THE EFFECTS OF SOME PREBIOTIC PRODUCTS (ACTIGEN, BIOTRONIC TOP3) ON THE PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION INDICES IN BROILER CHICKENS

The prebiotics are natural or synthetic organic substances that favour the growth of beneficial microorganisms in the gastro-intestinal tract, thus maintaining the animals healthy and productive and subsequently increasing the production performances. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of prebiotic products (Actigen and Biotronic Top3) on the main production and consumption indices of broilers. The study was conducted on a 75 broiler chicken Ross-308 hybrids divided in three groups, over a period of 42 days. Group 1(E) received combined feeds with the Actigen prebiotic for 42 days as follows: 0.08% in the starter phase (1-14 days), 0.04% in the grower phase (14-35 days) and 0.02% in the finisher phase (35-42 days). The broilers in group 2(E) were administered feeds containing prebiotic Biotronic Top3 (0.1%) for the whole duration of the study. The broilers in the control group were fed the base feed only. The broilers from all groups were weighed at the beginning and every following week; their average body weight, daily weight gain, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were determined. The use of the Actigen in experimental group 1(E) led to a body mass increase of 11.26%, to an 11.54% higher daily weight gain and to the reduction of the FCR by 2.31% compared to the control group. In Group 2(E) receiving Biotronic Top3, an increase was recorded for the body mass (9.25%) and daily weight gain (9.49%), the FCR being the same as the one recorded in the control group. These results confirm the favourable influence of prebiotics on the production performances of broiler chickens

Aspects of explosion risk assessment in the case of bucket elevators

Many of the technological processes that take place in the installations in which cereal products are transported and / or stored, involve the existence of combustible dusts. These dusts may be suspended in the air, or in the form of accumulations in layers or deposits of dust of various thicknesses, and may lead to fires, explosions or catalytic decomposition in the presence of oxygen. If the combustible dusts are swirling in the air in appropriate proportions and an effective source of ignition is present, they can burn rapidly and with considerable explosive force. Given that most of the time, as a result of an explosion of combustible dust, the resulting damage is generally greater than that caused by an explosion of flammable gases, it is necessary to pay special attention to the way in which they are taken. and implemented measures to protect and prevent explosions of combustible dust. This paper highlights the principles and main factors that must be taken into account when conducting an explosion risk assessment for a bucket elevator carrying grain products, in order to establish and implement the necessary prevention and protection measures to ensure a minimum level. acceptable risk

Phyto-additives in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) nutrition

Abstract. Fodder additives have been used for a long time with notable effects. Most of them are chemically synthesized and are antibiotics derivatives. The biggest problem following their use is the development of drug-resistant bacteria. In order to overcome this downside and to abide to the new food safety regulations, a search for natural alternatives has begun and the attention has been focused on plants or plants extracts, some used for millennia as natural remedies. As they are natural substances the negative impact on fish health and environment is negligible. Phyto-additives are a relatively new class of additives and the knowledge regarding their use or mode of action is sometimes partially or totally lacking. They have multiple effects; most notable being the antimicrobial, antioxidant, immunostimulating and bioproductive effects. Phyto-additives are a heterogeneous group of additives being extracted from bulbs, roots, leaves or fruits of different plants species; they are available in many forms: dry and/or crushed or as liquids (essential oils). Research has been carried out world-wide, focusing on cultured species (rainbow trout, tilapia, and catfish) using a wide variety of plants (garlic, onion, ginger, Echinacea, nettle, sage, cinnamon) demonstrating the positive effects of the phyto-additives used. Even if they exhibit a positive influence on many parameters, their use is dose dependent, as higher or lower doses could have inhibitory effect or no effects at all

The Effect of SEBS/Halloysite Masterbatch Obtained in Different Extrusion Conditions on the Properties of Hybrid Polypropylene/Glass Fiber Composites for Auto Parts

Masterbatches from a linear poly[styrene-b-(ethylene-co-butylene)-b-styrene] (SEBS) and halloysite nanotubes (HNT-QM) were obtained in different conditions of temperature and shear using two co-rotating twin-screw extruders. The influence of screw configuration and melt processing conditions on the morpho-structural, thermal and mechanical properties of masterbatches at macro and nanoscale was studied. A good dispersion of halloysite nanotubes and better thermal stability and tensile and nanomechanical properties were obtained at a lower temperature profile and higher screw speed. The effect of masterbatches, the best and worst alternatives, on the properties of a polypropylene (PP)–glass fiber (GF) composite was also evaluated. Double hardness, tensile strength and modulus and four times higher impact strength were obtained for PP/GF composites containing masterbatches compared to pristine PP. However, the masterbatch with the best properties led further to enhanced mechanical properties of the PP/GF composite. A clear difference between the effects of the two masterbatches was obtained by nanoindentation and nanoscratch tests. These analyses proved to be useful for the design of polymer composites for automotive parts, such as bumpers or door panels. This study demonstrated that setting-up the correct processing conditions is very important to obtain the desired properties for automotive applications