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The aim of the study was to determine the calcium requirements in preparation period of the sexual mature and egg-laying and evaluate development of calcium retention in the first laying period of the hybrid combination Bovans Brown hens. The experimental trial lasted from 14 to 30 weeks of hens age. The animals were fed ad libitum with a pelleted complete feed mixture with 42 g/kg of calcium content. The amount of calcium retained by pullets gradually increased along with feed intake depending on age and preparation for sexual maturity and was around 0.39 ± 0.19 g Ca in the first period. Ca retention increased up to an average of 0.85 g Ca from 8 day before laying the first egg. Retention dropped sharply on the day of laying the 1st egg and a negative Ca balance occurred. Shell output was 1.75 ± 0.21 g/day for the beginning of laying and subsequently increased to 2.23 ± 0.08 g/ day during evaluate peak laying. The range weight of the first laid eggs was 45 ± 5 g. Percentage of eggshell move around an average of 10 ± 0.37% throughout the observed period. The daily calcium intake of pullets was 3.56 ± 0.26 g/day. With the beginning of laying, the daily intake increased to an average of 4.51 ± 0.43 g/day Ca. Before reaching sexual maturity, the calcium apparent digestibility of laying hens was relatively low, averaging around 22%, but the moment the hens began to lay, the apparent calcium digestibility began to increase to an average of 50%. Feeding a non-standard feed mixture with a higher calcium content than usual in mixtures for pullets did not have a negative effect on the finishing of animal development, the onset of sexual maturity, or deterioration of the observed parameters of eggs quality.

Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is one of the best known and very often used herbs with positive effect on liver. The aim of this article was to study influence of addition of milk thistle pressed parts in feed ration on liver histology and weight increase of laboratory rats. The experiment was tested by 15 pieces of laboratory rats divided into 3 groups (A, B, C). The rats in first group (A) hade feed ration with addition of 10% milk thistle pressed parts, second group (B) hade feed ration with 20% and control group (C) hade feed ration without addition of milk thistle pressed parts. The silymarin content of pressed milk thistle seed was 26.2 mg/g. The aim of this article is to study influence of addition of milk thistle pressed parts in feed ration on liver histology and weight increase of laboratory rats. The hypothesis is that the feeding addition - milk thistle seed pressed parts has positive effect on weight performance and liver histology. Does the feeding addition have any effect on these health indicators? Does feeding of milk thistle seed pressed parts have any sense? In results, the groups with addition of milk thistle had significant bigger average gain increases than the control group. Histological results vary considerably among groups of rats. All rats in the control group had dystrophic liver with sinusoidal congestion. In most rats of the group A, the dystrophy was minimal without congestion. On the other hand, most of rats of the group B had liver dystrophy caused by large droplets steatosis with congestion. All rats in control group C were found to have significant dystrophy caused by steatosis. The results indicate rats receiving the addition of milk thistle pressed parts in their feed had a lower incidence of liver steatosis due to the hepatoprotective effects of silymarin.

The presence of mycotoxins in animal feed cause health disorders and can also contribute to other factors such as stress, lack of nutrition, infectious agents etc. The aim of this article was to study effect of feed ration contaminated with mycotoxins on liver histology and live weight of laboratory rats. 15 pieces of laboratory rats were divided into 3 groups (A, B, C). The rats in first group (A) fed with part of 30 % mycotoxin-contaminated barley, in second group (B were fed with 60 % and in control group (C) were fed without mycotoxin-contaminated barley. Content of deoxynivalenol (DON) was 9634 µg/kg and content of zearalenone (ZEN) was 2192 µg/kg. Barley monodietus were given rats in all groups to induce a nutritional imbalance. The aim of this study was to monitor the effect of mycotoxins and nutritional imbalances on weight gains and liver histology. The question is, “will the presence of mycotoxins in feed dose increase negative effect of a monodiets on health status?” No significant differences were found between the observed parameters. The presence of mycotoxins did not aggravate the negative effect of the monodiets on liver histology of the experimental rats.

Aim of the experiment was evaluation of the effect of reduced calcium and magnesium content in the broiler chickens diet on its parameters of fattening, bone strength and calcium and magnesium content in liver. The trial was performed with cockerels of Ross 308 hybrid (n = 160) which were fattened in cage batteries from day 11th to 36th day of age. Cockerels were divided into 4 groups (differ in various intake levels of calcium and magnesium) in four replications. The maize-wheat-soybean basal diet contained 2.33 g Ca and 1.58 g Mg per kilogram. Calcium was added by CaCO3 and magnesium by MgSO4. Control group (C) received feed mixture with added CaCO3 in dose of 19.49 g.kg-1 and 0.41 g.kg-1 of MgSO4. Three experimental groups contain added CaCO3 in dose of 11.83 g.kg-1 and 0 g.kg-1 MgSO4 (group Exp1); CaCO3 11.83 g.kg-1 and 0.41 g.kg-1 MgSO4 (group Exp2); CaCO3 19.49 g.kg-1 and 0 g.kg-1 MgSO4 (group Exp3), respectively. The feed consumption was daily monitored and the cockerels were weighed twice a week. At the end of the study the experimental animals were weighted and slaughtered by decapitation. The weight of carcasses, liver and proportion of breast and thigh muscle was determined in the selected chickens (n = 24). The atomic absorption spectrometry was used for Ca and Mg evaluation in liver tissues. Bone strength parameter was measured at the femur bone. The statistically significant differences (p >0.05) were not detected between control and experimental groups in the case of studied parameters of fattening, bone strength and calcium and magnesium content in the chicken´s liver. Based on the obtained results it could be concluded the reduction of determined elements in the chicken diet did not deteriorate parameters of yield, elements content in liver tissue as well as the bone strength of broiler chickens.

Milk thistle seeds contain a mixture of flavonoids known as silymarin, which consists of silybin, isosilybin, silychristine, and silydianin. Until now, there has been no evidence of monitoring the digestibility of silymarin complex in horses. The aim of the research was to evaluate the digestibility of silymarin complex and the effect of nutrient digestibility in horses. Different daily feed doses (FD) of milk thistle expeller (0 g, 100 g, 200 g, 400 g, 700 g) were administered to five mares kept under the same conditions and at the same feed rations. Digestibility of silymarin complex was monitored by HPLC-UV. Digestible energy (DE), crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, nitrogen-free extract (NFE), crude ash, calcium (Ca), and phosphorus (P) were determined according ISO/IEC 17025:2017. The biochemical profile of blood plasma (total protein, albumin, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), bilirubin, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triacyl glyceride (TAG), non-esterified fatty acid (NEFA), creatine kinase (CK), creatinine, urea, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), total antioxidant status (TAS), glucose, calcium, and inorganic phosphate) was investigated. Moreover, the flavonolignans of the silymarin complex in plasma were detected. Statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were found between daily doses of milk thistle expellers in digestibilities. Our findings showed the digestibility of flavonolignans increased with the daily dose and then stagnated with the dose of milk thistle seed cakes at 700 g/day.

Veterinarians can recommend milk thistle for the treatment of equine liver disease and laminitis. Milk thistle seed cakes were fed in the range of normal feed doses in this study. The milk thistle seed cakes were fed (twice a day) to the experimental group of the horses (n = 5) and biochemical blood markers (TP, Albumin, ALT (alanine transaminase), AST (aspartate transaminase), ALP (alkaline phosphatase), GGT (gamma-glutamyltransferase), Bilirubin, Cholesterol, HDL (high-density lipoprotein), LDL (low-density lipoprotein), TAG (triacylglycerol), BHB (beta-hydroxybutyric acid), NEFA (non-esterified fatty acids), creatine kinase, creatinine, Urea, GSH-Px (glutathione peroxidase), TAS (total antioxidant status), lactate, glucose, cortisol, Ca, Pi) were monitored. The control group of horses (n = 5), bred and trained in the same conditions, was used for comparison. The control group received the entire feed dose as accepted by the horses in the experimental group before the beginning of the experiment. The aim was to find out whether the preparation of milk thistle seed cakes could have positive effects on the health of the horses. All ten horses received one feeding form before the beginning of the experimental monitoring. All horses were exposed to heavy physical exercise (regular combined driving training) after 56 days of milk thistle seed cakes feeding (up to 400 g/day). Three blood samples were taken (before physical exercise; about 15 min and 60 min after physical exercise). Significant differences (p < 0.05) were detected in the values of AST, NEFA, cortisol and Pi in the experimental group. The exercise effect was detected in the values of albumin, lactate, cortisol, NEFA, and calcium. Our results suggest that the feeding of milk thistle seed cakes could have a positive effect on the health of the horses.

The experiment was conducted to determine the effect of reduced supplemental zinc levels on broiler growth and carcass yield. A total of 160 male broiler chicks (Ross 308) divided into four groups were allotted to 16 cages with 10 birds per cage in each of group and kept in a temperature-controlled room. During the trial, chicks were ad libitum access to feed and water. The experiment started at 11 days of broiler age and chicks were fattened up to 35 days of age. It consisted of 4 dietary treatments with 4 replications per treatment. A corn-wheat-soybean meal basal diet containing 25.84 mg Zn.kg-1 was formulated and zinc levels of 120, 40 or 20 mg.kg-1 was supplied as zinc oxide to give four dietary treatments. At the end of the feeding trial, 24 birds from each group were randomly selected, slaughtered and carcass evaluation was performed. The results show that different levels of zinc had no significant effect on body weight of broilers or feed consumption ratio. These parameters increased by decreasing zinc levels from 120 to 20 mg Zn.kg-1 similarly as the carcass yield, percentages of breast meat and leg meat, but differences between these groups were not significant. In case of relative liver weight and zinc concentration in liver there were significant difference (p -1 and group without zinc supplementation and 120 mg.kg-1 and 40 mg.kg-1, respectively. No signs of disorders such as loss of appetite, growth depression or abnormalities of the skin was appeared in chicks. It seems that reduced supplemented zinc levels from 120 to 20 mg.kg-1 (total Zn 153.13 mg.kg-1 to 45.28 mg.kg-1 respectively) not influenced growth performance parameters of broilers fed corn-wheat-soybean meal diet.

The aim of experiment was to test effect of selected antioxidants (selenium, zinc, vitamin C and E) to reduce the impact of heat stress at boars. In the experiment, boars of Duroc breed were tested. The first control group (n = 10) was not supplemented with antioxidants. The second experimental group (n = 10) was supplemented with antioxidants in the following quantities of 0.5 mg of selenium (seleno-methionine), 100 mg of zinc (zinc-methionine), 70 mg of vitamin E (alpha‑tocopherol) and 350 mg of vitamin C (ascorbic acid) per kilogram of their feed. The experiment was carried out for 120 days and took place in summer (June to September). During the experiment, average and maximum daily temperatures, where boars were stabled, were monitored. Average daily temperature ranged from 12 to 28 °C. Maximum temperature during the day was from 13 to 32 °C. The evaluation of the semen quality has revealed increased number of abnormal spermatozoa in the control group of boars by 39 % (P < 0.05). There were observed no significant changes at other monitored parameters (ejaculate volume, total count of produced sperm, motility and sperm concentration). The results show that the addition of selenium, zinc, vitamin C and E may reduce the effect of heat stress to some extent at breeding boars.

In our experiment, we studied the antimicrobial and antioxidative effect of phytogenic additives. Three additives (grapevine seeds, grape and rosehip pressings) were selected to be monitored. The extracts about concentrations of 1:3 and 1:5 were prepared from them. The monitoring of antimicrobial properties was focused on the pathogenic bacteria Clostridium perfringens and Escherichia coli causing a serious disease in avian species. The bacteria were prepared in the dilutions of 102, 104 and 106. The antimicrobial effect was observed in the inhibition zones. The antioxidant activity was determined using DPPH method within the antioxidant analysis. Furthermore, the content of flavanols, hydroxycinnamic acids and the total content of polyphenolic compounds was also determined. In the monitoring of the antimicrobial effect of grapevine seeds, grape and rosehip pressings at E. coli, a reduced growth of KTJ (colony forming units) was observed in the disk area during the dilution of 106 and 104. Reduced growth of C. perfringens at a dilution of 106 was noticed using the extracts of grapevine seeds and grape pressings. Low reduced growth of C. perfringens at a dilution of 106 was found out using rosehip pressings. In a dilution of 102 and 104 in C. perfringens and 102 in E. Coli, a very low increase of KTJ was observed therefore the zones of inhibition were not possible to measure. In all monitored additives, the antimicrobial effect was proved. The additives reduced the growth of pathogenic E. coli and C. perfringens. Within the antioxidant analysis, the highest antioxidant activity was found out in grapevine seeds (7.021 g.L-1 GAE), which also contained the highest content of flavanols (3000 times higher than the rosehip pressings and 300 times higher than grapevine seeds pressings), hydroxycinnamic acids (1000 times higher than in grape pressings and 7600 times higher than in rosehip pressings) and the total content of polyphenolic compounds (580 times higher than grape pressings and 2000 times higher than the rosehip pressings) of the monitored additives.

Due to a ban of use of antibiotic growth promoters in the poultry industry it is necessary to look for alternative solutions. The use of some herbs showing antimicrobial effects can be one of such alternatives. In this experiment, effects of three different concentrations of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) extract, (0.3%; 0.6% and 1.2%) in feeding doses on the microbial population in the gastrointestinal tract of growing broiler chickens were studied. The main attention was paid to the population of Clostridium perfringens and to numbers of coliform microbes. Clostridia were cultivated under anaerobic conditions at 46 °C on the Tryptone Sulfite Neomycin (TSN) agar for a period of 24 hours. Coliform microbes were grown on the violet red bile lactose (VRBL) agar at 37 °C for a period of 24 hours. The experiment lasted 39 days and involved 80 chicks that were slaughtered in the course of their growth period at the age of 18, 25, 32 and 39 days; there were 5 chicks in each group. The obtained results indicated that increasing doses of chamomile in the feeding ration decreased numbers of coliform microbes in the digestive tract of chicks and also reduced the population of C. perfingens.

In 2006 the European Union banned the feeding of antibiotic growth promoters because of possible risk of drug resistance in human pathogens bacteria. This is the reason for the study of various phytogenic additives and their extracts as a natural source of biologically important compounds. Antimicrobial substances are a commonly included in chicken feed rations. They are used mainly as prevention against various diseases, and also to stimulate growth. The beneficial effects of garlic on animal organism resulting from their antimicrobial, antioxidative and antihypertensive properities. Studies focused on growth, conversion and meat quality of different types of animals indicate its positive effects. In our experiment we studied the influence of garlic extract in a dose of 0, 10 g and 15 g per 1 kg of chicken feed mixture. We focused on weight gains and antioxidant status of an organism. The experiment took 39 days. 54 seven-day-old chickens were included in the experiment. The chickens were weighed once a week, when aged 11, 17, 24, 31 and 38 days, at the same time of the day. The chickens had ad libitum access to feed ration and water. The chickens were taken blood sample at the end of the experiment when 39 days old. Their antioxidant status were measured using ABTS, FRAP and DPPH methods. Our results show that owing to higher concentration of garlic extract in feed ration the antioxidant status of observed chickens was increased. DPPH method showed an increase in antioxidant status of both experimental groups by 38% (a group with a dose of 10 g/kg of mixture) and by 46% (a group with a dose of 15 g/kg of mixture) compared to the control group. When using FRAP method, antioxidant status of both G10 and G15 groups increased by 24%, resp. 16%. No evidential differences in antioxidant activity between the experimental groups and control group were found using ABTS method. The supplement of garlic extract into a feed ration did not have any influence on weight gains of chickens.

Introduction of genetically modified (GM) food or feed into the commercial sale represents a very complicated process. One of the most important steps in approval process is the evaluation of all risks on the health status of people and animal models. Within our project the genetically modified peas was breeded that showed significant resistance against Pea seed-borne mosaic virus and Pea enation mosaic virus. Preclinical studies have been conducted to found out the effect of GMO peas on animals - rats of outbreeding line Wistar. In a total, 24 male, specific pathogen free Wistar rats were used in the experiment. At the beginning of the experiment, the animals were 28 days old. The three experimental groups with 8 individuals were created. The first group of rats was fed with GMO peas, the second group of rats consumed mix of pea cultivar Raman and the third group was control without pea addition (wheat and soya were used instead of pea). In the present study we focused our attention on health, growth and utility features of rats fed with GM pea. All characteristic were observed during the experiment lasting 35 days. Consumed feed was weighted daily and the weight of the animals was measured every seven days. The average values were compared within the groups. The aim of the experiment was to verify if resistant lines of pea influence the weight growth of animal models. The results of our experiment showed that even a high concentration (30% of GM pea) did not influence growth rate of rats to compare with both rats fed with pea of Raman cultivar and control group. We did not observe any health problems of animal models during the experiment.

Effects of mycotoxin sequestering agents in feed on health, reproduction and milk yield of dairy cattle were studied in a 5-month long experiment on 300 dairy cows divided into two groups and six subgroups. The experiment was conducted in adding a mycotoxin sequestering agent based on 1,3 and 1,6 β-glucans to standard cattle nutrition (TMR), which was regularly tested for content of important mycotoxins, in order to gain knowledge about possible positive effect of this agent on the health of dairy cattle and about possible avoidance of negative effects of mycotoxins on dairy cattle due to their structural elimination caused by the agent. The experiment’s setting and conditions during it were in all aspects common and comparable within the European Union, the experiment’s results should be therefore seen as relevant. Health, pregnancy rate and milk yield were carefully monitored during the experiment. Indicators of state of health (occurrence of mastitis and somatic cell count in milk) did not show any significant differences between test and control groups of dairy cows. The average milk yield of dairy cows which were fed the agent enriched feed (30.2 kg a day) was slightly lower in comparison to control groups (31 kg a day, both results with P < 0.001), however, fat content of milk of test groups’ cows (4.02%) was considerably higher than that of control groups’ cows (3.79%). The average pregnancy rate of cows which were fed the agent enriched feed also manifested considerable increase in percentage and stability (from 42.95% of control groups’ cows to 62.25% of test groups’ cows, the standard deviation decreased from 21.1% to 14.4% which means smaller differences among pregnancy rate of test groups’ cows, hence higher stability), this increase manifested even long after the cows had been fed regular feed again.

Since 2002, when the first lecture on entomophagy took place at Mendel University in Brno, till today, participants of these educational lectures were asked to fill questionnaires in order to evaluate interest in entomophagy in Czech Republic and pick suitable species. Analyses of nutritional value of selected species were also performed during this time. The questionnaire was divided into several parts - suitable species, sensory properties, difficulty of breeding and processing and respondents own attitude to the consumption of insect species. For the purpose of this study the questionnaire was evaluated using the semantic differential, so to create a comprehensive picture of each insect species. Based on evaluation of more than 5,000 questionnaires, certain developmental stages of seven species of insect were selected for further evaluation: Tenebrio molitor (TM) larvae, Zophobas morio (ZM) larvae, Gryllus assimillis (GA) nymphs, Locusta migratoria (LM) nymphs, Galleria mellonella (GM) larvae, Bombyx mori (BM) Pupa, Apis mellifera (AM) bee brood, while cockroaches were completely excluded for use in entomophagy. Although they are easy to breed and are available all year-round, consumers showed relatively great disgust. For all of these species, basic nutritional values were analysed, as well as content of amino acids and fattty acids. All parameters were statistically evaluated using ANOVA-1. Each species appears to be suitable for entomophagy for a different reason. Generally speaking, AM, TM and GA were best accepted considering the sensory aspect, nutritional values are interesting especially in BM and GM and TM wins with simplicity of its breeding.

In our experiment with 20 mares (3.6–19.8 years old) divided into 3 groups we evaluated the effect of supplementation with various sources of copper on the trace elements profile in the hair, blood plasma and faeces and copper activity in the organism of horses. The horses were stabled in box stalls (similar dimension) with feeding pump, with the access to a paddock or walker. All mares received the same basic feed ration that was supplemented with various form of copper (Cu in the organic form – proteinate - Bioplex Cu vs. Cu in the inorganic form – CuSO4.5H2O) in amount of 120 mg per day for the mares in experimental groups. The contents of trace elements in hair and faeces were established using the atomic absorption spectrometry; in the plasma using direct colorimetric determination.Significant difference between mares receiving copper in organic and inorganic form (P The mares receiving Bioplex-Cu excreted lower amount of copper in the faeces. These had well-balanced levels of Cu in the plasma and deposited less Cu in the hair than the mares with addition of copper sulphate. In our experiment, it seems to be better available copper in the organic form than in the inorganic form for the organism of horses.Nevertheless, interpretation of these results is very difficult. Evaluation the impact of various sources of copper on the elements profile; assessed using skin derivates, plasma or other parameters should be subjected to further observation.

The experiment was based on feeding the organic form of chromium (picolinate) and the assessment of its effect on the level of blood glucose, insulin activity and changes in the laboratory values of the ejaculate (sperm motility, ejaculate volume, sperm concentration and per cent of pathological sperm) in breeding boars. The experiment involved 40 boars divided into two equal groups. Boars of the experimental group (n = 21) received 181.81 μg of chromium per kg of feed ration (FR) administered perorally, in the control group (n = 19) chromium intake was not increased. The chromium supplement significantly (P < 0.05) increased cell absorption of blood glucose in the experimental group of boars as against the control group. There was no difference in insulin activity between the two groups. Changes in laboratory values of the ejaculate were evaluated and no significant differences were discovered in any of the parameters. During the experiment the sperm concentration and motility were absolutely the same in boars of both groups; it can therefore be concluded that increasing the level of chromium in the feed ration of boars of the experimental group had no direct effect on these parameters. It was the same in the case of the ejaculate volume which gradually decreased between periods 1 and 4, in boars receiving chromium by 12.8 % and in the control group by 8.1 %. The beneficial effect of chromium was seen in the reduced count of pathological sperm in boars in periods 3 and 4 of tests as against boars of the control group. In spite of the considerable 26.3 % difference between the groups this decrease was not statistically significant. Data evaluation revealed a significant correlation (P < 0.01) between the number of samplings per boar and sperm concentration. A correlation (P < 0.05) was also detected between the ejaculate volume and sperm concentration

The aim of our experiment was to compare the effect of feeding inorganic and organic forms of zinc in premix on the coefficient of digestibility of nutrients in the feeding ration for cows in three stages of reproductive cycle – 14 d before calving and 30 and 60 d after calving. The experiment was carried out on 19 Holstein cows that were divided into two groups. A control group of nine cows designated as “Inorganic zinc form” (IZF) was fed a diet supplemented with mineral premix containing inorganic form of zinc (ZnO). An experimental group of ten cows designated as “Organic zinc form” (OZF) had zinc oxide replaced with zinc fixed to methionine (Khei-chelate Zn powder 15% by Kheiron). The experiment was divided into three periods - the first period lasted from 14th day before calving until 2nd day after calving, the second period lasted from 3rd day to 30th day after calving and the third period lasted from 31st day to 60th day after calving. Cows were fed the diet based on maize silage, lucerne haylage, sugar beet pulp silage, grass or lucerne hay and concentrate containing premix with either inorganic or organic zinc form. During the experiment samples of feeding ration and faeces were taken in 3 intervals, it si on 14th day before calving, on 30th day and on 60th day after calving to determine nutrients content. Digestibility of nutrients was calculated using indicator method (ash insoluble in 3 M HCl).After feeding organic forms of zinc a tendency to higher digestibility of crude protein, fat, crude fiber, nitrogen-free extracts, ash and zinc was observed in cows regardless of stage of reproductive cycle. The digestibility of the zinc and fiber were the most increased. Digestibility of zinc in OZF on 14th day before calving was higher than in IZF (P < 0.05). Feeding of organic zinc forms had downward effect only on the digestibility of copper.

The plant additives and their functional components can selectively influence the intestinal microorganism growth in positive or negative direction. If the growth promotion relates with positive microorganisms and growth elimination is connected with pathogens the results is nutrients utilization improvement, stimulation of immunologic system or positive influence of intermedial metabolism. Anethole is one of these important plant metabolites. There are described following positive effects of anethole in human medicine: vasorelaxant, antithrombotic, releasing of heart function, fytoestrogenic (it mean improving of milk secretion, menstruation, promotion of menses, birth improvement, men’s hormonal changes improving, sexual libido improving), antioxidative, antifungal, improvement of derma permeability, antihelmintic, insecticidal, yeast elimination, antibacterial, antipyretic.In our work the effect of anise and fennel essential oils on nutrients utilization in pig experiment was evaluated. The trial was organized in accredited experimental stable Žabčice of Mendel University of Agriculture and Forestry Brno. The high level efficiency of experimental animals is mentioned through general parameters (average daily gain, feed intake and feed conversion). The results of nutrients utilization rate show slightly higher digestibility of nutrients in treatment with anise oil, this improvement is not higher then 1.0 %. We can see also improvement of nitrogen retention in body mass on level of 5.6 % (anise treatment compared with control group). There is low variability between experimental animals (except nitrogen retention coefficient) but we can not see any statistical significance. On base of these results we can say the used phytogenic additives do not affect negatively the nutrient utilization in used concentration (0.1 % of essential oil in feed mixture) and are fully eligible for animal nutrition. These results are also supported by few research papers connected with similar topic.

Metallothioneins belong to a group of intracellular, high molecular andcysteine-rich proteins whose content in an organism increase with increasing concentrationof a heavy metal. The aim of this work was to apply the electrochemical analysis for theanalysis of metallothioneins in earthworms exposed to cadmium ions and brewery sludge.Here we utilized adsorptive transfer technique coupled with differential pulse voltammetryBrdicka reaction to determine metallothionein in different biological samples. By meansthis very sensitive technique it was possible to analyze metallothionein in concentrationsbelow 1 μmol.l-1 with the standard deviation of 4-5%. We found out that the average MTlevel in the non-treated earthworms oscillated between 19 and 48 μmol.l-1. When weanalysed samples of earthworms treated by cadmium, we observed that the MT contentincreased with the exposition length and increase dose of cadmium ions. Finally, weattempted to study and compare the toxicity of the raw sludge and its leach by using ofearthworms. The raw brewery sludge caused the death of the earthworms quickly.Earthworms held in the presence of leach from brewery sludge increased their weight of147 % of their original weight because they ingested the nutrients from the sludge. Themetallothionein level changes markedly with increasing time of exposition and applieddose of toxic compound. It clearly follows from the obtained results that the MT synthesisis insufficient in the first hours of the exposition and increases after more than 24 h.

The agricultural company which produces the feeding mixtures endeavor to substitute a part of the feeding dose of soybean meal (content of crude protein: 48 %; below as SBM48) by peas and faba beans coming from the own production with the respect to the economic preferability. Peas are favorable to include into the feeding mixtures when the price of SBM48 overcomes 7.50 CZK / kg, while faba beans by the price of SBM48 higher than 11.40 CZK. By the current prices of feeding cereals (at the beginning of 2008) the level of the cost-effectiveness of breeding and fattening in pigs is 38.20 CZK / kg. The integration of peas into the feeding mixtures the level of the cost-effectiveness decreases to 37.20 CZK / kg of the live animal weight at the slaughter stage. The work also evaluates the economical profit in relevance of market price of final product (pigs in body weight of 108 kg). By the end of 2008 was this price at level of 34.00 CZK / kg of body weight. The cost for feedstuffs was 17.00 CZK and the total costs for pig production in case using of self-made feedstuffs was 27.50 CZK / kg. That is way the economical profit could be 6.50 CZK per kilogram of body weight or the lost of 4.20 CZK could be in case of calculation of feeds market prices. This lost can be decreased by compounding of pea into feed mixture. In the work we determined the economical limitation for pea or faba bean usage and can be a guide for agriculture economist to make decisions in accordance with the market price of different sources of crude protein.

About biological affecting of flavonoids on animal organisms is known less,thus we selected flavonoids, flavanones and flavones, and their glycosides, which wereexamined as potential inducers of cytochrome(s) P450 when administrated by gavages intoexperimental male rats. The study was focused on induction of CYP1A1, the majorcytochrome P450 involved in carcinogen activation. The data obtained demonstrate thenecessity of taking into account not only ability of flavonoids to bind to Ah receptor(induction factor) but also to concentrate on their distribution and metabolism (includingcolon microflora) in the body. After that we examined certain flavonoids as potential inducers of cytochrome P450, we wanted to suggest and optimize suitable electrochemical technique for determination of selected flavonoids (quercetin, quercitrin, rutin, chrysin and diosmin) in body liquids. For these purposes, we selected square wave voltannetry using carbon paste electrode. Primarily we aimed on investigation of their basic electrochemical behaviour. After that we have optimized frequency, step potential and supporting electrolyte. Based on the results obtained, we selected the most suitable conditions for determination of the flavonoids as follows: frequency 180 Hz, step potential 1.95 mV/s and phosphate buffer of pH 7 as supporting electrolyte. Detection limits (3 S/N) of the flavonoids were from units to tens of nM except diosmin, where the limit were higher than μM. In addition, we attempted to suggest a sensor for analysis of flavonoids in urine. It clearly follows from the results obtained that flavonoids can be analysed in the presence of animal urine, because urine did not influence much the signals of flavonoids (recoveries of the signals were about 90 %).

In the experiment was the effect of absorbens supplementation on the fermentation quality of brewers´ grains silage by comparing with the untreated control. As effective substance of experimental groups were barleygroats and malt sprouts. The addition of malt sprouts „B“ and barleygroats „C“ in our experiment conditions increased statistically significantly (P

The aim of these balance experiments was to analyse the level of feeding pea varieties GOTIK and ZEKON on the digestibility of protein in growing pigs. Variety ZEKON has low content of antinutritional factors in comparison with variety GOTIK. The tentative mixtures contained following amounts of pea (Experiment A): 0.1%, 9%, 18% and on the whole were observed six diets. The apparent digestibility of protein with the diet containing ZEKON was 81.1±4 in group SZ0.1, 81.78±2.47 in group SZ9 a 78.94±4.14 in SZ18 and with the diet containing GOTIK in comparison with ZEKON lower, namely 79.9±4.12 in group SG0.1, 76.02±5.77 in SG9 a 78.18±2.28 in SG18. We observed only one statistical significant value between group SZ9 and SG9 (P

The aim of this study was to find out and compare organic nutrients digestibility in feed rations containing different forage legumes in balance trials on horses. The trials were always performed on a group of six sports horses (weight of 495 to 742 kg). Six feed rations were tested, which contained different proportion of certain forage legume in empirical feed mixtures. Three feed mixtures contained white lupine seeds (WLS) – Lu 0 (0.01% WLS), Lu 7 (7% WLS), Lu 14 (14% WLS) and surplus three feed mixtures contained field pea seeds (FPS) – Hr 0 (0.01% FPS), Hr 10 (10% FPS), Hr 20 (20% FPS). Amount of WLS in feed mixtures Lu 0 and Lu 7 was completed with starch to value 14% and amount of FPS in feed mixtures Hr 0 and Hr 10 was completed with starch to value 20%. Indicator method was used to predict dietary nutrients digestibility. Apparent digestibility values of all organic nutrients were higher at the feed rations with the content of FPS. Average values of apparent digestibility coefficient of those feed rations were: dry matter (77.79%; SD = 2.91), organic matter (78.43%; SD = 2.78), crude protein (79.89%; SD = 3.43), fat (66.57%; SD = 2.40), crude fiber (68.97%; SD = 3.21) and nitrogen-free extract (83.30%; SD = 2.71).

The experiment was done in the experimental station ÚKZÚZ Havlíčkův Brod. There were four experimental groups (N1, N2, N3, N4) of laying hens and weekly laying intensity was observed. Hybrid ISA BROWN was used in the experiment, 405 hens in each group. The laying intensity was observed from the start of laying for 44 weeks. During laying four different diets were fed to laying hens (N1 – control group with fish meal, N2 – control group containing only of plant protein sources, N3 – experimental group with higher content of rapeseed, N4 – experimental group containing treated rapeseed). Yang model was used for the evaluation of laying curves and we found following parameters of the curves:Yang model N1: y = 97.28 * e – 0.004 * t / [1 + e – 2.054 (t – 2.549)] R2 = 0.97Yang model N2: y = 98.29 * e – 0.006 * t / [1 + e – 2.071 (t – 2.668)] R2 = 0.96Yang model N3: y = 98.49 * e – 0.005 * t / [1 + e – 1.856 (t – 2.568)] R2 = 0.97Yang model N4: y = 98.55 * e – 0.005 * t / [1 + e – 2.251 (t – 2.615)]. R2 = 0.97The results document that experimental treatments had small effect on the parameters of laying curves. It means that rapeseed had only small effect on the laying intensity and also the elimination of animal protein from the diet for laying hens had not effect on laying intensity. On the base of our results we estimated the standard equation for evaluation of laying curve:Yang model: y = 98.15 * e – 0.005 * t / [1 + e – 2.058 (t – 2.601)]. R2 = 0.99This equation can be used as standard for evaluation of laying intensity after experimental treatments or for evaluation of laying intensity of different hybrids.

Modeling the body mass growth in fattened pigs by means of the exponential growth function enables to simulate the growth curve from three constants of the gender’s, or the hybrid’s combination, represented by their body mass phenotype: body mass at birth (G0) genetic limit of body mass (GLi) and the maximum body mass increase reached in the inflexion of the growth curve (dG max). However the expression of animalęs genome to its body mass phenotype depends on the amount and quality of the feed mixture consumed and mainly on the fact how much of the net energy gained remains left for production (NEp), after the mandatory needs of the body maintenance functions are saturated. Only this amount of net energy for production may be deposited into the proteins and fats of the body mass increase (dG/ dt). The net energy for production (NEp) is restricted; if a greater amount of net energy gained (NE) is spend, for compensation of the stressors impact (NE stx). The sum of particular stressor’s action is expressed by stressor’s index (STX) and indicates the proportional increase of net energy (NE) spend for the maintenance requirement of the animal (NEm). This contribution extends, the classic method of modeling the body mass growth, by the simultaneous modeling of the daily feed mixture intake (DFI) with the content of metabolizable energy (SMEF). The daily feed intake is calculated with respect to the impact of stressors on the net energy consumption. The setting of the model automatically increases the amount of the daily feed intake, so that the adequate amount of net energy for production will not be disturbed. The basic equation for the appropriate daily feed intake sounds as followDFI = (NEp + (STX + 1). BM) / (0,6 SMEF) [kg/d]. the BM=0,3.G¾ [MJ/d]Details for calculation, of the net energy for production (NEp) from the input values of the body mass phenotype (G0, GLi, dG max), the content of the metabolizable energy in the feed (SMEF) and of the stressors index value (STX), are described. The validation of the method developed has been approved using the experimental data gained in the fattening of 33 pigs, both sexes, of PIC hybrid combination. The animals were fattened with the standard feed mixture TESTA in a controlled condition of stable’s climate and appropriate stockbreeder’s and veterinary care.

The aim of this study was to analyse the level of feeding pea on piglets performance. In the trial the addition of pea varietas breed GOTIK with the highest content of antinutritive factors and commonly used mixture (fed in group G01) was compared. The tentative mixtures contained following amounts of pea: group G9 – 9 %, group G18 – 18 % and group G27 – 27 %.The average daily gain were: the control group G01: 0.425 ± 0.110, group G9: 0.395 ± 0.121, group G18: 0.358 ± 0.108 and group G27: 0.315 ± 0.113 kg. Out of these numbers ensues that with higher amount of pea GOTIK the average daily gain was decreasing. In the feed conversion there appeared a similar decrease of efficiency too. In the control group G01 the feed conversion was 2.02 ± 0.10, in group G9 2.16 ± 0.22, in group G18 2.34 ± 0.08 and in group G27 2.46 ± 0.18 kg. Also, with the higher content of GOTIK in feeding mixture the food intake was lower. The differences in efficiency were among the pigletsę gender too. Eventhough grunters have in this age category higher growth rate than gilts, their results were worse. Our opinion is, that this efficiency decrease could be caused by high content of antinutritive factors in GOTIK.Resulting values of gain and feeds conversion indicate feasible substitution of soya-bean meal by feeding pea, and thus decrease the dependence of mixed feed mill on these componentęs import in production of feeding mixtures for growing pigs.

The production of bioethanol in high volumes for the needs of fuel industry brings about a question of fermentation efficiency increase with the stress laid on slops utilization. The work describes the production of slops from wheat and triticale under laboratory conditions including a multi-phase recycling of the slops. The analysis results of raw materials and finished slops were completed with results of a feed trial made on brown rats, during which the animals were fed with the slops in a dry mash form. The analysis results received showed that during the recycling of the liquid phase, a slight decrease in nitrogenous compounds content, the accumulation of potassium and sodium and, in case of triticale also the accumulation of phosphorus were observed. During recycling, the content of calcium decreased, while the content of magnesium did not change too much. The feed value of the slops was decreasing with the number of recycling cycles.When comparing the feed values of the slops from wheat and triticale, better results were obtained from wheat slops.The production of bioethanol in high volumes for the needs of fuel industry brings about a question of fermentation efficiency increase with the stress laid on slops utilization. The work describes the production of slops from wheat and triticale under laboratory conditions including a multi-phase recycling of the slops. The analysis results of raw materials and finished slops were completed with results of a feed trial made on brown rats, during which the animals were fed with the slops in a dry mash form. The analysis results received showed that during the recycling of the liquid phase, a slight decrease in nitrogenous compounds content, the accumulation of potassium and sodium and, in case of triticale also the accumulation of phosphorus were observed. During recycling, the content of calcium decreased, while the content of magnesium did not change too much. The feed value of the slops was decreasing with the number of recycling cycles.When comparing the feed values of the slops from wheat and triticale, better results were obtained from wheat slops.

New method for evaluation of the ideal growth performance in pigs has been proved in the experimental stable room of MZLU in ŠZP Žabčice. This method is based on the biological interpretation of the exponential growth function of Gompertz. This solution defines the dynamic of the animal’s phenotype by the body mass at the begin of the fattening (G0), by the animal's race standard body mass (Gli) which is equal to the value of the growth curve asymptote and by the value of the daily maximum body mass increase (dGmax) given by the genotype of the animal. This phenotype definition yields the possibility to define the exponential growth curve of the animal from birth until to the body mass maturity by the equation in which (t) represents the age of the animal:Gt = Gli.exp(-ln(Gli/G0).exp(-(e.dGmax/Gli).t)) [kg] (1)The value of the real daily body mass increase is than estimated by the best approximation of the experimental body mass values by the growth curve defined in the equation (1). The distribution of animals in three groups, according to the calculated daily maximum body mass increase: the thin growing animas, by default growing animals and the most growing animals, demonstrated the dynamic of the relation between the value of the daily maximum body mass increase (dGmax) and the body mass of the animals (Gt). In animals aged 37 days the clear correlation between the daily maximum body mass increase and the body mass reached:Y = 21.486x – 14.826 (R2 = 0.69); and Y = 28.609x2 – 45.21x + 23.868 (R2 = 0.70).In animals of the age 150 days the correlation is a little bit looser:Y = 54.316x +39.146 (R2 = 0.31); and Y = 8.203x2 + 35.192x + 50.241 (R2 = 0.31).The presented original methodology for evaluation of the animal’s individuality by means of the biological version of Gompertz exponential growth functions has been proved as a tool for direct evaluation of expression of the genotype body mass into its phenotype values, already during the experiment or the fattening process.

In the present study, examined was the effect of a yeast culture (Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Strain 47) on performance (especially on daily gains, feed conversion and condition) in an experiment with a group of Holstein calves within the period of plant nutrition. Animals received a diet consisting of 3 kg of good maize silage, 5.5 kg of grass haylage, 1 kg of meadow hay and 1.6 kg of supplementary starter feed mixture ČOT B. The yeast culture was added to the starter in the dose of 1 g.kg–1. This means that each experimental calf received 1.6 g of yeast culture per day. The supplement of yeast culture showed a positive effect on daily gains and on the final body weight of calves; however, the differences were statistically not significant (P>0.05). In control and experimental groups, the mean conversion rates of concentrate were 2.19 kg and 2.13 kg, respectively. There was no difference in feed intake and feed conversion efficiency. The difference in final live body weights of calves in the control and experimental groups was also not significant. However, the condition of calves in the experimental group was much better and the scours were in general less frequent.

Changes in the colostrum nutritive value were studied in dairy cows of the Czech Red Pied x Holstein (n = 10) from the 2nd to 72nd hour post partum. Of them, five and five animals were in the first and the second (or higher) lactation, respectively. Dry matter (DM) content ranged from 20.37 to 13.78% (mean value 15.61%). Within the first 12 and 72 hours after parturition, the shares of crude protein in DM were more than 60% (14.33 – 9.71%) and nearly 50% (6.34 – 4.06%; mean 5.61%), respectively. Milk fat made one quarter (2.29 - 5.16%; mean 3.72%) and lactose approximately 22% (2.74 - 3.93%; mean 3.43%) of DM content, respectively.

The aim of this ethological experiment was to study the effect of decreasing numbers of hens kept in cages on changes in their behaviour. The numbers of hens were reduced from three to two and one bird per cage and the results of ethological observations were as follows: in cages with three birds the behaviour of hens was relatively normal and corresponded with behaviour patterns observed in cage technologies. A reduction to two hens per cage increased their fighting activities because one of them struggled for a dominant position so that the performance of subordinated hen was usually decreased. Individual rearing resulted in attenuated feeding activities, reduction of motivation behaviour.