Zlata Milaković

Influence of zeolite application in laying hen breeding on biogas production

Positive effect of zeolite on feeding of domestic animals was confirmed. Nanofeed® is a preparation which contains tribomechanically activated zeolite clinoptilolite which is used as an antioxidative supplement for feed. Added preparation Nanofeed® did not have influence on quantity and quality of biogas. Because of proved positive effect on egg freshness, it can be recommended to farmers who own plant for biogas production or plan to produce it. Utilization of chicken manure for energy production makes possible to make extra profit, reduce environment pollution and increase employment.

Use of synergistic mixtures for protection of feeds against growth of selected Fusarium species and production of their toxins

The present work examined effects of different combinations of essential oil components, antioxidants and antifungal agents (thymol, propyl parabene and butylated hydroxyanisole) on suppression of growth of Fusarium graminearum and Fusarium moniliforme on pig and chicken feeds incubated at 25 C. The lag phase prior to growth and growth rate (radial growth of the fungal colony) were determined at different water activities (0.95 and 0.98) and pH (4.0, 5.0, 8.0, 8.7) values. Accumulation of mycotoxins deoxynivalenol and fumonisins B1 and B2 in the feeds was also evaluated using SPE or immunoaffinity clean-up followed by HPLC analysis. The results indicate significant control of fungal growth and decreased levels of relevant mycotoxins for a number of tested mixtures. This was evident at relatively small concentrations of components, especially in combination with pH adjustment. Further work on synergistic mixtures of similar compounds is warranted with prospects of offering effective alternatives to fungicides.

Symbiotic efficiency of fodder galega ( Galega orientalis Lam.) and Rhizobium galegae in ecological cultivation

One of the new strategies is rational production and use of leguminous plants. Recently, precisely for stated reasons, less known plant species that have ability of symbiotic relationship with rhizobium bacteria have been included in numerous and extensive research around the world (Italy, France, Germany, Norway, USA, Japan, Latvia). One of them is Galega orientalis Lam., new perennial (7-10 years) fodder leguminous plant that lives in effective symbiosis with Rhizobium galegae, recently described strain of nodule bacteria.