetal metabolic and immune status. This study aimed to evaluate neopterin (NPT), leptin, insulin, and ghrelin concentrations in maternal blood (MB) and umbilical cord blood (CB) in normoglycemic women with and without IR, all with normal BMI. Methods: Peripheral and cord blood was collected from 36 Caucasian women with term, uncomplicated vaginal deliveries. The participants were classified into control (n = 16; age = 30.81 ± 4.875 years) and IR (n = 20; age = 31.95 ± 4.979 years) groups based on a professional medical diagnosis. Anthropometric parameters were recorded, and metabolic/hormonal markers were measured using ELISA and RIA. Results: NPT concentrations in CB were significantly higher in the IR group (p < 0.05), correlated positively with MB NPT levels (r = 0.3809, p < 0.05). A significantly higher concentration of both insulin and leptin was observed in the MB of women with IR compared to the control group (p < 0.0001), whereas in CB, only insulin concentration was significantly higher in the IR group than in healthy controls (p < 0.05). Ghrelin levels did not differ between the groups. Conclusions: Insulin resistance in non-obese pregnant women is associated with increased NPT concentration in CB, which may suggest fetal immune activation. However, defining the role of NTP as a metabolic “messenger” between mother and child requires further study.