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The aim of this review is to present and discuss the most recent literature about the processing of insect biomass and its impact on nutritive value, further implementation of meals and fats derived from invertebrates to livestock (poultry and swine), aquaculture (salmonids), and companion animal diets and their impact on growth performance, metabolic response, and gastrointestinal microbiota shifts. Additionally, the most important barriers to obtaining unified products in terms of their nutritive value are considered, i.e., to define insects' nutrient requirements, including various technological groups and further biomass processing (slaughtering, drying, and storage). Due to the current limitation in the insect production process consisting of the lack of infrastructure, there is stress on the relatively small amount of insect products added to the animal diets as a functional feed additive. Currently, only in the case of pet nutrition may insects be considered a full replacement for commonly used environmentally harmful and allergenic products. Simultaneously, the least information has been published on this topic. Thus, more scientific data are needed, particularly when the pet food branch and insect-based diets are rapidly growing.

The growth rate, tissue development and health status of turkeys are affected by the dietary supply of essential amino acids (AAs) such as lysine (Lys), methionine (Met) and arginine (Arg). According to various guidelines, the diets fed to turkeys in the first 4 weeks of the rearing period should contain 1.60–1.76% Lys, 1.60–1.80% Arg and 0.55–0.70% Met. This study investigated the effects of different ratios of Arg and Met in starter diets with 1.60% of Lys content, i.e. a low level, on the whole-body composition of turkeys and nutrient retention efficiency. The experiment lasted for 28 days and it had a two-factorial randomized design with three levels of Arg (90%, 100% and 110%) and two levels of Met (30% or 45%), relative to the content of dietary Lys, with six groups of eight replicates per group and 18 turkeys per replicate. Different dietary Arg and Met levels, relative to Lys, did not affect AA concentrations in the body protein or the proximate whole-body composition (crude protein, crude fat, gross energy and ash) of turkeys. The higher Met level positively influenced energy, protein and Arg utilization and their retention efficiency as well as the growth performance of turkeys. An increase in the dietary level of Arg to 100% and 110% of Lys content had no influence on the growth performance of turkeys and it reduced the retention efficiency of Arg. Differences in the body weight gain, feed intake and Lys utilization of turkeys fed diets with different Arg levels resulted also from the strong interaction between Met and Arg levels. At the lower level of Met in the diet, a decrease in Arg relative to Lys from 100% to 90% resulted in decreased (P = 0.003) feed intake (from 50.34 g to 46.72 g) and growth rate (from 31.84 g to 29.79 g), which was not noted for the higher Met content (45% relative to Lys). At the lowest level of Arg in the diet (90% of Lys content), a decrease in Met relative to Lys from 45% to 30% caused a decrease in Lys retention efficiency (from 61.51% to 56.29%). The results of this study suggest that the higher content of Met in the diet (45% to Lys) and the Arg level corresponding to 90% of Lys content contribute to optimizing nutrient retention efficiency in turkeys during the first 28 days of their life.

This study investigated the effects of dietary replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with graded levels of pea seeds (PS) on the gastrointestinal function of turkeys. Seeds of 2 pea varieties, a colored-flowered variety and a white-flowered variety (CFP and WFP, respectively) were fed to 56-d-old birds for 8 wk. A total of 539 female Hybrid turkeys were allocated to 7 groups, each group consisted of 7 pens with 11 birds per pen. The experiment had a 2-factorial design, with 3 dietary inclusion levels of PS (100, 200 and 300 g/kg) and 2 pea varieties (CFP and WFP). The control group (diets without PS) was compared with CFP and WFP treatments by simple contrast analysis. In comparison with CFP seeds, WFP seeds contained 7-fold less tannins (0.67 vs. 4.66 g/kg) and less non-starch polysaccharides (NSP, 117.8 vs. 132.7 g/kg), but more trypsin inhibitors (1.34 vs. 0.98 g/kg) and starch (489 vs. 455 g/kg). A rise in the PS content of diets from 100 to 200 and 300 g/kg increased the weight of the small intestine (

The aim of the study was to determine the effect of two proportions of arginine (95% and 105%) relative to lysine (Lys), where Lys content in the diet is in accordance with NRC (1994) recommendations or 10% higher, on the metabolism, antioxidant status, and growth performance of turkeys. The experiment had a 2x2 factorial design with two levels of Lys and Arg. The diets with a low level of Lys were according to the NRC (1994) requirements. In the diets with a high level of Lys, the content of Lys was increased by 10% relative to the low level Lys. The two Arg levels in the experimental diets were determined so as to provide 95% and 105% Arg relative to the content of dietary Lys. An increase in the amount of Lys in the diet of turkeys by 10% relative to NRC nutritional recommendations (1994) was not shown to improve growth performance, but had beneficial effects on the metabolism and antioxidant status of the birds, as evidenced by the improvement of hepatic indices (reduction of AST and ALT activity at 9th week of life) and renal indices (reduction of UREA at 9th week of life and reduction of TP and increase level of ALB levels at 16th week of life), as well as an increase in the level of glutathione with strong antioxidant properties at 16th week of life. In comparison to the lower level of Arg in the diet, an increase in the amount of this amino acid to 105% Lys did not improve growth performance, metabolism, or antioxidant status. An Arg level of 95% Lys can be used in a diet for turkeys containing 10% more Lys than the level recommended by the NRC (1994).

Introduction: The increasing resistance of bacteria to antibiotics has obliged the EU Member States to reduce by 50% the use of antibiotics in animal production by 2030. This study was undertaken with the aim to analyse the use of antibiotics in flocks of broiler turkeys reared in the Warmia and Mazury province in a two-year period. Material and Methods: From data from 238 production records of turkey flocks provided by the County Veterinary Inspectorates, the use of antibiotics (mg/kg) was analysed in turkey flocks reared in 2019–2021. The data provided the year of rearing, turkey sex and immunoprophylactic measures. Results: A significant decrease in antimicrobial use was reported in the male turkey flocks in 2021 (157 mg/kg body weight) in comparison to 2020 (241 mg) and 2019 (299 mg). In both male and female turkeys, the use of antimicrobials gradually decreased from 2019 to 2021. Significantly lower antibiotic use was reported in turkey flocks using autogenous vaccines. Conclusion: The positive trend shown in this study proves the possibility of meeting the EU recommendations for 50% reduction in the use of antibiotics in animal production by 2030. More emphasis should be placed on minimising the risk of infectious diseases requiring antibiotic therapy with welfare, biosecurity, immunomodulation and specific prophylaxis measures.

The amino acid guidelines formulated by British United Turkeys postulate higher levels of lysine (Lys) in turkey diets than those recommended by the National Research Council. However, any modifications in the Lys content of turkey diets should be accompanied by changes in the inclusion rates of other amino acids, including methionine (Met) and arginine (Arg). The research hypothesis postulates that the appropriate inclusion levels and ratios of arginine and methionine in turkey diets with high lysine content can improve the antioxidant status of turkeys without compromising their metabolism. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of different Arg and Met ratios in Lys-rich diets on biochemical indicators, redox status and epigenetic changes in turkeys. The turkeys were assigned to six groups with eight replicates per group and 18 birds per replicate. Six feeding programs, with three dietary Arg levels (90%, 100% and 110%) and two dietary Met levels (30% and 45%) relative to dietary Lys content were compared. During each of the four feeding phases, birds were fed ad libitum isocaloric diets with high Lys content. Our results show that in growing turkeys fed diets with high Lys content, the inclusion rate of Arg can be set at 90% of Lys content with no negative effects on their antioxidant status, metabolism or performance. Diets with high Arg content (110% Lys) are not recommended due to the risk of lipid and protein damage, and an undesirable increase in insulin and T4 levels. Regardless of dietary Arg levels, an increase in the Met inclusion rate from 30% to 45% of Lys content minimizes the oxidation of lipids, proteins and DNA, and increases the antioxidant defense potential of turkeys.

The study was designed to investigate productivity parameters, egg quality and the cost effectiveness of feeding laying hens with diets where ground wheat was replaced with varying levels of whole hybrid rye grain cv. Brasetto. A total of 396 Hy-Line Brown hens at 34 weeks of age were allocated to three treatment groups with 66 replicates (cages) of two hens each, and were fed isocaloric and isonitrogenous pelleted diets for 12 weeks. The diet for control group hens (R0) did not contain rye grain. In diets for hens from groups R100 and R200, ground wheat grain was partially replaced with whole rye grain at 100 g/kg and 200 g/kg, respectively. Whole intact rye grains were included in the diets. The cost of diets containing 10% and 20% of whole rye grain was by approximately 1.0% and 1.9% lower, respectively, compared with the control diet that contained no rye grain. During the entire 12-week feeding period, dietary treatments had no effect on laying rate (95.64% to 97.07%), egg weight (62.51 g to 62.74 g) or egg mass output (5.04 kg to 5.12 kg per hen). The inclusion of whole rye grain in layer diets caused a linear increase in feed intake (P

Our paper reconsiders the notions of dissonance and consonance introduced in Dorrit Cohn's Transparent Minds (1978). Cohn applies the terms to psycho- and self-narration and defines them with reference to the narrator's prominence, distance/intimacy as well as moral and cognitive privilege with reference to the character. Taking advantage of stance theory, we argue that dissonance and consonance are best taken as dimensions of the narrator's attitude towards the character and/or the narratee, we relate aspects of consonance/dissonance to the basic facets of focalization – emotional, interpretive, and evaluative – and we analyze them in terms of convergence or divergence and further, in the case of divergence, in terms of superiority or inferiority. We claim that there is no automatic correlation between narratorial consonance/dissonance and reliability. Overall, we believe that narratorial consonance/dissonance deserves much attention because it has great impact on the reader's reception of the narrator and characters.

The effect of a multi-carbohydrase (E) and its combination with an enzymatically modified yeast cell wall (Y) on the ileal and cecal microbiota and on gut function of turkeys was studied. The experimental diets, including the control (C), C + E, and C + E + Y, were fed to seven replicate pens of four birds from 22 to 56 days of age. The addition of E + Y resulted in a significant decrease in the relative abundance of Firmicutes and a significant increase of Actinobacteria in ileal digesta. A significant decrease in the abundance of Firmicutes was not followed by the abundance of Ruminococcaceae, one of the butyrate-producing bacteria. This coincided with a significantly increased concentration of butyrate in the ileal digesta and the proportion of butyrate within the total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). As opposed to the ileum, the addition of E or E + Y did not affect the relative abundance of Firmicutes in ceca. The higher content of SCFA in the cecal digesta than in the ileum would reflect differences in microbial activities in both compartments, and possible increased SCFA absorption from the ileum. Overall, the positive effects of enzyme and yeast bioactive supplements on bacterial communities appeared to be more pronounced in the small intestine.

The application of transcriptomics to the study of the reproductive tract in male turkeys can significantly increase our current knowledge regarding the specifics of bird reproduction. To characterize the complex transcriptomic changes that occur in the testis, epididymis, and ductus deferens, deep sequencing of male turkey RNA samples (n = 6) was performed, using Illumina RNA-Seq. The obtained sequence reads were mapped to the turkey genome, and relative expression values were calculated to analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Statistical analysis revealed 1,682; 2,150; and 340 DEGs in testis/epididymis, testis/ductus deferens, and epididymis/ductus deferens comparisons, respectively. The expression of selected genes was validated using quantitative real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Bioinformatics analysis revealed several potential candidate genes involved in spermatogenesis, spermiogenesis and flagellum formation in the testis, and in post-testicular sperm maturation in the epididymis and ductus deferens. In the testis, genes were linked with the mitotic proliferation of spermatogonia and the meiotic division of spermatocytes. Histone ubiquitination and protamine phosphorylation were shown to be regulatory mechanisms for nuclear condensation during spermiogenesis. The characterization of testicular transcripts allowed a better understanding of acrosome formation and development and flagellum formation, including axoneme structures and functions. Spermatozoa motility during post-testicular maturation was linked to the development of flagellar actin filaments and biochemical processes, including Ca2+ influx and protein phosphorylation/dephosphorylation. Spermatozoa quality appeared to be controlled by apoptosis and antioxidant systems in the epididymis and ductus deferens. Finally, genes associated with reproductive system development and morphogenesis were identified. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first genome-wide functional investigation of genes associated with tissue-specific processes in turkey reproductive tract. A catalog of genes worthy of further studies to understand the avian reproductive physiology and regulation was provided.

We postulated that the use of optimal levels and proportions of Lys, Arg and Met in compound feed allows for optimal exploitation of the growth potential of contemporary slaughter turkey hybrids and reduces metabolic disorders. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of different proportions of Lys, Arg and Met in diets whose Lys content is in accordance with NRC recommendations, that is a low level, on selected parameters of protein, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism and on hormone secretion in turkeys. The lowest Arg content (90% Lys) in the diet resulted in an increase in plasma total cholesterol levels in the turkeys as compared to higher Arg content (100% or 110% of Lys), (2.50 vs. 2.09 vs. 1.83). Plasma HDL and creatinine concentration increased in turkeys fed diets with higher Arg content (100% and 110% Lys) compared to turkeys receiving the diet with the lowest Arg content (90% Lys). Compared to turkeys receiving the lowest and intermediate Arg content (90% and 100% Lys), the diet with the highest content of this AA (110% Lys) resulted in an increase in the plasma T4 level (71.21 vs. 86.60 vs. 128.2). The varied Arg and Met levels relative to Lys did not affect the secretion of neurotransmitters or hormones regulating glucose metabolism. At low levels of Met in the diet, an decrease in Arg relative to Lys from 100% to 90% caused a growth depression of turkeys (10.68 vs. 10.21 kg), which was not noted in the case of the higher Met content. When using the Lys level recommended by NRC in the turkey diet, the optimal Arg level is 100% and Met is 45% compared to Lys.

It was hypothesized that dietary copper (Cu) nanoparticles, as a substitute for the commonly used copper sulfate, could contribute to lowering the dietary inclusion levels of Cu without compromising growth performance or reducing Cu digestibility and utilization in turkeys. An experiment was carried out on 648 one-day-old Hybrid Converter turkeys divided into 6 groups with 6 replicates per group in a two-factorial design with 3 dietary inclusion levels of Cu (20, 10 and 2 mg kg−1) and 2 dietary sources of Cu, copper sulfate and Cu nanoparticles (Cu-SUL and Cu-NPs, respectively). The apparent digestibility coefficients of minerals were determined after 6 weeks, and tissue samples were collected after 14 weeks of experimental feeding. A decrease in the dietary inclusion levels of Cu from 20 to 10 and 2 mg kg−1 did not reduce the body weights of turkeys at 42 and 98 days of age. In comparison with the remaining treatments, the lowest dietary inclusion level of Cu significantly decreased MDA concentrations in small intestinal tissue (P=0.002) and in the bursa of Fabricius (P=0.001). The replacement of Cu-SUL with Cu-NPs differentially modulated the redox status of selected tissues, i.e., enhanced SOD activity in small intestinal tissue (P=0.001) and decreased total glutathione levels in the bursa of Fabricius (P=0.005). In general, neither the different levels nor sources of additional dietary Cu (main factors) exerted negative effects on the histological structure of the duodenum and jejunum in turkeys. The intestinal digestibility of Cu increased with decreasing dietary Cu levels, and as a consequence, the highest apparent digestibility coefficient of Cu (and zinc) was noted in turkeys fed diets with the addition of 2 mg kg−1 Cu-NPs. Therefore, the environmental burden of excreted Cu was substantially reduced along with decreasing dietary Cu levels but it did not depend on the Cu source.

This study was conducted to determine the effect of probiotic Pediococcus acidilactici (PA) strain MA18/5M supplementation of diets with different dietary energy levels on productive performance, egg quality, and body composition in Hy-Line Brown hens during a 16-week period from 32 to 47 wk of age. The experimental treatments with a 2 × 2 factorial design received a 2 wheat–corn–soybean diet: a moderately low energy density diet with 2,650 kcal ME/kg (M-LED) and a low energy density diet based on the M-LED diet with 2,550 kcal ME/kg (LED), each diet without and with probiotic supplementation (M-LED, LED, M-LEDp, and LEDp, respectively). Reduced dietary energy levels had a particularly negative effect on egg weight (61.7 vs. 63.3 g; −2.6%, P

In this study, the effects of the Arginine/Lysine (Arg/Lys) ratio in low- and high-methionine (Met) diets on the sarcoplasmic protein profile of breast muscles from turkeys reared under optimal or challenge (Clostridium perfringens infection) conditions were determined. One-day-old Hybrid Converter female turkey poults (216 in total) obtained from a commercial hatchery on hatching day, and on the basis of their average initial body weight were randomly allocated to 12 pens (4 m

This study investigated the effects of early and short-term administration of an antibiotic or feeding a diet containing a coccidiostat on gastrointestinal function and the blood levels of selected hormones in young turkeys. A total of 1540 Hybrid Converter turkeys were allocated to 4 groups on the day of hatch. Each group consisted of 7 pens with 55 birds per pen. Group ENR was treated with enrofloxacin for the first 5 d of life, group DOX received doxycycline for 5 d and group MON was administered monensin for 84 d. CON birds served as a control group without any antibiotic treatment or MON administration. An analysis of the activity of bacterial enzymes revealed that the cecal microbiota of turkeys were less sensitive to MON than to the other 2 antibiotics. Turkeys subjected to ENR and DOX treatments were characterized by lower (P0.05) extracellular activity of cecal bacterial β-glucosidase, compared with groups CON and MON. The extracellular activity of cecal bacterial α-galactosidase and β-galactosidase decreased significantly in response to the experimental treatment with DOX (P0.05 vs. CON). Turkeys treated with ENR had higher total activity of bacterial β-galactosidase than those administered DOX or MON. Despite the differences in the enzymatic activity of microbiota, the use of antibiotics did not affect the concentrations of total short-chain fatty acids or ammonia in the cecal digesta of turkeys. A diet containing MON and the early administration of ENR or DOX induced an increase in blood noradrenaline levels (P = 0.004) in 56-day-old turkeys. Early DOX use increased plasma cortisol concentrations (P0.001) and decreased plasma serotonin levels (P = 0.006) in 56-day-old turkeys. Over the entire experiment (up to 12 wk of age), the use of MON improved the BW gain of turkeys (P = 0.055) and feed conversion (P = 0.016), compared with the DOX treatment.

In birds, the zona pellucida (ZP) matrix that surrounds the ovulated oocyte—called the inner perivitelline layer—is involved in sperm–zona interaction and successful fertilization. To identify the important genes and proteins connected with the final step of egg development, next-generation sequencing and two-dimensional electrophoresis, combined with mass spectrometry, were used for the analysis of mature oocytes at the F1 developmental stage. A total of 8161 genes and 228 proteins were annotated. Six subfamilies of genes, with codes ZP, ZP1–4, ZPD, and ZPAX, were identified, with the dominant expression of ZPD. The main expression site for ZP1 was the liver; however, granulosa cells may also participate in local ZP1 secretion. A ubiquitination system was identified in mature oocytes, where ZP1 was found to be the main ubiquitinated protein. Analysis of transcripts classified in estrogen receptor (ESR) signaling indicated the presence of ESR1 and ESR2, as well as a set of estrogen-dependent genes involved in both genomic and nongenomic mechanisms for the regulation of gene expression by estrogen. Oxidative phosphorylation was found to be a possible source of adenosine triphosphate, and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 signaling pathway could be involved in the response against oxidative stress. Oocyte–granulosa cell communication by tight, adherens, and gap junctions seems to be essential for the final step of oocyte maturation.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of the interaction between hen's age and egg storage time on the frequency of occurrence and type of physical defects in turkey poults. The experimental materials comprised 6,048 eggs laid by BUT 6 turkey hens at 32, 38, 46, and 51 wk of age (1,512 eggs per week), which were randomly divided into 4 groups (378 eggs per group) and stored for different periods of time, i.e., 7, 10, 13, and 17 D. After incubation, poults were evaluated individually. Egg weight and the hatch-weight of poults increased with hen's age (P0.001). The relative body weight of poults, expressed as a percentage of egg weight, was highest in the group of the youngest hens (70.6%). Prolonged egg storage before incubation contributed to an increase in the percentage of poults with physical abnormalities (P0.001). Umbilical abnormalities were most common regardless of the week of the laying season and egg storage time.

The aim of the study was to determine what dosage of copper nanoparticles added in the form of a hydrocolloid to standard dietary supplementation with copper sulphate will increase the antioxidant potential in the liver and breast muscle of chickens. In total, 126 one-day-old Ross 308 chickens were assigned to 7 experimental groups of 18 birds each (3 replications of 6 individuals each). The basal-diet treatment did not receive nano-Cu. Experimental groups received nano-Cu (0.5, 1.0 or 1.5 mg/kg body weight per day) via a tube into the crop over three 3-day periods (days 8–10, 22–24 and 36–38) or three 7-day periods (days 8–14, 22–28 and 36–42). Dietary supplementation of chickens with nano-Cu to exceed the Cu level recommended by the NRC increased the content of Cu (P=0.042) while reducing that of Zn in the liver (P=0.031) and breast muscle (P=0.036). Supplementing the diet of chickens with nano-Cu to a level exceeding the level of copper recommended by the NRC by 7% to 25% increased the antioxidant potential of the liver and the breast meat. The study has shown that the antioxidant status of the liver and breast meat of chickens can be improved by supplementing the standard dietary copper sulphate supplement with the addition of nano-Cu, but to a level not exceeding 25% of the copper content recommended by NRC (1994) for broiler chickens, but the most safe is the nano-Cu level not exceeding 7% of the copper content recommended by NRC (1994).

The aim of this experiment was to determine whether the inclusion levels of supplemental Zn in turkey diets could be reduced without compromising important metabolic functions, the immune status and growth parameters of birds, and whether the above goal can be achieved with the use of zinc (Zn) nanoparticles. The experiment was performed on 648 one-day-old Hybrid Converter turkey hens divided into 6 groups with 6 replicates (18 birds per pen), in a two-factorial design with three dietary supplemental levels of Zn (100, 50 and 10 mg/kg) and two dietary sources of Zn - conventional zinc oxide (ZnO) and Zn nanoparticles (NP-ZnO). The applied inclusion levels and sources of Zn had no effect on the growth performance of turkeys, including liveability. The replacement of ZnO with NP-ZnO in turkey diets led to an increase in the levels of albumin (ALB), triacylglycerols (TG) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity in the blood serum as well as minor changes in redox indicators including a decrease in plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, catalase (CAT) activity in the liver, and total glutathione (GSH + GSSG) and MDA levels in the bursa of Fabricius. The addition of 50 mg and 100 mg of Zn exerted similar effects on blood biochemical parameters and antioxidant status indicators in the liver. Only in the bursa of Fabricius, the moderate dietary inclusion level of Zn contributed to a decrease in GSH + GSSG levels. The results of this study indicate that the recommended level of ZnO supplementation in turkey diets can be reduced to 50 mg/kg. A decrease in the dose of supplemental Zn from 100 to 10 mg/kg did not compromise the growth performance of turkeys, but it had a negative effect on lipid metabolism by increasing plasma TG concentrations. The replacement of ZnO with NP-ZnO had no beneficial influence on performance, the immune and antioxidant status of turkeys.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of various levels of manganese added to the diet of growing turkeys in the conventional form of MnO or in the form of NP-Mn2O3 nanoparticles on growth performance, absorption, and accumulation of Mn, Zn, and Cu, and antioxidant and immune status. The experiment was conducted on 1080 one-day-old Hybrid Converter turkeys randomly assigned to 6 groups with 10 replications, in a two-factor design with three dosages of manganese - 100, 50, and 10 mg/kg, and two sources-manganese oxide (MnO) and manganese nanoparticles (NP-Mn2O3). Neither reducing the addition of Mn from 100 to 50 or even 10 mg/kg of the diet nor replacing MnO with NP-Mn2O3 had a negative effect on the growth performance of the turkeys. Replacing MnO with NP-Mn2O3 in the turkey diet improved ileal digestibility of Mn and decreased accumulation of Cu in the liver and breast muscle. The study showed that irrespective of the form used, reducing the level of Mn supplementation of the diet from the 100 mg/kg recommended by British United Turkey to 50 or 10 mg/kg decreased its ileal digestibility and increased its accumulation in the liver, breast muscle, and skin. Reducing the addition of Mn to the turkey diet increased intestinal absorption of Zn and reduced accumulation of Zn and Cu in the liver, breast muscle, and skin. It did not increase oxidation processes in the liver or breast muscle of the turkeys. Reducing the addition of Mn to the turkey diet stimulated the immune system, which was manifested by stimulation of B cells to produce immunoglobulin M and by the release of the cytokine IL-6, but did not intensify apoptosis. The results of the study indicate that the recommended manganese supplement in turkey diets can be reduced. The use of manganese nanoparticles in turkey feeding requires further study.

18 (11 novel) Schiff bases, derivatives of salicylaldehyde, 2-hydroxyacetophenone, and 6-acetyl-, 8-acetyl-, and 8-formyl-7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin were synthesized and characterized by their spectral studies. 6-Acetyl-7-hydroxy-4-methylcoumarin was prepared by novel method under microwave assistance. These Schiff bases were evaluated for antibacterial activities against 12 bacterial and six fungi strains in vitro. N-(3,5-Dichloro-2-hydroxybenzylidene)-4-aminobenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt proved to be the most active against Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA strains (MIC 0.0194 µmol/cm3). The substitution pattern, two chlorine atoms in the salicylidene ring and the SO3Na group, is probably the most beneficial for the activity against Gram-(+) bacteria strains. All Schiff bases were evaluated for cancer efficacy against CFPAC-1 and HeLa cell cultures originating from human pancreas cancer or human cervical cancer. Schiff bases derived from salicylaldehyde are highly effective in pancreas and cervical cancer cells; however, they demonstrate also substantial toxicity towards NIH3T3 cells. Derivatives of coumarin contain three highly selective compounds: 7-hydroxy-8-[(4-methoxyphenylimino)methyl]-4-methyl-2H-chromen-2-one, N-[(7-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-oxo-2H-chromen-8-yl)methylene]-4-aminobenzenesulfonic acid sodium salt, and 7-hydroxy-8-[1-(4-hydroxyphenylimino)ethyl]-4-methyl-2H-chromen-2-one suggesting more promising potential of the second group of substances.

This study, performed on turkeys aged 1 to 98 days, aimed to investigate whether different dietary inclusion levels (20, 10, 2 mg kg−1) of copper nanoparticles (Cu-NP) as a substitute for copper sulphate (Cu-SUL) affect redox and immunological status of turkeys’ tissues. No significant differences in the final body weights of turkeys were found across the dietary treatments. A comparison of the physiological effects of Cu-NP and Cu-SUL revealed equivocal metabolic responses including decreased superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the liver, increased SOD and catalase activities in breast muscles, decreased total glutathione concentrations in breast muscles, and decreased plasma IgY concentrations. An analysis of the antioxidant and immune status parameters in the blood, liver and breast meat of turkeys indicates that 10 mg/kg is the optimal inclusion level of additional Cu. Both two-fold higher and five-fold lower Cu supplementation levels have a negative influence on selected parameters of the antioxidant and immune status of birds. Lower supplementation levels of Cu-NP (2 and 10 mg/kg) exert similar physiological effects to Cu-SUL, whereas higher addition of Cu-NP (20 mg/kg) may negatively affect selected redox parameters and stimulate the synthesis of the proinflammatory cytokine IL-6. The results of the present study indicate that further research is needed to establish the actual dietary requirements for Cu in turkeys and the efficacy of nanoparticles as a new additional Cu source in turkey nutrition.

The hypothesis of the research was the assumption, that manganese nanoparticles can affect the body in the same way as macromolecules. Their smaller size and greater biological reactivity will potentially allow the Mn addition to the diet to be reduced and, consequently, less excretion of this element into the environment. The aim of the study was to determine whether the use of Mn nanoparticles would make it possible to reduce the level of this micronutrient added to turkey diets without adversely affecting redox reactions in cells and epigenetic changes. The experiment was conducted on six groups with 10 replications, in a two-factor design with three dosages of manganese: 100, 50 and 10 mg/kg, and two sources: manganese oxide (MnO) and manganese nanoparticles (NP-Mn2O3). Markers of oxidative stress determined in the blood, that is, the concentration of lipid hydroperoxides, malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl derivatives, 3-nitrotyrosine, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine, total glutathione, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, ceruloplasmin, total antioxidant status, albumin and vitamin C content. The level of epigenetic changes in the blood was determined by analysing global DNA methylation. In the experiment, in which the diet of turkeys was supplemented with two forms of Mn (MnO or NP-Mn2O3) at three dosages: 100, 50 and 10 mg/kg, the 10 mg/kg dose, especially in the form of NP-Mn2O3, induced lipid oxidation reactions to the greatest extent. Irrespective of the dosage of Mn in the turkey diet, Mn in the form of NP-Mn2O3 was found to reduce protein nitration more than Mn in the form of MnO. Reducing the Mn dosage in the diet from 100 to 50 mg/kg and then to 10 mg/kg is unfavourable because proportionally increases protein and DNA oxidation in cells, decreases the activity of antioxidant enzymes, and increases the level of glutathione. Reducing the dosage from 100 to 10 mg/kg increases global DNA methylation. The reduction of the Mn level, regardless of the form used, is disadvantageous, because it weakens the defense of the antioxidant system, which consequently can induce oxidative processes in the cells. Although Mn in the form of NP-Mn2O3 reduce protein nitration better than in MnO form, the use of manganese nanoparticles in turkey feeding (even in lower doses) requires further study.

Dietary supplementation with spore-forming Bacillus-based probiotics represents an efficient means to improve gut health while maintaining good broiler performance. This study investigated the potential of two probiotic products in chickens subjected to optimal (Experiment 1) and Clostridium perfringens-challenged (Experiment 2) conditions. The treatments in Experiment 1 were as follows: (i) CON (no probiotic additive), (ii) One-strain Pro (supplemented with Bacillus licheniformis) or (iii) Multi-strain Pro (supplemented with a multistrain Bacillus-based probiotic). The treatment groups in Experiment 2 received the same diets as those in Experiment 1 but were subjected to C. perfringens challenge. Both experiments lasted 35 days. Both products marginally affected broiler performance in the optimal or challenge conditions. In Experiment 1, Multi-strain Pro upregulated the mRNA expression level of 11 out of 15 selected genes, whereas in Experiment 2, this was less evident, and One-strain Pro was more effective. The multistrain probiotic was effective in maintaining gut morphostructure indices and increasing gut wall thickness, which was particularly evident in challenged birds. Neither additive induced bacterial activity (assessed by measuring enzymatic activity and short-chain fatty acid production) in the cecum, and Multi-strain Pro maintained the cecal butyrate concentration in challenged birds as in the challenged CON treatment, in which butyrate concentration was significantly higher than in the One-strain Pro treatment. Our findings indicated that the activity of these single- and multistrain probiotic products varies depending on rearing conditions, and the effect is highly strain- and product-specific. However, the multistrain probiotic apparently had more beneficial effects than the one-strain probiotic in the maintenance of gut functional status under optimal and challenge conditions.

Introduction : Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA) is one of antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA) – associated systemic vasculitis and is characterised by inflammation of blood vessels. Systemic vasculitis exhibits an enhanced cardiovascular morbidity and cardiovascular disease (CVD) has become a leading cause of death in this group of patients. Objectives : The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of clinical manifestation of atherosclerosis and its relation with classic risk factors for atherosclerosis, echocardiographic parameters and laboratory findings in GPA patients. Patients and methods : The group of consecutive patients with GPA were followed in the study. Results : One hundred six patients with GPA (mean age 50.4 ± 14.9 yrs, 67 female) were prospectively followed for 5.1 ± 1.6 yrs. In 19 patients (18%) cardiovascular disease (9 acute coronary syndromes, 4 symptomatic peripheral vascular diseases and 6 strokes) occurred in association with GPA. In a multivariate model, only age was predictive of cardiovascular events in this group of patients (OR=1.078, 95% CI: 1.025–1.134, p = 0.003). During observation in patients without CVD the level of hs-CRP and D -dimer were significantly reduced on the follow-up visit (p = 0.041, p = 0.0002). On the other hand, in patients with CV events there was no significant differences in both markers’ concentrations despite clinical remission. Conclusions : The age was the only independent predictor of cardiovascular events. Persistent elevation of inflammatory and prothrombotic markers despite clinical remission of the disease could be an indicator of premature atherosclerosis development in patients with systemic vasculitis.

Two experiments were performed to investigate the effect of different ratios of arginine (Arg) to lysine (Lys) in diets with low (30% Lys; Experiment 1) and high (45% Lys; Experiment 2) methionine (Met) levels on selected metabolic parameters, oxidative and epigenetic DNA damage, and the mechanisms underlying intestinal barrier integrity in turkeys challenged with Clostridium perfringens. In each experiment, 108 one-day-old Hybrid Converter female turkeys were placed in 6 pens (18 birds per pen) and reared for 42 days. At 34, 36 and 37 days of age, half of the birds were subjected to C. perfringens challenge. A 3 × 2 factorial design with three levels of Arg relative to Lys (90, 100 and 110%; Arg90, Arg100 and Arg110, respectively) and C. perfringens infection (−, +) was employed. Challenging birds with C. perfringens increased lipid oxidation and the oxidation and methylation of DNA of intestinal mucosa, and down-regulated the activities of DNA-repairing enzymes. Neither the dietary treatment nor the challenge affected the markers of liver function or metabolism. Arg110 diets with the high Met level induced DNA oxidation and methylation whereas these processes were downregulated in birds fed Arg90 diets. The results indicate that Arg90 diets with high Met levels have a beneficial influence on the indicators of intestinal barrier integrity in turkeys with necrotic enteritis (NE). Despite the analyzed amino acid ratios interacted with the systems responsible for the maintenance of gut integrity in the host organism, this dietary intervention probably enabled birds to cope with NE.

Simple Summary An adequate supply of essential amino acids through the diet is critical for maintaining a fast growth rate, good health, and proper immune function as well as feather-cover development in poultry species. Feathers contain about 90% of protein, therefore the optimal ratios of limiting amino acids, in particular the sulfur-containing amino acids are indicated as necessary for the synthesis of feather keratin. This study evaluated the effects of different dietary methionine (Met) and arginine (Arg) levels on plumage development in young turkeys. An increased supply of sulfur-containing amino acids via supplemental Met promoted feather growth in turkeys at 16 weeks of age. Different concentrations of Arg (90%, 100%, and 110% of lysine content) had no influence on plumage development. The data on feather growth can contribute to a better understanding of the amino acid requirements in modern commercial turkey-farming systems. Abstract A 2 × 3 factorial experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of two dietary methionine levels (Met; 30% and 45% of Lys content) and three arginine levels (Arg; 90%, 100%, and 110% of Lys content) on plumage development in 4- and 16-week-old female turkeys. One-day-old turkey poults were assigned to six groups (eight replicate pens per group and 18 birds per pen) and fed experimental diets containing 1.6%, 1.5%, 1.3%, and 1.0% of Lys in four successive four-week periods. After weeks 4 and 16 of feeding, eight turkeys per group were selected for plumage evaluation. Feathers were collected from the outer side of one thigh and from an area of 4 cm2 in the interscapular region. Plumage was evaluated based on an established pattern of five feather development stages in turkeys, from stage I (pinfeathers covered in sheaths) to stage V (mature feathers). An increase in the Met inclusion rate to 45% of Lys content had no significant effect on feather growth in 4-week-old turkeys, but it accelerated the development of feathers in 16-week-old birds. A lower percentage of stage II (p = 0.035), stage III (p = 0.019), and stage IV (p = 0.003) immature feathers, and a higher percentage of stage V (mature) feathers (p = 0.001) were observed. Methionine exerted a greater effect on the development of thigh feathers (p = 0.001) than interscapular feathers (p = 0.074). Unlike Met, different Arg concentrations had no influence on plumage development in turkeys. Overall, the present results indicate that supplemental Met has a potential for accelerating feather development in 16-week-old turkeys via an increased supply of total sulfur amino acids.

1. To show hormonal differences between male turkeys with yellow semen syndrome (YSS) and white, normal semen (WNS), the expression of aromatase, oestrogen receptor α (ERα), and oestrogen receptor β (ERβ) as well as testosterone and oestradiol concentrations in YSS and WNS testes, epididymis, and ductus deferens were examined. 2. To measure gene expression levels of aromatase and oestrogen receptors (ERs), three complementary techniques (real-time PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry) were used, whereas steroid hormone levels were determined radio-immunologically. 3. Upregulation of aromatase and ERα mRNAs in YSS testes (P

For the effective utilization of meals derived from the newly developed yellow-seeded canola varieties in turkeys’ diets, it is critical to determine their nutritive value and their impact on growth and digestive physiological responses and the potential benefit of enzyme supplementation. Thus, the standardised ileal amino acid digestibility (SIAAD) and nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolisable energy (AMEn) content of B. napus yellow, B. juncea yellow and B. napus black canola meal (CM) and the effect of feeding 200 g/kg of the meals on growth performance and gut physiological responses with or without a multi-carbohydrase enzyme we determined. For the SIAAD assay, semi-purified diets containing the CM types were fed to turkeys of 21–28 d of age. For the AMEn assay, diets containing 300 g/kg of the CM types without or with a multi-carbohydrase enzyme were fed to turkeys of 35–40 d of age. The growth performance study was a 5 × 2 factorial arrangement to evaluate the effects of feeding 200 g/kg of the CM types (i.e., Control, B. napus black from Canada and Poland, B. napus yellow, and B. juncea yellow) without or with enzyme on growth performance and gut physiological responses of turkeys. There were no differences among CM types in the SIAAD coefficients and AMEn content. Standardised ileal digestible amino acids contents were higher in B. juncea meal (28.3, 15.5 and 14.6 g/kg for arginine, lysine, and threonine, respectively) compared to B. napus yellow (23.7, 18.5, and 14.6 g/kg) and B. napus black (21.5, 17.5, and 13.3 g/kg) meals. The AMEn contents of B. juncea, B. napus yellow, and conventional B. napus black were 9.51, 9.28, and 8.97 MJ/kg, respectively. In the growth performance study, feed intake and body weight gain did not differ among treatments. However, during the starter phase, there was an effect of diet on the feed conversion ratio with B. napus black (Canada and Poland) having the highest. Feed conversion was improved by enzyme supplementation. There was a significant effect of enzyme supplementation on the content of short chain fatty acids in cecal digesta with an increase in acetic and butyric acids, the latter one known to be beneficial in controlling enteric pathogens and in improving gut health. In conclusion, 200 g/kg of all the CM types can be used effectively to replace soybean meal in diets for turkeys when diets are formulated on digestible amino acids and AMEn basis.

This study evaluated the effects of dietary replacement of soybean meal (SBM) with graded levels of faba bean (FB) seeds with high or low tannin content (HT or LT) on the gastrointestinal function and growth performance of turkeys at 13–18 weeks of age. Hybrid Converter turkeys were distributed into 7 treatments corresponding to 7 different finisher diets: a control wheat-soybean meal-based (FB0) diet and experimental diets where SBM was partially replaced with HT or LT seeds at 100, 200 and 300 g/kg. Each treatment comprised 210 turkeys, with seven replicate pens and 30 birds per pen. The LT treatment decreased jejunal crypt depth (vs. FB0; P = 0.049) and the experimental factors had no significant effect on the analysed caecal histological parameters. In comparison with the FB0 diet, diets containing HT and LT FB contributed to an increase in the total bacterial counts (P = 0.001 and P = 0.033) and Bacteria domain (P = 0.001 and P = 0.060), and a decrease in the counts of Bacteroides (P = 0.002 and P = 0.013). Diets containing LT FB reduced the abundance of Salmonella bacteria, relative to the FB0 diet (P = 0.011) and diets with HT FB (P = 0.023). The LT treatment decreased the counts of total bacteria and Bacteria domain (P = 0.005), in comparison with the HT treatment. The highest ileal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentrations were observed in response to the LT200 diet. LT diets stimulated increased SCFA production in the caeca, relative to the FB0 diet (P = 0.022), and the opposite effect was noted when HT and SBM dietary treatments were compared. In comparison with HT diets, LT diets led to a desirable increase in the concentrations of all major fatty acids (acetic, propionic and butyric) in the caecal contents. It can be concluded that FB seeds enhanced fermentation processes in the gastrointestinal tract of turkeys. In comparison with HT FB, LT seeds improved selected parameters of intestinal function, including a decrease in the counts of Salmonella bacteria (P = 0.023), increased SCFA production (including butyrate; P = 0.001), and a decrease in the pH of intestinal digesta (P = 0.105). In conclusion, both LT and HT FB seeds, the latter containing up to 7.1 g/kg tannins, can be included in finisher turkey diets at up to 300 g/kg as a safe and effective substitute for SBM.

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different dietary levels and sources of methionine (Met) on the growth performance of turkeys, carcass and meat quality. A total of 816 Hybrid Converter turkeys in 6 groups and 8 replications were fed wheat-soybean meal-based diets supplemented with three sources of Met: DL-isomer, L-isomer and DL-hydroxy analog (DLM, LM and MHA, respectively). In four 4-week periods (from 1 to 16 weeks of age), the Met content of turkey diets corresponded to the level recommended by NRC (1994) or was increased by approximately 50% to match the intake recommended by some breeding companies. Increased dietary Met content resulted in a higher final body weight (BW) of turkeys (P=0.002) and a lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P=0.049), but had no effect on carcass dressing percentage and most parameters of carcass quality. The higher dietary Met level contributed to a decrease in meat pH, a lower contribution of redness and a smaller muscle fiber diameter (P=0.028, P=0.040 and P=0.004, respectively). The higher dietary Met level had no influence on the redox status of meat, but it reduced the incidence of lymphoid cell infiltration between muscle fibers threefold (P=0.003). Throughout the experiment, no significant differences were noted in the growth performance parameters of turkeys, irrespective of Met source. MHA contributed to higher abdominal fat content, lower dry matter (DM) content and lower catalase (CAT) activity in breast meat, compared with DLM and LM. Increased dietary Met content, approximately 50% higher than that recommended by NRC (1994), regardless of Met source, led to higher final BW of turkeys, but had no effect on carcass dressing percentage and most parameters of carcass quality.

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of a probiotic strain Clostridium butyricumMIYAIRI 588 (CBM588) on broiler and weaned piglet health and zootechnical performance. Five field studies were carried out in broilers and five in weaned piglets under European feed additive guidelines. Each study followed a randomized blocked design with two treatments: Control (basal diet) and CBM588 supplemented groups. The zootechnical performance parameters selected were body weight, daily gain, feed intake and feed efficiency (feed:gain). Broilers fed diets with CBM588 gained significantly more weight (+2%, p < .001) and exhibited significantly better feed efficiency (-1.6%, p < .001) in comparison with Controls. Similarly, analysis of pooled data of weaned piglet trials showed that CBM588-fed piglets were significantly heavier than Controls (+2.6%, p = .014), exhibited significantly higher mean daily gain (+4.7%; p = .004), and significantly improved feed efficiency (-4.2%, p = .001). In addition to the zootechnical efficacy studies, the preventive effect of CBM588 on necrotic enteritis (NE) was assessed in a natural challenge model in broilers where CBM588 reduced the incidence and severity of NE lesions. These data indicate the potential of CBM588 to improve broiler and weaned piglet zootechnical performance, and to make a positive contribution to animal health.

The present study was conducted to investigate how fermentation (FE) and enzymatic treatment (ET) of pea affect standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of nutrients in diets with peas as the only protein source, and evaluate the consequences of inclusion of different pea products in turkey diets (100 g/kg) on growth performance and bird health. For FE process, Pisum sativum L. was mixed with water (1:1) containing 4.9 × 108 Bacillus subtilis and licheniformis spores/kg pea (BIOPLUS 2B®, Chr. Hansen, Denmark). The prepared dough was fermented for 48 h at 30 °C. For ET, the dough water contained three enzymes, AlphaGal™ (α-galactosidase – Kerry, USA), RONOZYME® ProAct and VP (protease and pectinases, respectively – DSM, Switzerland). The dough (500 g/kg DM) was incubated for 24 h at 30 °C. Both processes reduced α-galactosides, phytate, trypsin inhibitor activity and resistant starch in peas. For standardized ileal digestibility (SID) assay, 288 turkeys were assigned to 24 pens and received four experimental diets including native (NP), fermented (FEP) and enzymatically treated peas (ETP) as well as a N-free diet (all supplemented with vitamins and minerals). The ETP had better SID of protein, Glu, Phe and Val compared with FEP and NP. Enzymatic treatment of pea also improved standardized ileal digestibility of Ala, Gly, His, Ilu, Leu and Lys (P ≤ 0.05), however digestibility of these nutrients in fermented pea were similar to other two types of pea (P > 0.05). Both processes drastically improved ileal digestibility of starch (P ≤ 0.05). For performance trial, 960 turkeys were allocated into 60 pens and received 4 different diets consisted of a basal mash wheat-SBM diet (CON) and there experimental diets which were prepared by inclusion of each pea products NP (NPD), FEP (FEPD) and ETP (ETPD) in the basal diet at the rate of 100 g/kg. The experiment lasted 105 d. In general, in the most time periods of the performance trial, birds received ETPD or FEPD diets showed better growth performance than those fed NPD diet, while birds in ETPD group displayed similar performance to those fed CON diet. At the end of the trial, birds fed CON and ETPD diets had the best FCR and birds which received NPD diet had the worst one (P ≤ 0.05). Birds in ETPD group showed the best footpad dermatitis score and turkeys in the NPD group had the worst score (P ≤ 0.05). The footpad dermatitis scores for turkeys in CON and FEPD groups were identical and considerably different from those in ETPD and NPD groups (P ≤ 0.05). In conclusion, both processes could improve the nutritional quality of pea by reduction in ANF and increasing ileal starch digestibility. Furthermore, ET process considerably improved SID of protein and AAs in pea. Inclusion of ETP in turkey diets (100 g/kg) demonstrated neither positive nor negative impact on growth performance, while it remarkably improved footpad dermatitis score. The present data shows the feasibility of these processes, particularly ET, for improving the nutritional quality of pea as a protein source for turkey diets.

Full-fat insect meals were used in young turkeys feeding as feed additives to exert beneficial changes in the intestinal bacterial ecosystem functioning as well as in the immune and antioxidant systems. Two full-fat insect flours obtained from Tenebrio molitor (TM) and Hermetia illucens (HI) insects were added to the base diet (C) in the amount of 3 g/kg and compared to the control and to the effects following common monensin (MON) addition (dietary treatments: C, MON, TM, and HI). Although, the addition of full-fat insect meals to the diet didn't improve performance results such as monensin, it does exerted anti-inflammatory, immunostimulatory and antioxidant changes in turkeys’ blood. The HI and TM dietary treatments caused beneficial reduction in the blood total cholesterol content as well as increase in phosphorus which was not noted in MON treatment. The results indicated that in comparison to the control diet without any additives, the MON, TM and HI additives showed non-selective bacteriostatic properties, without adverse intensification of protein fermentation and pH digesta rise in the caeca of young turkeys. The addition of TM and HI similar as MON reduced the enzymatic activity of caecal microbiota, and decreased caecal concentration of all short-chain fatty acids, except butyric one. The caecal ammonia and dry matter concentration, and pH value of digesta were not affected by dietary treatments.

A hypothesis was verified that dietary methionine (Met) improves the growth and antioxidant status of turkeys, and that its effects depend on dietary inclusion levels and sources. A total of 816 female Hybrid Converter turkeys was fed wheat-soybean meal-based diets supplemented with 3 sources of Met: DL-, L-isomers and DL-hydroxy analog (DLM, LM, and MHA, respectively). In 4 4-week periods (from one to 16 wk of age), dietary Met content corresponded to NRC (1994) recommendations or was increased by approximately 50% (in one to 8 wk by 44 to 46% and in 9 to 16 wk by 55 to 56% vs. the NRC guidelines) to match the recommendations of some breeding companies. Increased Met content resulted in higher final body weights of turkeys (P = 0.002), an improved feed conversion ratio (P = 0.049), increased total glutathione concentration and ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) values, and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration (all P 0.001) in the blood plasma of turkeys. In comparison with DLM, LM and MHA contributed to an increase in plasma glutathione concentration (P = 0.001), a decrease in plasma triacylglycerol (P = 0.003) and uric acid (P = 0.001) concentrations, and a decrease in liver MDA (P = 0.001) levels. A decrease in plasma MDA (vs. DLM) and lipid peroxides (LOOH) (vs. DLM and LM) concentrations as well as a decrease in plasma superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (vs. DLM and LM) also were noted in the MHA treatment (P = 0.016, P = 0.001 and P = 0.011, respectively). In conclusion, the results of the study indicate that the antioxidant status of turkeys could be affected by dietary Met levels and sources. The dietary Met content increased by 50% relative to NRC recommendations, improved the growth performance of turkeys, and strengthened their antioxidant defense system. In comparison with DLM, LM and MHA could be considered positive nutritional factors as manifested by a beneficial decrease in plasma and hepatic MDA concentrations as well as an increase in plasma glutathione levels, and the effect of MHA was more pronounced.

The hypothesis postulating that the antioxidant and immunological effects of dietary methionine (Met) in young turkeys (1-8 weeks of age) can be differentiated by level and source of Met was investigated in this study. A total of 544 female Hybrid Converter turkeys were divided into four groups and fed diets in which Met content was tailored through supplementation with dl-methionine (dl-Met) or dl-methionine hydroxy analogue (MHA) to levels recommended by NRC (1994) (Groups dl-Met

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of dietary replacement of soya bean meal (SBM) with faba bean (FB) and a blend of non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) degrading enzymes on the gastrointestinal function, growth performance and welfare of young turkeys (1 to 56 days of age). An experiment with a 2×2 factorial design was performed to compare the efficacy of four diets: a SBM-based diet and a diet containing FB, with and without enzyme supplementation (C, FB, CE and FBE, respectively). In comparison with groups C, higher dry matter content and lower viscosity of the small intestinal digesta were noted in groups FB. The content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the small intestinal digesta was higher in groups FB, but SCFA concentrations in the caecal digesta were comparable in groups C and FB. In comparison with control groups, similar BW gains, higher feed conversion ratio (FCR), higher dry matter content of excreta and milder symptoms of footpad dermatitis (FPD) were noted in groups FB. Enzyme supplementation increased the concentrations of acetate, butyrate and total SCFAs, but it did not increase the SCFA pool in the caecal digesta. The enzymatic preparation significantly improved FCR, reduced excreta hydration and the severity of FPD in turkeys. It can be concluded that in comparison with the SBM-based diet, the diet containing 30% of FB enables to achieve comparable BW gains accompanied by lower feed efficiency during the first 8 weeks of rearing. Non-starch polysaccharide-degrading enzymes can be used to improve the nutritional value of diets for young turkeys, but more desirable results of enzyme supplementation were noted in the SBM-based diet than in the FB-based diet.

The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of prebiotic and synbiotic preparations injected in ovo on day 12 of embryogenesis on both development of intestinal villi and the number of neutral goblet cells in the small intestine of male broiler chickens on day 35 of rearing. Eggs containing live embryos were randomly separated into five experimental groups (1800 eggs per group), and treated with different bioactive compounds by in ovo injection. The control group (C) was injected with physiological saline. The prebiotic groups (PI and PB) were injected with a solution containing 1.76 mg of inulin or with a solution containing 0.528 mg of Bi2tos. The injection solution for both synbiotic groups (SI and SB) consisted of 1.76 mg Inulin + 1000 CFU of L. lactis spp. lactis 2955 (SL1) or 0.528 mg Bi2tos + 1000 CFU of L. lactis spp. cremoris 477 (SC1). Samples for histological analysis were taken from the three segments of the small intestine: the duodenum, jejunum and ileum. Broiler performance increased in the prebiotic group injected with Bi2tos when compared to both the control group and the prebiotic group injected with inulin. In relation to other groups, in the duodenum and ileum the highest intestinal villi were observed in chickens with the lowest body weight, i.e. groups C and PI. The smaller surface area of villi was found in the jejunum and ileum in group SB. As far as the jejunum and ileum are concerned, a significantly higher number of goblet cells was noted in groups PB and SB.

Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA), previously known as Wegener's granulomatosis, is one of antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA) - associated vasculitis. In patients with GPA an increased incidence of venous thromboembolism (VTE), mainly during active disease, has been described. The aim of the present study was to assess the incidence of VTE and its relation with classic risk factors for atherosclerosis, presence of coronary artery disease (CAD), echocardiographic parameters and laboratory findings in GPA patients.The group of consecutive patients with GPA were followed in the study. In all patients echocardiography and laboratory tests were performed.Ninety six patients with GPA were followed for mean 3 years. In 16 patients (16.6%) VTEs occurred in association with GPA, of which 56% occurred 6 months before or one year after diagnosis of GPA. Classic risk factors for atherosclerosis were present in 77 patients (80.2%) at some moment during follow-up. In patients with VTE there were larger right ventricle diameter (p=0.041) and higher right ventricle systolic pressure (p=0.022) observed. VTEs occurred significantly less frequently in patients treated with cyclophosphamide (p=0.049). In this study group VTE occurred more frequently than CAD: 16 (16.7%) vs. 4 (4.2%); p=0,0049. Patients with VTE were younger than those with CAD (p=0.053) and had higher levels of ANCA-PR 3 (p=0.016).Patients with granulomatosis with polyangiitis in first years after diagnosis have higher risk of venous thromboembolism than coronary artery disease. This finding is probably related to hypercoagulability induced by the disease and its therapy.

The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of full-fat Hermetia illucens larvae meal (HM) as a protein source in diets for the youngest turkey poults, based on growth performance and parameters of intestinal function, i.e. immune status and fermentation processes in the gut. The experiment was carried on 432 one-day-old male Hybrid Converter turkeys. The birds were randomly divided into four dietary treatment groups, with twelve replicates of nine birds each. During a four-week feeding period, the HM content of turkey diets was 50, 100 and 150 g/kg in groups HM50, HM100 and HM150, respectively. The highest HM content in the experimental diet HM150, limited by high crude fat content, replaced 1/3 of soybean meal (SBM) (295 vs. 429 g/kg) in the control diet HM0. The inclusion of dietary HM resulted in a linear increase in the dry matter (DM) content and viscosity of small intestinal contents. The highest inclusion rate of HM did not affect IgA levels, but it increased IgY levels in the small intestinal tissue compared with the control treatment. At the same time, dietary HM exerted anti-inflammatory effect by decreasing TNFα and increasing IL-6 levels in small intestinal tissue (linear and quadratic response, respectively). The dietary inclusion of HM increased the activity of selected microbial enzymes (α-galactosidase, β-glucosidase and β-glucuronidase) and butyric acid concentration in the cecal digesta. Increasing inclusion levels of HM did not affect the final body weight (BW) or body weight gain (BWG) of birds, but induced a linear decrease in the feed conversion ratio (FCR). The results of this study indicate that HM can be included in diets for young turkeys at up to 150 g/kg without compromising the immune status or growth performance of birds, intestinal development and function.