Selected hematological and immunological parameters in pigs transferred from the rearing unit to the finishing house

The aim of the study was to determine how selected hematological and immunological parameters are affected when growing pigs are transferred from the rearing unit to the finishing house. Blood was collected from 64 healthy growing pigs one week before and one week after they were transferred to the finishing house. The following tests were performed: complete blood count with machine differential, immunoglobulin levels, C-reactive protein (CRP) level and cortisol level. Pigs were divided into two groups. Group A contained those pigs with a normal white blood cell (WBC) count, and Group B those with an elevated WBC count. Throughout the experiment, body weight and indoor microclimate conditions were also monitored. After transfer, the neutrophil count increased, while the lymphocyte count decreased. Hematocrit (HCT0, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) also decreased. CRP level and cortisol level increased. Red blood cell (RBC) count was higher and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) was lower in Group B. CPR level and immunoglobulin G (IgG) level were also higher. On the other hand, average daily gain (ADG) was higher in Group A. Although the presence of subclinical infections cannot be ruled out, the changes observed were probably caused by other stressogenic factors such as transport, adaptation to a new maintenance system, and worse sanitary conditions. Those with elevated WBC counts before transport were most susceptible to adaptive stress.Keywords: Pig, transfer, immunity, C-reactive protein (CRP), cortisol, immunoglobulin, stress African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(34), pp. 5258-526

Microbial contamination level of air in animal waste utilization plants

[b]Objective.[/b] The aim of this research was evaluation of microbial contamination of air within and in the vicinity of animal waste disposal plants. [b]Materials and method[/b]. Air samples were analyzed to determine total bacterial and fungal counts as well as microbial species composition. Measurements of climate conditions (temperature, humidity, air motion) and total dust concentration were also performed. [b]Results.[/b] Total numbers of bacteria and fungi surpassed the threshold limit values for production halls. The most abundant bacteria detected were those consisting of physiological microflora of animal dermis and mucosa. Fungal species composition proved to be most differentiated in the air beyond the plant area. [i]Aspergillus versicolor[/i], a pathogenic and allergenic filamentous fungus, was isolated only inside the rendering plant processing hall. [b]Conclusions.[/b] The measurement results showed a low sanitary-hygienic state of air in the plant processing halls and substantial air pollution in its immediate vicinity

Effectiveness of removal of sulphur compounds from the air after 3 years of biofiltration with a mixture of compost soil, peat, coconut fibre and oak bark

The aim of the study was to assess the impact of the duration of the use of a biofiltration bed on the efficiency of biofiltration of sulphur compounds and on the physicochemical and microbiological properties of the bed. The study was carried out at an animal waste treatment plant. Two biofiltration chambers (beds A and B) filled with different organic mixtures (compost soil, peat, coconut fibre and oak bark) were used in the biofilter. Chromatographic analysis showed a very high rate of effectiveness in the first study period, irrespective of the packaging material used. The best effects were obtained for inorganic sulphur compounds (above 99%). The duration of use of the bed material was shown to affect the efficiency of biofiltration. After 3 years of operation, thiol degradation efficiency fell below 50%. The biological decomposition of inorganic compounds (H2S + SO2) was 73% and 59.6% in beds A and B, respectively. Analysis of the biofiltration material indicated stabilization of its physicochemical parameters. Numbers of bacteria were not found to be depend on the duration of use or the type of filtering media

Nanosilver Biocidal Properties and Their Application in Disinfection of Hatchers in Poultry Processing Plants

The aim of this study was to use aqueous suspensions of silver nanoparticles with a wide spectrum of particle sizes, variable morphology, high stability, and appropriate physicochemical properties to examine their bactericidal and fungicidal properties against microorganisms present in poultry processing plants. At the same time, the particles were tested for preventing the production of odorogenous pollutants during incubation and thereby reducing the emission of harmful gases from such types of facilities. The results show that the use of nanosilver preparations in order to disinfect eggs and hatchers reduced microbiological contamination. The bactericidal and fungicidal efficacy of the applied preparation was comparable to UV radiation and its effectiveness increasing during the incubation. Good results were achieved in terms of the level of organic gaseous contaminants, which decreased by 86% after the application of the nanosilver preparation

The use of oak chips and coconut fiber as biofilter media to remove vocs in rendering process

The study evaluated the effectiveness of air biofiltration in rendering plants. The biofilter material comprised compost soil (40%) and peat (40%) mixed up with coconut fiber (medium A) and oak bark (medium B). During biofiltration average VOCs reduction reached 88.4% for medium A and 89.7% for medium B. A positive relationship of aldehyde reduction from material humidity (r = 0.502; α<0.05) was also noted. Other biomaterial parameters did not affect the treatment efficiency

Concentrations of dioxins, furans and dioxin-like PCBs in natural animal feed additives

The study aimed to assess the concentration of dioxins, furans, and dioxin-like polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in natural feed additives used in animal nutrition. The research material consisted of four natural sorbents used as feed additives registered in the EU. The samples were analysed for the content of six octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxins (OCDDs) congeners, nine octachlorodibenzofurans (OCDFs) and fourteen dL-PCBs, and seven PCB congeners. Detailed analysis was performed using gas chromatography with high-resolution mass spectrometry. Analysing the results of congeners of individual sorbents, it was found that they were below the limit of detection or quantification and can be used as feed additives

Effect of Fermented Rapeseed Meal on the Gastrointestinal Microbiota and Immune Status of Rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

The present study was conducted to determine the effect of the use of varying amounts of fermented rapeseed meal in diets for rabbits on the immune status and microbiota of segments of the GIT. Forty 35 day old rabbits used in the experiment were assigned to four groups: the control group (group C) were fed a standard diet and the experimental received 4%, 8% or 12% fermented rapeseed meal (included in place of standard soybean meal). Class A, G and M immunoglobulins were determined in the blood plasma. In the food content collected after slaughter, microbiological parameters were determined for individual sections of the digestive tract. Rabbits from the groups receiving a diet with an increased proportion of fermented rapeseed meal (8% or 12%) had lower concentrations of anaerobic bacteria and Escherichia coli in the intestinal contents. Research has shown that the increase in intake of fermented rapeseed meal was correlated with an increase in the correlations between the immunoglobulin level and the size of the microbial population in the GIT. In light of the presented results fermented rapeseed meal, by supplying valuable bioactive substances, appears to be a good component in the diet of rabbits, enhancing immune system development and helping to prevent disturbances of the gut microbiota

Evaluation of microbial contamination of feces and soil on a laying-hen farm depending on sampling site and season

ABSTRACT The objective of the present study was to evaluate soil collected from a laying-hen farm and bird manure according to the season of the year and sampling site. Soil samples were taken at the poultry facility wall and at the distances of 15 m and 45 m from the building. Bird feces samples were collected inside the poultry house at the entrance and at 1/4 and 1/2 length of the building. Soil and bird feces samples were evaluated by bacteriological qualitative and quantitative analyses. The largest bacterial load was determined in the samples taken at the poultry facility wall in December/January. Soil microbial contamination degree was low. The highest bacterial count in bird manure was found in the samples collected at 1/2 length of the hen house at the end of December/January. The qualitative study of bird feces showed the presence of E. coli bacteria all through the research period and Enterobacter spp. in the samples taken from July until September. Microbial contamination of soil environment and bird feces is most likely to be affected by winter period as at that time the highest microbial population can be determined. This fact may be linked to the prevailing climatic and microclimatic conditions

Estimating Methane Emissions from a Dairy Farm Using a Computer Program

The aim of our study was to estimate methane (CH4) emissions from a dairy cattle farm using a computer application. Emissions of CH4 in the air were forecast for a representative dairy farm raising Holstein-Friesian cows. The cowshed was equipped with a mechanical forced ventilation system with a centrally located ventilation duct. The volume of emissions from the emitter was established, taking into account meteorological conditions. For one year of operation of the emitter, the average annual emission was 1.301 kg/h. The maximum emission of CH4 was estimated at 3.51 kg/h. These data can be helpful in estimating the environmental burden of a dairy farm and in determining the role of ruminants in global warming