Textural properties of selected Slovak cow and sheep products measured by texturometer

Sensorial assessment of selected brands of Slovak cow and sheep products, produced on farm with self-production of cow and sheep milk, was realized. The farm is situated in the North of east Slovakia. Breeding of dairy cows and sheep was realized under conditions applying animal welfare, where feedstuff was provided from self-production. By means of texture analyzer (Texture Analyser TA.XT Plus), textural properties (hardness, springiness, cohensivness and chewiness) of sheep feta cheese, smoked sheep cheese, unsmoked cow cheese strings, smoked cow cheese sticks, pickled sheep feta cheese and spicy pickled sheep feta cheese, were assessed. Texture analyzer is used for texture measurement and assessment of physical properties of products, as well as for material testing by means of pressure and pull tests. Textural properties were assessed, when strength, distance and time were recorded and projected by means of fully integrated Texture Exponent 32-bit software. The measurement was realized by test, when analyzer arm with selected sensor moved down, penetrated and compressed food product and moved to default position thereafter. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were detected at hardness by means of statistical results evaluation obtained from texturometer measurement of cow and sheep products samples. Sheep feta cheese was compared to smoked sheep cheese, unsmoked cow cheese strings, smoked cow cheese sticks, pickled sheep feta cheese and spicy pickled sheep feta cheese. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were confirmed, when we compared smoked sheep cheese to spicy pickled sheep feta cheese, when we compared unsmoked cow cheese strings to pickled sheep feta cheese and spicy pickled sheep feta cheese and by comparison of smoked cow cheese sticks to pickled sheep feta cheese and spicy pickled sheep feta cheese. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were confirmed at springiness, when we compared sheep feta cheese to unsmoked cow cheese strings, smoked cow cheese sticks, pickled sheep feta cheese and spicy pickled sheep feta cheese and by comparison of smoked sheep cheese to unsmoked cow cheese strings, smoked cow cheese sticks, pickled sheep feta cheese and spicy pickled sheep feta cheese. Statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) were confirmed at cohensivness, when we compared sheep feta cheese to smoked sheep cheese, when we compared smoked sheep cheese to smoked cow cheese sticks and pickled sheep feta cheese, by comparison of smoked sheep cheese to spicy pickled sheep feta cheese and by comparison of unsmoked cow cheese strings to smoked cow cheese sticks. Differences at chewiness were statistically significant (p < 0.05), when we compared sheep feta cheese to smoked sheep cheese, unsmoked cow cheese strings, smoked cow cheese sticks, pickled sheep feta cheese and spicy pickled sheep feta cheese, when we compared smoked sheep cheese to spicy pickled sheep feta cheese, by comparison of unsmoked cow cheese strings to pickled sheep feta cheese and spicy pickled sheep feta cheese and by comparison of smoked cow cheese sticks to pickled sheep feta cheese and spicy pickled sheep feta cheese. Based on obtained analysis results were confirmed, that selected brands of cow and sheep products are characterized by different textural properties. These properties make assessed brands of Slovak cow and sheep product specific, which needs to make provision at quality assessment

Aetheroleum and fat oxidation of chicken meat

The quality of meat changges during storage. The experiment was performed on the final fattening type of chickens COBB 500. Chickens were fed by feed mixture with   aetheroleum. Premix of aetheroleum  contained  aetheroleum from Origanum vulgare L.) (30 g), Thymus vulgaris L. (10 g) and Cinnamomum zeylanicum (10 g). The carcass was stored at -18 °C in a freezer box. Acid number of fat in chicken meat was ranged from 4.74 to 14.57 mg KOH/g fat after 9 months and after 12 months was ranged from 5.75 to 9.11 mg KOH/g fat

Assessment of welfare and egg production of laying hens moravia ssl in small-scale breeding

The purpose of this study was to investigate the welfare of laying hens Moravia SSL housed in small-scale hen house with free range, behavior, egg production and selected physical indicators of eggs and chemical indicators of egg mass. The laying hens were kept in a hen house on deep litter. Breeding facility of hen house was within the meaning of recommendation for applying the principles of welfare, i.e. the space and breeding facility within the meaning of enriched breeding environment. Stocking density of the laying hens corresponded with recommendations for unrestricted movement and implementing natural activities. The hen house was equipped with the perch, nest, feeder and drinker. The commercial feed mixture was used for feeding, which is intended for laying hens. The kitchen remains were added to feed mixture, as are wet bread, the non-edible remains of foodstuffs. A feed mixture was served to laying hens 825 g per day. The laying hens had free access to drinking water, grazing, ground pecking, ground scratching and dust-bathing and in the free range. We focused investigation of on the egg laying intensity, selected parameters of physical egg quality and chemical egg contents. Time to relax of laying hens was adjusted according to the summer and winter breeding seasons. The main activities of free-range hens are grazing, ground pecking, ground scratching and dust-bathing. The main activities of free-range hens are grazing, ground pecking, ground scratching and dust-bathing. These activities were investigated in laying hens too in dependent of year period, more in the summer. Housing of the hens was equipped with the perch. The laying hens regularly used a perch. A beginning of occupation the perch was at the time of time growing dark, at the end of the light day. A nesting material was selected regular, monthly exchange. It was meadow hay of excellent quality for the collection of high quality and safe eggs from nests in the hen house. The laying hens had unlimited access to feed and water. The commercial feed mixture was available ad libitum and fresh kitchen remnants were added in a small amount, provided that they fed in the short term, so that not subject to harmful degradation process. The management of our experiment was scheduled at age of laying hens 30 to 90 weeks. The egg laying intensity was observed 50% in a moment of the experimental 1st week (age of laying hens 30 weeks). High egg laying intensity of laying hens was at their age between 39 to 63 weeks. At the end of the experiment, at age of laying hens 90 weeks was decreased egg laying intensity at 26.19%, which represents almost half of egg laying intensity recorded at the beginning of the experiment. An indicator of egg production in the our experiment was studied under defined conditions for small-scale breeding, i.e. in alternative production system with free range, under defined conditions of nutrition and timing of investigation more than one year, from the end of October to the end of December of the following year. The results of our experiment can be related to the season, months of the year. The laying hens laid the eggs by individual weeks 33-90 weeks of age about average weight from 57.5 to 75.0 g. The fat content of an egg mass was 11.3 g.100-1 and protein 12.39.g.100-1. The table eggs from conditions of small-scale breeding are an important source of foodstuffs for the population, especially in rural areas. It must be given to this source of table eggs for human nutrition the highest quality and health safety too

The effect of iodine in production of broiler chickens and selected quality indicators of breast muscles

Due to the different effects on the human health it is necessary to avoid excessive or insufficient consumption of iodine. Iodine deficiency weakens the synthesis of the thyroid hormones, causes hypothyroidism and can lead to various developmental and functional disturbances known as the disorders from iodine deficiency. The latest literary knowledge about the use of iodine in the broiler chickens identifies the concentration of iodine 5 mg per kg feed as safe for a given group of the animals. Working Group on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed of  Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed notes that the maximum authorized limit of iodine in the feed of the broiler chickens 10 mg per kg does not represent a health risk. The aim of our research was an observation and assessment of the effect of feed mixtures with iodized oil on production quality of the line hybrid chickens Cobb 500 and selected indicators of breast muscle. For comparison, a control group consists of the chickens, which were fed the feed mixtures without iodized oil. Dietary iodine in the form of potassium iodide was applied to sunflower oil. The mixture was heated at 70 °C with continuous stirring until dissolution of potassium iodide. The content of iodine in iodine suplement was 0.04  mg per g per 1 kg of feed mixture of starter, growth and the finisher was used 5 g of iodine supplement. The oil mixture was mixed into kibbled grain of corn and carefully homogenized with other components of  the feed mixtures. To meet the aim of research, we realized an experiment, where body weight of the chickens was observed at the end of the experiment, the breast muscle weight and chemical analysis was made from selected indicators of breast muscle. A body weight of broiler chickens at the beginning and the end of the experiment and a breast muscle weight were observed by weighing on the Kern ECB 20K20 type scale with an accuracy of d = 0,1 g. The breast muscles were analyzed for selected indicators according to the methodology for analytical laboratories (2009). The data were evaluated according to the basic statistical characteristics. The differences in the values of indicators between groups were evaluated by the SAS system program by t-test. The broiler chickens that were included in the experiment were first grade with a balanced average weight of 42 g. Statistical evaluation   of body weight of the broiler chickens at the beginning of the experiment results in not significant difference between the control group and the experimental group – iodine supplement. Average body weight of the chickens was 2183.06 g at end of experiment in the group with the addition of iodine compared to 2145.21 g in control group with a statistically not significant difference (P>0.05). Average weight of the breast muscles was 426.83 g in the group with the addition of iodine compared to 412.11 g in control group with a statistically not significant difference (P>0.05). Average dry matter content    in the breast muscles was 26.13 g per 100 g in the group with the addition of iodine compared to 26.25 g per 100 g in control group with a statistically not significant difference (P>0.05). Average protein contents in breast muscles was 23.63 g per 100 g in the group with the addition of iodine compared to 23.31 g per 100 g in control group with a statistically not significant difference (P>0.05). Average fat contents in breast muscles was 1.05 g per 100 g in the group with the addition of iodine compared to 0.88 g per 100 gin control group with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). The results of the experiment indicated some tendency of the positive effect of the feed mixtures with iodized oil on the quality of production of broiler chickens. Based on results, further research was recommended

Protein and fat in breast muscules of broilers in application welfare principles in practical conditions

Were carried two chemical analyses of the breast muscles without skin in fattening-type chickens Ross 308. 12 chickens were used for chemical analysis after feeding 42 days of body weight 1800.0 g in two cycles. In the breast muscle without skin was content dry matter 25.95 and 25.87 g.100 g-1, protein 24.47 and 23.82 g.100 g-1, and fat 3.34, respectively 3.49 g.100  g-1. Differences in these parameters between cycles were not statistically significant (P>0.05). Broilers were randomly selected in the hall on the farm. In the hall was a deep litter and breeding technology Big Dutchman with automatic feeding, watering, and automatically set lighting and temperature regimes. During the fattening of chickens have been relationship with recommended microclimate conditions and the length of the hall light and ventilation. The concentration of broilers per square one meter was 27.22, respectively. 29.34 kg. Broilers consumed of feed ad libitum

The table eggs and their quality in small-scale breeding

The purpose this study was to investigate quality of the table eggs, their damage and soiling in various age of the laying hens (47-62 weeks) during the second phase of the laying cycle. The object of the research was table eggs, egg white, egg shell, damage and soiling of the egg shell. The eggs were of the final laying hybrid ISA Brown reared in the non-cage system with deep litter and free range at small-scale breeding. In the breeding system with free range at small-scale conditions were secured requirements for laying hens in accordance with welfare principles. The eggs were collected each day at 4:00 pm. Weights of egg and egg shell samples of were measured on scales type KERN 440-35N. A white weight was calculated. Damage and soiling of eggs were investigated under the desk lamp lighting up to 100 W bulb. Statistical evaluation of the results was carried out in the program system SAS. From the existing conclusions of the various scientific and professional published works, it is known that both quality and safety are interrelated. In many works are the risk factors referred together as the quality standards. We found an important fact in assessing the trend of values of the egg shell weight, depending on the age of laying hens. Based on this fact, it can be assumed that the values of egg shell weight were not directly related to egg weight and egg white weight. It follows that the egg shell weight must be assessed comprehensively, and account must be taken of other factors. For the characteristics of the deformed egg shape has been one pc, representing 3.33% of the samples taken for analysis of eggs at 53 weeks of age of the total sampled eggs. In the following 56 weeks of age hens laying eggs there was not a deformed shape. The next subsequent sampling 59 weeks of age laying hens were recorded two pcs of eggs with deformed shape, i.e. 6.67%. At the last sampling of eggs at age 62 weeks, the number of eggs with deformed shape increased to three pcs, representing 10.0% of the sampled eggs for analysis. The sediments on the shell eggs were observed as variable ridge shapes of the shell matter. At the first sampling of eggs at age 47 weeks were found 2 pcs of this defect, representing 6.67% of the sampled eggs. The ridges on the egg shell belong to deviations of the natural shell associated with its texture. These defects of egg shell frequently occur depending on the age of laying hens but can also be caused by other factors. In our experiment was studied mainly the age factor of laying hens. It was interested from aspect of clarifying the relation between ridges on the egg shell and weight of the egg, white, egg, respectively. The results of investigated ridges on the egg shell showed that there occurred in every age of laying hens. Their highest number was recorded at age 59 and 62 weeks (5 pcs, i.e. 16.67% of the 30 egg samples). After 59 weeks of age was found also reduce the weight of the white and shell and at age 62 weeks of age was reduced egg shell weight. Egg production with calcareous sediments on the shell is probably hereditary. Currently, the consumer prefers the consumption of eggs with brown shell. Egg shell color is determined primarily by genetics of laying hens. The results of our experiments have shown that the occurrence of the dots on egg shell had a shade darker brown colour or bright dots, especially on the ends of the egg. The occurrence of dotted eggs was recorded in each assessed age of laying hens (5 - 7 pcs, i.e. 16.67 to 23.33%), while in the last, evaluated 62 weeks of age even up to 9 pcs. These dots and their occurrence are related to the intensity of pigment deposition in the shell cuticle. The process of distribution of pigment in egg shell is the same as is formed by packing egg shell and therefore the cuticle. With the increasing age of laying hens reduces the intensity of pigment deposition in the egg shell and increases of egg surface area, of the egg shell area, to which the pigment is stored. This fact is confirmed by our results especially at week 62 of age, when occurrence of pigment dots was the highest on the shell and also these eggs had the highest average weight

Applying the principles of welfare and quality of production in the organic farm of the laying hens

European Union  banned with Council Directive No. 74/1999/EC use of the conventional battery cages for laying hens in European Union with effect from January 1, 2012. By this time much attention was paid to the assessment of laying hens welfare in the modified breeding system,namely from aspect of behavior and expression fyziological stress. At present are used the enriched cages,   which device is defined by the Code of laying hens living conditions. Quantification of intensity and sequence of the events in different behaviour and a time regime can contribute to knowledge of time spending of the laying hens  in the breeding area and to determining of prioritizing their behavior.The aim of our research was assessment an application of principles laying hens welfare in the farm, their production and egg quality. An object of investigation was ecological farm of laying hens. In the experiment were observed thehousing conditions and nutrition of laying hens in farm, egg production, egg weight at laying hens old 42 weeks and selected indicators of chemical formation of the eggs. In the farm were reared laying hens ISA Brown, which are high-productive and the most   the most widely used in EU. The informations and data on farm, laying hen hall, breeding facility, breeding conditions, the behavior of the laying hens, nutrition, feeding and egg production were obtained by personal visit an organic farm and informations which  the farmer records and stores. The informations about the behavior of laying hens were obtained by observing and comparing with the knowledge and data of the Slovak Government regulation on December 11, 2002, which   minimum standards determine for the protection of laying hens.The informations on feed were obtained  directly from an organic farm and   feed company that followed by accordance  the minimum content of nutrients and energy in accordance with the needs of the laying hens. Egg production was monitored on the base of  collecting eggs two and several times a day, which was recorded daily on an organic farm. Chemical analyzes of samples of eggs were conducted according to the methodology for analytical laboratories (2009). In the farm were application welfare principles.  The laying hens had unlimited access to feed and water, ad libitum, free movement in the stable hall on the litter and perches. The laying hens rummaged and ashed in the free-range are of clay. In the free-range area of grassland where was a shelter, they free ranged and explorated environment. The microclimatic conditions, a construction of the perches, nests in the hall and location of the feedersand drinkers in the hall and in the free-range were solution in the accordance with the needs of improved living conditions of the laying hens. The laying hens achieved an intensity of egg-laying 84.60% in the all laying cycle. An egg weight was 62.30 g at laying hens old 42 weeks. The average dry mater contents was in the table eggs 26.21 g per 100 g of egg mass, the proteins 12.34 g per 100 g of egg mass, a fat 11.63 g per 100 g of egg mass and a cholesterol 1.27 g per 100 g of egg yolk. On the base of achivied the results, further research was recommended in the field the welfare of the laying hens intendent for the production of the table eggs

The effect of the probiotics Bacillus subtilis (PB6) on the selected indicators of the table eggs quality, fat and cholesterol

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of dietary probiotics Bacillus subtilis (PB6) on egg weigh, egg mass weigh, egg fat content and cholesterol content in egg yolk in laying hens ISA Brown during two experiments. The probiotics where supplied to the laying hens for 42 days as preparation period before eggs samples collection. The eggs samples were collected during 6 days for the 1st and 2nd experiments after the hens reached the age of 34 and 61 weeks, respectively.  A total of 36 ISA Brown laying hens were divided into 2 treatment groups. Control group laying hens were fed a basal diet with no probiotic added. In group Bacillus subtilis, the basal diet was supplemented with the bacteria Bacillus subtilis (PB6) at 1 g/kg, min. 2.3*108 cfu/g. Dietary treatments did not significantly affect the egg weigh, internal egg content weigh, cholesterol content expressed by g/100 g of egg yolk.  Bacillus subtilis (PB6) supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) increased the fat content in the internal egg content and cholesterol content in egg yolk expressed as g/pc.

Oxidative stability of chicken meat during storage influenced by the feeding of alfalfa meal

The aim of our experiment was to determine the effect of the alfalfa meal component in feed mixtures of Ross broiler chickens on oxidative stability of meat. Proportion of alfalfa meal in feed mixtures was 4 and 6%. The results were compared to the control group without alfalfa meal in feed mixtures. At the end of the experiment (day 38), 6 pcs of broiler chickens from each group with an average live body weight over 1 800 g were randomly selected. The samples for chemical analysis consisted of identical proportion of breast and thigh muscle, and about 1 cm2 of skin with subcutaneous fat. Fat from the meat was obtained after the samples drying. A fat was determined by extraction by means of laboratory instrument Det N Gras Selecta P. The oxidative stability of meat on the basis of acid number of fat was determided by chemical analysis. Chicken meat was stored at -18 °C for 12 months and 18 months. The acid number of fat of stored meat for 12 months was 7.38 mg KOH per g in the control group, 7.42 mg KOH per g in the group with a proportion of 4% alfalfa meal, and 11.18 mg KOH per g in the group with proportion 6% alfalfa meal. An acid number of fat of stored meat for 18 months was 5.90 mg KOH per g in the control group, 4.65 mg KOH per g in the group with a proportion of 4% alfalfa meal, and 7.07 mg KOH per g in the group with a proportion of 6% alfalfa meal. Chicken meat is notably sensitive to lipid oxidation because of its high content of polyunsaturated fatty acids. Legislation in Title 5 of Part 3 of the Codex Alimentarius of the Slovak Republic and the Government Regulation No. 286/2003 Coll. in the Annex 4 in Part B provide the requirements for animal fats and meat products. Regulation of the European Parliament and Council (EC) No. 853/2004 lays down specific hygiene rules for food of animal origin. In particular, determination of free fatty acids content of rendered animal fat (tallow, lard, other animal fat). Legislative regulation does not contain requirements for the quality of chicken meat, the acid number of  fat of fresh or frozen chicken meat, respectively. A chicken meat is preferred over other kinds of meat. It is characterized by certain dietary and nutritional properties that consumer prefers. A price of this kind of meat remains attractive. In terms of human health, oxidative stability of chicken meat is important, especially of stored meat. In general terms, the various food additives are currently used to maintain the food stability. Great attention is currently paid to additives of natural origin. Similar focus is presented in our study. We can state, on the basis of the oxidative stability results of chicken meat, that natural feed component has its justification. This issue requires further research

Nitrate and nitrite contents in in the private ground water wells

The aim of the study was to investigation and statistical evaluation of nitrate and nitrite in ground sources of drinking water, particularly in private wells and springs in the surroundings of town Nitra, in the river basin Žitava. Samples were taken in the spring month May and the autumn month October of the same water sources. The contents of nitrate and nitrite was determined by test strips QUANTOFIX Nitrate and nitrite. The results were evaluated in the system SAS program, version 8.2. The difference of nitrate in drinking water sources between spring and autumn months was statistically evaluated by t-test. The nitrate content in drinking water samples taken from the surroundings of town Nitra, in the river basin Žitava, was measured in the spring month of May with exceeding values that exceeded the 50 mg.L-1, which is the limit value for the adult human population, in the well of municipalities Veľká Maňa, Žitavce, Michal nad Žitavou, Malá Maňa, Uľany nad Žitavou, Hul, Kmeťovo and 50 mg.L-1 was measured in spring Vlkas, in well of municipality Lúčnica nad Žitavou, Veľká Maňa, part of the Stará Hora. In the autumn month October measured nitrate content was reduced in samples taken in the municipalities Lúčnica nad Žitavou, Malá Maňa, Kmeťovo and Uľany nad Žitavou. The difference of nitrate content in water from water sources investigated in surroundings of town Nitra was not statistically significant (p >0.05) between the months May and October. The nitrite content in the same water sources in the surrounding of town Nitra was not detected