Wioletta Samolińska

Effect of Boswellia serrata Dietary Supplementation on Growth Performance, Gastrointestinal Microflora, and Morphology of Broilers

Abstract The study aimed to determine the effect of three different levels of Boswellia serrata resin added to broiler diets on the fundamental production parameters, dry matter digestibility, organic matter digestibility, energy digestibility, microbiological condition of the gastrointestinal tract, and histomorphology of the walls of the small intestine. Two hundred Ross 308 chicks were assigned into 4 groups (50 birds of equal body weight) in 5 replications of 10 chicks each (5 females and 5 males). The experiment lasted 6 weeks. The control group (B0) was fed a standard mixture, without supplementation, whereas in groups B1.5, B2, and B2.5, the Boswellia serrata resin was added at the levels of 1.5, 2.0, and 2.5% of the complete feed mixture, respectively. The dietary supplementation with 2.0 and 2.5% of Boswellia serrata resin contributed to a significant increase in the length of the duodenum and total intestine and in the digestibility of dry matter and organic matter in feed. In these groups, the values of FCR and EEI were positively influenced (P<0.05) and an improvement in the structure of the jejunal wall was also recorded (P<0.05). An increase in the count of Lactobacillus and Enterococcus in the intestinal contents in broilers fed with the Boswellia serrata resin supplemented diets was observed. In conclusion, the Boswellia serrata resin can be considered as an effective feed additive, which stimulates production and has a positive effect on intestinal microflora and morphology of broilers.

Effect of micronized pea seeds (Pisum sativum L.) as a substitute of soybean meal on tissue fatty acid composition and quality of broiler chicken meat.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of micronized pea seeds introduced into feed mixes for broilers on the slaughter yield, blood lipid parameters, content of fatty acids in selected tissues, and meat quality. The studies involved 150 1-day-old Ross 308 chicks split into three groups (for 42 days). The feed rations differed in terms of the source of proteins: in the control group (C), it was post-extraction soybean meal (SBM) 100%; in group I, SBM 50% and micronized peas 50%; and in group II, micronized peas only, 100%. Irradiated pea seeds added to the feed ration for chicks reduced the fattening grade of carcasses (P < 0.05). Additionally, significant improvement of blood lipid indices was recorded. The share of the irradiated pea seeds in feed mixes decreased the share of saturated fatty acids in the muscles and abdominal fat and had a positive effect on the n-6/n-3 ratio, hypocholesterolemic / hypercholesterolemic ratio, as well as the atherogenic and thrombogenic indices (P < 0.05).

The natural feed additives as immunostimulants in monogastric animal nutrition – a review

Abstract Probiotics, prebiotics, and phytobiotics could be a possible solution as immunostimulants in monogastric animal nutrition. Beneficial effects of application thereof in animals are determined by many factors, e.g. the type of the probiotic strain, probiotic compounds, or plant species used as a supplement. A significant role is also played by the animal species, dosage, and the time and method of administration. The activity of these compounds is primarily focused on prevention of pathogen infections and, consequently, improvement of animal welfare. Probiotics compete with pathogenic bacteria by covering the intestinal epithelium mucosa, thereby interrupting pathogen colonization in the gastrointestinal tract. Supplementation with probiotics, prebiotics, and phytobiotics can also induce positive changes in the intestinal morphology, e.g. elongation of villi or deepening of intestinal crypts. In a majority of cases, they also modulate the immune response of the host. They mobilise the cellular components of the innate immune system (macrophages and heterophils), which defend the animal organism against gastrointestinal infection. Another possibility is the synthesis and release of pro-inflammatory cytokines that modulate adaptive immunity or stabilization of the intestinal microbiome. The main target of immunomodulatory feed additives is reduction of local inflammation, enhancement of the function of the immune system, a substantial impact on the health status of livestock animals, and improvement of their health status and production performance.

Growth performance, digestibility, haematology, biochemistry, and some humoral immunity blood parameters of broiler chickens fed different levels of Boswellia serrata resin

The study determined the effect of three different levels of Boswellia serrata tree resin (BSR) supplementation in diets for broiler chickens on the growth performance, selected slaughter analysis, nutrient digestibility, as well as haematology, biochemical and some humoral immunity blood parameters. In total, 200 1-day-old broiler chickens were assigned randomly to four treatments. The broiler chickens were fed diets containing 0 (C), 1.5 (BSR1.5), 2 (BSR2), or 2.5% Boswellia serrata resin (BSR2.5). The BSR treatments improved (P < 0.05) the feed intake and feed conversion ratio at breeding Days 22–35, but did not differentiate the nutrient digestibility in the diets. The best-quality carcass with a high proportion of muscles and low fat content (Control versus BSR diets, linear, P < 0.05) was obtained in broiler chickens fed diets supplemented with 2% and 2.5% BSR. The blood profile was affected by the BSR treatments. The lymphocyte count increased linearly in blood (P < 0.05) along the increasing amounts of BSR. The content of uric acid and aspartate aminotransferase activity in blood plasma decreased upon the BSR supplementation (Control vs BSR diets, linear, P < 0.05; and Control vs BSR diets, linear, P < 0.01, respectively). The resin of Boswellia serrata can be considered as a good botanical feed additive, which can have positive effects on the performance and health of broiler chickens.

Selected health behaviours of type 2 diabetes patients

Abstract Introduction. Type 2 diabetes is a chronic disease with an epidemic character. Its prevalence is associated with lifestyle, many environmental factors, and genetic determinants. Implementation of diet therapy is the basis for treatment of the disease. Aim. The aim of the study was to assess health behaviours and differences in these behaviours in type 2 diabetes patients taking their age into consideration. Material and methods. The questionnaire survey was carried out among 120 subjects diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. The original questionnaire comprised questions on selected pro-health behaviours, e.g. prophylactic behaviour or self-monitoring in the disease. The statistical analysis was performed on 111 properly completed surveys. The respondents were divided into three age groups: subjects under 60 (n=24), between 60 and 75 (n=64), and over 75 years old (n=23). Results. Regardless of their age, the patients with type 2 diabetes indicated mainly arteriel hypertension as a coexisting complication. The basic element of patients’ self-monitoring was checking the blood pressure and glycaemia. Half of the patients declared body weight control, however, a majority were characterised by excessive body weight and abdominal fat deposits, irrespective of their age. Walking was the most popular form of physical activity chosen by the respondents. Regardless of their age, the type 2 diabetes patients exhibited similar readiness for self-education related to their disease. Conclusions. The surveyed respondents exhibited similar behaviours undertaken to keep healthy. The increase in the regularity of doctor appointments and in the use of pharmacotherapy was closely related to age of the respondents. The advanced age of the respondents had an impact on the regularity of foot inspection. Respondents over 75 years of age adhered to recommendations on the schedule of food and medicine intake, but used diet therapy less frequently.

Pregnant women’s attitudes towards organic food

Abstract Introduction. Proper and healthy nutrition during pregnancy is one of the strongest external determinants of normal development of the foetus. Due to its health-enhancing properties, organic food is its desirable element. Therefore, the analysis of the consumer behaviour associated with organic food among pregnant women seems relevant, in particular given the small number of scientific reports addressing this problem. Aim. The aim of the study was to analyse pregnant women’s behaviour and attitudes towards organic food. The investigations included opinions of the entire group of respondents and was intended to show differences between individual groups of women classified in terms of having children already or not. Material and methods. The survey involved 100 pregnant women living in Lublin and its surroundings, which were assigned into two survey groups: women already having children and those without children. An anonymous questionnaire designed as part of the study was the research tool. The questions were focused on indication of the motivations in the purchase and sources of information about organic food as well as consumer behaviour on the organic food market. Results. A majority of pregnant women assessed their financial situation as satisfactory. The main motive behind buying organic food was their wish to take special care of their health during the pregnancy period and the need to take care of the family. The women were familiar with the concept of organic food. Commercials were the frequent source of information among women expecting the first child and the Internet was the main source of information for those already having children. As specified by the pregnant women, health benefits, naturalness and the absence of chemical contamination are the characteristic features of organic food. Most of the respondents declared an intention to feed their children with organic food to minimise the exposure to chemical contamination. Conclusions. There were differences in the use of sources of information about organic food or the importance of individual determinants of their purchase by the pregnant women. This knowledge can be used on the organic food market to develop marketing solutions, which will be useful in satisfying the needs of this group of consumers more effectively.