Vilienė, Vilma

As laying hens age, eggshell quality often deteriorates, laying intensity and efficient use of minerals decreases. One of the possible nutritional strategies to address these problems is the use of a biologically active form of vitamin D3 in feed. Vitamin D3 metabolites naturally occurring in Solanum glaucophyllum are characterized by high biological activity and can improve calcium and phosphorus metabolism. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of bioactive vitamin D3 metabolite from Solanum glaucophyllum on the productivity, eggshell quality and blood biochemical parameters of laying hens during the late laying period. The study was conducted under commercial conditions using 10,000 H&N Brown (Brown Nick) laying hens aged 55–67 weeks, housed on deep litter. The hens were allocated to a control group (CG; n = 5,000) fed a standard wheat–soybean diet and an experimental group (EG; n = 5,000) fed the same diet supplemented with 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol glycosides derived from Solanum glaucophyllum (500 g/t feed). Productivity, feed conversion ratio and mortality were evaluated at flock level. Eggshell quality was assessed at the beginning, middle and end of the trial (50 eggs/group at each time point), while blood biochemical parameters were determined at the beginning and end of the experiment (20 hens/group). Supplementation with bioactive vitamin D3 had a positive effect on eggshell quality and mineral metabolism. At the end of the trial, eggshells from the EG were heavier (6.45 vs. 6.05 g; P > 0.05), thicker (0.422 vs. 0.389 mm; P < 0.05), and had a higher shell proportion (10.19 vs. 9.18%; P > 0.05) than those from the CG. At the end of the experiment, higher blood concentrations of calcium (8.85 vs. 7.99 mmol/L), phosphorus (2.63 vs. 2.26 mmol/L) and vitamin D (80.28 vs. 77.38 nmol/L) were found in the EG than in the CG (P < 0.05). However, no improvement in laying performance or feed conversion efficiency was observed in the EG. These findings indicate that supplementation with bioactive vitamin D3 extracted from Solanum glaucophyllum improved eggshell quality and enhanced mineral metabolism in late-laying hens and may therefore represent a promising nutritional strategy for maintaining shell quality during the late laying period. However, these beneficial effects were not reflected in improvements in overall productive performance.

Gut health is an important factor in the welfare, productivity and quality of the housing environment of poultry. Damage to the digestive tract caused by coccidia can impair nutrient absorption, promote diarrhea, increase litter moisture and thus reduce its quality. Poor quality litter increases the risk of footpad damage and impairs broiler welfare. Therefore, alternative nutritional measures are being sought to maintain gut health, which could contribute not only to productivity, but also to better animal welfare. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of a complex feed additive on gut health, litter quality and productivity in broiler chickens. The study was conducted under commercial broiler farm conditions in 1–39-dayold ROSS 308 broiler chickens. Birds in the control group (CG) were fed a standard compound feed, and the feed of the experimental group (EG) was supplemented with a complex feed additive (1 kg/t) consisting of phytobiotics, Aspergillus oryzae fermentation products, fruit products, organic acids and minerals. Each group included 1600 birds from days 1–21 and 1100 birds after thinning from days 22–39. Productive performance was evaluated at different growth periods. Litter quality, coccidial oocyst counts in pooled fecal samples, and gastrointestinal lesions were assessed at 7, 14, 21 and 35 days of age. Gastrointestinal lesions were evaluated in five birds/group at each sampling time. The EG showed higher litter quality than the CG on day 14 of rearing (76.7% vs. 71.7%, P = 0.019). The assessment of intestinal lesions showed a lower intensity of lesions caused by Eimeria acervulina and fewer inflammatory changes in the duodenum and small intestine in the EG than in the CG. After coccidiostat withdrawal, more severe small intestinal lesions were detected in the CG (up to 3 score) than in the EG (up to 2 score). Lower coccidial oocyst excretion was observed in the EG than in the CG. Productive performance did not differ significantly between the groups. In conclusion, the complex feed additive contributed to improved litter quality and digestive tract health in broiler chickens. The lower intensity of coccidial lesions and reduced inflammatory changes indicate the potential of the feed additive to support gut health under commercial broiler production conditions.

Didėjant žmonių populiacijai, efektyvus visuomenės aprūpinimas gyvūninės kilmės maistu tampa vis didesniu iššūkiu. Siekiant užtikrinti gyvulininkystės plėtrą, efektyvus pašarinių žaliavų panaudojimas tampa vienu pagrindinių prioritetų. Šios disertacijos tikslas - išanalizuoti naujai sukurtų lietuviškų spalvotųjų kviečių veislių ir Fabaceae šeimos augalų sudėtį, sukurti technologijas, didinančias jų pridėtinę vertę tvaresnių pašarinių žaliavų gamybai bei pritaikyti in vitro virškinimo modelį, siekiant prognozuoti šių pašarinių žaliavų in vivo efektyvumą. Disertaciniame darbe pateikiamas išsamus naujai sukurtų kviečių grūdų ir ankštinių augalų sėklų biokonversijos atrinktomis pieno rūgšties bakterijų padermėmis įvertinimas, kaip novatoriškas sprendimas, siekiant pagerinti pašarinių žaliavų funkcionalumą ir maistinę vertę. Disertacijos mokslinis naujumas glūdi (I) naujai sukurtų kviečių grūdų veislių ir jų biokonversijos atrinktomis pieno rūgšties bakterijų padermėmis įtakos substratų biocheminėms modifikacijoms vertinime, (II) lęšių sėklų substrato kompleksiniame apdorojime, taikant tradicinę bei kietafazę fermentaciją ir substrato dalelių dydžio modifikacijas, (III) naujai sukurtų pašarinių žaliavų in vitro virškinimo modelio taikyme, siekiant prognozuoti jų in vivo efektyvumą. Disertacijoje išanalizuotas taikytų kompleksinių technologinių sprendimų poveikis plačiam spektrui jautrių substrato rodiklių, o sukurtos žinios suteikia daugiamatį supratimą apie augalinių žaliavų pokyčius biokonversijos metu. Skelbiami rezultatai reikšmingai prisideda prie tvarių, žiedine ekonomika pagrįstų, perdirbimo strategijų kūrimo, siejamų su augalinės kilmės išteklių efektyviu naudojimu gyvulininkystėje.

The essential oil (EO) industry generates large volumes of solid distillation residues that are commonly discarded as waste, despite their potential as a source of nutrients and bioactive compounds. This study evaluated the chemical quality and the volatile profile of four types of exhausted biomasses (EBs) obtained after steam distillation of EOs from bay laurel (Laurus nobilis), lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), lavandin (L. angustifolia × L. latifolia) and two industrial hemp specimens (Carifit1p, a breeding line, and Codimono, a cultivar), with a view to their potential valorisation in animal feeding. The nutritional composition of the distillation residues was determined according to AOAC methods, while the headspace volatile fraction was characterised by HS-SPME–GC/MS. The EBs were generally characterised by a high fibre content, with the highest crude fibre and NDF values in whole lavender and lavandin plants, whereas the industrial hemp line Carifit1p showed the highest crude protein (17.1% DM) and ash contents. The volatile profiles of the residues differed markedly from those typical of the corresponding fresh EOs: the bay laurel residue was dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons (74.5%) with strongly depleted 1,8-cineole (1.9%), while lavender and lavandin retained high levels of β-caryophyllene (35.8% and 32.4%, respectively). Industrial hemp residues were enriched in oxygenated sesquiterpenes, with caryophyllene oxide reaching 21.2% in Carifit1p and exceeding β-caryophyllene. Overall, the results indicate that EO exhausted biomasses retain a species-specific profile of fibre, residual nutrients and less volatile, less water-soluble terpenoids, supporting their potential reuse as feed ingredients and contributing to a more sustainable, near-zero-waste distillation supply chain.

The use of phytogenic feed additives is increasingly explored as a strategy to support broiler productivity and physiological functions. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a phytogenic coccidiostat on growth performance and physiological responses in broiler chickens. A total of 600 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly assigned to two groups (n = 300 per group): a control group fed a basal diet without coccidiostat supplementation and an experimental group receiving the same diet supplemented with a phytogenic coccidiostat (500 g/t). The trial lasted 35 days. Growth performance, feed conversion, mortality, blood biochemical parameters, intestinal pH, dry matter content, organ development, and ileum histomorphometry were assessed. The phytogenic coccidiostat improved growth performance, with significantly higher body weight observed at 21 and 35 days of age compared to the control group (P<0.05). Feed conversion ratio was significantly improved during the starter period (1–10 days; P<0.05). Mortality was higher in the experimental group during the finisher period (P<0.05), with no overall reduction observed. Physiological responses indicated changes in metabolic and intestinal parameters. At 35 days, total protein concentration was higher in the experimental group (P<0.05), while AST and GGT activities were increased (P<0.05). Glucose levels were reduced at 10 days (P<0.05). The phytogenic additive increased ileum and small intestinal pH and altered dry matter distribution in the gastrointestinal tract (P<0.05). Intestinal weight and length were reduced (P<0.05), whereas ileum villus height and crypt depth were increased (P<0.05). In conclusion, the phytogenic coccidiostat improved growth performance, particularly body weight and feed efficiency, while modulating physiological responses related to metabolism and intestinal function.

The increasing demand for high-quality pork is driving the search for effective nutritional strategies. Increased dietary inclusion of butyric acid and yeast cell wall components may synergistically improve growth performance and meat quality in finishing pigs, thereby meeting modern market requirements. Accordingly, this study aim of this study was to evaluate the synergistic effects of these components on growth performance and meat quality in finishing pigs. A feeding trial was conducted with 32 finishing pigs (crossbreeds, 65 days of age), allocated into two groups with four replicate pens per group. The control group received a standard diet, while the experimental group was fed the same diet supplemented with 3 kg/t of a feed additive mixture containing yeast cell wall components and butyric acid esters. The trial lasted until 179 days of age, during which growth performance was recorded. At the end, five pigs per group were slaughtered and evaluated for carcass traits and meat quality. The experimental group showed a 4% higher final body weight and a 5% lower feed conversion ratio compared to the control group. No significant differences were found in carcass traits or most meat quality parameters (P > 0.05), except for ash content, which was 0.18% higher (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the combined use of butyric acid and yeast cell wall components improved growth performance but did not significantly affect meat quality, indicating improved efficiency without compromising product quality

Background: The Žemaitukai horse is an important part of Lithuania’s cultural and genetic heritage and is considered a rare native breed. Although the breed’s origin and history are well documented, there is limited scientific information about its current phenotypic characteristics and management conditions. Stud farms play a key role in the preservation and development of this breed; therefore, comparative evaluation of horses raised in different environments can provide valuable insights into their traits and management (1). Aim: This study aimed to analyse and compare the comprehensive evaluation results and management conditions of Žemaitukai horses raised in two different stud farms (A and B). Methods: The study was conducted in two Lithuanian stud farms breeding Žemaitukai horses. A total of 10 horses were evaluated (three mares and two stallions from each stud farm) with an average age of 10 years. The research followed the anatomical– morphological methodology for evaluating horse body structure and the official evaluation rules approved by the Žemaitukai Horse Breeders Association. During the study, horse conformation, body measurements, and derived indices, gait characteristics (walk and trot), temperament traits, and housing conditions were assessed. In total, 24 body measurements were recorded and used to calculate body indices according to established formulas describing body size, conformation type, and proportionality. Gait evaluation was performed while horses were led by a handler and observed from different positions, assessing stride regularity, width, and length. Temperament was evaluated using a scoring system based on observed behavioral traits. Housing conditions on both stud farms were also compared. Statistical analysis was conducted using IBM SPSS (P < 0.05). Results: Conformation evaluation revealed nine statistically significant differences in body proportion means between horses from stud farms A and B. The largest difference was observed in the neck–chest connection score, which was 4.8 points higher in horses from stud farm A (P < 0.05). Analysis of body measurements and calculated indices revealed 16 statistically significant differences between the two groups. Horses from stud farm A showed higher values for several parameters, including croup height (11 cm higher) and small body length (11.4 cm higher) compared with horses from stud farm B (P < 0.05). Gait assessment showed that horses from stud farm B had slower walk and trot scores compared with horses from stud farm A (P < 0.05). Temperament evaluation indicated that horses from stud farm A were most frequently characterized by calmness and patience, while horses from stud farm B were described as calm and easy to handle. The most common negative trait observed was difficult handling. Housing conditions in both stud farms met general welfare requirements. Conclusion: The study revealed phenotypic and functional differences between Žemaitukai horses raised in two stud farms, particularly in body proportions, measurements, and gait characteristics. Despite these differences, housing conditions on both farms complied with welfare standards. These findings provide additional information about the current characteristics of Žemaitukai horses and may support further breeding and conservation efforts for this native Lithuanian breed.

The study aimed to evaluate the productive performance of purebred and crossbred gilts under practical production conditions in Slovakia. A total of 164 gilts representing three pure breeds (Large White, Landrace, Duroc) and three hybrid combinations (LW×LA, LA×DU, LW×DU) were assessed for growth intensity, back fat thickness and lean meat content, with all traits standardized to a live weight of 100 kg. Significant differences (P<0.001) were observed between purebred and crossbred groups. Crossbred pigs achieved faster growth (ADG100 635.93 g/day) but showed higher back fat deposition, whereas purebreds exhibited superior carcass leanness (LMC100 62.72%). Within purebreds, Duroc demonstrated the highest lean meat percentage and the lowest fat thickness, while among hybrids the LW×LA combination displayed the most favourable balance of growth and carcass traits. Correlation analysis confirmed strong biological relationships between growth and carcass parameters, particularly the antagonism between backfat and lean meat content. The findings emphasize the influence of genetic background on production efficiency and highlight the advantages of specific crossbreeding strategies in optimizing pig performance.

Rabbit farming plays an important role in sustainable livestock production, providing high-quality dietary meat. Breed and gender are among the key biological factors influencing productivity and meat characteristics. The aim of this study was to assess the impact of breed and gender on rabbit growth performance and meat quality during the fattening period. The trial included Californian and Burgundy breed rabbits of both sexes, monitored from 45 to 105 days of age. Growth indicators such as live weight before slaughter, carcass composition, dressing percentage, and muscle yields were measured. In addition, meat pH, drip loss, waterholding capacity, cooking loss, and color intensity were evaluated. Results indicated that Burgundy rabbits showed slightly higher live and carcass weights (2502.5 g and 1893.7 g) compared to Californian rabbits (2481.1 g and 1870.0 g). Dressing percentage was similar between breeds (75.67% and 75.34%), and only minor differences were observed in leg and back muscle yields. Between sexes, males tended to have higher body and carcass weights, while females exhibited marginally better muscle output and water-holding capacity. However, most differences were not statistically significant. Statistically reliable differences were found only in meat color intensity (a and b values) between the Californian and Burgundy breeds (P<0.05), indicating variation in meat pigmentation related to breed. In conclusion, while general tendencies suggest that breed and gender may influence growth and meat traits, only meat color showed statistically significant variation between breeds. These findings highlight that genetic and physiological factors may affect visual meat quality more strongly than growth performance parameters in rabbits.

Transitional stage to adulthood is usually marked by emotional instability and behavioural fluctuations, particularly among individuals experiencing mental health difficulties. Limited emotional regulation often contributes to heightened stress and ineffective emotional expression. Equine-assisted activities have been shown to enhance self-confidence and foster essential life competencies, while art therapy promotes introspection and emotional awareness. Integrating these methods may yield complementary therapeutic benefits. This study investigated the outcomes of horse-assisted art therapy among eight adolescents aged 11–16 years and five horses aged 5–18 years across three structured sessions. Equine behavioural indicators were systematically recorded and scored, and heart rate data were collected to assess physiological responses. The participants were divided into two groups based on their ages: Group 1 for those aged 11 to 13 years and Group 2 for those aged 14 to 16 years. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10) was used to evaluate stress levels. Results demonstrated progressive adaptation among the horses, with body language scores improving over time (p<0.05). Older horses exhibited greater composure, and heart rate variations aligned with behavioural observations but were not statistically significant (p> 0.05). Older adolescents displayed higher stress and broader emotional expression, whereas younger participants maintained more positive affect. Therefore, these findings underscore equine adaptability, the role of nonverbal communication, and age-related emotional differences in therapeutic contexts.