Status zdrowotny krów żywionych kiszonką z kukurydzy okrytą folią oksybiodegradowalną

In agricultural practice, silage production uses pure, low density polyethylene foil. This foil, after use, becomes farm waste, having a negative impact on the environment. Instead of conventional foil, an environmentally safe biodegradable foil can be used, made from naturally occurring polymers or from synthetic multiparticulates, easily degradable by microorganisms. Silage covered with this type of foil should be safe for animal health. The purpose of the study was to determine whether oxo-biodegradable film could be used instead of conventional film in agricultural practice, to produce silage that is safe for the cows\u27 health. Dairy cows were fed a partly mixed ratio (PMR), the component of which was silage made of whole maize plants, covered with oxo-biodegradable foil. The cow blood serum was marked for content of: glucose, total protein, cholesterol, triacylglycerols and enzyme activity: aspartic and alanine aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase and amylase. The total protein concentration in the serum of cows analyzed at the end of the experiment was higher than the commonly accepted normal values. The content of glucose, cholesterol, triacylglycerols and the activity of aspartate and alanine aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transferase, alkaline phosphatase and amylase was within reference limits. Feeding of silage from whole maize plants covered with oxo-biodegradable foil did not negatively affect the biochemical indicators of the cows\u27 blood serum. The silage proved to be safe for the cows\u27 health.W praktyce rolniczej przy produkcji kiszonek wykorzystuje sie folie z czystego polietylenu malej gestosci. Folia ta po wykorzystaniu jest w gospodarstwie odpadem, ktory ma negatywny wplyw na srodowisko. Zamiast folii konwencjonalnej moze byc stosowana bezpieczna dla srodowiska folia ulegajaca biodegradacji, wyprodukowana z polimerow pochodzenia naturalnego lub z syntetycznych zwiazkow wieloczasteczkowych rozkladanych przez mikroorganizmy. Kiszonka okryta taka folia powinna byc bezpieczna dla zdrowia zwierzat. Celem badan bylo ustalenie, czy folia oksybiodegradowalna moze byc wykorzystana zamiast folii konwencjonalnej w warunkach praktyki rolniczej do produkcji kiszonek bezpiecznych dla zdrowia krow. Krowy mleczne zywiono dawka czesciowo wymieszan. (PMR), ktorej komponentem byla kiszonka z calych roslin kukurydzy okryta folia oksybiodegradowalna. W osoczu krwi krow oznaczono zawartsc. glukozy, bialka calkowitego, cholesterolu, triacylogliceroli i aktywnosc enzymow: aminotransferazy asparaginianowej i alaninowej, γ-glutamylotransferazy, fosfatazy alkalicznej i amylazy. Stezenie bialka calkowitego w surowicy krwi krow analizowane na koniec doswiadczenia, bylo wyzsze niz ogolnie przyjete wartosci prawidlowe. Zawartosc glukozy, cholesterolu, triacylogliceroli oraz aktywnosc aminotransferazy asparaginianowej i alaninowej, γ-glutamylotransferazy, fosfatazy alkalicznej i amylazy miescily si. w granicach norm referencyjnych. Skarmianie kiszonki z calych roslin kukurydzy okrytej foli. oksybiodegradowaln. nie wplynelo ujemnie na wskasniki biochemiczne surowicy krwi krow dojnych. Kiszonka byla bezpieczna dla zdrowia krow

Wydajność, skład i jakość mleka krów żywionych kiszonką z kukurydzy okrytą folią oksybiodegradowalną

The aim of the study was to determine if oxobiodegradable film can be used as an alternative to standard film for silage making in agricultural practice. Whole-crop maize silage covered with oxobiodegradable film was fed as a component of partly mixed ration (PMR) for dairy cows. The oxobiodegradable coating used to cover the silage heap ensured that the fermentation process was normal, as evidenced by the quality parameters (pH 3.8, 72 hours of aerobic stability) and chemical composition of the silages. Fodder covered with biodegradable material contained less ammonium nitrogen than silage with standard foil (55.3 vs. 66.63 g·kg-1 N total, respectively). The concentration of lactic acid was also lower (77.75 vs. 89.65 g·kg-1 dry matter). Feeding whole-crop maize silage covered with oxobiodegradable film had no adverse effect on productivity (daily 30.65 vs. 31.17 kg fat corrected milk – FCM respectively), composition (protein – 3.33 in the experimental group vs. 3.3% in the control group, fat – 3.89 vs. 3.79%) and some technological suitability of milk.Celem badań było ustalenie, czy można w praktyce rolniczej zastosować do produkcji kiszonek folię oksybiodegradowalną jako alternatywę folii standardowej. Kiszonkę z całych roślin kukurydzy okrytą folią oksybiodegradowalną podawano jako komponent dawki częściowo wymieszanej (PMR) dla krów mlecznych. Folia oksybiodegradowalna użyta do okrycia stosu kiszonkowego gwarantowała prawidłowy przebieg procesów fermentacji, o czym świadczą parametry jakościowe kiszonek (pH 3,8, 72 godziny stabilności tlenowej) i ich skład chemiczny. Pasza okryta materiałem biodegradowalnym zawierała mniej azotu amoniakalnego niż kiszonka okryta folią standardową (odpowiednio 55,30 vs. 66,63 g·kg-1 N ogólnego). Koncentracja kwasu mlekowego również była niższa (77,75 vs. 89,65 g·kg-1 suchej masy). Skarmianie kiszonek z całych roślin kukurydzy okrytej folią biodegradowalną nie wpłynęło ujemnie na wydajność (odpowiednio 30,65 vs. 31,17 kg mleka dziennie o skorygowanej zawartości tłuszczu – FCM) i skład mleka (białko – 3,33 u krów z grupy doświadczalnej vs. 3,3% w grupie kontrolnej; tłuszcz – 3,89 vs. 3,79%) oraz wybrane parametry jego przydatności technologicznej

Effects of feeding silage of beet pulp or maize on the growth performance, meat quality, and production economics of broiler ducks

ABSTRACT: The present study aimed to compare the growth, meat quality, and production economics of Cherry Valley broiler ducks fed with a commercial diet along with silage from beet pulp or maize. In this study, 180 male Cherry Valley ducks were reared for 49 d. The control group (group C) was fed a commercial diet ad libitum. The experimental groups were fed a restricted amount of commercial diet and ad libitum beet pulp silage (group B) or maize silage (group M). For all groups, the growth performance and meat quality were analyzed, and their production costs were estimated. The beneficial effects of feeding maize silage on the growth rate were observed on d 29 to 49 in group M; moreover, both experimental groups showed lower feed intake than group C (P < 0.05). The feed conversion ratio was lower in the first rearing stage and during the entire experimental period in groups B and M than that in group C. Group M showed a higher European Production Efficiency Factor and European Broiler Index than group C (P < 0.05). The relative weight of the liver was higher in group C than that in the experimental groups (P < 0.05). Group M showed a higher L* value of leg muscles than group C (P < 0.05). Water-holding capacity was higher in leg muscles from ducks fed with silages (P < 0.05). The experimental groups had lower costs of commercial diets. Higher costs were observed for maize silage than for beet pulp silage. Carcass sales yielded the highest profit for group M and the lowest one for group C. Compared with the control group, the silage-fed groups showed a higher estimated profit by PLN 7.94 to 10.68 per duck (P < 0.05). Based on the beneficial production results, notably lower feed conversion ratio, no negative effects on carcass characteristics, and lower production costs, especially maize or even beet pulp silage in broiler duck rearing, could be recommended

Chopped straw and coffee husks affect bedding chemical composition and the performance and foot pad condition of broiler chickens

Abstract Bedding material is a crucial environmental factor for chickens. Coffee husks are waste from the industry that could be reused. The study aimed to analyze the chemical composition of various bedding types and assess their impact on the performance characteristics of broiler chickens and the incidence of footpad dermatitis (FPD). Ross 308 broilers were used in the study. Birds were divided into 3 groups (216 chickens, 72 per group). Group 1 was kept on chopped straw (S). Group 2 was kept on coffee husks (CHs), and the 3rd group (PB) was kept on pellet bedding made from S and CHs in a 1:1 ratio. The dry matter (DM), crude fiber (CF), nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) content, and the pH of the bedding were analyzed. Production results were examined during 42 days of rearing. FPD was assessed on a point scale. The tissue composition of the carcasses and qualitative physicochemical characteristics of the meat (pH, color, water holding capacity, drip loss) and bone-breaking strength were analyzed. Straw had a higher CF content. In total, the highest N content in CHs was noticed. P content was lower in the S, and K was the highest in the CHs group, followed by S and PB. The pH of the bedding was lower in the CHs group, higher in PB, and highest in S bedding. The DM was decreasing within the days of rearing. A significant interaction was demonstrated between the type of bedding and rearing days on the bedding (manure) composition. On days 1–14, FCR deteriorated in the PB group compared to the S group. The presence of FPD was significantly lower in the PB group than in the others. In the PB group, chickens had a higher slaughter yield than in the S group and a lower weight and liver share than in the CHs group. The weight and proportion of abdominal fat were higher in the group kept on S than on CHs. It can be concluded that coffee husks as a component of pellets had a beneficial effect on reducing FPD in chickens and their slaughter yield and enriched bedding with nutrients, which with poultry manure, could be a good fertilizer for agricultural soils after rearing. It could be recommended to use pelleted bedding

Production Efficiency and Utility Features of Broiler Ducks Fed with Feed Thinned with Wheat Grain

The aim of this study was to evaluate the production efficiency (economics), growth, and meat quality of ducks fed with feed partially replaced with wheat. A total of 200 ducks were reared for 49 days. Each group consisted of 50 ducks (5 pens with 10 birds). For slaughter, 10 birds per group were chosen. The control group (C) was provided with a complete feed. In the experimental groups, from 42 to 49 days, the feed was replaced with wheat grains at the level of 10% (W10), 20% (W20), or 40% (W40). In the W20 and W40 groups, the cost of feed was reduced. In the W40 group, the profit per 1 kg carcass was increased by PLN 3.34 (more than 24% higher than the C group profit). A higher percentage of pectoral muscles and intramuscular fat was observed in the W20 group, with lower water content. A lower water-holding capacity (WHC) was observed in the duck leg muscles in group W40. The muscles from the W20 group had higher protein, collagen, and water content, and the fat was highest in the W40 group. A lower toughness of cooked meat was observed in the W20 group, and lower shear force in the pectoral muscles of groups C and W40. Thinning feed with wheat grains could represent an alternative to conventional feeding of broiler ducks, owing to reduced feed costs, with no negative impact on utility features, including growth, except the share of pectoral muscle and water absorption traits

Quality characteristics, lysozyme activity, and albumen viscosity of fresh hatching duck eggs after a week's storage at various temperatures

Abstract The study aimed to analyze the qualitative features of Cherry Valley duck’ hatching eggs during storage at different temperatures. Eggs were divided into 3 equal groups with 30 eggs each: fresh egg and stored at 7 °C and 17 °C within one week. Qualitative analyses of duck eggs were carried out, considering the morphological composition, physicochemical characteristics, lysozyme activity, and albumen viscosity. The highest weight of yolk and its percentage was found in the 17 °C group. The weight and percentage of albumen were significantly the highest in the group of fresh eggs. Higher egg weight loss was observed in the group stored at higher temperatures. Higher thick albumen height and Haugh units were found in fresh eggs and eggs stored at 7 °C. Different temperatures of egg storage did not affect lysozyme activity in thick and thin albumen. Stored eggs were characterized by lower albumen viscosity only at a shear rate of 10 rpm. The higher viscosity of thick albumen compared to thin ones was demonstrated at 10 and 20 rpm shear rates. The presented research results indicate a large diversity of selected qualitative indicators of hatching duck eggs, which may affect their storage and suitability for incubation

Effects of feeding whole-grain triticale and sex on carcass and meat characteristics of common pheasants

The aim of the present research has been to determine the effect of replacing a part of commercial compound feed with whole triticale grain on the body weight (BW), body measurements, feed conversion ratio (FCR), carcass composition and meat quality of pheasants. The study involved 80 one-d-old common pheasants. From 71 to 112 d of rearing, two diets were administered: a complete commercial diet ad libitum for control pheasants and restricted amounts of a commercial diet (50%) and whole triticale grain (50%) for experimental pheasants. Each treatment consisted of 4 replications, 10 birds each. Introducing whole triticale grain did not cause significant changes in BW, body measurements, feed intake and FCR. The carcasses of 112-d-old pheasants fed whole triticale grain diet showed a significantly lower breast muscle content (%) and a significantly higher content of skin with subcutaneous fat and carcass remainders (p < .05). Breast muscles of pheasants fed commercial compound feed and whole triticale grain exhibited significantly higher hardness, chewiness and gumminess, more palmitic acid and zinc, as well as significantly less sodium, water, linoleic acid, paullinic acid, heptadeconoic acid. There were also significant changes in water and protein, the content of fatty acids in leg muscles, except for myristic acid, pentadecanoic acid, arachidonic acid and nervonic acid. Irrespective of the type of diet, males showed a significantly higher body weight, body measurements and carcass weight, and their breast muscles demonstrated significantly higher WB shear force and the amounts of protein, linoleic acid, potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and zinc

Quality and Physicochemical Traits of Carcasses and Meat from Geese Fed with Lupin-Rich Feed

The aim of the study was to analyze the quality of geese meat receiving feed with soybean meal (group 1), yellow lupin (group 2), narrow-leaved lupin (group 3), or white lupin (group 4). In total, 400 male White Kołuda&reg; geese were randomly assigned to four groups, with 10 replicates and 10 birds each, during the 77-day rearing period. After the end of the rearing period, 10 birds from each group were slaughtered and dissected. Meat quality traits were measured. Based on the production results, it can be concluded that geese use fodder with yellow and white lupin to the same degree as in the case of the control group and higher body weight gain was recorded in the first rearing period. In contrast, the use of narrow-leaved lupin in mixtures for geese worsened the feed used. Meat traits were similar in all groups, including the content of muscles and fat in the carcass (p &gt; 0.05), excluding abdominal fat. The weight of abdominal fat and its proportion in the carcass were higher (p &lt; 0.05) in geese from group 4. A higher (p &lt; 0.05) pH was found in group 1. The protein and intramuscular fat content in breast muscles was highest (p &lt; 0.05) in geese from group 4, and a higher water content was found in group 1. The protein content in leg muscles was higher in group 3, and the fat content was higher in group 4 (p &lt; 0.05). The color and water-holding capacity of meat were comparable in all groups (p &gt; 0.05). The analysis revealed a positive effect of replacing soybean meal with alternative protein sources, especially yellow and white lupin, on the growth performance and quality of goose meat