The research objective was to determine the influence of marigold extract and storage duration on the indicators of egg quality and on the oxidative stability of eggs. The 5-wk long research was ...carried out on 300 laying hens. Laying hens were divided into control group (C-without marigold extract supplementation) and 2 experimental groups (E1-supplemented 1 g/kg of marigold extract and E2-supplemented 2 g/kg of marigold extract to diet). The eggs were analyzed on 2 occasions, as fresh eggs (1 D after collecting in the facility) and after 28 D of storage in a refrigerator on +4°C. On both occasions, there were 30 eggs analyzed per each group. Statistical analysis of the research results proved influence of marigold extract supplementation and storage duration on the weight of eggs (P < 0.05) and on the eggshell thickness (P < 0.001), but they did not have any influence on other indicators of external egg quality. Storage duration affected (P < 0.001) all indicators of internal egg quality, whereas supplementation of marigold extract influenced (P < 0.001) only the pH value of yolk. Supplementation of marigold extract influenced (P < 0.001) the yolk color intensity. There was a significant increase in the value of yolk color, starting with 9.63 in the C group and raising to 12.77 (E1) and 13.50 (E2) in fresh eggs. Yolk color of stored eggs was more intensive than the yolk color of fresh eggs in all 3 groups (P < 0.001). Supplemented marigold extract did not influence the obtained results of lipid oxidation in yolks, whereas storage duration had influence (P < 0.05) on oxidation intensity. The most favorable value of oxidation in fresh eggs was determined in the E2 group (0.545 μg MDA/g), and in stored eggs in the E1 group (0.615 μg MDA/g). Based on the research results, it was concluded that the supplementation of marigold extract had favorable influence on the yolk color intensity and on the oxidative stability of eggs without having negative influence on other egg quality indicators.
•Hg, Pb, Cd and As were determined in common carp and European catfish from Buško Blato lake.•In most cases heavy metal concentration is higher in catfish compared to carp.•In muscles of carp and ...catfish multiple correlations between different heavy metals are found.•Positive correlation of heavy metals with age and body mass exists in tissues of carp and catfish.•Older and bigger carp and catfish are not recommended for human nutrition.
The purpose of this study was to quantify the bioaccumulation of Pb, Hg, Cd, and As in tissues of carp (Cyprinus carpio) and catfish (Silurus glanis) from Buško Blato in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Arsenic concentrations were below the Maximal Admissible Concentration (MAC) for Croatia and other countries. Mercury concentrations were below 1mgkg−1, but in most muscle samples of both species and all catfish liver samples, the values were higher than 0.5mgkg−1 (higher than the MAC for many countries including Croatia). Lead concentrations were higher than 1mgkg−1 (the MAC for Croatia) in most muscle samples; all kidney and most catfish liver samples also exceeded 1mgkg−1. Cadmium concentrations in all tissues, other than the gonads, were higher than 0.1mgkg−1 (MAC for Croatia), with the highest concentrations found in the kidneys. The only gender difference was found in carp, where a 68.4% higher concentration of As was found in the fry compared to the milt (P<0.05). Concentrations of all of the elements were higher in catfish compared to carp for most tissues. Significant correlations were found between all of the elements in the muscles and the liver of carp. In catfish, the muscles were the only tissue in which multiple correlations were found. Linear positive correlations with age and body mass were demonstrated for the concentrations of all heavy metals for all tissues except the gonads in both fish species. We concluded that significant heavy metal accumulation in carp and a catfish tissues correlates with age and body mass; bioaccumulation is species- and tissue-specific and is different for each element.
The evaluation of the genetic structure of autochthonous pig breeds is very important for conservation of local pig breeds and preservation of diversity. In this study, 18 microsatellite loci were ...used to detect genetic relationship between autochthonous pig breeds Black Slavonian (BS), Turopolje pig (TP), and Croatian wild boar and to determine phylogenetic relationship among Croatian autochthonous pig breeds and certain Asian and European pigs using the mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) D-loop sequence polymorphism. Relatively high degree of genetic variation was found between the observed populations. The analysis of mtDNA showed that haplotypes of the studied pig populations are different from the other European and Chinese haplotypes. BS pigs showed some similarities with Mangalitsa and Duroc breeds. The genetic distances of TP can be explained by high degree of inbreeding during the past century. Despite the European origin of Croatian pig breeds with some impact of Chinese breeds in the past, the results of present study show that genetic diversity is still pronounced within investigated breeds. Furthermore, the genetic diversity is even more pronounced between Croatian breeds and other European and Chinese pig breeds. Thus, conservation of Croatian pig breeds will contribute to overall genetic diversity preservation of pig breeds.
Current knowledge concerning the possible use and impact of replacing the soybean proteins with those derived from a defatted black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens, HI) meal while feeding chickens to ...produce the meat for human consumption is very limited. This study’s objective was to examine the influence of partial replacement of the HI-defatted flour on chicken meat’s technological properties and quality. 180 one-day-old Ross 308 chicks were divided into three experimental groups (P1, P2, and P3) and one control group counting 45 chicks. The experimental groups were fed with the fattening mixtures containing 15, 25, and 45% of the HI-defatted flour, while the control group was fed in accordance with the standard chicken-fattening requirements. After 42 days, the chickens were slaughtered, and the breasts and drumsticks of 40 chickens were subjected to analysis. A statistically significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed in the P1 for the drip-loss values measured 24 hours after sampling, the muscle resistance to cutting, and the cooking loss values. The water-binding capacity for all three experimental groups did not demonstrate statistically significant differences for the pH1 and pH2 values. Considering the CIE L*a*b* color standard reference values, the results for the breast meat were normally to slightly lighter than normal ones. The basic chemical parameter (water, protein, fat, and collagen) results confirmed that there was no statistically significant difference in any of the experimental groups if compared to the control one.
Across the world, as well as in Croatia, there is a continuous increase in the consumption of chicken meat, and attempts are being made in modern poultry production to improve its quality as much as ...possible by using various natural additives. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of dietary supplementation with propolis and bee pollen on the quality of chicken meat. In order to determine this effect, the carcass body weight of slaughtered chickens and carcass yield were determined, as well as the average pH1 and pH2 of chicken breast muscle, drip loss values, and skin color and chicken breast muscle color expressed as values of L* (lightness), a* (redness), and b* (yellowness). The study was conducted on 200 Ross 308 chickens, divided into five groups. Throughout the study, the control group of chickens was fed with a basal diet, while the experimental groups of chickens were fed with the basal diet supplemented with propolis and bee pollen, each supplement given separately or in combination in specific proportions. At the end of the experiment (42nd day), 10 chickens from each group were slaughtered for the analyses mentioned above. The carcass yield values were significantly higher (P = 0.038) and the drip loss values were significantly lower (P = 0.003) in the experimental groups in comparison to the control group. In addition, there was a statistically significant difference in b* skin color (P = 0.017) and b* chicken breast muscle color (P<0.001) between the groups of chickens. The study showed that dietary supplementation with propolis and bee pollen has a significant positive effect on the quality of chicken meat.
Present study was carried out on 32 pure Black Slavonian (BS) pigs and 32 crossbreds of Black Slavonian and Duroc (BSxDu); number of barrows and gilts was equal in both groups. Every three months, 4 ...barrows and 4 gilts from both groups were slaughtered for the analysis of tissue and primal parts development in the series of subsequent dissection trials covering a total fattening period of 12 months. The results showed that crossing the BS pigs with Duroc resulted in significant increase in the development of main tissues and primal parts. Significantly higher live weight, carcass weight and lean meat percentage was reported in BS pigs compared to BSxDu pigs (P<0.001). The exception was lean meat percentage determined at the age of 3 months (P>0.05). BSxDu pigs entered the experiment at significantly higher live weight (P<0.05) than BS pigs; this relationship continued during entire growth period. Muscle and fatty tissues followed the similar patterns of growth. Muscle tissue was produced in higher amounts than fat in case of BS pigs; in BSxDu pigs, fat overgrew muscle at the later stage of fattening. Although BS pigs exhibited lower formation of muscle tissue than BSxDu, their carcasses were significantly leaner.
The aim of this study was to present the performance and some biochemical parameters in the blood of hens fed feed mixtures with different levels of lutein. The study involved a total of 291 Tetra SL ...hybrid laying hens, divided into 3 groups (O0 with 0 mg/kg lutein added, O200 with 200 mg/kg lutein added and O400 with 400 mg/kg lutein added), and lasted for 5 weeks. The O0 group included 93 hens, whereas experimental groups 98 and 100 hens, respectively. The highest egg production and the best feed consumption per egg were recorded in O400 group with a total of 3367 pieces of eggs produced and 128.60 g of feed consumed. The best laying intensity (96.68%) and number of eggs per laying hen (34.19) as well as the highest feed consumption per day (129.01 g), was recorded in O200 group. Lutein added to feed mixtures for laying hens did not significantly affect the values of biochemical parameters in blood (P>0.05). An increase in total cholesterol (CHOL) and HDL cholesterol content as well as the decrease of total protein (PROT) and albumin (ALB) content in the experimental groups can be observed. The content of glucose (GUK) and urea was similar between the experimental groups, while the highest content of triglycerides (TGC) was recorded in O200 group. It can be concluded that different levels of lutein added to the feed mixtures for laying hens did not have negative effect on the performance and blood biochemical parameters of laying hens.
The aim of this study was to determine the effect of diet supplementation with propolis and/or bee pollen on the performance indicators of broilers. This experimental study was conducted on 200 Ross ...308 broilers equally distributed by sex and divided into five groups. Throughout the whole study the control group of chickens was fed feed mixture. Feed mixture fed to the experimental groups of chickens contained additives (propolis and/or bee pollen, each supplement separately or in combination in a certain proportion). The average values of broilers body weight were significantly higher on 7th (p=0.001), 14th, 21st, 28th, 35th (p<0.001) and 42nd (p=0.002) day of feeding in the experimental groups of broilers compared to the control group. The average values of broilers weight gain were significantly higher on 1st (p<0.001), 2nd (p=0.002), 3rd (p<0.001), 4th (p=0.029) and 5th (p=0.009) week of feeding in the experimental groups of broilers compared to the control group. This study has undoubtedly shown that propolis and bee pollen have significant positive effect on performance indicators of broilers.
Cilj ovoga istraživanja bio je ispitati učinak hranidbe uz dodatak propolisa i/ili pčelinjega peluda na proizvodne pokazatelje brojlera. Ovaj pokus proveden je na 200 brojlera provenijencije Ross 308 ravnomjerno raspoređenih po spolu, koji su bili podijeljeni u pet skupina. Tijekom cijeloga pokusa kontrolna je skupina brojlera bila hranjena krmnom smjesom, dok su pokusne skupine brojlera hranjene istom krmnom smjesom uz dodatak propolisa i pčelinjeg peluda, svakim dodatkom zasebno ili u kombinaciji u određenome omjeru. Prosječne vrijednosti tjelesne mase brojlera bile su znatno više 7. (p=0,001), 14., 21., 28., 35. (p<0,001) i 42. (p=0,002) dana tova u pokusnim skupinama brojlera u usporedbi s kontrolnom skupinom. Prosječne vrijednosti prirasta bile su znatno više 1. (p<0,001), 2. (p=0,002), 3. (p< 0,001), 4. (p= 0,029) i 5. (p=0,009) tjedna tova u pokusnim skupinama brojlera u usporedbi s kontrolnom skupinom. Ovo istraživanje je nedvojbeno pokazalo kako propolis i pčelinji pelud imaju značajan pozitivan učinak na proizvodne pokazatelje brojlera.
Crude protein, fat, water, ash, dry matter and essential amino and fatty acids were analyzed from freshly collected Chironomus plumosus larvae in order to evaluate their suitability as a component ...for farmed fish diet The analyses were performed in intact living organisms and in the dry matter. Essential amino acids were determined by LKB 4101 automatic analyzer, while fatty acids were determined by Chronopack CP 9000 chromatograph with flame ionization detector. Crude protein content was 7.6% and 55.7% in fresh larvae and dry matter, respectively, being a value adequate for growth needs of all freshwater fish sorts and categories. Most essential amino acids in fresh larvae and dry matter are present in quantities adequate for feeding majority of omnivorous and carnivorous freshwater fish species. Crude fat content was 1.3% and 9.7% in fresh larvae and dry matter, respectively, being energetically sufficient for all warm-water living fish. The crude fat contains 26.12% saturated, 30.42% monounsaturated and 34.03% polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Among the highly unsaturated fatty acids (HUFA), the most abundant is linolenic (7.21%), followed by eicosapentanoic (4.36%), docosahexaenoic (2.49%) and docosapentaenoic (1.16%) acid. The measured quantity of omega -3 and omega -6 fatty acids (essential for omnivorous fish), as well as omega -6 to omega -3 fatty acid ratio (0.81), completely meets nutritional requirements of carp and tench.
This study investigated the biochemical and hematological parameters (at the beginning, after 90 days, and at the end of the experiment) of the pure genotype Black Slavonian (BS) pigs and crossbreeds ...of Black Slavonian and Duroc (BSxD) pigs, fed the same diet and kept under the same extensive free-range conditions during 200 days of the experiment. In the study, BS and BSxD pigs showed differen- ces in blood protein levels, hinting at dietary disparities. Glucose and triglyceride levels differed between the two groups, affecting energy availability and fat depo- sition. BS pigs showed higher white blood cell counts, while BSxD pigs exhibited more rapid metabolic activity. Alkaline phosphatase activity declined over time, with variations between the groups. Phosphorus and magnesium concentrations decrea- sed with pig growth, reflecting changes in metabolic demands. Hemoglobin, hema- tocrit, and red blood cell counts varied between the groups. MCV and MCH values in BSxD pigs indicated rapid red blood cell production. Platelet counts fluctuated with age. This study offers insights into the influence of genetic characteristics and growth rates impact biochemical and hematological parameters of pigs kept under free-range conditions, aiding swine population management.