The influence of cross-breeding Zlotnicka Spotted native breed sows with boars of Duroc (D) and Polish Large White (PLW) breeds on meat quality

The aim of the study was to investigate the influence of cross-breeding of Zlotnicka Spotted sows with Duroc and Polish Large White boars on the quality of meat of crossbred fatteners. The investigation was done on 50 carcasses of fatteners from four genetic groups: Zlotnicka Spotted x Zlotnicka Spotted (n = 20), Zlotnicka Spotted x Polish Large White (n = 10), Zlotnicka Spotted x Duroc (n = 10) and Zlotnicka Spotted x (Zlotnicka Spotted x Duroc, n = 10). The analysis of pH in the longissimus and semimembranosus muscles in all the genetic groups revealed typical values of meat without qualitative deviations. No statistically significant differences between the groups were observed. Pale, soft and exudative (PSE) meat was found in one carcass of Zlotnicka Spotted x Zlotnicka Spotted group and two carcasses of Zlotnicka Spotted x Polish Large White group. The results of evaluation of physiochemical characteristics indicate very good quality of meat in all the groups of animals. The highest content of intramuscular fat, that is, 3.80%, was observed in the carcasses of the Zlotnicka Spotted x (Zlotnicka Spotted x Duroc) group. Statistical differences were found between this group and Zlotnicka Spotted x Polish Large White, in which the intramuscular fat content was 2.95%. The meat of all the genetic groups of pigs was characterised by desirable and the same colour in the profile of the longissimus muscle. However, similarly to many native breeds, this muscle was characterised by lesser lightness than breeds with high meat content. Also, the results of evaluation of sensory quality determinants, that is, flavour, juiciness, tenderness and palatability, which were higher than four points on average (one to five scale), confirmed perfect quality of the meat. To sum up, it is possible to say that the raw meat of Zlotnicka Spotted pigs and their cross-breeds with Duroc and Polish Large White breeds is characterised by good quality and because of its considerable intramuscular fat content, it has a high culinary and processing value, especially for ripening products

Influence of Effective Microorganisms and Clinoptilolite on Gut Barrier Function, Intestinal Health and Performance of Broiler Chickens during Induced <i>Eimeria tenella</i> Infection

The prohibition of certain coccidiostats in poultry has created a need to seek an alternative to control Eimeria infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of effective microorganisms (EM) in a multi-strain probiotic (Bokashi®), with clinoptilolite as a feed supplement on the mRNA expression of tight junction proteins and redox enzymes in the caecal tissue of chickens infected with E. tenella. The integrity of the intestinal barrier was tested by determining the concentration of fluorescein isothiocyanate dextran (FITC-d) in the chicken’s serum. A total of 600 1-day-old Ross 308 male chickens received diets with a 0.5% or 0.8% concentration of the probiotic together with clinoptilolite. The experiment used 5 treatment groups, and a control group, each with 5 replicates with 20 birds. The results indicate that the use of the 8 kg/t of feed multi-strain probiotic together with clinoptilolite in the diet of poultry caused a significant reduction in the number of E. tenella oocysts in the faeces and caecum and significantly improved the growth rate of chicken broilers infected with E. tenella. In addition, the probiotic and clinoptilolite enhanced antioxidant processes in the caecal mucosa and reduced oxidative stress induced by E. tenella infection

Welfare Health and Productivity in Commercial Pig Herds

In recent years, there have been very dynamic changes in both pork production and pig breeding technology around the world. The general trend of increasing the efficiency of pig production, with reduced employment, requires optimisation and a comprehensive approach to herd management. One of the most important elements on the way to achieving this goal is to maintain animal welfare and health. The health of the pigs on the farm is also a key aspect in production economics. The need to maintain a high health status of pig herds by eliminating the frequency of different disease units and reducing the need for antimicrobial substances is part of a broadly understood high potential herd management strategy. Thanks to the use of sensors (cameras, microphones, accelerometers, or radio-frequency identification transponders), the images, sounds, movements, and vital signs of animals are combined through algorithms and analysed for non-invasive monitoring of animals, which allows for early detection of diseases, improves their welfare, and increases the productivity of breeding. Automated, innovative early warning systems based on continuous monitoring of specific physiological (e.g., body temperature) and behavioural parameters can provide an alternative to direct diagnosis and visual assessment by the veterinarian or the herd keeper

The Effect of Glutamine as Feed Additive on Selected Parameters of the Nonspecific Immune Response in Pigs

The use of feed additives containing glutamine can influence the growth and development of piglets during the weaning period. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of feed supplementation with 0.5% L-glutamine on selected parameters of the nonspecific immune response of pigs. The research was carried out on 60 pigs (Polish Large White × Polish Landrace), from 28 days of age to slaughter. The obtained results showed an increased percentage of phagocytic cells (monocytes and granulocytes) and oxygen blast cells in pigs between 28 and 70 days of age, proving that non-specific immune mechanisms were stimulated, which contributed to the improvement of the processes of antigen elimination from the body. The increase in the percentage of cells expressing SWC3, CD11b/CD18+, CD14+ and CD14+CD16+ molecules on granulocytes and monocytes during this period resulted in the enhancement of the host defense mechanisms by stimulating phagocytosis and enhancing the mechanisms of a non-specific immune response. The high concentration of TNF-α and IL-1β as well as Il-10 in the experimental group indicates the cellular phenotype of the Th1-type response, and the maintenance of the immune balance between the pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses and ensuring the homeostasis of the organism