Łukasz Wlazło

10. The Effect of Chemically-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles on Performance and the Histology and Microbiological Profile of the Jejunum in Chickens

Abstract The aim of the study was to analyse how per os application of hydrocolloids of silver nanoparticles (22 nm) and lipid-coated nanosilver hydrocolloids (5 nm) affect the microbiological status and morphology of the jejunum of broiler chickens and their growth performance. The experiment was conducted on 60 chickens. The first group was the control. The chickens in group II received a silver nanoparticle hydrocolloid (Ag-nano) at a dose of 5 mg/kg b.w./day. The chickens in group III received a lipid-coated nanosilver hydrocolloid (AgL-nano) at a dose of 5 mg/kg b.w./day. Samples of digesta were taken from the jejunum during dissection and the total numbers of fungi, aerobic bacteria and bacteria of the coli group were determined in the samples. Samples of the jejunum were also collected during dissection to determine the length of the villi and depth of the crypts. The silver nanoparticles had no effect on growth performance or the histological picture of the jejunum. An increase was noted in the total number of aerobic mesophilic bacteria and a decrease in the number of coli group bacteria, which are facultative anaerobes, which indicates that the nanosilver had a selective effect on the microflora of the digestive tract in the chickens.

Evaluating bioaerosol exposure among bus drivers in the public transport sector

ABSTRACT Occupational hazards and consequent health problems suffered by drivers in the public transport sector require preventive measures. The aim of this study was to assess the exposure of drivers to microbiological air contamination (airborne bacteria and fungi) in buses. The air in public transport vehicles was examined in autumn, winter and spring. To evaluate the exposure of drivers to bioaerosols, air samples were collected and examined for the total number of bacteria and fungi in the air, the number of mesophilic aerobic bacteria specified by the number of colony forming units (CFU) per 1 m3 of air. The results of the research show that public transport as a workplace can be considered to be a significant risk to health.

Effect of dietary supplementation with Yarrowia lipolytica or Saccharomyces cerevisiae yeast and probiotic additives on haematological parameters and the gut microbiota in piglets

The objective of the study was to compare the efficiency of two species of yeast, Yarrowia lipolytica (YL) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (SC), with or without a probiotic supplement, added to feed for piglets, on the basis of haematological blood indices and the gut microbiota. A total of 360 piglets (the average 27-d-old) were allotted to dietary treatments: 1) the basal control(C) diet, 2) the C diet + probiotic(P) (a mixture of Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis), 3) the C diet +3%YL(Y), 4) the C diet +3%YL + probiotic(YP), 5) the C diet +3%SC(S) and 6) the C diet +3%SC + probiotic(SP). The study showed that YL yeast can be used in compound feeds for piglets interchangeably with SC yeast. The effect of YL on haematological blood parameters and the microbes colonizing the gut proved to be more beneficial than the effect of SC yeast. The combined application of YL or SC with a probiotic had a more favourable effect on the gut microbiota than the use of yeast alone. It should be noted, however, that supplementation of the compound feed with YL in combination with a probiotic reduced the multiplication of coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli in the intestinal contents, while the feed containing SC together with a probiotic did not. The dietary study confirmed that YL in combination with a probiotic is highly suitable for feeding piglets.

Removal of ammonia from poultry manure by aluminosilicates

The aim of the study was to test the possibility of using aluminosilicates as natural sorbents of ammonia from poultry manure. The ammonia-absorbing properties of sodium bentonite and zeolite were confirmed in ex situ conditions. The most significant reduction in the level of ammonia with respect to the control was noted for 2% bentonite and 1% zeolite. The mean reduction for the entire period of the experiment ranged from 26.41% to 29.04%. The aluminosilicates tested can be used to neutralize ammonia released on poultry farms.

Tissue pathomorphology and immunohistochemistry in mink (Neovison vison) fed blood plasma supplemented diet in the period of preparation for breeding

Abstract The research carried out at a mink farm aimed to determine the effect of blood plasma supplemented diet applied at the period preparing mink for reproduction on the animal organism. The studies included four groups of mink. The control group received a non-supplemented diet, while the experimental groups had feed with additive of 0.5%, 1.5%, and 2.5% of beef-pork plasma in the daily feed ration. The pathomorphological and immunohistochemical evaluation was performed on the liver, kidneys, lymph nodes, spleen, and bowel from all the groups. Pathomorphological and immunohistochemical changes of various intensity were observed in the examined organs from all experimental groups.