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The paper analyses the costs of production of roughage and nutritive fodder and fattening HF and Limousine crossbreds of feeder cattle. The costs of growing fodder for feeder cattle were calculated per one hectare. The cost of producing one tonne of feed was determined based on the farm’s mean crop yield. The calculation included the cost of maintenance, including the cost of feeding 14 animals over 22 months. The animals were kept untethered in stalls with deep litter from the body weight of 36.86 kg to 812.14 kg on the selling date. The feeder cattle were fed according to the nutritional recommendations, and their feed rations were based on feedstock produced on the farm, except post-extraction meals and the mineral and vitamin mix Dolfos BO. It was demonstrated that the cost of producing one tonne of roughage ranged from PLN 66.98 (maize silage) to PLN 265.98 (hay), while that of grain oscillated from PLN 261.22 (rye) to approximately PLN 371 (oats and wheat). It was found that maize silage generated the highest cost in feeder cattle feeding. This fact should be associated with its largest share in feed rations, which as a result corresponded to nearly 5.5 tonnes per animal. As regards nutritive fodder, the highest cost was generated by nutritive fodder 2, which was also linked to its amount per animal. Throughout the fattening period, each animal consumed more than 10 tonnes of feed and its cost could be estimated at PLN 27,939.53. To sum up, the farm received PLN 1,616.75 of income from breeding one animal.

Restrictions on using antibiotics in animal farming and the raised awareness of consumers who increasingly often choose organic products to make breeders look for natural products stimulating animal productivity. Such preparations include herbs and herbal products that used to be the underlying means for health prevention and treatment of animal diseases. Herbs and herbal extracts positively influence the intake of feed by pigs and nutrient digestibility. Regulating digestive processes displaces harmful bacterial microflora, making way for beneficial micro-organisms to colonise the gastrointestinal tract. Herbs also regulate the body's operation by improving the resistance of animals to adverse environmental conditions and diseases, which is reflected by improved animal productivity. Herbal additives can positively influence carcass composition and meat quality. This paper reviews the results of studies investigating the use of herbs in pig feeding.

Improvement of the genetic value of cows, enabling increasingly high milk yield, requires increasingly modern feeding. Therefore, in addition to high-quality bulky feed and concentrate feed, specialized feed additives are being introduced to the diet of high-producing dairy cows. The available additives (rumen-protected essential ingredients, phytobiotics, probiotic, prebiotic and others) have a broad spectrum of activity, increasing production efficiency, protecting against metabolic disease, and improving the reproductive parameters and health of the herd. It should be borne in mind, however, that only rational use of feed additives in the diet of cows is conducive to their longevity, which is one of the most important factors improving the economic outcomes of milk production.

The paper provides an overview of the knowledge of the options of the use of selected feed additives in the feeding of sows and young pigs. Feed enzymes, organic acids, probiotics, prebiotics and phytobiotics are the most commonly used feed additives for these technology groups. Nowadays, in pig breeding and farming, it is not possible to achieve high production performance in the herd without the use of specialised feed additives. They are added to the feed ration always in small quantities, and the effects of their use are often clearly noticeable. They improve the flavour and digestibility of the feed, and thereby have a favourable effect on feed intake, piglets weight gain and sows milk yield, boost pig immunity and displace pathogens from the gastrointestinal system, stimulating the growth and development of the beneficial bacterial microflora. Fed to lactating sows, they have a positive effect not only on the sows, but above all on the growth and development of their litters. This allows maximising the weaning weight of piglets and improving their health and weight gain at further fattening stages. All this contributes to improved production performance and should encourage breeders to enrich pig feed with appropriate specialised feed additives.

The studies aimed to determine the effect of feed rations containing hulled or hull- less barley meal on the slaughter parameters and the quality of muscles in broiler chickens. The experiment involved 120 broiler chickens of Ross 308 split into 3 groups (K, DI, DII), each consisting of 40 birds. Until the 21st day of life the birds were fed ad libitum with ground starter rations, and from day 22 to day 42 they received grower rations based on wheat, soybean meal, and soya oil with an admixture of minerals and vitamins. In the control rations the second cereal was corn, and the experimental rations contained 30% hulled barley (DI) or hull-less barley (DII). The best slaughter parameters were recorded for chickens from group DI. They had the largest share of total muscles including thigh and drumsticks as well as the smallest share of abdominal fat and skin with subcutaneous fat compared to others. The intramuscular fat of experimental birds contained significantly less PUFA than that of the control birds. In terms of taste, the best note the muscles of chickens fed mixtures containing husked barley were rated. The mean of the traits of breast muscle of chickens in this group was higher (P≤0.05) compared to others. The slaughter parameters obtained in the study provide grounds for recommending the use of hulled barley in rations for broiler chickens accounting for 30% of the ration weight.

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effectiveness of the use of hybrid rye in rations for broiler chickens. The study covered 160 chickens split into four equal groups [I (control), II, III, IV] and kept for 42 d. Rye was introduced into the above-mentioned diets as a partial substitute for maize in the following quantities: (I), no rye; (II), 5% rye in starter feed and 10% rye in grower and finisher feed; (III), 10% rye in starter feed and 20% rye in grower and finisher feed; (IV), 15% rye in starter feed and 30% rye in grower and finisher feed. During the 42 d rearing period, the most favourable body weight gain (P ≤ 0.05) and feed conversion ratio (P ≤ 0.01) were observed in chickens fed with rations containing the highest share of hybrid rye (group IV). The rye did not affect the dressing percentage and muscularity but diversified the fatness of birds. The muscles of chickens from group IV showed higher (P ≤ 0.01) red saturation and lower (P ≤ 0.01) yellow saturation and hue compared with the muscle of birds receiving diets with the lowest rye content (group I). The results of the study show that the inclusion of hybrid rye can be recommended in broiler chicken diets at a share of 15% in starter feed and 30% in grower and finisher feed, respectively.

In recent years, the amount of produced petrochemical plastic waste has been growing at an alarming rate. According to the Plastics Europe Market Research Group (PEMRG)/Conversio Market & Strategy GmbH, in 2018 the global production of plastics amounts to 359 million tons, and in Europe—61.8 million tons. More than 80% of all marine litter is plastic, which accumulates in the environment due to its durability. Due to the growing problem, biodegradable polymer products are introduced to the market. Therefore, it is necessary to conduct research on degradation products in order to estimate the risk arising from their presence in the environment. This paper discusses research on compounds that may potentially remain in the soil after the degradation of the double green PLA polymer. The aim of the research was to prove whether products made of PLA, e.g., packaging, films and other waste can release substances harmful to the environment. Therefore, soil was selected as a medium to characterize the substances potentially released from the polymer under conditions simulating the degradation process in the environment. The soil was always used from the same producer. Before the polymer biodegradation process, it was additionally checked for pH, C and N content, number of microorganisms, etc. PLA degradation in soil was carried out in a laboratory accredited by the Polish Accreditation Center (PCA). During the research, soil samples at various stages of the degradation process under laboratory conditions were subjected to both extraction in an aqueous environment and organic solvent extraction The studies used the gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (GC/MS), as well as pyrolysis gas chromatography (Py-GC/MS). In addition, the study used the gel permeation chromatography (GPC/SEC) allowing to determine the distribution of molar masses, average molar masses and polydispersity, and the infrared spectroscopy (FTIR).

The study aimed at evaluating the effect of feeding broiler chickens with diets containing faba bean and cold storage time on the physical properties of m. pectoralis major. The study material comprised 24 muscles from chickens split into 3 feeding groups. Birds from the control group (I) were fed with compound feeds containing soybean meal as the only highprotein component, whereas the starter/grower diets administered to experimental chickens contained faba bean in the proportion 8/15% - group II and 16/22% - group III, as a partial substitute for soybean meal. No effect of the feeding method on acidity and water absorption capacity of the muscle was observed. Muscles of chickens fed with mixes with a higher share of faba bean were characterised by higher yellow saturation, colour intensity and hue in comparison to other groups. The storage time had no effect on their physical properties; a decrease was only recorded in pH24 of the evaluated muscles, which testifies to the correct course of glycolytic transformations. To sum up, it must be stated that a higher share of faba bean in chicken diets modifies muscle colour only, but cold storage time has no impact on the evaluated physical characteristics of muscles.

The purpose of this paper was to assess the suitability of various protein feeds in broiler chicken feeding. The study covered 160 birds split into 5 equipotent groups (SBM, EFFS, RFFS, EL, DDGS). Four protein feeds were an experimental factor: extruded full-fat soybean (EFFS group), raw full-fat soybean (RFFS group), extruded lupine (EL group) and distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS group) that were added to starter rations in an amount replacing 30%, and in grower and finisher rations 50% of extracted soybean meal protein. Results showed that after replacing an identical amount of extracted soybean meal protein with protein from extruded soybean or DDGS in chicken rations, the final body weight and feed conversion ratio were similar to those of birds from the control group. Deterioration (P≤0.01) in the above-mentioned parameters was observed for chickens fed with rations containing raw soybean or extruded lupine. Birds that were given rations containing raw soybean (RFFS group) were characterized by the lowest dressing percentage, and, compared to the control group, the difference was significant (P≤0.01). The type of protein feed contained in the rations did not affect the musculature of chickens, however it did impact their fat deposition. Fat deposition was the lowest in birds from RFFS and DDGS groups that reached the lowest final body weight. Microscopic images of all examined livers showed a normal histological structure. The results of the studies carried out provide a basis for recommending the use of extruded full-fat soybean or DDGS in broiler chicken rations as partial substitutes for extracted soybean meal protein.

Faba bean (FB) seeds can be a good protein-energy component in animal feed. However, the presence of anti-nutritional substances is a negative feature of FB seeds. The aim of this study was to examine the influence of different levels of unprocessed FB seeds in feed on the gut-bone axis and metabolic profile in broilers. Ninety six, 1-day-old Ross 308 broiler chickens were randomly selected to one of the 3 dietary treatments (32 chickens in each, divided into 8 pens with 4 birds per each pen): the control group fed standard diet with soybean meal and without FB seeds, group I fed 8/15% (starter/grower) of high-tannin FB seeds, and group II fed 16/22% of high-tannin FB seeds. Bone mechanical examination, hematological and serum biochemical analysis as well histomorphometry of small intestine and liver tissue were performed. The intake of high-tannin FB seeds, irrespective of their amount, did not alter the bone geometric, mechanical and densitometric parameters nor influenced basal hematological parameters, however it resulted in: decreased serum concentration of total cholesterol and calcium; a reduced longitudinal myenteron of small intestine; increased mucosa and villus epithelium thickness, villus length, thickness and absorptive surface in duodenum; increased number of active crypts in jejunum; unchanged collagen area, intercellular space, and total cell number in the liver; decreased number of multinuclear hepatocyte cells. Moreover, the livers of birds fed the higher dose of high-tannin FB seeds had lymphocytic infiltrates in portal tracts and sinusoids. Feeding of unprocessed high-tannin FB seeds exerted an influence on the gastrointestinal tract by increased absorptive surface. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of unprocessed high-tannin FB seeds had no negative effects on broiler growth, tibial bone mechanical properties and intestinal characteristics. Unprocessed high-tannin FB seeds may be used in broiler diets, but their dietary levels should not be higher than those discussed.

The purpose of the study was to compare the effect of feeding broiler chickens with mixtures containing raw or extruded soybean seeds on the performance indices, slaughter value and liver histology of the animals. The research began with an analysis of the chemical composition of selected high protein feeds. A nutritional experiment was then performed on 108 sexed Ross 308 chickens, which were allocated to 3 equal groups (I, II, III). The chickens were reared for 42 days with ad libitum feeding. The birds from the control group (I) received mixtures in which the only high protein component was soybean meal extracted. Extruded soybeans and raw soybeans were fed to chickens in experimental groups II and III, respectively, in quantities that replaced 30% of soybean meal extract protein in the Starter mixture and 50% of this protein in the Grower and Finisher mixtures. During the experiment, the body weight of the birds (BW) and their feed intake (FI) were recorded. At the end of rearing, 12 chicks of body weights representative of their group and sex were slaughtered in each group. The results of the slaughter analysis were used to calculate the percentage of muscles, skin with subcutaneous fat and abdominal fat in the carcass. The weights of selected internal organs were also determined, and then their proportion in the chilled carcass weight was determined. In addition, after slaughter, chicken livers were collected to assess the histological image. Raw soybean meal extrusion resulted in an increase in protein content and a decrease in crude fibre by about 10%. Quantities of individual amino acids in the analysed material were proportional to the protein content. The extrusion of full-fat soybean seeds reduced the content of trypsin inhibitors by more than a half (to 9 mg/g), but the least of these compounds (1.2 mg/g) was found in soybean meal extract. The tannin content of extruded soybeans was about one-third of that of extracted meal and less than one-fourth of that of raw soybean. It was shown that the chickens receiving extruded soybeans reached a weight similar to that of the control group, with similar FCRs for individual rearing periods, whereas the use of raw soybean significantly (P ≤ 0.01) decreased both parameters. In addition, group III had a significantly lower dressing percentage (P ≤ 0.05) and a higher proportion of abdominal fat (P ≤ 0.01) compared to the other groups. The introduction of extruded or raw soybeans into the mixtures increased (P ≤ 0.05) the proportion of total internal organs. The microscopic image revealed that all chickens had a similar, normal histological structure. The results of this study show a beneficial effect of raw soybean extrusion on the nutritional value of soybeans. Extruded soybeans can therefore be recommended as a partial substitute for protein (30% in Starter and 50% in Grower and Finisher) from soybean meal extract in chicken broiler mixtures. Raw soybeans should not be used in the above amounts, mainly because of the clearly worse rearing results....

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of the addition of dried oregano from different regions of the world to diets on the production results, selected organs, as well as the morphometric characteristics and pH of the gastrointestinal tract of broiler chickens. The research feedstuff was dried oregano from Poland, Turkey and Egypt and diets containing these herbs. The oregano from Poland, Turkey and Egypt was added to a wheat-corn-soybean diet in an amount of 2%. The experiment was carried out on 168 broilers Ross 308, 84 males and 84 females, randomly divided into 4 groups of 42 birds each. In this experiment, four diets for the starter period (from 1 to 21 days of age) and four for the grower period (from 22 to 42 days of age) were prepared. The control group (K) were fed a wheat-corn-soybean diet without oregano, whereas chickens from the experimental groups were fed diets with oregano from Poland (OP group), Turkey (OT group) or Egypt (OE group). During the experiment, the body weight at 1, 2, and 42 days of age, feed consumption and mortality were recorded. At 42 days of age, after 14 hours of fasting, the birds were killed and from the body of 32 chickens (8 chickens from each group) the digestive tract, heart, liver, pancreas and spleen were prepared and weighed. The gastrointestinal tract was divided into sections, and their weight and length were measured. Then, in particular segments of the gastrointestinal tract, pH values were determined. The body weight of chickens determined at 21 and 42 days of age were not significantly different between the groups. Significant differences between the groups were noted in feed efficiency during the grower period. The diet containing oregano from Turkey was utilized significantly better than the control diet. Significant differences in the pH of the glandular stomach and caecum were found. Compared with pH in the control group, pH in the glandular stomachs of chickens fed diets containing dried oregano from Egypt was significantly decreased, whereas pH in the caecum of chickens from the OT group was increased. In comparison with the control group, chickens from the groups fed diets containing oregano (except the OP group) had a significantly shorter ileum and larger intestines, and chickens fed a diet with oregano from Turkey had a smaller spleen and gizzard. The results obtained show that the chemical composition of dried oregano from different regions was differential. The addition of 2% of dried oregano to the wheat-corn-soybean diet had no significant influence on the body weight of chickens, but decreased their mortality. Oregano from Turkey added to the wheat-corn-soybean diet improved the feed efficiency in the second period of rearing. These results show that oregano may be a potentially effective supplement for broiler chickens, and the most effective was the oregano from Turkey....

A total of 250 one-day-old male broilers (Ross 308) were used to investigate the effects of dietary Zn-Gly (zinc glycine chelate) supplementation on growth performance, carcass characteristics, bone quality, and mineral content in bones. All broilers were randomly assigned to five treatment groups, each of which was replicated five times (10 birds in each cage). 5 groups were formed: control negative – CN (corn-wheat and soybean meal control diet with no supplementation of Zn), control positive – CP (CN+100 mg of Zn as oxide/kg of diet), and 3 groups with Zn-Gly supplementation at three doses: 25, 50, or 100 mg kg−1 (CN +25, 50, or 100 mg of Zn as glycine chelate/kg of diet). The experimental diets were fed to chicks for over 6 weeks. In the study, a positive trend to gain body weight and the weight of breast, thigh, and drumstick muscles was observed when organic Zn was introduced, in particular at a dose of 50 and 25 mg. The addition of Zn, regardless of its source, had an effect on the increase (P

The study was carried out involving 48 fattening pigs split into 3 groups of equal size: one control (I) and two experimental (II and III). The experimental factor was low-tannin faba bean seeds of the Albus variety (group II) or Amulet variety (group III) introduced to experimental feed mixtures as a partial replacement for soybean meal - the only protein-rich material in the control diet. It was noticed that the partial replacement of soybean meal with faba bean meal had no statistically significant effect on: the daily gains of pigs, feed conversion, meatiness and fattening grades and meat acidity (pH1 and pH24), water holding capacity and muscle colour parameters (L*a*b*). However, the drip loss from longissimus muscles of pigs fed with diets containing low-tannin faba bean was lower and the difference between the group receiving Albus faba bean and the control group was confirmed to be statistically significant (P≤0.05). In the analysed longissimus lumborum muscle, no differences were recorded between the groups in terms of the content of protein, fat, minerals, or saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, including monounsaturated fatty acids. However, it was determined that the muscles of the animals from groups II and III contained more essential unsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids (P≤0.05 - between groups I and III ). Albus faba bean seeds introduced to the feed mixture had a beneficial effect on the sensory characteristics of the evaluated muscle since, compared to the longissimus lumborum muscle from the control group, it was characterised by significantly (P≤0.05) improved juiciness, tenderness and palatability.

It seems that faba bean (FB) seeds could be a good protein-energy component in animal feed, but the presence of anti-nutritional substances limits their use as a substitute of soybean meal. The aim of the study was to examine the influence of different concentrations of raw, low-tannin, FB seeds on the gut-bone axis in Ross 308 broilers. One-day old chickens were randomly subjected to one of the 3 dietary treatments: the control group was fed standard diet based on soybean meal and without FB seeds, and two groups were fed 8%/15% and 16%/22% of raw low-tannin FB seeds in the starter and grower, respectively. On the 35th day, hematological and serum biochemical analyses as well histomorphometry of the small intestine and liver tissue and bone mechanical tests were performed. The diet type had no effect on the body weight gain and feed conversion ratio. However, the basal intestinal structures were significantly reduced in birds fed the lower concentration of FB. The enlargement of nerve plexuses was dependent on the concentration used in the diet and, additionally, on the kind of plexus and location in the intestinal tract. The liver was characterized by an increase in non-hepatocytes. There was no influence of the low-tannin FB seeds on most of the analyzed serum parameters in the 35-day-old broiler chickens, except the decreased concentration of total cholesterol and Ca in both experimental groups, triglycerides in group I, and P and uric acid in group II. Furthermore, the increasing concentration of the dietary low-tannin FB did not influence the activities of AspAT (except the group fed the higher amount of FB), ALAT, and LDH. The broiler chickens had no visible leg lesions and no problem in the locomotor function, but the tibiae were lighter mainly in birds fed the higher concentration of FB seeds. Geometric analysis revealed reduction of the cross section area and wall thickness, indicating a decline in the bone midshaft, which influenced the densitometric parameters and the results of mechanical tests. In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of raw low-tannin FB seeds had no negative effects on broiler growth, but disturbed the intestine structure and tibia characteristics. Therefore, all these negative effects necessitate additional examinations before inclusion of raw low-tannin FB seed into poultry diet.

Iron regulatory protein 1 (IRP1) is a cytosolic bifunctional [4Fe-4S] protein which exhibits aconitase activity or binds iron responsive elements (IREs) in untranslated regions of specific mRNA encoding proteins involved in cellular iron metabolism. Superoxide radical (O2.-) converts IRP1 from a [4Fe-4S] aconitase to a [3Fe-4S] "null" form possessing neither aconitase nor trans-regulatory activity. Genetic ablation of superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1), an antioxidant enzyme that acts to reduce O2.- concentration, revealed a new O2.--dependent regulation of IRP1 leading to the reduction of IRP1 protein level and in consequence to the diminution of IRP1 enzymatic and IRE-binding activities. Here, we attempted to establish whether developmental changes in SOD1 activity occurring in the mouse liver, impact IRP1 expression. We show no correlation between hepatic SOD1 activity and IRP1 protein level neither in pre- nor postnatal period probably because the magnitude of developmental fluctuations in SOD1 activity is relatively small. The comparison of SOD1 activity in regards to IRP1 protein level in the liver of threeSOD1 genotypes (Sod1+/+, Sod1+/- and Sod1-/-) demonstrates that only drastic SOD1 deficiency leads to the reduction of IRP1 protein level. Importantly, we found that in the liver of fetuses lacking SOD1, IRP1 is not down-regulated. To investigate O2.--dependent regulation of IRP1 in a cellular model, we exposed murine RAW 264.7 and bone marrow-derived macrophages to paraquat, widely used as a redox cycler to stimulate O2.-production in cells. We showed that IRP1 protein level as well as aconitase and IRE-binding activities are strongly reduced in macrophages treated with paraquat. The analysis of the expression of IRP1-target genes revealed the increase in L-ferritin protein level resulting from the enhanced transcriptional regulation of the LFt gene and diminished translational repression of L-ferritin mRNA by IRP1. We propose that O2.--dependent up-regulation of this cellular protectant in paraquat-treated macrophages may counterbalance iron-related toxic effects of O2.-.

A retained permanent mandibular first molar caused arrested development and a defect of the alveolar bone in a 16-year-old girl. Extraction of the ankylosed tooth was immediately followed by autotransplantation of the developing maxillary third molar. At the 3-year follow-up examination the interproximal bone level at the autotransplanted molar was equal to that of the neighboring teeth. Cone beam computed tomography showed bone at the labial aspect of the transplant. The eruption of the autotransplanted tooth stimulated vertical alveolar bone development and repaired the bone defect. Additionally, there was closure of the posterior open bite that was initially present at the ankylosed molar site.

The aim of this study was to investigate changes of the acid value and of the peroxide value in the lipid fraction of rapeseed cakes and in oils with or without antioxidant in dependence on storage time and place. The samples of rapeseeds products with or without antioxidant were stored for six month, without light and air in laboratory (average temperature 19.1°C) and in refrigerator (temperature 4°C). Acid value and the peroxide value were analyzed at the beginning and every month, in three replications for each series. The acid value of lipid fraction of rapeseed cakes increased, while in the oil remained similar, during whole storage time. The addition of an antioxidant did not influence the acid values. However

The study was carried out to evaluate the effect of Zn-Gly supplementation on the selected antioxidative enzymes and on the mineral composition in the liver and faeces as well as the biochemical and haematological parameters of chicken blood. Two hundred and fifty-one-day-old Ross 308 male broiler chicks were randomly allotted to five dietary treatments, each of which was replicated five times (10 birds in each cage). Five experimental groups were formed: control negative (CN)—without Zn, control positive supplemented with 100 mg ZnO, and three groups supplemented with 100, 50, and 25 mg Zn-Gly. An increase (P