WELFARE AND ENVIRONMENTAL REGULATIONS IN ANIMAL PRODUCTION

E. von BORELL^a)
a) Martin-Luther-Univ. Halle-Wittenberg, Institute of Animal Breeding and Husbandry with Veterinary Clinic, Adam-Kuckhoff-Str. 35, D-06108 Halle, Germany

Review article
Language: English

ABSTRACT
Apart from the European Conventions and Directives, other international welfare and environmental standards for farm animal production are not existent. Each country should have its own policies in this regard but international trade with live animals or animal products can lead to distortions in competitiveness between countries differing in their standards. Under the new GATT/WTO regulations there are no restrictions so far to prevent imports to the EU from countries that produced under less strict animal welfare or environmental standards. Therefore, European endeavours for welfare improvement and environmental standards will not be limited to Europe. With regard to welfare standards on animal transportation and laboratory animals, current endeavours are already oriented towards international agreements aimed to improve welfare for animal trade and to set uniform standards and measures to reduce laboratory testing with animals.

Key word: animal welfare, environment, livestock production, legislation, EU

THE EFFORTS FOR SUSTAINABLE ANIMAL PRODUCTION IN SLOVENIA

J. OSTERC^a)
a) Univ. of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Fac., Zootechnical Dept., Groblje 3, SI-1230 Domžale, Slovenia

Review article
Language: English

ABSTRACT
The Slovenians have been aware of environment protection. Consumers require sustainable agriculture and high quality agricultural products. Animal production is the most important agricultural branch in Slovenia. The article explains the term and importance of sustainable animal production. Sustainable cattle and sheep grazing have been in progress for 20 years. Financial supports were introduced for production of suckler cows, sheep, goats and mares in 1995, for which the interest is significant. In three years time the number of animals whose production is financially supported has doubled. In 1997 nearly 50 % of cows that were not included in milk production (17 % of all cows) were supported, and more than 50 % of breeding goats and sheep too. Financial supports depend on the quality of farm lands and amounted to 22,000 Sit on average per suckler cow, 2,200 Sit per breeding sheep or goat and 8,200 Sit per mare in 1997.

Key words: Slovenia, sustainable agriculture, livestock production, Slovenia

EFFICIENCY OF DIFFERENT AMOUNT OF CATTLE DUNG ON SOIL MICROORGANISMS AIMING AT FARM ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION

Zlata MILAKOVIĆ^a), Ž. BUKVIĆ, Suzana BRKIĆ, R. ZIMMER and R. EMERT
^a) J. J. Strossmayer Univ. of Osijek, Agricultural Fac., Trg sv. Trojstva 3, CRO-31000 Osijek, Croatia

Original scientific paper
Language: English

ABSTRACT
An exact vegetation experiment regarding investigation of efficiency of different liquid amount enriched with technological liquid waste on prevalent microbiological associations in soil type loessive semigley was set out at a farm in Eastern Croatia during 1997.The experiment variants were as follows: 1. liquid manure with disinfectants in the following doses: 1 l/m² (30 kg N/ha), 1.5 l/m² (45 kg N/ha), 2 l/m² (60 kg N/ha), 3 l/m² (90 kg N/ha); 6.5 l/m² (195 kgN/ha); 2. NPK (180:110:160 kg/ha); 3. control - nonfertilized soil. Amounts of liquid farmyard manure enriched with disinfectants applied into tilth soil layer are very significant for condition and activity of physiological groups of microorganisms .Thus, smaller doses (1-3 l/m²) cause lower and relatively short term decrease of aminoheterotrophies, aminoautotrophies and asymbiotic nitrogen fixers (A. chroococcum). Higher doses (6.5 l/m²) cause stronger and long term decrease of the same physiological groups of microorganisms.

Key words: microorganisms, environment, liquid manure, livestock production, soil

SILAGE EFFLUENT AND WATER POLLUTION

Jasna M. A. STEKAR^a)
a) Univ. of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Fac., Zootechnical Dept., Groblje 3, SI-1230 Domžale, Slovenia

Review article
Language: English

ABSTRACT
Silage effluent was known to pollute ground water already in 1950 in Germany and Great Britain. In Germany an order was adopted in 1957 to prevent the silage effluent flow into ground water. Silos should be water proofed and effluent containers acid resistant. In Great Britain river pollution has been monitored for a long time and statistical data on cases and sources of pollution are being collected. In Great Britain and in Ireland it was found out that cases of river pollution with silage effluent depend on the amounts of produced silage. Analyses of water pollution with silage effluent showed that silos and containers were not water proofed and not well minded at ensiling. In Great Britain legislation on water protection was adopted in 1991, in which the silage production, collecting and storing of effluent and silage bales are strictly determined. Farmers will need help from experts and financial supports.

Key words: silage effluent, ecology, water, pollution, livestock production

LEGISLATION OF ANIMAL CARE AND PROTECTION

Gabriella BARACS^a)
a) Debrecen Agricultural Univ., College of Agriculture, Dept. of Environmental and Social Sciences, Andrássy út 15, H-6800 Hódmezovásárhely, Hungary

Review article
Language: English

ABSTRACT
During the history of mankind, animals were used as source of food and workforce, so the animals have a great economical significance. Ethical, organizational and legal regulations are required to protect animals. The essay presents the EU agreements and the Hungarian Animal Protection Law. The proper protection of animals is essential in joining the European Union. The new regulation seems to provide a proper treatment of this matter.

Keywords: animal rights, protection, care, organizations, EU, agreements

ENVIRONMENTAL INTERACTIONS IN AN EXTENSIVE OUTDOOR KEEPING SYSTEM FOR PIGS

Z. HÁZAS^a), A. HORN and S. KÖRMENDI
^a) Pannon Agricultural Univ., Fac. of Animal Science, Guba S. u. 40, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary

Research note
Language: English

ABSTRACT
These investigation were performed with the objective of studying interactions between intensive meat type pigs in outdoor production and their environment. The observations made in the present study indicate that the pigs brought about changes in the structure of the soil and the composition of the fauna of these land areas. The animals exhausted the supply of the plant species they favoured, and those not consumed due to the harmful alkaloids they contained multiplied on the sites. On examination of the water of the brook providing drinking water it was found that in the period of the study the presence of the animals exerted a measurable effect on the sites, but the parameters determined in the effluent water were of values far behind the lower limit values for damage to the environment. Fresh air, the possibility for free movement, and the natural sources of feedstuffs available all had a beneficial effect on the state of health of the animals, their reproductive activity and their meat quality. Outdoor keeping resulted in favourable influence on the reproduction traits of the pigs: the fertilisation ratios (above 85 %) were higher than those characteristic of closed keeping systems. Nor were the data for reproduction less favourable, but rearing mortality proved to be at different levels on the two sites studied.

Keywords: pig breeding, outdoor keeping, extensive keeping, environment

STUDIES ON THE BEHAVIOUR OF GOOSLINGS UNDER INTENSIVE CONDITIONS

M. MOLNÁR^a), T. MOLNÁR and F. BOGENFÜRST
^a) Pannon Agricultural Univ., Fac. of Animal Science, Guba S. u. 40, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary

Preliminary report
Language: English

ABSTRACT
In order to develop rearing and laying technologies under intensive conditions it has great importance to examine the behaviour of geese. Eating, drinking, resting, preening, playing and social behaviours were picked out from the comfort behaviours in our research. Comparing our results to those presented in the literature we could state that changes in comfort behaviours of geese in first 7 weeks are similar to those of pekin, muscovy and mulard ducks. Differences were found in rates of appearing frequency of the several behaviour forms. Decrease in eating, drinking and playing time, and higher rate of resting time inform us about lower activity of geese than of ducks in first weeks of rearing. Strong correlation between drinking and eating time shows the importance of continuous supply of geese with good quality drinking water ad the necessary condition to achieve demanded weight gain. Medium correlation between drinking and playing and between eating and playing can explain higher level of feed and water waste.

Key word: geese, ethology, behaviour

CORRELATION OF FEED CONVERSION WITH WEIGHT GAIN AND CHICKENS MORTALITY

D. BODAKOŠ^a), Ž. BUKVIĆ, I. BOGUT and Zlata MILAKOVIĆ
^a) Croatia Chamber of Commerce, Country Osijek, Evropske avenije 13, CRO-31000 Osijek, Croatia

Original scientific paper
Language: English

ABSTRACT
Feed costs participate with over 50 % in a price per kilogram of fattened chicken. Each impact affecting increase, i.e. feed consumption decrease is very important regarding economic aspect. Mortality as one of the factors affecting feed conversion indicated varying largely in shifts of the same sector whereas varying from 5.62 % (sector I) to 7.40 % (sector III) was at the whole farm in our investigation. Calculated coefficient of simple correlation proved that there is correlation between feed conversion and mortality percentage at the end of fattening period in all sectors and for the farm averagely. Each kilogram of fattened chickens live weight is more expensive by higher feed amount. It makes every kilogram of fattened chickens more expensive by 0.048 kg at 5.61 % mortality whereas it increases 0.065 kg at 7.40 % mortality which causes higher feed consumption and economically more expensive fattening.

Key words: chickens, animal nutrition, feed conversion, weight gain, mortality

CHANGES IN MAGNETIC RESONANCE RELAXATION TIMES IN THE MUSCLE TISSUE OF BROILER CHICKENS

Z. PETRÁSI^a), R. ROMVÁRI, I. TAKÁCS, Z. SÜTŐ and I. REPA
^a) Pannon Agricultural Univ., Fac. of Animal Science, Guba S. u. 40, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary

Preliminary report
Language: English

ABSTRACT
In the course of this experiment two samples per occasion and per sex were taken from the breast muscle of the broiler chickens studied on eight examination dates (at hatching and at the age of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 weeks), which were then subjected to NMR proton spectroscopy examination. The procedure involved the recording of T1 and T2 relaxation times (directly at the time of sampling, and then 1, 3, 6, and 9 hours subsequent to this), and for the purpose of the quantitative examination of the water fractions multiexponential analysis of the T2 curves was also performed. The results obtained, which may be regarded to be of a preliminary nature, indicate that three stages can be distinguished in the changes occurring in the water fractions of the breast muscle tissue. In the first week of life relaxation times decreased in parallel with decrease in tissue water content. Between the second and the fifth week no change in the T1 times was observed, the T2 times increased continuously, and the ratio of slow components decreased from 54 % at one day of age to 35 %. Finally, in the last week of the examination period, both the T1 and the T2 relaxation times decreased, while the ratio of slow components once more approached 50 %.

Key words: broilers, muscles, relaxation time, spectroscopy

EFFECT OF FEED RESTRICTION DURING THE LAYING PERIOD ON THE REPRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCES OF GEESE KEPT UNDER INTENSIVE CONDITIONS

F. BOGENFÜRST^a)
a) Pannon Agricultural Univ., Fac. of Animal Science, Guba S. u. 40, H-7400-Kaposvár, Hungary

Professional paper
Language: English

ABSTRACT
In a 2 x 2-factor experiment: ad libitum [1], ad libitum+methionine supplementation [2], 220 g/day restriction [3] and 220 g/day restriction+methionine supplementation [4], 108 females and 36 males geese were housed for the laying period. Composition of the feed was: 11.5 MJ ME/kg, 15.5 % crude protein, 0.6 Met+Cys and 0.35 % Met. Methionine supplementation increased the Met-level by 0.2 % and the Met+Cys-level by 0.2 %. The average egg production decreased due to the feed restriction {65.6 eggs/layer [3] vs. 72.7 eggs/layer [1]}, but with methionine supplementation we were able to compensate for this parameter {70 eggs/layer [4]}. The results show that restriction has a positive effect on fertility {91.6 % [3] vs. 88.3 % [1]}. Using feed restriction the geese achieved lower weight gain. Feed restriction during egg production can be a suitable method to improve the reproduction parameters in geese, but further investigations are necessary.

Key words: geese, animal nutrition, feed, restriction, feed additives, methionine, reproduction

THE EFFECT OF THE MONITORING OF THE TEMPERATURE OF INCUBATORS AND THE EFFECT OF VARIOUS TEMPERATURES ON THE HATCHABILITY OF GOOSE EGGS

Krisztina DANDÉ^a) and F. BOGENFÜRST
^a) Pannon Agricultural Univ., Fac. of Animal Science, Guba S. u. 40, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary

Original scientific paper
Language: English

ABSTRACT
One of the chief objectives of poultry breeding is to obtain from the total hatching egg yield as many day-old birds as possible which are both viable and suitable for production; thus, hatchability has attained a priority role from the aspect of cost efficiency. Hatching eggs of different sizes have different requirements with respect both to temperature and to humidity. In this experiment three separate incubators were each set at a different temperature, in order to observe the effect of low (37.0^o C) and high (39.0^o C) temperature on the hatchability of goose eggs and on the intensity of incubation, and also for the purpose of mapping, by means of computer-programmed artificial eggs, changes in temperature in the incubators during the first three days. Computer-programmed artificial eggs were used for the measurement of temperature inside the incubators. The most efficient incubation was observed in the eggs incubated at 37.8^o C, although the data obtained for the group incubated at 39.0^o C were not substantially less favourable; those incubated at 37.0^o C produced the least beneficial incubation results. On the basis of the data obtained it can be ascertained that the goose eggs showed better tolerance of high temperature than of low temperature. Low initial temperature resulted in a high ratio of shell death and protracted incubation. In the remainder of the incubation period the embryos were unable to make up for the shortfall arising in the first three days. The use of the artificial eggs enables incubators to be monitored reliably, both prior to the beginning of incubation and during the incubation period, thus allowing the detrimental effects of inappropriate temperature (too high or too low) to be avoided.

Key words: geese, eggs, hatchability, temperature, incubators

EFFECT OF PRE-WARMING FREQUENCY ON HATCHABILITY OF LONG STORED GOOSE EGGS

Monika PANDUR^a) and F. BOGENFÜRST
^a) Pannon Agricultural Univ., Fac. of Animal Science, Guba S. u. 40, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary

Original scientific paper
Language: English

ABSTRACT
Decrease of hatchability is a well-known fact for poultry breeder experts due to long term storage of eggs. Unfortunately there are sometimes circumstances when only solution is the storage of eggs for a shorter-longer period. Practical experiences show decrease of the hatchability even after 3-4 days of storage. If choosing the storing room circumspectly, decrease of the hatchability can be reduced as embrionic development is interrupted during storage. The necessary condition is the low (below 20o C) temperature of the storing room. As storage time increases, storing temperature decreases by several recommendations found in the literature (Tretjakov, Krok 1968; Bogenfürst 1994) anyway authors agree in keeping the temperature below 20o C, as that is the so-called embrionic zero temperature.

Key words: geese, eggs, temperature, hatchabilitiy, storage

EFFECTS OF FIVE PROTEIN LEVELS ON REPRODUCTIVE TRAITS OF
UTILITY-TYPE PIGEONS^*

I. MELEG^a), P. HORN, K. DUBLECZ and L. VINCZE
^a) Pannon Agricultural Univ., Fac. of Animal Science, Guba S. u. 40, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary

Original scientific paper
Language: English

ABSTRACT
The experiment was conducted to study the effects of five feeding systems based on different (12, 14, 16, 18 and 20 %) protein levels, on the reproductive traits of utility-type pigeons. 30 breeding pairs per treatment were kept in pairs in a specially designed three tier cage system, in a windowless environmentaly controlled house at a constant 12 hour light period throughout the year. Using different protein levels failed to affect the length of egg cycle and egg weight of breeding pairs. Parallel with the increasing of crude protein content of diets, decreased the mortality and increased the weaning weight of squabs. Annual squab production and feed intake of parents became also higher. In spite of feed consumption of adults increased, feed conversion ratio of squabs decreased with the increase of protein content.

Key words: pigeons, animal nutrition, proteins, reproduction

EFFECT OF FEED ADDITIVE “KANNE FERMENTGETREIDE TROCKEN” ON REPRODUCTION PARAMETERS OF RABBIT DOES

Ajda KERMAUNER^a) and M. ŠTRUKLEC
^a) Univ. of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Fac., Zootechnical Dept., Groblje 3, SI-1230 Domžale, Slovenia

Preliminary report
Language: English

ABSTRACT
In 48 New Zealand White (male line SIKA) rabbit does three consecutive litters were observed with the addition of probiotic feed additive “Kanne Fermentgetreide trocken” (fermented cereal product, dry). Control group received feed without the addition and trial group feed with 2 % of Kanne, produced from patented fermentation process of natural produced cereal mix (wheat, rye, oats) and nuts (Kanne Brottrunk, Lünen, Germany). Reproductive parameters of does in lactation period (from kindling to weaning on 32^nd day) were observed. Litter size at birth was lower in trial group (control 10.3 liveborn offspring in litter, Kanne 9.0, p < = 0.05), but after standardisation on 8 young the mortality rate was lower in Kanne group: litter size at weaning was 6.0 in control and 6.7 in Kanne group, not significant. Litter weight at weaning was improved with Kanne addition (control 5529.2 g, Kanne 6279.0 g, p < = 0.05) and litter gain was also higher in trial group (control 4997.1 g, Kanne 5730.2 g, p < = 0.05). Feed intake (the doe and litter) in lactation period did not differ between groups. Due to better litter gain the feed conversion efficiency was much improved in Kanne group, especially in the last ten days of lactation, and also in the entire lactation period (control 3.4, Kanne 2.6 kg of feed per kg of gain, p < = 0.05). The rate of culled does due to failed pregnancy (not to be pregnant) was higher in control, the rate of does that died in the experimental period was higher in Kanne group, but differences were not significant.

Key words: animal nutrition, rabbits, feed additives, probiotics, Kanne Fermentgetreide, reproduction

EFFECT OF DRY AND LIQUID BREAD FERMENTATION PRODUCTS ON UTILISATION OF NUTRIENTS IN PIGS

M. ŠTRUKLEC^a) and J. SALOBIR
^a) Univ. of Ljubljana, Biotechnical Fac., Zootechnical Dept., Groblje 3, SI-1230 Domžale, Slovenia

Original scientific paper
Language: English

ABSTRACT
An experiment on twelve growing pigs (75.5 kg l.w.) individually penned in balance crates was conducted to evaluate the effect of two fermentation products as nutritional supplements on dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude ash and phosphorus digestibility and balance. Both products were obtained from the specific whole-meal bread, “Fermetgetreide-flüßig” (fermented bread product-liquid, FBP-liquid) and “Fermentgetreide-trocken” (fermented bread product-dry, FBP-dry) and supplemented either to the diet (15 g/kg) or to the water (10 ml/l). While FBP-dry supplementation significantly improved apparent digestibility of dry matter (+1.3 %), organic matter (+1.0 %) and crude protein (+2.6 %) the supplemetation with liquid fermentation product did not have a significant effect on measured parameters.

Key words: pigs, animal nutrition, nutrients, digestibility, feed additives, fermentation products, biotechnology products

EXAMINATION OF PERINATAL TOXICOSIS CAUSED BY THE FUMONISIN B1 MYCOTOXIN IN NEWBORN PIGLETS

A. TÓTH^a), G. TORNYOS, Melinda KOVÁCS-ZOMBORSZKY and F. VETÉSI
^a) Pannon Agricultural Univ., Fac. of Animal Sciences, Guba S. u. 40, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary

Original scientific paper
Language: English

ABSTRACT
Three pregnant sows were fed a diet mixed with Fusarium moniliforme fungal culture from the 107^th day of pregnancy. Two of the sows were given 300 mg fumonisine B1 toxin daily for a further 7 days after parturition, i.e. 14-16 days in total, while the third sow was given this dosage only until parturition, i.e. for a period of 7 days. Directly following parturition and before the first suckling two piglets from each sow were slaughtered. Subsequently after 24 hours two more piglets which had had access to colostrum were taken from each sow, slaughtered and processed, followed by two more per sow on the 7^th day after parturition. The results obtained appear to corroborate that fumonisin B1 toxin present in a F.moniliforme culture fed to sows in the advanced stages of pregnancy can harm foetuses while still in the uterus. Of the disorders characteristically caused by this toxin, pulmonary oedema of particular severity was observed in the piglets slaughtered immediately after parturition, before suckling could take place. These disorders could still be observed in piglets slaughtered 24 hours after parturition and on the 7^th day. No change indicating pulmonary oedema was observed in the lungs of the piglets of the third sow, slaughtered on the 7^th day.

Key words: piglets, lungs, toxication, mycotoxins, fumonisin B1

ENERGY AND CRUDE PROTEIN YIELD IN FIRST CUTS OF DIFFERENT LUCERN VARIETIES

I. LAKI^a) and A. MÁTHÉ
^a) Pannon Agricultural Univ., Fac. of Animal Science, Guba S. u. 40, H-7400 Kaposvár, Hungary

Preliminary report
Language: English

ABSTRACT
Obviously there is no way to extrapolate the findings of the hereabove presented experiment to unlimited extent because the yield data of the whole year plus an other year should be known for proper estimations. However it can be clearly seen that beside the present practice of qualifying feedcrops mainly by their resistance features also their nutritive yield should be involved into the qualification process. As it was demonstrated in the experiment, from nutritional aspect it is far not enough to know the chemical composition of the feedcrop or its nutritional value per 1 kg of dry material but the practical value of a given variety can be judged through calculating its biomass per hectare that is directly utilized for producing an animal product. Results also showed that present practice of evaluating feedcrops by their green yield should be dropped. Metabolic experiments can deliver data on the quality of that given feedcrop. If by feedcrop evaluation the nutritive yield (product of nutritional value of 1 kg feed and dry material yield per hectare) is taken into consideration, the evaluation of feeding value will be much more objective.

Key words: animal nutrition, lucern, energy, crude proteins