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Soybean meal (SBM) is a significant source of protein for poultry due to its high concentration of protein and amino acids profile. The primary objective of SBM processing is the reduction and deactivation of anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) to enhance nutrient digestibility. However, eliminating ANFs does not necessarily correlate with increased protein and amino acid content. Several processing methods, such as soaking, cooking, and commercial techniques, improve SBM protein digestibility. To sustain feeding qualities, soybeans must undergo heating to remove inherent chemicals that interfere with poultry digestion. However, both under and over-processing can impair meal digestibility. Extrusion heating significantly contributes to protein and starch digestibility while reducing certain ANFs. Thermomechanical and enzyme-assisted procedures reduce heat-resistant proteins more efficiently than extraction methods, producing soy protein concentrate (SPC) and fermentation. These techniques reduce ANFs in SBM, activating digestive enzymes and alleviating digestive tract pressure, leading to decreased endogenous protein deficits. Exogenous enzyme supplementation is a biotechnological approach for enhancing the nutritional content of SBM and certain other protein-rich products. However, different processing methods not only affect protein digestibility but also impact poultry production, gastrointestinal health, and the environment due to higher nitrogen excrement. Ammonia (NH3) emissions are a significant environmental concern in chicken farming, resulting from uric acid production during protein consumption. It has a negative impact on the environment and the health of birds/humans. This review investigates the impact of several processing techniques on the digestibility of SBM protein and the reduction of N2 regarding one health concept. Future research should focus on identifying optimal processing methods maximizing protein digestibility while minimizing environmental nitrogen impacts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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The aim of this study was to evaluate the welfare and performance of laying hens kept in a furnished cage system equipped with additional feeders. A total of 72 Lohmann Brown hens were randomly assigned to 4 experimental groups. Each group consisted of 6 cages housing 3 birds per cage (18 birds per group). Group I was a control group without an extra feeder in the cages. Experimental groups GII, GIII, and GIV contained one, 2, and 3 additional feeders in the cages, respectively. The assessment of bird welfare was based on production, physiological and behavioral parameters, as well as on the basis of external appearance. The experiment lasted 12 wk. The obtained results suggest that enriching laying hens’ cages with additional feeders improved the welfare of the hens. Enrichment of cages significantly reduced the number of feather pecking and aggressive behaviors in the GII and GIV groups (P < 0.01) and the GIII group (P < 0.05). Breast plumage was significantly (P < 0.05) better in the GII group compared with that in the control group. The control group also had the worst general plumage (P < 0.01). The GII and GIV groups were also characterized by significantly (P < 0.05) lower blood corticosterone concentrations compared with the control group. No negative changes in egg production and quality parameters were observed in the experimental groups. Only eggs from the GIV group had significantly (P < 0.05) lower breaking strength than those from the control and GII group. The results suggest that the best solution is to place 1 additional feeder in furnished laying hens’ cages. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this paper was to present the most frequently made errors in captive reptiles management. Among the major improper conditions is the incorrect microclimate, that is also frequently bad controlled what leads to development of diseases. Correct maintenance of reptiles in breeding conditions is an extremely complex issue. A full understanding of this issue requires breeders to learn the physiology of reptiles, their environmental requirements, as well as the dependencies between particular microclimate parameters. These requirements are often neglected. Developing diseases may, in most serious cases, lead to the death of an animal. Therefore, breeders should update their knowledge on an ongoing basis and try to provide reptiles with conditions similar to those occurring in the natural environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this research was to evaluate the effect of biochar diet supplementation for broiler chickens on (1) ammonia and odor emissions from manure, (2) feed conversion ratio and daily weight gain, and (3) selected meat quality and sensory parameters. Beechwood biochar (BC, 2 and 4%) and BC-glycerin-aluminosilicates mix (BCM, 3 and 6%) were tested as dietary additives. A total of 750 chicken broilers (Ross 308) were divided into five dietary groups with five replicates per group ( n = 5, 30 birds in each replicate) and reared on a littered floor for 5 weeks. Both feed additives showed a significant reduction of ammonia emissions by up to 17%, while the reduction of odor emissions was not statistically significant. The feed conversion ratio increased by 8% for the highest concentration of the mixture. The change of the treated broilers' average body weight ranged in the last week of the experiment from 0 to -7%, with the most negative effect for the highest dose of the mixture. Sensory analysis of the sous-vide cooked breasts showed no significant differences.