Anna Kalafova

Nickel induced alteration of hen body weight, egg production and egg quality after an experimental peroral administration.

In this study the effects of nickel (NiCl2) administered in drinking water (0.02; 0.2 and 2.0 mg NiCl2/L for 28 days) on laying hen body weight, egg production and egg quality is reported. Growth parameters during the experiment were significantly decreased mainly in the group with the highest nickel concentration. In total egg production dose–dependent decrease in all experimental groups was found. Egg weight was mainly affected in the group with the highest nickel concentration. Specific egg weight was not altered. Albumen weight and albumen content was significantly decreased in groups with the highest nickel concentration in comparison with the control group. Egg yolk analysis detected significantly decreased yolk weight in the group with the highest nickel experimental level. In yolk color a significant difference was detected between the group receiving 0.02 and 0.2 mg NiCl2/mL. Eggshell compactness was increased in all experimental groups what could be induced by altered mineralization of eggshell. Results of this study clearly report a negative effect of nickel as an environmental pollutant on laying hen body weight, egg production as well as egg quality.

Effects of dietary inclusion of Rhus coriaria on internal milieu of rabbits.

The aim of the present work was to investigate the effect of Rhus coriaria L. inclusion to the diet on some biochemical, haematological parameters and the level of antioxidant status of male rabbits. Adult rabbits were divided into five groups: one control (C) and four experimental groups. Experimental animals received sumac per os in feed in various doses (0.50%, 0.75%, 1.00% and 1.50%) for 90 days. Significant increase in PDWc (platelet distribution width) in E3 group when compared with control group was recorded. Sumac administration resulted in decreased cholesterol levels in all experimental groups vs. control group. Significantly lower level of cholesterol was found in E4 group with highest dose of sumac (1.50%). Higher values of total antioxidant status (TAS) and albumins were observed in all experimental groups in comparison with control group. A significant increase in TAS was detected in group E1 and E4. Concentrations of albumins were significantly higher in groups E3 and E4 vs. control group. Sumac administration had no significant effect on bilirubin content. In conclusion, these results show a positive effect of sumac consumption on antioxidant status and cholesterol level in adult male rabbits.

Nickel-induced blood biochemistry alterations in hens after an experimental peroral administration.

The purpose of this study was to determine certain blood biochemical parameters in hens of Isa Brown breed (n = 20) after nickel administration. Animals were divided into four groups (K, P1, P2, P3). Experimental hens (n = 5; in each group) received nickel (NiCl2) as peroral administration in drinking water in various doses (P1 – 0.02 g NiCl2/L; P2 – 0.2 g NiCl2/L; P3 – 2.0 g NiCl2/L of drinking water) for 28 days. The last group – K (n = 5) was the control, receiving no nickel. Biochemical parameters of mineral profile (calcium; phosphorus; magnesium; sodium; potassium) and of energy and enzymatic profile [(glucose; total cholesterol; total proteins; triglycerides; alanine aminotransferase (ALT) aspartate aminotransferase (AST) gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and glutamatdehydrogenase (GLDH)] were analyzed in blood serum on Day 0, 7, 14, 21 and 28 of the experiment. Average levels of mineral metabolism parameters were relatively stable apart from calcium. The evaluation registered a significant decrease in calcium during the experiment mainly in the group with highest nickel concentration in drinking water. No significant differences were detected between groups in energy and enzymatic profile apart from the concentrations of ALT on Day 7. In conclusion, there were significant associations between nickel levels and calcium and ALT in blood serum of the hens. No significant differences were detected in other biochemical parameters of mineral profile (P, Mg, Na, K) and energy and enzymatic profile (glucose, total cholesterol, total proteins, triglycerides, AST, GGT and GLDH) after nickel administration. Our results may contribute to an evaluation of reference levels of analyzed parameters, to monitor the health and nutritional status of hens. In this study also the negative effect of nickel mainly on calcium metabolism was detected.

In vitro assessment of molybdenum-induced secretory activity, proliferation and apoptosis of porcine ovarian granulosa cells.

Molybdenum (Mo) is an essential trace element and it plays an important role in cell functions. The mechanism of the action of molybdenum in connection with growth factor IGF–I, proliferation-related peptide cyclin B1 and apoptosis-related peptide caspase-3 has not been examined previously in porcine ovarian granulosa cells. The general objective of this in vitro study was to examine the secretory activity of porcine ovarian granulosa cells after experimental Mo administration and to outline the potential intracellular mediators of its effects. Ovarian granulosa cells were incubated with ammonium molybdate for 18 hours: 1.0 mg/mL; 0.5 mg/mL; 0.33 mg/mL; 0.17 mg/mL and 0.09 mg/mL, while the control group received no Mo. The secretion of IGF-I was assessed by RIA and expression of cyclin B1 and caspase-3 by immunocytochemistry. IGF–I release was decreased by Mo addition at the doses 1.0 mg/mL and 0.5 mg/mL. The expression of cyclin B1 was stimulated by Mo addition at all doses ranging from 1.0 – 0.09 mg/mL. Caspase–3 expression was also stimulated after experimental Mo addition at the doses 1.0 and 0.5 mg/mL. These data contribute to new insights regarding the mechanism of action of Mo on porcine ovarian functions, secretory activity, proliferation and apoptosis of granulosa cells through hormonal and intracellular substances such as are cyclin B1 and caspase–3.

Environment contamination by mycotoxins and their occurrence in food and feed: Physiological aspects and economical approach

ABSTRACT The contamination of food and feed by mycotoxins as toxic metabolites of fungi is a risk not only for consumers resulting in various embarrassment regarding health status and well-being, but also for producers, companies and export market on the ground of economic losses and ruined stability of economic trade. As it is given in historical evidence, the contamination of food by mycotoxins is a topic as old as a history of mankind, finding some evidence even in the ancient books and records. Nowadays, the mycotoxins are used in modern biotechnological laboratories and are considered an agent for targeting the specific cells (e.g., defected cells to eliminate them). However, this promising procedure is only the beginning. More concern is focused on mycotoxins as abiotic hazard agents. The dealing with them, systematic monitoring, and development of techniques for their elimination from agricultural commodities are worldwide issues concerning all countries. They can be found alone or in co-occurrence with other mycotoxins. Thus, this review aims to provide widened information regarding mycotoxins contamination in environment with the consequences on health of animals and humans. The inevitability for more data that correctly determine the risk points linked to mycotoxins occurrence and their specific reactions in the environment is demonstrated. This review includes various symptoms in animals and humans that result from mycotoxin exposure. For better understanding of mycotoxins impact on animals, the sensitivities of various animal species to various mycotoxins are listed. Strategies for elimination and preventing the risks of mycotoxins contamination as well as economical approach are discussed. To complete the topic, some data from past as historical evidences are presented.

Antioxidant status of rabbits after treatment with epicatechin and patulin

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess antioxidant status by measuring of antioxidant parameters (SOD – superoxide dismutase, GPx – glutatione peroxidase, CAT – catalase, Trolox, TAC – total antioxidant capacity, bilirubin, albumin) and parameters associated with oxidative stress (MDA – malondialdehyde, MDA Adduct – malondialdehyde adduct, H2O2 – hydrogen peroxide) in rabbit blood after five weeks exposure to epicatechin alone or in combination with patulin in vivo. We investigated the protective role of epicatechin against possible negative effect of patulin in rabbits. Adult female rabbits (n = 32) were used in the experiment. Animals were divided into eight groups with four rabbits in each group. In the experiment there were two control groups: one without addition of patulin and epicatechin and one with addition of patulin (10 μg kg−1). Rabbits in the experimental groups received three times a week intramuscular injection of low dose (10 μg kg−1), medium dose (100 μg kg−1) or high dose (1000 μg kg−1) of epicatechin alone or in combination with low dose (10 μg kg−1) of patulin. Patulin alone in low dose significantly (P < 0.05) affected total antioxidant status in comparison with the experimental groups with the highest dose of epicatechin alone (1000 μg kg−1) and in combination with patulin. SOD was negatively affected by patulin. Enzymatic activity of this enzyme was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in the experimental group with patulin in comparison with the experimental group receiving the lowest concentration of epicatechin (10 μg kg−1). Patulin can induce oxidative stress in rabbits in low dose and catechin could have possible protective effect. Our results showed that patulin negatively affected TAC, and SOD in rabbit blood. Further research needs to be focused on the generation of data dealing with antioxidant effects.

Comparative analysis of acetic and citric acid on internal milieu of broiler chickens

The aim of the present study was to analyse the effect of two organic acids (acetic and citric acid) inclusion on serum parameters and the level of antioxidant status of broiler chickens. Some organic acidifiers reduce the growth of many intestinal bacteria, reduce intestinal colonisation and reduce infectious processes, decrease inflammatory processes at the intestinal mucosa, increase villus height and function of secretion, digestion and absorption of nutrients. Broiler chickens hybrid Ross 308 (n=180) were divided into 3 groups: one control (C) and two experimental groups (E1, E2). Experimental animals received acetic and citric acid per os in water in single dose 0.25% for 42 days. After 42 days of feeding blood samples were collected (n=10 in each group). Significant decrease of serum triglycerides in citric acid group when compared with the control group was recorded. Acetic acid administration resulted in increased sodium level. Significant increase of albumin content in both experimental groups and increase of bilirubin content in citric group was recorded. Acids administration had no significant effect on other serum and antioxidant parameters. Acetic and citric acid had no harmful influenced on internal milieu of broiler chickens. The research on the field of organic acid will be worthy of further investigation.

Accumulation of zinc, nickel, lead and cadmium in some organs of rabbits after dietary nickel and zinc inclusion

This study reports the effect of dietary nickel (Ni) and a combination of Ni and zinc (Zn) on the accumulation of lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), Ni and Zn in muscles, liver and kidneys of rabbits. Female rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) of experimental groups were fed a granular mixture with addition of various concentrations of Ni or Ni+Zn (E1 – 17.5 g NiCl2 per 100 kg of feed mixture, group E2 - 35.0 g NiCl2 per 100 kg of feed mixture, group E3 – 17.5 g NiCl2 per 100 kg of feed mixture and 30 g ZnCl2 per 100 kg of feed mixture, group E4 – 35.0 g NiCl2 per 100 kg of feed mixture and 30 g ZnCl2 per 100 kg of feed mixture). Group C without inclusion of Ni or Zn served as control. After the 90-day experimental period biological material (liver, kidney, musculus longissimus dorsi, musculus biceps femoris) was taken from the animals. Samples were analyzed by the AAS method. Ni added to the FM caused an increase in Cd concentration in the kidneys of the rabbits, significantly in the E3 group in comparison with the control group. In the liver an insignificant decrease of Cd concentration was found. Zn addition in the amount of 30 g to the diet caused an increase of Cd level in the kidney as well as in the liver. Ni and Zn treatment caused a significant decrease of Pb accumulation in the m. longissimus dorsi of rabbits. This study indicates that dietary inclusion of Ni and Zn caused specific interactions among the observed metals.

Effectiveness of non-antibiotic stimulators in Japanese quail diet: Gender comparison and economical annex

Abstract Economical as well as medicinal and nutritional benefits of Japanese quails are important. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of dietary inclusion of probiotics and humic acids on some antioxidant, carcass and egg production parameters of Japanese quails. As Japanese quails are an interesting animal model attracting attention in the last years, a partial aim of this study is also a brief economical annex to the topic. A total of 60 birds (30 males and 30 females, age of 35 days) were involved in the experiment. Animals were fed by standard basal diet and divided to 6 experimental groups as follows: two groups (10 females and 10 males) received addition of probiotics preparation in a single dose of 1 g kg-1 of feed mixture, two groups (10 females and 10 males) received a preparation of humic acids in a single dose of 3 g kg-1 of feed mixture. The groups (10 females and 10 males) fed on basal diet without any additive served as the control group. After 210 days the animals were euthanized and blood samples, carcass organs and abdominal fat were collected. Antioxidant/oxidant parameters (activity of superoxide dismutase SOD, glutathione peroxidase GPx, total antioxidant status TAS, content of bilirubin and reactive oxygen species ROS) from blood samples were measured. The production of eggs was recorded during the experiment. Probiotic and humic acids treatments resulted in significant increase of TAS in females in contrast to males. Content of bilirubin was significantly lower in females fed with addition of humic acids in comparison to the male group. In both treatments (probiotics and humic acids) significantly lower amount of abdominal fat in females in comparison to the controls were recorded. The other investigated parameters of Japanese quails were not influenced by the treatments. The effect of probiotics and humic acids is probably dose dependent and the assessment of an accurate dose of substantives used in poultry feeding plays a crucial role.

Quality of meat of rabbits after application of epicatechin and patulin

The aim of the present study was to determinate the effect of epicatechin and patulin on selected parameters of meat quality of rabbits. Adult female rabbits (n=25), maternal albinotic line (crossbreed Newzealand white, Buskat rabbit, French silver) and paternal acromalictic line (crossbreed Nitra’s rabbit, Californian rabbit, Big light silver) were used in experiment. Animals were divided into five groups: control group (C) and experimental groups E1, E2, E3, and E4. Animals from experimental groups E1, E2, E3, E4 received patulin through intramuscular injection (10 µg.kg -1 ) twice a week and animals from groups E2, E3, E4 received epicatechin three times a week through intramuscular injection. After 30 days animals were slaughtered. For analysing of meat quality the samples of Musculus longissimus dorsi (50 g) were used. Application of epicatechin and patulin to rabbits had slight or no effect on the pH levels in stomach, small intestine, large intestine and urinary bladder contents, however differences among the groups were insignificant (p ˃0.05). Application of epicatechin and patulin to rabbits had slight or no effect on total water, protein, fat and differences among the groups were insignificant (p >0.05). The values of amino acids concentrations were not influenced after application of epicatechin and patulin. The fatty acid profiles in animals after application of different doses of epicatechin and 10 µg.kg -1 patulin were similar (p >0.05). Concentration of cholesterol increased in experimental groups in comparison with the control group, but differences were insignificant (p >0.05). pH levels of meat of rabbits in experimental group E3 was lower when compared with the control group, but differences was not significant (p >0.05). Electric conductivity parameter was increased in each experimental group (in E3 the highest) against the control but without significant differences (p >0.05). Colour L parameter was slightly decreased in experimental groups with comparison to the control group (in E3 the lowest). Generally we can conclude that intramuscular application of epicatechin or patulin did not affect parameters of meat quality as well as pH values of internal organs content. Further investigations are needed to prove the final answer concerning the health promoting effects of epicatechin and patulin.