Eugeniusz R. Grela

Effect of dietary inclusion of a herbal extract mixture and different oils on pig performance and meat quality

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of a herbal extract mixture on pig performance and meat quality. The experiment was performed on 60 fatteners (60±0.5-112±2.0kg). Group I (control) was fed with standard feed; groups II and III received the same feed supplemented with 150mg BHT or 500mg of a herbal extract mixture (sage, nettle, lemon balm and coneflower) per kg of feed, respectively. In each group, half of the animals received 4% rapeseed oil, the other half soybean oil. The herbal extracts had no effect on animal performance but significantly improved meat oxidative stability, lowered cholesterol and TI index and increased PUFA content in meat. Slight differences between animals fed with rapeseed or soybean oils were observed. Gilt meat had significantly better (P≤0.01) AI, TI, and h/H indices than barrow meat. It was concluded that herbal extracts have a beneficial effect on pork health-promoting properties due to changes in lipid fraction.

Effect of Inulin and Garlic Supplementation in Pig Diets / Efektywność dodatku inuliny i czosnku w żywieniu tuczników

Abstract The aim of the study was to determine the effect of supplementing inulin and inulin with garlic extract to pig diets on performance, carcass traits, blood metabolic profile and fatty acid composition of longissimus muscle. The experiment was carried out on 48 crossbred [(PL × PLW) × Duroc] fattening pigs with an initial body weight of 30.0 ± 0.5 kg, which were allocated to 3 groups: I (control), II (3% inulin) and III (3% inulin + 500 ml garlic extract added to 1000 l of drinking water). The pigs whose diets were supplemented with inulin or inulin and garlic achieved significantly (P≤0.05) higher daily weight gains compared to control. Supplemental inulin and water extract of garlic significantly (P≤0.05) lowered cholesterol content in blood and longissimus muscle. The highest level of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids was established in the longissimus muscle from pigs in group III. Streszczenie Celem pracy była ocena wpływu dodatku inuliny oraz inuliny i wodnego wyciągu z czosnku w żywieniu tuczników na efekty produkcyjne, wskaźniki metaboliczne krwi oraz profil kwasów tłuszczowych mięśnia longissimus. Doświadczenie przeprowadzono na 48 tucznikach mieszańcach rasy (pbz × wbp) × Duroc o masie początkowej 30±0,5 kg, podzielonych na 3 grupy: I (kontrolna), II (3% inuliny) oraz III (3% inuliny + 500 ml wodnego wyciągu z czosnku w 1000 l wody). Tuczniki otrzymujące dodatek inuliny lub inuliny i czosnku osiągnęły wyższe dobowe przyrosty masy ciała (P≤0,05) w porównaniu do grupy kontrolnej. Dodatek inuliny i wyciągu wodnego czosnku wpłynął istotnie (P≤0,05) na obniżenie zawartości cholesterolu we krwi oraz w mięśniu longissimus. Zawartość niezbędnych kwasów tłuszczowych omega-3 i omega-6 w mięśniu longissimus była najwyższa u tuczników z grupy III.

Effect of protein-xanthophylls (PX) concentrate of alfalfa supplementation on physico-chemical properties of turkey breast and thigh muscles during ageing

The objective was to evaluate the effects of a dietary protein-xanthophylls (PX) concentrate of alfalfa to turkey diets (at 15 and 30 g kg(-1) feed) on the physico-chemical properties of breast and thigh muscles during ageing. The experiment involved 120 turkeys (Big-6 type) allotted to 3 groups (group I-control group; group II--with 1.5% supplementation of the protein-xanthophylls (PX) concentrate; group III--with 3% supplementation of the protein-xanthophylls (PX) concentrate). Measurements of pH, water holding capacity, color, oxymyoglobin content, TBARS and oxidation-reduction potential showed that the addition of protein-xanthophylls (PX) concentrate of alfalfa to a turkey diet did not cause deterioration of breast and thigh meat quality. In addition, changes in color, oxymyoglobin content, TBARS and oxidation-reduction potential values suggested that the inclusion of the concentrate to turkey diets acts as an antioxidant in the raw meat.

Effect of a Protein-Xanthophyll Concentrate from Alfalfa and of Genotype and Sex of Lambs on their Blood Redox Profile

Abstract The experiment was conducted on lambs of the Polish Lowland sheep (PLS) and a synthetic BCP line. The redox potential was assessed in blood of lambs with different genotype and sex, which were fed feed mixtures with various contents of a proteinxanthophyll (PX) concentrate from alfalfa (1.5% and 3%). The 1.5% addition of PX concentrate to feed stimulated the response of the antioxidant defence mechanisms of the lambs to a greater extent than the 3% addition. The study showed that sex of the lambs had no significant effect on changes in the redox parameters of blood. The PLS genotype of lambs determined higher values of superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant potential of plasma (FRAP), malondialdehyde, and vitamin C than the BCP genotype. Along with the growth of the lambs, a descending tendency was observed in SOD and catalase levels, and an ascending tendency in FRAP value.

Chemical composition of leguminous seeds: part I—content of basic nutrients, amino acids, phytochemical compounds, and antioxidant activity

The aim of the study was to determine and analyse the content of essential nutrients, the amino acid profile, phytochemical compounds, and antioxidant activity in the seeds of selected species and varieties of Fabaceae plants. The highest total protein content was detected in the seeds of the yellow and Andean lupines. The lupine seeds were characterised by a high (P < 0.05) level of crude fibre, NDF, and CEL. The highest proportion of EAAI (77%) was noted in the protein of chickpea, broad bean, grasspea, and pea. Among the Fabaceae plants analysed, chickpea seeds exhibited the highest (P < 0.05) levels of total phenols and polyphenols. The greatest (P < 0.05) antioxidant activity (DPPH) was noted for the lentil and yellow lupine seeds. Compared to the other legume representatives, the importance of lupine is increasing, as the chemical composition of its seeds makes the plant an important nutraceutical component.

Effect of Dietary Inulin Source on Piglet Performance, Immunoglobulin Concentration, and Plasma Lipid Profile

Abstract The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of an inulin source (aqueous or aqueous-alcoholic extract, dried chicory root, or dried Jerusalem artichoke tubers) on piglet performance, plasma lipid profile, and immunoglobulin concentration. The study was conducted on 534 piglets (44 litters) allocated to five nutritional groups: group I (control) - fed basal diet, groups II and III receiving basal diet supplemented with 2% of inulin (aqueous and aqueous-alcoholic extract respectively), and groups IV and V -4% additive of dried artichoke or dried chicory respectively. During the trial, piglets’ body weight, feed intake, diarrhoea incidence, and mortality were controlled. Blood samples were collected twice from six animals of each group. In blood plasma, indices of lipid profile and concentrations of IgA, IgG and IgM were measured. The addition of inulin, regardless of its form (extracts or dried plants), significantly improved the rearing indices. In piglets of groups III, IV and V a significant improvement of daily weight gains and feed efficiency was noted. Inulin showed hypolipidemic activity (lowered total cholesterol level) and stimulated piglet immune system manifested by elevated IgA and IgG concentrations. Irrespective of the inulin source, a lower mortality rate resulting from the improvement of animal health was noted in all experimental groups.

Long-bone properties and development are affected by caponisation and breed in Polish fowls

ABSTRACT 1. The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of caponisation on bone development of males of two native breeds in Poland. 2. The weight, length and cross-sectional area of tibiae and femora were measured, densitometric measurements and tests of strength were determined and dimensions were calculated. 3. Breed and caponisation did not influence bone weight and length. Higher mechanical strength of the femur was found in entire males, mainly in the Polbar breed. Tibial strength was reduced in capons of the Green Partridge breed. Maximum elastic strength was greater in the Polbar, irrespective of caponisation. Bone cross-sectional area was influenced by breed, while caponisation reduced femoral bone mineral density in both breeds. 4. Caponisation thus increased growth rate but had adverse effects on bone development. 5. Caponisation had fewer negative effects in the Polbar than in the Greenleg Partridge.

The potential of using plant antioxidants to stimulate antioxidant mechanisms in poultry

Due to exposure of animals to numerous stress-inducing factors and a high level of cellular metabolism resulting from the conditions and manner in which they are raised, destabilisation of the redox balance towards excessive activity of free radical species is a common phenomenon. Enhancing the antioxidant status of the animal organism by optimising the level and quality of feeding, and especially by supplementation with exogenous antioxidants, may be one essential and highly effective means of improving the health and thus the productivity of animals. Natural plant supplements in diets for poultry can be used to enhance antioxidant defence mechanisms and reduce the intensity of oxidation processes, which negatively affect the quality of poultry products, i.e. meat and eggs. Analysis of the available studies shows that antioxidant processes in the organism of birds can be stimulated via administration of extracted active compounds, among which the highest antioxidant activity is found in resveratrol, hesperidin, genistein, thymol and carvacrol, and herbs, for example from garlic, aloe vera, oregano and rosemary.

Dose-dependent effects of probiotic supplementation on bone characteristics and mineralisation in meat-type female turkeys

To evaluate the influence of the probiotic on bone tissue in female turkeys, bone mineral density and geometrical and mechanical properties of the tibia and femur were determined in a dose-dependent manner (107 colony-forming units (cfu)/g, 108 cfu/g, 109 cfu/g). No effect of the treatments on bone mass and wall thickness of femur was observed, but the administration of the probiotic resulted in the elongation and the reduction of both strengths. The increase in the cross-sectional area of the femur was dose-dependent. Probiotic supplementation at a concentration of 108 cfu/g resulted in a reduction in ultimate strength, but at a concentration of 107 cfu/g, it resulted in the enhancement of the maximum elastic strength of the tibia compared with other groups. The influence of the probiotic administration on tibia geometry was dose-dependent. No effect of the treatments on the relative bone weight and the ratio of mass to length was observed. In general, the influence of the probiotic administration on bone mineral density, bone mineral concentration, bone tissue density, and bone ash, calcium and phosphorus concentrations was dose-dependent. The investigated properties of long bones in female turkeys are affected through probiotic-supplemented diets in a dose-dependent manner. However, on the basis of densitometry, it seems that the administration of the probiotic at a higher concentration of cells is more beneficial for bone development in turkeys.

Content of cadmium and lead in raw, fried and baked commercial frozen fishery products consumed in Poland.

BACKGROUND The study aimed to verify whether the consumption of frozen fishery products was safe in terms of Cd and Pb content. The study material was 31 frozen fishery products (15 breaded products and 16 fillets). Immediately before the analyses the products were subject to culinary treatment according to the recommendations of the producer: fried in colza oil or baked in a gas oven. The level of Cd and Pb was determined using the GF AAS method. RESULTS The analysed frozen products contained on average 14.0 µg Cd kg-1 and 18.5 µg Pb kg-1 . Compared to raw products, baked fish contained 56% more Cd and 72% more Pb, whereas fried fish contained 16% more Cd and 15% more Pb. Compared to fried products, baked fish contained 34% more Cd and 49% more Pb. CONCLUSION The content of Cd and Pb in the products did not exceed the acceptable standard. However, it cannot be clearly stated which method of culinary treatment of frozen fishery products is the best with regard to the level of Cd and Pb in the final products.