Ukrainian Journal of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences
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Characteristics of nitrogen transformation processes in pig manure dur-ing fattening with the use of the biodestructor Sanaero
Intensive pork production is accompanied by the accumulation of large volumes of manure, which serves as a source of ammonia and other gaseous compounds that deteriorate the sanitary and hygienic conditions of housing facilities and negatively affect the environment. The aim of the study was to investigate the processes of nitrogen transformation in liquid pig manure during fattening with the use of the developed biodestructor Sanaero. The research was conducted on three pig farms during the fattening period from day 76 to day 160. The content of ammonium and ammonia was determined on days 2, 5, 9, 13, and 17 of manure pit filling at ambient temperatures of +20…+25 °C and +15…+17 °C. It was established that the application of the biodestructor resulted in more intensive mineralization of organic compounds and accumulation of ammonium during the first 5–13 days (1.5–2.3 times higher compared to the control), indicating activation of ammonification processes. At the same time, the ammonia concentration in the experimental samples was 1.5–2.0 times lower than in the control, demonstrating reduced nitrogen losses in volatile form and inhibition of ammonium conversion into gaseous ammonia. At temperatures of +15…+17 °C, nitrogen transformation processes occurred somewhat more slowly at the initial stages; however, the overall dynamics remained unchanged, and the efficiency of the biodestructor remained stable. The obtained results confirm that the use of the biodestructor Sanaero contributes to reducing ammonia emissions, improving the environmental performance of pig farms, and preserving nitrogen in manure as a potentially valuable fertilizer. The application of the biodestructor represents a promising biotechnological approach to optimizing manure bioconversion processes and minimizing the negative environmental impact of livestock production systems
Determination of bactericidal activity of organic acids relative to Campylobacter spp. isolates
The relevance of the study lies in the widespread occurrence of Campylobacter in poultry products and their significant role in the occurrence of human foodborne toxic infections. One promising direction for improving the microbiological safety of poultry products is the use of effective methods to reduce bacterial contamination of carcasses during primary processing. The article presents the results of determining the bactericidal activity of lactic, citric, and acetic acids against Campylobacter isolates. The studies were performed in vitro using Campylobacter spp. isolated from poultry meat and identified in accordance with ISO 10272-1:2017. The bactericidal activity of organic acids was evaluated by the suspension method at different concentrations of working solutions and exposure times of 5–30 min, followed by the growth of microorganisms on nutrient media. The results were confirmed by crop re-isolation on selective dense media for Campylobacteria. It was established that all studied organic acids show pronounced bactericidal activity against C. jejuni and C. coli. The minimum bactericidal concentration of lactic acid for both species was 1.0 % at exposures of at least 20 min. Citric acid provided complete inhibition of C. jejuni growth at concentrations of 0.5 % (exposure ≥20 min), for C. coli at 1.0 % (exposure ≥ 15 min), or 0.5 % at exposures of at least 20 min. Acetic acid exhibited a bactericidal effect on C. jejuni at a concentration of 0.5 % and an exposure of 25–30 min, and on C. coli at 0.5 % and an exposure of at least 25 min or 1.0 % on exposures of 10 min or more. Concentrations of organic acids below 0.5 % have been shown not to provide a reliable bactericidal effect and to exhibit only a bacteriostatic effect. The results indicate the high efficiency of organic acids as available, safe antimicrobial agents for controlling contamination with Campylobacter spp. in raw materials and poultry products. The established minimum bactericidal concentrations can be used to substantiate technological decontamination regimes and improve food safety management systems in the poultry processing industry
Clinical experience with ASD-based adjuvant therapy for wound regeneration in cats
Wound healing in cats remains a clinically relevant challenge due to species-specific anatomical features, prolonged inflammatory responses, and a relatively high risk of delayed epithelialization. The present case report evaluated the clinical efficacy and systemic safety of topical application of ASD fraction 3 ointment as an adjuvant therapy for the treatment of a cervical skin wound in a cat, with particular emphasis on wound healing dynamics, inflammatory status, metabolic balance, and potential adverse effects. At the initiation of treatment (Day 1), the cat presented with an open, round wound located in the cervical region, measuring 4.75 cm in diameter. The wound surface exhibited moderate edema, hyperemia of the surrounding tissues, and serosanguineous exudation, consistent with the inflammatory phase of wound healing. Topical ASD fraction 3 ointment was applied according to the treatment protocol, and the animal was monitored through regular clinical examinations as well as serial hematological and biochemical assessments conducted on Days 1, 7, 14, and 21. By Day 7 of treatment, a marked reduction in wound size was observed, with the wound area decreasing to approximately 65–70 % of the initial value. This reduction was accompanied by a noticeable decrease in exudation, contraction of the wound margins, and formation of viable granulation tissue. By day 14, further wound contraction was recorded, with the residual wound area reduced to approximately 20–25 % of baseline, indicating active epithelialization and progression toward tissue repair. Complete clinical wound healing was achieved by Day 21, characterized by full restoration of skin integrity and the formation of a thin, elastic scar without signs of inflammation or local complications. Hematological evaluation at baseline revealed moderate leukocytosis with neutrophilia, reflecting an active localized inflammatory response. During the course of treatment, leukocyte counts and differential parameters progressively normalized, indicating effective resolution of inflammation. Biochemical analysis demonstrated transient hypoproteinemia and hypoalbuminemia at the initial stage, followed by gradual normalization during healing. Liver and renal function markers remained within physiological reference ranges throughout the observation period, suggesting the absence of systemic toxicity associated with the topical use of ASD fraction 3 ointment. In conclusion, topical application of ASD fraction 3 ointment was associated with favorable wound healing dynamics, controlled inflammatory response, maintenance of metabolic balance, and no detectable adverse systemic effects. These findings suggest that ASD-based topical therapy may represent a promising adjunctive option for wound management in cats, warranting further controlled and comparative studies
Isolation of bacillus licheniformis from quails and selection of highly antagonistic strains for the development of a synbiotic preparation
The article presents the results of microbiological studies of 167 samples of ligated intestines collected from quails in farms of the Kyiv region. From the pathological material, 33 isolates (19.8 % of the samples studied) were obtained and identified as Bacillus licheniformis. After confirmation of the typical properties characteristic of this species, the isolates were assigned the status of strains (BLf-). The antagonistic properties of the 33 Bacillus licheniformis strains were studied in vitro using Gram-positive and Gram-negative indicator test cultures (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538, Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 15442, Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Salmonella typhimurium ATCC 29630) by applying the perpendicular streak method and the distant antagonism method. Using the perpendicular streak method with the indicated test cultures, zones of growth inhibition were detected in certain strains. Determination of strain activity by the distant antagonism method, which is quantitative, made it possible to clearly establish the antagonism of bacillary strains against the test cultures used. As a result of the study, 9 strains (5.4 %) of Bacillus licheniformis with high and very high levels of antagonism simultaneously against all test cultures were identified. These strains of Bacillus licheniformis are considered promising for the development of a synbiotic preparation. The strains were selected and lyophilized for further studies to determine their antibiotic sensitivity, as this is a prerequisite for the safety of synbiotic preparations
Antioxidant and immune status of puppies spontaneously infected with toxocariasis
Toxocariasis is one of the most widespread helminth infections in dogs and has significant veterinary, sanitary-epidemiological, and social importance, particularly due to the high susceptibility of puppies to infection. The disease is accompanied by damage to various organs and systems, the development of metabolic and immunological disorders, and may remain latent for a long time, complicating timely diagnosis and prevention. Processes of lipid peroxidation and dysfunction of the antioxidant defense system play an important role in the pathogenesis of toxocariasis and are closely associated with changes in the organism's immune reactivity. This study aimed to comprehensively assess the antioxidant and immune status of puppies spontaneously infected with toxocariasis. The study was conducted on puppies aged 4–6 months, divided into a control group (clinically healthy animals) and an experimental group (puppies infected with Toxocara spp. spontaneously). Blood samples were analyzed to determine the intensity of lipid peroxidation, the activity of key enzymes of the antioxidant and glutathione systems, and indicators of cellular, humoral, and nonspecific immune resistance. The results demonstrated that toxocariasis infection in puppies is accompanied by pronounced oxidative stress, as evidenced by a 2.7-fold increase in diene conjugate levels and a 1.7-fold increase in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances compared with clinically healthy animals. At the same time, a substantial decrease in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, and in the content of reduced glutathione, was observed, indicating depletion of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic components of the antioxidant defense system. Immunological studies revealed suppression of the cellular, humoral, and phagocytic components of the immune system, including decreases in the numbers of T and B lymphocytes, bactericidal and lysozyme activities of blood serum, phagocytic activity of neutrophils, and the phagocytic index, against the background of a significant increase in circulating immune complexes. The obtained data indicate that toxocariasis in puppies leads to an imbalance in the oxidative immune system and the development of secondary immunodeficiency, which substantiates the feasibility of a comprehensive assessment of the body’s protective systems and may serve as a scientific basis for developing approaches to the prevention and pathogenetic correction of toxocariasis in dogs
Bactericidal activity and sanitary–microbiological effectiveness of the biocidal preparation “Crezonid”
Under modern conditions of veterinary medicine and industrial livestock production, effective disinfection has acquired strategic importance as a key component of biosecurity systems, prevention of infectious diseases, and containment of antimicrobial resistance within the One Health concept. High microbial load, significant organic contamination (blood, feces, feed residues), and the ability of pathogens to form biofilms substantially reduce the effectiveness of many traditional disinfectants. Therefore, the development and comprehensive evaluation of new biocidal preparations combining high antimicrobial activity, stability in the presence of protein impurities, and an acceptable safety profile are highly relevant. The aim of the study was to experimentally investigate the bactericidal activity of the biocidal preparation “Crezonid” and to determine its sanitary–microbiological effectiveness against opportunistic microorganisms. The study was conducted using the suspension method in accordance with DIN EN 1656:2010-03, DSTU EN 1040:2004, and EN 12353 standards, employing test cultures of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922 and Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 at a concentration of 2 × 10⁹ CFU/cm³. It was established that “Crezonid” exhibits pronounced bactericidal action: the minimum effective concentration is 0.5 % with an exposure time of 30 minutes, ensuring complete inhibition of both test microorganisms. At a concentration of 1.0 %, the bactericidal effect was observed after 10 minutes of exposure. The bactericidal dilutions were 1:240 for E. coli and 1:320 for S. aureus (10-minute exposure without protein load). The phenol coefficient, calculated relative to reference phenol, reached 2.8 for E. coli and 3.4 for S. aureus, indicating a 2.8–3.4-fold higher bactericidal activity compared to phenol. Special attention was paid to the preparation’s resistance to organic contamination. The protein index, defined as the ratio of bactericidal dilutions without protein to those in the presence of inactivated bovine blood serum, was 2.95 (calculated 2.9–3.0) for E. coli and 3.15 (3.1–3.2) for S. aureus without load; in the presence of protein, it was 1.3 and 1.4, respectively. Such low index values (1.3–1.4) indicate minimal reduction in effectiveness under conditions typical of livestock facilities, representing a significant advantage compared to phenol (index 2.0–2.2) and some quaternary ammonium compound–based agents (1.6–1.8). Comparative analysis with analogues (“Chas Pik”, “Biokontakt,” phenol) confirmed that “Crezonid” exceeds or is not inferior to competitors in terms of phenol coefficient and bactericidal dilution, while demonstrating superior resistance to protein load. This allows the preparation to be recommended for use at lower working concentrations, contributing to economic efficiency and reducing toxic load on personnel and the environment. The obtained data substantiate the feasibility of using the biocidal preparation “Crezonid” for preventive and emergency disinfection of surfaces, equipment, and vehicles in veterinary practice, livestock complexes, and veterinary–sanitary control facilities. Prospects for further research are associated with studying the agent’s effectiveness under real production conditions, evaluating its activity against biofilms, and assessing its spectrum of action against a wider range of pathogens, including mycobacteria and spore-forming microorganisms
Clinical and biological significance of DNA markers in mastitis in cows of the Ukrainian Red Dairy breed
Mastitis in dairy cattle is one of the most common production-related pathologies, causing significant economic losses in the dairy industry and negatively affecting animal health and milk quality. Under modern livestock conditions, the search for DNA markers associated with resistance or susceptibility to mastitis has become particularly important. The aim of this study was to determine the clinical and biological significance of BoLA-DRB3 gene polymorphisms in Ukrainian Red dairy cattle (URD) in relation to mastitis. Genotyping of 97 animals was performed using PCR-RFLP with restriction endonucleases RsaI, HaeIII, and BstYI (XhoII). A total of 34 BoLA-DRB3.2 alleles were identified, six of which were informative. Statistical analysis revealed two alleles that met the criteria for DNA markers: BoLA-DRB3.2*26 (P < 0.01) was associated with increased susceptibility to mastitis, whereas BoLA-DRB3.2*28 (P < 0.05) was a marker of resistance. Comparative analysis with two other native breeds – Ukrainian Black-and-White Dairy (UBWD) and Ukrainian Red-and-White Dairy (URWD) – showed no direct overlap of DNA markers, except for allele BoLA-DRB3.2*22. The findings confirm that the BoLA-DRB3 polymorphism can serve as a molecular marker for assessing genetic predisposition to mastitis and for developing breeding programs. The practical significance of this study lies in the possibility of implementing genetically based preventive and therapeutic measures that will contribute to improved productivity, the preservation of herd health, and the rational utilization of domestic genetic resources
The state of the antioxidant system in young sheep with trace element diseases
Microelements are essential for the normal functioning of the body's antioxidant system. Their deficiency causes disruptions in the functioning of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems, leading to oxidative stress. This study aimed to investigate the impact of Cobalt, Copper, Zinc, and Iron deficiency on the antioxidant system status in the bodies of Precoce breed lambs. The study was conducted at the NEPC “Komarnivske” in the Horodok district of the Lviv region on lambs aged 3–5 months. 60 % of the lambs had satisfactory body condition, medium body structure, compact constitution, dull wool, dry skin with reduced elasticity, 80 % exhibited hypothermia, and 35 % had anemic visible mucous membranes, moderately moist, intact, without layering or swelling. Upon auscultation, 20 % of the lambs showed weakened fist and second heart tones, and 10 % exhibited splitting and doubling of these tones. Reduced appetite and distorted taste were noted, manifested by bedding consumption. Blood analysis of sick animals revealed deficiencies of Cobalt (28.3 %; P < 0.001), Copper (33.4 %; P < 0.001), Zinc (27.3 %; P < 0.01), and Iron (16.1 %; P < 0.001), an increase in lipid hydroperoxides by 37.7 % (P < 0.001), TBK-active products by 17.0 % (P < 0.001), a decrease in glutathione peroxidase activity by 21.7 % (P < 0.001), glutathione reductase by 20.6 % (P < 0.001), superoxide dismutase by 37.1 % (P < 0.001), and catalase by 22.4 % (P < 0.001) compared to clinically healthy animals. A positive correlation was established between the content of Copper and TBK-active products (r= +0.334), Cobalt and TBK-active products (r= +0.543), Cobalt and glutathione peroxidase activity (r= +0.302), Cobalt and catalase activity (r=+ 0.350), Zinc and reduced glutathione (r= +0.488). Therefore, in lambs with microelement deficiencies, oxidative stress occurs with significant differences in antioxidant status, as reflected in the evaluation of certain enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants between clinically healthy and microelement-deficient lambs. Serum activity of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, lipid hydroperoxide levels, TBK-active products, and reduced glutathione may serve as diagnostic indicators of antioxidant status in sheep with microelement deficiencies
The effectiveness of using a water-soluble lipid complex in feeding young laying hens
The research aimed to examine the effectiveness of using fermented water-soluble lipid complex (ELC – essential lipid complex) in the amount of 0.4–1.0 % instead of soybean oil in the amount of 0.5–0.6 % on the growth and development of replacement young laying hens of the Loman LSL-classic cross. The studies were conducted in the conditions of the farm (FG) “Zahid-Ptytsia”. The control and experimental groups received balanced crude protein, metabolizable energy, amino acids, minerals, and vitamins. The control group received 0.6 % soybean oil from one day to 27 days and 0.5 % from 28 to 56 days. Experimental groups II, III, and IV received 0.5–0.4 %, 0.7–0.6 %, and 1.0–0.9 %, respectively. As a result of the research, it was found that adding a fermented water-soluble lipid complex had a positive effect on the growth and development of replacement young laying hens. In particular, the live weight at 112 days of age was within the recommended standard but was highest in the control group. However, all experimental groups had an advantage in developing reproductive organs. Ovarian weight was greater by 4.19, 11.24, and 5.14 % in groups II, III, and IV, respectively. The oviduct length was higher by 6.24, 14.20, and 4.31 %, respectively, in groups II, III, and IV. In terms of the development of secondary sexual characteristics, particularly the height of the comb, 112-day-old chickens of groups III and IV had an advantage by 2.94 %. Regarding the number of flight feathers, group III had an advantage of 4.88 %. An essential element of the technology of raising chickens is the cost of feed, which is about 70 % of the cost structure. In the II experimental group, feed costs were lower by 6.56 %, III by 8.92 %, and IV by 14.24 %. During the growing period, the cost of compound feed for growing one head decreased by 113.44 grams or 14.20 %. An essential element of the technology of raising chickens is the cost of feed, which is about 70 % of the cost structure. Feed consumption in the II experimental group was lower by 6.56 %, in the III – by 8.92 %, and in the IV – by 14.24 %. During the growing period, the cost of compound feed for growing one head decreased by 96–170 g or 1,81–3,20 %. If feed costs account for 70 % of the cost structure, then the cost of rearing was reduced due to the reduction in feed costs. The rearing efficiency will ultimately be known from the egg production results
Effectiveness of using fermented soybean oil in feeding broiler chickens
The research aimed to study the effect of a fermented water-soluble fatty acid complex obtained from soybean oil on growing broiler chickens' efficiency, digestive processes, and meat quality. To determine the optimal dose and effectiveness of the fermented lipid complex, which contains palmitic, stearic, oleic, linoleic, arachidonic, linoleic and other lipid compounds, an experiment was conducted on four groups of broiler chickens, crossbred Cobb-500, starting from 14 days of age. As a result of the research, it was found that replacing soybean oil with a fermented water-soluble complex of fatty acids contributes to an increase in the live weight of broiler chickens throughout the entire growing period. The highest live weight gain was from 28 to 35 days of growing, which amounted to an additional 7.80–8.14 %. At the end of cultivation, the difference was 4.90–6.08 %. From 28 to 35 days, the highest absolute, average daily, and relative gains were observed. In the final period, the absolute gains were 715–755 g. The highest gains were in the II and III experimental groups. The study of indicators characterizing meat quality indicates an increase in the muscles of the sternum and thigh, dry matter, crude protein, and glycogen. In the muscles of the sternum of the experimental group, there was a higher level of amino nitrogen, tryptophan, and partly oxyproline. However, in the experimental group, the tryptophan/hydroxyproline ratio was higher by 12.81, which may indicate an improvement in the completeness of the sternum proteins. The content of total lipids in the experimental group was slightly lower. Accounting for feed consumption for growing broiler chickens indicates better feed conversion in the experimental groups. The lowest feed consumption was in all age periods in the experimental groups by 5.06–9.45 %. Consumption per 1 kg of gain was lower and amounted to 1.62–1.78 kg in the experimental groups compared to 1.89 kg in the control group. Therefore, replacing soybean oil with fermented lipid complex of fatty acids (ELC) in the amount of 1.20–4.30 %, depending on the growing period, contributes to increased live weight gain, improved meat quality, and reduced feed consumption